Arbit Scratchpad

Hello Anuj, Wow! The author of this book: 'Back From Dead - Inside the Subhas Bose Mystery' by Anuj Dhar I am excited by the fact that you commented on my blog. I am more enthusiastic about his unparalleled life, than details of his death. Not sure of the mysteries. However, there is compelling evidence, as your book states. I'll try and read the book. Regards, Shamit

Just finished 'Bharot Pothik' translated into bengali from ' An Indian Pilgrim ', Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's autobiography. In it he mostly describes his childhood days, school and college life and a chapter on his philosophy of life - at a stage he refutes the belief that everything is Maya and this world is untrue. He was greatly influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Shri Ramakrishna and also Shri Aurobindo and ended up participating in many social and spiritual causes. It ends with a collection of letters to his mother, which gives an insight into his extreme devotion and respect for his mother. I was amazed that my Bengali reading skills have not deteriorated that much - though some words were difficult to comprehend (that obviously has something to do with a bad vocabulary). My kannada is miserable for which I have often had to face the wrath of my friends (one of them almost strangulated me once ... ;-)); Its a matter of interest. In other ne...

The Official site for the film : Give me blood and I shall give you freedom' - Called Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose urging Indians onto selfless patriotism. Catch the tumultuous last five years of the life of Bose that marked the turning point in India's struggle for independence from British Colonial rule. The highly controversial events including a daring escape, travel across Afghanistan in disguise, meeting Hitler in Germany, and ending in a mysterious plane crash; providing screen drama and visual adventure that would leave any James Bond movie wanting. Come, re-discover one of our greatest heroes, and be awed by this life-extraordinaire. http://www.bosethefilm.com/ Some more links : 'I will always remember Netaji' A fitting tribute 'Bose' hits the turnstiles today Benegal on his next film, Bose Interview with Netaji's daughter, Anita Bose Pfaff The Introduction Part I: 'India has not behaved honorably' Part II: 'Gandh...

The movie Subhash Chandra Bose - The Forgotten Hero by Shyam Benegal was not premiered as planned in Kolkata, on 5th May and the 6th May release was stalled, I am not sure if it is yet running as I did not see any ads in newspapers etc. Some deponents of the Mukherjee Commission of Inquiry, inquiring into Netaji's disappearance, are opposing the release of the film in current form. This seems mindless - as the essence of the movie is to inspire people and portray his life of undauntable courage and determination as a fearless leader - he was human nevertheless. Update: "We just do not want to give a chance for violence," Benegal said, adding that he and film producers Sahara Motion Pictures postponed the release to May 13 from May 6 - Gulf Daily News Some more articles : VCL does submarine sequence for Benegal's Bose The return of Bose Currently listening: The brilliant song 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Jaa' , which was the marching song of the INA. Vijay Prakash ...

Netaji - The Forgotten Hero, Shyam Benegal's film on Subhash Chandra Bose, is finally ready after three years in the making. The film releases on May 6, 2005. (PHOTO COURTESY: REDIFF.COM) Benegal, who says he feels that Bose “has been forgotten by modern India because he was unfairly sidelined by the establishment as they did not agree with his views”, aims the film at the present generation, a fact that can be gauged from his comment - “that (people forgetting about Bose) is a pity because the youth of today could have learnt a great deal from him about commitment, standing up for values and idealism”. Benegal has assembled one of the most talented cast for the film, with the underrated but brilliant Sachin Khedekar in the lead role, and it has been shot in locations within India and also in Uzbekistan, Germany and Myanmar. It is probably also the first Indian movie to have shot inside a World War II vintage German submarine. (FROM DECCAN HERALD) More information and details in th...

1) I was reading an article in the The New Indian Express about the loss of freedom of the press and media in the US not because of state control but because of the complete control of news by large conglomerates and corporate houses - thus twisting and limiting the news only for the sake of competition and catering to the targetted audiences; it ends up becoming pure entertainment not information or thought provoking reports, but dumbed down; the state's manipulation tactics is also prevalent, as during the Iraq war coverages ... 'Embedded Journalism'. The dismal scene of media may percolate on to the Indian scene too, as only the middle classes are targetted in all channels 'the class capable of paying and shopping and with the maximum buying power' and those facts or issues that need to be focussed on will get blacked out - because there is actually no audience for them, because they cannot actually are of not much use or pay no returns, the objective and investi...