Subhash Chandra Bose disappearance

Mystery behind Netaji's Disappearance 

As I write this column on 117th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, thirty family members of Netaji’s were evicted from Netaji Bhawan. They were protesting against the declassification of files relating to disappearance and death of great leader of Indian struggle for independence, Subhas Chandra Bose. The honorific Netaji, which means ‘Respected Leader’, was first applied to Bose in Germany by the Indian soldiers and German officials in early 1942, is now widely used throughout India. For me, as a child, he remained attractively mysterious. I still remember his photographs in smart military outfit and dashing round glasses.

Please click the link to read in full

http://theindianeconomist.com/the-mystery-behind-disappearance-of-netaji-subhash-chandra-bose/

Politics and Simplicity

Simplicity among Politicians 

Simplicity is the state or quality of being simple. It can also be used to imply beauty, purity or clarity. In the context of human lifestyle, it can refer to a simple living style. Last few days have trended the discussion of simple lifestyle among politicians, all thanks to the emergence of AAP in Delhi. AAP Chief Minister A. Kejriwal talked of simple living like a common man. He refused to take security and declined flat having ten rooms. He travels by a car donated by volunteer and promised not to take a bungalow. He has been praised by all but he is not the only Chief Minister who is setting example of simple living. Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Sarkar still lives in two-room house. He donates all his salary to the party and gets Rs 5000 per month from his party. His wife travels in a rickshaw and goes to market freely without any security. His cash assets are only One thousand and eighty rupees only. West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamta Banerjee is symbolic of Hawaii chappal and a cotton sari. She travelled by Maruti 800 car to announce Rail Budget in Parliament. She also lives in two room house. Chief Minister of Chhatisgarh, Raman Singh refused to take VVIP facilities and it is very easy to meet him. Chief Minister of Goa, Parikar lives simply and has taken lifts in past to reach Secretariat. 

Mahatma Gandhi was once asked to describe an ideal life style and he responded by saying “Simple living and High thinking.” Narendra Modi, PM candidate of BJP believes in this statement. Narendra Modi’s income for year 2011-12 was one lakh fifty thousand and six hundred thirty rupees only which comes to monthly income of Rupees twelve thousand and five hundred fifty three only. He has only four rings which he mentioned in 2012. He has only one house in Gandhinagar.  The above mentioned example proves that Kejriwal is not the only Chief Minister who lives simple or dresses simple. As somebody said simplicity is the ultimate sophistication and does not require publicity.  It speaks for itself. Simplicity can be a virtue of an honest man but person should have patience and be worthy of his words to prove it.

Fashion n Winters

Fashion makes a way for itself in any season. Winter is not an exception. Winter opens up a whole new opportunity with fun wardrobe. Just because it’s cold and snow outside, does not necessarily mean that your outfit need to be boring and unflattering. Your outerwear is the first thing that everyone sees. I started my journey as intern with a Fashion Buying House. The fashion industry is a highly prominent field difficult to infiltrate. Anyone who has ever tried to launch a fashion career knows how grueling it can be. It is competitive, secretive and greatly guarded. Though mine is not an expert advice but for a change I can give a suggestion or two on how to become a winter queen this season.   

The markets are full of fabrics and designer clothes. Though black colored outfits rule the winters but ladies can try cheerful colors. This winter you can try the ‘Nude Shades’ which match our skin and are currently in. These shades are lighter than earthly colors. Oxblood colored sweaters are hot this winter. Never ignore whites in winters, especially in your wardrobe. The white colored dress always gives you a special touch. Keep enough black and white dresses in your wardrobe. Just as Plum color was an alternative to black, rose can be an alternative to white this season. Rose color gives an instant touch of femininity to any outfit. Try Parisian-chic-in-black and white separates to make a statement. Make black and burgundy combo this winter. Tuxedo jacket can be paired with matching pants to give complex to men.

Printed sweater, colorful sneakers and a knit hat to keep chilly winds off makes a playful and comfortable combo. Fuzzy sweater – coat over legging and boots is the other option this winter to go for. For those who like tomboy thing, wear a motorcycle jacket, rugged jeans and a headphone. Worn jeans and a long, tailored coat looks cool this winter. Keep skinny jeans in your wardrobe which goes with any color like black or blue.

Warm and chic are two qualities we look for in cool-weather footwear. Leather boots are must and never forget to make a statement scarf the focal point of your outfit. Ladies can also try Dairy liquid legging for a night out party. Try unzipped puffer coat or faux-fur jacket for a stroll in the market.

Pile on the accessories and buy eco-friendly bags which are made of jute. Markets are full of canvas bags. Just ignore Capri and high heels this winter. So what are you waiting for? Go for the vibrant colors this winter as you have more wardrobe options during the cooler months.

Women Safety

Personal safety has become an issue of importance for everyone but especially for women. Violence against women is not just a women’s issue but a human rights issue. It concerns all stakeholders in the city. United Nations study for women indicates that ninety five percent of women feel unsafe in Delhi especially in public places. It is a sad reality that we are living in an increasing violent society. As I write this just heard the news that class sixth girl was raped by four boys in Delhi yesterday. The boys themselves are in the age group of 14-17 years. This proves that young girls are most vulnerable in the society (wherever they live) and face different kind of discrimination and violence. Also just heard that the girl, who was victim of acid attack in Ludhiana succumbed to her injuries. These incidents are depressing and shameful. India is a country of law abiding citizens and basically a peaceful country. It has always been a safe destination for domestic and international tourists. However, there are few aberrations and a few persons break the law. Around six million foreign tourists, who came to India in 2012, 40% of them being lady tourists, did not report any major problems in India during their visits. Surat in Gujarat has been declared the safest city for women in India with Shimla as second.

However, increased crime rates against women in Delhi since December 16, 2012 shows that a lot has to be done here. The study reflects that eve-teasing cases have increased by 700% and rapes have increased by 200%. The tough laws suggested by Justice Verma committee had little effect. I believe it is the mindset of men which should be changed as the harsh punishments was not able to put any fear in the minds of sexual offenders. With this article, I wish to share few tips for women which may be helpful for them to counter any kind of gender violence.

Women usually believe and they are generally taught that to hit on a groin or eye is the best option during any kind of attack. It is easily said than done in real situations. If it has been so easy India itself would not have reported rape every forty minutes. Moreover, the data is on incidents reported. There is no figure on cases which go unreported. The first things first, women should always be aware of surroundings. The element of a surprise is a strategy of attacker. The predator usually targets women who are unaware of what is happening around. The best option is to keep the eyes open and hands free. Secondly, trust your gut feeling or sixth sense and use it more. Most of women have it but they tend to ignore it. Avoid a person or a situation which does not feel safe. If you are followed while driving, change lanes and move to store or gas station as they generally have sufficient staff, are well lit and equipped by CCTV. Few years back in Safdarjung, New Delhi, it was the staff of petrol pump which helped the distressed and assaulted woman. However, if there is any confrontation with the attacker, try to be calm and do not panic as this is what the assaulter wants. Students of BMM of Lala Lajpat Rai College, Mumbai has started campaign, “Ab Mein Ek Bajaon” which distributes whistles to college girls who use this in case of eve teasing to catch public attention. Keep a blow whistle with you as it makes noise and catch attention. People can come for support asking, “Is there any problem.” If intruder enters your car, blow the horn as it will catch attention of passerby. Avoid lonely lanes in night, dark places and police stations in night. In case you sense trouble, keep pepper spray or stun gun ready. In case you are a self defense expert, save yourself physically. Look for an escape route rather than physical confrontation.