मेरे शहर मे हुई सेहर...

हुयी जो रौशनी कम तेरी यादों से नम आँखों मे, 

उसको भी मौसम की धुंध मान लिया...

दरो-दिवार रंगी कालिख से शहर वालो ने,

उसी कालिख से शहर भर मे तेरा नाम लिखा.... 

मिली बरसात ज़मी से तेरी महक लायी,

क़ुदरत भी सीख गयी इंसानों सी रुसवाई. 

देखी हर रस्म सरे-आम पस्त होते हुए, 

कितने ज़हरीले लफ्ज़ ज़ेहन मे पेवस्त होते हुए. 

दिवाली-ईद तन्हाई मे मना ली, 

कोई मिलने आया नहीं तो तेरी याद की जिल्द ख़ुद पर चढ़ा ली! 

मिलने की उम्मीद कभी न छूटी...

वो तो ज़माने की मसखरी से हिम्मत टूटी...

बरसो सिर्फ सपने जो देखे तेरे,

आँखें रोज़ तेरा धोखा दिखाती...तो कैसे मान लूँ की अब तू इतने पास है मेरे? 

तेरे अक्स को खुद मे कहीं कैद रखा था, 

पता नहीं की अब तू सामने है...या तेरा अक्स कैद से रिहा हुआ?

Sorry, Smt. Maneka Gandhi ji! (Fiction)

"Who are these people? Animal Rights Activists? Why?

People working on behalf of others without payment for their time and services. Animal rights, also referred to as animal liberation, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings. Why? This is super socialism. They are spending billions on animals when hundreds of people in my mega slum die annually. I am struggling for all the basic necessities like food, water, shelter, clothing, then why should I adopt a dog? I know how to read and write but I am not listening to them and I don’t want their pictorial pamphlets (for unaware and illiterate people as they call us). They say we are brainwashed….I don’t understand their logic(s) and statistics. Maybe, they are right but we are hungry!

Away from my slum, in this dark cold night, I was feeling very sad and frightened at the same time. I had never committed a murder before but today I had do so in order to save our lives. I didn't want to ruin my life just for this tiny little stupid thing. I had made up my mind. I would murder him in the dead of night and no one would ever know what happened to him. I was looking forward to a very happy life with my beautiful love. But first I had to kill this witless git. I sharpened my knife and with a loud thud, his life ended. Feeling not a little feeling of regret in my heart, I started burying him. Poor dog breathed his last in the ‘backyard’ of my hut and I felt very relieved to end this fiasco. Having some serious hatred with animals especially dogs, (and humans) I would never had let this stupid moron in my house but my wife was insisting to keep him with us. Stray Cows, Buffaloes, Goats and other plants, grass eating animals are okay as they never demand anything except causing few accidents on roads and injuring Bikers, pedestrians and rarely those rich people in their Air Conditioned Cars. But Dogs, no they are not okay because they want bread. This was the main reason of our ongoing problems. When I will get a decent job then I will gift her 1…no..2 dogs. I crossed my fingers to pray for the poor thing and started moving towards my home where a ‘happy’ life and beauteous love was waiting for me."

...The End!

Author Notes :


*) - Smt. (Shrimati) is an honorific (Hindi) used for women. 

*) - Maneka Gandhi is an Indian politician, animal rights activist, environmentalist, former model.

साहिल को समीर माना....

मुद्दत से दौड़ा किये जिस जन्नत सी मंजिल की ओर, 
पहुँचने पर एहसास हुआ की सफ़र मे साथ लगी धुल ने उसको बेनूर किया.

और जाना की दस्तूरो ने हमेशा झूठ  कहा.....

रास्ता तो बिन बोले ही धूल बनकर साथ हो लिया....

ओर एक ये मंजिल है जो पास आने पर बहाने बनाती है. 

जिसको रूहानी जान छोड़ी दुनिया सारी, 

उनकी मोहब्बत मे थी दुनियादारी,

आखरी दम तक लड़ने की ख्वाइश मे जाने कहाँ से दरारें आ गयी?

जिसपर नाज़ किया करते थे उस सुर्ख रंग मे कैसे काली बुज़दिली छा गयी?

शायद उस आसमाँ मे फ़रिश्ते अक्सर हमसे बिफरा किये, 
हमसफ़र से हाथ की पकड़ ढीली रखी...फिर भी नसों तक नाखून गड़ गये. 

थम गयी अब रफ़्तार कुछ ऐसे...हम थक गये...

और रुके हुए साहिल को अपना समीर मान बैठे!

मुद्दत से हमने ख्वाबो  को देखना छोड़ दिया, 

कटीली राहों पर हर कदम ने रंगीन निशान छोड़ दिया. 

मंजिलो के सामने मुकद्दर मुकर गया,

ज़माने को साथ लेने के इंतज़ार मे ज़माना ही गुज़र गया.

लेबर अड्डा

सुबह की नमी मे भी सुगबुगाहट आती वहाँ, 
कोडियों के भाव बिकता खून पसीना जहाँ.

कितने ही बंगले, दुकाने बनाता, 
कितनो के काम आता,
फिर भी हर सुबह वो मजदूर,
 उसी 'लेबर अड्डे' पर खड़ा नज़र आता.  

सौ श्रमिको मे एक और मेहनती मासूम मजबूर मजदूर जुड़ा,
भोर आते ही दिहाड़ी मालिको का मोल भाव शुरू हुआ. 

पहला - "चालीस?"
साहब - "हट, मत ख़राब कर मेरी पॉलिश!" 

दूसरा - "और कम क्या दोगे, साहब, तीस?"
साहब - "चुप! अपने आस-पास वालो से कुछ सीख!"

नए से - "तू क्या लेगा, बे?" 
नया - "कुछ नहीं, बस आप दो वक़्त का खाना दे देंगे?" 
साहब - "तेरे जैसा मजदूर..मेरे यहाँ क्या करेगा? 
तेरे दो वक़्त का खाना तीस रुपयों से ज्यादा का पड़ेगा!" 

...अब वक़्त है जाने का!

हर ख्वाइश मे अक्स था इस अफसाने का,
हर कोशिश मे सपना था तुझे पाने का!
कल तलक मौके मिले तो दिल नादान बना,
आज हालत ने मौको को किया पल मे फ़ना!

माना की आज गर्दिश मे सफ़र करता हूँ,
ज़हन मे मेरे है पेवस्त हर अफसाना तेरा!
छुपाया था जिस गम को बड़ी खूबी से,
बरस गए बादल तेरी आँखों से वही नमी लेके!

जशन की आड़ मे रुखसत हुआ...साजिश थी मेरी,
बिना रुलाये तुझसे हाथ जो छुड़ाना था!
मुड़ा जो तुझसे तो खुदगर्ज़ क्यों मान लिया?
ये भी एक जरिया है गम को छुपाने का!

ज़माने भर की बुराई लादे फिरता हूँ फिर भी मगर....
पाक साफ़ दिखता है आँखों मे तेरी अक्स दीवाने का?
अपनी हस्ती पर जो हँसती फिरती...
अब वक़्त है उस दुनिया को आइना दिखाने का!

"ये उनका शहर है!" (in 'Pothiz' October 2010 Issue)

Read Pothiz October 2010 Issue Online.

http://pothi.com/pothi/magazine/issue/october-2010

(Good & Bad) Company

Place: A Sacred fig, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) in Rajasthan, India is a famous avifauna sanctuary that sees thousands of rare and highly endangered birds such as the Siberian Crane come here during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the National Park their home.

Little Sparrow - “Dad, they are my friends. We do few things together and spend some time. At the end of the day, I return to home. I have my mind, family and life. It’s just a fraction of a day we are together. That too, not on daily basis. Sorry, I don’t understand your Good company-Bad company theory.”

Daddy Sparrow – “Beta, surroundings, neighbours, friends, colleagues, etc make a lifelong impact on almost all the creatures.”

Little Sparrow – “No, Papa, I disagree....”

Daddy Sparrow - “Alright, I will explain this with the help of some practical examples. Go and chat with that group of ‘Asian Koels’ near the lake.”

After Half an Hour.

Little Sparrow – Daddy, they are awesome birds. They knew so much about life, karma and all. They are helping numerous old and injured Birds of this place. They gave me few herbs as a present.

Daddy Sparrow – “Where do they come from?”

Little Sparrow – “Himalayas, near the ashrams of Sadhus, Yogis and even Buddhist Monasteries.”

Daddy Sparrow – “Good, now similarly make friends with those stylish and funky migratory birds, 'Greater Flamingos' stationed at the other side of the lake.”

Few Moments Later.

Little Sparrow - “Ouch Daddy, You knew everything? They poked me everywhere, snatched my herbs. They were constantly bullying, abusing and eve teasing me and many other birds. They captured few nests beating the native birds..and...”

Daddy Sparrow – “Oh! And?”

Little Sparrow – “They were from those areas of Afghanistan with many terrorist camps and bases.”

The End!


Author notes :

*) - A Sacred fig, is a species of banyan fig native to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, southwest China and Indochina. It is a large dry season-deciduous or semi-evergreen tree up to 30 m tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 3 m.

*) – Beta = Son. (Hindi)

*) - Greater Flamingos are the largest member of the flamingo family and they are the most widespread. They stand at 1.5 m (5 ft) tall, they have a wingspan between 1.4 and 1.7 m (4.5 - 5.5 ft) and they weigh up to 4 Kgs (8.75 lbs). They are pinkish white in colour but immature birds are grey before they get their full adult plumage. They have long, pink legs with relatively small webbed feet, and a very long neck.

Over-Disputed Champions!

Saurav and Shazia (India) got wild card entry in Mixed Doubles category of Tennis Slaves Series. In international sports, the term (wild card) is perhaps best known in reference to big international sporting events such as Olympic Games or Wimbledon. Countries which fail to produce athletes able to meet performance requirements to compete are granted "wild cards", which enable them to send competitors tournaments even if those competitors' abilities are below the required standards. Though, there were few better ranked Tennis players in India but they were busy in other tournaments, injured (and some popular celebrity showing off their stardom by statements like we are focusing on Olympics...skipping 'small' tournaments).

This was second year of Egypt’s Tennis Slaves Series. There were 16 pairs in the Mixed Doubles Event. The only unique rule was the two players should be of same country which happens in big International events like Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, etc as nations also compete in composite Medal Tally of all the events. 3 Rounds before Final (First round of 16, Quarter Finals, Semi Finals). The Indian pair, scheduled to play Chadian players, was very excited and happy as their rankings were better than the Chadian duo and the players from Chad were unseeded.

Just before the games a bitter Civil War broke out in eastern Chad and all the International Flights were canceled. Indians progressed to Quarter Finals with a W.O. or Walkover win. They practiced for 2 days before their next match. Their opponents were Markal Bass and Cindy Pass from Nepal. But on the eve of match Cindy was disqualified by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for doping violations in the last round of 16 match. Saurav and Shazia got their second Walkover and they were in the semis. They were happy and "Only 2 Steps...." was the only thing in their mind. Russians won their first 2 matches and were scheduled to play Indians next.

Zafira Nova, Top-seeded International star was main attraction in women's singles of the same tournament. She got injured in her singles semi-final match. She retired from the match and from the Mixed Doubles Event. Indian pair was now in Final of Egypt’s Tennis Slaves Series.

Shazia - "Everyone is focusing on singles events....media and all, no news of us 'making' it to the final?"

A reporter heard this line of Shazia when she was practicing with Saurav and quoted it in the next day's National Newspaper. Now, not "everyone" but many were talking about these two players. SMS and Internet Jokes circulated everywhere. "Register your names and you are a finalist! Hurry!"

Next, top-seeded Israeli pair. They were called Mixed Doubles Specialist with 29 titles to their credit. They were super professionals and favorites in the Sunday final.

Saturday evening, some Palestinian extremists kidnapped Israeli Players for their multiple demands. Authorities had no clue of the players on Sunday and reserve day, Monday.

Indians were declared the champions of Mixed Double Event of Egypt’s Tennis Slaves Series. The joke changed "Register and be a Champion plus a free foreign trip!"

The End!!!

Author notes -

*) - A walkover or W.O. is the awarding of a victory to a contestant because there are no other contestants, or because the other contestants have been disqualified or have forfeited.

*) - The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an independent foundation created through a collective initiative led by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against drugs in sport.

जंगल का राजा (Jungle King)

My first kids comic. This issue is published by Raj Comics in Hindi and English. Available in paperback and Airtel Subscribers can read this comic on Airtel Live Portal.

How to access the service :

To activate, Sms 'Comic' to 54321 and downlaod the wap link on your GPRS enabled handset OR visit Airtel Live WAP portal at live.airtelworld.com

Yeeeeaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!

भूख

इच्छाओं का गला घोंटा,
उम्मीदों की चिता को सेंका.

आँसुओं को आने से पहले मन की भट्टी मे झोंका,
रिश्तो को मजबूरी का खंजर घोंपा.

मुन्ना की पढाई की बलि ली,
बाबू जी के आशीर्वाद की गर्दन रेंती.

पत्नी के दामन पर गोली मारी,
फरमाईशों का सर कुचला मारकर पत्थर भारी.

सबके सपनो की साँसें रोकी,
क्या अच्छी और क्या बुरी हर सोहबत छोड़ी.

कितनी आसानी से जिंदगी की हर चीज़ यहाँ है मिटती.
पर ये भूख.....मारे नहीं मरती!

My Interview (2009) by Vishal Tripathi

Dated: 14 July 2009, Originally Posted - Raj Comics Forums, RC Website Community Section & Orkut Communities. 

Vishal Tripathi with Mohit Sharma (Trendster / Trendy Baba)

MY NAME IS VISHAL TRIPATHI aka PERMAN. :) MANE LIYA MOHIT SHARMA JI KA INTERVIEW AUR PAROSA AP LOGO KE SAMNE LIJYE TRENDSTER(aka baba ji)KA INTERVIEW!!!! HEHEHEHEHE

1) Perman - Aapka naam?
Trendster - Mohit Sharma.

2) Perman - Aapki age? kya hai?
Trendster - 20 Saal.

3) Perman - Aap kya kaam karte hai? Apne Lekhan k baare mey bhi batayen?
Trendster - Issi saal Graduation karne kay baad MBA Entrance Exams jaise CAT, MAT, XAT, FMS, etc ki prepration kar raha hun. Waise mai writer banna chahta hun. Kuch magazines, newspapers mey rachnayen, abhivyaktiyan publish huyi hai, School-College mey bhi plays, poetry likhi aur perform ki hai. Ab dekhte hai shayad aage kabhi financially free ho paaya to fulltime writing mey aa jaaunga.

4) Perman - Aapki family ke baare mein kuch jaankaari dijiye?
Trendster - Mere Father C.I.D. ki Crime Branch mey Inspector hai, meri mommy Homemaker hai, mujhse ek 8 saal bade bhaiya aur ek 7 saal badi didi hai....dono ki shaadi last year hui...bhaiya Bharti Airtel mey engineer aur zonal manager hai. 

5) Perman - Kya aapki family ne kabhi comics padhne pe apatti ki?
Trendster - Karte rehte hai....ab tak kar rahe hai...par mai kabhi maana nahi....waise mai unke saamne comics padhta bhi nahi. Ek baar jab mai 8-9 Class mey tha to mujhe chidha kar meri comic padhvane ki aadat chhudvane kay liye ghar waalo nay mera naam hi Parmanu rakh diya aur mujhe Parmanu keh kar bulane lage..unhe laga ki mai iss naam se mai chidhne lagunga par ulta mai bahut khush ho gaya aur half rate par Parmanu ki hi 5-10 comics aur le aaya ...Ab to Bhaiya aur Didi bhi nahi hai to...comics bina disturbance kay aaram se padhne ka.

6) Perman - Kya family mein aur koi comics padhta hai?
Trendster - Nahi. Haan, achchhi magazines ya books padhte hai sab log.

7) Perman - Aapne comics padhna kabse shuru kiya tha?
Trendster - 7 Saal ki age mey.

Perman - Aur wo lucky pehli comic?
Trendster - Actually, mujhe uss waqt ek bhaiya se 2 comics 'Nagraj' aur 'Aag' mili thi. Maine naam se impress hokar Nagraj pehli padhi thi.

9) Perman - Aapko kaun se comic characters pasand hai?
Trendster - Mujhe Parmanu, T.H.S., Anthony, Nagraj, Dhruva aur Gamraj pasand hai...

10) Perman - Aapke favourite artist aur story writer?
Trendster - Mujhe Bharat Negi ji as a writer bahut pasand hai. Artist mey Anupam ji, Manu ji (Edison George), Lalit Singh, achchhe lagte hai. 

11) Perman - Comics se realted koi interesting ghatna batayein?  
Trendster - Jab mai chhota tha to badi mushkil se toffees, etc khaane kay baad kuch paise bachte to wo bhi aaye din khelte waqt ball kho jaati thi to usme bhi dosto kay saath paise milane padte thay. Ek din mere paas 9 Rupaye thay. Mere dost nay bataya ki Rui ki Mandi mey comics half rate ki milti hai. Maine socha ki 6 ya 8 Rupaye waali 1-2 comics to half rate mey mil hi jaayengi. Mai wahan gaya par utrane par tempo waale nay 6 rupaye le liye...par mai to comics kay sapno mey khoya tha....mai book stall gaya aur wahan bahut chhantne kay baad 6 Rupaye waali ek comic half rate mey le li...par ab mere paas paise khatm ho gaye thay...maine socha chal kar ghar pahunch jaaunga par ghar bahut door tha par ab chalne kay alawa koi chara nahi tha...ghar pahunchne mey bahut dair ho gayi aur mai bahut thak gaya....waise to mai khaana khate hi so jaata par maine khaana khaane kay baad Yoddha ki wo poori comic padhi aur ek Yoddha ki tarah bed par comic kay saath hi so gaya. 

Perman-ahhaahahhahehehehheheh maza a gaya hehehehhehe  


12) Perman - Aapka forum se parichay kaise aur kab hua?
Trendster - Pehle to kabhi kisi project banvane kay chakkar mai hi Cyber Cafe 3-4 mahino mey jaata tha par har baar RC ki website zaroor visit karta tha. Graduation first year mey aise hi net par messenger id, orkut par id banane ka mann karne laga to Cyber Cafe aaya aur RC ki site par bhi gaya...Homepage par kuch stories aur blogs padhe...to ek-do din aur visit kiya tabhi forum par bhi click kiya aur.....bas fir sab itna achchha laga ki regular ho gaya yahan. 

13) Perman - Forum aur comics ke alawa aapke aur kya shauk hai?
Trendster - Sports, G.K....Current Affairs, Stories/Plays likhna, Poetry.

14) Perman - Aapki favourite comics kaun si hai?
Trendster - Waise to list bahut lambi hai par overall mujhe Kohram ek complete comic lagti hai. 

15) Perman - Aapne apna username Trendster kyon rakha?
Trendster - Mai koi unique username soch raha tha jo sunne mey achchha bhi lage aur pehle kisi nay use bhi nahi kiya ho. Tab to aesa hi tha fir baad Jazzy B aur Rihanna nay iss word ko use kiya....ek samay RC par meri profile Google search mey "Trendster" word ki search mey top par thi....fir to kuch companies nay bhi ye naam use kiya par ab bhi Google search mey top individual Trendster to mai hi hun...Thank you....ahm!!  

16) Perman - Log aapko kai baar trendy baba bulate hai,  iska secret kya hai?  
Trendster - Maine thodi masti kay liye "Forum Members in Real Harsh World" topic mey ye Trendy Baba naam kay character ko use kiya tha....Ye 2 links dekhiye. Maine inpar 4-5 Funny scenes likhe thay. Tabhi se baaki posters ko bina mehnat kay mera khud rakha-rakhaya naam mil gaya. 

viewtopic.php?f=79&t=1708&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=150

viewtopic.php?f=79&t=1708&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=175


17) Perman - Forum ki kaun si baat aapko sabse zyada attract karti hai?
Trendster - Yahan comics par baat karne aur share karne ko itna kuch hai....yahan bahut se talented members bhi hai jinki stories, artworks, discussions, dekhna mujhe achchha lagta hai.

18) Perman - Forum ki koi buri baat?
Trendster - Firstly, Active Members ki sankhya abhi bhi bahut kum hai. Forum par ki gayi mehnat kay hisaab se kisi ko recognition nahi milta. Jaise yahan to aesa socha jaata hai ki "Maine kahin se sune-sunaye jokes ya kisi website se funny pics daal di to log bas usse hi dekhe aur uspar comment kare...baaki kisi kay mehnat se banaye artworks, stories, articles, etc jaaye bhaad mey...." 

19) Perman - Agar aap forum mod ban jaayein  to kya badlaaw laana pasand karenge?  
Trendster - Members badhane par aur zyada dhyaan dunga aur members ko zyada se zyada healthy discussions mey part lene kay liye encourage karunga. Achchhe topics ko inactive nahi rehne dunga. Waise 2 baar kuch dino kay liye guest mod reh chuka hun tab to kuch similar topics ko merge kiya tha bina zyada halla machaye....aur do-char jagah suggestions diye thay members ko. Issi mey time nikal gaya. Forum manage karna kaafi aasaan kaam hai. 

20) Perman - Nayi released comics mein aapko kya pasand aur napasand hai?  
Trendster - Mujhe NWS aur Doga ki ek kay baad ek aa rahi series baaki sab se comparatively achchhi lag rahi hai. THS bhi theek chal rahi hai. Par Amar Prem aur Bankey Lal.....nay to mujhe bahut niraash kiya....raddi pe raddi comic aa rahi hai unki. 

21) Perman - Comics mein kya badlaaw dekhna chahenge?   
Trendster - RC ko eksaath limited creative team kay saath itney saare projects nahi karne chahiye. Doosri baat Readers ko chhote plots par based stories ko series mey padhna bilkul achchha nahi lagta isliye stories zabardasti naa kheenche. Baaki naye talents ko thoda aur badhava de....wo fans ko to ideas dene par badhava dete hai par jab koi iss line mey aana chahta hai to uske kaam kay prati unka nazariya badal jaata hai. Log aate hai chale jaate hai...RC ko kuch khud se aesa karna chahiye ki unki permanent creative team mey T.K. Wahi ji, Anupam ji, etc....kay alawa bhi log hon....  

22) Perman - Interview dene ka thanks....  
Trendster - Thanks tumhara...warna khud hi interview likh kar fake id bana kar post karna padta. Ab chalo machhliyan khaate hai....  

Perman-are mood nahi hai machliyo ne case kar diya mujh par agar ek aur khai to jail me chakki pessing and pessing!!!!hehehehhe    

Fire's Sermon

"Shyama!"

This word, this name is placed in my memory with an audio file. Voice of my neighbor Mr. Sumit Talwar calling his wife loud and..sounding...harsh. Though, Shyama was often heard laughing and seen standing on a balcony smiling. Few neighbors residing close were amazed by such contrasting voices. One thing was sure that she was happy and everyone was unable to decipher Mr. Talwar’s expressions and actions to say that A 'muscleman', his every action and word was like a semi-slow motion and surprisingly delicate considering his heavyweight frame. Mr. Talwar’s first impression to many was ignorant and rude. Almost zero social circle, very poor attendance in festive or social gatherings, almost no facial expressions like Rahul Dravid batting on the Fourth Boring day of Cricket test match heading towards a Draw.

Yesterday was like any other day. Then I heard a blast. It was like a Bomb blast. But bomb blasts were ‘far away’ from majority of India. People rushed (or many looked) outside to expect something thrilling to change their ordinary day.

Half the house of Talwars was on fire. The cooking gas cylinder burst while Shyama was preparing food in the kitchen. Besides, Sumit was badly injured. Burnt part of his formal office clothes sticking to his body. Inert and burnt Shyama was in his hands. I don’t know about the degrees of burns but her body was a black sticky mess.

I called 101 (Fire Service) for a Fire Brigade. They told me that someone already informed them and the fire brigade is on it's way.

Sumit was crying and shouting random things. He was doing everything he never did or probably he never showed anyone except Shyama. He was repeatedly kissing her, talking to her. His trademark slow motions vanished as he jumped, bumped and ran, moved like a 'Black Cat' Commonado. His car was in a service station so he ran to all the houses in colony and asked for Help or Car to rush to Hospital but before anyone could respond he moved to next house as if he was waiting for that person’s reply for quite some time.

Few moments later the Talwars were rushed to Hospital. Fire brigade extinguished the fire. Humming sound of crowd taking, asking, calling, sharing assumptions and framed facts.

Mr. Sumit taught me (and maybe few other neighbours) a lesson....for rest of my life. Everything differs from person to person. Since then I never generalize a person by knowing some of his/her characteristics. As every individual's personality has so many aspects according to that person's upbringing, interests, profession, etc which are hidden from almost everyone. We (majority) have several stereotyped standards and if someone is not good in those specific things....we tag him/her with negative adjectives like rude, ignorant, selfish, bad, without knowing so many things about that individual.

The End!

Author notes -

*) - Rahul Dravid is one of the most experienced cricketers in the Indian national cricket team, of which he has been a regular member since 1996. Don't ask me what is cricket...cousin of Baseball.

*) - The National Security Guard is a Special Response Unit in India that has primarily been utilized for counter-terrorism activities. The NSG members are also known as Black Cat Commandos.

*) - For Fire Service and related emergencies dial 101 (in India).

ये उनका शहर है!

भोपाल स्थित यूनियन कार्बाइड कम्पनी के कारखाने से एक हानिकारक गैस का रिसाव हुआ जिससे लगभग 15000 से अधिक लोगो की जान गई तथा बहुत सारे लोग अंधापन के शिकार हुए. भोपाल गैस काण्ड विश्व इतिहास का ऐसा नासूर है जो हर दिसम्बर मे बहुत बुरी टीस देता है. हालाँकि, इस घटना से पीड़ित लोगो की संख्या लाखो मे है और वहाँ जन्म लेने वाले बच्चे अब भी अपंग पैदा होते है. मुझे ये नहीं जानना की किसकी गलती है है.....मुझे बस 26 सालो के दर्द की दवा और उन करोडो आंसुओ को पोछने वाले हाथ चाहिए जिनसे सत्ता और पैसे की गंध ना आये.

जब भोपाल गैस काण्ड के दोषियों की बात होती है तो ऐसा लगता है हर चीज़ उन्होंने खरीद ली है...शायद ये शहर भी! ये ग़ज़ल भोपाल गैस त्रासदी पर लिखी है.


ये उनका शहर है!

कातिल आँधियों मे किसका ये असर है?
दिखता क्यों नहीं है हवा मे जो ज़हर है?
चीखें सूखती सी कहाँ मेरा बशर है?
ये उनका शहर है....

धुँधला आसमां क्यों शाम-ओ-सहर है?
आदमखोर जैसा लगता क्यों सफ़र है?
ढलता क्यों नहीं है ये कैसा पहर है?
ये उनका शहर है....

जानें लीलती है ख़ूनी जो नहर है.
माझी क्यों ना समझे कश्ती पर लहर है?
हुआ एक जैसा सबका क्यों हषर है?
ये उनका शहर है...

रोके क्यों ना रुकता...हर दम ये कहर है?
है सबके जो ऊपर..कहाँ उसकी मेहर है?
जानी तेरी रहमत किस्मत जो सिफर है!
ये उनका शहर है....

इंसानों को तोले दौलत का ग़दर है!
नज़र जाए जहाँ तक मौत का मंज़र है!
उजड़ी बस्तियों मे मेरा घर किधर है?
ये उनका शहर है...

मंद है यह समाज!

शारीरिक या मानसिक रूप से अपंग लोगो को हमेशा से समाज मे उपेक्षित नज़रो से देखा जाता है. उनसे न ज्यादा उमीदें लगायी जाती है और न ही उनके विकास पर ध्यान दिया जाता है. अगर उनका विकास ढेर सारे स्नेह और सहनशीलता के साथ हो तो वो भी हमारे समाज की प्रगति मे महत्त्वपूर्ण योगदान दे सकते है. ये कविता इस विषय पर है.-



वो मासूम है,
पर मजबूर नहीं.
वो तड़प है,
पर नासूर नहीं.

उनके जीवन के हर कदम पर मुश्किल पल है आते,
पर बदले मे वो हमसे सहानुभूति नहीं चाहते.

वो लडखडाये,
उन्हें चलने दो.
वो गिर जाये,
उन्हें संभलने दो.
वो 'हम' मे से एक है,
उन्हें 'इस' एहसास के साथ भी जीने दो.

माना की कुदरत की गलती से सामाजिक दौड़ गये ये हार,
पर खुद मे है वो बहुत ख़ास.
तानो के नहीं है ये हक़दार,
ये मांगते है प्यार...हाँ, सिर्फ प्यार.
हो सके तो इनका मजाक उड़ाने के बजाये,
इनसे 'जीने का जज्बा' ले लीजिये उधार.

Unity in Diversity

You

are

my

best

friend.

Followers

of

different

religions,

We

brainwashed

each other

for

years.

Now you are 'me' and I am 'you'.

देश माँगे 'मुझे'

मलीन बस्तियों के पास.....
दिन के उजाले को "रोशन" करती स्ट्रीट लाइट्स है चिढाती.

भूख से बिलखते बच्चो के बगल मे......
किसी नयी फ़ूड चेन के प्रमोशन मे लगी स्टाल मुँह बनाती.

दुकान पर काम करते किसी "छोटू" की बेबसी...
अक्सर मेरी खिल्ली उडाती.

दूर गाँव मे अभी भी किसी की चिठ्ठी न पहुँच पाती.....
और शहर मे किसी किशोर के मोबाइल पर डाउनलोडेड रिंगटोंस ताने मार कर जाती.

रोज़ कितने ही बेगारी मे मरते....
पर किसी फिल्मस्टार की बीमारी सबको फ़िक्र मे लाती.

मेरे देश को मेरी ज़रुरत है....
ये सब बातें शायद मुझे यही याद दिलाती.

अहमियत

नन्हे शौकत ने अपने पहले रमजान को माना,
कुरान शरीफ की अहमियत को जाना,
था वो नन्ही सी जान,
पर उसके रोजो मे साफ़ झलकता था उसका ईमान.
अब्बू-अम्मी की था वो जान,
अप्पी और भाई को करता था हरदम परेशान.

शौकत की फ़िक्र मे किसी को नींद ना आती,
सबका चाहे जो हो पर नन्हे की सहरी कभी ना छूट पाती.
और तब तो मिलता सबको इफ्तार का अलग ही मज़ा,
जब शाम के वक़्त खुलता शौकत का रोज़ा.
अभी तो इसने ज़िन्दगी को शुरू भर किया,
फिर भी मज़हब को कई "बड़ो" से बेहतर समझ लिया.

एक रोज़ सब इंतज़ार मे थे की वो सब इफ्तार कर पायें,
जब अब्बू काम से घर लौटकर आये.
देर तक भी जब अब्बू की कोई खबर नहीं मिली,
आज शौकत भूखे पेट ही पढने चला गया तराबी.
अगले दिन तक उनकी कोई खबर न मिलने पर हर कोई बेचैन दिख रहा था,
इस घर का ये रोज़ा भी लम्बा खींच रहा था.

कुछ रोज़ तक कुछ पता ना चलने पर मायूसी का मंज़र फैला रहा,
जिद्दी शौकत का रोज़ा भी लम्बा खींचता गया.
इस नन्हे बंदे ने चुना अजब सा रास्ता,
खुदा को देने लगा खुदा का ही वास्ता.
जब इंतेहा की हद पार कर गया इंतज़ार,
दिया गया उनकी गुमशुदगी का इश्तेहार.
अखबारों को बताया गया शौकत के अब्बू का हुलिया और नाम,
साथ ही बताया गया उनके बारे मे पुख्ता खबर देने वाले को 20,047 रुपयों का इनाम.

"20,000 तो ठीक है, ये 47 रुपये अलग से क्यों जोड़ दिए?"

"ये 47 रुपये बाकी 20,000 से ज्यादा अहम है...साहब,
जो शौकत ने अपने अब्बू के लिए अपनी गुल्लक तोड़ कर है दिये!!"

The Art of Bargaining

Mickey Bond is a worker in South African embassy in India. He loves India and its diverse culture. He is a happy man but with one big problem. He can’t handle too much pressure. Mickey's behavior in tense situations is inscrutable. Otherwise, he is okay. His cousin, Aladin Bond is on a World tour and staying with Mickey to visit India. Mickey tells Aladin about popular street markets of India where according to him "Bargaining" is the key.

Mickey Bond - Bargaining is a very important, and even expected, part of shopping at markets in India. Shopkeepers in India hope to charge you a higher rate to raise their monthly income. You want to save money as your budget is running low. But the streets are filled with colorful and enticing items to buy so how do you buy something without getting ripped off? The idea is to start below what you are willing to pay.

Mickey takes Aladin to weekly Monday Market in his locality.

Mickey Bond (With James Bond expressions) – Let me show you how it’s done.

Mickey walks to a wooden stall.

Mickey – This green shirt with embroidery. How Much?

Shopkeeper – Four Hundred Rupees.

Mickey – No, it’s too much. I can pay you Forty Rupees for this.

Mickey thought the Shopkeeper will offer the shirt at lower price but Shopkeeper was an enthusiastic young man, new in business.

Shopkeeper – No, Sahib! Four Hundred Rupees.

Mickey – No, Forty! Look..my name is Bond....Mickey Bond!

Shopkeeper – I am Popeye the Spider man! Four Hundred.

Mickey (Returning to 'original Mickey look' from James Bond expressions) – Forty!

Shopkeeper – Four Hundred!

Mickey – Forty!

Shopkeeper – Four Hundred!

This Four Hundred versus Forty went on for few more seconds and Mickey Bond was 'pressurized' enough to shout......

Mickey – AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! Okay, final! Four Hundred Forty?

The End!

Since many of you are reading this page to get some tips on Bargaining. :p Here's the best way to go about it to make sure you don't pay too much at India's markets. Though, gradually Department stores, Supermarkets, Shopping Malls, Hypermarkets, etc are replacing local unorganized, desi markets.

*) - To get a feel for how much goods should cost, visit some fixed price stores first.

*) - In street markets, as a general rule, don't pay more than half the initial asking price of any items. Sometimes it's possible to pay less, especially if you buy more than one item.

*) - Shop keepers consider the first sale of the day to be lucky, so shop early and they may give you a better price to get your business.

*) - Never reveal how much you're interested in an item. Always pretend to be indifferent as to how much you want it.

*) - Start the bargaining process by asking the shop keeper "Is this your best price?" or "Is a discount possible?".

*) - The price will immediately be dropped a small amount. Tell the shop keeper that the item is still way too expensive. You'll then be asked how much you're prepared to pay.

*) - When it's your turn to offer a price, make sure you start with a low amount that's well below what you're prepared to pay. Around one third of the quoted price is a good amount.

*) - If the shop keeper isn't dropping the price enough, walk away. Usually this will result in an immediate reduction in the asking price. If it doesn't, it's an indication that your price is too low. You can either go back and keep negotiating, or try and find the item cheaper somewhere else.

*) - It's a good idea to walk around the market and see all that's on offer first, before buying anything. It's common to find the same items for sale in a number of shops.

*) - Lastly, keep in mind that bargaining is meant to be fun. Many shop keepers enjoy it, as the interaction breaks up the monotony of their day.