Truth is stranger than fiction

It was just about another normal day where mumbaikars were winding up and getting ready to go home. Around 7 pm, a ghastly news spread like wildfire about 3 blasts that occurred in South and Central Mumbai. Panic and fear struck the city as frantic calls were made to assure that people were safe. Its been 5 years since the 7/11 blasts where victims are still nursing their scars. 2 and a half years since the nightmarish 26/11 incident. Justwhen we were about to resign to a peaceful year, today's blast has ruffled some feathers. Terror seems to have raised its ugly head again. It just makes one wonder: Are we really safe at all? Life has become so uncertain. One hand there are natural disasters like earthquakes and Tsunamis. And on another side, we have man made disasters in the form on terrorism. Why kill innocent lives to fulfill a selfish motto?Why target the common man? It seems to be a disease for which one is yet to find a cure. Such is the death spell of terrorism. Sad but tru...

Nature's fury is often inexplicable. They cause pain, mental anguish and terror all over the world. That’s the state of the country called Japan. Just a few hours ago it was hit by a massive earthquake which measured 8.9 on the Richter scale followed by a devastating Tsunami. The destructive wave swept everything from people to cars under its wing like they were some old, broken toys. It is disheartening to see homes and lives taken away in a jiffy. It makes one realize how uncertain life can be and how helpless we tend to feel. Seeing our fellow humans go through such agony is indeed appalling. At this stage we sincerely hope and pray for the victims out there and wish things take a turn for the better soon. God bless the departed souls and the world.

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=d23a82d1-615a-4c8a-a768-47538bd5db57 July 4th may mark the Independence Day of the United States of America and a long weekend for both the Americans as well as the Indians residing there. However it gives us Indians here a reason to cheer as well with immense pride and gusto as this day embarks a moment of the mother of all battles. Conquering Tiger Hill was no piece of cake for our valiant soldiers as they fought with resilience and fervour at a position which was at a disadvantage. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/10-years-of-kargil-heroes-recall-the-war/96326-3.html Unfavourable weather conditions, surrounded by the enemy on all 3 sides and wounded severely, our Indian army indeed proved their grit and valour. July 4th 1999 indeed is a date that deserves to be imprinted in the history books and minds of every Indian as this war is the embodiment of the subcontinents' victory of the Kargil War. While one holds t...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=b8093360-6f46-43ad-85cf-4e347c32d543 Grotesque is what one would describe this horrifying incident. No doubt the barbaric episode of a gang rape of the girl student has created immense disgust, distress and horror. To make matters worse, the accused were not mere road side miscreants but those belonging to the supposedly elite community of business families? And were students of prestige colleges to top it all. It’s true that news about rape has always sent shudders amongst the viewers and readers. However this particular one seems to have a different connotation altogether leading to a lot of cerebration amongst many. College students are found lurking in fear and uncertainty as a question begins to form in their mind “whom do we trust?” While it may cease to argue that one cannot blame an entire community based on one incident, who could blame them entirely? Parents on the other hand would undoubtedly thicken t...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=cf6aa3df-1b5a-432c-8e57-46e831ce38e9 When one says ‘family’, words like love, support, care and security comes to their mind. However with the recent occurrences attached with a horrifying element makes one want to rethink with regard to such associations. The ‘incest’ virus seems to be the next dreaded disease after terrorism. What with the hearings of Businessman father raping daughter as per Tantrik’s suggestions for monetary gains. And now the latest story on the Mumbai Mirror edition narrated in first person by a 29 year old lad of being molested by his uncle. It made me wonder where the world was heading to. Or how worse can it get? Life seems to be getting complicated with every passing day and relationships are certainly no exception. True that complexity is what makes it interesting but not to an extent that it elicits disgust, horror and dread. To an extent where it makes one question about the safety f...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=bdf8db1d-9617-4a69-8a63-2e33718921ec Sentimentality and the significance of memorable gifts given seem to no longer withhold a stance of merely being a token of appreciation, love and honour. Selfish and capital gains are what considered a priority over emotions sadly even if it means demeaning pride of a nation. The Otis drama clearly exhibited the above aspect evidently. It was a shock to the nation to see the Gandhi Memorabilia displayed for auction by some foreign national collector. It proved to be even more of a disgrace to hear of the same items being purchased under an agreement signed between Peter Ruhe the chairman of Gandhiserve Foundation and the great niece in law of the revered Mahatma. Do gifts no longer hold a value sans the monetary gains? One fails to realize that such priceless objects cannot match any mere figure. It is indeed understandable for the whole episode being labelled as Immoral by t...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=54b4ad81-5404-479b-9610-a3f08e05187d There has been many a heart stopping moment. Bated breaths with pounding hearts and fervent prayers to the almighty hoping for a remarkable victory rarely have fallen on deaf ears. And this time it was no exception only difference being that it was a change from the fields of a perspiring sport to that of a glamorous red carpet scenario here. Yes it is truly a ‘moment’ many wouldn’t like to let it slip out of their hands. It was a joyous one for the subcontinent when the most expectant name ‘A.R.Rahman’ was read out forgiving the mispronunciation in the state of euphoria. It doubled up the elation literally at the twin Oscar win, this time being shared with none other than ‘Gulzar’. Not to forget the sound mixing award won by Rasul Pookutty. Having won the most prestigious award, it is indeed celebration time for the country and its ecstatic folks. Especially since the words s...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=1377199d-179b-4580-86f7-177e346c14c4 It’s not every time that one gets to read a piece in the newspaper that jolts them out of their sleepy Sunday syndrome. Especially for animal lovers and those gestures by the fauna clan that could even put humans to shame. It was the title ‘Cats keep toddler alive’ that made me read the passage intently. It reminds one of the popular Disney productions ‘The Jungle Book’ where the sound of a wailing baby instantly stops a snooty panther on his tracks. Paternal instincts take over as the basket is gently gripped by the big cat as he leaves the lost one to the care of the wolves pack which bring him up as their own cub. A similar scenario took place in Argentina, where a one year old baby boy was tended to by a gang of wild cats near a canal. It was a surprised police officer who managed to get past the fiercely protective cats and take the infant to the hospital immediately. The ...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=7d7bf6f7-d92e-4545-8a0e-087b071e7328 The last two days and three nights have a continuous ordeal of nightmare. Terrorists unknown in number were lurking about in the most unexpected of locales holding hostages to ransom. It was convicted as another 9/11 only this time it actually ended up being a 28/11. Residents have been waking up to gun shots, heavy firing in the vicinity. It made many wonder if Mumbai will ever see daylight again. Fear, panic and tension rose in the air. The city which usually bounces back from the tragedy the next day was brought to a stand still. The bustling area of Colaba which is usually vivacious turned into a war zone with commandos and choppers indulging in reinforcement to eliminate the miscreants. The three operations at Oberoi, Nariman house and Taj intensified. Exchanges with the enemy and loud bombings send shivers down the spine around those watching it on television and live. It...

-Written By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=ff0a7c0f-c2cb-40b9-81cd-39e566092d6b It was the usual routine towards the end of a rather long day that brought us to the gym tonight. Little did we realize that an unexpected jolt of news would completely cast a dark shadow on the entire spirited city of Mumbai within a span of five hours? It seemed like a night that would never see daylight with the severe recurring attacks of masked faces. It was the voice of a frantic man reporting an appalling incident of having witnessed a shooting outside Leopold’s in Colaba Causeway that made many sit up and take notice of. The instant reaction of logging on to the news channels followed hoping for more insights on this bizarre occurrence. The initial reports of it being a fiasco between two warring gangs led to a casual dismissal as just one of those incidents when a couple of more atrocities were announced. Before anyone could say ‘Jack Robinson’, a couple of bl...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=c491338c-fc4f-4a3e-bb3d-8f79b0917b95 26/7: A day which could have been just another date on the yearly calendar in any other circumstance. Yet it chose to ring fatal bells that echo in the ears of people even today. What could have ideally been a birthday celebration of many has ironically turned out to be the death anniversaries of several of our fellow humans. The two forms of terror have mercilessly enticed away numerous lives leaving us pining for our beloved ones. The unforgettable ferocity of nature which took a fatal turn in Mumbai 26/7 2005 has indeed left millions in a jolt. The unpredictable stance of the monsoons and the inability to control such natural forces has reduced us to helpless beings that can only clasp our hands in prayer. However it is the other form of man made masked terror that makes us ponder and wonder about the barbaric stance adopted and at what cost. No sooner did people have tim...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=23fe8dfe-d7d0-4246-85a8-5e68f34beb3e Disputes and differences are inevitable especially in a country like India with its unmistakable diversity. However it’s a shocking plight to see such issues take a fatal turn. The recent incident of a woman in Bhopal being burnt alive by villagers over a water brawl is indeed a terrifying jolt to the ears. The sight of which her family members especially her daughter would have been even more traumatized. According to the reports a heated argument prevailed while filling water at the village tap. However little did they realize that the sparks of the almost forgotten fiery bicker would go up in flames literally? It portrays the atrocity of such petty grudges and the barbaric stance of the villagers to indulge in such sanguineous tactics. It is no mystery to millions about Madhya Pradesh facing a water shortage especially to the government bodies in particular. It is a shame to...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=51894d92-20a2-4832-9342-43c97b256da9 The horrifying incident in Bhagalpur has left millions shell shocked at the cruel manhandling by the mobs and cops. It was reported that Salim who was caught snatching a chain was preyed upon by the hungry and angry mass who gave him more than what he deserved. One couldn’t help drawing parallels to a group of blood thirsty hounds attacking their underdog. Beating him black and blue, they managed to bruise him in more than one way and probably caused scars that even time cannot heal. It is true that this petty theft act by the victim was wrong and needed a lawful bid. The accused of any crime irrespective of its degree deserves to be reformed and meted out a disciplinary action in order to make him realize his misdeed. However, on no account does it call for barbaric punitive measures where he was dragged around in a motor cycle like some sacrificial animal being taken for its ...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=e8327145-545b-4101-86e6-dc72c37d5d1f A news channel yesterday had reported an appalling condition of chained humans in a famous dargah in Hyderabad. This horrifying treatment continued in spite of the supreme court’s orders of prohibiting such homes to be shut down after a fire incident five years ago. This catastrophe had caused chained beings to lose their lives due to their pitiable condition. Violating the human rights, it was sickening to see the inhuman treatment meted out to humans. Many of those mentally ill people were chained because they were reported to be under the influence of Satan and that there was a possibility of harming themselves. Apparently supernatural beliefs and superstitions do not make these ‘deciding authorities’’ Super humans, do they? Such people are deprived of the luxury of leading a ‘normal’ life in the society due to their mental conditions. Their faultless state of mind causes im...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=3d43da8e-223c-4b21-b468-b4ba496c3dfe Dear Dr.Kalam I would like to take this opportunity to express my little token of appreciation. Our country is indeed proud to have had one of the finest presidents in you. Your concern for people, society and their considerable well being is much admired. There are very few who show compassion towards humanity in today’s world. You being the epitome of humility and intellectual power inspires each one of us learn these magnificent qualities from a revered person like you. You have made our nation shine with immense pride by setting an excellent example for the next generation and your vision for India 2020. Your ‘wings of fire’ has ‘ignited minds’ of millions. As you bid farewell to all of us from your office, I would like to say that you will always be remembered fondly by us humble folks who are drawing inspirations from a noble soul like you. We look forward to continue to...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=9627eccf-ff32-496c-93a1-cc2d620d2109 July 11, 2006, Mumbai: It was like any other normal evening bustling with a crowd of folks waiting to rush back home to their near and dear ones, especially after a tiring day at work. Little did they realize that the friendly train whistles would be followed by a fatal explosion that echoes like death bells even today? Who would have thought that they may never return again only to leave sinking hearts behind along with the sinking sun? The prime time between 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm. was mercilessly targeted as the death zone. The series of blasts that occurred in Mumbai’s most sought after commutable transport flabbergasted millions. Panic, commotion, running helter-skelter, helplessness, and shock accompanied the people. The smiling faces a little while ago were converted into a barely recognizable state of being as death ruthlessly tore them away. After 26/7,2005, this was yet ...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=9627eccf-ff32-496c-93a1-cc2d620d2109 Time has metamorphised itself into a progressive stage in comparison to several years ago. However, it is sad to realize that this advancement has not yet progressed in certain sections of the society. Dowry is one such issue that prevailed as a social evil and unfortunately continues to do so in several parts of the country even today. Despite the ‘Development’ that has supposedly taken place, it certainly has not extended into the narrow minds of people. The recent incident of Pooja Chauhan in the conservative state of Gujarat has stirred a lot of commotion. Taking a bold stance, she just walked in her bare minimum on the streets protesting against the injustice towards her. It must have been a horrifying sight for the onlookers to watch an unusually semi clad woman. Apparently her in laws have been harassing her for dowry on a continuous basis. Many may dispute this atrocity...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=4f4c3201-4b8e-4450-ab81-31413d2d5171 Nature is known to have its dark side as well. The recent spells of showers in the maximum city has provided a stage which has proved the enactment of the monsoon melodrama in a negative role. This is no mystery to millions that it’s been raining cats and dogs for the past one week. The harshness of these stormy spells has extended up to places like Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, apart from Maharashtra. The low lying areas are reported to have submerged under water. The fast- paced city is forcibly coming to a sluggish movement. It has once again managed to bring a standstill to the bustling activities, affecting the road, rail and air traffic in the process. The lashings have ruthlessly plundered innocent lives and the baffled individuals are helplessly trapped between the devil and the deep sea situation on a literal basis. These alarming conditions in Mumbai have begun to ring a...

- By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=b493ce18-d358-4259-bd9a-7e716223535d This is in reference to the incident that took place in Yuvraj's Singh's party in December. The yuvi war seemed to be flashing all over the news channels. Apparently the "Yuvraj" name wasn't the only common thing between the warring men. According to the reports, Yuvraj Mahajan's girlfriend was snatched away by the cricketer which resulted in a brawl between the two. This verbal and physical combat caused a police complaint to be lodged, only to be withdrawn later by both their respective mothers who seemed to VOICE their cries a little loud to the media. This has gone as far as the infamous cricketer being summoned to the court. It was reported that our mid-order batsmen hit his namesake very hard. It’s a pity that such force and aggression is absent in his batting in the most crucial one day internationals. If only his bat did the hitting, the men i...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=3d867c6e-da61-4860-a0cd-abe4b427295e Time traces back to when man overthrew the monarchy rule to enjoy democracy. History seems to be repeating itself with the same objective being extended into the fauna world. It is no mystery to millions about the recent drastic reduction in the number of tigers in the Indian sub continent. According to the expert sources, the big cats have diminished by an alarming 50-60%. So what is it that is leading to these elite creatures to becoming the most endangered species? There seems to be more to it than what meets the eye. It appears that humans have been invaded by a new found demon in the form of commercialization. Business and money making through products made out of tigers' skin has expanded on a large scale. The quest for more has engulfed man into the web of greed, propelling him to increase his hunting expeditions of these royal species. Poaching, which started out a...