i HATE competition...!!

We call ourselves civilized...??
We, as a race, pamper ourselves with theories and discoveries of how we evolved over other species and how we have grown to be the most dominant one.
The elaborate societies we have developed along with strong cultures and technologies, supposedly supporting and strengthening our existence.
But is it really so..???

The first trait of civilization and development should be the elimination of the threat to survival, if not completely  from outside then at least from within !
But the popular notion of 'survival of the fittest' based on which we 'the humans' have come thus far seems to be at play, on a bigger stage, within the race as well... which is to me - Sad and Disappointing!
Because as I see it... within the society the weapons for survival are not just forged from biological superiority, but goes beyond to intellect (mildly acceptable) and stoops low to the the prevalence of circumstances, accumulation of wealth and support, and developing, what we have so heartily accepted and advertised, social networking!

Why...???
I ask, Why can't we, as a race, as a society, as a developed and civilized species guarantee, in the least, that all members will have equal opportunities or lesser still that members won't have to put up a fight against other members?
That my success wouldn't or doesn't have to mean the downfall of another?
That I do not have to keep proving myself to others, time and again, that I am fit for survival.
That I do not have to look up to other for their permission for survival!

For what we, as a race, have achieved and developed thus far is for US.. ALL of Us!
Just that the 'Society', as it appears to me now, doesn't function for all.
But so intrinsic has it become to our survival that man has truly become - 'a Social Animal'!

I see Myself...

I look into my eyes, and ask,


How much are you willing to sacrifice,


For that small dream of yours?


And I see fear,


I see doubt.


And I'am saddened to see,


That I cannot see,


Things as clearly,


As they ought to be...!!


And I remember the Oracle's chant:


"You cannot see past,


The Choices you do not understand."




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZD9uM107s8

HAM 312

The day I came onboard, with all my apprenhensions, I was told that she is a beauty.
Although most like to boast about their possesions, but the first look was indeed appealing, if not so much from the outside, but defenitely from the inside. I still had a lot to explore into her before I formed an opinion, for this time I had come with an intention of a long lasting relationship... so just not to rush things up.

I recently changed employers. My first career shift and as much the task had seemed horrific before, just a week into the firm I had started finding even the name... say poetic - 'VanOord'.

After the first couple of encounters, with the lady I had been talking before, I had been thinking - Will I be able to do it? Although I had been on a lot bigger ones before... but still such close quater situations were new to my eyes. The task seemed daunting... but a feast to the eyes and fodder for mind.
I was told that she is not like the others... she is just a piece of equipment.
You need to know her closely... explore her, control her and then exploit her!

Enthusiastic... I plunged... and tried to dig as deep into her as much my fellows were digging with her. Though still ameture... just after a week, I started trying my hands on her.
She seemed difficult.

But under experienced hands, I soon realized that its not always a spade and a shovel you need to dig. Here the trick was first the knowledge and then the feel.
Two weeks and I could feel that bond forming. A tug, a notch and a tic... I was digging deep.
She was responding well... the more intimate I became, the more I realized... what a lady she is... my ship... a piece of equipment (technically)... HAM 312... Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger.

Into my third week, approaching Indira Locks, I had the con... meaning - the wheel, the thruster, the two high speed CPP engines, radar, survey data, the whistle - all for me, surrounding me within a hands reach into an integrated bridge system.
At that time I was the helmsman, the lookout, the Officer on Watch and In Command. It was just me and HAM312... and ofcourse people closely, silently observing.
I told myself... 'Don't be perturbed... thats the way they do things round here. Should be a routine activity soon!'
For all those who are not familar with the chaos of Mumbai port and the approaches to Indira Docks and Basin... contemplation of the situation would be difficult. But I couldn't help thinking how we think on roads, in an expensive car, in front of a road block... no matter if we have been through before... the doubt still surfaces... can we get through it? ..Yes? ..No? ..Don't know... let's try!

Similarly and slowly with a tug, a notch and a tic... We... HAM 312 and me went inside the locks... and upon the first uttered words from the pilot - 'in position', I gently brought her alongside. Ropes were passed and she was tied down. (Not that she requires any taming.)
It was a personal acheivement... despite the accolades I appeared calm... but I was overwhelmed with relief... felt like screaming with joy... shouting out loud... Yes, I did it...!!
And in the words of my Captain, it was - "Uttam... Ati Uttam...!!".



On "The Left Front"