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Beauty beyond symmetry...

The quest for faces, when nurtured can become the most engrossing hobby ever. Ever looked closely into an old woman’s eyes? If not, you’ve missed something really significant in life! Try doing so and you’ll find a striking ray of innocence and simplicity. This may sound strange to us because our senses are so very conditioned to the fake standards of beauty that we usually set for ourselves (read western standards). Sharp nose, dimple chin and pretty teeth don’t ‘necessarily’ make a beautiful face. On the contrary, it is the ridges, furrows, the hair jutting out of the nose, the gleaming eyes longing for love and the toothless grin which compile an ‘interesting’ and ‘beautiful’ face.

It is off late that I’ve developed this keen interest in faces, my inspirations towards this trait being T S Satyan. Portraiture is my area of focus. Photography is a sort of performing art. The photographer has to first put the person at ease by stirring up an involving conversation. This would be the foundation of producing a good portrait. Good photographers always take the help of another person during their photographic sessions. This is referred to as the “third person technique”. While the third person speaks to the person and comforts him, the photographer goes about his job conveniently. Good portraits have always mesmerized me which is why I’ve attempted to share it with others.

Lastly, the concept of a person being naturally photogenic is pure hogwash! Rather, it is unimportant because any person can be made to appear sharp in the hands of a good photographer. Good photos are never 'taken' or 'shot', but are 'made'. Also, the type of camera used and other high quality technology, am afraid, do not play a 'significant' role because, as already said, photography is a creative process which basically calls for the sharpness of the 'eye' more than any tool. So possibly, the only prerequisites required are a pair of sharp and sensitive eyes and, respect and love for the person whom you are photographing.

To sum up, the spirit of portraiture lies in bringing out the inner emotion of the person irrespective of  his/her physical dimensions. It may be happiness, pain, fear, delight, disgust….etc. I hope this would be clear from some of the portraits below. Finally, anything with life can be made “beautiful”.

PHOTOS: A N Mukund and T S Satyan

Prateek M
4th SEM, CSE

Gulbarga, a lot more than just rocks…

Jani Silks and Saris, Al-Ameen Ladees Corner, Shaque Cycal Mart, Bande Nawaz ‘Pull’ Meals Hotel, Gulab Marraige Bandsets, Sharanabasappa Printers, etcetera, etcetera.

These are some of the hoards and banners one would find in Gulbarga, a small district in the northern tip of Karnataka. Small, because the entire town could be circled within a radius of about 5 kilometers. This is not even one-tenth of Bangalore!

In my short stay of four days, I managed to square up the entire town with the able assistance of a rickshaw wallah cum guide. One hundred and fifty bucks was the deal. Muslims and lingayats dominate the place. Harmony prevails and people gracefully accept the customs and practices of one another. It is not a very scenic place form where you can bring back a lot of pictures! But,scenic beauty need not be the only reason behind liking or not liking a place. Hence, the attempt to present a review of what I felt was lively in the place. The turbans that people sport are exquisite and it is one of the reasons why one must try to visit the place. It has around four to five thick layers wound tightly around the head and brow to withstand the scorching heat. Each layer has a bright color with a certain artistic design. The other reason is the quintessential jowar roti and brinjal curry which is the typical culinary delight of the place. Since this was my first visit to Gulbarga, I kept my ears and eyes peeled, to the get the complete feel of the place.

Here are some of the minute details I managed to gather during my research. For a rather small district, it is quite astonishing to note that it has 147 petrol pumps in all! (Courtesy: rickshaw wallah, but I was half way through the counting). I wonder how many Bangalore would have. It has ‘only’ 2 engineering colleges and 2 medical colleges again in sharp contrast to that of mighty Bangalore. This is not an attempted mockery at the place but just an attempt to furnish the figures.

The rickshaw wallah who looked stunning in his uniform and thick vermillion on the forehead seemed very religious. This was even more evident when he took me to 5 temples one after the other, out of which the one which was pretty worth it was the Dargah, since it was a first of sorts for me. He took liberty in pulling out his age old handkerchief and tying it around my head (it’s a custom in dargahs). The place was quiet and overhauled with the typical Muslim scents and the holy ash, rich sweets and richer Urdu. The blessings from the peacock feather come with a price! The glass etching on the walls and roof top were illustrious.

But the monument that stood out was the partly mutilated yet classy fort. It was the show stealer of the day, hands down. The architecture leaves you spell bound. Every nook and corner of the district is visible from the top. It’s not just the man power and wealth to be able to build such a structure which is worth estimating, but also the incredible aesthetic sense of the people involved in the construction. The subtle rock carvings, the spiral stairs and the mighty tombs are anything but conventional and very much beyond the time it was built. The very fact that it has withstood the wrath of nature and unruly people for eons gives you a faint idea about its stature.

Finally, I know that it’s always easy to distantly and romantically appreciate a new town or village and that pursuing life there would have its own constraints and difficulties. Yet, Gulbarga will remain in the by lanes of my memory of quite some time.


Prateek M
4th SEM, CSE

Awaken

Is this my country anymore?

All around me I can see people ask themselves this very question.

I believe I am a part of the golden generation of youth, deemed to be carrying the hopes of progress and glory of the nation on my shoulders along with those around me. I believe I am as much a part of the promise to my country as everyone around me is. Or am I?

If we are those touted to be proud sons and daughters of this country, to glorify it, and bring it success, then why do I sense a growing wave of cynicism amongst us? Why are so many of us choosing to pursue dreams outside this country? Why are so many of us disillusioned with the hopes of finding justice? Why are so many of us dreaming of embracing the west?

To me, those of us guilty of the above have committed the greatest sin against the hopes placed on our shoulders - Acceptance.

We have shaken our heads and resigned to a state of passive surrender as our ability and our own potential to revolutionize the state of affairs we are so discontent with, ebbs away with our sense of belonging to this truly great nation.

What we require is a burning desire to change what is around us. What we need is the realization that it is indeed US -the youth of the nation, who will decide the fate of this country. What we need, is a strong feeling of renewed patriotism.

But what is patriotism?

Is it embracing the country and shunning all that signifies western culture and its growing stranglehold on our country's youth? Is it patriotic to burn jeans and t-shirts chanting slogans of swadeshi?

To put it simply, no.

Donning a khadi kurta makes me no more Indian as wearing jeans makes me American.

Patriotism as I believe it is, can be found in anyone irrespective of his attire or style statement. I could be as patriotic in a kurta as I could be decked with Levi's and Adidas.

So what is patriotism?

I believe patriotism today must take a whole new meaning.

In a crude but not inappropriate manner, it would be simplest to define patriotism as an overwhelming sense of restlessness.

Patriotism must stem from discontent. This discontent, ought to be directed at he current state of affairs although no to the point of frustration and a potential apostasy of sorts. To me, patriotism is a longing for change and a desire to be part of that change.

Patriotism must involve a shift of thought and rationale. If you don't intend to do anything about the corruption in the bureaucracy of this nation, why scoff in a show of pointless sarcasm? How is your ranting and raving changing the system? Criticism is by no means a method of solution.

I recently got an email forward which rather passionately told me to exercise my right to 'vote no one' as a sign of discontent with the system. Apparently a voter can cast a valid vote to vote for no one. This is verifiably true.

The email called for an awakening of patriots nation-wide. A noble gesture, but more damaging and ignorantly destructive in consequence.

If people actually followed this, of course the message of dissatisfaction would be loud and clear but the action would send the already delicately poised democracy into a downward spiral. There would be political chaos to an unimaginable extent. I ask you, if no one is elected; if you are so dissatisfied, who will you turn to, to voice this opinion? Who would be in office to really care?

The most dangerous threat posed to the success of this generation is a false or mistaken belief. It is better to be passive than be misled by a false sense of patriotism.

The revolution that this country needs is on far too great a scale to take place in a short span of time. The bureaucracy and its shortcomings can only be changed from within.

Unfortunately, I speak for myself and most of my peers, when I say that I lack the will and motivation to become a part of the system. That, is the biggest problem faced by this generation

It is our duty and our obligation to do all we can to bring about a change in this system that many of us have grown to dislike. However, by not doing anything about it, we are merely compounding our woes.

Ask yourself the question again - Is this my country anymore?

I answer you - Yes, and it is now more than ever.

By,
Nikhil Menon
IV CSE B

Live-in Relation- The Practical Relation

Today, the world is progressing in a fast pace. We see developments in all fields. Even the people who had distanced themselves from all the modern changes have started looking beyond the veil. New customs are accepted as customary and new practices, traditional. But this is only one side of the coin. There is another side where the “Aam Adhmi” does not want to change with the changes. Not that it matters. But not only does he refuse to change, he also criticizes those civilized few who also changed. The recent violence that sparked out on Valentine’s Day speaks a lot about this. One of the many new customs and practices that these so-called “orthodox” people don’t want to accept is the practice of “Living in a relationship”.

Volumes of white have been stained and many a throat has argued itself to dryness on this issue. The main factor that people bring up against this is-“Society”. The fear of what the other man would say if I were to do like this, is making man to fulfill his wishes, whims and fancies within four strong walls, all alone. Practically, there is nothing wrong in two opposite sexes living together without the bond of matrimony. Is marriage really necessary for two people to get along together? This concept really sounds simple and practical. Let’s live together as friends and if we share common interests, let’s get bonded through matrimony. Else let’s continue being friends, only with different spouses. Rather than getting married to a complete stranger, about whom you are yet unaware of, this sounds and is practical and a lot better. Live in relations allow you to be choosy about your spouse, know his/her taste, interests, whims and fancies. It’s a love affair in another form. But it is a much better way than the age old “Stranger Marriage”. This does not mean that I draw lines over the age-old marriage tradition. I just emphasize that the concept of live in relation is not as bad as it is seen.

Tell a man or woman that you are “living” with an opposite sex and suddenly their attitude towards you becomes cold. The usual rigmarole about culture and tradition jumps to the people’s lips even before they actually want it to. Let me ask those gentlemen. What is culture? What is tradition? Show me any scripture, which mentions or at least hints that two people must not live together. These culture, traditions etc… were created by us for a neat way of living. Our ego does not allow us to accept the changes. Just because we do not want to change, we feel that the others who change are foolish. Tradition and culture are just masks that people wear to hide their ego.

Sex is another issue. Does live in relations mean only sex? Or is pre-marital sex wrong by any account? There are lots of other things between man and woman other than sex. And even if this relationship entertains sex, what is wrong? Sex is not something to be shared only by married people. It depends on the interest and willingness of those who are involved. One forgets that marriage is only a ritual. It is just a public announcement that two people are going to live together for life. But this has changed over the years and lots of Indian movies have added sentiment to marriage that people have got it rooted in their mind that relations or sex outside marriage is wrong. They consider it as a sin.

These false conclusions and superstitions have led people to believe that anything other than their normal way of living is dirty and sinful. But as I have said earlier, this is one side of the coin only. The other side thinks in the right way and does everything for its sake and not for the sake of those living around them. Personally, I find nothing to find fault in the concept of live in relations. Of course, nothing is free of fault. But we must realize that if we find something faulty, the source might also have been us for that. So let’s follow our hearts instead of what everyone does and bring a difference, not only in the practice of live in relations, but also in everything deemed useful to mankind.

From The Diary Of A Killer

I lie, crouched, behind the broken stump of a tree. It provides me the cover I need. The sun has not risen. My half-burnt cigarette keeps me warm, keeps me going. The ashen smoke merges with the mist, yet it fails to hamper my vision. My nerves are stiff. I do not know how long I have been waiting here. What might have been minutes seems like hours. Time has no meaning.

It is cold. Yet the sweat breaks on my brow. One wrong move, and I will lose my cover. I am on a mission, I need to kill. I've done it before. Killing means nothing. I check my sniper's rifle, again. The single bullet lies in wait, to do its duty. That is all I get - one bullet, one chance. One bad shot, and I will lose my life.

The breaking of a twig snaps me into attention. I see my target. Adrenaline rushes back. My finger grips the trigger. Aim. Fire. I was amazed at how nonchalantly I pulled the trigger. No hesitation. I see my target, dropping dead. Another mission completed.

As the sun rises, I wait for a helicopter to take me home.I have cheated death once more. But how long will this last?

Krishna R

II CSE

LONELY N LOST

I still walk alone
Trying to find what went wrong
Gone are the days when you were by my side;
Gone are the days when we shared everything;
And now gone some days without talking.

Tears glisten in my eyes
You may forget me but never will I,
I wonder….
Can we go back to living our lives at all?
Can we start all over again?
Maybe this time leaving out the sorrow.
Can we live our lives with feelings.
Will there ever be such a tomorrow?

Life just seems to go on and on
Seeming at all times empty and long
No spirit to endure
Or no hope to find a cure
But there’s a comfort inside so used to losing
Hollow ambitions
Struggling to maintain what’s left
Trying not to break, but I am so tired of this deceit
There’s a wound that’s always bleeding.
I don’t know whom to trust.
Nobody any more ushers me on my way
The tiring time in between.

Amenities of the past make me nostalgic.
But to get elation even in separation is what I am looking for.
There’s a path I am always walking
And I hate it when you are not around
Hate the fact that you didn’t call
Hate the fact that I trusted myself with you
Hate the fact that we turned the world into what we see
But most of all I hate the fact that I don’t hate you at all
Or nor have I got any close to hating you at all.

There’s an earnest longing deep inside
For something to come along and change the tide
I am stuck in, trapped her
Trying so hard to realize what is it that didn’t get along
Is it lack of warmth in love
Or is it that I jus feel so feel
Or was this all someday just meant to be?
What use is it if you cannot feel love inside and out?

The world indeed is void of love in all its way
The word happiness seems like such a lie.
I don’t know what I want
Practically lifeless with forgotten aim am I.
Contentment is now but a fabricated, blurred vision.
I kinda feel I have lost the real me
The one I used to be
Feeling so lost and lonely in this world
Is there anybody out there who cares for me.
Who can help me find the real me.
The one I used to be the better part of me.

SOWMYA
4th sem ECE

On the Past and Causality

It only seems all too poetic sometimes - This thing we casually refer to as life. What is rather remarkable, is how an action which was dealt a hand that deemed it nearly insignificant, could one day acquire a form of sheer power to drastically effect one's life at another point in time. Cruelly unfair, I'd like to think. Cruel, because it seems like one could be subject to 'persecution' for something which wouldn't normally be noticed in passing. Cruel, because it requires one that is living to truly conceive every possible outcome in all its various permutations and combinations before performing an action. Cruel, because it ruins the relevance of all that is temporarily insignificant. Cruel, because it makes the word temporary redundant in its own right.

How relevant is the past anyway? What is the point of what has already come to pass? Do those events, or those actions whose sole purpose was condoned by the simplicity and the spontaneity of a single moment truly earn a right to have some bearing in later times? Like I've said before, I believe it is cruel that they do.

After giving some thought to this whole concept, I believe I see only one logical path to define our mode of thought. When it comes to our actions, we perform each one with our own present scenarios in mind. We deem the action to be performed as 'beneficial' to our current needs, or if not 'beneficial', we maintain only our most immediate situation in mind. However, by virtue of being human we do, consciously or subconsciously , bear something else in mind. By our own innate tendency to want something better, we are only too human to avoid glancing at the action's implications on another sacred section of time - The Future.

I suppose I've answered my own question on the relevance of the past through my last sentence. By committing an action with a view to it having some bearing on the future, then I believe the past does automatically get endowed with the ability to drastically, or in some small way effect later times. It has only just dawned on me. Come to think of it, I change my view on this whole concept. It isn't cruel at all. It is merely a verification of the principle of Causality. Our actions don't innately and spontaneously possess the power to come back and haunt us one day... We give it that power.

Causality - The belief that everything happens due to a reason; The belief that everything exists due to something; The belief that something necessarily presupposes everything. More importantly, this is the belief which warrants the existence and exactness of reason itself. Personally I believe Causality is as fundamental and as logically justified as our need to breathe. It is that which exists so that the existence of everything else is deemed to have a presupposing reason. Causality, is that which exists as a product of reason itself, and promotes the faculty of thought to the highest degree.

One false belief, however, is that the principle of Causality necessarily warrants the confirmation of the hypothesis widely popular as the concept of 'Destiny' or 'Fate'. I believe this concept is a misguided interpretation of the principle of Causality.

Defenders of the 'Destiny' hypothesis who are familiar with Causality and its provisions seem to subscribe to a modified version of Causality's credo. Causality states -

"Everything happens due to a reason."

These fine crusaders of the 'Destiny' hypothesis subscribe to the following (false) summarization of Causality -

"Everything happens FOR a reason."

This, to me seems more like a poor understanding on their part, rather than an attempt at chicanery or manipulation.

If you find my idea a little obscure, then let me point out to you the difference between the two summarizations and the drastic alteration in meaning when the word 'for' is used instead of 'due to'.

The first statement, which for the sake of casual reference and analysis I shall name True statement 'A', conveys a meaning which deems everything's existence as a result of something else. 'Everything' here, must not be restricted to material objects but also emotions, actions,etc. It merely highlights the logical conclusion that for an action, there necessarily must exist an originating cause. Hence, the name 'Causality'. Perhaps my using the word 'merely' is understating the importance of this ideology. Causality has far-reaching effects in the realm of human belief and intellectual thinking. Indeed, the principle of Causality, when clearly understood, provides an alternative route for rational thought processes. It also provides a completely different outlook on life. Thus, True Statement 'A', in all its simplicity possesses phenomenal meaning. It eliminates the need for the word 'coincidence'. It replaces that word with 'consequence'.

Now consider the second statement which I shall (again for the sake of analysis) name Altered Statement 'B'. Although it differs (literally) only to the extent of a single word, its meaning and thus, its implications drastically differ from those conveyed by True Statement 'A'. Where True Statement 'A' highlights the action as a result of a specific cause, Altered Statement 'B' aims to present the action AS a probable cause itself. It modifies the core value of Causality by presenting a view that an action was MEANT to happen as a part of some 'grand scheme of things'. This 'grand scheme' forms the core value of the 'Destiny' hypothesis. It provides for the possibility that whatever has taken place, could not have happened any other way. This then sheds light on the act of choice. It presents the act of choice as an illusion only meant to serve the immediate conscious senses. Thus, Altered Statement 'B' negates the existence of choice itself!

A world without choice sounds rather difficult to perceive don't you think? Well it most certainly is. In order to envision such a world, one would have to believe that everything from when a nation goes to war, to why you rest your head on your right hand instead of your left at your desk has already been decided. You would have to believe that everything in the world is in accordance with some divine script written by some unseen hand. Even if one were to try and deliberately defy one's 'Destiny' and continually change one's decision on a subject, even then the missionary of Destiny would argue that your final decision has already been made and irrespective of one's choice, that decision was in fact preconceived. Personally, I find that rather amusing.

Causality and its far reaching effects are manifested in our lives everyday. It is in the nature of the way we go about things. In short, Causality is the one force one cannot avoid. It underscores the importance of reason and the importance of the faculty of thought. Everything must have a reason. Even if that reason is not apparent at the moment, it does not provide any 'divine' implications. The reason always exists. After all, reason presupposes existence and existence to us, is sacrosanct.

By,
Nikhil Menon
IV CSE B

worn out...still wonderful.....

Most of us enjoy shopping for new clothes every now and then. It’s quite a natural inclination which just manages to fall short of consumerism. For a change, I feel otherwise. Just scrape beneath and look beyond the freshness of brand new clothes, you may find your old, routine shirts and trousers as dear to you as the new ones. Perhaps, even more. At least I opine so...
Gradually, the fresh scent of the clothes fades away and it attains a characteristic odour of your 'personality' which has impeccable distinctness in the case of each individual. When your dear ones are away, they are most missed when you happen to find some of their shirts or saris left behind. This is so very nostalgic.

As the clothes get older, they can be personified as becoming more mature and gracefully aged than before. This can be a perfect metaphor for the course of events in a man's life. Am at my ultimate comfort when i walk around in my old tracks and faded shirt(with the collar button missing!!). This feeling is very fulfilling and hard to communicate. Dad looks at his best when he is in his age old kurta and dhoti. Mom is most adorable in her peach salwar (peach because of the fully faded colour!!!). The pink and white tee gifted to me on my 14th birthday by mom is my favorite shirt till date! So is my dark blue pant even though it’s torn and darn at the knee!! Clothes I feel are your most faithful material companion throughout your journey of life and are often "pregnant with memories". Sensitive ones share a strong bond and belongingness with their attire. In this world of diplomats and backstabbers, I sometimes feel so thankful and grateful that at least my clothes are here to reassure me. I shudder to think of the consequence otherwise! Thank you...

Prateek M

4th sem,cse

Nomad

Inaugurating the February archive.

Alone I entered,
without friend or foe.
Along the journey, adorn like jewelry,
they rise from seeds I sow.

Along the path,
they stand like trees.
Endearing but entrapping me
offering outstretched leaves.

But when Autumn comes,
the leaves being to fall,
until none remain,
to answer my call.

As I continue to wander,
only my thoughts follow.
Now hollow trees laugh at me,
mock my sorrow.
And beside them, yet not,
I dig my own burrow.

Krishna R
II CSE

The Cry Of A Street Urchin

The world around me is bright with light
But why is mine dark and cold
Mine is a heart sad and withered
Filled with miseries untold.

Life just goes on and on
Seeming at all times empty and long
There is no spirit to endure
Or no hope to find a cure.

Everyone’s looking for the key to his or her life
Nobody has the time to stop and think
Or even share a smile or a blink
I am left vulnerable.

I seem to be ignored by all
With no one to call my own
No one to love, none to love me
Lingering alone in the darkness.

Why do passers-by stop to stare?
Old men seem to glare
But why o why no one to care?
Or is it that I don’t hear the screams of those who seemed to care.

I walk alone, blinded by tears
The road is rough and tough
Though I wear no slippers, I’ll walk ahead
Till the flame dies out and I am DEAD.

-sowmya nataraj
ece 4th sem

TUT TUT.. SHE’S “WRITE” CRAZY

Its time to contribute for the magazine;
An urge in me to write an article,
What am I gonna write???
I haven’t given it a damn thought ,
But I assured ma’am I would
Maybe writing a poem was the best thing I thought
But as I sit to write one, I realize
The poetic self isn’t pleased on being summoned
It acts on its own will,
When thoughts flow, flow it does n how
It just gushes and rushes like a river in torrent,
A fury that no man or dam can withstand.
The intricacies of each letter formed,
The sensation that each fingers feel,
As the words flow
Is just absolutely wonderful.
But now the poet in me is still in slumber
However hard I try to wake it
The poet in me refuses to awaken
A slumber too deep that it has itself indulged in.
I think the poetic artist in me has died
I wait for the resurrection of the phoenix
From the ashes it may emerge but when ???
I have to wait and watch
I have had enough of writing for now
This article actually started off as one of my mindless thought;
With lot of apprehension I hand over this
I see an amused smile, spreading on her lips
"Abnormality thy name", she remarks.
I wonder did she like it or not????
Sowmya Nataraj
ECE "A" SEC

I love to lie down on the roof top
And gaze at the vast blue sky atop
It gives me so much pleasure
Never mind even if your days are blue
Just give time to see the sky all blue
It will take away all your gloom
Just like the soft and white fluffy clouds,
Drift along the vast blue sky,
Sure your worries too will drift away.
As the cold breeze blows by,
A hundred thoughts pass by my head
Then I close my eyes,
Suddenly I smell the earthly fragrance of the wet mud.
It seems like taking me to land of my own
A land far away from civilization,
It lifts up my level of excitation,
Cause loneliness has always been my expectation.
And off I go to a world of contemplation,
As I contemplate I feel the sun’s radiance
I bring my hands close to each other rub them gently,
And place it on my eye I feel the warmth of my hand
Just radiating through my eyes,
As I open my eyes,
I see the sun all-nice and bright,
Shining brightly and brilliantly like never before,
It gives me A New Hope,
A new feeling,
A feeling of warmth that assures me,
That I am still alive and here for a reason,
I no not, or care not what the reason is,
Whatever may be the reason
For now the only reason I can see is,
To see god’s creation,
The way it was meant to be.
-sowmya nataraj

Wind Of Change

Sometimes, I wish had a dream;

A dream that would come true.

Sometimes I wish I was a bird,

Flying and soaring high up in the sky.

Like an eagle that flies on the breeze,

Flying high, what a feeling to fly

I can go anywhere that I please.

Sometimes I wish I was a child

To fill up the emptiness of a family

Sometimes I wish I was a nightingale

To sing and cheer the sorrowful souls

Sometimes I wish I was an angel

To love someone who has lost their love

But most of all I wish …..

This world was a better place to live

A world with complete peace and harmony,

A world where money making is not the main criteria,

A world where power doesn't get to the head of those possessing it,

A world where there is absence of reign of corruption,

A world where everyone fights for the good,

A world where there is no Satan-reincarnated.

Sometimes I wish we had the time to stop and think

To find a bond or even a common link

But who knows when this sometime will come?

And who knows where our fate will take us?

So until the time of eternity

I wish and wish and wish

As I sit here wishing a child wails, a boy bleeds,

A woman weeps and man perishes.

ENOUGH! Here is the time we take over

As each generation marks the arrival of a new change

Let this generation mark the arrival of a new

WIND OF CHANGE.

sowmya nataraj
ece 4th sem

REPLY TO Mr. PRESIDENT'S QUERY

Hi last Sunday(14-01-07), when I logged onto Yahoo Answers, there was an unusual question by none other than the President of India, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam.His question was-What should we do to free our planet from terrorism. I, like the many thousands who had answered, also tried answering it and gave my best. Here is the text of my answer to

Mr. President.DEAR Mr. PRESIDENT,I SALUTE YOU FOR ASKING THIS QUESTION ON BEHALF OF HUMANITY. THIS QUESTION IS JUST AND APT TO THE CURRENT SITUATION OF THIS WORLD BECAUSE AT THE MOMENT, THE WORLD IS BEING TORN APART BY TERRORISMA AND PEACE SEEMS TO HAVE BECOME PIECE. LOTS OF PEOPLE BEFORE YOU HAVE RAISED THIS QUESTION AND YET THIS IS UNANSWERED. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY TERRORISM? DO YOU MEAN ONLY THE SUICIDE BOMBERS WHO STRIKE A GROUP OF PEOPLE AND BRING AND MISERY AS TERRORISM? OR DO YOU CLAIM BOMBINGS OF BIG BUILDINGS AS TERRORISM?TERRORISM IS NOT JUST THIS. IT IS NOT JUST THE MASS KILLINGS AND BOMBINGS THAT U CAN CALL TERRORISM. WHEN U SEE ANYONE CORRUPT OR DOING SOMETHING THAT WOULD HURT YOU IN ANYWAY, YOUR BLOOD BOILS. YOU WANT TO HIT HIM/HER AND SEE TO IT THAT YOU ARE HAPPY. EGO IS THE BASE FOR ALL THIS. IT IS A CLASH OF EGO. PEOPLE WANT TO PROVE TO THE WORLD THAT THEY ARE BETTER IN MAY ASPECTS THAT THEIR RIVAL. THEY WANT TO TASTE POWER AND THE VERY TASTE OF WHICH WOULD GIVE THEM INTOXICATION BEYOND ALL THE ALCOHOLS IN THIS WORLD. IT IS SAID THAT IN THIS KALI YUGA, KALI IS SITTING OVER MONEY. BUT IT IS NOT TRUE. KALI IS SITING OVER POWER AND EGO.YOU MAY WONDER AS TO WHY THIS BOY IS GOING TO POWER AND UNNECESARY RIGMAROLE WHEN I AM ASKING ABOUT THE BILLION DOLLAR QUESTION IN THE WORLD. BUT THE ROOT LIES HERE. EVEN THE GREAT BANYAN TREE WHICH GIVES SHADE TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, CAME FROM A SEED. LIKEWISE, TERRORISM ALSO STARTED FROM SOMETHING SMALL. HOW DO YOU THINK MAFIA STARTED? IT WAS A REBELLION AGAINST THE LANDLORDS WHO WERE DECIEVING THEM AND TOILING THEM. BUT TODAY MAFIA IS FEARED AT. WE ALL KNOW THAT GANDHI IS CONSIDERED AS ONE OF THE GREATEST MEN OF ALL TIMES. HE WENT THROUGH PEACE. BUT AGAIN WE HAVE SUBASH CHANDRA BOSE, BHAGAT SINGH CHANDRASEKHAR AZAD AND OTHERS WHO TOOK THE EXTERME SIDE. ARENT THEY REMEMBERD AS BEING GREAT? WHAT THEY DID AGAINST THE BRITISH RAJ WAS ALSO TERRORISM. THEY TERROTISED THE BRITISH RAJ. YOU BEING A TAMILIAN WOULD KNOW ABOUT VEERAPANDIYA KATTABOMMAN. DIDNT HE TERRORISE THE BRITISH RAJ? BUT STILL YOU CALL THEM GREAT. WHY? THE ANSWER YOU WOULD SAY IS THAT THEY WERE FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE. THE CAUSE BEING FREEDOM FOR THE COUNTRY. BUT ARENT THE TERRORISTS FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE? ARE THEY THOSE GUYS WHO FIND SUNDAY AFTERNOONS BORING AND DECIDE TO SHOOT SOME PEOPLE FOR FUN? NO THEY ARE NOT.FOR US, WHEN WE WERE UNDER THE BRITISH, FREEDOM WAS THE CRITERIA AND WE WELCOMED ALL EFFORTS TAKEN TOWARDS IT. WE WELCOMED TERRORISM AS WARMLY AS WE DID NON VIOLENCE.BUT TODAY WE SHUN TERRORISM BECAUSE WE ARE HAPPY AND WE DONT WANT TO GET KILLED BY SOME MANIAC. OF COURSE YOU WOULD ASK," WHY KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE? WHY NOT TAKE SOME OTHER MEASURES TO SEE TO IT THAT THEIR PROBLEM IS SOLVED." I APPRECIATE THIS QUESTION. BUT AGAIN, THOSE WHO WORKED FOR THE BRITISH RAJ WERE ALSO INNOCENT. THEY LEFT THEIR WIVES AND SHILDREN IN BRITAIN AND CAME HERE ONLY TO BE TERRORISED AND KILLED BY OUR "FREEDOM FIGHTERS" WHO WERE BUT TERRORISTS. KILLING INNOCENT PEOPLE IS NOT THE CRITERIA FOR TERRORISTS. TERRORISING THE MINDS OF THE PEOPLE SO THAT THEY CAN BE HEARD IS WHAT THEY WANT.THAT IS WHAT THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS DID. THEY KILLED, NOT BECAUSE THEY LIKED KILLING. BUT BECAUSE THEY WANTED THE BRITISH RAJ TO TURN TO THEM AND SEE THAT THEY WANTED FREEDOM, WHICH WAS THERI CAUSE. TODAY'S TERRORIST KILLS. BUT HE ALSO IS DOING ALL THIS WITH THE SAME INTENTION AS OUR FREEDOM FIGHTERS DID. PLEASE DONT SAY THAT WHAT OUR FREEDOM FIGHTERS DID WAS NOBILITY AND WHAT TODAYS TERRORIST DOES IS STUPIDITY.WHAT APPEARS BLUE FOR YOU MAY APPEAR RED FOR ME AND MAY APPEAR YELLOW FOR SOMEONE ELSE. I MEAN TO SAY THAT IT ALL DEPENDS ON HOW YOU SEEIT. EVEN TODAY WHEN I SEE THE NEWSPAPRES AND READ ABOUT THE ULFA KILLINGS, I GET ANGRY. I THINK WHY IS THERE NO PEACE IN THIS WORLD? BUT THINKING LOGICALLY AND THINKING FROM ALL ANGLES, YOU CAN SEE THAT EVEN THOSE TERRORISTS HAVE SOMETHING THAT THEY WANT TO SAY TO THE WORLD.DEAR SIR, NO ONE IN THIS WORLD IS AN ABSOLUTELY GOOD MAN. NEITHER IS ANYONE ABSOLUTELY BAD. EVERYONE HAS A GOOD SIDE AND A BAD SIDE. AGAIN, IT DEPENDS ON HOW YOU SEE IT. WHAT APPEARS GOOD TO YOU MAY APPEAR BAD TO ME AND MAY APPEAR AS NOTHING TO A THIRD PERSON. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT RAMANA MAHARISHI SAID. HE PREACHED THAT YOU DONT SEE THE WORLD FROM YOUR ANGLE ALONE.WHEN A HONEST STUDENT REFUSES TO HELP HIS FRIEND DURING THE EXAMINATION, HE APPEARS GOOD TO MOST OF THE PEOPLE. BUT TO THE STUDENT WHO WAS NOT HELPED, DOESNT HE APPEAR BAD? YOU MAY ARGUE THAT IT IS THE MISTAKE OF THE STUDENT FOR NOT HAVING STUDIED AND HE IS NOT TO ACCUSE THE HONEST STUDENT. THIS ARGUEMENT IS APPRECIABLE. BUT IT IS NOT APT. YES. IT IS HIS MISTAKE FOR NOT HAVING STUDIED AND HE OUGHT NOT ACCUSE THE HONEST STUDENT. BUT THE POINT THAT IM DRIVING HOME IS THAT THERE IS MORE THAN ONE ANGLE FROM WHICH YOU CAN VIEW ANY SITUATION. DO IT AND YOU WOULD HAVE JUST DESTROYED YOUR EGO. DO IT AND YOU WOULD SEE THAT WHAT OTHERS DO IS NOT ALWAYS WRONG. DO IT AND YOU WOULD SEE THE GOOD IN WHAT OTHERS DO AND WHAT HAD APPEARED TO BE WRONG. IF YOU ARE TO GO TO A TEMPLE AND LOOK AT THAT STATUE, YOU CAN SEE IT AS YOU WANT TO SEE IT. YOU MAY SEE IT AS GODDESS ANNAPOORNI DEVI. YOU MAY SEE IT AS A STONE. YOU MAY SEE IT AS SOME ART. YOU MAY SEE THE BEAUTY WITH WHICH THE IDOL WAS SCULPTURED. BUT BECAUSE YOU SEE IT AS GODDESS ANNPOORNI DEVI, IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT EVERYONE THERE HAS TO SEE IT SO. ONE MAY SEE IT AS A BEAUTIFUL GIRL. ONE MAY SEE IT AS A STONE, ONE MAY SEE IT AS A SCULTURE ETC. CAN YOU FIGHT WITH THEM AND SAY THAT ONLY YOU ARE RIGHT AND HE IS WRONG?THIS IS WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD TODAY. A GREAT POPULATION(INCLUDING ME) SEE TERRORISM AS BAD. BUT THINK OF THOSE TERRORISTS. WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY HAVE IN MIND AND WHY THEY CHOSE TO TREAD THIS PATH? SEE FROM ALL ANGLES AS I HAVE ALREADY SAID AND YOU WILL SEE THAT EVERYONE HAS A GOOD MAN IN HIM AND EVERYONE HAS A BAD MAN IN HIM. IF YOU SEE FROM ALL ANGLES, THEN THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE GOOD MINDS TO GET TOGETHER AND FIGHT THE BAD MINDS. GOD IS GREAT. HE GIVES ONLY GOOD MINDS TO EVERYONE. BUT SOME SEE IT AS GOOD AND SOME SEE IT AS BAD.WORLD PEACE CANNOT BE ACHIEVED. BY SAYING WORLD PEACE, DO NOT MEAN ONLY A WAR FREE PLACE KILLINGS FREE PLACE. YOU CAN SAY THAT WORLD PEACE HAS BEEN ACHIEVED, ONLY WHEN EACH AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL IS PEACEFUL. EACH INDIVIDUAL IN THIS 6 BILLION MUST BE HAPPY AND PEACEFUL. THEN YOU CAN WHOOP AND SAY THAT WORLD PEACE HAS BEEN ACHIEVED.PEOPLE LIKE JAMNALAL BAJAJ, RAJAJI HAVE ASKED THIS QUESTION AND HAVE GOTTEN VARIETY OF ANWERS, BUT THIS QUESION OF YOURS STILL REMAINS UN-ANSWERED. LET ME SAY WHAT RAMANA MAHARISHI SAID TO ONE OF HIS DEVOTEES WHO ASKED THE SAME QUESTION TO HIM. HE ASKED THE MAHARISHI, "WHEN WILL WE HAVE WORLD PEACE?" WHAT SHOULD WE DO MAKE THIS PLANET FREE FROM TERRORISM?"FOR THIS RAMANA MAHARISHI REPLIED," WHY DO YOU CARE ABOUT THE WORLD? TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF FIRST. THE WORLD WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF."LET ME ADD SOMETHING TO WHAT HE SAID. " TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND THE WORLD WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF. DO WHAT YOU WANT AS LONG AS YOU KNOW, TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, THAT WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS NOT WRONG. DO NOT, TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, HURT OTHERS. REMEMBER THAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIN AND MISTAKE IS ITS INTENTION. GO ON. THIS WORLD IS A BIG PLACE TO LIVE. LIVE YOUR LIFE HAPPILY. LEAVE EVERYTHING TO GOD AND GO ON WITH YOUR WORK. YOU WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF."IF EVERYONE OF US DO OUR WORK AND LEAVE THE REST TO GOD, HE WILL TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING.DO YOUR WORK WITHOUT HURTING OTHERS.AND REMEMBER SIR, IN FIGHTING TERRORISM, WE ALSO BECOME TERRORISTS. YES, WE FIGHT(TERRORISE) THE TERRORISTS AND WE BRING A GLORY AND CLAIM THAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED WORLD PEACE. BUT WE HAVE NOT. AND AS LONG AS WE THINK THAT WE ARE RIGHT AND OTHERS ARE WRONG, WE WILL NOT ACHIEVE WORLD PEACE.WITH REGARDSDEEPAK.K

Her Smile

I see her in the summer,
Chasing sparrows in the sky.
Forgetting all her memories
Hnd Her reasons to cry.

I see her dancing in the rain,
The raindrops kissing her face.
Her fingers, like petals,
Seeking a velvet sky's embrace.

I see her in the glowing snow,
Enjoying the gifts winter brings.
Smiling her innocent smile,
Awaiting the joys of spring.

I see her by the river,
Listening to silent voices.
Dropping pebbles, into placid water,
As a waning moon rejoices.

I see her in the corn-fields,
Merrily strolling to the tune
Of the whispering zephyr,
And the night that falls soon.

I see her chasing rabbits
Which exist, but, in her mind.
As the flowers smile in unison,
At the joy this child does find.

I see her in her mother's arms,
Asleep and lost in her dreams.
Anonymous to a world around,
Where good's not as good as it seems.

I see her smile her innocent smile,
As she takes me by the hand,
Leads me through lush trees,
To a distant promised land.

I see this land before me,
When i look into her eyes.
A land of speckled rainbows,
A land devoid of lies.

A land where she would whisper
Sweet nothings in delight.
A land where she'd dance all day,
And sing all through the night.

A land in her thoughts.
A land where all the while,
She'd hide in blossomed clouds,
And smile her innocent smile.

I did see her and I knew it not,
On that faithful autumn day,
That the last time she sang
Would be the last time she'd play.

I did see the sun weep golden rays,
Which caressed her ashen face.
The gentle raindrops did follow
The path her tears would trace.

I still see her when I try to look
Beyond the clouds and years.
She just smiles her innocent smile,
And wipes away my tears.

By,
Nikhil Menon
IV CSE B

Mirror

I see shadows in your eyes,
Dancing like mirages by the flames of providence.
They would be what you've sown,
To haunt you when your soul lies towards decadence.
The angels by your side,
Come forth to guide you, as soldiers of benevolence.

Hear the masters speak your truth, I
n broken words that whisper to you with the breeze.
They'd never bless your soul,
And bestow sweet wisdom to cure your disease.
You would be the hand that lies
Waiting by the flames, that burn to cease.

Ashen warrior will you see,
Your glory lies elusive to you, forever more?
When the holy light fades,
Will you fall and pray by the unopened door?
You will be all that I will despise.
You are this face, in the mirror before.

By,
Nikhil Menon
IV CSE B

Fate's Fortress

No, I'm not a lonely, deranged, depressed maniac.

He was waiting for her at the corner of the road. She asked him to come and see her. She was late, and he was getting increasingly desperate to see her. He saw her finally, and his heart started beating faster. She saw him and smiled. He smiled back, although weakly.

He got up and moved to meet her. She took his hand and they started walking. She was so happy to be reunited with him, but he, he was numb. She spoke, she asked, she laughed, but he was mute. They continued walking, relishing the few minutes they had together before they left.

His emotions failed him. He wasn’t happy, he wasn’t sad. He didn’t know why. Maybe he wasn’t happy because it was probably the last time he would see her. Maybe he wasn’t sad because she wouldn’t let him be. There was just this hollow feeling in his heart. He held on to her tightly. He wanted to hug her, kiss her, never let go.

The minutes passed sooner than they expected. They had reached the end of the road. They had to part now. She had to go, she told him. He remained silent. He took her in his arms for one last time, and kissed her. The connection broke, she turned, and walked away. He told her he loved her, she told him she loved him.

He began walking home, so slowly, so dejectedly. He walked a few steps, then turned back, but he couldn’t see her, she was gone. He walked some more, then turned back again. There she was, waiting. She waved a final good-bye. He waved back, and they went home.

He sat in his room, and that’s when his emotions returned. The hollow feeling was now replaced by a feeling of longing. How he missed her. How he wanted her back. How he wanted to feel her skin, to see her smile.

He reminisced a while longer, and went to sleep.

Krishna R

II CSE

Farce

Were you hoping for something lighter? Sorry to disappoint.

The eyes are moist,
obscured by coal.
The outer self
deceives the soul.

Thronging thoughts
that none shall find,
lay imprisoned in the
fortress of the mind.

Words veiled
hollow in disguise,
masking the pain
of unknown sacrifice.

Volatile emotions,
hidden by muslin.
Pulsating blood,
suppressed by skin.

Hatred, naked,
For better of two.
Feelings farce,
Unfelt – the true.

Krishna R
II CSE

No NET? No problem!

I understand that it is difficult for people without the net to post
stuff at the blog. So I'll put up a list of people on the notice board
from each year to whom you can give your manuscripts....

Read the NOTICE Board for the latest on the magazine!!!

Manas

Notice is up!!

Hey everybody! The notice is up! The blog is official...now its up to
you netizens to make this click! Tell your friends about it...

I found a few people wondering if this is some prank.....
Well, NO ITS NOT!
This is authentic and this is real!!!!
Post your stuff here and get them into the magazine....

Another thing that struck me...why is the stuff here so serious???!!!
Could we have some humor here too :D ?

Anyways keep at it guyz...we're heading in the right direction....

Good to see the energy

Its great to see the stuff that you guys have been posting up! Didn't know that it would turn out so cool! Keep at it....

Kali Yuga

It keeps getting worse.

Cold winds bring a new season,
Of pain and death and fear.
The Gods have withdrawn their command
And the Demons are here.

The tides have risen,
The die is cast.
Joy is a memory,
Woe to be, for everlast.

Sunshine departs for blacker clouds,
Blood descends from the rain
And mixes with the river of
The blood from bodies slain.

Newborns killed before an hour of life
Virgins penetrated in,
Bodies that work the Devil’s play
Unleash the age of sin.

Hands that hold in silent prayer,
Succumb to the rage.
The unholy ones will wipe us all,
Lest we worship the Dark Sage.

Krishna R
II CSE

Thought Vs Emotions

If one were to analyze the process of human thought, one would find one rather striking discrepancy in this very process. This discrepancy is not some inherent flaw in the human mind. On the contrary, this discrepancy is often considered a gift to all of human kind. This discrepancy, dear reader, is emotion. Emotions at all times bear some influence in everything we do. Thus, one cannot help but logically deduce the undoubtedly large effect influence has on the process of thought. If the process of thought is subjected to emotional influence, then one cannot help but question the whole definition of rational thought in itself! That sheds some rather suspicious light on the whole realm of rationality as well.

If something as sacrosanct as the very act of thinking could be influenced by the realm of human emotion, it only means that this process of rational thinking is diluted or compromised to a certain extent. Could emotions be a hindrance to the synchronized, harmonic and indeed efficient functioning of the human mind?

It seems hard to believe that the two most sacred faculties of human existence could cross paths in a manner such as this. Indeed we hold these two faculties critical to our existence and our identities as well. One also needs to consider the converse which follows logically from the interference of emotions in matters of rational thought – The interference of rational thought in matters of emotion.

How could these two realms co-exist if such interference actually does occur? The answer to this question seems to lie in the understanding of the mode of functioning of these very faculties.

Consider rational thought first.

The basic “function” of rational thought is to formulate streams of facts or ideas and present them as logical means of expression or to analyze existing ideas and search them for logical convictions. If that is the general function of rational thought as performed by the human mind, then one could easily apply this function to everyday life.

Rational thought by its very nature is deemed to possess the unscathed quality of impartiality. This quality of impartiality, however, could be deemed a touch “too” impartial at times. This again raises questions when one tries and considers the very meaning of the words “too impartial”. This form of thought, viz. rational thought, is solely endowed with an aim to find or apply logic. This logic, be it in the form of mathematics or just plain reason, usually only conforms to one ideal. This ideal is one which puts logic above everything else. This ideal is one that makes logic the foremost pedestal of sorts which can only be governed by itself. Thus it deems everything else worth contemplating only if it conforms to the very core set of beliefs that logic provides for. In simpler words, rational thought maintains the following credo whose modified version is much flaunted in cartoon shows – “Logic, or bust”!

Now consider the realm of emotion as an independent entity which is deemed with its own identity and process. One could also try and narrowly define the “function” of emotion. As I did with rational thought, I shall now take the liberty to provide this definition of function myself.

In my opinion, the “function” of emotion is to “enhance” a human being’s experience of existence by providing a new dimension to one’s way of life. This dimension is that of “feeling”.

If that small (but in my belief rather accurate) definition could in fact be the plausible “function” of emotion, then I believe one wouldn’t find it hard to relate to this definition.

Of emotions, it could perhaps be said that they add the “human” element to all of us human beings. While this might sound rather ridiculous, I suppose one could understand this statement by considering what a human being would be without emotion. This human being would, in other words, be one whose life is governed solely by rational thought.

To such a human being, nothing would appeal greater than logic. No joys would come out of anything which didn’t seem to suit some particular logically sound purpose at some point in time as deemed important by the logically dominant brain. To such a human, there would be no such state as that of happiness as he/she would be incapable of feeling anything. A human such as this would find life run by only two main pillars of action – Necessity and action to fulfill that necessity. This necessity wouldn’t be one of satisfaction or self contentment. Indeed, there would be no such thing as self contentment. To put it simply, it would be an organism which believed in the supremacy of the “live to give life” ideology. Such a human being would find no purpose greater than the sustaining of one’s life for as long as possible through nutritional and other needs. It would also find a logically sound purpose in ensuring the continuity of the human race. Beyond this, however, it would find no need to apply its thought to.

Now, consider the logical (no partiality intended) opposite of the human being considered above. This would be the human being governed solely by emotion. This by itself sounds ridiculous as a lack of rationality only guarantees destruction. In order to go beyond this rather general dismissal of our poor second human, let us ignore this fact for the time being. Such a human being would be walking the proverbial emotional tightrope for all of his/her life. A human being such as this one would only find satisfaction in the pursuit of “happiness”. These definitions of “happiness” would obviously vary from individual to individual owing solely to the inconstancy of emotion. As a result, such a state of existence would be more impulsive than calculating as a result of which one could possibly sacrifice long-term well being for short term satisfaction. A very deadly mistake indeed, don’t you think?

Now consider us humans as we are today. We obviously don’t fall into either category of humans as the ones I’ve discussed above (well most of us, at least!). If your mind’s working towards a conclusion of your own, you should beat the same conclusion I have drawn. The interference I speak of isn’t even interference if one actually puts some thought into it. If an organism is doomed without either one of these faculties, then it only is logical to assume they don’t hinder the other’s functioning. If you truly do analyze the nature of our very own mode of existence today, then you would find that rational thought at certain instances is better left “interfered” with. In a similar way, emotional thought is at some times better left “interfered” with by rational thought.

Such a state of co-existence is essential to the progress of the human race as a whole. In fact, it is this state of emotional and rational harmony that has been responsible for all of our developments in every conceivable field. If one was ruled by rationality alone, one would not find it necessary to maintain, let us say, a system of education if indeed the “live to give life” ideal was subscribed to. The emotional dimension enables the mind to yearn for something better for the individual as well as the collective whole. Similarly, if man were ruled solely by emotion, even if he did indeed recognize an educational system as a method of self improvement, he would still lack the rational insight to bring about the existence of such a system.

Such is the way of the human mind that two completely antagonistic realms find their means of co-existence for the betterment and indeed, the existence of the human race. One could never doubt the power of thought and one could never suppress the necessity of emotion. Thus, the so-called battle between rationality and emotion isn’t really a battle at all.

By,

Nikhil Menon
IV CSE B

Desire

Its fragments among
The mirrored facade,
Of the mind that lies within.
Its glory lost in
Illusory potence,
That succumbs to mortal sin.

Its divinity bound
By a sheltered cause,
That will never conspire again.
Its mortal bliss,
A mere dream until,
It concedes to its own sweet pain.

Its words a mirage,
Unto the facets
Of the fickle human mind.
Its power is a will
Of its very own:
A pagan wish unto my kind.

Its form unseen
By most, but felt
As a burning, searing fire.
It is my bane;
My only foe -
This curse that is desire.

By,
Nikhil Menon
IV CSE B

Name for the Mag

Okay...Important part...we need names for the magazine...
The Ettimadai version is called Amritadwani
We need to come up with something better.... The only thing to remember is that it should begin with "Amrita - " and should have a "Sanskritish" suffix :D

Anyway...here are some that I came up with...add onto these as comments or rate them as you wish....

1. Amrita-jvala
2.Amrita-dristi
3.Amrita-chintan
4.Amrita-kriti
5.Amrita-jaagran

I forgot the rest...will post more later....

Cheers!

Left Over Snow

Left Over Snow -- Four days after the storm.
Much of the fluffy white blanket that covered the earth is gone,
Melted into nothing.
Yet a few solitary drifts rise up in splendor
Over the scattered patches of brown mud and green grass.

Left Over Snow -- Four days after the storm.
Glistening silver-white mounds adorn the countryside
Amid fields of tiny green wheat sprouts and barren stalks of corn.
Isolated drifts yearn for their bond with each other,
A reminder that snow is Natures' way
Of connecting all the different parts of the land
Into one continuous white mass,
Giving it and all creatures a chance for peaceful rest.

Left Over Snow -- Four days after the storm.
Their forlorn blue shadows mourn the loss
Of winter's frozen purifying protective covering,
And scorn the songs of soaring birds welcoming spring.

Left Over Snow -- Four days after the storm.
Lonely drifts hopelessly struggling to hold their form;
Yet slowly, silently fading away;
Submitting to the sun's gold warmth.

Aditya
II Sem
EEE

I Know It's Only Half a Year

I know it's only half a year
That you will be away,
But it will feel far more than that
Each long and lonely day.

A day without a friend is like
A meadow turned to sand,
A garden turned to weeds and dust,
An ocean far from land.

Time enters a slow-motion zone,
Repeating endlessly
The tearful grimace of the heart
Till you return to me.

Aditya
II Sem
EEE

Derailed

A rather grotesque post for a starter.

He stood there in the middle of the track. The train would arrive any minute. His spirit, full of young blood, told him that he alone could take his life. He laughed to himself, a laugh from a man who had nothing to lose. Or so he thought. He pitied the men still living a worthless life, he mocked their cowardice of not being able to do what he would soon do. He had had his share of life’s problems, but he decided he would have no more of it. He decided that he would take the easy way out. He had thought of this day for a month now, and today, he was sure that this would be the end. In a way, he felt victorious, because for once, he felt like he controlled his life, or rather, his death.

He thought of all the people he knew. His friends needed him, his family couldn’t live without him. Maybe he had to go back, he reckoned. But no, he had lived enough for everyone else. This was his moment. A part of his mind continued to fight. This is an act of cowardice, this isn’t how you face your troubles, it seethed. He listened to all this with barely a second thought. He was hoping the train would arrive soon, he wanted to get it over with, because he knew that he was slowly stepping towards the line of sanity. There’s nothing in life that’s bad enough to make you take your life, it went on. But only he knew the pain that he underwent all through his life. He couldn’t take it anymore. He did wish that there was a better way out, but his heart was cold now. The consequences of his action did not bother him. He would escape all his fears in a few minutes, he would be free…

He could see the train’s headlights in the distance. The small circle kept growing in size, bigger and bigger until the train was only a few yards away. That was when realization struck. The moment of clarity had dawned upon him. He must not die, he decided. He would go back, build his life from scratch, he would be happy. He had to get off the track. But his feet were numb, his whole body still from shock. The train was inches away from him and he knew that it was too late. He realized what a grave mistake he had made, and now he couldn’t turn away. No, he screamed. In one last effort, he managed to lift his leg, but the train plowed into him and dragged his body a quarter of a mile. His body was disfigured to such an extent that it could not be identified. Strangely, the only mortal remains which were intact were his eyes. And even in those lifeless eyes, could be seen the anguish of a wailing heart.

Krishna R

II CSE

Mention your names and branches

Hey ppl, when you do post stuff here, make sure that your mention your names,Branches and semesters at the end of your post..It will make is easier for me to compile it....

And for those of you who are seeing blog for the first time plz gimme your email id'
s so that I could sent you an invite.

Hail Amrita Blore ;)

Spectrum

Ochre rays
peeking through,
Portals unlocked
Shadows stand guard.

Murky reflections
Fall back on a face
Stirring shame,
Guilty blaze.

Mind engrossed,
In trivial pursuit
Endless games,
Cease to end.

Stand apart
Within a façade,
Of hurtful truth
And painless lies.

Vain attempts
Continue yet,
To unlock ports
In twilight zone.

Laxmi
II Sem
EEE

Phoenix

Streaks of hues in chrome plagued the sky, engulfing each corner of the vast blue expanse....creeping into every cloud, encroaching every bit of space. Toxicating the creamy white to a concoction in chrome, crimson, indigo; turning darker with every moment.

A lone bird then flew into the darkness, spreading its wings...beyond the horizon. Unflinched by the inanimate colors glaring with all their life.Leaving a trail of silver mist in the sinister skies...

Hazel eyes trailed its path. Tracing each flicker leading to the silvery mist, forming an arc of hope in the churning skies.

A flake of silver made its way, from the indigo skies, to the gazing eyes. Fell deep in. Set into the iris, made its way through the maze of the mind...touched a chord in an untouched spot.
Gave birth to a fresh new train of thought.
Brought lifeless eyes back to life.

Laxmi
II Sem
EEE

Gimme your email ID's

Hey guyz...I think Nikhil has a valid idea there when he's said that we can put it into different categories....will do that but for Now I don't want to restrict the space that you can use to post stuff here..(Comment space is limited) So please send me your email ids and I'll send you invites to the blog!

I'll Later compile the stuff and put em on another blog into categories for you to browse through

Hey ppl

OK, here's a place for you to populate the magazine online...ok? Just post anything that comes to your mind...ideas, articles, poems, jokes...anything at all....Lets rock this Magazine...

Show Ettimadai what we're capable of....