Shark vs Crocodile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The western media wants everyone to believe that sharks are the most dangerous species of the water or even otherwise. We have scene lots of Hollywood movies based on shark scare like the “Jaws” series (third movie of Jaw series was one of the worst movies I ever saw) or the later “Deep blue Sea” (which was made very scary indeed) or “red water” (which I haven’t scene yet) etc. Even the discovery channel shows lots of shows about sharks. Perhaps the western culture believes or wants to believe that sharks are most dangerous animal on the planet. 

 

But the study and statistics say that sharks are not that dangerous, sharks tend to avoid humans and very rarely attack, that too when she is convinced that the target is another fish or water creature. Wikipedia says that during 2001 to 2006, average fatality per year due to shark attack is just 4.3 as compared to hundreds of fatalities every year by crocodiles. All the species of sharks including great white, have been filmed in water without cage protection, can one dare to do so with a salt-water crocodile?

 

On the other hand crocodiles, particularly salt water crocodiles are the most dangerous water species for humans because they target humans intentionally, and humans are always on their menu . Crocodiles kill annually hundreds of humans with intentional attacks without any provocation. Also the strength of a crocodile is unbelievable, it can drag a full-grown buffalo into water very easily. A salt water crocodile can grow up to 7 meters and there have been reports of crocodiles 10 m long too. And any species of shark doesn’t stand anywhere if compared with a crocodile.

 

Wikipedia says

 

“Despite their slow appearance, crocodiles are top predators in their environment, and various species have been observed attacking and killing sharks”

 

Wiki further says

 

“The larger species of crocodiles are very dangerous to humans. The main danger that crocodiles pose is not their ability to run after a person but their ability to strike before the person can react. The Saltwater and Nile Crocodiles are the most dangerous, killing hundreds of people each year in parts of south-east Asia and Africa. Mugger crocodiles and possibly the endangered Black Caiman, are also very dangerous to humans.“

  

Then why western culture is so obsessed with sharks? Probably because of their appearance, with round bulging eyes and big jaws, sharks look really scary, whereas crocodiles don’t look so scary if compared to sharks.

 

In Indian culture, crocodiles have always been considered most dangerous water species, bollywood films have also reflected it at times, and also there is a saying in Hindi “Jal mein reh kar magar se bair”.

  

Following is an interesting slide show of a fight between shark and crocodile, and of course crocodile was the winner.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OfOvs79wDc

   

 

 Note- Image is from Youtube

   

Decline of “Khari Boli”

 

 Those who belong to or have lived in Haryana, Delhi or Northwestern UP, understand what “Khari boli” (Haryanavi) dialect of Hindi is all about. Some people say it lacks sophistication and even that it’s rude.

 

The perception of lack of sophistication or being “rude”, is probably because that the words which show respect in Hindi are not part of khari boli, for example , to address someone, “Aap” is non existant, mainly “Tu” is used, and if one wants to give lot of respect “Tum” is used :) .Also, “iye” of sophisticated Hindi is not spoken in “Khari Boli” for example,  to ask some one to sit “ Bathiye” wont be used , only “baith ja” or “Baitho” shall be used. Also, the sentence closing “Hai” of mainstream Hindi is not used in “Khari boli” .The terms most distinct about khari boi are use of “Maka” and “ Nuko”  for “Maine kaha” (I said) and “usne kaha” (he/she said).. Hindi words are spoken differently to give a unique flow to the language, like the word “Anghuthi” (Ring) will be pronounced as “Gunthi”.“Khari Boli” when spoken in it’s original form, is an unbelievably fast accent ..and difference between normal sophisticated Hindi and Khari Boli is just like the difference of spoken English between Indians and westerners.

 

But, of late “Khari Boli” accent is on decline. First of all Delhi lost it, being a major metropolis and capital of the country, and nowadays urban regions of Haryana and northwestern UP are loosing it and is limited to older generations only, and young generation have developed more sophisticated form of Hindi. The reason behind is the general perception even in the native speakers, that “Khari boi” is “rude” way of speaking and is not sophisticated. Nowadays it has become unfashionable to speak it.

 

There have been efforts to sanskritize Khari Boli, but this dilect of Hindi will die if sanskritised, as Sanskrit words doesn’t fit naturally here. Of Course the standard or pure Hindi derives it’s vocabulary from Sanskrit, but Khari Boli is different, and uses basically “Tadhbhav” form of Sanskrit words.

 

But I believe Khari boli is very much alive in the rural area of this region, and some of my relatives (Younger generation too) who live in the villages/small towns of this region, speak it. I personally am very fond of Khari Boli… since my childhood I’ve scene my relatives speaking it, though myself and our parents don’t speak it having lived in urban areas, but my parents can switch gear anytime and start speaking it when with our relatives :) , but myself and my brother (Like other younger generation of urban population of this region ) are not able to speak it, but still we love it.

 

P.S.- In Bollywood, Khari boli is very rare…A recent example i’ve scene in Bollywood is the character of Komal Chautala in the film “Chak de India”, who spoke in Khari boli dilect

 

Tribute to Inspector MC Sharma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are certain things, which make us to be proud of our nation and the heroes of our nation. Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma, one of the most worthy officers of Delhi police breathed his last yesterday, he was 42. He was badly injured during an encounter with the terrorists in the Jamia nagar area of south Delhi yesterday.

 

Inspector Sharma, Winner of seven gallantry awards, including the President’s gallantry medal and 150 police rewards, was credited with the killing of 35 terrorists and the arrest of 80 others. Sharma always pioneered Delhi police’s fight against terror. Hardly there was any big operation, that Delhi police performed without Inspector Sharma, and he never failed.

 

 Even yesterday’s event was a major breakthrough in India’s fight against terror, as they were apparently the same terrorists who were involved in Ahmedabad and Delhi blasts. While two were killed, and two managed to flee, one was nabbed by Delhi police and is under interrogation.

 

 I salute Inspector Sharma for his bravery and dedication; it’s because of officers like him only that many terror attacks are busted before making any loss to the nation and we manage to live a peaceful life.

 

 But one question I would like to raise, why he and other policemen were not wearing bulletproof jackets when they were supposed to take on the dangerous terrorists, I’m not sure what’s the reason. Inspector Sharma had bullet wounds on his abdomen, he could definitely be saved if was wearing a bulletproof jacket. While our politicians (Many of them are harming the nation) have so tight security…why our brave officers who take on direct encounter with the terrorists are not taken care of?

 

 Inspector Sharma, India is proud of you

 

PS: Later JCP Mr Karnal Singh clarified in his press conference that not wearing bulletproof jacket was a strategy by inspector Sharma himself.

 

Indianness of Indians

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I won’t be exaggerating if I say India is the most diverse country on earth. The languages, culture, traditions, beliefs, religions, lifestyles vary considerably in different parts of India and as a consequence, at times there have been differences too.But we have always stood together when needed and are united.

 

But, I believe there are many things common among all the Indians, that is the true Indian ness which binds all of us Indians in one thread. I would count a few, which come to my mind

     

       

q             Religiosity: Indians from all regions of the country are very religious people. The religion Hinduism is a dominant religion in almost all parts of India, be it UP, be it Tamilnadu, be it Bengal or Gujarat. Though some festivals and traditions may vary in different regions, but all come under the umbrella of Hinduism. There are many other equally important religions in India like Islam,Christianity,Sikkhism,Jainism, Buddhism etc.

 

 

q         Respect for the older- It’s a unique Indian concept to respect someone because he/she is older to you in age; I see this in all parts of India. People address even the strangers with the terms which means “brother” (for similar age group) or “uncle” (for older people). In North India to anyone of similar age group though stranger, people address saying “Bhaisahab” or “Paji” or “Bhaiya” which means brother, and in south they call “Anna” which too means brother.

 

 

q             Carelessness- I feel In general Indians are little bit careless people (In some aspects only,not all ) not follow rules like parking in no parking zone, Lack of safety caution (Despite growing terrorism in the country), breaking traffic rules etc. I have scene the laxity in the security checks in all the major airports in the country from all the regions. The security check is also done very carelessly in malls/multiplexes across the country. Everywhere Indians don’t mind throwing garbage on roads (When in India of course ) 

 

 

q           Marriages – Marriage is a very important institution everywhere in India, marriages are predominantly arranged and divorces are minimal, dowry too is common.

 

 

q          Family & Relations: Joint families are common in India; different relations have got specific names. Love & mutual respect is of utmost importance.

 

 

q           Caste system: Everywhere in India one can find people belonging to “superior” or “inferior” castes. Though negative point, but it’s common in India. 

 

 

q           Government departments- Everywhere in India government officers and departments are known for laziness, lack of efficiency and not delivering the results. Nepotism is also common. 

 

 

q           Films & Entertainment- We have many film industries in India in different languages like Hindi, Tamil,Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Bhojpuri, Malayalam etc but the style of film making is more or less same. Predominantly love stories with song & dance sequences.

 

 

q           Ramayana & Mahabharata- Though few may not agree but i believe that the mythological stories of Ramayana & Mahabharata are commonly known in all parts of India.

 

 

Note: To avoid confusion i would clarify that in the above post, i’ve mentioned only those points, which i feel are common across all the regions in India, as India is an extraordinarily diverse country..here i am not writing about general tendencies of Indians, but only those points which are common across Indians from most of the regions of the country 

 

 

Technological Advancement: Why Only Last Few Centuries Have Witnessed it All

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Scientists say humans evolved in the present shape some 2 Lakh years back, and since then we have inhabited this planet, expanded our civilization, made society and are trying to make our life as better as possible.

 We made lots of inventions since the ancient times for the betterment of our life style.But what surprises me is that how come most of the technology and scientific inventions happened to be part of last couple of centuries only. If I put it in numbers then since last 2000 centuries when humans evolved in present form, only last 5 centuries count for fundamental scientific research and last 2 centuries witnessed technological advancement. 

 There is a difference between science & technology, as technology (Engineering) is the application of fundamental science, so we can assume that most of the fundamental scientific research (In the field of Physics & Mathematics), which solved some of the basic questions, happened in last 5 centuries (Including Newton era) and most of the advancement of technology (ie application of science) happened in the last couple of centuries, which started with the industrial revolution in Great Britain in late 17^th century.

 When I think why exactly is it so, I come to a conclusion (As, I have to come to the conclusion for the sake of it) that the humans in the beginning when evolved could not understand the nature and it’s complications, they were afraid of rains, quakes, floods and other natural disasters, when they could not demystify these natural phenomenons, they assumed in the power of almighty God. The concept of God became the answer to all the questions which the poor human could not answer and the concept of religion came into existence. Further, the Kings and the heads of Human societies too believed in the Religion/God and took shelters of some religious Gurus. The concept of religious Gurus was a worldwide phenomenon who were advisors to the Kings. In Indian tradition there was a concept of “Rajguru” in the west “pope” (Though pope is a very recent phenomenon) and before Pope, the religious advisers to the Kings. 

 And these religious Gurus were one of the major hurdles in the advancement of the science in the ancient times. These religious Gurus could have their position in question had the people started believing scientific theories. We all know about the story of Socrates of Greece , that how he was given the death sentence when he tried to defer from the religious beliefs of that time and tried to explain the things scientifically.

 

 I know I came to this “conclusion” for the sake of it, and this is just one of the reasons, and still this question continues to haunt me that how come the most of technological inventions happened in a very ridiculously brief period of the human history.

 

Exploring the Endeavors of Human Civilization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There has been lot of buzz about a recent experiment in Geneva where the scientists want to create the circumstances just after the big bang. This was the time when “Time” and “Matter” was created as per the threory of Big Bang.This experiment claims to help us understand the very fundamental question, that who we are, where are we and why are we? In short, this is an attempt to answer the question that how this universe came in to existence.

 

  Just a couple of days back I heard a scientist on television saying that they are trying to find out why the universe looks the way it does. Frankly speaking I was surprised to see a scientist speak like that. For me, the question “why it looks the way it does” is not a fundamental question at all.Simply because we can not judge or see this universe only with respect to us, the humans.

 

A very basic concept of Einstein’s theroey of special relativity is that

“There exist no objective world irrespective of an observer”

 

 What all we see, feel and observe is with respect to us, with the help of the powers/ senses given to us by the nature. For example, Bats can hear some ultrasonic sounds which exist, but we cant hear. Many animals cant see colours but we humans can see.So, ultrasonic sounds exist, that we found with the help of our technology, but in this huge cosmos, there are so many things which exist but we can’t feel.

 

 “What exists” too is not a fundamental question because everything “exists” with respect to something. For example, a piece of wood is solid with respect to us, but it’s not solid with respect to a single cell bacteria. About 90% space within an atom is empty where electrons revolve around the nucleus. So, what’s the definition of a “solid”.

 

 There is a saying in sanskrit “Yatha pinde tatha Brahmande “, which means every particle is a universe in itself.

 

  So, everything we see, feel and observe in this universe is with respect to us, with the power/senses gien to us by the nature, this universe is different with respect to an animal, again entirely different with respect to an insect , and again different with respect to a bacteria…And all together different with respect to some species which never born on earth/universe…………So? what’s there without respect to anything….What’s there in absolute terms….Answer is, may be nothing, may be a pack of energy ..or may be God..

 

 At times i feel what is the aim of our human civilization, where are we moving to?? Can we get the answer in our lifetime????

 

Sheila Dixit: A Chief Minister to admire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Few would disagree that Sheila dixit has done a tremendous job as chief minister of Delhi state. She is a  70 years old, but still is very enthusiastic, dynamic and a wonderful administrator. She is the second chief minister of Delhi after a brief stint of Sushma swaraj as Delhi chief minister.

 

Since last ten years, when she took oath of chief minister of Delhi, the city has transformed like anything, Otherwise Delhi was unlivable in the nineties due to traffic and pollution. But as she took the charge, and implemented her policies, the face of Delhi began to change, and in next 5 years the city underwent a metamorphosis for much better.

  

The Other Chief Ministers i admire are former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, Former Karnataka chief minister S M Krishna and current Haryana chief minister Bhoopinder Singh Hooda. All of them have dont a lot for their states, and were very enthusiastic  about that, and also they have clean and corruption free image.

 

 What i like about Sheila Dixit is her genuine enthusiasm for the progress of Delhi, her policies and their implementations, her clean image and also the way she interacts with the media

  

 

No wonder people of Delhi gave her the second opportunity in 2003, a rare phenomenon in the Indian politics. And I see bright chances for her even in the next (Dec 2008) Delhi elections.