What's common between Vikram Pandit, Kalpana Sharma,Vikram Chatwal and ummmm Bobby Jindal? A cursory Google check will tell you how big they are on the Who's Who wireframe of the world. And yes, they have a strong India connect no doubt.

But ask the government in power, and it will not hesitate in staking ownership over their hard work. Don't we remember how just everyone bent backwards digging out Pandit's India-Mumbai and Nagpur roots the moment he was tipped to take over the Citi.

Now, take Slumdog for instance. No sooner than the Oscars were done with, the 'CONG HI KAMAAN" as hindi news channels refer it as, excitedly claimed how "in the current regime, India has made it to the Oscars in such a grand fashion'. Thanks to the UPA regime, I am sure that's what they had wanted to convey. The BJP did say (almost) the same but, worded it differently.

So earnestly did the Congressi netas say it, that I wondered if Danny bhai should have in his acceptance speech actually thanked MADAM for her contribution to the movie as well. (Imagine if had he done that, it would have become part of the campaign manifesto)

But to each his own. One wonders where the same politicians disappear when their 'desi' heroes are down in the dumps. I remember how local leaders had gone to town claiming proximity to Mumbai/Nagpur lad and citibanker Vikram Pandit when he took over the citi which never sleeps. Now that he is spending sleepless nights, where are these leaders? MiD DAY's stark revelation of Shafiq Syed, the star of Mira Nair's acclaimed Salaam Bombay was then, a hero. Today drives an auto rickshaw. The Times of India has reported a shocking story of Preeti Mukherjee, who walked up the same podium at the Kodak Theatre when a documentary portraying her life won an Oscar four years ago. Preeti now in to sex trade in Kolkata.

The Maharashtra government has acted fast in providing support to the Slumdog kids. But thats TODAY. One hopes their Tomorrow remains as secure.

p.s. Just heard the Maharashtra government has insisted that it 'has not promised' any shelter to the slumdog winners but was 'only considering" it. Jai ho.

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Good Article Shishir
You have a pristine flow of thoughts when it comes to penning something. Its true we couldn't care less about these people, but sooner they become famous, our roots are what that need to be endorsed. That means the average Indian is useless and has no value but the famous do. Good work! Keep writing. I read every article of yours. Good thought provoking issues discussed here. Priya
Written by: Priya Rangarajan | 16/03 09:38PM

Mumbai Culture
How long before we forget the tragedies of 26/11. All attempts are made to forget it by every small event. I remember when I last visited Mumbai. I was walking on road in Andheri, a place which is near to Airport and the railway station. Suddenly I saw a young man in twenties walking ahead of me with so many ghosts making noise around. I did not see the ghosts but only heard the sound of ghosts telling about this man. They were telling his mind/thoughts and tempting others to repeat their words. It was a true experience ghosts trouble. I followed him. Many people came and repeated the ghosts words. Then he said 'why ghosts?' but people did not respond. The guy was fully captured by the people with the help of ghosts. Instead of helping him, people were troubling him more. That man knew that people are bad mouthing him by using the ghosts but could not do anything. I went near him and asked him about these ghosts. He told me the true story and I was shocked to hear it. It was the people of Mumbai who casted ghost spells on him during the time of his marriage in order to ban his marriage. Later, when nothing was gained and he did not die, they continued but he came to know about the ghosts spells too. It was a very a cruel story of what people of Mumbai do to innocents. Entire city was against him to hide this evil activity. He visited many places for deliverance but people were not willing to set him free. Even he feels that such ghost horror is rarest of any kind and should never ever happen again. Surprisingly, everything was happened with the consent of the public. It was very difficult to believe that the evil activities are being carried out in civilized cities like Mumbai in the name of culture. As I started walking along with him, some people pushed me deliberately to be away from him. I did not understand in the beginning but the young man explained me what people doing. Some of them threatened openly as if I have committed a serious offence. I was shocked and asked one of them whether it was human. He replied 'This is Mumbai, anything happens anytime". I could not sleep that night thinking how bad these people of Mumbai have become and started packing up the very next day never to return to Mumbai again.
Written by: Stephen | 15/03 03:59PM

It is our way of claiming every thing.
Mother teresa was not born in India but when she got the Nobel Prize we counted as ours. People born out side india with roots in India are counted as Indians again when it comes to glory be it Bobby jindal or else. We take pride in their glory wheich is nevere ours. We always look westward to get a authuntication of good or bad. If America slams Pakistan we feel that if our view has been endorsed by the GOD. It is nothing but a low esteem as a nation we have but that is what it is
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We are Like this wonly
i am glad i am not the only one who thinks this. we claim everything remotely connected to India in any sense. Not just people. But i guess this is what a young democracy is. We still feel the need for validation from someone for our views.. mywriterkeeda.wordpress.com
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