26/11 - The Bloody Wednesday

Date: 26Novermber2008

Place: Mumbai.

It was a sincere initiative by a group of awakened souls who volunteered to come forward and build a platform for “The Common Man” to voice out their experience of 29/11. It was a committed movement for the “The Common Man” who has no option but to go through the same trauma every moment.

We have seen this in Mumbai. There were people from all walks of life, all religion from all over mumbai. There were people from all over India and world. We have been seeing it across India. It is the same "The Bloody Wednesday" everywhere.

We have been asking and answering the same question “Where Were We” again and again, only to be invalidated and become “Victims of our own Amnesic Nature”. However this was a step forward.

I don’t know whether to empathise or sympathise. We all know it was sad. It was a loss for everyone. What happened that evening was absolutely terrible and unforgettable. People screamed… petrified and distraught, looking for near and dear ones. Some were trapped while some were held as hostages. The raging fire at The Taj Hotel only added to the misery. Many were killed and many more were injured. The chain of events that unfurled one after the other has left us all in a complete state of shock. Many still trying to cope up with the situation.

It was a calm Wednesday and I had to attend a tourism workshop at the Trident hotel from 11 – 6. I was at the Taj the evening before. I had to pass through the door frame metal detectors and was asked to keep my cell phone, wallet, cigarette case and lighter in the given tray. We are all used to these routine and mandatory security checks at most public places.

Everyone and everything seemed to be normal till I reached home and was about to switch on the television. Initially it seemed like a cracker burst by the little boy next door. What me and my son saw was different. There was a huge crowd on the road and all I could see was a Taxi ripped off on SV Road, Ville Parle. There was smoke. I rushed home and switched on the TV and it was smoke all over.

There were 10 terrible boys. They had taken India under siege. There were bullets and smoke all over. There were just brave firemen and policemen helping out people risking their lives. There were excited media grabbing for their “Scoop” and it went on for more than 60 hrs without a commercial Break.

The media could not capture any elected representative, nor could they find any representation from those who make “Much Ado About – Amchi Mumbai”. We did find some representation walking in for a site inspection with someone from film industry. (No Security Again?)

It was a real agony watching a different side of story being unfolding on television. News reports continually focused on each and every move of the terrorist attacks at Taj and all the other areas of Mumbai. While brave officers lost their lives, television journalists held microphones before distraught people to know their reactions. Every minute, channels gave ‘live coverage’ about Mumbai’s 26/11 terror attacks.

Did media realise "Social and National Security could be at stake. It was a live telecast. Did it help disseminating information and hamper security operations? For them “It was one of its kinds” and we can’t blame them. There was no regulatory Act. I am sure we all were as impressed as Sagarika Ghose of CNN debating about Media Coverage of Mumbai terror. "The point is media has come. It is an unpresidential situation which Indian television had never seen "60 hrs nonstop without a commercial break. It is Mind Boggling “- Ashutosh - Managing Editor IBN7.


We all appreciate Barkha Dutt on her onsite coverage of Kargil War in 1999 and the way she covered the Tsunami Disaster. The situation here was different. It was a rescue operation being reported live. The eagerness as ‘Breaking News’ flashed across with other news channels. Brave journalists rushed with their cameramen to capture live footage, which brings one to our mind… can we really call this a brave attempt?

The channels were accessible to all, including the controllers of this ghastly terror attack. Giving minute-by-minute coverage about ground realities and important activities by the security services is surely not a wise move and can never be justified.

Mr. Desh Kapoor has a different prospective about Barkha Dutt and NDTV, in his blog, on the way they covered Mumbai Terror Attack. (The comments were a bit harsh, perhaps, but that was how people felt.)

Media can be a powerful tool to help people in a time like this. However we have seen Journalism turning pale and we all are witness to downplaying legitimate news in favor of eye-catching headlines to sell more to get more TRP. We have seen media agencies and journalists featuring exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering, sensationalism often debated as unprofessional practices. Whether it is Social or National Security the media seems to overreact at some stage to almost every crisis they report. We are sure media is aware and does follow or at least refers to the guidelines set by NBA (The News Broadcasters Association).

It reminds once reading once “Whoever controls the media controls the mind”. Hitler also described the Press as a "machine for mass instruction," ideally, a "kind of school for adults." In such a scenario it becomes very important for all of us to find out "Who owns/ controls Media in India".

The two most important questions which we all have in our minds are perhaps:
1. Is it the absolute truth what we read and see every day?

2. Do we see only what media wants us to see?

After one year do we know what happened exactly? I am sure most of us have seen on the internet or forwarded emails. We have seen the documentary “Terror in Mumbai” Produced & Directed by Dan Reed revealing the untold story of 26/11 in the words of victims and gunmen.


(Courtesy: Daniel Reed Channel 4, HBO, Live leek, DMartyr)

Approx. 50 minutes video

Today after one year, the most important thing still remains in all our minds. Are we going to be asking same questions again and again - “Where Are We”? Are we again going to console ourselves to be “Victims of our own Amnesic Nature”?

Are we going to let media hyperventilate on every crisis they report?

We are looking for actions and solutions for human emotions. They value more than any media figures and statistics.

Sincerely.

Is media hyperventilating Swine Flu?

How loudly should a responsible person shout (or Whisper) “Possible Fire!” in a crowded theatre? Noting can be louder when news channels overreact to almost every crisis they report. This is quite evident when three deaths in Pune, recently, were wrongly ascribed to the Swine Flu without waiting for test results.

We all agree Swine Flu (H1NI) awareness is needed. But is there a need for media to see the world in a tabloid form always? Is there a need to hyperventilate and spread more misconceptions than correct medical position and scientific information on the Flu?

There is an immediate need to balance the act of staying informed about the danger without being carried away by fear created by media’s “over – hyping” of Swine Flu.

What is Influenza?
Influenza commonly referred to as Flu is a seasonal viral infection. We all are affected by it at least once in a year and then become immune to, in most cases, through our natural immunity system. Common symptoms are chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.

How is Swine Flu different?
Influenza A (H1N1) virus is just a subtype of influenza A, the most common cause of flu in humans. Swine Flu refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine) and rare in humans. The outbreak of flu due to a new strain of swine-origin H1N1 was responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic. This strain is commonly called "swine flu" or H1N1 flu by media.

How is it transmitted?
Typically, influenza is transmitted through the air by coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted by bird droppings, saliva, nasal secretions, feces and blood, contact with these body fluids or through contact with contaminated surfaces. We need to take care of children, elderly and people who have less immunity.

General Precautions.
Basic hygiene, close contact with sick people and avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth, washing our hands often with soap and detergent will help us more to protect us from germs. If affected then it makes more civic sense to stay at home from work for school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Do Face Masks Help?
Use of face masks and respirators do help to some extent but should be combined with other preventive measures for effective prevention and spreading of virus. N95 respirator mask, however are more effective than wearing normal surgical or dental mask as a fashion statement.

If our government is really taking measurable steps to fight H1N1 then these masks should be provided free of cost, if not then certainly not at a premium rate under Drug Act. It is also advisable to avoid crowded places and air-conditioned cinema halls where recalculated air leads to higher multiplication of the virus density.

Treatment
Amantadine and Rimantadine are indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza A or common flu while Antiviral: Oseltamivir (brand name Tami flu®) and Zanamivir (brand name Relenza ®) - are primarily recommended for the treatment and prevention of swine flu H1N1 virus infection.

If we remember two years ago SARS was blown out of proportion and what happened was humans developed immunity to the virus. The same could happen again and who knows our body is already developing the immunity, so why to get panic.

In India, we all know that infections like measles, Tetanus, Anemia, Diarrhea and other respiratory tract infections, unhygienic practices and unsafe drinking water take toll of thousands every year, which media has never hyped about, perhaps .

It is ironical that some of the best medical centers are either still not equipped to handle an emergency case of Swine Flu or perhaps are not willing to attend such cases. The health authorities perhaps have more excuses saying “It is too early to detect the virus or possibly too late”.

In such a situation when public health officials around the world who are trying to stress that people should be prepared for an emergency, even if one never materializes. To continue the metaphor, they are just whispering loudly, “Make sure the theater has fire extinguishers!”

Vodafone - Tired to Help!

Vodafone’s Zoo Zoo’s ads might have made more hits than twenty20 itself. However it has always been more pleasing to watch the commitment coming from Spike – the cute little Pug to the pretty girl - VODAFONE - HAPPY TO HELP

No doubt Vodafone Essar rate themselves as the “Most Creative and Most Effective Advertisement of the Year”

My eagerness to find out this commitment turned out to be a nightmare after I called up Delhi customer care at 111 to reconfirm my payment towards my mobile bills.

I could have avoided this, if had realised that I was roaming in Delhi. What was more surprising was the executive who attended the phone did not recognise my Vodafone no which was registered in Mumbai.

It was even more surprising to know that a Vodafone customer having an account in Mumbai can’t get much assistance in Delhi and has to call Mumbai Customer care at 9820098200 which is a charged call. (I believe this could be a new regulation from TRAI. This is what was told to me by Mr. Neeraj Dubey Supervisor on duty, Vodafone Customer care Mumbai). Another reason could be that they have more than 78.08 million satisfied subscribers.

I being a customer at the mercy of a service provider hoped to get some favourable feedback from the supervisors. However it was more disappointing to the call being dropped while being transferred at least 10 times.

Whether it was intentional or a technical snag still remains a mystery but I am at least happy to recollect the names of customer care executives in Delhi. Vijay, Shefali, Satyanarayan, Iqbal and supervisors like Vipin Kausihik and Ratan Singh. The floor Manager on Duty Mr. Atul Gulati did not care much on the quality control and my concern. Perhaps it was not that important for him to attend. I have no reason to blame if I had understood on my very first call that Essar Vodafone speaks different language and has a different profile in each city.

In spite of keeping a different profile, I sincerely appreciate the uniformity in the verbiage - We ARE HAPPY TO HELP YOU from the equally dissatisfied customer care executives. It is ironical to lean that they are always eager to place a customer on a short hold yet prepared to apologise for their long hold.

Out of desperation, when called Mumbai customer, I was fond that the IVR does not have the facility to reach the customer care directly. One has to complete the entire loop and think where to go next. The easiest way after dialling twice, I thought would be to go through buying a new connection and I was quite lucky to be attended quickly Why not have additional call revenue as well as a prospective client.

Vipin, the customer care execute in Mumbai was quite proactive and helpful and told me the payment has been received and my line would be activated at the earliest. The verbiage of course changed from 2 hours to ASAP as two hours had elapsed since I had made the payment.

I wanted to share my experiences of Delhi Customer Care with the supervisor in Mumbai and Vipin proactively transferred my call to Mr. Neeraj Dubai. Having an account in Mumbai I was hopeful to get a favourable reply. However Mr. Dubey was quite blunt and wanted to make it short and sweet to avoid any further doubts of any kind in future.

Mr. Dubey confirmed as per latest TRAI regulations a customer has to call up the home city for any major concern. He also clarified that it was not necessary for a Delhi customer care executive to recognise a Vodafone no. registered in Mumbai. I was also surprised to know it is no more mandatory for the executives to complete the interaction notes after each call. Most of the system based companies call it CRM; I believe Vodafone calls it something else according to Mr. Dubey. Whatever they name it, I believe customers should make their own records for the safety of their concern and avoid any discrepancy.

Finally but not the least one can be sure of getting marketing calls and messages promptly once you become a customer not only on the mobile but also on your alternate landline. I believe it is high time we have some Data Protection Act, if not the privacy of an individual should be respected.

In love with my God.

Recently I had a very close conversation with God. Everyone seemed to be working against me. Having being unemployed for almost three months finances were bad. Debts were increasing and I was not in a position to do my duties as I wanted. Things at personal front also seemed not to be in my favour. My conversations with God increased and I started falling in love with him as there was something very positive. During these constant conversations I put forward a request to meet him as all seemed virtual.

Soon I started feeling God and the virtual started turning to reality. Whenever I shared my problems, God just smiled and said "Take care of yourself and I will take care of everything. When I asked God how am I going to repay for everything he has done. God only smiled and said “You just love others with compassion, humility and identify love with all and everything will come back to me. He said "Don’t to let any of my words fall on the ground. Let it seep through the fertile heart and reap a harvest of love and joy." These words are still resonating within me with a question what if I fail to repay and at the same time gave me an inspiration to move forward with love and a more positive energy and commitment from my soul.

This is not something new or what we have never experienced. Even before we are born we are in constant conversation with the outside world and the strong vibrations resonating from our mothers touch puts our mind to rest. This conversation becomes more evident and loud the moment we step into this world. They become more frequent and cluttered as we move ahead in life. Things start becoming blurred when we start comparing ourselves with others at the time focused it we look within ourselves.

We are happy the moment things come in our favour and we take pride in our merits and fail to thank God. If things don’t work out in our favour we are upset and conveniently blame it on our destiny. The easier thing to satisfy our ego would be to blame it on others or question God. It is ironical we call him Almighty and still doubt his justice.

Have we ever realised that if everything starts coming our way then we are in the wrong track. Have we failed to realise that we were born out of nothing yet we have a much deeper and unconditional commitment to fulfil our duties towards our own self and others without expectations. If this may be true then what we have to lose. Everything we have with us today is all what we have gained. This is karma, a commitment which steers our life in a particular direction, towards a particular goal which is always positive as it is predefined by God. This goal is virtual and can be termed realistic only if we are contended with the result.

During this course we meet many people during our course of journey. Some bad some good. Some are with us for a moment, some for a short while and some for a longer time. Each one is sent by God for a specific purpose and a particular reason, as angels of god to be with us. If we look back and analyse even our bad or the worst situations, as we felt, were for a purpose to guide us or perhaps teach us something new. It is we who chose what to take and what to leave and if it was our choice why don’t we take the responsibility for what we are today. If we have not gained anything, we can’t deny that they have certainly made us wise.

We all know there are not accidents in this universe. God has no favourites. Every fruit we eat has to be peeled before we enjoy and he gives everyone what they deserve. This is Karma. He also shows us the path of Dharma which is inevitable. It is we who make this process complicated by comparing. It depends on us to choose to be contended by having been gifted with what others don’t have or remain in a conflict and unhappy by choosing to look at what others have without making an positive and measurable effort to do our duties.

If we have to blame God then why we go to bed with plans for tomorrow when we have no assurance to wake up alive the next morning. A young baby does not question you when you throw him in the air, but just laughs because he trust you and knows you will catch him.

I would like to share which was sent by one of my friend “Once, all villagers decided to pray for rain. On the day of the prayer all people gathered and only one boy came with an umbrella". This is faith.

Thank god for everything what I have today and love you for being with me today as this is the only true spirit to give oneself a loving identification and implicit obedience of spiritual injunctions.