Absence of Darkness

In wake of the brutal gang rape in Delhi and the consequent protests, the social media too flared up and we expressed our views on the matter and on all related matters. Once such meme circulating in the social media is:

"The problem is men... Men shouldn't be allowed to step out of the house after 9pm unless accompanied by his mother, sister or wife !!!" - henceforth to be referred as original phrase.

Many shared the post, some shared the thought as well though seemingly unlikely to be true. Some thought it's funny, some shared it out of concern for women, some seriously believed in it. I have something to say to those who considered this post worthy to any extent.

How would you react if I say "always satisfy your wife's jewellery needs, else she might fuck other men to get those", i.e., ALL WOMEN are potential whores. That's gross, disgusting, and would make no sense to anybody whatsoever. One might say that these words can come only from the minds of a psychopath.

Now, consider the original phrase. Doesn't that mean "ALL MEN are potential sex offenders." This too is equally gross, disgusting, in the same manner. And yet, I see morons liking and sharing this meme all over the social media. It is a proof that most people don't scratch beyond the surface when it comes to thinking and reasoning.

Both the sentences are absurd. The first one may sound funny but is equally sexist and gross as the second one. It is an irony that the same people who think this way also shout that racism is bad. What it is if not racism?

Opposite of darkness is not absence of darkness, but presence of light. There is no such thing as absence of darkness. We often fail to understand this fallacy in our logic. The irony of liberalism is that those who think they are liberal, go to such extent to oppose conservatism that they themselves become conservative of opposite color. Those who oppose superstition with blind faith in science are superstitious as well. Freedom to women doesn't mean curtailment of freedom of men.

Women who hate men are considered feminists  and the society projects an image of feminists as anti-men, men hater who vow to keep distance from men. That's an illogical perception. A women who hates men might not be interested in welfare of women (except self welfare) at all and a women interested in women's welfare might be in deep love with a man as well.

Our prejudiced society gives us molds and we try to put everybody around in one or other mold, and often end up putting ourselves in one such mold.

One can either go with those predefined molds, think, talk, and do what everybody else is doing or think for herself/himself and decide. Those who liked, shared, and loved the original post had given no thought to what it actually means.

We love outsourcing, but don't do it with "thinking."

Have Faith In Science

Courtesy: lifestylekick.com

Now, that title is an oxymoron. Science is understanding the world through observation and emperically evidence and faith is "complete trust or confidence in someone or something disregarding contra-evidence.

The origins of this post is a facebook discussion initiated by an intellectual friend, Tathagata, the enlightened one. The question he raised is as follows:

‎"The earth revolves round the sun and the sun does not revolve round the earth" This I learnt in my school days. heard that science has also proved it. Such proof is valid only for them who can understand such proof. I do not have enough knowledge of Mathematics or Physics to understand the proof. I have never been to the outer space to see such phenomenon with my eyes. Never seen any video sent by satellites. Now, is it fine that I believe in such phenomenon?

To rephrase his question:

"Is it okay to believe science since science itself advocates in evedentialism especially given that it is beyond the capacity of an individual to prove all the so-called scientific facts?" To re-rephrase the question, "is believing in scientific fact same as believing in religious fallacies?"

I tried to answer this question in this post.

Footnote (in the header): I am not a philosopher and do not have the mental capacity to logically connect all the dots of knowledge correctly to reach an answer which would be devoid of any fallacies. Nonetheless, I would try my best to put across all the sense that I can make of all the nonsense collected over decades.

My Answer: To start with, I must tell you that your premise is wrong. The earth doesn't revolve around the sun neither the sun revolves around earth. Basically, sun pops out of my ass when I fart early in the morning. And sunset is when I dip sun in my cup to boil water for my evening coffee.

You would do perfectly fine believing in this theory of sunset/sunrise if sun's schedule doesn't hurt/affect you in any way. For example, you never go out of your sealed house where you download all your food and other needs from internet. However, if it does affect, then knowing the truth about the theory is paramount to your well being. For example, if you are a potato farmer and more sunlight (longer day time) results in a better crop, then it would be in your interest to please me to fart a little earlier and have tea little late. So, you might like to offer me a bribe of puri-aaloo dam. Alternatively, if you are a thief, you might like to have longer night hours and bribe me for the same.

Now, suppose that another person, say Bibhas, claims that it is he from whose ass the sun pops out and in whose tea cup the sun drowns. In support of his claim, he says that he is more handsome than me, taller than me, has longer hands, longer legs, and longer everything else, and consequently has better gastronomical system than mine to house the sun. Also, the sun sets in his tea cup because tea requires higher temperature and long boiling duration than coffee.

Now, you are in trouble as you don't know who is saying the truth and knowing it is important to avoid wastefully bribing a person from whose ass the sun doesn't emerge.

Since you are either a potato farmer or a thief, you have little knowledge about human anatomy and have no instruments to inspect human body. So, now you hire a veterinary doctor to examine both asses and find out whose claim is right. Since the doctor can be bribed by me or Bibhas to give a false finding, you would want the test to be double blind, that is me/Bibhas would not know who is examining us and the doctor would not know whom s/he is examining, etc.

In today's hi-tech world, it still leaves some chance of corruption. So, you hire another vet doc to independently examine both of us to be doubly sure of the results.

Basically, you hired the expertise and services of vet docs to give you an understanding on anatomical truth as you lack understanding in that field. You "BELIEVED" the docs because you lacked knowledge in that field. We need to believe a lot of people because it is not possible to acquire all the knowledge in this universe. However, we still utilized our common sense and make sure the study was double blind and repeatable by different persons at different places. 

Once you are confirmed about who is the person in whose intestine the sun resides, you cut the deal with him. However, from time to time, you hire a vet doc and repeat the examinations in light of the current knowledge/understanding of the time to be sure you are not unnecessarily bribing someone.

This is how exactly human knowledge works.

CONCLUSIONS:

1. Science is about seeking knowledge with empirical evidence which can be independently verified.
2. Believing is a shortcut to knowledge because our mind would do a lot of processing and generate a lot of heat if we have to process entire knowledge tree to come to a conclusion. For example, when someone asks you what is 5 x 5, you jump to say 25 not because your brain gives empirical proof, but because your brain just "believes" it. To give an empirical proof, you would first need to calculate 5, i.e., 1+1+1+1+1, calculate 5 again, add these two 5's, calculate another 5, add this 5 to the previous sum and so on. In nutshell, empirically calculating 5 x 5 would be something like this - (1+1+1+1+1)+(1+1+1+1+1)+(1+1+1+1+1)+(1+1+1+1+1)+(1+1+1+1+1) and this is what dumb computers do. We humans take the shortcut, we just believe.
3. We depend on knowledge base created by generations and generations of human beings that existed on this earth. Newton could discover his laws only because some unnamed human, living thousands of years in the past, had figured out that apple could be eaten. Otherwise, no one would have planted an apple tree for Newton to sit under.
4. So, we do "believe scientific knowledge" apparently in contradiction to the very condition science puts in front of us, i.e., to go only by emperical evidence. However, this belief is only a shortcut as mentioned under #2 and because of reasons as mentioned under #3.
5. Scientific facts are put to test from time to time and we continuously try to falsify them so as to unearth newer avenues of knowledge. This is what differentiates science from non-science, science takes pride in self falsification.
6. Under no conditions, this belief can be held true if emperical evidence advises otherwise. Also, this belief/shortcut needs to change if evidence to falsify the underlying fact is found. Again, this is not the case of other types of beliefs, i.e., religious beliefs.

Durgotsav 2012 - Bangla Cultural Programs In Bangalore

Courtesy: anne in adelaide

For bongs, Durga Puja is a time for bong connections with music, dance, theater, and everything in between. Specially for people staying far away from their cultural hotpot, Durga Puja presents a once in a year opportunity to relish their music, relive their cultural identity.

Here is an attempt to compile a list (Sorted by location) of Bengali cultural programs happening across Bangalore. For some of the known artists, I have added links to give you an idea who they are and what kind of performance to expect.

Please comment if you know about other programs with details of program, location, date, and time.

Of note, a creature know as Tathagata Maiti has been instrumental in inspiring and in the making of this list.

Pandal Locations: For address of pandal locations, please see Durgotsav 2012 post.

Friday, October 19, 2012 - Panchami

1. Koramangala - Sharathi Socio-Cultural Trust 

• Folk songs by Swapan Basu

2. RT Nagar - RT Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti

• Recitation Competition - 1930 Hours

Saturday, October 20, 2012 - Shashti

1. BTM Layout - Bengali in Bangalore

• Mohiner Ghoraguli songs by Banerghatta Banor Sena (group of kids) - 1945 Hours
• Sruti NaTok by Smaranika Theatre Group - 2040 Hours
• Folk songs by Madhusree Boral - 2110 Hours

2. Commercial Street - Bengali Association

• Aagomoni & Aadhunik Bangla Gaan - 1930 Hours

3. Indiranagar - Socio-Cultural Association

• Swati & Troupe - 1930 Hours
• Rabindrasangeet by Indira Banerjee - 2000 Hours

4. J P Nagar (Bannerghatta Road) - South Bangalore Cultural Association

• “Matri Abhahan” Bengalee songs by members, Directed by Smt. Debjani Datta - 1900 Hours

5. J P Nagar - Utsav

• A classical dance based presentation on the theme of Vandana - 2045 Hours

6. Jayamahal - Jayamahal Sarbajanin Durga Charitable Samiti

• "Koilash Hote Baaper Barhi" by Balmiki Group - 2000 Hours
• Dance Medley "Dance Masti" by Jayamahal Group - 2100 Hours
• Bouquet of Melodies by Rishi and Group - 2130 Hours

7. Koramangala - Sharathi Socio-Cultural Trust

• Bangla Rock Band Krosswindz
• Music by Kohal (Retro and Contemporary)

8. Marathalli - Poorva Bangalore Cultural Association

• Classical dance by Natyalahari - 1930 Hours
• Dance performance by Happy Kids - 2000 Hours
• Adhunik Bangla Gaan by Haimanti Shukla - 2030 Hours

9. RT Nagar - RT Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti 

• Agomani Songs - 1130 Hours
• Folk Dances of India - 1130 Hours
• Drawing Competition - 1300 Hours
• Quiz (Prelim.) - 1300 Hours

10. Sarjapura Road - SORROBA

• Bengali songs by Rupankar - 2000 Hours

Sunday, October 21, 2012 - Saptami

1. BTM Layout - Bengali in Bangalore

• Interesting couple games - 1130 Hours
• Angik dance group performance - Old Hindi and Bengali songs - 1945 Hours
• Poem recitation with Songs by Kallol Dasgupta, noted musician and theater artist - 2030 Hours
• Bangla Rock Band AlPIN - 2100 Hours

2. Commercial Street - Bengali Association

• Chhau Dance - 1930 Hours
• Bioscope - A Dance and Fashion Show - 1930 Hours

3. J P Nagar (Bannerghatta Road) - South Bangalore Cultural Association 

• “Tintee Parul Ban”, drama by members, directed by Smt. Supti Basu - 1900 Hours
• Hindi songs by Saatsur (local group)

4. J P Nagar - Utsav

• Rabindra Sangeet & Benbgali Folk Song presentation by Ms Iman Chakraborty - 2000 Hours

5. Jayamahal - Jayamahal Sarbajanin Durga Charitable Samiti 

• “Gangar Tane Padyar Gane” traditional folk songs by Smt. Debjani Datta - 2000 Hours
• Dance Drama "Nuton Juger Bhorey" by Balmiki & Jayamahal Group - 2100 Hours

6. Indiranagar - Socio-Cultural Association

• Folk music by Bhavna Dutta - 2000 Hours
• Dance by Debjani Sen - 2100 Hours

7. Kanakapura Road -  Kanakapura Road Bengali Association

• Bangla Rock Band Dhumketu

8. Koramangala - Sharathi Socio-Cultural Trust

• Music by Kunal Ganjawala
• Durga Bandana – Semi Classical Choreography

9. Marathalli - Poorva Bangalore Cultural Association

• Dancing Little Champs - 1830 Hours
• Dancing Super Kids - 1915 Hours
• Music by Suhita & team - 1945 Hours
• Classical dance by Nataraja Academy - 2030 Hours

10. RT Nagar - RT Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti 

• Music by Haimanti Shukla - 1900 Hours
• Fancy dress competition for Kids - 1100 Hours
• Quiz Final - 1230 Hours
• Fashion Show - 1900 Hours

Monday, October 22, 2012 - Ashtami

1. BTM Layout - Bengali in Bangalore 

• Hindi and Bengali songs from 70's and 80's by Rishi and Kumar - 1900 Hours
• Aaghor Band Ghazal night by Jataveda Banerjee - 2000 Hours
• Shikara - A Fusion band featuring Indian Idol 4 finalist - 2100 Hours

2. Commercial Street - Bengali Association

• Rabindra Nrityanushthan - 1930 Hours
• Bolthoki Gaan by Shilpi Chattopadhyay - 1930 Hours
• Dhunuchi Dance Competition - 1930 Hours

3. J P Nagar (Bannerghatta Road) - South Bangalore Cultural Association 

• “Bagloo Chutir Ghanta”, directed by Smt.Soma Das - 1900 Hours
• Chhau Dance

4. J P Nagar - Utsav

• Musical  "Band" presentation by budding young talents of UTSAV - 1945 Hours
• Shruti Natok by UTSAV Members - 2045 Hours

5. Jayamahal - Jayamahal Sarbajanin Durga Charitable Samiti

• Odissi Dance by Madhurita & Group - 2000 Hours
• Bengali Songs by Anik Das & Group - 2100 Hours

6. Kanakapura Road -  Kanakapura Road Bengali Association

• Bangla Rock Band Aurko

7. Koramangala - Sharathi Socio-Cultural Trust

• Music by June Banerjee
• Rabindrasangeet and Modern Bengali songs

8. Indiranagar - Socio-Cultural Association

• Music by Mayukh - 2000 Hours

9. Marathalli - Poorva Bangalore Cultural Association

• Classical music by Aditya Vittal - 1830 Hours
• An evening with Dancing Superstars - 1930 Hours
• Music by Rathijit and Trisha - 2000 Hours

10. RT Nagar - RT Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti 

• Fun Show By Mridul Bhattacharya, Mirakkel Challenge Fame from Kolkata - 1900 Hours
• Drama: Kanchan Ranga - 1900 Hours
• Extempo in Bangla (Bangla Boli) for Adults - 1130 Hours
• Sankha Dhawni Competition - 1245 Hours

Tuesday, October 23, 2012 - Nabami

1. BTM Layout - Bengali in Bangalore 

• BinB er Obhinobo Nibedon - Maddox Square Recreated - Open Air freestyle music / jamming session - 1900 Hours

2. Commercial Street - Bengali Association

• Bangla Band Cactus - 1930 Hours
• College - Dance Drama - 1930 Hours

3. Indiranagar - Socio-Cultural Association

• Bangla Band Ekalabya - 2000 Hours

4. J P Nagar (Bannerghatta Road) - South Bangalore Cultural Association

• Traditional Bengalee Folk songs by Smt. Debjani Datta - 1930 Hours
• Adhunik Bangla Gaan by Smt. Haimanti Shukla - 2000 Hours

5. J P Nagar - Utsav

• Musical Collage of Tagore Songs & Bengali Modern Songs by UTSAV Members - 1945 Hours
• "Abol Tabol" - A composition of bengali recitations, songs & plays  by UTSAV youngsters - 2030 Hours

6. Jayamahal - Jayamahal Sarbajanin Durga Charitable Samiti

• Musical: "Banglar Taaney" "Nakshatra" Group (Swati Basu Ghosh) - 2000 Hours
• "Cholochitrer Chaalchitro" by Jayamahal Group - 2030 Hours
• Bangla Band "Seasons" (Shankar, Shalini & Group) - 2115 Hours

7. Kanakapura Road -  Kanakapura Road Bengali Association

• Indian Idol Singers

8. Koramangala - Sharathi Socio-Cultural Trust

• Music by Emon Chatterjee and Sukanya Ghosh
• Bollywood Dance

9. Marathalli - Poorva Bangalore Cultural Association

• Rabindrasangeet by Jayati Chakraborty - 1830 Hours
• Bangla Rock Band Krosswindz - 2015 Hours

10. RT Nagar - RT Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti

• Bangla Band Chandrabindoo - 1900 Hours
• Antaksari Competition - 1130 Hours

11. Sarjapura Road - SORROBA

• Bangla Band FOSSILS - 2000 Hours

Wednesday, October 24, 2012 - Dashami

1. Indiranagar - Socio-Cultural Association

• Cultural Program - 2000 Hours

2. RT Nagar - RT Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti

• Magic Show - 1930 Hours

Related Post:  Durgotsav 2012