Moody on UFO, Mangalyaan and Moon Mission for monkey baat (satire)

Moody had made a name for himself in a number of areas that had never been charted by any other political leader – one was his passion for selfies, another was his passion for coining new phrases and the third was his passion for talking. He was the most popular leader and, if and when, an Extra Terrestrial landed from outer Space, it would be sure to look him up.
Suddenly, the phone on his desk rang.
‘Yes, Moody here,’ he picked up the receiver and said.
There was a lot of crackling noise in the line followed by a continuous shrill blast of a whistle and then a voice came over.

‘Am I speaking to the most popular man on Earth?’ the voice asked.
‘Of course I am the most popular man on Earth,’ Moody replied.
‘And the man who loves selfies?’
‘Yes, undoubtedly. I set the trend and other leaders are following.’
‘And, the man who has travelled to all the countries in the world.’
‘Yes again,’ Moody was getting irritated. ‘But, who are you? I don’t recollect meeting you.’
‘You are right. We have not met yet.’
‘How did you get my number?’ Moody panicked. ‘Only a few top leaders of the world have access to my number.’
‘I am an alien, I don’t come under the control of any Earthling. I have my own UFO and can travel at will wherever I want to go. Do you want to meet me?’
Moody was amused. If an alien did come to meet him, it would be a unique experience.
‘OK Mr. Alien, please do make your entry,’ he said.
He was an orator par excellence and loved to hear his own voice. That is how monkey baat, the monthly radio program, took off. However, the novelty soon wore off and Moody was worried about which topic to talk on to hold the attention of his audience.
He had his answer. He would talk about UFOs in his next monkey baat, UFO, Mangalyaan, and Moon Mission. They all begin with M, just like his own name. Such a session would draw the younger generation to the radio.
A discreet knock on the door brought him back to reality. (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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Didi to UP on a selling mission (satire)

Ronald Grump invites Moody to Las Vegas (satire)

In the wonderland of deo sprays, fairness creams, and condoms


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Didi to UP on a selling mission (satire)

Didi was in her chamber and the easel was on one side of the room. The huge glass window showed a view of the Howrah Bridge and the canvas on the easel was still untouched. She wanted to draw a bicycle and a hand – her dilemma was which should she draw first? Should the hand push the bicycle or should the bicycle be controlled by the hand?
‘I think you are worried?’ he asked.
‘Yes,’ Didi nodded. ‘I always so many problems on my head and so many worries in my mind.’
‘Did you get a good night’s sleep?’
‘That is no problem. I don’t count sheep but count goats. There are so many of them around.’
‘Are you worried about Shoe Deep and Paposh Pal?’
Both Shoe Deep and Paposh Pal were behind bars. That too away from home. Paposh had tried to avoid the bars by using his acting skills – but did not succeed.
She brushed aside the question.
‘I want to go to Lucknow,’ she said.

‘To attend the rally?’
‘That will come automatically. I want to go with a specific mission.’
‘You mean you want to influence the voters?’
‘I want to spread the message of sweetness. Get it all arranged.’
‘Who will come with you?’
‘Those who make madur, shitalpati and shalpata. These have earned UNESCO recognition and I want to sell them to the people of Lucknow. Along with our unique brand of sweets – the sitabhog and mihidana, the Joynagarer moah, the nalen gurer sandesh. Charter a plane and send them with me.’
‘But where will you put up the stall?’
‘No separate stall. My people will remain in the plane and the items will be sold from the plane which will follow the venue of the rallies. Beginning with Lucknow it will go to Varanasi, Rae Bareilly, and Allahabad etcetera.’
‘And – you will be with them?’
‘Of course. It will give me time to assess the situation in preparation of 2019. And also to pen some more poetry. After all, I too need a break once in a while. ’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Tejas Light Combat Aircraft to debut at the 2017 Republic Day parade

Many of the Trump hats are not made in America but in China, Vietnam and Bangladesh

Chinese firm to invest over Rs 1300 crore in Toto rickshaw manufacture in Howrah


Didi visualizes industrial revival via nalen gur (satire)

Lord Shiva and the sight of potbellied policemen (satire)

In the wonderland of health drinks


Shah Rukh Khan's movie Raees to release in Dubai on January 25

James Cameron plans to resurrect his Terminator franchise in 2019

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan wants more power to women in 2017


ISIS destroys portions of Roman amphitheatre in the ancient city of Palmyra

Kim Jong-Un plans to send a message to Donald Trump by launching a missile

Bomb blast in a vegetable market in Parachinar kills at least 20

Ronald Grump invites Moody to Las Vegas (satire)

Moody was worried and the phone call came like a breath of fresh air to rekindle hopes of a new bond between him and Ronald Grump, the most powerful man on Earth. There was a big age gap between them and a still yawning chasm of diverse culture. But, Moody knew that he could win over Ronald.
He just need some time to size up his new found ally.
‘Hi Moody,’ Ronald said in a loud voice. ‘How are you this morning? Had a good night’s sleep? Breakfast?’
‘I rise early,’ Moody said. ‘And, I always have sound sleep. I don’t need to count sheep.’
‘I was joking,’ Ronald laughed. ‘You are waking up now and I am going to sleep. It’s the time difference. But, don’t forget – we are friends.’
‘Bahut dhanyabad,’ Moody replied.
‘Danny is bad? Which Danny?’
‘Danny is not bad,’ Moody explained. ‘I said dhanyabad which means thanks. I am counting on you to keep the pests off my back.’

‘Don’t you worry. I have my work cut out. The world will be a better place to live in with me at the helm. I’ll stop outsiders from entering my house. I’ll put up barricades. I’ll send bloodhounds after them.’
‘What do you mean by outsiders?’
‘I don’t need to spell it out. It is obvious, isn’t it? Anyway – I just called to tell you we’ll make a great pair. You and I. We’ll make things happen.’
‘That’ll be great. We must meet and chalk out a plan.’
‘Why don’t you come over and let your hair down? I’ll show you around Las Vegas – you can try your hand at the casino. And – we can have a ball at one of the night clubs,’ Ronald Grump was bubbling with excitement.’
‘Thanks for the offer – but, I am not of that type.’
‘Hey man, it’ll all be discreet,’ Ronald said in a low voice. ‘No one will know. My secret service men are experts, they will keep your media out.’
Moody gulped. He did not have a ready answer – and that has never happened before.
‘Are you afraid that your wife will find out?’
‘She is not of that type,’ Moody said. ‘She has full faith in me.’
‘I am sorry,’ Ronald apologized. ‘When I get bored, I change partners. It makes life interesting. Anyway – I’ll expect you to drop in on me. We’ll change the world.’,br> Next day the telephonic conversation between Moody and Grump was the media headline with speculation on what was discussed. No one will guess the truth. (to be contd …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Tejas Light Combat Aircraft to debut at the 2017 Republic Day parade

Many of the Trump hats are not made in America but in China, Vietnam and Bangladesh

Chinese firm to invest over Rs 1300 crore in Toto rickshaw manufacture in Howrah


Didi visualizes industrial revival via nalen gur (satire)

Lord Shiva and the sight of potbellied policemen (satire)

In the wonderland of health drinks


Shah Rukh Khan's movie Raees to release in Dubai on January 25

James Cameron plans to resurrect his Terminator franchise in 2019

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan wants more power to women in 2017


ISIS destroys portions of Roman amphitheatre in the ancient city of Palmyra

Kim Jong-Un plans to send a message to Donald Trump by launching a missile

Bomb blast in a vegetable market in Parachinar kills at least 20

In the wonderland of deo sprays, fairness creams, and condoms

The new age has thrown up a number of unique men centric products that were never heard of in society. One of these is the deodorant, shortened to deo spray. In my youth, ordinary bath soaps were enough to impart the fresh look and add a bit of fragrance that would keep me surrounded like an invisible halo. When going to attend marriage celebration of a family member, I would spray a bit of perfume borrowed from my mother – and, she would not know.
Times have changed and, today, it is all about deo sprays. Scantily clad models cast meaningful glances at the usually bare chested young man and swoon over him who has sprayed the exotic deo spray on his body.

Another men centric product is the fairness cream – it is touted as a cream that can impart a fair complexion to any man. And, it is promoted by a celebrity of Bollywood. In spite of that stars of the silver screen as well as of the small screen have begun to sport beards – a bit strange.
Yet another men centric product is the condom – once mentioned in undertones, it is now advertised widely on TV with celebrities endorsing the product. The latest entrant to this fold is a famous cricketer known for his sixers in IPL.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Tejas Light Combat Aircraft to debut at the 2017 Republic Day parade

Many of the Trump hats are not made in America but in China, Vietnam and Bangladesh

Chinese firm to invest over Rs 1300 crore in Toto rickshaw manufacture in Howrah


Didi visualizes industrial revival via nalen gur (satire)

Lord Shiva and the sight of potbellied policemen (satire)

In the wonderland of health drinks


Shah Rukh Khan's movie Raees to release in Dubai on January 25

James Cameron plans to resurrect his Terminator franchise in 2019

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan wants more power to women in 2017


ISIS destroys portions of Roman amphitheatre in the ancient city of Palmyra

Kim Jong-Un plans to send a message to Donald Trump by launching a missile

Bomb blast in a vegetable market in Parachinar kills at least 20

Didi visualizes industrial revival via nalen gur (satire)

The day had arrived and Didi was on tenterhooks.
She was in her cabin and, on the easel in front of her was a painting – it was a design for the cover of her latest book of poems which she would release in the Kolkata Book Fair.
But, her mind was elsewhere.
Will her vision of an industrial revival really become a reality? She was not one to venture out in search of willing investors – still, she had been to Singapore, to London to Italy and even to Berlin. She had invited everyone to come and, they have obliged.
It was now her turn to ensure that they invested in industries and help her erase the memories of driving out what would have been a major industry today.
Suddenly Moo Cool entered – he was excited.
‘Any good news?’ Didi asked.
‘One party from Germany is interested in importing nalen gur,’ Moo Cool said. ‘They want to use it for fishing.’

‘Fishing?’
‘Yes. They want to use it in their baits,’ he explained. ‘They feel the beautiful fragrance would attract more fish.’
‘But how much would they import?’ Didi asked.
‘Initially they’ll take back some samples with them. Once they return to Berlin, they’ll get them tested in their labs. If they are satisfied, they’ll negotiate terms.’
‘When can I get a feedback?’
‘If you want, I can make a trip to Berlin to hasten up the issue.’
‘That is an idea,’ Didi agreed but did not give Moo Cool any indication that she would release him. ‘I hope nalen gurer sandesh is there in the dessert?’
‘Of course,’ Moo Cool relied. ‘It is a product that is unique to us and we must explore all possible avenues to promote it and export it to foreign countries. By the way, one of my close relatives is experimenting to make cakes with nalen gur.’
‘That will be wonderful. Ask him to patent it. I have a feeling that nalen gur will be the answer to the revival of industries here.’ (to be contd …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

CISF prevents students of Manipur from entering the Taj Mahal

Kolkata to soon get rice and fish curry for Rs 21 at selected outlets

Bhilai tries to set five world records in Yoga with one lakh people participating


In the wonderland of women centric products

In the wonderland of banyans and messages

In the wonderland of toothpastes


Avatar star Zoe Saldana in Ben Affleck's Live By Night

Vin Diesel and Deepika Padukone in Mumbai to promote XXX: Return of Xander Cage

Aamir Khan's Dangal expected to cross Rs 100 crore in first weekend


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Defensive anti-aircraft missiles around Moscow in preparation for a war?

US army veteran shoots dead five persons in Fort Lauderdale airport, Florida

In the wonderland of health drinks

It is a fact that new has to make way for the old and it holds good for even the health drinks. I have seen ad of one of the most popular health drinks way back in my school days. It used to be in the form of a comic strip (with balloons to accommodate the texts) in newspapers and was about a watch repairer. He improved his business potentials by regularly taking the health drink – it gave him ideas of how to improve customer relationship. When someone approached him with a watch in need of repairs and it would take time, he would lend him a watch till the unserviceable one was repaired.
Well – that health drink still rules the roost.

Only, it has acquired variety of attractive packaging and is targeted at specific groups of users. It starts with pregnant mothers and graduates to various age groups of children right from the cradle till the formative years. And, it does not end there. It goes on to women who are stressed by the daily routine.
This brand believes in aggressively marketing its products for specific target groups. The basic product remains more or less the same – it is the packaging that makes it different.
Then there are the health drinks that try to outdo one another by claiming to make the children ‘taller and stronger’. Once upon a time, a famous cricketer used to extol the virtues of a brand of health drink. He was the face of a shaving cream also.
Today, the models for health drinks have mothers with their kids – and, she even runs alongside her son to encourage him. After all, mothers know best.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

CISF prevents students of Manipur from entering the Taj Mahal

Kolkata to soon get rice and fish curry for Rs 21 at selected outlets

Bhilai tries to set five world records in Yoga with one lakh people participating


In the wonderland of women centric products

In the wonderland of banyans and messages

In the wonderland of toothpastes


Avatar star Zoe Saldana in Ben Affleck's Live By Night

Vin Diesel and Deepika Padukone in Mumbai to promote XXX: Return of Xander Cage

Aamir Khan's Dangal expected to cross Rs 100 crore in first weekend


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Defensive anti-aircraft missiles around Moscow in preparation for a war?

US army veteran shoots dead five persons in Fort Lauderdale airport, Florida

Lord Shiva and the sight of potbellied policemen (satire)

Lord Shiva was in one of his jolly moods when he allowed himself a good laugh. It was not a normal sight because he has plenty on his mind – but, still, on some occasions he does laugh.
That is what brought Durga out of her kitchen. She was preparing aloo paratha when she heard Shiva’s loud laughter. ‘What is so funny?’ she asked as she came up beside her Lord.
‘Those policemen,’ Shiva said and held out the binocular to her.
Durga took it, focused it and grinned.
‘Poor souls,’ she sighed, ‘they are really struggling to keep their belts in place. Wonder how they manage to move about. Can they ever expect to chase and catch a thief with a figure like that?’
‘Don’t blame them,’ Shiva said. ‘A well-developed belly means a satisfied individual. He can digest his food, has a good night’s sleep and does not have a care in the world.’

‘You mean he has the world in his pocket?’ Durga asked.
‘Sort of,’ Shiva said. ‘Their minister is none other than Didi. She takes good care of her police force. She has subcontracted most of the policing work to her own people. And, the regular police take it easy. They just come, sleep and go.’
‘But – the police chief is so slim,’ Durga pointed out. ‘He has set an example, his force should follow suit.’
‘My dear, there is many a slip between the cup and the lip. And, in case you have not seen, the police in Mumbai are also wide at the middle. And, policemen we see in films follow the trend. The audience make fun of them, they are at the butt of jokes. But, nothing happens.’
‘You mean we can never see slim and smart policemen in our forces? You mean Britain and the US will get the better of us? Our police cannot compete with Scotland Yard and FBI?’
‘Don’t lose heart,’ Shiva mumbled. ‘Weight is no problem – in fact it opens up new opportunities.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You can have new gyms, new equipment like treadmills, new weight reduction programs on TV, new weight reduction pills. And, people can mint money on the sly.’ (to be contd …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

CISF prevents students of Manipur from entering the Taj Mahal

Kolkata to soon get rice and fish curry for Rs 21 at selected outlets

Bhilai tries to set five world records in Yoga with one lakh people participating


In the wonderland of women centric products

In the wonderland of banyans and messages

In the wonderland of toothpastes


Avatar star Zoe Saldana in Ben Affleck's Live By Night

Vin Diesel and Deepika Padukone in Mumbai to promote XXX: Return of Xander Cage

Aamir Khan's Dangal expected to cross Rs 100 crore in first weekend


Migrant boat capsizes off Libya's coast - 100 feared dead

Defensive anti-aircraft missiles around Moscow in preparation for a war?

US army veteran shoots dead five persons in Fort Lauderdale airport, Florida

In the wonderland of women centric products

It was one of those days when I suddenly realized that the world around me has changed beyond recognition.
I had gone to a medical shop to buy some medicine when a group of four girls came there. They were in their pre-teens and were having an animated discussion on which sanitary napkin was the best buy! They were quoting from the ads that appear regularly on TV. They were not shy, neither did they speak in whispers or undertones – obviously, they knew what they needed.

Yes – such purely feminine and women centric products are no longer taboo, thanks to the ads. Schools are setting up napkin vending machines in their premises. Of course, many of them do not have proper toilets and the girls skip those days to attend school - but, that is a different kettle of fish.
Talking about the women centric products, there is the 21-day pill which guarantees avoidance of unwanted pregnancies. Alongside is the ad of a kit to check for pregnancies.
Watching the TV soaps, anyone can know the tell-tale signs of pregnancy – signs like morning sickness accompanied by a desire to eat pickles. Any elderly woman in the family knew the signs. Why then have a kit?
In this connection, I remember a story that I read in the 1960s – it was penned by a famous Bengali author and was about life in Britain in those days. It was about a mother caring for her growing up daughter. She used to give specially doctored milk to her daughter before she left for school. The doctoring was done by adding powdered contraceptive pills to the milk – it was done on the sly!!


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

30th International kite festival in Gujarat, Telangana, Delhi and Karnataka

McDonald's enters The Vatican with an outlet near St. Peter's Square

Steel mugs in lavatories of trains stolen in spite of being chained to the walls


Lord Shiva laments over full Moon and a burnt roti (satire)

Didi’s Rose garden withers in the valley (satire)

Moody in the world of pickpockets and beggars (satire)


Juhi Chawla creates awareness about ill effects of plastic pollution

Nawazuddin Siddiqui on his film 'Haraamkhor' that premiered in the 15th annual New York Indian Film Festival

9th edition of Jaipur International Film Festival will screen 134 films


Car bomb kills at least 43 in the town of Azaz in Syria - most of the dead are civilians

US army veteran shoots dead five persons in Fort Lauderdale airport, Florida

Prison riots in Brazil leave at least 60 dead - some were beheaded

In the wonderland of banyans and messages

Banyans have swayed the movie kingdom as no other product has been able to.
A banyan is a garment that the menfolk wear and the purpose is to absorb the perspiration and keep the shirt clean. Banyans usually come in two types – the ones with sleeve and the sleeveless ones. And then there are the T-shirts – these are banyans with collars and pockets and are worn during the summer months.
The exact point of time when Bollywood celebrities entered on the scene to promote different brands of banyans is not known but, the fact is that several of them have, and are still, seen in ads of banyans. They are well known for their macho images and are Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Sunny Deol and Salman Khan.

Obviously, banyan is a paying proposition and has opened up job opportunities for all those associated with the ad world. There has to be catchy phrases and memorable jingles that will be remembered long after the banyans have lost their usable lifespan.
Some banyans have messages emblazoned across the front and rear – these could be ‘for a specific cause’ or to let the world know about ones feelings. The cryptic messages and one liners are real treats. A couple of examples –

‘I don’t give free advice. Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?’

‘You know what’s disturbing about you? You.’

While on the subject of banyans, I remember my school days. We used to wear half shirts and, if the sleeve of the banyan peeped out of the shirt sleeve, we were taunted – ‘your Saturday is bigger than your Sunday’.
I have still not yet been able to figure out this riddle!


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

30th International kite festival in Gujarat, Telangana, Delhi and Karnataka

McDonald's enters The Vatican with an outlet near St. Peter's Square

Steel mugs in lavatories of trains stolen in spite of being chained to the walls


Lord Shiva laments over full Moon and a burnt roti (satire)

Didi’s Rose garden withers in the valley (satire)

Moody in the world of pickpockets and beggars (satire)


Juhi Chawla creates awareness about ill effects of plastic pollution

Nawazuddin Siddiqui on his film 'Haraamkhor' that premiered in the 15th annual New York Indian Film Festival

9th edition of Jaipur International Film Festival will screen 134 films


Car bomb kills at least 43 in the town of Azaz in Syria - most of the dead are civilians

US army veteran shoots dead five persons in Fort Lauderdale airport, Florida

Prison riots in Brazil leave at least 60 dead - some were beheaded

In the wonderland of toothpastes

Long before the advent of TV ads, there used to be simple ads of various products that ranged from toothpaste to footwear and even a few popular medicines for headaches. Those used to be print based and, a few graduated to audio visual ads on the huge silver screens.
I wonder of any can recall ads of a brand of toothpaste that went ‘half an inch on a dry brush is enough’ – today ads of toothpaste have groups of young boys and girls gyrating to hip-hop music and blowing kisses to prove to the world at large that the breath is indeed fresh.

There was a brand of toothpaste that was a favorite of children of the 1960 and even the 1970s – it used to come with tiny trinkets which used to be exchanged among friends. And, to top it all, there used to be a very popular music session of an hour’s duration on Wednesdays. The geetmala bore the name of the brand. Interestingly, that concept is now returning to the Indian Railways who will rename important trains like the Rajdhani and Shatabdi with brands – to earn revenues.
Talking of toothpaste, there is another very popular ad that has an actress who drops from the sky to ask – ‘does your toothpaste have salt in it?’ Then she is whisked back into the sky!
And, the latest entrant into the ad world of toothpaste is the one created by the yoga guru - it promises to be created from a mixture of charcoal, salt and innumerable ingredients and is a totally Indian product. It has thrown a challenge to the MNCs who are reported to be exploring alternate markets and products.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

30th International kite festival in Gujarat, Telangana, Delhi and Karnataka

McDonald's enters The Vatican with an outlet near St. Peter's Square

Steel mugs in lavatories of trains stolen in spite of being chained to the walls


Lord Shiva laments over full Moon and a burnt roti (satire)

Didi’s Rose garden withers in the valley (satire)

Moody in the world of pickpockets and beggars (satire)


Juhi Chawla creates awareness about ill effects of plastic pollution

Nawazuddin Siddiqui on his film 'Haraamkhor' that premiered in the 15th annual New York Indian Film Festival

9th edition of Jaipur International Film Festival will screen 134 films


Car bomb kills at least 43 in the town of Azaz in Syria - most of the dead are civilians

US army veteran shoots dead five persons in Fort Lauderdale airport, Florida

Prison riots in Brazil leave at least 60 dead - some were beheaded

Lord Shiva laments over full Moon and a burnt roti (satire)

Lord Shiva was a lonely man – he wandered aimlessly in Mount Kailash and his devoted Nandi and Bhringi followed him wherever he went. He used his trident to poke the stones in the fond hope of turning up something interesting – and he is still waiting for his luck to favor him.
Durga, as was her wont, was watching him from the kitchen window and knew that her Lord wanted some sort of diversion. So she came into view with a pair of binoculars dangling in her hand.
‘I think you forgot to bring this,’ she said and held it out for Shiva.
‘I left it back on purpose, there is nothing new to see.’
‘You are mistaken,’ Durga shook her head ‘A New Year has started and new things will be happening. Don’t you want to see the transformation taking place?’
‘It is the same leaders with the same slogans and same promises,’ Shiva sighed. ‘They just do not want to change. They are all building castles in the air. They live in glass houses and keep throwing stones. They spit in the air and it rebounds on them.’
‘Our very own Didi is an exception,’ Durga said. ‘Her heart bleeds for her people. She has a very big heart and cozies up to those who will help her in her mission.’
‘Don’t tell me,’ Shiva shrugged off Durga’s ideas. ‘She is a chameleon – changes her color too fast and takes everyone by surprise.’

‘Why do you say that? She wants to do good for her people. She wants to bring in industries and has gone to foreign countries to invite them over. They have come and, hopefully, things will improve.’
Shiva gave a hearty laugh.
‘Wishful thinking,’ he said. ‘You mean to say that hands that are meant to compose poems will pick up a hammer and chisel to earn a living?’
It was now Durga’s turn to laugh. ‘Have you not heard that the Coffee House culture is on the way out?’
‘That is impossible. What are Bengalis minus the Coffee House culture?’
‘They are putting up CCTVs in the Coffee House. And – whoever enters must clock in the time of entry. Obviously, the patrons will get Didi’s message and give up their pens.’
‘I see a bleak future,’ Shiva murmured. ‘There will be no more laments of the full Moon looking like a burnt roti.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

30th International kite festival in Gujarat, Telangana, Delhi and Karnataka

McDonald's enters The Vatican with an outlet near St. Peter's Square

Steel mugs in lavatories of trains stolen in spite of being chained to the walls


Lord Shiva laments over full Moon and a burnt roti (satire)

Didi’s Rose garden withers in the valley (satire)

Moody in the world of pickpockets and beggars (satire)


Juhi Chawla creates awareness about ill effects of plastic pollution

Nawazuddin Siddiqui on his film 'Haraamkhor' that premiered in the 15th annual New York Indian Film Festival

9th edition of Jaipur International Film Festival will screen 134 films


Car bomb kills at least 43 in the town of Azaz in Syria - most of the dead are civilians

US army veteran shoots dead five persons in Fort Lauderdale airport, Florida

Prison riots in Brazil leave at least 60 dead - some were beheaded

Didi’s Rose garden withers in the valley (satire)

The rose is a flower that spreads its fragrance far and wide but it also has thorns that can injure. Shakespeare has already praised the flower and said that the rose by any name remains a rose. But, when things turn sour, the garden withers and the leftovers are hard to digest.
That was Didi’s dilemma – the rose garden in the valley has withered and the stink that it has created has made life too prickly.
She was closeted with her associates Moo Cool and Dee Wreck and was racking her brain to come up with a solution. ‘I must divert attention,’ she said. ‘I want to use another weapon to blunt the threat.’

‘I have an idea,’ Dee Wreck said. ‘The solution lies in processions. Our boys are great at it and, can rustle up thousands of people in no time.’
‘What sort of procession?’ Didi asked.
‘A procession of the downtrodden that will take us closer to the masses.’
‘What exactly do you have in mind?’ Moo Cool now asked. He felt he was closer to Didi and hated to see Dee Wreck take any credit.
‘Tell me – who have been most affected by the note ban?’ Dee Wreck put a counter question.
‘Practically everyone,’ Moo Cool mumbled. ‘The queues in front of ATMs have become a permanent feature of the landscape. Queues of people staring blankly at the placard showing ‘No Cash’ or ‘ATM down’.
Dee Wreck smiled.
‘No Sir,’ he replied. ‘People most affected by the notebandi are the poor beggars and the pickpockets. Beggars are not getting alms, pockets that the pickpockets pick are empty. They will take out the processions. They will walk for a pittance’
‘What about the slogans and placards that they’ll carry?’ Didi wanted to know.
‘Simple slogans like ‘We Want Pockets Full’, ‘Down With ATMs’, ‘Say No To Plastic Money’ ‘Long Live Beggars’, ‘Give Back Our Birthright’ – the possibilities are unlimited.’
‘Good – I want to implement it immediately,’ Didi said. ‘Go ahead and ensure that the message goes out to the remotest corner. It is a fight for survival.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha unable to attract foreign tourists

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Moody in the world of pickpockets and beggars (satire)

Moody had a mission in life – to cleanse society of all evils. He wanted a clean society – clean in all sense right from their toiletry habits to dirtying the pure waters of the Ganga to everything that is black.
The color black signifies all that is bad right from black magic to black money and black market.
The buzzing of the phone brought him back to reality.
It was Ronald Grump on the line.
‘Hi reformist,’ Grump said, ‘how was your New Year Eve?’
‘I beg your pardon,’ Moody cleared his throat, ‘New Year Eve is a western concept, to me it is just one evening like any other evening. Why should there be anything special for that?’

Ronald Grump gave a hearty laugh.
‘I know,’ he said. ‘I heard you have tied yourself into knots over your sudden decision to ban notes. Your people are not happy.’
‘They do not realize the amount of thought that had gone into arriving at that decision,’ Moody explained. ‘It was not only to stop corruption in all walks of life but also to plug the loopholes of those who create and store black money.’
‘I believe that you have put a whole lot of people out of business.’
‘Certainly not,’ Moody did not agree. ‘Shopkeepers are shifting over to cashless schemes and embracing e-wallets and debit cards.’
Ronald gave another hearty laugh.
‘My dear reformist – have you not put pickpockets out of business? And the beggars? If there is no loose cash, how will they survive?’
It was now Moody’s turn to laugh.
‘You must understand – the pickpockets and beggars are out of business, I agree. But that is a passing phase. Once they get trained in some trade, they will get regular employment.’
‘What trades?’
‘My cabinet is working out the details,’ Moody was not one to be hurried. ‘I am creating a new Ministry – the Ministry of Pickpockets & Beggars. It will carry out a census and keep a count of all PP & Bs and, each of them will get a one-time grant of Rs 1000 as a goodwill gesture.’
Ronald Grump laughed.
‘You mean the pickpockets and beggars will have a change of heart and mend their ways with that?’
‘Yes, I am certain they will.’
‘And – what is your timeframe?’ Ronald Grump was curious.
‘Once I make a start, everything will fall in place, as it has for notebandi,’ Moody replied. ‘Rome was not built in a day.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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Didi in jitters – keeps flying in and out of her city (satire)

Lord Shiva wants winter favorites, Durga raises her hands (satire)

Moody gets a call from Ronald Grump (satire)


Woman beheaded in Afghanistan for entering a city without her husband

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