Thursday, August 13, 2009

The Muslim Woman's Plight

She is a Muslim woman from Bandra Bazar Road , and she is unhappy , she votes for the Congress , but she finds that it has not helped her much , she has come to meet Rahebar Khan the local corporator, she cant take life anymore, her electric bill has trebled , prices of all essential commodities has skyrocketed and she is stuck in a groove of discontent.

Mind you she is a senior citizen, and she kept on grumbling I could not resist her harangue against a dead system , a system without a heart for the poor and the needy at the grass root level.

I shot many frames and she was really amused , frankly why would the media person shoot her , they would if she burnt herself alive, they would shoot her if she hung from a fan, or flung herself against a truck.. such is the ignominy of life ..

So God created a breed of photographers called photo bloggers, we shoot pain, and we share her pain online with no ulterior motive, no cookie points to be gained.

We are not eligible for Photo Blog Awards , because Flickr is not yet considered part of the blogging fraternity..and I tasted the racist profiling that goes with such awards ,you cant pimp for your awards on your website as I was reprimanded by a hateful person connected to such an award, , I was told awards are not popularity contests .. and if you are black or brown just forget it and honestly who cares a penny's fuck for hijras or the hijra world.,.the only thing that sells is sex - people want hijras to taste an exotic forbidden fruit.My hijdaeunuchblog was dumped after the nominations and a link that says page has been removed...

So a blog is also a rant ..you take it or you dump it..5years of blogging have taught me much..so I shoot the same stuff and show you life as it exists , you cannot morph pain , it is indivisible, it has sorrow and despair..as its hand maidens..


I have just come back from Behrampada , that was struck by fire , now the work of rebuilding has begun, people picking up their lives ..rebuilding a house to make it a better home than it was..and why would a media person shoot a Muslim colony rebuilding its roots..

The Behrampada Muslims the Navpada Muslims are the people that ran into bombed bogeys of trains, to extricate dead wounded bodies during the train serial blast , but it has all been forgotten..

Now they stand with a beggars bowl , yes it hurts me as a poet before it hurts me as a human being..I must have shot close to 300 pictures .. my next story board at Flickr..Behrampada After the Fire Rebuilding from Scratch..

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Our Parents Make Us What We Are

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What I could not give on Friendship day- I give today ..


Mrs and Mr Bhagwandas Mulchandani are a very vital part of my life's memories..my extended parents , who had seen me grow ..They were the erstwhile parents of my childhood friend Ramesh Mulchandani...

Ramesh came into my life after I left Jony Castle and moved to Strand Cinema Colaba.in the 60s .

We were in the same school Holy Name High School - Ramesh Dennis Fernandes Ramesh Alva and me , were thick as thieves from 1964 ..there were others who joined in later to be part of our group Bharat Mulchandani , Rameshs cousin, Sundar Mulchandani, Mohan Sadhwani , Ram Parsani , and we all hung out at Dhun Mahal at Garden Road where Ramesh stayed with his brothers and sisters.

Holi was the most memorable day , loads of bhang color riot and fun.. and Ramesh had already made me half a Sindhi..

Rameshs elder brother Kishu looked like Dev Saab , natty dresser and charmer No1, he was a football freak as the Mohun Bagan team stayed at their hotel, they were one of the owners of Strand Hotel Gateway of India..

Lalu who died recently was the closest to us and was our confidante ,helped us out with money and beers too.

Ramesh has three sisters Padma , Mohini and Kishni ..all married well settled in life ..

Ramesh means a lot to me because of his contribution because of his friendship we survived the onslaughts and ravages of life..he has done for me what no blood brother will ever do..he picked me up when I was downhill gave me and my family the support ..

He helped out a lot of people ..and we were again three friends Ramesh , Ramesh Alva who expired a few years back , and me.

Dennis Fernandes worked with me as a salesman at Charagh Din in Colaba early 70s .. now somewhere in Central America.

Ramesh Mulchandani has three children , Mamta his eldest married Ranjit Deval they have two kids Soniya and the recently born Varun whom I call Yuvraj.

Sweety married Jai Puri a fashion stylist like his talented wife.

Dolly is the youngest studying in college.

Meena is Ramesh wife and his backbone.

I guess it is because of this family that influenced me , and bequeathed me the message of Peace that I call Hope and Hindutva..

I offer them a poem with tears in my eyes..I have nothing else to give..

Our parents make us what we are
gone from our world but never far
we are reflections of their memories
like the strings of a guitar
musical notes of hope and harmony
making us forget our wounds and scars
their heritage is now ours
a path leading beyond the stars
our children will inherit this heritage
when our turn comes to go afar

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Marziya - Lesson in Humility

Marziya Gives Rs 10 to the Umbrella Lady

Every time I take Marziya out near Bandra Reclamation, she will nudge me, so I hand her Rs 10 that she hands over to the poor Umbrella Lady.. who sits in one place, all the seasons are immune to her impoverished life style.
I shot her having a bath in the same position ..my wife was with me.

Marziya knows with money you get sweets toys, but here she is aware that what she gives the Umbrella lady will not get her anything in return..but a sweet smile .. and this is the lesson I teach Marziya , giving charity without compulsion, I teach Marziya along with photography the meaning of humility...

There is a gentleman called Mr Razvi who is very fond of Marziya , he had not seen her since her arrival , so he met me yesterday , and inquired about her , I bought him home and Marziya was happy to see him, I gave her my Nikon D80 and holding it partly for her , made her shoot Mr Razvi.. I helped her with the shutter button ..she took two shots one after the other.

The world seen from the camera is a world without any distortion , a world you see as it exists.,. the camera is veritably a message of peace I am teaching Marziya human values through the camera ..photography is essential but not important at this stage.

Yes I have my first and only disciple of photography , who is teaching me also to paint with light her thoughts , her emotions..

Since the swine flu outbreak she is ensconced at home but comes to my shop twice a day, she reads the world with her perceptive mind..

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The House Where Keith Kanga Lived

Memories of a childhood gone by
Keith kanga vimal, rayomand framroze and I
jony castle where dreams were born and died
granny fufu sleeping side by side
mans destiny man takes pride
as one from the other
in different worlds they hide
memories and adulthood
a very big divide

keith kanga of atomic forest is dead, ray framroze is searching for peace , vimal of sri lanka untraceable, I am entombed as a funereal poem in a blog.

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I Complete 87000 Blogs at Flickr in 24 Months

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I complete 87000 blogs at Flickr in 24 months..could not have happened without the blessings of friends and well wishers.
Thank You..

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The Death of a Mask

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the mask is dead
buried underground
instead of Rs 50 pay Rs 450
it will come around
making profits
at the expense of humanity
its what its about
have money
have clout
law puts you in jail
money bails you out
but for the poor
it is hand to mouth
a mumbaikar
living in the north
or living in the south
a vibrant city
has lost its shout
silence
on the streets you scout
a swine flu
the missing snout

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Clean Up The Corrupt Soul of Politics

a house made of inferior bricks
human conscience as it pricks
the corrupt soul of politics
as the population again falls sick
first it was plague- now swine flu
its fangs into our bodies stick
the rich the poor with impunity
it picks - a blogger the soul
of inhumanity clicks
no more schools no more flicks
guys with masks running
after veiled chicks
silence no more DJs
no more remix
a sneeze Tamiflu
no more Vicks

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Beware of Swine Flu

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Life is incomplete without the politics of opportunity , the swine flu will be politicized , as the assembly elections are round the corner and cookie points have to be earned through sops...the right wingers will find the writing in the sky in Urdu a way of appeasing the Muslims ... such is the politics of divide and rule..even when tragedy strikes us all as humans..Swine Flu is the common denominator a partisan of Death - he has no favorites..

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Playing it Safe

The face behind the mask is Marziya my grand daughter , she loves copying the latest trends, and this one is a real bad one hitting hard in the guts of humanity..and we shall overcome god willingly.

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Making a Fortune on Masks !

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Yes We Are Indians , we feel pain , but there are some of us Indians who will now make money out of the sufferings of the affected people , this is a karmic mockery -a mask costing Rs 50 sells in the black market at Rs 450/

At Bandra Bazar Road it is Sold Out .. at both the chemist shops.

Children who cant afford a mask are using hankies..

The kids are really scared , the girls I shot at the Marathi Municipal School.

Arslan did not want to wear the mask at all, thought his grand mother tried her best , nothing would placate him.

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SWINE FLU BASICS

I am starting a new series at Flickr showing you the emotions of the people of Mumbai , after the outbreak of swine flu ..I have shot kids with masks all day, I visited the local Marathi Municipal School , they shall be closed for 8 days.

Though the principal Mr Surve has invited me for the Independence Day celebrations minus the school kids just teacher and staff and guests.


The provision store guy near my shop has gone to town to buy masks in order to make a fast buck..but I asked a school kid why he was not wearing a mask, his reply stunned me , he said one day we all have to die so what is the hurry?

Most of the kids I shot covered their faces with hankies

The Congress party has put Urdu banners at Bandra Bazar , the area that forms the crux of my pictorial documentary.


The article below was sent as an e mail attachment by photographers from Bangalore.

For public awareness



Swine Flu Symptoms
Swine Flu Basics

By Vincent Iannelli, M.D.,

Updated August 02, 2009



Although the name 'swine flu' brings up a lot of extra fear and worry, it is important to note that swine flu is just an influenza A H1N1 virus.

That means that it is just another type of flu virus, just like that causes our typical seasonal flu symptoms. The big difference is that the current swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has components of pig and bird influenza viruses in it, so that humans don't have any immunity to it. That is what made it more likely that it would become a pandemic virus (have the ability to cause a global outbreak) because it could easily spread from person-to-person.

So far, even as you see swine flu cases increase on this swine flu map, experts don't know if this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus will return in the fall for another wave. It could or we just continue to see sporadic cases for a few weeks or months until it stops.

We do know that swine flu symptoms are just like seasonal flu symptoms.
Swine Flu Symptoms

According to the CDC, like seasonal flu, symptoms of swine flu infections can include:

* fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent
* cough
* runny nose or stuffy nose
* sore throat
* body aches
* headache
* chills
* fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme
* diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes, but more commonly seen than with seasonal flu

Signs of a more serious swine flu infection might include pneumonia and respiratory failure.

If your child has symptoms of swine flu, you should avoid other people and call your pediatrician who might do a rapid flu test to see if he has an influenza A infection. Further testing can then be done to see if it is a swine flu infection. (Samples can be sent to local and state health departments and the CDC for confirmation of swine flu, especially if a child is in the hospital.)
Swine Flu High Risk Groups

With regular seasonal flu, infants and the elderly are usually thought to be most at risk for serious infections, in addition to people with chronic medical problems. Swine flu high risk groups, people who are thought to be at risk for serious, life-threatening infections, are a little different and can include:

* pregnant women
* people with chronic medical problems, such as chronic lung disease, like asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immunosuppression
* children and adults with obesity

Serious Swine Flu Symptoms

More serious symptoms that would indicate that a child with swine flu would need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish or gray skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Swine Flu Symptoms vs. a Cold or Sinus Infection

It is important to keep in mind most children with a runny nose or cough will not have swine flu and will not have to see their pediatrician for swine flu testing.

This time of year, many other childhood conditions are common, including:

* spring allergies - runny nose, congestion, and cough
* common cold - runny nose, cough, and low grade fever
* sinus infections - lingering runny nose, cough, and fever
* strep throat - sore throat, fever, and a positive strep test

What You Need To Know

* Swine flu likely spreads by direct contact with respiratory secretions of someone that is sick with swine flu, like if they were coughing and sneezing close to you.

* People with swine flu are likely contagious for one day before and up to seven days after they began to get sick with swine flu symptoms.

* Droplets from a cough or sneeze can also contaminate surfaces, such as a doorknob, drinking glass, or kitchen counter, although these germs likely don't survive for more than a few hours.

* Anti-flu medications, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), are available to prevent and treat swine flu.

* The latest swine flu news from the CDC includes advice that children should not attend summer camps if they have had swine flu symptoms in the previous seven days and that camp staff should be quick to identify campers with swine flu symptoms and separate them from well campers.


Keep Swine Flu Away with Basic Precautions

1.Wash your hands frequently
Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.
2. Get enough sleep
Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.
3. Keep hydrated
Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.
4. Boost your immune system
Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.
5. Keep informed
The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.
6. Avoid alcohol
Apart from being a mood depressant, alcohol is an immune suppressant that can actually decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu. So stay away from alcoholic drinks so that your immune system may be strong.
7. Be physically active
Moderate exercise can support the immune system by increasing circulation and oxygenating the body. For example brisk walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week will significantly perk up your immunity.
8. Keep away from sick people
Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or sneeze reach someone else’s nose. So if you have to be around someone who is sick, try to stay a few feet away from them and especially, avoid physical contact.
9. Know when to get help
Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.
10. Avoid crowded areas
Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside. Moreover, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

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