How Faith Works...

Nov 16, 2014. After what felt like an eternity, I finally met Vyom again. I inquired about his absence, to which he casually replied, "Glad to be back."

"So, what brings you here today?" I pressed.

"I was searching for answers, and to find them, I needed to ask the right questions of the right person."

"Did you find the right person?"

"Yes, I did. My quest was a success."

"What were your questions?"

"There was one in particular: How can we continue to have faith in a world that increasingly challenges the belief in a God who created it?"

"And the answer..."

"'You must still keep faith,'" Vyom said. I expected him to elaborate, but he didn't.

"Tell me everything," I urged.

"That's all there is," he replied.

"I don't understand. I'm missing the connection here," I said, growing impatient.

He stood up and began walking. I followed, puzzled. We walked in silence for a mile or two before coming across an elderly vendor selling plastic items. He was leaning on a metal bar for support. Vyom stopped and turned to face the old man, whom he had initially ignored. As he approached him, I stood back and observed.

Vyom picked up two combs and asked for the price.

The old man, unable to speak, gestured twice with his hands to indicate ten.

Vyom handed him a five hundred bill. The man's trembling hands grasped it, and he began waving it toward Vyom for change.

"Keep it," Vyom told him.

As Vyom walked back to me, the old man stood still, staring up at the sky in disbelief. I was speechless.

"Faith," Vyom said as he approached me. "That's how it works."

The Battle Of Hopes

Tomorrow the result of the elections of World's largest democracy is to be announced. I've read that the celebration and the preparation has already begun in one camp NDA and the other camp UPA is seeking solace in oblivion.

Far from the politics and the two camps, this election saw the rise of the unlikely common man (Aam Aadmi), the mute spectator who for once rose from the silence and decided to break the shackles which has kept him bound for years. Six decades over but things remain the same from being tormented and looted by the outsiders now the country is been tormented and looted by the insiders.

The last decade has been the threshold. What worse could have happened to this country that didn't happen in the last decade? Terrorism, gang-rapes, riots, mega-scams, farmer suicides, all are the milestones of the last decade. Will the coming years bring any change? Somewhere in the heart this country does believe that "acche din aane wale hai".

This election was driven by a high wave of hope. At one end, there is an authoritarian, a politician, a projected figure who promised development, development, development. At the other end we have a common man, that's it, a common man. Both gave hopes. Hope is what was needed the most at this juncture. So tomorrow even though the common man might lose but the hope will survive.

And one day when this hope dies, the common man will rise again, this time to bring down the system and built a new one, to find the order in chaos, this time it would be you and me.

In the end though, I wish that the hope does not die this time...

Allah Ke Bande

This morning, social media and news outlets were buzzing with debates comparing Modi and Arvind. Kiran Bedi added fuel to the fire by openly endorsing Modi on Twitter, despite her previous claims of wanting to remain apolitical. While I still respect Bedi, I cannot comprehend her reasoning behind this statement.

Both Modi and Arvind share a goal of curbing corruption and working towards the betterment of India. Their ultimate aim may be the same, but they are walking entirely different paths. I encourage everyone to research and make an informed decision before supporting a political figure. This is not about idolizing individuals, but rather about the future of our nation, for which we all bear responsibility.

While Modi has welcomed controversial figures like Yeddyurappa and shared platforms with the likes of Bangaru Laxman, it's difficult to trust the BJP's promises. Examples of their leaders going back on pre-election commitments or being involved in corruption only raise more doubts.

On the other hand, Arvind has fulfilled his promises, and there are no tainted ministers in his party. While some may criticize his reliance on Congress support, it's important to remember that he was pressured into forming a government by both the BJP and Congress. We must prioritize the country over any individual.

As I was reflecting on these issues, I came across a heartbreaking news story: "Teen dies stopping suicide bomber at school in Pakistan" This 14-year-old boy, Aitazaz Hassan Bangash, sacrificed his life to save hundreds of his schoolmates in a country often criticized for harboring terrorists. Words cannot express the anguish his story evokes. Aitazaz, a forgotten hero, may now find peace in the embrace of the divine. May his soul rest in peace.

It's crucial to recognize that our indifference towards the world is what causes the most pain.