A cold parting

The new year rolled in and frankly I didn't really feel it. It crept in through the back door, sneaked in sort of. There i was, making grandiose plans, rolling out the red carpet, preparing long resolutions...well i didnt actually get to doing any of those. The mist, fog and the nasty chill kept me busy. It's so so cold. How can your mind function in such numbness? I dont know which i hate more- the searing heat of Delhi summers or this brain numbing, pot seat freezing teeth rattling chill.
But when the sun does come out from behind the layers of grey clouds and fog, it feels like bliss. Just put your back to it and sun yourself to a toast and all is forgiven till darkness rolls in again. I was at Nigambodh Ghat the day before- my first visit to the famous cremation ground. A close friend's parent had passed away. Consciously or subconsciously i have kept myself at arm's length from such sensitive places. They scare the hell out of me. There's something very unsettling about them. This particular ground was decorated with colourful statues of Gods in chariots which looked rather terrifying. I mean, isnt there a better way to make a place cheerful? There was also a bit of a queue and a traffic jam of sorts. Dead people were actually waiting for their last rites to be performed and then taken into their numbered pyres. I think it can be quite overwhelming for someone who is already reeling under intense emotional strain and battling grief. The cold didn't help and the fumes from the burning pyres made it difficult to see or breathe. To top it all everyone was so serious and glumfaced. I think we need to address the way we say goodbye to folks. What's wrong with having peppy music and some warm comfortable places to sit? An option to have flowers and incense? A nice setting to evoke treasured moments spent with the lost one. With beauty comes good memories and that's what people want, dont they? To be remembered with love. 

Climate change and us

As every other responsible citizen I too am looking forward to the global climate change talks in Copenhagen. More with trepidation than with hope. If all the countries and their governments were as aware of our responsiblitites like you and me we wouldnt have to worry. But the problem is that no country wants to give up anything to protect the planet. Everybody wants to live for the present- develop fast, make more money and then think about the planet later. But as we well know there will be no later if we do not act now. The trouble is that environment agreements are not binding and countries get away with flouting the rules.
The world's richest and mightiest do not want any curbs on them. The US is one. It's the biggest polluter (per capita carbon emission is the highest)but it doesnt want to cut its emissions. Saudi Arabia, Canada, are all flouting norms but do not want to do anything about it. The developing nations like China and India are saying- first you guys cut your emissions then we'll start. It's all a big mess. What does one do?
We can make ourselves heard. Post your views and register your vote at public sites and let's try and make a difference. Let's save this beautiful planet for our future generations.