Questions anyone?

Our life is based on assumptions, assumptions some of which are realistic and some that have been dictated by the environment we live in. It’s difficult to see beyond these assumptions when we are living in the environment that dictates these assumptions. We have thus, two solutions to change the status quo. Getting out of that environment; as the anthropologists say- moving away from our cultural environment and entering a new one is the best way to understand our environment OR engender a more prolific questioning system. Whilst, physically moving to a new cultural vantage point might not always be possible, the spirit of questioning can afford all the liberties that seem to be curtailed in the first solution. Questioning things, one might say might be governed by the cultural context. Some cultures tend to not perceive too much choice, and accept the status quo in a humble manner, some cultures on the other hand, are more vocal in expressing this spirit of enquiry. But then again, this is an oversimplification.
There might be this voice which asks, why the need to question anything at all? Well, that’s, the first step in questioning itself. Answer that and let the enquiry begin.

The Average Indian

1. Does not speak English
2. Does not have a phone
3. Is not an IT engineer
4. Has never travelled outside his/her village
5. Does not have a facebook account
6. Can not read this
7. Is not you and me.

So, the next time we shimmy towards generalizations let us stop and think for a second.
This is not an attempt to extol our relative achievements or the privilege that might have ostensibly been bestowed upon us. It is but a mere reflection of our ignorance, and the great responsibility that rests in our hand to acknowledge it and do something about it.

According to a 2005 World Bank estimate, 42% of India falls below the international poverty line of US$ 1.25 a day (PPP, in nominal terms 21.6 a day in urban areas and 14.3 in rural areas).
2007 report by the state-run National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector (NCEUS) found that 77% of Indians lived on less than 20 rupees (approximately US$0.50 nominal; US$2 PPP) per day.
As per the 2001 census, 35.5% of Indian households availed of banking services, 35.1% owned a radio or transistor, 31.6% a television, 9.1% a phone, 43.7% a bicycle, 11.7% a scooter, motorcycle or a moped, and 2.5% a car, jeep or van; 34.5% of the households had none of these assets.
(Source: Wikipedia. i.e- not that far away from our reach)

Madrid on my Mind

There are some cities that can overwhelm your heart. Madrid is definitely one of those cities. There are sights to be seen and wonders to be encountered here at every step. These wonders aren’t the usual run-of-the-mill grand events, but small little things that one may come across whilst walking or even while waiting for the metro. It could be the notes of a roadside musician or the careless abandon with which lovers look into each others eyes, but they inspire just as well as Vangelis’ theme from Chariots of Fire or bring out emotions similar to reading a poem by Frost.
But this is just me, and my overzealous impressions. Let it not sway your sanity

Memorable Madrid Metro Stations

Alonso Martinez-Gregorio Marañon

Gregorio-my home metro station and Alonso-the one after. I frequent them more than other stations I believe. Alonso Martinez has been recently discovered by me as the station that opens up avenues for food-courtesy the many restaurants close by. Also the beautiful Plaza Santa Barbara just off Alonso Martinez is a great place to just sit on a warm summer night, or any night right after the end of the Jazz at El Junco. Ofcourse, there was the night I encountered humans dressed as aliens in the metro headed towards Gregorio Marañon. These upbeat creatures sang and danced and pranced around the escalators, with more alacrity than the usual humans.

Nuñez De Balboa

The green line at Nunez de Balboa goes everywhere. Everywhere that you need to be. Everywhere that you should be.

Atocha

Ah Atocha! The port of embarkation for the travel to Toledo, and the port of much search for car rentals for the trip to San Sebastian. It is most associated with promise of travels to exotic places.

Tribunal

I remember discussing with D once that the metro at tribunal must be built really close to the abyss of hell, considering the number of escalators we need to climb up to get out. But of course, Tribunal is associated with the Bongo Player more than anything else. His music provides a nice soundtrack for the mundane journey up the escalators. He even has guest artistes that perform with him time to time. His enthusiasm is unbridled and his tuneful beats make the journey to the depths of hell worth reminiscing about.

Chueca

Ah, Chueca. The Metro station where my wallet was stolen, so it has a special place in my heart. But Checua’s appeal lies in its numerous little bars and shops. It’s vibrant vista is definitely something that warrants a visit, a cana and a stroll.

Freedom from Social Isomorphism

We fight for freedom. Wars are waged, rebellion is staged. But Is our freedom ever free? Will we ever by free from the need for social convergence?