I am no fan of Shobhaa De, i just know her to be an Indian yuppie's favourite. But the other day I was browsing through in a bookstore (I would never go to those fresh smelling designer bookstores mushrooming the upmarket side of every metro these days. I would rather go to a seconds sale mainly for cheaper older books and for the musty smell of old books). Yes, coming back to this new bookstore, I saw this title by her called 'Superstar India'. Anyway I got hold of one copy and started reading it when I got back home. I am not an expert to comment on others' writings so nothing on that (lucky you!).
Sadly, I had to put it down, put the reading of this book on hold for awhile as a picture, contrary to the glitzy image of India that was so lovingly painted by the author, appeared in the media. i personally am proud to be an Indian, have never ever desired to pack my bags and relocate to any other country for the sake of prosperity or education and would so love to see my country to make progress and develop in all good things. But I dont believe in fact-hiding, eye-closing, pushing-under-the-carpet attitude. So the facts are here,

Terrorism, still very much present and now it has company from communalism, regionalism, fundamentalism...
Poverty still exists and has taken an increasing percentage of India's population under its wings, though it was the favourite slogan by the late PM Indira Gandhi by which she had a landslide victory. Gareebhi Hatao, as if the only thing we had to do was take that broom and sweep off that Gareebhi (poverty) sitting on the porch steps. Yes, some still try to obey her, atleast in part, they try 'Garreebh ko hatao' which is much easier...
And I dont want to write again about our detriorating health and education system.
Talking about systems, caste system is still practised in today's India. And can anyone forget the corruption which is deeprooted in our administration system...
There is much more than these that stunts the growth of our country and for a moment I wondered however did our country get this 'superstar' status? And then I remembered the 'super stars' from the tinsel town, all glittery, magnificient, generous, rich, influential bunch of successful achievers and once you look at their private lives, the first impression soon fades. You would find them to be dishonest, greedy, ruthless go-getters. Do we resemble them? Nah! not us!!! We are not like some of those who are educated but still insist to receive a dowry, hold ridiculous superstitions, bribe and lie our way through anything, spread gossip, ashamed of their mother tongue and try to be something which they are not, never can keep their word, blame shifters, attention seekers, selfish...

Twinkle, twinkle super star, how I wonder what you are?

I know I am a boring person, always thinking and writing about things people would love to believe is never happening. But I am not here to entertain you and wouldnt turn sleazy at any cost (even if you promise to publish my book!) just to get a few more comments and clicks from you. So bye from me now, I would continue writing anyway...And BTW I would definitely finish that book.