The Bitter Truth: And the Oscar didn't go to..

Every year, the interest and anticipation builds up to a feverish pitch leading up to the Oscars in February. The Oscars are perhaps the single most important event in which Hollywood Fans all over the world watch in bated breath as to see who gets global recognition as the best actor/actresses or which movie walks away with the Best Picture. Over the years, we have seen great personalities cherishing their lifelong dream of standing on the podium, holding the coveted trophy in hand. However, what we generally don't realize amidst the euphoria ,is the other great actors who have delivered compelling performances, standing heartbroken. They applaud their compatriots heartily, but at the same time one feels for them. So close, yet so far. There are many such A list actors, who despite being nominated for the awards, haven't won yet. We bring you a list of such actors, who you might feel have won the Oscars, but are still waiting for their moment of triumph.

Gary Oldman:-

A fan once commented,"Whenever I feel the world is in a great state, I read a newspaper, thinking about the people in the Middle East, and remind myself that Gary Oldman hasn't won an Oscar ." How aptly it sums up the general opinion among the people, especially those who have watched this guy breathe life into his characters. Best known for his versatility,From indie flicks to blockbuster franchises, Oldman has done it all. However, it comes as a shock that he earned his first academy award nomination for 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', nearly 30 years after his debut, and still hasn't laid his hands on the Oscar.

Edward Norton:-

There has to be something special about you if you win 2 Academy award nominations in your first six roles. But Edward Norton has done just that. With his dedication and brilliant acting, he has done justice to those who backed him, churning out unforgettable performances in Primal Fear, The Illusionist and most notably as the conflicted youth Nazi in 'American History X'. You can truly see how sick and brainwashed he is in the first half. Norton seriously jacked himself up for this role. Secondly, I still don't understand why was not awarded the Oscar for this.

Leonardo Di Caprio:-

Leo and his chase of the Oscar is well documented. Regarded as one of the best of the generation, Leo has enthralled one and all with the diversity of his roles and the intensity with which he portrays them. From Inception to The Wolf of Wall Street, Leo has won over everyone with his acting. Having been nominated for the SIXTH time this year, he is tipped to be the front runner in the race for the Best Actor award. He has got rave reviews for his portrayal of Hugh Glass, a fur trapper in The Revenant, a movie which has swept all awards including BAFTA. I really hope that Leo wins it this time and fulfills his dream.

Johnny Depp:-

Whether it is captivating audiences as Captain Jack Sparrow in The Pirates Of The Caribbean or mesmerising everyone as the eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka in Charlie and The Chocolate factory, Depp has been phenomenal. His charisma and personality is second to none. Having been nominated for the Oscars thrice, it comes as a big surprise that he hasn't won one. However with a host of other awards in his kitty, and his penchant for venturing out into newer pastures,we cannot just rule him out yet.

Robert Downey Jr.:-

When the list of famous actors yet to win an Oscar is discussed, this man's  name is sure to be on the list. Over the years, he has transformed into a very respected actor, with a huge overseas fan base, primarily due to his role in the Iron man series, .He may be the worlds highest paid thespian, but he is yet to translate that into Oscar gold. He earned his best Actor Nomination in 1992  for Chaplin and another one for his supporting role in Tropic Thunder. An Oscar is not far given his never say die attitude.

Brad Pitt :-

The world famous actor has been nominated three times for his turns in 'The Crious Case of Benjamin Button, Twelve Monkeys and Moneyball, each time just falling short of the Oscar.  Known for his method acting and the seriousness with which he approaches a particular character, trying his best to live like him. Given that he is getting better with age, an Oscar award would sure be his best bet at creating an immortal legacy.

Will Smith:-

The Maverick actor has given many incredible performances over the years, churning both blockbusters and critical hits every year. And so very award season, fans are faced with just one question, Why Hasn't He Won An Oscar Yet? Well this is truly puzzling given the fact that  he is tinsletowns biggest crowd puller.His eerie mimicry of boxing great Muhammad Ali in Ali was heart rendering, so was his performance in The Pursuit of Happyness. Both the times he came agonisingly close. This year too he is in the mix with this role in The Concussion, but might just miss out to Leonardo di Caprio.

Albert Finley:-

The versatile and evergreen actor was first nominated for 'Tom Jones' way back in 1964, the Mancunian actor received further nominations in 1975, 1984, 1985,and most recently for his starring role on Erin Brockovich. He lost out to Benicio Del Toro's Turn in the Traffic for the latter, which sums up his luck. He continues to strive hard for the only trophy missing from his overflowing cabinet.

Jim Carrey:-

The eccentric, funny and sometimes dramatic career of Jim Carrey has been pretty interesting. His performances in both comedy and drama at his peak have earned him global recognition. His roles in Ace Ventura, Pet Detective and Liar Liar launched him as the funniest actor in the 90's. He put on his dramatic pants in The Truman show, the film becoming a poignant glimpse into the future of reality television and it was Carrey's genuine performance and commanding screen presence that turned him into something more than just a comedian. But even after such wonderful performances over the years, his mantelpiece still lacks the Oscar.

Peter Toole:-

From the Lawrence of Arabia in 1962' until Venus in 2006, the mercurial star picked up a staggering eight Best Actor nominations, yet was left empty handed on each occasion. He brings out the emotion required in his characters with consummate ease, giving them a sense of reality. He can certainly be considered unlucky as his Oscar bid wasn't aided by the fact that he faced performances such as Marlon Brando's in the Godfather and Robert De Niro's in The Raging Bull.

Despite their defeats, these men have gone from strength to strength, coming up with better performances and above all delighting the audiences. I am sure that even though they haven't been awarded the Oscar, they will certainly do so and nothing can belittle their contribution to the film industry. Over to the Oscars.

Read More

Education in India: Is it really EDUCATION?

A talented young boy of 14 loves science and math. So he takes those subjects in ninth and tenth. He expects to gain practical knowledge, but all he gets is a pool of words of a page of a prescribed text book. But some how he memorises everything and gets 90%. He didn't wish to learn that way, but parents, teachers and classmates tell him that that was the only way he would get marks. 

After tenth, he wishes to peruse engineering. But later he finds out that to get onto a reputed institute for engineering he would first have to give an entrance exam. In fact entrance exams. He got to know that he would have to give an entrance exam to qualify for the major exam. To prepare for these exams, he would have to join coaching classes. To join these classes he had to give another entrance exam.

Having no other option, he gave an exam, joined a coaching class and a week after he gave his tenth boards, he sat for these classes. All the kid wanted to do was experience the world of science. He wanted to discover, to explore, to learn. However, what he got was light years away from what he wanted. He sat eight hours a day in classes, attended college on the side, and came home exhausted and hungry. All he got left was a couple of hours to do homework before he went to sleep. He did this 365 days a year for two years before his mind became numb. He had to stop socialising, had to stop most of his hobbies and reduced all forms of entertainment. He was nothing more than a piece of flesh whose only job was to obey the commands of his parents and teachers. 

Finally, when he passed the first time exam and sat for the major exam, he was greatful to God that this routine was finally over. His paper went good. He knew that he had worked hard and deserved the seat in his desired university. When his results came, he celebrated. He knew his grades exceeded the cut-off needed for the admission, even though by a margin of five marks. When the university gave out its selection list, this boy of 17 did not get admission since his seat was given to someone with a quota due to his caste, even though this other student got 30 marks lesser than him. This boy tore his hair.

Education in this country is the best in the world. Our students run over that of other nations in the international arena. But what we do not see is that in order to get such perfect students, we forget to judge people on their personality and brains, but we rather judge them on less important things like a mark sheet and the quota category that come in. Same is the case for the other two fields viz. Commerce and Arts.

Rather than enhancing each one's special talent, we bring them all at one level, destroying their original self.

Read More

Trouble in Paradise : Major issues of the North East India

Paradise, a term used for a place of timeless harmony. A place where you forget all your sufferings and enjoy eternal bliss. Our country India is indeed lucky enough to be blessed with many such places that are a timeless reminder of the beauty of the almighty creation. The North East India is also one such region of enchanting beauty and serenity. Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, the seven sisters as they are popularly known are lands that offer mystifying diversity and showcase breathtaking magnanimity of nature. However, even though these lands have been bestowed with endless natural beauty, these regions have always been battling through crisis, be it territorial disputes, natural disasters and even isolation from their own countrymen due to ethnic disparity. They have always tried to face these challenges head on and have never given anyone the chance to doubt their patriotism. But, due to external factors like narrow mindedness of our society, extremist led insurgency, etc. the peace and harmony of these regions has time and again been disrupted. These are serious issues that require attention or they may have far reaching consequences on the integrity of our nation. 

Racism and the appalling death of Nido Tani:

He was mocked and teased for his features. He retaliated by breaking a glass door. A fight broke out and they brutally killed him. As gruesome as it may sound,this is the harsh truth. A college going youngster murdered just because he looks different and doesn't fit into the mould of the traditional Indian mindset!!Really shocking behavior there by the people! Nido Tania was like any other 20 year old, funky clothes, trendy hairstyle. He and his friend were out for some work in Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi when a shop owner of a sweet shop mocked him for his hair and clothes and a brawl began. It ended with Nido s death. The thing is that this wasn't a senseless fight over a haircut, but Taniams northeastern features that marked him out for the attack. This gruesome incident, which happened in the capital itself, highlights the racism that many from India's beautiful but impoverished North Eastern States are subjected to. Anyone of the approximately 20,000 students that come to the capital region for education and better job opportunities could have been in Taniam's place. Their safety needs to be ensured and the biggest threat to them is their own countrymen who treat them as outsiders. Casual racism has become a commonplace, with people calling them chinkies(narrow eyed) and passing derogatory remarks. However it's not just the physical differences that make people from the northeast stand out in a big city like Delhi, but the fact that their society is culturally more permissible than 'Mainstream India'. This, it is very important that we address this issue of racism And eradicate it from our society so that the integrity and unity of our nation is not compromised. The protests over his death waged on but will we do justice to him only when we ensure that there's no possibility of such inhuman thing happening again.

Insurgency-the best business in the north-east:

This region has been the birthplace of many insurgent factions,demanding freedom from the main land. The ever increasing arrogance and confidence of the insurgents is the settling for. Multitude of conflict that undermines the idea of India as a prosperous and functioning democracy. Also, unsurgency has become a sort of business with an abundance of illegal funds of benefactors being used to buy arms, in turn increasing the demand from the manufacturers. Different insurgent groups in different states have wreaked havoc in the daily lives of the people disturbing the peace and security of the region and also the country as a whole.The absurd demand for a separate country can never be met .The people of this region have been left disappointed due to the government efforts for their cause. Unfortunately the data and the information on the region is not sufficiently analysed and communicated between the region and the center,contributing to further mismanagement and alienation. At another level, insurgency in the region has been all pervasive phenomena, and in its violent form has not only affected the sovereignty of the Indian state, but also the life of the various people living in the region in incomprehensible and inexplicable terms. However, amidst widespread unrest and anarchy, the people of this region haven't given up the hope of walking away from this mess one day and be free from a situation which cripples the, from all sides. The government must stop all such factions,many of which run their parallel government and force the people to obey their laws,at all costs. Otherwise, we may face a very difficult scenario regarding the sovereignty of this region

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act -An abomination and A blot on Human Rights:

                

Imagine you are facing a problem and the person you rely on most is infact greatly responsible for the situation you are in. Obviously you are shattered and feel helpless. Well that's precisely what our brothers and sisters in the North eastern states are facing right since the late 1960s. Forced to live under constant fear and having seen their lives disrupted due to the insurgents, The government was their only hope .The state government demanded the centre for aid in administration and military protection.The centre responded by  passing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in 1958 when the Nagaland independence movement was taking off.This has been perhaps the most condemned act of the legislation  almost  as the  infamous Rowlatt act of the British.The ASPFA is a bare law with just six sections.The most damning of those are the fourth and sixth sections : the former enables security forces to fire upon or otherwise use force,even to the causing of death ,while the latter says no criminal prosecution will lie against any person who has taken action under this act.Startling and absurd as it may sound ,in 57 years since its inception, not a single army,or paramilitary soldier or officer has been prosecuted for murder, rape,destruction of property(including the burning of  the villages in Nagaland and Mizoram).It is indeed a very shameful and horrific history ,which India knows little about and has cared for even less.Thousands have suffered mercilessly due to the abuse of power by the soldiers ,treated like animals and left to rue their destiny.Women have been subjected  to torture and rape .There have been tAlks of reforming the act several times over the decades but sadly much hasn't been done with both the politicians and the army playing the blame game.The people have protested but due to no avail.The people ,especially the women were so agitated that they  staged a naked protest and gone on hunger strikes.Though in recent years ,the issue has been taken seriously by the higher ranked officials,with Former pm Atal Bihari Vajpay condemning the act and urging the house to review it. The situation demands no less from the current PM, who must fight all opposition and put an end to this barbaric exploitation of civilians in the name of national security.So as we rest, we must ask questions and support our countrymen.How many more deaths,how many more naked protests,how many more committees, how many more articles before AFSPA goes.

These issues that our countrymen face must be tackled and eradicated from their roots.Only then can we make them feel that they are not alone,that somebody is there for them.Only then can we call ourselves a true democracy,a country where there is unity in diversity  and where harmony and brotherhood reigns.

Read More

Inclusion Education: The Dawn Of A New Era

Inclusion Education

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. - Nelson Mandela

This profound quote has a tremendous importance in educating the children of different disabilities so as to give them the power to change their world and those of others and be a constant source of inspiration. To bring out the best in the differently abled children, inclusion education has achieved excellent results. Inclusion in education was once described as an approach wherein students with special educational needs spend most or all of their time with non-disabled students.

Now it is crucial that all policy makers, school boards, administrators, guidance counsellors, teachers, parents and students ensure inclusive practice in all aspects of educational environments. The history behind the roots of inclusion education date back to the 1950’s. At that time, it was widely believed that children with developmental disabilities could not learn. The government, therefore, accepted no responsibility for their education. Parents of children with developmental disabilities, understanding the potential of their sons and daughters to learn and grow, responded by creating their own schools in places like church basements and private homes.

Government slowly accepted responsibility for funding parent-run schools and eventually agreed that not just funding, but public schooling, should be available to children with disabilities. Although the first educational programs developed by school boards were segregated, they successfully laid the groundwork for parents and others to call for the inclusion of children in general education classes. The advocates of inclusion education believe that non inclusion hampers the social visibility, importance and causes more social stigma.

Proponents say that society accords disabled people less human dignity when they are less visible in general education classrooms. Also as the differently abled kids can intermix with their peers and to some extent lead a normal life and it has been studied that students with mental retardation who spend time among their peers show an increase in social skills and academic proficiency. 

Moreover,the typical students who are included with special needs students at a very young age have a heightened sensitivity to the challenges that others face, increased empathy and compassion, and improved leadership skills, which benefits all of society. Thus inclusion education is a win-win situation according to me  as it allows all  kinds of people to have a shot at growing and leading a normal life.

But , there have been many criticisms too. inclusion education does not acknowledge the fact most students with significant special needs require individualized instruction or highly controlled environments. Thus, general education classroom teachers often are teaching a curriculum while the special education teacher is remediating instruction at the same time. Similarly, a child with serious inattention problems may be unable to focus in a classroom that contains twenty or more active children.

It all distills down to the people involved in the process and their outlook. But according to me inclusion education  should be followed as the it benefits society as a whole . And all humans whatever their needs may be should be given the best opportunity to grow.   

Read More

Khamenei: The Emerging Winner

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has conditionally endorsed the nuclear deal signed between the P5+1. In my personal opinion the supreme leader maybe wanted a deal not to be reached and has been a vocal critic of the nuclear deal. He has threatened that Iran will consider the deal void if any new sanctions are imposed on the country in any form, it will become a reality if the sanctions committee of UNSC decides to take action against Iran for violating UNSC resolutions by carrying out a ballistic missile test. The deal has already been diplomatically tested since it has been reached. Iran does need to check its condescending tone against the west as it has more to loose than gain if the deal is scrapped by any of the two parties. Iran’s oil exports will be hurt as well as it will have to go back to a country, which is ostracized. The deal is ever closer to come into effect once it is passed by the congress (USA) and the parliament of Iran.

Barrack Obama might claim that the nuclear deal enhances the security of the region but the question is if it really does enhance security why has the US government offered its gulf partners a huge security package, shouldn’t the security spending go-down if it helps enhance security and promote regional stability? . The American administration has stated that the nuclear deal is a peaceful solution, which will help, in regional stability but the fact is that will the American’s be open to any other gulf state carrying out nuclear tests citing thereat from Iran?

Coming back to Iran the supreme leaders contradicting stand is seen hardline to appease many who see this deal as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty. The US and EU have also been silent on as to what they will do if Iran uses its freedom to carry out mass transaction of money to terror groups or rebels or carry out weapons transfer. US has promised that if Iran does violate the norms it will re-impose sanctions but at what cost? . The sanctions against DPRK or Iran haven’t worked because they have still obtained nuclear weapons, so a better policy will be to obviously engage both the nations. With Iran’s involvement in Yemen and Saudi Arabia looking to USA for support against Iran in its proxy war against Iran poses a certain threat to the relationship between Saudi Arabia and America. Whatever happens Iranian nuclear deal is here to stay.

Read More