New kid on the blog

I do not consider myself as a champion blogger & thereby look upon blogging with awe due to its tempting and addictive qualities that has affected millions across world- both real and virtual. Today before I take leap of faith over the fence and confirm my loyalty to the cult of bloggers, I use this space to introduce myself through what I call creative self-expression - writing for the laity ;)

Writing is something that fetches me my daily bread, butter and butter chicken, I prefer it more to other creative self expressive activities like dancing, singing or filmmaking, which take my fancy time to time but do not hold it enough to be pursued as a career. As far as my blogging qualifications go, I have been surfing online for quite sometime thanks to one of my early jobs as a content writer for a portal prior to dot com bubble burst. I wonder if you would remember a public service ad campaign that used to be aired on doordarshan in my childhood- " With a cigarette in my hand, I feel like a man". In my case, the same happens with a pen, keyboard or anything with which I can channel my thoughts, feelings and perceptions.

Personally, I look at blogs as one more welcome interface to share ideas, idols and idiosyncrasies. It reaffirms my faith in humanity that people still care for fellow beings, want to hear their voice, understand their thoughts and provide each other with much need, time, love and tenderness necessary to keep the human race together.

Today I merge two of my favourite areas of life, just like an experienced matchmaker or an M&A specialist -Internet and writing. These come together again after a gap of about 6 years but for something more consequential than chatting, professional emails or plain friendship testimonials. At this moment, I feel the joys of sweet surrender to the ever-growing tribe of bloggers and determine to walk alongside with them to newer horizons exploring each topic under the sun with precision and an unpredictable ever expanding spectrum of imagination.

But hey didn’t the dot com market crash long back. Yeah so I heard. King is dead long live the king... As a loyal servant worthy of virtual salt... I blog from today as my contribution to this amazing space created by humans to meet, greet and to share and care.

Forbidden Love and the roadmap to decriminalization of homosexuality in India

They say that my smiles of the morning after are illegal
I am criminal of seeking love in the wrong eyes,
Charged with finding comfort in the wrong caress
Raised eyebrows and misconceptions await me everyday in the eyes of some unknown and many familiar faces
Not guilty I mutter within my heart but never plead
I breathe as ever before and love as well … though forbidden


I tread the path that each mortal desires, the one of smiles, truth and love; the problem is that some co-passengers in my journey of life feel my walk needs correction. They demand that my rythematic gait be changed into a mundane of steps approved by social standards, which don’t threaten to tear the fibre of their moral fabric.

Simply speaking Section 377 of Indian Penal code looms large over my head whenever I think of my sexual identity. I like men, which is no crime in India Legally though the social system and the recent luckhnow incidents have resulted in newspaper Headlines like “Those guilty of Homosexual acts should be hung to death”. A bit too harsh- maybe but yes it is a reaction that stems out of fear for unknown.

I have always pondered about this kind of intolerance in society - be it sexuality, religion, economic or geographical biases. They all smell the same, reeking of a stench that emanates from discrimination and divides. Although, the need of the hour almost always has been to know the similarities and to draw parallels and make compromises.

The only solution that I see to the existing “legalization of homosexuality” issue is through dialogue. There have to be contributions from every member who wants to get homosexuality legalized. Sounds hunky dory and very utopian- yes I agree but when it comes to modus operandi and maintaining the comforts of closets for those who chose it, we can definitely begin with one healthy conversation at a time.

An important aspect of this dialogue process is the old and clichéd AIDA formulae used by the advertising world for eons. AIDA stands for a multiple step process that talks of attracting A-attention, evoking I-interest, generating D-desire and finally receiving A-Accrual or in this case A – acceptance from the citizens of India.

Before we move to the key message in the first phase of attention, here is some food for thought

Amongst the various prevalent norms in the society; most people welcome any custom that accepts rather than rejecting. Any country, person who even appears receptive generally has more chances of being popular. Be it roles of politician, writer, business magnet or a parent, the most successful people have always been identified by their acceptance for new knowledge, different perspectives and for listening.

As is the case with every existent thing on this planet, what we give comes back. When we treat others with discrimination, it boomerangs back into our life almost magically. Minorities in sexual preference, religious beliefs, economically, socially backward classes or various races, all hold equal amount of grudges, layers of mistrust and thereby the resultant misfortune too.