02 August

This day
Six years ago, having taught in schools for eleven years,
I entered a classroom
Again as a student, prone and vulnerable
And felt out of place
With a group of twittering, giggling girls and boys,
Almost
Like an artifact from some paleolithic age.
I quickly adapted myself, as I remembered
With fondness my friend at college - Joseph Leo
Who, had quit the Novitiate and was older than us,
Full of the elusive elixir of life, trying to mingle with
A bunch of 17-year olds fresh from school.

Now
As I teach 17-year olds fresh from school,
they remind me of 02 August, when
I had gone back to a 'Novitiate' myself to
Unlearn some, relearn some and somehow learn much
About the intuitive art and the calculated science of teaching.
The powerlessness of a student occupies the foreground
Of my mindscape every time I now enter the classroom
Filled with eager, restless, bubbly boys and girls...
More power to them for enRICHing my life!

Corrupt corruption

The headline blares, "Anti-crime journo killed" and soon a government agent adds an assurance that they won't tolerate attacks on journalists. What can be more ironic than this being followed by a news report that Raj Bala, a 51 yr-old lady who was among the peaceful agitators at Ram Lila Maidan and was beaten up by the police earlier is in a CRITICAL condition in hospital.

Why is Raj Bala in hospital and why is she fighting a battle with death? Isn't it because of the same government that is portraying itself as people-friendly? In contrast, media-savvy lawyer-ministers who pretend to be omniscient know-it-alls speak with cunning and cold-blooded calmness in press conferences as if it is no big deal. Oh, is the 'tamasha' of Indian politics actually laughing matter? The common man has become desperate for reprieve and there is some hope from some vigilant quarters (Anna Hazare...). May their breed grow!

If the government and those running it from the power-centres of Delhi had a human heart, they will NEVER inflict injury and suffering on any citizen, leave alone peaceful citizens who mean no harm.

It is such a shame that we tolerate injustice so easily... 

We can only hope for a better society and believe Shelley when he says, "If winter comes, can spring be far behind?"