From dawn to dusk, we often manage to find something or the other to grumble about. When we read the morning newspapers, it is at that time we crib about the government; their inefficiency to stabilize prices, curtail pollution and prevail peace. When we travel by public transport, it's our inept roads, we have a problem with. Then problems like the education system and corruption face our ire during the course of the day. So on and so forth, we keep grumbling. We even justify it by saying it's the only thing we could possibly do! There have also been instances when we fail to pursue a talent or hobby citing lack of time. The guitar and stamp book collecting dust in some corner is proof that this melancholy tale holds true for many homes. At times, we are afraid of trying something new and different because of the fear of failure. Well, some wise man rightly said, “Life is a risk”! We have to wake up to change or else monotony will surely get to us, one day! It's high time we stop grumbling and making excuses. Let's wake up to a new day by resolving to be passionate even with the very basic things we do. It's only when we take the first, small step then can we achieve the goals we truly believe in. Remember it's never too late. There is always time; all you need is a little passion. Kindle your hearts with a little passion and then the passage of time will mould it into a blazing fire, so strong that no obstacle could ever come between you and your goal. It's only then goals as personal as mastering the guitar or developing a stamp book to goals as phenomenal as a better administration and infrastructure can be achieved. To put it in a nutshell, the key word is “passion”. It was during a train ride back home, when the 'wake up' idea struck me. A gentleman, in his mid-forties, went from coach to coach, asking travelers to donate a little something to the cause of education. It is at that time I realized that “believing in something” and “standing up for that belief” are two VERY different things. If this little thought metamorphosed into the theme of our bulletin today, it's only because of my co-editor, Rtr. Nilofer Rehman and my president, Rtr. Saksham Mendiratta. These are the two people that shared my vision from the very beginning. I also thank the board of directors for all their ideas and suggestions. The title of our bulletin, “Wake up- Stand up for what you believe in” can be interpreted in a zillion ways. That is precisely what all those who have written in, have done. Their creativity and talent have taken “Wake Up” notches up!

-Rtr. Wayne D'Cruz,

Editor, RCJC

For me, “Wake Up” is beyond a phrase.

It's a reminder to come forward and do

something different in society or for society.

When my co-editor, Wayne, shared his idea of

Wake Up; I found an instant connect to it. I

got my wakeup call sometime ago; when I

decide to volunteer at an NGO called,

“Akansha”. I think it is imperative that we

all do our bit for society. The satisfaction, you

then get, is beyond words. I say this out of

experience. I hope our bulletin, helps all its

readers wake up to what they truly believe in.

I am grateful to Wayne who has been so

patient and an amazing helping hand. Thank

you, Saksham, for being so supportive. Your

enthusiasm about the bulletin has helped me a

great deal. And finally, I thank my friend

Chetna; who has always been by my side.

Rtr. Nilofer Rehman,

Editor, RCJC.

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK:

THE PRESIDENT WAXES ELOQUENT:-

“Passion: is something that I totally live by; and when I got an opportunity to write about it, I had no two thoughts in my mind. Every time I sat to ponder on how much this one word has been significant to my life, I just had to look back at everything that made me happy, and it was all driven by passion. Right from learning to swim to being the President of RCJC, it was all in circumlocution with passion.

At RCJC we give a lot of importance to the first bulletin of the year. After all, there are just two of them that we release in one year, so every word of it, has to put the reader to wonder. When Wayne and Nilofer came to me with their theme for this bulletin, it was a very simple explanation that I got from them, unlike the dramatic ones that I generally I give to make people believe in my idea. But without an iota of doubt, I approved of it. “Wake Up” is a very simple word when interpreted verbally, but when put to write about it, I believe that this masterpiece is an epitome of originality, creativity, reward, redemption and efforts. The aspects that this bulletin throws light upon, are just anecdotes which either go un-noticed or just under portrayed to everyone. And such write ups can actually make people relive each and every moment of their efforts and bounce their head high up for such achievements. Each and every article is driven by passion beyond the limits of its capacity. And I think that at RCJC we can very well connect to every meaning that the words “Wake Up” behold for us.

Today, it gives me immense pleasure to introduce to you, some of the most inspiring stories about people like you and me, who have gone an extra mile to achieve their selfless dreams and have carved out paths which are beyond the constricted cubicle of our imaginations. I truly acknowledge the efforts put in by the editorial team to find such people and bring their efforts into limelight. I hope that every article touches your heart and inspires you to walk an extra mile in life… just as they did.

Rtr. Saksham Mendirattam,President, R.C.J.C.

When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. -Jimi Hendrix

st Everyone claims that we've entered the 21 century and thus we've become more rational and open minded. But all these claims seem to be a satirical joke when we hear the news. From racism to honour killings, has anything changed? It makes you wonder how a caste, colour or race is more superior to another, or moreover, who made these castes? Why did the crusades happen? Why are we still being tortured by fundamentalist groups? Why do so many religious and social stigmas still exist in society? Were these norms that were once made for the welfare of man now only harming him? It's not religion that should be blamed, rather society itself should accept this problem because society has changed religion according to its own convenience. But what if God, who we are waiting for, is actually waiting for us? What if all we need is just a change in perspective; what if we look at the person in front of us as one of your kind, a human rather than an outsider of another religion? Some believe that the human mind itself is God and even though this alleged conspiracy of human divinity might be too irrational for some, we can change our outlook by merely considering that we or our religion is no better or worse than other people or races, “While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God's creation”, quoted Maya Angelo. It describes just the essence of the change that needs to occur and the mental blocks and social stigmas that need to be abolished. I mean one is not born with their religion and neither does that religion remain branded on the person for life; so how do people believe that people of a certain caste are bound to act in a particular way? That's like saying that teenagers can't bring about any change and don't just because teenagers are supposed to be rebellious and ignorant! So let's prove them wrong by being rebellious not due to ignorance, but to bring about a reform!

Besides changing ones view on the various religions and their traditions, one also needs to cherish and celebrate them; Think about it, if you know the significance of the traditions and customs of that particular religion, have visited their holy sites and been a part of their festivals and merriment, and if everyone does the same then not only will peace prevail, but even unity among people will soar. This new-found equality and unity will also charge a nation to the path of its development at a faster pace with every strata of society benefitting equally from it.

And one of the most vital steps to change the worlds view is not only to sympathize with racial, caste and gender attacks but to act immediately by punishing the perpetrator with a stern penalty and thwarting any further incidents by spreading awareness about these issues as well as modify the laws related to them.

You might say that how can such small steps lead to anything. But then as the old saying goes, 'Every drop makes an ocean'! So let's contribute to this uprising and spread this ocean of social renaissance to every corner of the world. What I have mentioned has not happened years ago, rather some of these issues are still relevant and some creeds are still prevalent. So we as the new generation can certainly bring about a change. Let's not act blind when we can see what's going on. Let's wake up!

For the love of God…

Rtr. Siddhi Desai, RCJC.

PEACE…PLEASE!

All this war,What is it for?

Is a precious lifeWorth a petty strife?

Why do we blindly follow orders?Why are we separated by things like borders?

By getting a family's sole earning soldier killed,Is any issue ever fulfilled?

Violence is just as worthless as it seems,It kills so many hopes and dreams;

Has any good ever been done?By violence, can all that be undone?

To make things all right, to see the light,There really is no need to fight;

As every honest intention,Always beats pretention;

Those leaders act like they support what you plead,Alas! They have nothing but hidden gains and selfish greed;

How can he feel scorched in his air-conditioned room?All he knows is his gain and not his nations doom;

Only negative feelings they can create,They can just wrongly instigate;

And blind the crowd with unworthy hate,When all they had to do was negotiate;

So let peace prevail,Because it will never fail;

Let's not repeat the mistakes of the past,And make peace and harmony last;

With all our grit and might,Let's speak up for what is right;

Let's wipe away all these boundaries,And rid the world of its miseries;

Let's make serenity our goal,Let's change the society as a whole;

Rather than being rule breakers,Let's become change makers!

Let's pick up every shattered piece,'Cause it's not too late to rock in peace!

Rtr. Siddhi Desai, RCJC.

BOLLYWOOD: A new era or a mirage?

“Amateur cinema”, “rip-offs”, “oft-told stories”; are a few of the many expressions used by cynics to describe Bollywood. Though, it is true to a certain degree; Bollywood has always had a loyal audience. Accepting enthusiastically; whatever is dished out, in the name of cinema. As a result, film makers over the ages have given least importance to “critical acclaim”. In fact, if anybody dared to be different, the film would have a dry run at the box office. This leads us to pertinent questions- Is the Indian audience dumb? Or do they simply not understand the essence of cinema? India is in fact the only place where “commercial cinema” and “critical cinema” are on opposite sides of the fence. We seem to clearly demark the two. It's high time that we as an audience grow up! It is only then; our film industry can be on par with world cinema. The few souls that dare to be different are applauded world over; but sadly fail to receive appreciation in their homeland. Anurag Kashyap, producer of “Udaan”, vehemently voiced his opinion when Indians present at the Cannes Film Festival, 2009, chose to give the screening of his film a miss. When Hrithik Roshan, attempted something different with Kites; it flopped miserably in India but went on to be a cult film abroad. He seemed disgruntled with the reaction of the Indian audience and went on to say, “A biryani loving audience doesn't care much for pasta”. Bollywood, as an industry also has to wake up and encourage those who dare to dare! It is interesting to note that over the years, the Bollywood audience is maturing, slowly but steadily. It is indeed a positive trend. With channels like “UTV World Movies” and the like being launched in India, an appetite for the different seems to have been whetted! Love, Sex aur Dhoka; a very different film that had no superstars playing lead roles performed very well, for a film of its genre. In fact, it actually had footage of surveillance cameras! It's another fact that the film may have worked because of its voyeuristic content. But then, there are quite a few movies; the hatk ones, that finally seem to be getting a niche audience. Having said that, we as a film industry have a long way ahead if we plan to be on par with Hollywood or supersede it. To start with, we have to think out of the box. Originality is the need of the day. In the past, there have been various filmmakers who have blatantly copied movie plots. Today, plagiarism laws are very strict. It is common knowledge that the producers of “Partner” finally came to an out of court settlement with the producers of “Hitch”, when the latter sued the former. However, the strict plagiarism laws don't seem to change much. Filmmakers, now, like Farhan Akhtar and Karan Johar legally remake movies, namely Don and Stepmom. Gosh! We even call our industry “Bollywood”, a conspicuous rip-off of Hollywood. Amitabh Bachchan has voiced his displeasure about the same, on various counts. People, it's high time we wake up, as an industry as well as, as an audience! Maybe then, pasta will be palatable!

-Rtr. Wayne D'Cruz,Editor, RCJC

“SUPERSTITIONS OR STUPID-STITIONS?”

"No Chintu don't leave, you just sneezed!!!!" I don't think I need to give any further explanation on why Chintu was late for

school. It is believed that if glass breaks it brings good luck, but hasn't it just burnt a hole in your pocket? Before hearing any

decision or before getting any result, we automatically tend to cross our fingers. Why? Because two fingers intertwined bring us

mental peace! Running for our first interview for internship, and just then the sacred crow showers his blessings on us (shits) and

spoils our attire. Seriously guys, do you'll consider that good luck? Not forgetting the poor black cat, we always run away from; when

they attempt to cross our paths. Seeing a dead body is considered to bring good luck. How can the sorrow of so many people bring

good luck to one? Spilling salt is considered as bad luck but throwing a pinch of salt with your right hand over your left shoulder, is

still considered good luck. Either ways, salt goes to waste! What strange mentality is this? Shaking your legs when you sit causes

fights in your family. This really brings us to a dilemma that how is your leg related to your family problems?

Superstitions are the religion of the feeble minds. We all have them, those superstitions that haunt our minds, and that cause us

to behave in that totally irrational manner. From stepping over the cracks on a sidewalk to mirrors breaking bringing seven years of

bad luck to triskaidekaphobia, (that is avoiding the no. 13) to believing our lives are protected from all dangers if we have a 4 leaf

clover. India is a country that is believed to possess the brightest minds of the worlds. Ironically, it seems to also possess an equal

amount of irrational minds, as well. India has her eyes on becoming a superpower, on a seat in the Security Council of the UN and

what not! However, if we don't rid ourselves of superstitions in time, we may just go on to becoming a laughing stock on the global

platform.

Wake up, stand up against superstitions as they are nothing but stupid-stitions!!

Rtr. Henal Shah,

Partners-in-Service Director,

RCJC

&

Rtr. Priyanka Chauhan,

Community Service Director,

RCJC

BE THE CHANGE

It is the choices that we make in life that defines us, defines who we are and what we stand for. There is a choice that you can make, a choice between what is wrong and what is right, between being brave and being weak. This is the power that we have. There are people who have made these choices, people who have made a difference, and people who have inspired indifference. Shamefully, today it is the latter that has its impact on the society. This can be seen in very small but significant daily deeds. We devour our favourite chocolates and throw the wrapper on the road. We drink our water or our favourite beverage and just throw the bottle out of our luxury sedan not even thinking about it for a second. We are in a classroom and aim a wasted paper ball into the trash can, we miss and it just lies there, for the peon to pick it up, if he ever does. Is this the same what we do at home? Do we all live in a trashcan? Or are we the section of society that is brought is up in these deplorable conditions? I think that thankfully none of these questions will have a positive response. Why then is it that we don't think twice about all the dirt we cause and just criticize our nation of being filthy and having poor health conditions. We are the ones causing all the problems and we say there is no solution. There is one, my dear friends...... WAKE UP!!!! We're getting late for a meeting or a party, we need to be on time come what may, we jump the signal fearlessly, endangering the life of the pedestrians. If we are caught all you need is one green note with an influencing old man smiling on it and a corrupt police officer. We are in the mood to feel the air gushing through our hair and hear the sound of wind whizzing fast as we speed on our motorbikes, all we have to do is not wear a helmet and remove another fifty rupees or hundred rupees depending on the cop that catches us. The irony is that we bow our heads in shame (at least I do) when we pass by this very sight. There is no solution, the system is corrupt. There is one, my dear friends......WAKE UP!!!! We need a gadget before it comes into the market, we need the best phone at any price, we need the new branded sunglasses and we need to spend money on the best perfumes and the best watches but we don't even think about those who can study for eleven years in the same amount of money that we spend on one of the accessories that we buy. We don't think of that family who can have two square meals a day and survive for fifty-two weeks in the same amount of money that we splurge on just for a party. There is no dearth of poverty in our country, and certainly no dearth of the rich and the spoilt. There is no dearth of charitable institutions or places to make donations. What there is a dearth of awareness, there is a lack of humanity and a lack of social responsibility. There is no solution; we are brought up in luxuries. There is one, my dear friends......WAKE UP!!!! There is still a section of our society that is uneducated and underdeveloped. There is still a need to bring light to the millions of cases of female infanticide and blind faith. Still needs to change the way women are treated in villages and beaten up, not allowed to pursue their dreams and are made to work at home instead. Their wings are cut off before they even explore the endless possibility that awaits them. There is a need to stop the dowry system and sati. Just because we don't know doesn't mean they don't exist. There is a need to know what is happening, a need to dedicate and care about those people who suffer daily. There is no solution; we are too busy with life. There is one, my dear friends......WAKE UP!!!! Every now and then, people come that have the power to make change, have the power to make a difference. These men and women can inspire millions; these people are the leaders of the masses and the icons of their fields. What then separates the greats from the legends? What separates the forgotten from the remembered? It is the herculean virtue of going beyond what is expected of us. Excelling in what we do is good, but going beyond is what makes great. This is the power that we have, the power to wake up and see things in different light. We can just let this pass as any other article that we read or we can reflect and decide, decide to take one step forward and “be the change that we want to see”. There is no problem that doesn't have a solution. WE are the solution, my dear friends......WAKE UP!!!!

Rtr. Yash Dugar,

Vice President, RCJC

Don't Bar Yourself!

th Imagine it's your 18 birthday and your father gives you a car. Now he also asks you what you are going to do with the car. You say, “I'll drive everyday to my firm where I'll work a 9 to 5 and come home, have children and see them do the same” then your father will say “Wah beta, I love you and you've made me proud”. BUT BUT BUT if you out of some sense of passion say “I'll go to Prive, Ra or Zenzi and pour people a good stiff drink so that I can see them dance their troubles away and get paid while doing that” then chances are you will get a tight slap and end up driving a cycle to work and back. Ladies and gentlemen, I speak to you today pleading you to WAKE UP! There is nothing wrong with being a bartender and certainly nothing shameful. It's all a matter of perception. For instance, what's called stuffy atmosphere in a train is called ambiance in a club. Change your perception of bartenders. They're not just people that pour you, your drinks; they are some of today's coolest psychologists and our best friends. Let me tell you how: Let's say you've fought with your girlfriend or you just realised that you're wasting your time with the wrong people or in the wrong course at that time. I don't know about all of you'll reading this but I would definitely need a drink at such a time. After a few drinks, you feel a little happy, a little tipsy and suddenly you feel like trusting the first person you lay your eyes on, which so happens to be our buddy the bartender. You spontaneously get talking and make a new friend, and tell him/her about life and how it's unfair and how God is picking on you. At that time you're so gullible that even if he/she tells you to do drugs so that your troubles dissolve away, you would believe it!But he/she doesn't say such things. Instead he/she tells you to stop drinking, that smoking won't help and that it's time to be man enough to solve your problems. Since, the bartender is the only sober person around; he/she is the best person to ask for advice. They listen to our problems, analyse them and evaluate us while tossing two bottles in the air. They don't want to see us sloshed and lying on the floor without a care in the world. They regulate our drinking so that we remember our names.Hence, a bartender is a cool but unqualified psychologist and our unnoticed best friends.It's sad that people believe that only a guy can be a bartender and not a woman. Hence, I always specified “he/she” while referring to bartenders. Along with, being more accepting towards “unconventional” professions, let us also ditch our male chauvinistic attitude. Wake up and smell the coffee (or the scotch). There is a whole world of opportunities waiting for us. Sometimes they may not be the regular stuff but if you like it….DO IT!!!

Rtr. Armaan Sunny,

RCJC

Mumbai Masala & the Delhi Belly- A Tale of Two Cities!

Vikas Bhalla. He is a large amiable boy who smiles at breasts as if they are acquaintances. He

suspects he is good looking, and he probably is, especially when he is quiet. A pretty white girl

walks into this London pub and he nudges the elbow of a friend. As his eyes follow her to the far

corner, his face assumes a sudden seriousness. He then takes her pictures with his phone camera.

He tries to meet the eyes of any woman in the pub so that he can flash a smile. He has heard that

white women are broadminded. “I like to hear white women scream under me,” he says. A Bengali

sitting beside him says he must become a midwife then. Everybody laughs. He stares at the

Bengali who is a much smaller man, and he slaps him a few times. Others now rise and try to drag

him away. He growls, not metaphorically but really growls. And he says, “I'm a baaad guy, I'm a

baaad guy.” He is, of course, a jat from Delhi whose matrimonial ad had once said, accurately, that

he is from a good family. He has travelled the world. He studied briefly in the First World, even.

There are thousands like him in Delhi, the natural habitat of a kind.

Delhi is a vast medieval town of indisputable botanical beauty, spectacular red ruins, Sheila

Dixit, and other charms. Its women rumoured to be high maintenance as if there is another

kind, take so much care of themselves that one would think the men are worth it (but they

make a gesture that suggests puking when asked to confirm). Space is not compressed here.

Everything is far from everything else. There are real gardens where you do not see the exit

when you stand at the entrance. It has sudden small parks that in Bombay would have

been called, 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Mini Forest'. Homes have corridors, and they are called

corridors, not half-bedrooms. Yet, Delhi has a bestial smallness of purpose.

Those men there who drive the long phallic cars, sometimes holding a beer bottle in one hand,

there is something uncontrollable about them. Even for a man, it is hard to understand their

mutation. What is the swagger about? What is the great pride in driving your father's BMW, what

is the glory in being a sperm? And what is the great achievement in stepping on the accelerator? It

is merely automobile engineering—press harder on the pedal and the car will move faster. Why do

you think a girl will mate with you for that? It is somehow natural that the contemporary version

of Devdas, Anurag Kashyap's Dev D, would be set in Delhi, where a man can debase himself

because life does not challenge him, he has no purpose, whose happiness is a type of sorrow. This

motiveless Delhi male, you can argue, can be found in Bombay too, where not all BMWs are hard

earned. But that's not very different from saying Bombay, too, has bungalows.

Like a rich man's son, Delhi is a beneficiary of undeserved privileges. That is at the heart of

Bombay's contempt for Delhi. Bombay is a natural city, like all great port cities of the world. It was

not created. It had to arrive at a particular moment in time, it was an inevitability caused by

geography, shipping and shallow waters. Bombay eventually earned its right to be a financial force

through the power of enterprise, which created a system that allowed, to some extent, anyone to

stake a claim at wealth through hard work. That culture still exists. It is the very basis of Bombay.

That is the whole point of Bombay.

But Delhi as a centre of power is an inheritance, a historical habit. An unbearable consequence of

this is the proximity of easy funds for various alleged intellectual pursuits which has enabled it to

appropriate the status of intellectual centre. It is a scholarship city, a city of think tanks, of men

who deal in discourse, debates and policies. And of fake serious women who wear the sari the

other way and become leftists, nature lovers and diurnal feminists.

Of course, all this is a generalisation, but then generalisation is a form of truth. On the

other hand, Bombay has an air of honesty and earnestness around it. A city of dreams it is

home a lot of awe-inspiring tales of rags to riches, a lot of romanticism it being the heart of

Indian Cinema and a lot of grit which is visible from situations of absolute despair like the

Train blasts. The fabled spirit of Mumbai is truly the inheritance of a great city with a

colourful culture. From the vadapav and cutting chais to the bollywood and the numerous

Bhais, Mumbai has a distinct flavour to it. Here basic survival and sky high aspiration are

doing an intricate balancing act. Both run simultaneously, a prime example being that

Colaba lane which houses both the swankiest nightclub - Prive and at its far end a

dilapidated fisherman's slum. This indomitable spirit is also open and tolerant. The great,

open and distinct mindset of the average Mumbaikar has given the distinct colour and

vigour to this city. However the city culture and the very identity of the average Mumbaikar

are under threat.

There is much changing with this city just like its skyline. From influx of unwanted

elements in the city Culture, to derisory parochial politics like that of the MNS, to the so

called moral policing there are problems in plenty. This city has always got a rough deal in

terms of its needs like water, infrastructure, reforms etc from the Central govt. However

all of these important things which would cripple any other city have failed to dampen

the insurmountable will of this city and its citizens. So, I shall brush these concerns

aside. I will talk about a far more subtle but a burgeoning, intrinsic change which shall

devastate this great city. I feel, this city is great because of its citizens. The average

Mumbaikar right from the stock market broker to the celebrities to the dabbawalas lend

it its unique flavour. The average Mumbaikar doesn't give a damn about influx of so

called outsiders or where is the next Shivaji statue going to be put up at. These are

trivial matters which were never given importance and rightly so. Everybody out here is

recognised by their work and not their surname and religion. We were tolerant and open.

We were large hearted and humble. Co-operation and co-existence were the buzzwords not

Bhaiyya and Aamhi Marathi! Everything this city stands for is under threat. This change is

like gangrene and will take away all our glory and pride. If we don't wake up and be the

change this amazing jewel of India; these 7 islands which make up almost an entire

nation will lose its special status amongst the heart of every India and stands to lose it

pre-eminent status of a numero uno metro. I refuse to be bogged down by political

diktats and there is enough of the amazing Mumbaikar left in me to shout out loud and

say wake up! Wake up to raise a united voice against such gnawing blood sucking pests of

politicians. Wake up and stop this unwanted violation of our collective spirits. Wake up to

take up the responsibility. Wake up and be the change! Lastly, Wake up before it's too late.

I often say that the best thing about Delhi will always be its winter. When there is this mist

and you do not see its people. If we don't wake and change the same might start becoming

true for us, the Mumbaikars.

Rtr Purav Shah,

Finance Director,

RCJC

~THE BROKEN SKY~It's a bumpy ride we like to live,It's not so bad, we make it big.We strive hard to beat success,And in return lose ourselves.

Paradox is what life made up of,Complex-ities is what we give it best.

No time to stand, no time to stare,And every time, we miss a tear.

In this age of rat and race,Behind every soul is a lost face.

It a new dawn after pit fall,We fail to take, the priceless call.

Opportunities surface every part of life,We overlook, in wake of human strife.

A conscious attempt is all it takes,Free from envy, free from hates.

Just listen to your inner soul,And maneuver over every hole.

In this age of rat and race,Behind every soul is a lost face.

The wind is soft, the sky is clear,Yet we miss the one who's dear.

Look at you, where have you come,Its dark out here, there is no sun.

Go back to your world, the world of bliss,Or the later half you might just miss.Be tall don't fall, with what you hear,It's now the time, the voice is near.

In this age of rat and race,Behind every soul is a lost face.

You have the answer, to every thought,The power of 'change' now you've got.

Don't let it go, wake up and see,It's all so good, with a lot of glee.

You are so precious, give time to thee,It is the path, the success key.

Tried and tested, there is sure shot win,And it has the power, to combat your sin.

Just stand there, and talk to self,It's not a puzzle that you have to grin.

It needs some time, it needs some care,It's your life, let it not fear.

Hold it tight, like a precious cup,It beholds your beliefs; it beholds your luck,

It's high time now that you Wake UP!!Rtr. Saksham Mendiratta,

President, R.C.J.C.

CHILDHOOD: Lost in time?

It was just another day, when my friends and I decided to hang out at Marine Drive;

something that is synonymous with JaiHindites. As we were engrossed in our usual banter,

chatting away and clicking snaps merrily; a little girl came along with some flowers, for

sale. While none of us seemed interested in the flowers, the little girl took a fascination to

my friend's camera and insisted on us, clicking a snap of her. While her request left a few

of us disgruntled, my friend cheerily responded, “Pose Do”. And at that instant, while we

got a joke to laugh at; l also got a picture that commenced a chain of thoughts…

Today, when I see that photograph; my mind goes beyond the happenings of that day.

The little girl robbed of her childhood is what strikes me. She sets out with some flowers in

the hope that she may earn a dime or two, so that she gets at least one square meal. She

depicts the sorry picture of the many kids that slum it out on the streets of Mumbai. It

goes without saying that these kids are deprived of even a basic education. Most of these

vulnerable kids land up in the clutches of the big bad world of drug trafficking, prostitution

and the like. “Slumdog Millionaire” familiarized the world with this sad truth.

In stark contrast, there are those children who are born with a golden spoon. They are the ones who aren't deprived of

anything. Basic necessities, luxuries, they have it all! But take a closer look at their routine. At a young age, parents enroll

them for various classes. Dance, Drama, Music, Foreign Languages, Personality Development… the list is endless. While on

one hand, it definitely builds up your personality and confidence; on the other hand, what's the rush? They can always

pursue it when they are old enough. If school and tuitions weren't enough, the poor child has to attend a plethora of classes

to have that “zing” when he steps out into the outside world. With their busy schedules, if at all kids do get free time, they

spend it watching TV or playing on the Xbox or PS3. Their schedules also tend to affect their eating patterns. Obesity

among children is rising at an alarming rate. “Play time” is a thing of the past and thus, fitness has taken a backseat.

Then there are also those children who seem in a hurry to grow up. I'm talking about kids that appear on various reality

shows and daily soaps. There's not an iota of doubt about their talent. However, the fame, glamour and quick money seem

to even blind their parents; for they don't seem to mind, their kids working for endless hours in a day. Managing rigorous

shooting schedules with school and other activities, is an art these kids have apparently mastered.

I've spoken of children on both sides of the fence. While the less fortunate, are forced to earn their daily bread and butter

at an early age; the kids bitten by the “television bug” are no better! And then you have the urban kid with his hectic

schedule. It just goes to prove that children, irrespective of which strata of society they come from; all are actually deprived

of a “childhood”, in the true sense of the word. If you look back in time, you'll realize what childhood actually meant, when

simplicity was the order of the day. “Seven tiles” (lagori) and “hide and seek” were more than just games; it was a time when

kids of the neighborhood bonded. Climbing trees is something most of our grandparents, if not parents identify with. While

the very thought would seem absurd to most of us, it was something children enjoyed way back then. Playing and getting

bruises were all part of the experience. Your dad teaching you to ride a cycle was one of the most defining moments of one's

childhood, then. Learning all prayers from one's grandparents and managing to say them without faulting, was something

every child was expected to do. Kids of those days lived a carefree, simple life. While some may argue, didn't our folks of

that time turn out just fine? Those were the days! Days of yore, days of gold! Things have drastically changed since then.

With the passage of time, have we forgotten what “childhood” actually meant? I think the answer to that question is in the

affirmative. It's time we wake up to a world where children actually get to experience childhood in its true and pure

form! Let's wake up to a renewed meaning of childhood!

Rtr. Wayne D'Cruz,

Editor, RCJC

CAUSE THAT'S WHO I WANT TO BE!

Child: Mom, I want to pursue medicine and become a doctor.Mother: That's great! Put your best foot forward and work hard. Your father and I are so proud of you! Now, compare the above conversation with the one below.Child: Mom, I want to become a tattoo artist.Mother: Really? Your father and I have invested so much for your education and you want to become a tattoo artist! Put your time to something more productive. The above conversations are something we all can relate to. Unconventional career choices, if at all adopted by a few; still face social stigma. Well, it's been my ardent dream to become a tattoo artist. And today, I'm going to share it with you all… When I was little, I used to draw anything that I laid my eyes upon. It started as a hobby and with time it grew into a passion. When I grew older, I got hooked onto programmes like “L.A Ink” and “Miami Ink”. I realized that I received immense joy when I seen the artists meticulously tattooing someone. The concept of inking someone permanently left me mesmerized. I realized it's time for my passion to become my profession. After I was sure of what I wanted, I worked towards it. I started collecting tattoo designs, googled about it and never missed a single episode of tattoo based programmes on TV. Seeing my passion or as my parents call it, “madness”, it wasn't hard to convince my folks, as they knew how much I loved it. My next step was to get all my facts right about tattoo artistry. After I did that, I realized it's time to get trained under a professional. While doing my course, I also learnt a very vital and essential quality that I eventually imbibed - 'Patience'. You have to be very patient if you are a tattoo artist, because your canvas is a human body. To be good at tattoo artistry, you not only need the talent but also the requisite soft skills, so as to make your clients comfortable. To conclude, tattoo artistry has a lot of scope as the trend is just picking up. Sadly, it is not a “looked upto” profession, but if you are really passionate about it, go ahead and take the plunge! Follow your passion as I did and make a difference for the better!

Rtr. Behnaz Mogrelia,Professional Development Director, RCJC

Behnaz’s Tattoo Designs

Celebrating Young Entrepreneurship!Rtr. Yash Kotak, IPP of the Rotaract Club of Churchgate and ZRR of Zone 1A in RID 3140, is also a young entrepreneur. All of 20, he already seems to have made his mark. In a chat, he tells the editors of RCJC about his accomplishments and also talks about the journey ahead.

? What were your aspirations as a youngster?? When I was young, I wanted to be a soldier. As a kid, I was a “Captain Planet” fanatic. I

always wanted to be like one of those guys! However, (smiles) with time that thought faded away.

?So how did your journey as an entrepreneur begin?? I along with two friends started this company called “Racconteur Walk in Tours Pvt. Ltd “. This

type of tourism is very innovative and is established in countries like the US and UK. It's now coming to India. We'll start after the monsoons. Basically, we're going to promote places in the city which have historical or any importance, whatsoever. For instance, our company offers a walk called the 26/11 walk, wherein we take a bunch of tourists, to the sites where the attack happened.

?What led you to this fantastic idea?? Mumbai has a lot of stories that are sadly unknown to its people. Like, Bal Ganga is a place in

Walkeshwar, where there are 24 different temples of Hindu deities. Another interesting fact is ththat Altamount Road is the 5 most expensive place in the world. There's a story behind that,

too. When the British ruled India, a lot of import and export took place. Once, there was a huge shipment coming to India from the UK. It consisted of three cargoes- cotton, gunpowder and gold. The gunpowder caught fire and because of the cotton, the fire spread; which resulted in a huge explosion. People thought that Japan was bombing India because the Pearl Harbor incident had just happened. The explosion resulted in the gold flying all over the city of Bombay. Altamount Road was the place, where the most of gold got collected. And that's why, today, its real estate prices are soaring high. Not many Mumbaikars know of such facts. That's why we also want to promote Mumbai among the locals as well. I am passionate about this venture because I'm a proud Mumbaikar. I don't want to make a future out of this. I want to do innovative stuff and this is just a learning experience.

?You mentioned that your company is going to start its operations after the monsoons. What are the plans in store?

?Well, for the first “walk”, we want to have celebrities that have made Mumbai proud; like Sachin Tendulkar, Indu Shahani, etc. There will also be press releases to promote our company and the concept behind it.

?For a youngster of 20, you sure seemed to have accomplished a lot. Whom do you credit for your success?

? H.R College has definitely played an important role in my success story. I'm the “Super ambassador” of college, a part of the core committee of the Student's council, etc. Rotaract, too, has changed me for the better. I was an introvert, I used to stammer; but no more. Initially, Rotaract didn't interest me. It was only after I was given responsibility of a project, that things began to excite me. And the appreciation I received for that project helped me a great deal. It helped me build my inner self. From a general body member to Club Service Director, to President, to I.P.P and now Z.R.R; I've come a long way in the Rotaract.

My family, too, has played an important role. They have been a constant source of encouragement. Finally, my friends also have been a huge support function. As it's said “You can't choose family, but you can choose friends.”

?Has there ever come a time when you felt it's time to scrap your dream? How do you deal with it, when life dishes out difficult times?

?Yeah, there have been difficult times; but I have never given up. I consider failure, a passing phase. In fact, when I failed in my ninth standard; I had to switch to the NIOS board at Don Bosco, Matunga. I just accepted the fact and moved on. I am not at all smart as far as education is concerned. So, I decided to overcome this weakness of mine, by pursuing my strengths, which I learnt over a period of time. All one has to do is to make sure your strengths overcome your weaknesses.

?What are your goals, personal or professional for the near future??Professionally, I want to be on the top of the advertising world;

and I AM going to do it! As far as personal goals go, I just want to be happy. I know, I can achieve prosperity and happiness at the same time!

?What's your message to the readers of “Wake Up- Stand up for what you believe in”?

?There are two kinds of people; one who listens from their mind and the other who listens from their heart. Always listen to your heart. It is the real voice! If you have an opinion that differs from that of your senior; make sure you voice it out. Don't be afraid to try different things because even if you fail at it; you'll have the satisfaction because you gave it a shot.

?Any final words??To Saksham, Listen to yourself. I'll keep repeating myself; every

time we meet. And to the entire RCJC team, all the best. May you guys have a great year ahead!

REDEFINING “SUCCESS”

Today, man is living in a concrete jungle where success is a s important as saving the rainforests of the world. But what is success? Is it the mere achievement or favourable outcome of one's worldly desires pertaining to wealth power and fame? Is it about ending life with a “price tag “ depicting the amount of wealth one has accumulated, or is it about sitting on an ambitious meaningless throne ? Does it mean living a life of immortality by being mere objects of mirth and laughter? Success, according to me, is living a meaningful life, full of sharing and caring. A successful man is a man who sleeps well at night. Good sleep is a sign of a clear conscience and a clear conscience is symbolic of success. The real essence of life is not to be a part of the mad rat race; it's about making your own path. The coward follows the herd whereas the valiant creates his own path. We all dream, and nowadays our dreams are also as big as a battleship. We all see the biggest picture. But what we forget in this bargain is that each jigsaw is a part of the big puzzle of life. Make each day successful; a smile at the end of the day will help you decide. Make each moment worthy and life will shape in accordance. Success is about putting a smile on a frowning face, it's about making a gloomy day seem bright to a friend, and it's about doing one good deed a day. Look beyond yourself and success will meet you. Success is about giving your dad a huge hug and wishing him luck for a meeting, it's about letting an elderly person sit while you stand in a local train. It's about feeding one hungry stray dog, each day. Thanking your parents for giving you, your life. It's all about accepting and finding happiness in what you do. Life is funny; it has its own way of biting back at you. You reap what you sow. A kind deed will not only give you satisfaction but will come back to you, in the form of success. According to me surviving each day in this fast growing world of arms and wars, of murders and rapes, of curse and cruelty is a success in itself. To be able to live a human life in a barbarian ambience is an achievement in its self. Don't just be an achiever, be a winner; a winner who lives his life making people around him happy and success will come toeing behind you.

Pratik Jain.

Dream along!

Flipping through the pages of the newspaper, a headline screamed for my attention, 'Teen hangs self due to parental pressure'. It was an article about a teenager in the city who had hanged himself unable to deal with the pressure he got from his parents to enroll in a course they wanted him to join. Unable to stand the rigors of the course and not wanting to go against his parents wishes, he killed himself! The article really disturbed me and forced me to take a long, hard and honest look at myself and the society we live in.

“Such is the plight of today's youth as my eyes behold,Starting to wither before age, starting to feel old!Let's take a minute off to refresh and refuel, Else show me the difference between you and the mule!”

Some serious introspection told me, everywhere we look, people are running around to make their dreams come true; students, professionals, everyone is in a rush to reach the pinnacle of success as soon as they can. In the process, it doesn't matter if we don't enjoy the work that we do, but do it we must, as it defines the 'popular' perception of success. Why don't we follow our heart and not our mind? If work is worship, it has to be enjoyed! Why are we hell bent on following the herd? Why can't we stand up for what we truly believe in?I am not saying that we give up or studies or out quest for excellence, but we just need a change of perspective! We need to wake up and realize our dreams and pursue what we feel is best for us. It is now our time; our time to rise, and shine. We will write our own destiny and fearlessly pursue what we dream about. It is said that if one's resolution is strong, success is bound to follow! Then what are we waiting for? Let's wake up and follow our dreams!!

Take flight because the sky is the limit and no one can clip one's wings! It's time to change our dreams into reality!

Rtr. Devyani Shah, RCJC

“I” ………COZ THAT'S WHAT I CARRY WITH ME!!!!! “All the world's a stage,And all the men and women merely players:They have their exits and their entrances;And one man in his time plays many parts” Shakespeare in his poem has in a very basic, beautiful and meaningful way has depicted man's life . we all enter this world and play our roles and finally kick the bucket .” Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.” As we flip through the pages of the book of life we relies that each page has its own whims and fancies. Each page is different and has a new element to it. Every chapter has a different color. What makes life worth living is the realization of being who we want to be. Life is about deriving happiness, it's about being content with ourselves more than just sprinting behind a goal which might buy us wealth and fame but not satisfaction. Life is about living our dreams and not killing ourselves. How often do we take a breather in this blinding haze of aimless modernization to actually look into ourselves, discover and rediscover ourselves? Look deep enough and seek the real essence of life? Life is not about living in a robotic fashion, it's about living in a world where we wake up each day to find a person who makes us happier than anyone or anything else in this world; and that person should essentially be “WE 'ourselves! We all dream of success, but the irony lies in the fact that we do not wake up to ourselves and work towards our dream. Sometimes we wake up, sometimes the fall kills us and sometimes when we fall we fly!!!!!

-Navya Jain.

“We just keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things,

because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths”.

– Walt Disney.

Make it an experience of experimenting, taking risks and breaking rules.

Explore… Make it an experience of breaking barriers, learning new skills

and challenging limits. Discover yourself…Make it an experience of

dreaming and daring, inspiring people and setting trends. Create legacies…

Make it an experience of madness and laughing your heart out, letting

your hair down and gossiping. Go berserk…

Don't let it be the place that already is, but Make it the place where you

want to be. Let it be your dream, your vision, your idea, your plan, your

creation, yourself, your reason, your chance, your Movement!

Experience ROTARACT! Do what you want and Stand up…for what you

Rtr. Apurva Chaudhari,

District Editor RID 3140

Immediate Past President, RCNM.

Rotaract is a platform for you to realize your

potential; to experiment and dream. And with all of

that, it's also the place where you let your hair down

and have some fun. The Rotaract experience changes

you for the better. The time I've spent in Rotaract has

been very enriching. Responsibility and time

management are two of the many things I've picked up

along my journey. From being the Club Service

Director to President, to the I.P.P; Rotaract has taught

me a great deal at every step. Rtr. Dhaval Shah, Immediate Past President,Club Service Director,RCJC

“Rotaract” -This one word equals life to me. It is

everything I am and I am sure that it will also

play a vital role in what I am tomorrow. I can

proudly say that Rotaract has made me do things

I would never have even dreamt of; right from

buying a boat for 50 bucks to cleaning stinking

crab shells, to searching the alleyways of Crawford

for the smallest of things which were almost

impossible to find. It has given me; my closest

friends who I am pretty sure, will play a super

important part of my life for quite some time. On

the professional front, it has taught me numerous

Rtr. Qais Hussein,

Sergeant-at-Arms,

RCJC.

Rotaract Blah !