End of an Icon....MJ the legend

It takes few moments in our life to make you realize that how our emotions and past experiences continue to remain with us forever. Like many others, the sudden demise of MJ took me for the journey back into the days of teens when music meant Michael and our window to the world was very limited. There was no Google or napster so we had bank on Sun or RSJ and archie’s song books to read the lyrics of latest hits.

MJ was part of our youth, each and every song meant a new lease of life, and every album was a cherished memorabilia. I don’t recall how many tapes of Thirller, Bad and Dangerous I would have brought and many more were flicked by friends and relatives.. I bet most of us have twisted our ankles once atleast trying to emulate his steps and move in our teens. Moonwalking was perhaps the biggest buzz word, still recall the nth number of times we saw his moves in slow motion …he was a cult, a prophet of music who cut across all boundaries. He was the idol, the biggest showman who would set the stage on fire with his energy and passion for music.

Mj was never just about music, his style, his moves and everything he did was larger than life .He was perhaps the most gifted singer and entertainer of his times , he always stood for more than just music. His songs epitomizes the spirit of the global youth, despite all the odds surrounding the allegations leveled against him, he was always a super star.

Perhaps grossly misunderstood, as he was a child in an adult's world ,who was always berated for not being one of them. Imagine as a kid he was the leading singer of a band from the age of 11. When kids of his age where being nurtured by their parents, this young lad was the bread earner of his family and spent nights and days practicing his moves and perfecting his notes, touring.

They saw him on stage, dancing and singing but his songs really brings out the agony and pain of being hounded and pained by the way the world treated him. In one of his songs he brings out how he has been a victim of hate and greed. One can imagine the stress and pain he would have undergone as he was victim of his own fame and talent.

Tell me what has become of my life
I have a wife and two children who love me
I am the victim of police brutality, now
I'm tired of bein' the victim of hate
You're rapin' me of my pride
Oh, for God's sake
I look to heaven to fulfill its prophecy...
Set me free

He gave up and the rare talent of the genius was overshadowed by the trails of media and press. I just hope that people realize how all this has led to a slow death. Everyone wanted him to comeback for once on stage, for all the critics who wrote him off, they were in for a big shock when the tickets of his “this is it” series disappeared within 10 mins after sales started. It’s a cruel world, even today millions are busy encashing his legacy and perhaps they just want to ensure that each moment of his fame is encashed.

He has left for good into a world where we wish him peace and harmony. He will always be “The King” and the best, with him a part of our youth and memories have gone. Every time we saw him speak, sing and move we relieved few moments of our past …for all you gave us, you deserve all the respect, peace, and love. Let’s remember him for all the joys and thrill he gave us and pray for his soul.There will never be another Michael Jackson; this is it…the end of a true superstar, a legend a true icon of global youth and equality.

My Pledge

Here comes another Republic day of India.

My generation takes freedom and independence for granted. It takes motley situations of different nature to stir them up from deep slumber and inertia. It could the images of terrorist bleeding the heart of Mumbai or even a A R Rehman’s song. We are free, independent, vocal, intelligent, smart …….yeah we are cool about it.

We don’t compromise on “my space” “my life” “my time” “my friends” “my career” , it goes on and on. So when it comes to “WE as a nation” it really makes us think hard. I thought about it “kya kare” am I doing my bit? Is it good enough? Net activism and candle light processions will not make difference to the lives of millions. Just can’t procrastinate it any more, I’ll always find reasons to say “next time” after I’m done with this responsibility of mine. So finally it’s come to a point where I said myself “It’s now or never” and let me do introspection on what I can do as a citizen first.

So I’ll make an honest attempt to do my “2 cent (aana) “and try and be a better, more responsible citizen. My wish is that every citizen has a “things to do” list for himself and let’s just try and make an honest effort. I guess most of us are doing it, or may be helping the ideas in some or other way. We need to keep emphasizing these virtues in our day to day life.

Let's take this simple 8 point citizens pledge for India. Let's so our bit in making this country a better place. This is no political party or a social movement, these are simple things which you can do in your daily life and make a big difference.

· I will cast my vote to decide my public representatives.

· I will pay my taxes on time.

· I will never pay any bribe.

· I will report any act of crime, corruption and public nuisance.

· I will never litter at any public place and follow traffic rules.

· I will contribute few days in a year for philanthropic cause.

· I will donate a small part of my party budget to support child education and health.

· I will respect and give equal treatment to every citizen, irrespective of gender, caste, religion and region.

Take your pledge today, join us on facebook page.