Some amusing quotes

Here are some quotes which kept me amused all day long...

I don't have to attend every argument I'm invited to.

There are two things I've learnt: There is God; and I'm not Him.

Following the path of least resistance is what makes rivers and men crooked.

The following one was the best!

Sometimes majority only means that all the fools are on the same side.

Forcing sense into politics

I was thrilled when I heard the directive of the court issuing a decree that henceforth any political party calling for a bandh has to pay for the losses incurred that day! Now that's one of the most creative and forceful way of driving sense into political factions which disrupt normal life for their selfish ends. This indeed is a great move and I salute the one who got this idea. Furthermore, today's newspaper has, on its frontpage, the news that a court issued an order stating that a youngster booked under the case of violence during the Telangana bandh pay up Rs 1 lakh as compensation to seek bail! Let's see if those political groups backing this come to his aid... I doubt anyone will. Some lessons are better taught the hard way!

Avatar, human rights and ecology

Last night we watched Avatar ... it was worth watching. Though I do not appreciate sci-fi movies, this one didn't appear to be so. It is basically an alien vs human movie, but with a simple twist whereby, it is the humans who have overstepped the line of sense and sensibility. For me it came across as a movie which basically speaks of the small and voiceless in their struggle against the powerful and mighty. The three best moments of the movie that appealed to me most were the following:

1. The scene where the Na'vi's are shooting arrows at the gigantic space ships: that's exactly the equation of people in real life when they are up and against the powerful sections of society or bureaucracy.
2. The next was when Jake softly prays to the 'tree' to take his side and his partner, Neytiri states that the Eywa does not take sides but just sees to the balance of life. Now that's a very sensible stand. No bribing or emotional blackmailing!
3. The third is when the whole Na'vi tribe are in sync with the nature. This is the part I liked most of the movie - it shows a group of people who are totally in sync with nature. They do not exploit it but respect and co-exist. Even when they have to kill another creature, it is done with respect and regret.

A powerful message on human greed, need to respect nature and the dignity of life - but perhaps the presentation overshadows the message! All the same, the effort to convey a message is praiseworthy!

Values... more than deeds alone

I see a great deal of energy and effort spent on doing deeds, especially with children and in our educational institutions. Of course, the argument is that children learn by doing. But I also believe that they need to be told WHY they are doing what they are told to do! It is only in this manner that we can inculcate values - which outlast any deed or time - rather than have a long list of deeds and activities.

The recent floods in Andhra and now the earthquake in Haiti are all examples of opportunities when we involve young people in our solidarity efforts with the victims. Rather than just ask them to contribute or collect funds, this should be a moment to rationalise and help them see 'why we do what we do'. Thus later in life when called upon for a social act, these young people get involved for the right reasons and with the best of their creative minds!

Online/blogging advertising!

Perhaps the first concrete fruits of what I intended the blog on the upcoming school to be was materialised when Mr Chaitanya (Mugda village, Gandipet area) walked into my office this morning seeking information about the school. I was thrilled to know that he came to know more of the school from the blog!! He told me that he 'googled' the title and then came across this blog which he and his wife read in its entirety!

I look forward to the day when the school blog would be run by some of the students of the school and so will the whole 'net'-work related to the school. For the immense possibilities the net offers, children could very well make the most of it for growth and development, not just of their own self but make a significant contribution to the world... that's my dream for each school kid walking into the campus!

Chris Castilino

Some more photos of Chris' baptism... That's Mr D'Mello and his family... Don (his son has really grown tall... but still the same in everything else, so is Hilda Aunty!)

This is David and his son, Allu boy!

And that is Mr Chris Castilino!!

Of formees and street children

It is perhaps the same challenge when working in a formation house or in a street childrens' home. As far as I see, there is a great lacuna of motivation in both the places: among the street kids, they have seen life and therefore would not be easily convinced of 'working hard' to make it something different; so is the case with most of our formees. 'Why struggle, when this much is enough!?' seems to be an unsaid refrain in the formation set up.

Secondly, both the groups are least interested in personal study, reflection and synthesis. This really is a grave danger, especially for those in formation.

Viewing more than the keyhole

I was pleasantly surprised this evening when I heard the RJ on a local FM radio station announce a special programme on Jan. 26, our Republic day: a concoction of various cultures in the city of Hyderabad. Now that's something novel, especially when our politicians and narrow minded leaders are bickering over a separate state.

We need such wisps of fresh air, when we let our spirits rise above the petty narrow-minded whims and fancies of politicians... to view the world from a wider perspective than through the keyhole of the room we lock ourselves in!

E-ducating Don Bosco's way!

The latest e-letter of the Communication department from Rome has (among the many other useful and informative messages) this short write-up on DON BOSCO'S WAY... a marvellous online resource on Salesian educative system. Fr Peter Gonsalves from Mumbai Province (presently teaching in Rome) is the mastermind behind it. The site is really amazing and the possibilities it offer are numerous. Especially in a context where "teaching" Don Bosco's pedagogy is an integral element of our apostolate so that all those working with us Salesians gain from the rich heritage of Don Bosco's method, this resource is very handy. It is with this cosmoplitan perspective that don bosco's way has been designed. It presents text, diagrams, illustrations and audiovisuals the richness of Salesian pedagogy.

Hat's off to Fr Peter Gonsalves!

School visit

I had the chance - really by chance! - to visit a school in the Miyapur area this afternoon. I went as driver to Sr Anna Mary. The school is run by her relatives. I was impressed by their approach and their infrastructure. Nothing much in comparison to the place we have for our upcoming school but the available space is well planned out. The infrastructure too seems to be in place. The advantage they have is that the place is totally surrounded by high-rise buildings. The little time I spent there I saw a stream of parents walking in to inquire about the admission process. Of the couple of things the Principal shared with me, I liked her suggestion: Brother whatever you prepare, by way of promotion material or infrastructure, make it look the best - don't compromise on that! I too am convinced that if run well, this school - or any school, for that matter - will be greatly appreciated and numbers will not be problem. (Well, that's when talking professionally!).