Jai Hind India!!

It's a great day today! Or not, for some. Today is India's Independence Day. I feel really restless today and I don't know why. I wish I had some Indian friends to celebrate with. I really want to have some Indian friends from India.

Oh, did I tell I prefer Indians from India to those in local? I don't know why, but I feel that those from India seem to be friendlier than those in local. But so far I made three friends from India. That's a good start for now. But we can't really hang out with each other. Two of them are my seniors.

Can a person be capable of feeling loyalty for two countries? According to me, I have two mother countries. One is India, where I was born and brought up or the first ten years of my life. The other one is Singapore, where I was educated for the next ten years of my life. It's not the question of towards which country I feel more loyalty. But if it is possible to feel loyalty towards more than one mother country.

I feel more at home in India. Because that is where all Indians reside, obviously. But there are reasons above that. I have felt the total experience of falling in love all over again each time I fly to India. Because it is not always what you had seen last time you went to India. It is completely different each and everytime you step your foot into India. India is emerging quickly. Poverty has not fully vanished. But I hope the people and the government will do something about it.

I feel loyalty to Singapore too because I feel living here to be more easy than living anywhere else around the world. I have been and am being educated here. I am receiving tution grant from the education ministry just like all other students. I don't think I would get such education elsewhere. I am really glad we came here. I would have been a completely different Priya if I had stayed in India.

So I love both places. But I hope to settle down in India one day! Maybe when I have grown old, I may go back to my mother land. Let's say I have only a few months to live because I have a disease or some condition. I would spend three quarters of my time here, because most of the important people in my life are here. I would then spend the rest of my life in India, with my relatives and friends there. There is certainly a lot more things I would want to do. But this is a general idea.

I might seem sentimental. But hey, this is me. The truth...

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Updates...

It certainly has been a long time since I blogged last. I was really busy with other things pertaining to my University education. I got into NUS, as you all know. So now I am in the process of securing my modules for the first semester.

NUS truly fosters independency and self-reliance. I just love the University campus and I really can't wait to start school next Monday, 13th. The matriculation fair went really well. My friends were such dears that they waited for me. Their turn was earlier than mine, but they waited for me too. I'm really touched you guys. Thanks:)

I saw and I know that a lot of Indians from India are staying in the campus or living outside. They are here to pursue their degrees. But they are in for a great shock, if they have never been exposed to such a learning environment as in Singapore. It is competitive, no question about that. But it is also knowledge-based learning. You have to think for yourself! It's nothing like what or how they teach students in India. It's not rote-learning.

NUS gives a lot of importance to critical thinking and innovativeness. A lot of rights to free speech and independence. You get to choose your modules too, you know. You get to take cross-faculty modules, other than those required to secure your major. That's what I'm doing now. I was already allocated some essential modules that I have to take for the major I chose. I chose Life Sciences (Major in Biomedical Science).

So I was allocated some basic modules like Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics and Organic Chemistry. I am also in the process of bidding for General Education modules. I will be taking just one such module. It is titled "The Search For Life On Other Planets"! It's a pretty interesting module. I love it.

I have also applied for this Special Programme in Science. A wonderful place, where I can get to interact with more people who love science just like me:) I attended the interview and I really really hope I get it!! Then I will have five modules to take this semester. Students can take only 5 modules per semester. But if their results are good, they can take upto 10 modules per sem!! That will be one crazy ride!! You will keep hear a whooshing sound going past you very frequently and that will be your life!

My wonderful dad bought me a new Sony Vaio laptop for my University studies! It's simply great. And now, there is wireless at my home too. So I can surf the net from my room. I realise I'm getting more and more independent. I really like that. But it doesn't feel as good as when I was going for my job. Because with my job, I had my own allowance money. But now I feel crippled because I am back to asking my dad for my allowance. I guess I have to study hard and wait until I finish my honours. Then I can start living on my own again.

Here's my laptop:















At first, I wanted to buy coloured ones, like white or green. Pink was disastrous, eventhough it was my favourite colour. It looked very dull and was China-made. This model is Japan-made so it's slightly better. The surface is rough and so no possibility of scratches. Lovely look and light weight of 1.85kg. Very suitable for student use.

So I guess enough of updates. I have to go back to bid higher points, so that I will get those modules. So did I forget to tell you that NUS modules have to be secured by bidding? We are given some points at first, and we use that to bid for the modules. Whoever bids the highest and is within the quota, gets the module. A bit confusing at first, but later I got used to it. So I'm whooshing off now:)

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Rajini and Religion

Dr.Richard Dawkins always says that religion has acquired an unique status that enables others never to speak ill of it. You cannot criticise your own or others' religion in public. You can, however, do so in private among your close friends. Such high criticisms on religion and how it poisons the minds of the people will bring about much chaos from all corners, if made known to the public. In our world, atheists are still a minority only.

Now, why am I comparing Tamil actor Rajini with religion? To say that Rajini has also acquired such an unique status, whereby you cannot criticise him openly, in public. You will be mauled by his enormous number of fans. What Dawkins days is very true. Everything in this world should be able to be subjected to criticisms. Why should anyone or anything be put on a pedestal?

So you are asking me what is there to criticise super star Rajinikanth? I have a nothing to criticise him about. I disagree with few of his methods to attract his fans. But there is nothing to criticise him about. However, I'm saying that he should be able to be subjected to criticisms by those who are or are not his fans.

In almost every show I see, each and everyone of them praise him and like him. I would ask, well what has he achieved, that I could also follow him and take him as my inspiration? According to me, nothing. So I do not care about him and I have nothing against Rajini. But these people just blindly quote him to be their inspiration. If they are actors, well it's understandable. But even the general public? Why does everyone have nothing critical to say about Rajini? Why do they all just follow the crowd?

Well, you can ask me, those who know me well. Why do I like Vijay, if I am ignorant of Rajini? You might say I'm being an hypocrite. Let me be clear. I do not like Vijay as an actor. I do not approve of his ways of acting in those so-called masala movies and wasting his talents. But I likie Vijay as a person. And they don't call him 'Ilaya thalapathi' for nothing. He has talents. He's just wasting them right now.

I have watched a lot of Vijay's interviews. I like the person I saw in those interviews. His personality, his like for aloneness and all that, I like it. I like his chubby face. I liked him a lot in 'Kathalukku Mariyaathai', 'Bhagavathi', and 'Puthiya Geethai'. In Kushi, he was fantastic! But he's just simply wasting his talents in movies like 'Mathurey', 'Thirumalai' and 'Sivakasi'.

I would really like it if Rajini does good roles, like some hollywood actors in movies like Die Hard, or Mission Impossible. I don't like it when people act typical tamil actor roles. Like a hero, saving the heroine, fighting the villains and all that.It's quite boring. Tamil film industry has still a long way to go. I also agree with Dawkins, that nothing should be left out when it comes to criticisms.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Disclaimer: This post is NOT a spoiler. However, there are certain crucial information presented here that could give good clues for those fans out there who have not read the book yet.

Finally, I have finished reading the 7th book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. What a read! The story has so much complexity about it. I had to read the book again to understand why exactly such and such happened.

But it was a fascinating read. I really enjoyed and was saddened by a lot of events happening in the story. I don't understand how can certain people disregard this series as children's stuff, not being interested in the books at all. They are missing out on a lot. Movies certainly don't give that amount of satisfaction.

So many deaths, and all lost hope in the middle of the story. I almost cried, feeling so much for the characters and their predicament. As you all know, Harry and his friends are set out to find the horcruxes. But they meet a lot of obstacles along their journey and near-death escapades.

Who said that this is children's book? I don't think that children can understand the intricacies and the emotions explained in this book. Especially about Death. Only teenagers and adults are capable of understanding them.

A well-presented magical book by JKR. Never have anyone waited so longingly for a series book like they did for Harry Potter's. But it is all so sad that Harry Potter is no more. All there is to wait is for the movies to come out in the following two to three years.

All I can say after I've finished reading the book today morning at 2am, is that the story's climax resembles that of Sivaji's. But it is presented in a more logical way than in Sivaji. And what more, I love Severus Snape!

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It's Like...Duh. But Fun

You Are a "Don't Tread On Me" Libertarian

You distrust the government, are fiercely independent, and don't belong in either party. Religion and politics should never mix, in your opinion... and you feel opressed by both. You don't want the government to cramp your self made style. Or anyone else's for that matter. You're proud to say that you're pro-choice on absolutely everything!

What's Your Political Persuasion?

You Are Romanticism

You are likely to see the world as it should be, not as it is. You prefer to celebrate the great things people do... not the horrors they're capable of. For you, there is nothing more inspiring than a great hero. You believe that great art reflects the artist's imagination and true ideals.

What Art Movement Are You?

You Would Choose Money

You know that love doesn't always last forever - but money can. Why bother with jealousy, petty fights, and hurt feelings? You rather just go shopping! And while marrying for money may be lonely, you'll always be well dressed, well traveled, and well fed.

Would You Choose Love or Money?

You Are Very Skeptical

Your personal motto is: "Prove it." While some ideas, like life after death, may seem nice... You aren't going to believe them simply because it feels good. You let science and facts be your guide... Even if it means you don't share the beliefs of those around you.

How Skeptical Are You?

Your Brain is 47% Female, 53% Male

Your brain is a healthy mix of male and female You are both sensitive and savvy Rational and reasonable, you tend to keep level headed But you also tend to wear your heart on your sleeve

What Gender Is Your Brain?

What Your Hands Say About You

You are logical, analytical, and rational. You have good verbal skills. Flexible and broad minded, you can fit in to any situation. There's no telling where your life will take you. Brainy and intelligent, you are intellectual to the point of being incomprehensible. Your emotions tend to be nervous and potent. Your energy - both positive and negative - deeply impacts your life.

What Do Your Hands Say About You?

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Harry Potter...

I love Harry Potter, do you?? I guess not. Some people out there don't like Harry Potter and are not at all interested in it. Like me and some others who don't like Sivaji, but a lot of other people like it.

But you just can't deny that a majority of people love Harry Potter. It's self-evident. The author is now many times richer than she was before writing this sequel. Why? Because a lot of people buy her books. Why? Because the story is magical, the imagination is ecstatic. JKR is really a genius to have come up with something like that.

The intricacies involved in the story is simply mind-blowing. To imagine that she took 5 years to finish the plot of the story! She deserves all that money she has made. I hope she writes more other sequels. Not exactly about Harry Potter. With all these Save Harry Potter campaign, I don't think the people really want to save the Harry Potter sequel from ending. All they want it JKR to continue writing more such sequels basing Hogwarts and it's magical creatures. I hope that she will write too.

Anyway, I'm happily and eagerly waiting for the 7th book! I've pre-ordered my copy. I don't know who is going to stop me from peeking to the back of the book to find out the ending! God help me!! If there is a God...

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Why I Read...

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. At least, as the saying goes. But it is not enough as to the reason why I read a lot. My friends think I am such a bookworm. One of them even went to the extent and said that I would probably never stop reading till my grave!

Reading is not an exercise to the mind. It is an exercise for the reasoning mind. I learned a lot from reading. People seek knowledge while reading books that convey vital information. But not all books are of such kind. You have to search for books that interest you. You have to be intelligent enough to look out for credible authors, being able to give you the correct information without any bias, or bad logic.

Books are definitely the source of the knowledge I’ve gained this far. And it will be for the rest of my life. I want to write a book, fiction or non-fiction, in the future when I am ready. I have that much passion for books, especially non-fiction. I also read philosophical fiction, detective fiction, in the likes of Agatha Christie and Ayn Rand.

Non-fiction books have much to offer to the knowledge bank compared to fiction. If you want a good entertainment for your mind, go for fiction of any kind, romanticism, horror, comedy, suspense, thriller and mystery. If you want to experience some growth of your knowledge bank, go for non-fiction. But whatever it is, reading is a very good way of conditioning your mind.

As humans, we are very capable of thinking for ourselves. We don’t always have to rely on others and follow the crowd. Instead, we can devise our lives for ourselves. Such individualistic streak can be obtained from reading books critically. That’s because reading requires us to think about the issue or subject written on our own.

Reading is also an endless journey. After reading one book, the book itself will direct you to another similar or entirely different book. Or you may want to pursue similar topics in a different viewpoint. Reading widely, now that’s very important. You will gain more confidence about your intelligence by reading widely.

Well, everything will go fine if you read. But one thing you have to care of is your eyesight. Reading too intensely for long hours is very unhealthy for your eyes. At every 30-minute interval, you have to stop reading and look somewhere far. Relax your eyes. Then go back to your book. Or you can close your eyes at regular intervals for a while and rest. This will elongate your reading time. You don’t have to get tired easily and abandon reading just for that.

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100th Post!!!

So, this is officially the 100th post of my blog! And so I'm going to change the layout of my blog again. I can't seem to help it. What can I do? You people have to bear with me. I hate to remain the same throughout. I like changes. I tend to get bored quite easily.

I want to start something new. Like a series this time. Yesterday night I was feeling so excited that I could barely go to sleep. I don't know why. But it happens to me occasionally. Especially, if I have a lot of thoughts going on in my mind. Or if there is something interesting to happen the next day. So I decided no harm is going to come to me (I don't care about the others) if I list down the musings of my mind. Well, it's quite hard to recollect and write the thought flow of my brain (if it has any flow at all!). But I will do my best. I will have to ignore my personal thoughts that are only meant for me. You can imagine whatever that would have been, I don't care, honestly.

So before I went to bed yesterday night, I was reading Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged . So here are my thoughts:

"How could Rand put everything in words so properly? And they say that she is not a good writer at all! Like she said, 'The motive power of man is his moral code.' How true it is? I have thought about such things but have never found the right words to phrase it up like she did. I don't know if I should include this in my blog tomorrow. But what the heck? I should not listen to anyone saying that I should stop ranting about Rand. But I should stop because I think that I should. Enough of Rand."

"I love my family so much. I mean, last time I used to find them a bit off my level. But I realise now they are quite open-minded about me. They give me a lot of freedom and trust me a lot. I don't feel thankful to them for that. Because parents should only control their children up to a certain age. After that children should be left on their own. Be it parents or anyone, they might have the right but it doesn't mean that they own the children. My mum is fine with me doing things my own way. But it's just dad, who is a bit worried me. And I don't know for what reason."

"Incidentally, do you think that parents have the right to demand that the children take care of them when they grow old, like they took care and provided for their children? First of all, the parents made their choice to have children and therefore it's their responsibility to provide for us, no matter of what choice we take when we grow up; to care or not to care. If they provide for us with the expectation that we will help them later in their life, then there is no true affection involved in the parent-child relationship. The couple should have made the decision to provide for themselves only. But as children we have to help the parents in their old age, when they are incapable, both financially and physically, to take care of themselves. I mean, they are our parents who brought us to this world, who gave us life. So essentially, by helping them, you are helping yourself. I don't know what I am blabbering at this time of night. But yeah. They don't have the right to demand. But we should help, when necessary, not to earn a good name, or to collect 'punniyam' or crap!"

After some private musings...

"Why are my relatives so narrow-minded? Gosh! I can't imagine how they manage to live in that filthy house with filthy conditions. It's not like they don't have money at all. My uncle's house is very small, enough for just two people to live. They could have used the money to renovate the house, maybe? But they used it to buy a bigger TV. Can you imagine my shock? Why do they draw a line around themselves and refure to come out of it? And my cousins... All they care about are trivial things such as sarees, embroidery, jewellery, cinema and so on. And all they ever think of is marriage. After that, their life is over. That's all. Full stop. But why should I muse and rant about them. It's their own problem that they are like that. It's just that, I couldn't talk to anyone normally. I just couldn't bring myself to talk about stuff like that. It seemed so boring. It was like they were just talking for the sake of talking. Just for time pass. Luckily there was Keerti, and we both started off at the same level."

So then after this final musing, I started to scold myself to go to sleep. Because by this time, I was twisting and turning on the bed! And in my thoughts I do keep referring to someone called 'you'. Like talking to a person in myself. I guess a lot of people think like that. It's like there is an person in each and everyone. I guess that is what the hindus call the 'soul', made of the five elements and of the five senses. So until next time....

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Transformers...a great movie

Warning: Spoiler Ahead

Yes! Transformers movie was simply great and a movie worth watching again. The attraction felt towards those steel metals, or simply called the non-biological entities, are definitely long-lasting. It's a great movie with a truly Steven Speilberg's touch! ET was such a fascination. The same can be felt with Transformers.

Even Fantastic Four: The Rise Of The Silver Surfer wasn't that great. The movie's climax was superb. But it failed to keep the audience glued to the screen. But Transformers was really a feast to our eyes from the moment our butts touched the cushion seats.

The idea of technology, like a car or radio, turning into living and feeling robots is a really wonderful imagination. Even more wonderful thing about this movie are the graphics and the long climax. It keeps the audience at the edge of the seat, eventhough the climax is somewhat predictable. I like the story, because the robots here are not mentioned as just mechanical objects. They have emotions and a personality.

Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots and is responsible for finding the Cube and defeating Megatron, leader of the Decepticons. Bumblebee is the cute yellow car, he's a bit sensitive and has great pride. Jazz is a style freak, he loves human culture. And so on. The Decepticons, on the other hand, want to take over the universe by manipulating the technology found on Earth.

Between Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, I don't know which one is my favourite. I like the both of them. The responsible one and the cute, sensitive one. But I like Optimus more. He has a great heart (not literally speaking). When the autobots ask him why should they fight for the human race, Optimus replies that the 'freedom (to choose) is the right of all sentient beings, including themselves.'

The movie has no lack of humour and comedy. There is a correct balance in this area of the movie. The actors and actresses also did a splendid job. Especially the main teenager character 'Sam'. He's playing the main role, because he owns the clue in the finding of the cube. So in a nutshell, the survival of the entire human race is underneath him. All he has to do is to trust the autobots, and not the decepticons. All in all, it's an enchanting movie. The story is just right, not too complex and not too simple either. But the climax was predictable, the cube being destroyed and all. Graphics, superb! Go watch the movie. I'll give four stars for the movie.

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Back from short vacation..

Well, I feel so much relieved to be back from India, with all that heat and sweat I've experienced. Once is enough. I should only be going back there in two years' time. I don't know why I feel so foreign when I went there this time. Previously it was not like that at all. I guess I'm getting used to the Singapore environment. Well, if you ask me, I have no intention of going back there. Somehow I feel it's easier to live in Singapore. It feels better to go to India once in a while.

But this time, I felt it was kind of boring. Except for the times I spent with my nephew, Keerti. It was because we were so much in sync with each other and our conversations were really good. Time flew when I was talking with him. Finally, I was thinking if I will ever meet anyone who has similar thinking like me there in India. But I never expected a 15-year-old to turn up like that! Still, that gave me hope that there should be people like that. You are asking me, people like what? Well, I don't know exactly how to describe. But I will know when I meet someone like it.

Actually, I nothing to say for now. Except that i'm back and am feeling really neutral. So I'll really start blogging as regularly as I can.

Shopping for University starts... Expenses until now - $139.20!! Still more to go...

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