Is America ready to witness and assimilate change?

The hectic campaigning drew to a closure with a bang. The day dawned with a euphoric feel to it. History stood on the threshold for America on Nov 4, 2008 as Barack Hussein Obama trounced his Republican rival John McCain with a huge margin to become US’ first black president.

The world went in a tizzy of delight and exclamations galore as the young, political novice gracefully accepted the verdict that laid to rest on his shoulders world’s most powerful job. Needless to say, the fiery and wonderfully eloquent Democrat delighted with his inspiring words that unleashed hope in leaps and bounds.

But as a young international affairs expert has pointed out, Obama’s promised slew of changes - when scrutinised in a practical light – yield little in effect and hence can be best described as “cosmetic” in nature. (Manoj Kewalramani: ‘Substantial Indifference’)

Now, while very much debatable, the point remains that Obama’s election does bring a range of issues in its wake that seek resolution. One of these is the fact of his racial identity that though adding to his mass appeal remains at loggerheads with the deep seated conservative nature of American political and social strata.

An analysis of the results clearly and disturbingly points out the fact that Obama suffers a defecit of over 10 percent as compared to McCain in the category of white voters. Though not a huge margin, it goes against the dominant trend, wherein he has comfortably managed to woo all sections of the public.

Will America’s deep seated racial misgivings come into play in the coming four years? Will this aura of invincibility, which Obama seems to enjoy now, hold in face of crucial foreign policy decisions that he may choose to make and which will definitely irk many nerves?

Are we sure that in these times when the waning superpower is struggling to reassure itself, this ’seemingly willing for change’ America will stand by its president elect and not allude any of his failures or decisions to his ethnic origin?

These are some of the questions that the world will seek answers to as it keeps an eye on how Obama heralds the mouch touted wave of change that was his calling card to becoming the one who altered the course of global political history.

Hope defereth too long begets misery..

Megha Sharma

The epithet above is scarily accurate and this is something I discovered much to my chagrin recently. Hoping is essential and basic to human nature. Many a lofty soul and intellect have advised against it and many a laymen have nevertheless fallen pray to its inviting tentacles.

It comes so very naturally and doesn’t leave one any time to ponder over its consequent ramifications. But it slays, and very sharply so, when one lets it reign for a period too long. Hope.. but learn to disband the same when things refuse to change for the better, or what you assume to be a movement for the better.

Globally accepted maxims will tell you that the direct alternative to hope is nothing but despair. That is something I choose to disagree with. An effective, practicle and emotionally sound alternative to the same is acceptance of the things as they stand.

Herein Bhagwad Geeta is right when it propounds that doing the action is enough, worrying and hankering after the results is no good!

Alas, if only I could wholeheartedly follow the same and thereby protect myself from the vicious pangs of hope that leave a trail of dismayed dreams in its wake….

(Disclaimer: My own incapability to adhere does not translate into a universal applicability of the same. So please, do give the theory a try)

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Megha Sharma

“I know what they want from me.. They want a Why.. Maybe a What”

In this day and age of being different, of being indivisualistic, of defeating the herd mentality and charting one’s own path - I stand ironically alone in being painfully normal…just plain.

There are times when I have nothing extraordinarily witty to add to a conversation. There are times when I have no new information to disseminate. There are times when I dont get things…but then is it soo bad?

It is true to some extent that devoid of the urge to best yourself, life loses direction and meaning. But then do we all have to be infused within that vicious circle?

Some are blessed with that intellectual brilliance, that intent bent of mind that necessitates scouting for regular development. They need to - nay deserve to – seek out challenges and constantly replenish themselves. Others like me don’t mind being just that – normal – witty at times, daft at others!

Being the second best is not the worse, neither is it defeatist and ignorant. I do things that I love, I do them the way I like to, then where am I the loser?

I thrive on spontaniety, on writing, on communicating, on dancing to any godforsaken random song. I do all these, but it seems it is not enough for the world around me..

“I know what they want from me…They want a Why..Maybe a What”

Miss Jellybones, courtesy Bruce!

Megha Sharma

My bones are turning to jelly..they truly are, melting honey on warm buttered croissants!!!!! Ummmmm…Well, before you press the panic button over my apparently benumbed state of mind, let it be known that I have been very successfully initiated into the world, where Springsteen is the GOD.

A bumbling amatuer when it comes to the knowhow of English music per se (apart from some routine popular hits and one odd song that has driven me to desperation) I have had no history in the same. A girl that completely thrives on chichora, quintessential bollywood music, I just happen to love jazz and the saxophone.

But, today was the day I was introduced to Springsteen…I was made to hear two songs…I wanted more.. I came home and have been hooked on ever since.  From the absolutely awesome “Tougher than the rest” to the very sultry, yet thoughtful “Fire”, to the ambigous “She’s the one”, I have fallen bigtime for the sometimes mellow, sometimes baritone voice.

To begin with, I am getting on with these and hope to soon acquire the taste in order to appreciate the deeper lyrics. Will keep thee all posted. Springsteen…here I come!!!!!!!!!!

Post script: My header image is subject to change as per my reigning whim…..!

Just why on Earth Lalu Yadav impresses me so..

Megha Sharma

There.. I have admitted it to the world. I have come out in the open with my immense love and admiration for the inimitable, invincible Padmshree Shri Lalu Prasad Yadav ji.

The only guy who can justifiably claim the mantle of the quintessential Indian politician, with the veritable mix of desi, videsi thrown in is the former Bihar CM.

This is not to praise the sham and almost laughable version of democracy our politicians follow. Trust me when I say that I am one of the harshest critics of the sullied system that leaves barely little for us to emulate.

Viewing this magnetic persona solely in the light of his personal attributions and affectations (If I may dare to say so!), Lalu wins hands down when it comes to spontaneous repartee and impressive bravado.

Lalu’s antics in the recent Parliamentary trust vote had one and all in splits. Amid a politically volatile situation, his voicing of support for the much hassled Rahul Gandhi and his outright satirical stance on Behenji Mayawati’s ambitions was absolutely priceless. A shrewed politician, Lalu was at his poetic best that day.

He fits the bill of the Court Joker, who in classical dramatis personae was the voice of critique, garbed in satire and jovial mumblings.

I wish Lalu was every bit a conscentious leader as he is an entertainer. Nevertheless, my love for him stands true…!