Creative protest for the common day problems

We appreciate the artistic expressions in all forms. And here in Bangalore, it has taken a new level altogether.

So the officials have lacked to address the issues of road safety due to the increasing number of potholes in the city, a NGO has taken a lead in hiring various talents and embarrass the Government officials in-charge of this work.

Street art: Man drowning in a pothole

There has been a rise in dangerous animals visiting Namma Bengaluru and among them are anaconda, crocodile and many such humor based street art. All this to gain attention from the officials.

Anaconda visits Bangalore

Not only does it exactly try to embarrass the officials but also create social awareness and protest against these long pending issues.

With monsoon rains making its continuous appearance in the city from a fortnight now, common man is troubled by the road and the big potholes on them. The flooding leads to filling up these potholes with waters, ultimately resulting into falls or severe accidents.

What do you think, is it a good way to garner attention from the Government?

Tell us, we are hearing!

Read the news article covering this protest

To Porn or not to porn...

Recently, India went back and forth on its decision to ban porn sites from internet. India seems to come together for protesting against Government's decision to ban porn sites. Only if these people showed such unity in other times as well.

Read it here India's ban on Porn sites revoked partially

The whole nation is debating on the freedom and the censorship issues caused due to this matter. And India needs to really check their brains for even thinking that this can be a way to gain any type of freedom.

We tumbled across a video in the TED talk series, which is very well explained by a guy named Ran Gavrielli. This guy was one among the many regular porn watcher types. You must watch his video to understand how our psyche works.

Where we are debating on if it is okay for us as a nation to watch porn and derive derogatory pleasures, we are overlooking so many factors that run in front and background of the whole scenario.Prostitution, kidnapping, child racketing, human trafficking, AIDS, and much more issues that should ideally affect millions of people's mentality but people choose their pleasure over someone's pain.

It becomes their life and they know none outside it. What these girls face,is social stigma in terms of acceptance and care from the same society who wants to enjoy visuals of them for their pleasure.

We at the NEW YOUNG US definitely feel that it was a good initiative taken  by the Government to ban porn sites in India. It was a good way to curb people's mind who think it is okay to enjoy graphic visuals of exploitation and dominance on girls in such videos. By continuing such ban, they could have proved that there is no pleasure derived from someone's suffering and definitely not from our nation's or for that matter any nation's sisters, daughters and mothers nude videos and pictures.

What does the young generation have to say to this? Do you agree with us? What are your views about it? 

Tell us. We are listening.

A homage to our favorite President... Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam

How does one go about defining a perfect role model? 

Does one carry a list of all humanly possible positive points and try to seek them in one person? Or do you define it as someone who has already tread the same path as you want to and been successful at doing so? 

Everyone has a different parameter to define her or his own role model. And then we can have endless debates about who fits the bill of a Perfect Role Model. It would be a tough exercise to do and even tougher to arrive at a conclusion. 

But, for me, one person made all these difficulties disappear. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. 

His story is the quintessential stuff of Bollywood movies. And yet, we keep searching for good stories everywhere. He did not let setbacks or lack of opportunities affect him negatively. To have that kind of an optimism and maturity at a young age, is quite a rarity.

His career as a scientist and as a leader of his colleagues is already the stuff of legends. This lead to him ultimately being heralded as the Missile Man of India, on the back of which his popularity grew manifold. Like one of his quotes, his missiles too demanded that India respect itself, before it demanded that from the world. 

His rise to the chair of the President of India should serve as enough motivation to people who wish to work hard and earn their rightful share of success. His simplicity, despite being the President should serve as a lesson to all to remain humble through success. His zeal I hope one day permeates the leaders of this vast country and challenges them to shun all the negativity they have towards each other and work constructively towards building an India of Kalam sir's dreams. 

I had found my role model in APJ Abdul Kalam sir long ago. That he is a perfect role model or not, is something I let you decide for yourself. 

We leave you with one of the many famous Kalam sir's quote.

    

  

                                  

A change we can bring into someone's life...

Sorry folks, we had a major health breakdown in our family from past two weeks. With each one of us getting either fever or the cold, we could not post any blog last week. We apologise for that. We hope and wish that all our readers to be healthy and safe in this weather change that has took over India.

When I was sick, my mom cuddled me (yes I am much older and way past the cuddling age, but she did cuddle me and I liked it!) and served me with hot food preparations and took care of me. I felt so blessed to be there with her and having looked after in time of need. 

As the ever meandering mind I have, I thought about all those kids who did not have this luxury called "Mother" and were living off the streets braving the weather and life circumstances. I thought how can small kids who are just three and four feed themselves without others help. It is not possible. Leave alone clothes or shelter, food the very basic need to survival, is scarce to them. They go looking out for food in dumpsters or beg or have to steal to feed themselves. 

A sad state indeed!

On a similar note, we came across a robust organisation who have carved their name in the world. They need no introduction. The Mumbai dabbawalas! This organisation came up with an initiative to feed the street kids with meals. It was started more than two years ago...

Click on the video below  to know more.

In India, festivals and marriages are big part of our lives. We always cook more than what is required and end up throwing the palatable extra food at the end of the day. When we are enjoying on joyous occasions, why cant we be more conscious and end up spreading this joy to the needy as well. After all, celebrations are enjoyable when we are and share with everyone.

Though not dabbawalas, in many metros, lot of NGOs and volunteers are just a call away. They pick the food at your doorstep and distribute it to the needy people on the street. Now that is what makes a change. 

All we have to do is have the heart to share our wasted food and plan in ahead. Call the organisations who accept food and check their criteria in terms of acceptability and timings. Some organisations have certain time restrictions within which they would want the food to be delivered. If you are organising a function, you can ask your caterers to donate the excessive food to such organisations.

You, as an individual can bring the change into so many kids lives. 

Tell us if you know someone who has been doing something similar. We want to know how to resolve this issue on such large scale.

As it is rightly said, "Helping hands are better than praying lips" 

Feature of the month: A glimpse into the life of a singer...

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

– Abraham Lincoln

The New Young Us is excited to start this feature in our blog. Through this feature we would like to take readers on a journey of the unknown. The New Young Us team went in search of the young achievers who have not only captured young hearts with their work but also taken an unusual route to achieve it.

These features are dedicated to all those youngsters who dream to be different and their parents for the continual support they give to their kids. 

The New Young Us is proud to introduce you a talent whose perseverance, hard work, and Arjuna type focus on her goal, made her dream become a reality. She started learning vocal classical  music at the age of 9, trained to be a scholar at ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkatta at the age of 20. She has a Masters in her field and is also a Sangeet Visharad. She has performed in various concerts in India and abroad. She recently cleared her NET exams and is now an Assistant Professor in Music. Now that's what we call "A Young Achiever"

Meet Teja Kale-Godse, all of 30 years and still in pursuit of her never ending dream to excel in music and singing. 

Teja Kale-Godse Hindustani Classical singer

The New Young Us team (TNYU) had the privilege to interview her. Here is how our interview went...

TNYU: We would like to begin with congratulating you on the recent passing of NET exams. How do you feel about it?

Teja: Thank you so much. It feels amazing to see how I am able to realise my dreams one by one.

TNYU: Tell us something about your journey into singing...

Teja: I am a professional and performing Hindustani Classical Vocal musician and have been learning for the last 14 years and performing for the last 6 years. I belong to the family of music lovers. I started my Hindustani Classical Music training at the age of 9 with Pandit. Gangadharbua Pimpalkhare. Later on, I pursued under Smt. Shaila Datar {the Grand Daughter in law of Late Pt. Bhaskarbua Bakhale}. Further I was commissioned as a scholar in ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata under the guidance of Pandita Shruti Sadolikar-Katkar.I regularly perform in India at several venues. I just had my first international concert in Dubai in Jan 2015.

TNYU: Teja, tell us why did you choose to explore the world of singing? What was your inspiration behind it?

Teja: My father Mr. Chandrakant Kale is a theatre-vocal artist and my mother Sandhya Kale has been a tabla player.  I grew up listening the tunes of stalwarts like Pt. Kumar Gandharva, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, etc. My fascination for Hindustani classical has its roots in my childhood which was conducive to get me into this field. My parents inspired me to get into this field and pursue it as my career.

TNYU: Enlighten our readers as to how one can begin their journey in this field?

Teja: Actually Gurukul system is an only option in this field of Music. But there are some institutions like Gandharva Mahavidyalay, BharatGayan Samaj ,where every year exams are conducted for kids and beginner can learn the basics of music. They conduct exams from Prathama {1^st exam} to Alankar {equivalent to Masters}.

TNYU: Is there any academic training that needs to be pursued in this field?

Teja:  No. Not necessarily. After all this is a performing art. But it is always better to be an educated one, so that one can explain their art with technicalities to the people. You can enhance your knowledge.

TNYU: Did being a child of a theatre-vocal artist help your career? How difficult was it to break into this field?

Teja: No. Though I had a foundation to Hindustani classical music,  it never occurred to me that I should utilise my parent's contacts. The field of singing does not function like that. 

The most important factor in classical music is your Guru. It is considered that this association is based on a pure bond of seeking knowledge and there are no limits to this. It is seen these days, the shishya visits the Guru once or twice a week for music lessons. Seeking permission from the Guru, the shishya can perform starting at a small level which is called as ‘Baithak ’(house concerts). After attaining the level to perform public concerts, they can perform at a larger scale, like festivals. Getting a break is more of a perspective and for me, performing on the stage besides my guru Vidushi. Becoming a shishya of Shruti Sadolikar Katkar is something, I consider a break in this field. 

Teja Kale-Godse in concert

TNYU: What are the possible hurdles one can face in this field?

Teja: The way I see it, straying away from the guidance of a Guru or not being able to find a Guru at all, can be the only hurdles in this field. This field essentially is about passion and dedication.  Both combined together can only lead to being successful.

TNYU: Looks like this field takes lot of time and effort. Is it advisable to have an alternative career to be able to meet ends?

Teja:  It is an individual perspective. One can pursue their academics in singing itself to be able to learn, grow and teach music. There are amazing chances where the student can do their Bachelors and Masters of Arts in Music. One can teach in schools after completing their B.Ed, M.Ed or can clear the NET exams {National Eligibility Test} conducted by UGC and get a job as an Assistant Professor.  

TNYU: What type of pay scales can one expect when they pursue the academic side of things in music (both concerts and full time employment)?

Teja:  Everyone has their own scales when it comes to concerts. Some might sing as a favour in some venues or some may sing for a fixed amount of money. This is very individual and I cannot comment. 

               As for the teaching career in universities, a lecturer or an Assistant Professor can go about an average pay-scale of Rs. 40,000 per month. Again this depends on the academic pursuits of the singer.

TNYU: Teja, one advise you would like to give to our youngsters

Teja: I just want to convey my feelings to all my young friends, that this Classical Music both Karnataki and Hindustani is our own culture. This is an amazing field where you can always create something new. But you have to be very patient for that.You have to have full faith in your Guru. It is an understanding of the value, spirit and soul of music which develops within you. It is not just a career but a passion. It is a mode of life.

You can hear Teja's performance on below links.

• Raag Durga Sur Hindol, performed in Dubai (January 2015)

• Yaman Tarana

Teja currently lives in Pune, is married, happily balancing her career as well as home. Her next agenda is to apply for PHD. 

She can be contacted for programs and classes on this email id: kteja23@gmail.com

The team of The New Young Us wishes her all the very best in her rocking career and to keep inspiring the youngsters all around the world.

The Dogs and Cows Politics

All of a sudden, two animals seem to have ignited the pent up passions of the Bollywood folk. Cow and Dog. Both are being slaughtered for food. So while it is al-right to slaughter a cow according to most of them in India, it is cruel to kill dogs for food. 

Is this fair? Is it because dog is a more domestic animal than maybe a cow is? Is it because you and your kids can play with dogs and not with cows? Is it because in some social circles keeping a dog as a pet is more fashionable and the in thing than maybe donating some money to build a cow shed? 

Both are domestic animals. Yes, dog is definitely a man's best friend. Especially, when people these days do not trust their own loved ones; dogs have become confidantes of their owners or should I say friends. But does that mean, a cow can receive any less treatment? I agree you cannot keep a cow in the uber swanky homes of posh localities in the burgeoning metros of this country. But what gives you a right to treat a cow any less than a dog? Who will decide that a cow can be food but not a dog? And on what basis? Just because dogs are  oh cchhhoooo cuteee! Awwww!!!

So when Maharashtra government decided to ban beef, prominent people from the film fraternity were up in arms and termed it as a violation of human rights. Wow! I don't know if the same educated class are even aware that there are a lot of tribes in India, not far away from Mumbai, who do eat dogs for food. There are many states in India where it is a delicacy and a meat which is prepared for special occasions.

Why is there a double standard in this regard? The flashy matinee idols who pose nude for PETA, the people who compete for the title of the best vegan bodies of the country / world, how come killing cows is al-right with you guys? Food is like religion. No one can say, mine is better than yours. 

So I humbly urge the illustrious people who want to pseudo-run this country, STOP THE DOUBLE SPEAK. 

The season of double roles have returned...

Some beef humor

(Photo Courtesy: iDiva)

Also watch this video, which will make you think about cruelty against animal.(Warning: This video has some disturbing images. Please watch it at your own risk and kids under adult supervision)

https://www.facebook.com/gary.yourofsky/videos/825517227503527/

Accepting alternative lifestyle (the LGBT talks)

I am sure all of you have heard or watched  about the new Myntra's ad "Bold and Beautiful". Doesn't ring a bell? 

This is what I am talking about: 

So now tell me if you have heard about the First Indian Lesbian ad that has been doing some buzz around. Ah yes! Ding Ding Ding...

What made you remember it, is the word Lesbian, isn't it? 

This ad is a part of the ‘Bold and Beautiful’ initiative by Myntra to promote the apparel brand Anouk. The ad is  named – The Visit, captures the anxiety that the girls feel as she is set to announce their relationship to one set of parents. It is a subtle start for Myntra if they want to continue with the series of this ad. This video has gone viral instantly as it deals with the LGBT concept (yes, it is not an issue)

The Supreme Court might have upheld the controversial Section 377 of the IPC, but that does not mean that LGBT activism has withered away in the country. India voted against the same sex marriage proposal brought forward by Russia in the UN Assembly.

So what do we know about this community? They are normal, regular people like us, who eat the same food like us and breathe the same air which we breathe. They are not contagious or filthy minded. They come from various walks of life and excel in various professions. They will not pounce on you just because of what they represent.

Now the main question is- Why is India not open to the LGBT community? 

These people have accepted what they are, acknowledged it and have embraced their lifestyle choices whole heartedly. Now, Indian families have also started opening up and accepting their kids preference and lifestyle. One of the recent example is the matrimonial advertisement given by Mr.Harish Iyer (and before you say it out loud, no, he is not a chakka or a hijra, they are a total group altogether and different from being gay) 

Read his article on: http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/im-gay-this-is-what-it-took-to-place-matrimonial-ad-for-me-764603

On other hand, actor Aamir Khan has been creating awareness amongst the public on a national platform through his show Satyamev Jayate about accepting alternative preferences.

Watch Satyamev Jayate's episode on this topic

India has documented proof that homosexuality existed in the ancient days. The books like Kamasutra and architecture in Khajuraho depicts the same sex relations in an erotic way. Why is India then being hideous about this issue?


We at the NEW YOUNG US, feel that no person should be judged on their sexual and personal preference. It is not up for discussion and an invasion in one's privacy. It is someone's lifestyle choice. Treating the LGBT community with such hatred is not going to stop them from being in existence. Treating them abnormally or as second grade citizens is not right way to deal with matter. Unless someone makes it, this is not an issue in itself. What is normal for one may seem abnormal for others.For example: Imagine that you were forced to have sexual relations with same gender people as a societal rule, how would you feel about it? Quite frustrated and coerced right? 

Pinpointing and calling names shows the maturity of the person and reflects their own character.  One may not have to agree with the preferences these people make in their life, but it need not always end up in ruckus. If you agree with them means you accept them, and if you don't agree at least learn to adjust or not voice your opinion about them. 

If for a single moment you thought, they are afraid of who they are and about their prospects, you might want to lift the rock, you have been living under.They do not want your opinions, pity or sympathy, they just want their rights and freedom as much as we have. All we are saying is, cut them some slack and better start accepting the LGBT community as they are strong minded and would not stop for the world.

BFC vs MMB

It was the night of all nights on the 30th of May. 

A few dark clouds hung over the Bangalore sky making it a sweaty afternoon. Almost everyone who knows the city's weather would have known that rain was imminent. What was also imminent was the clash of the titans which would determine the champions of i-Legaue. The national football league in India. 

Going into this match were Bengaluru FC (BFC) and McDowell's Mohun Bagan (MMB). Two teams which by far had been the most consistent sides of the league. Bengaluru FC went in the final game 2 points behind the leaders MMB. BFC has well and truly captured the imagination of the city and the football fans in the city by winning the i-League in 2013/14. While MMB is one of the most decorated clubs in the country along with their cross town neighbors KingFisher East Bengal. This promised to be a treat night for the fans. And boy, did it live up to that billing. All MMB needed was a draw, while BFC had to win the game to be crowned champions. 

As we got closer to the kick off the rains gods decided to show up to an event of such magnitude too. Braving the rain 21786 fans trooped into the Sri Kanteerva stadium to support the home team BFC. West Block A was buzzing as usual, but the North Stand gave a good account of themselves too. 

BFC started the game on the front foot and created the openings in the meanest defense of the league so far. Rooney made runs which left the MMB central defence clueless at times. The finishing however did not come. Udanta and Robin ably supported him, but a slippery pitch is a footballer's nightmare and that did not help in sustained attacks. Just about when the fans were set to resign themselves to a goalless first half, BFC earned a corner from the left flank. As the ball curved towards the penalty spot, John Johnson rose above everyone else and headed home the opening goal. Sri Kanteerva exploded and so did Eddie the club mascot. He did a small jig just behind the MMB goalpost. All that effort of the season was paying off and BFC were one 'half' away from retaining the championship. 

It stayed 1-0 till the lemon break. 

Second half started and the rains gods took the matter into their own hands. It poured cats and dogs as MMB looked for an equaliser. Sony Norde and Katsumi Yusa gave Curtis Osano and Johnson a lot to think of. Osano in particular was awesome keeping MMB at bay. And when MMB managed to get through him they had Ralte to contend with. Ralte the BFC goalie made a stunning one handed save in the 85th minute to deny a spirited MMB effort again but the clearing failed and the result was a corner. In came the ball and like Johnson in the first half, Rasaq the MMB central defender beat his marker to slip the ball past Ralte. MMB fans, players, coaching staff were sent into a tizzy. Chettri came of the bench in a last bid effort to salvage a goal and retain the championship. But the goal that mattered did not arrive. 

MMB were crowned champions and BFC and BFC fans were left thinking of what could have been. 

There is a 6 month gap now before the 2015/16 season begins and the fans can get to see their stars in action again. But one thing for sure is come next season, BFC fans will be back supporting their team to the hilt shouting, "This is Bengaluru FC .. Ahou Ahou Ahou!"

You can know more about namma Bangalore Football Club at: http://www.bengalurufc.com/

Here are some pictures from the match.

Crowd from BFC stand-the sea of blue.

BFC vs MMB( i-league 2015)

Introduction to the bloggers

Welcome to our blog!

We are the brother-sister blogger duo from Bangalore, India. Writing has been our passion from long time. Since early childhood, we have been introduced and allowed a platform to exchange our ideas and be a part of discussion. This enabled us to think extensively on pressing topics. But as we both grew older, we understood what it is to be a teenager and a part of the New Generation.

This is where we came up with the idea converting our thoughts to blogs.

We will be talking about everything and anything that is youth-centric and would love to interact, discuss with our readers. 

Ashok is an IT Professional, Closet activist, Arm-chair Sports pundit, Wannabe writer and a Travel seeker .

Preeti is a Content writer by day and trying to run around everywhere at night. She loves cooking, reading, singing and a closet dancer. She is also enthusiastic of riding her two wheeler. 

So come on, be a part of the NEW journey with us where we feel readers are the inspiration and interaction with them is our learning.