Musings over tea

 As I sip my tea on this lazy afternoon, I keep wondering what world problems I should try and solve. Poverty eradication has been my pet topic. I knew just the solution to eradicate the poverty even in my high school. Distribute money. However, to my dismay, I later realised that this solution might not work. I’m penning(technically typing) this blog post to discuss the problems I see, solutions I came up with. My hunch is, I’m going to read this post much later in life and probably bury myself in shame.

  What’s the problem with the Robinhood idea? It seems awfully similar to the idea of universal basic income which is being implemented at some places(Sikkim in India comes to mind). Let’s imagine that Government of India decided to give every person below poverty line Rs 12000 per month. In our hypothetical year, a devastating famine ravaged across the country and the production of rice and wheat fell drastically. In such conditions, even though everyone has cash available, they can’t purchase food to eat. So, it seems to me that the problem isn’t with money(At least according to the narrow definition of money we’re going to use in this post)

  One simple solution to this problem is to fix the price of essential commodities. In fact, we had a law to this effect till recently. The government could fix the price of essential goods to not exceed certain value. There are a lot of issues with this idea. This could lead to corruption and black markets. We’ve seen this in action during the peak of Covid Second Wave for essentials like Oxygen, Remedesivir injections. So, I believe this solution won’t work

  The only solution to this problem, in my opinion, is to increase production. We need to collect the usage patterns of people and produce enough to meet their needs. In fact, we do that in our country for all essential grains. We produce surplus of what we need for most of the essential commodities, thanks to green revolution. We distribute these essentials through ration shops. Lately, we’re going back to UBI idea by transferring cash directly to accounts. There are some advantages with UBI(it cuts out the middle men, offers choice to people to consume food they like and so on) But, I believe it might have bad repercussions in exigency situations.

  Does it mean we’ve solved the problem of poverty in India? I’d say no. Food isn’t the only essential commodity. We need to provide house(hence PMAY and other housing schemes), sanitation(Swacch Bharat), health(Aarogyasri, Ayushman Bharat etc), education(Scholarships, mid-day meal scheme, etc), financial inclusion(Access to credit & savings facilities(Jan Dhan yojana, postal saving scheme, OD facilities, micro finance institutions etc), insurance, investment opportunities), internet and so on. I think, Government has come up a huge number of schemes to eradicate poverty. However, it’s the awareness of these schemes and delivery that is found wanting. Let’s hope that will change in years to come and I think about a different topic over tea next time.

 

Luck

 As we were about to leave the resort, someone had the bright idea of distributing keychains as memorabilia for the event. But, there was a snag. Our team had 40 people but there’re 30 key chains. Again, an overly enthusiastic verification engineer came up with the most cliched solution. We all submitted chits with our names on it and the winners are picked randomly. I fancied my chances. After all, the odds of me getting one is 3 in 4. But, I was in the unlucky ten. I thought, I must be born with heaps of misfortune. Otherwise, how could I explain the event. And, it had a fantastic appeal too. Saying I achieved success despite wretched luck is lot cooler than saying otherwise. 

Years later, I came across an article in newspaper. A terrorist organisation called Boko Haram kidnapped about 300 girls aged 14-16. Basically, girls who’re in high school. Very few of them returned to their homes. Most of them were victims of horrific sexual assaults. Some died. My biggest worry when I was their age was preparing for class tests. Was I lucky?

  Boko Haram is an organisation based out of Africa. Well, it is unfair to compare myself with someone from Africa, isn’t it? It’s only fair to compare with someone from similar socio-economic status. In the Syrian civil war, the number of refugees was estimated to be close to six million. Another six million people were estimated to be internally displaced. In a population of 23 million, close to 12 million people moved away from their homes. The odds of a person becoming homeless in Syria was 1 in two. It’s not far fetched to imagine the scenario where a huge number of well to do people, the ones in similar or better socio-economic status than mine, had to run away from their home. Some of the refugees from Syria went to Libya through brokers charging heavy fee and then tried to cross Mediterranean Sea in a Dingy. If they reached the other side, are they lucky? Or, if they didn’t reach the other side, are they luckier?

  About four lakh people died in India during the multiple waves of the pandemic this year. Having been through Covid ourselves, I’ve seen personally how difficult it was to get an oxygen bed, a Remdesivir dose. I know people who couldn’t manage it in time, not for the lack of effort. Whom did the luck favour? I guess, it’s easy to blame luck when things don’t go our way. But, it doesn’t get the credit it’s due. This year, I learnt to be thankful for all the luck I received over the years.

  On this note, I wish you all a very happy new year filled with joy and luck, hopefully, you don’t need to rely on the latter

 

Dr Romantic-2

 There’s a scene where Cha Eun Jae starts sobbing on phone, talking to her mother. Her mom asks her if she’s okay. She responds, “I’m okay. I am very, very happy today.” For someone who had been topper all her life, who wanted to stand up for herself in a family full of doctors, it was a huge turning point. For the first time, she finished a surgery without throwing up, collapsing or running away from OT, out of fright. Such a heart warming moment! All of us have to face our battles. No battle is smaller than another. That scene evokes emotions such a moment could bring. 

  By now, some of you would’ve guessed what the series is. It is “Dr. Romantic-2”. I got addicted to K-drama in this lockdown. I'm a sucker for medical dramas and Dr Romantic ticked all the boxes. I loved the first instalment of the series and started watching the sequel. Having seen so many series with botched up second seasons, I didn’t pin much hope on this one. But boy! Could I be more wrong? This one turned out to be one of the best series I watched till date and the one I keep watching again and again.

   Unlike other Korean dramas where the lead cast is super efficient, honest and with all the superlative qualities(a dark past is a must, of course), this one has a very relatable hero and heroine. They’re the underdogs fighting the system. You root for them to succeed professionally and get together personally. And, the series doesn’t disappoint you with artificial setups to create love. In a scene, Cha Eun Jae is anxious if she can go to the OT without drugs. At the same time, See Woo Jin is performing an operation which requires him to repair diaphragm tear. He immediately calls her up and asks her to take over the surgery. He assures her that, in a case where she can’t complete it, he’ll wrap it up for her. In the Kdrama world filled with elaborate and out of the world ideas to profess the love, this one shines the brightest.

  It doesn’t shy away from picking sensitive subjects. In one of the episodes, a paramedic is brought to hospital brain dead. She was portrayed as a very gentle soul who became victim to a violent act. The girl had agreed to donate her organs. On the very same day, there’s a convict who needs a kidney transplant. Cha argues with Seo that the convict should be given her kidneys. But, Seo loathes the idea. How could her sacrifice give life to such a horrible criminal? The paramedic’s mother listens to their argument. She initially hesitates to donate her daughter’s organs but finally gives in. But, this is such a thought provoking issue. When I went to give my biometric details to get my driving license, the inspector asked me if I’d be willing to donate my organs in case of an accident. I signed up for it but it stirred me. For someone who had just learnt motor cycle, it made me confront my own mortality, and imagine what such an event could mean to my dear ones. Imagine going to a mother who just lost her kid to ask for his/her organs. While it’s easy for anyone to sign up for a donation, the toughest decisions have to be taken by the people who are left behind. I wish the series had dwelled in more detail on this theme, but maybe it’s too much to expect from a commercial series.

  It also portrays the struggles the lead cast have to go through in their personal relationships. Cha never wants to be a doctor, but becomes one to keep her mom happy. She finds it hard to oppose her mom. But, in one of the scenes, she asserts herself against her mother. She takes a moral stand against her mom, in support of Seo. Again, strong content and impeccable execution. 

 All in all, it's a series with brilliant writing, good performances and some medical drama, of course. A highly recommended series

 

P.S: I forgot to mention the most important reason to watch this series. Her Eyes!!

 

A trip to earth

 Nykaa is watching her favourite influencer Ariana go live. She had been excited about it all week. Her feed was filled with Ariana’s pictures and songs. Suddenly, house alarms blared. The speakers in her room announced, “Nykaa! Mr. Keres heart just stopped. The quick response team has been informed and they’re on the way. Estimated time of arrival is ten minutes.” Nykaa called her mom immediately. “Yes Nykaa. I know”, Arya responded. “But you know how it’s with me. It is quarter ending time and I can’t afford to waste a minute. I suggest you go to the hospital with your dad. Besides, you can watch the recorded video later.” Nykaa sighed, “Mom, this isn’t fair. You know how eager I was to watch Ariana today. You’re using the power differential in our relationship to get undue advantage.” Arya shouted, “Nykaa! Watch your language. Don’t you forget that I made your breakfast today. If you continue behaving this way, I’ll have to ground you.” Nykaa realised that her outburst isn’t going to work today. She decided to take a conciliatory approach and pleaded, “I’m sorry mom. I’m just stressed that I’ll miss out today’s show.” After few moments, Arya responded thoughtfully, “Don’t worry Nykaa. Neither of us needs to go. Let the quick response team do their job. Enjoy your show.” And, the phone beeped. 

  Ten minutes passed. The door bell rang. The quick response team sprung into action. The body was quickly shifted to the ambulance. Arya told them the situation and they were empathetic to her and assured her not to worry. As soon as they reached hospital, he was moved into ICU. The heart stopped ten minutes ago. So, all the body parts were deprived of oxygen for the ten minutes. That meant, all the cells are now dead. The operator entered the social security number of Keres. The computer flashed his details and the machine started whirring. It’s a 3d printer and it started printing the organs based on the DNA that was associated with Keres. First the heart, lungs, kidneys and spleen. A couple of robots came forward and started the surgery. They cut open the body of patient and started replacing part by part. Finally, blood was pumped in and brain was inserted. The entire process took about half one hour. Then, Keres was moved into memory regeneration room.

  Here, the operator retrieved his memory from the database. His most recent memory was from two days ago. The state mandated everyone to upload their memory once every two days. After crushing the agmar rebellion, the state learned that it’s easy to control the citizens if it knows what they’re thinking. There was a widespread opposition to the idea. However, the state prevailed. It argued that the policy is necessary to save citizens when there’s a brain death. It also promised them free treatment in such cases. The civil society celebrated victory for getting these concessions. However, there have been data breaches to the central database. Such data breaches have been very costly to the governments in power as they lost their majority

  Keres went through the memory regeneration process and was promptly discharged. He went to the patient waiting room and looked for Arya or Nykaa. He was told that none of them accompanied him to the hospital. He thanked them for saving their life and took the bus back home. But, he kept thinking about how he was left alone in the hospital like a homeless person. Was it all worth it? He spent years trying to build comfortable life for his family. But, there’s no one beside him, except death. 

  He came back home. They had the customary family dinner at home. Arya asked, “How did the hospital treat you?” He responded with a dry, “fine.” The table became silent again. After about a week, Keres called for a house meeting. Everyone sat at the table, rather impatiently. He started, “I don’t feel loved. I feel horrible” Arya retorted, “Not this again Keres. How much more love do you need? Didn’t we take a vacation last year? Why the constant need for love?” They went back and forth for a while. Finally, Arya spoke up, “let’s go to the doctor that we saw last year” She made an appointment with him for the next day.

  The doctor is a warm friendly guy. He had a bright smile and his bespectacled eyes reflected the wisdom the old age naturally brings. He said, “There’s a new therapy we recommend for patients with this condition. It’s a cocktail of chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin etc which can make anyone feel love. It’s especially popular among our young customers. Why don’t you try it?” Keres beamed at the suggestion. He took the appointment for the next Friday and spent the week in anticipation.

  The day arrived. He was taken into a room filled with colourful lights. It looked more like a discotheque than a operation theatre. The lady greeted him with a warm smile and asked, “Your first time?” He nodded. She said, “Nothing to worry. It’s just an injection.” After a couple of minutes, she gave him a dose of the injection and he passed out. The next day he woke up, a bit confused. He was feeling even more depressed. It was supposed to make him feel better, isn’t it? Now, Arya is concerned. They visited the doctor again. He started slowly, as if he’s about to break a dreadful news. “I think, your recent operation has affected your brain in an irreversible way. Our chemicals don’t seem to work on you” Arya asked, “What’s the solution, doctor?” Doctor said, “We recommend two regimes for such patients. One is, your family should take couple of months off and spend time with each other.” Arya asked, “What’s the second option?” For all such patients, we recommend a trip to Earth. We found that spending an year on earth can rejuvenate such people. There are some people especially specialised to deal with these cases.” Arya smiled. “It’s decided then. Keres, I’ll book your tickets”

  Keres boarded the starship which takes him to earth. As the pictures of trees and mountains flashed across the screen, his mood lifted. He started whistling, after a long time.

 

 

Sita!!

 It’s a winter afternoon. Two men were hiding behind the tree observing kids play in front of an Ashram. One of them clearly in tears, other gazing them in silence. The silent one says, “Brother, I can see our childhood in them. Lava clearly has inherited your archery skills.” No response. “Brother!”, he called out concerned. “Lakshmana! I would like to see Sita before we go” They tiptoe around the trees towards a hut. As they are about to enter, a voice calls them out from behind the tree. “I wish not to see you here” The voice unmistakably Sita’s. They can see her shadow near the door.

  “Sita! It’s so great to hear your voice again. How are you?” asks Rama. Sita says, “I am doing well. How is everyone in Ayodhya?” “Our days are filled with sorrow. Not a day goes by without us thinking about you”, replied Rama. Sita says, “it’s good to hear you but, please leave immediately”

Rama responds, “I never got to talk to you before you left. All I can say is that I merely discharged my duty as the protector of law. You can never understand the anguish I had been through to make the decision. But, it is my duty to uphold the dharma.” His voice clearly trembling. “Any respectable judicial system gives the accused a chance to defend herself. You didn’t give me the opportunity. When Ahalya was cursed to become a rock due to no mistake of her own, Gautama Maharishi showed her a way to get out of misery through you. But, despite knowing my innocence, you condemned me to a punishment without giving me a recourse. Which school of justice taught you that?”

  “I tried to argue your case in the council. But, the council of scholars decided that it is wise to send you away. I could not make an exception for you. That would set a very bad precedent.” Rama pleaded. “Women are extremely vulnerable during pregnancy. That is the time when they require great support from the family. I was banished from the kingdom in such a turbulent time. Which council will make such a decision? I know. A council without women. A council without women making decisions for women”

  “I am sorry Sita. Can’t you excuse me at least as a husband?” There was a long silence. “I love you”, she whispered. “You’re there in my every thought and my every action. I see you in Lava and Kusa. Husband and wife are like two wheels of a relationship. If one fails, the entire vehicle falls. You made a decision on our relationship without asking me. If you told me your decision, I would’ve gladly left. I wish you had trusted me more”

  Time passed between them. One could hear other’s presence. That seemed like an oasis in the desert for both of them who longed for each other. But finally, the two men departed as the darkness descended

(You can read the first part at https://rohitkuppili.blogspot.com/2021/10/rama-and-vashishta.html)

 

PS: The story is my imagination and views are personal

Rama and Vashishta

 Breakfast is in full swing in the lunch hall. One could hear the laughter ringing from far off. The camaraderie shared by the brothers is envied across the kingdom. After the breakfast, Lakshman pulled Ram aside. “Brother, Is it possible for you to excuse me from administrative duties for couple of days?” he asked sheepishly. “Why Lakshmana? Is something wrong”, Ram looked concerned. “Urmila wants to visit Kashmir before she goes into labour. The legend in Mithila is that if a pregnant lady visits Kashmir during her pregnancy, the child will look like snow”, he responded grinning. Rama laughed and said, “Take as many days as you want Lakshmana, Urmila’s wish is our command.” Lakshman thanked him and took his leave. 

  But, Ram was getting flustered. He remembered the time during Sita’s pregnancy. He commanded Lakshman to leave her in forest to carry out his duty as a king. “Ah, how have I failed in my duty as a husband. I haven’t been at her side when she needed the most. My kids would be growing up without knowing their father. How I wish to tell them that they are the heirs to the mighty Ayodhya!”, Ram collapsed in despair. He sent a word to his minister that he’s unwell and asked him to perform duties in his absence.

  It’s late evening. Guards brought the news that Sage Vashishta has come to see him. Ram changed himself and went to the door to welcome the sage. After exchanging pleasantries, Vashishta asked Ram, “Why are you looking so flustered Rama? What’s bothering you?” Ram hesitated for a moment and asked, “ I sent Sita away to forests to fulfil Rajdharma? But, I have failed in my duty to my wife and kid. Did I make the right decision?” 

  “Rama! You know what the washerman said. He said, "Rules apply only to the common men. Our rulers are beyond that." If that’s the perception among people, it is hard to uphold Dharma. You did what is necessary of you as a king?” Ram responded, “Oh learned one! The entire world knew that my Sita has done no mistake after Agnipravesha. Isn’t it unjust to send her away because someone said something without proper knowledge. What about me? I’ve been longing to see her all the time. What mistake have I done to suffer this punishment? What sort of Rajdharma is this that causes misery to people who have committed no mistake”

  Vashishta says, “Rama! I agree that your family have been wronged. But, it is the duty of your family to put your country before yourselves. Your decision is necessary to uphold justice in the kingdom. Your action shows the world that everyone is equal before law. What sins have all the soldiers who fought your war against Ravana committed? Why should they fight for you in your rescue mission of Sita? It’s their duty for their motherland. This is your duty towards your kingdom.”

  Rama asks, “My decision would’ve been correct if Sita committed a mistake. Sita hasn’t committed any mistake. In Lanka, Vibheeshana turned against his brothers to side with righteousness. He turned against his entire country and fought war with us for the sake of Dharma. If he’s praised for taking Dharma’s side even if it’s against his duty for his kingdom, why is it wrong if I do the same?”

  Vashista responds, “Rama! Your duty is to express your views in the council, which you’ve done very elegantly. But the council decided to send Sita to forests. It would be unwise of you to have opposed their decision. If you override the council in matters pertaining to you today, you could do it for someone else tomorrow. It’s a slippery slope that you’ve to avoid”

  “Am I a weak person for grieving over this? Am I a bad king for being emotional”, Rama asked his final question.

  “Emotions are part and parcel of human life. In this avatar, being born as a human, it is necessary that you experience the pains and pleasures of life. Honestly, that is what gives the ruler empathy to make good decisions. A king who can not feel pain is as good as a rulebook. What use is a rulebook when it has to decide on matters that affects lives of millions of people. Your story will be a shining example of how humans have to live in adversity. Worry not Rama! Your sacrifices will never go in vain”, with this Vashishta took his leave. After a long time, the goddess of sleep bestows its boon on Rama

  

PS: This story is entirely my imagination and views are personal

 

SPB

When I was working with TI, I came to know that SPB was doing a live show in National college grounds as a part of Bangalore Ganesh Utsav. I had a lot of work that day, owing to a release in office. Till late evening that day, I had no intention of going to the show. However, by some stroke of luck, I made up my mind to go to the show at the last moment. The ground was full by the time I went in. I squeezed myself through the people to go as close as possible to the stage. That day he was performing Kannada songs. Even though I had functional knowledge of Kannada, I didn’t know any of those songs. I was standing with a group of Tamilians who kept requesting for a Tamil song. I joined them and started asking for a Tamil song. Suddenly, it started lashing out heavily. I was dejected and getting ready to leave. Out of nowhere, he started singing oruvan oruvan mudhalali. Instant goosebumps moment. The grounds came alive. I shouted till my voice became hoarse.  Never did I imagine that’d be my first and last time seeing him alive. That’s my most precious fan moment.

  My love for him and his songs started in childhood. As a kid, I used to hate Mondays. Our school used to start at 9AM and last all the way till 7:30PM. My only consolation was an hour of Paaduta Teeyaga that used to come at 9:30PM in ETV. No matter where I am and what I’ve to do that day, I used to sit in front of TV along with my parents for the programme while eating food. Undoubtedly, the star of the show was SPB. The way he used to explain the musical intricacies of songs, the nuances of expression required was enthralling. I especially used to love it when he explains the meaning of those lyrics. Human emotions are so complex to understand. Even with the most powerful super computers in the world, scientists are not able to decode emotions. What better way to understand them than by travelling with the writer through the song. The program started in me a life long obsession for songs making music an integral part of my life.

  Not just me, I believe SPB has become an integral part of every Telugu man’s life. There is his song for every moment and a moment for every song. When in sorrow, he pulls you up by saying

చుట్టమల్లే కష్టమొస్తే కళ్లనీళ్లు పెట్టుకుంటూ కాళ్లు కడిగి స్వాగతించకూ 

ఒక్క చిన్న నవ్వు నవ్వి సాగనంపకుండా లేనిపోని సేవచేయకు

While teasing the lover, he croons as 

నాకన్నా నీకున్న తాకీదులేంటమ్మ నా ఎత్తు నా బరువు నీకన్న మోరమ్మా
నేనంటే కాదన్న లేడీసే లేరమ్మ నాకంటే ప్రేమించే మొనగాడు ఎవడమ్మ

He’s with you in class day dreaming with

చందమామను అందుకుని ఇంద్రభవనాన్ని కడతానురా 

పడవంత కారులోనే బజారులన్ని షికారు చేస్తానురా

సొంతమైన విమానములో స్వర్గలోకాన్నీ చుడతానురా 

అపుడు అప్సరసలు ఎదురు వచ్చి కన్ను కొడతారురా

 He gives you hope by saying

చిటికలోన చిక్కబడ్డ… కటిక చీకటి కరిగిపోక తప్పదమ్మ… ఉదయ కాంతికి

On the occasion of his death anniversary, as he says in one of his songs

తరలి రాద తనే వసంతం తన దరికి రాని వనాల కోసం. 

అదే విధంగా గంధర్వులని  చేరలేని మన దరికి వచ్చిన ఈ గాన గంధర్వునికి ఇదే నా నివాళి