Avantika is fine. She is not raped.

Before we write opinions of characters in movies and use strong words, we need to be quite mindful of the language we use. While the whole nation is highly intolerant towards words like Rape, Molestation and Abuse, how can we start using such words as examples to express our opinions? 

Off late, many videos and posts are making rounds on social media on how the character in the much acclaimed movie, "Bahubali", Avantika is raped? Seriously? Rape? Are we so short of words; that we use such strong verbs to express our anger? Or has rape become such household word that we just use it as replacement for every second word?

I don't want to discuss the character of Avantika or how her feminine side was perceived by her man or how she was smeared a natural dye on her lips to bring out the woman in her. As, I feel, movies these days are much senseless and if we apply logic to the characters and roles, we will fall in our own pits. So, I would rather stay away. Because, if I apply logic to the whole scene and romance between Sivudu, the main protagonist, and his lady love, Avantika, I need to evaluate the other scenes on how he jumped against gravity and reached heights? How a whole world existed uphill and people downhill have no clue on the earth? How beheading of people is fun? Many questions will be unanswered because they lack logic and common sense. 

My only concern in the whole episode is, instead of using strong words as Rape, the authors of opinion pieces could have just used "character" assassination in literal sense or something synonymous. 

We should remember that the nation is quite intolerant for many issues at this point and as writers of opinion pieces, we need to choose the words that we use. I strongly object the usage of such words especially while our blood boils when such incidents happen in true sense. 

And I personally feel, Avantika is just fine and she could have got more screen presence while Sivudu is taking charge. She is not raped and she is happy. Let us use dictionary and find some other words to describe her agony if at all. Peace to all. Save humanity. 

I am India's Daughter

So, I watched the most in'famous" 'India's Daughter' documentary. If you haven't watched it already here is the Link. Ok, I am calling it infamous because, it is banned. And we ban only infamous things in India. Right? The characters, except for Jyothi's parents, are infamous. The reconstruction of the whole episode is infamous. And the whole documentary itself, is infamous for our nation, which would allow infamous politicians to speak in Parliament and rule our country. I am wondering why are they never banned. 

Anyways, before my blood starts boiling thinking about those badass people, let me write down some thoughts. 

1) I am not surprised at all watching the documentary and everything is, as expected. The reaction of the rapists claiming he hasn't done anything wrong, defense lawyer saving his and his clients' ass, parents of the accused blaming everyone but their sons- everything is expected. I can't expect the rapists to recite commandments. He is insane and that's how he will talk. And he will never show remorse, because he doesn't know what it is. 

2) I hated and loved Mukesh- Hated because he doesn't deserve to be in this world or among humans. Oh wait, he is not a human. But I would not even send him to Amazon forest because he is equally capable of raping animals too. Oh no, he is not even an animal. What is he? Leave it. 

Loved him because he raised some valid points. Why are other rapists not punished equally? Why are those rapists who burnt other women, who threw acid on other women, who raped and killed other women are left to roam on streets? So, true. A question to ponder about and to be discussed in the Parliament. What should be done to those? 

3) The defense lawyers are rock stars. There are actually 2 of them. 

One described a woman as a flower and man as a thorn. I wonder what kind of a thorn he is and how is he hurting his wife who is like a flower. I wonder if he has daughters or sisters. He is no less than Taliban who would refrain women from getting educated or going out. He should be kept in a museum. 

The other lawyer who openly told that there 250 MPs who have pending cases of rape, murder, corruption and other charges. He raised a valid point on why they are not being punished. Yes, why? If he knows, why doesn't he use his Foxy talent to put them behind bars? Also, I pity his daughter or daughter-in-law because he said he will burnt her alive if she chooses to have extra marital affair? Ehhh? Really? With a father like him, the girl will commit suicide even before reaching puberty. Anyways, he should be sent to Pluto. 

4) Family of the accused- The wife of one of the accused, threatened that she will die and also kill her son because without a man she doesn't have a protection. How true. Every woman surely needs protection from monsters like her husband and she knows it perfectly. 

5) The juvenile- I truly have a problem with him. When he can get aroused and rape a girl, insert something, pull the intestines out and wrap them in a cloth and throw them somewhere and clean the crime scene, how can he be a juvenile? Oh wait, he is not even 18? So, he is a benchmark for all those who can now happily commit all crimes and get punished before they turn 18. And after 18 they will roam on roads like wild boars and hunt for their prey. Watch out women, this Juvenile will be released by this year end. May you have a safe new year party, as he can be anywhere near you. 

6) The Indian government- Instead of banning the documentary, why can't the government telecast it and hang all the rapists? This could be a potential lesson to all those who would try to attempt any horrific/gruesome act on women. Banning the documentary would do no good, because the elite and educated class would watch it anyways! What a hypocritic act. And by the way, there is nothing in the film that shouldn't be seen. It is much better than many bollywood movies with skin shows. Trust me. 

So, these are my thoughts. Put yours and let the word spread. It's high time, stricter laws are implemented and the judicial system see a paradigm shift. After all, India is not such a bad place to live. I am India's daughter and I am saying this. 

Jai Hind. 

India- a place to live

I was born and raised in India. Now that I am in the USA since 4 years, I am seeing my nation as an outsider. whenever I read about the rapes, scams, scandals, murderers, actors involved in crimes, and other incidents, my heart sulks. One political party throwing mud on others, one religion insulting others. I wonder what happened to that secular, democratic, beautiful nation that I was born in. But, then, of all the billions of people living in the country, we read news about just 1000s of them. Statistically speaking, it's not that bad.

There are still good people out there. We, as Indians, still believe in humanity. We love and preach fellow beings. We give room to all religions. We have innovative minds and brilliant leaders who are globally recognized. Irony is, we hardly talk about them. The bad takes over the good so much that, we let those dark clouds engulf us completely. 

So, I have decided to pen down some memories from my childhood and adulthood that I cherished living in my motherland-

1) I could live all by myself for 3-5 hours, sometimes the entire day while my parents were out working. I started living like that since I was age 5. We had no nannies then, still I was safe and sound.

2) I had a perfect neighborhood where we never worried about play-dates.

3) I played on streets with other boys. I played cricket, football, seven picks, skipping, and what not. 

4) I traveled across the country as part of school and college and job and never felt insecure.

5) I took trains and buses during nights and still reached home in one piece. 

6) I rode my bike in the midnight from work to home and never felt anyone follow me.

7) I interacted with different men from all walks of life, but never was harassed by them.

8) Many strangers(men) helped me on various occasions and never took advantage of the situation.

9) Listening and seeing or witnessing rapes/murders/kidnaps was something that happened in movies or once in a year in newspapers. 

10) My neighbors and friends always helped and we pretty much relied on them during crisis and were never disappointed.

11) There are tons of such incidents and I can keep on writing.....

After all, India is not such a bad place to live or to be born, Yes, rapes,molestation, female infanticides and murders happen. But they happen to both genders (though women are more- statistically speaking). If one in ten men is a rapist, then there are still nine good people that are existing. Bad people are everywhere. They are not native to India. 

I strongly believe, stricter laws should come in to action to curb such acts from happening in the future. May our brothers and sisters don't find it hard to live. May be the present government can bring a change and show the world that after all-

India is definitely a better place to live. Vande Maataram. 

Why don't you pen down your beautiful memories? Leave yours in the comment section. 

Untied by Law

I feel like a liberated woman, especially as a housewife. Wait, I have a great husband, who lets me do what I want. So, don't be so judgemental. I was tied by law. Again, I haven't done anything illegal. All I did was- marry a man on H1 visa (work visa) and come to USA as a "dependent". I am so dependent that I don't even have an SSN. Funny, I went to an interview this morning to be a volunteer and the interviewers asked me for my SSN. When I said, I don't have one and I am a dependent, they said, they never dealt with a volunteer like me! Strange enough, even I never thought I would be such an educated parasite. (Read my other post on being H4.) 

Alas! The bad days are over and it's time for me to move on. Thanks to US government, they are now letting us (H4s) work. Hurray. Can't explain how ecstatic I am. Well many people have doubts on who can work and how can we work. So, I thought of writing it down in this blog. Let's see if I can sum up in few words.

Who can work?

Every one on H4 whose spouse (H1) has approved and valid I140

For how many years do you have to live in USA?

If you have I140, everything else is discounted. If you don't, then your spouse should be on 6+ years H1 extension.

What kind of education do you need?

Educated enough to be a good employee. As the STEM, flower, leaves rules don't apply. As long as you maintain a good decorum, you are fine to work. Respect to Labor!

How many will be selected?

As far as USCIS, is concerned, it is not putting any CAP. That means, no lottery like H1 or waiting process. 

What if you are a student or on OPT or on H1?

You need to come back to H4 to be eligible for EAD. 

Can you travel to India?

Yes. As long as you have valid H4, you can. If you don't then you need to go through stamping process just like other times. 

Will you get GC soon?

God knows. But definitely you will still be on H4 with a work permit. The GC is a mirage. So, better enjoy the EAD permit.

When can you apply?

ON or AFTER MAY 26. This is not black friday line where you stand in queue 2 days before. Relax. You can apply on May 26 or even after that. 

What if you miss May 26 deadline?

Hello! Nothing will happen. Take a chill-pill and apply after you are free. There is no time limit as of today and you can apply anytime. So, happily plan your vacation and come back and then apply. 

Where can you work?

Anywhere as long as it is legal! Yeah. From Walmart to FBI, if they accept you and your talent, you can. By the way, I think FBI needs US citizens! Let me cross check. ;)

Do you have any further doubts?

check this Link

What to do after you get job?

Send me sweets ;) 

Enjoy ladies (and any men out there). Our wait time is over. Finally, we can all officially buy work dresses, go to work place and more importantly, use our talent. 

God bless America. 

I used the best of my knowledge to sum up. If, I have written anything wrong, please let me know (don't throw stones). Good luck.