COMMON MAN-THE VICTIM

An upcoming political party celebrated its inception anniversary and a youth rally yesterday here in Chennai. As expected the city was in haywire due to change in traffic routes and diversion of buses around the area. The common man who had ventured to shop for the festival was the victim. Clusters of people were seen in bus stands waiting for buses that never arrived. Auto rickshaws which were scantily seen demanded exorbitant fares (Flight fares are relatively cheap I believe!!). Coming to the point whatever maybe the party their ideologues in regard to making lives of people comfortable seem to vanish in thin air when such meetings are held. Life is thrown out of gear. Authorities who are in charge of regulation and order are the one who are the receiving end for such a poor management. The city boasts of one of the biggest meeting ground for public meetings in its heart center. When thrown open for meetings of political parties galaxies of supporters from places all over the state march to the city from morning till late night in Lorries and chartered buses causing commotion and nuisance to the lives of people. What could be done instead is a huge plot of land could be allotted for holding such meetings outside city limits. This might ease out the additional volume of traffic that would enter the city, bringing it to a standstill. Apart from restoring the normal city activities it would also help the party cadres, organizers, law and order regulators a smooth operation. The city planners should consider this option and bring it into implementation at the earliest.

END OF THE SUNSHINE DAYS??

I had aspirations to study Physics as I was taken in awe by the vastness of the Universe as well as the smallest dimensions of atoms and its particles even though I knew well enough that the mathematical background needed to understand it was poor. Thanks to my Physics coaching master, the urge to study the queen of sciences was growing. Finally I landed up studying Engineering though not by choice specializing in Electronics and Communication after rounds of constant brain wash by parents and relatives. The reason given was the defined and immediate job opportunities it would provide given my ‘middle’ middle class background (this was in 2004 and IT was booming). With the same fervor which I would have put if I had done Physics I pursued the course and as expected I was recruited into an IT MNC with a handsome pay package early on in my pre-final year. It was a proud day for my father as I was the first Engineering graduate in the family and more proud and happy by the fact that my starting compensation was nearly the double of what he currently earns after more than three decades of working. A year has passed since the offer was made and more than four months have passed since my graduation and I am yet to receive my posting orders. Months of waiting has paved the way for frustration and dejection. Similar fate is shared by most of the freshers who have passed out in 2008 and were given offers in IT companies with the exception of a privileged few from premier educational institutes. Even after constant promises from companies that offers would be honored dark clouds looms large with the current global economic turmoil. Over dependence of both our economy and the rising work force on the IT industry has led to this poor state of affairs. Our failure to concentrate on other growth areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, production etc has added to the woes resulting in inflation that has led to drastic organizational measures and restructuring like cost cutting and employee layoffs. News of employee layoffs by IT concerns has become the order of the day sending shock waves across the population of new blood of expectant pass outs. Are these the hours of darkness in the sun-shine industry?

INDIA NOW ON TOP OF THE WORLD!!!

More than a month into hibernation from blogging, the present status that India has been bestowed among the world countries has compelled me into writing this post. A thirty year old ban on supply of nuclear source materials and technology to India has been lifted in the recently concluded Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) meet, which is a representative body of a conglomeration of 45 nuclear power countries. This is the first positive step towards the Indo-US nuclear deal to be signed and it signals that half the well is crossed. The complete leap to the other side depends on the acceptance to the deal from the US Congress. The highlight of the NSG meet was amidst resistance from countries like Austria, New Zealand and indirectly China, India was exempted from the signing of the Non-proliferation treaty (NPT) which is mandatory for any country to obtain the source and technology. This exemption has come from recognition of India as a responsible nuclear power. Now India is next to the five major nuclear power countries. As said in the last post this acceptance has facilitated trade from countries other than the United States of America. Apart from the explicit benefits the deal is going to bring, there would also be an improvement in the economics of power. This was very much evident with power stocks climbing to phenomenal prices.

The role played by America in materializing the deal at the NSG meet has to be lauded since it was in a way responsible for other countries accepting to the India’s non-signing of the NPT. It was ruckus back in India when a letter from the US government to the US Congress was leaked to the media bringing out speculations that the deal has invisible clauses and conditions for India performing future nuclear tests. It maybe noted that India is free to go ahead with the testing on times of non conducive external political scenario. If in case the agreed terms are overridden the subsequent cancellation of the deal is only possible after a number of sittings and paying of suitable compensation for the loss incurred.

Whatsoever that is said of the deal, it is sure to cut down power crisis which is looming large on the faces of the India public and days of darkness will soon be in the dark. The materialization of the deal would also help in the development of medical and other scientific process. Life would then be really imparted to the mantra “India Shining”

"POWER" DEAL

It was all smiles for the UPA government when it passed the acid test at last despite allegations from the opposition that the trust votes were bought. Mr.Manmohan Singh would have had my vote in his kitty if I was asked!! This does not entrust my liking to the policies of Congress or to any other political party. I support the signing of the nuclear deal with America only from the perspective of a common man who is tormented by the depleting non-renewable energy resources which indirectly shows up as unscheduled power cuts affecting homes and industries, shortage of fuels to spring life in automobiles etc. Fingers point to failure of monsoon and increased agricultural demands as the cause for this scenario. Added to this shortage in power generation is the difficulty in harnessing solar, hydel and wind power which are subject to seasonal effects. Here is deal which is a blessing and appears to me as the most viable option!!

Opposition has been raised in the name of national security and growing upper hand of America in the world political stage. Indirectly the deal would also help foster ties with other countries like France, Germany etc. This even includes a group of scientists who fear the independence in research would be lost. The threat as seen includes inspection of nuclear facilities by the appointed committees. But it has been failed to understand is that it excludes defence and military facilities. Another supporting point for opposing the deal is the abundance of a radioactive material ‘Thorium’ in India which could be used for nuclear power generation without the need for American participation. Power generation is possible only with improvement in technology and knowledge transition which the deal would facilitate. A special never given before incentive offered to India is the non requirement to sign the “Non proliferation treaty” which has already raised eyebrows of several world leaders.

Much has been talked about how profitable the deal would be for India. But it is blessing in disguise for America also as it would help improve trade relations and commerce. A “new clear policy” on this issue is what is expected to make India really shine!!

USELESS OR USEDLESS?

I am a person of belief that India's nation building models as idealised by visionaries like Sri.Pandit Nehru , Dr.A.P.J.Abdul kalam are the ones whose foundation rests on the shoulders of the country’s youth. Unlike other measurable metrics like GDP, GNP the pro-active role played by youth is an immeasurable quantity the effect of which is quite indirect and powerful. The question is have our young minds realized their part in the process of architecting the future of India?Daily news reports and the observations of my own has brought in me fears of the non-realization of a developed, a mightier and a stronger India.

One of the reasons I believe for this state of affair is the vacuum created due to the absence of towering and good role models who could be looked in awe and followed.

Rightly said Swami Chinmayananda “The youth are not useless but they are used less” and this has been another set back factor. The energies which could accelerate us to the summit are simply wasted in performing the unwanted and unwarranted.

This grave situation cannot be overcome even if the right external motivational push is offered because the tamarind nut will remain sour even when watered with sugar solution!! Only an inward will to contribute and a befitting response to the need of the hour could make the future secure and bright. As Bono puts it “This is a time for bold measures. This the country, you are the generation”

THE IGNORANT MINDS

When asked what anyone does on a Sunday, the answer expected is obvious. Late rise ups, entertainment shows, delicious meal to fill up the tummy and an afternoon siesta. Is it right on our part to call Sunday still the first day of the week when we cling to our beds, lock ourselves indoors and do nothing constructive?? The above question invokes the same answer from the questioner also!!

Last Sunday was different as it gave a chance to realize the lack of awareness among children and their parents alike who belonged to lower economic strata as I had been called to scrutinize applications for the uniform distribution to the deserving and needy by a social service organization in my locality. Columns in the application forms received printed in the regional language were all incomplete information. The applicants were unable to furnish even their personal details correctly. When kids of the same age could spell words never heard of here were a bunch of kids who spelled even their own names wrong. My heart sympathizes with these ignorant minds. Next time when somebody says “tomorrow’s India rests firmly on the hands of today’s children” you are supposed to be screwing your own ass. When a significant percentage of country’s young population are unaware of their own personal information, all these catchy liners are like hiding the nakedness with bare hands which serves no good purpose.

Action from the Governmental or philanthropists, NGOs should not stop just with provision of free education, nourished food or generous charities and funds. Opportunities to engage in the process of holistic development have to be created today to realize a stronger India tomorrow. As Albert Einstein puts it “All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual”.

CYCLE FOR A CAUSE

One of things which I really want to possess as soon as I start to work and earn is a motorcycle. As my workplace is only ten minutes away from my home I was really considering buying a bicycle against a bike. I was laughed at for being this much calculative in spending for necessities. The real reason behind me weighing odds heavily on buying a bicycle is that, it is in a way hitting three mangoes with a single stone. First, as I would be made to sit hours before the computer, cycling appears to me as a better way to exercise. Second, the thought of rise in fuel costs which analogously follows the famous Moore’s law nowadays has had a detrimental effect on my mind to go with a motorcycle. Last, cycling serves in energy conservation and is a means to bring down the pollution levels down, on an individualistic level. Even though hues and cries are raised about the recent hike in the fuel prices, the only positive effect it would bring is the increase in number of road users cycling to their destinations. Thus a latent impetus has been provided to the growth of the bicycle industry and the cause of energy conservation and clean air standards.

ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

The common site for a road user nowadays would be of buses and cars trying to squeeze through what people jovially say as “the bicycle gap”. With increase in the number of automobiles, the main roads particularly those in busy and commercial areas have become the place to park the vehicles virtually allowing only a crawling space for the moving machines. Added to this woe the pavements and foot paths are literally encroached by pavement dwellers and road side shop keepers letting an additional inflow of human traffic onto the roads. The chaotic picture is left to the imagination of the reader.

The state of this scenario projects a no good image on the traffic cops who have ignored their role to curtail this activity. A few roads where I myself have observed this menace happening are the Bells road in Chepauk where a number of second hand vehicles put up for sale occupy almost half of the motorway. Next in line falls Dr.Natesan road where the road side vendors have put up shops which extend till the middle of the road. And this is the case in every arterial road of Chennai.

Rules and regulations which are promugalated to avoid these menaces do only a little good when there is a little participation from the public as well as the police. Only a responsible act from the citizen’s side and a conscious part from the cops would only put an end to this driver’s nightmare

DAY OF THE YELLOW METAL

Associated with this day is the sale of yellow metal, gold. High voltage and electrifying marketing gimmicks have made the sale of gold rocket to sky heights. Traffic in arterial roads in T.Nagar, the commercial hub of Chennai will be diverted. Long serpentine queues in front of the jewelry shops, no matter their size would do brisk business. Doing an Archimedes wont help fetch a piece of gold for guessing. This is Akshaya Trithiya or the third day after the new moon on the Hindu month of Vaishaka is said to be the day when the sun and the moon are in the peaks of their luminescence. “Akshaya” in Sanskrit means “never diminishing” and it is assumed that any new bought or started on this day keeps growing in value.

According to reports, the world gold council (WGC) expects a rise in gold sales between 20-25 percent on this year’s Akshaya trithiya which falls on May 8^th. On this day, last year a whopping 55 tonnes of gold were sold, which is nearly 5 percent of India’s total gold consumption of 750 million tonnes in a year. To cash on this opportunity banks and retail players in gold jewelry segment have come out with lucrative offers.

However the hidden increase in price of gold fails to be noticed in the mad rush to acquire a little piece of gold. Price rise of 200 rupees have already been reported due to change in marketmen’s tactics to invest in the bullion instead of melting markets.So look out before you buy out !!

TRAFFIC JAM

As a regular user of the Poonamallee high road, I am quite aware of the traffic snarls. It is a common sight. That can be termed as ‘normal traffic jam’. Two days ago it was not the case. It was more than what it used to be, abnormally high.

The roads have been opened up for repairs for expansion purposes and the two lane system is now temporarily one lane system accommodating the heavy flow from both the sides. Thanks to the Metro Water board who on their part have made the one lane just a narrow path. Adding to the woes was the breakdown of three MTC buses. In order to reach their destinations quickly I was witnessing motorists and car drivers taking the wrong route. Arguments filled the air as to who should back and leave way was debated along side blaring horns having no good effects. The end result was that the vehicles from both the sides were locking horns with each other and I could sense immobility would prevail for at least an hour. Observing things going around sitting in the window seat of the bus seemed to be the best way to beat the state of absolute motionlessness and scorching heat. I was petrified by what I saw. Let not the imagination fly away to someone dying to be reached to the hospital in an ambulance. Thank God, I could see no ‘saviour on wheels’ as far as my vision could penetrate but it was a school van with a caption on its wind screen as below “URGENT, CARRYING STUDENTS FOR THE CBSE EXAMS” in the opposite direction. Making a head room I peeped out of the window and if my eyes hadn’t deceived me I could see anxious faces with beads of perspiration holding their economics text books unable to do anything but remain calm and pray. Since I passed out of the same board system I knew the timing of the exam and my instantaneous reflex was to glance at my watch. My heart leapt. There was only thirty minutes left for the examination to begin. Only we remained where we were but the time was whiling away. Every clock tick was proving to be precious.

Their prayers were answered. The road ahead opened up slowly in both the directions. I turned my head back and amidst the trail of smoke left behind by the vehicles I could see the school van moving ahead.

WHAT DO I CALL THIS PHOBIA?

Travelling by Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses, the carrier of Chennai’s masses is no longer enjoyable to me due to the harassment I suffered at the hands of its ticket checking officials. I fear neither the rickety buses with their rusted handles that may cause injuries or brakes that fail to work, neither the conductors or drivers who scorn and yell but the very presence of the MTC ticket checking officials at the bus stops would bring shivers down my spine, even with a valid ticket!!

I have diagnosed myself with this strange phobia right from the moment a group of ticket checking inspectors pounced on me asking me for the travel ticket two years back. I had bought a ticket as soon as I had gotten into the bus but only when it was verified I realized that the conductor had issued the wrong one leaving me in doldrums. What else I could have done other than cut a sorry figure for the mistake which I had not committed? My points of defense failed to convince the authorities and as a result I was forced to board the official jeep where I found myself in the august company of college students who were really ticketless. On way to the nearest depot, I was threatened with serious consequences if I failed I pay the spot fine of five hundred rupees. These men were asking me to pay an amount ten times more than what I usually carry in my wallet. Forcibly I was made to mortgage my gold ring (I had worn it only that morning) at a pawn broker's shop which I believe was hand in glove with the authorities for such activities. This harrowing experience has brought in me a weird habit of checking my pocket often for the travel ticket bringing stares from other passengers.

What do I call this phobia???

Entries are welcome to name it.

THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET

From the common man point of view, I would rate the budget a fairly good one. The increase in the income tax slab exemption will in a way help manage the household budget against the raising prices of the essential and necessary commodities. Agricultural loans taken by small and marginal farmers from government banks have been fully waived, which is a welcome move, but what the finance minister has failed to understand is that the most likely cause of the miseries farmers face is due to borrowing from the private money lenders. The additional burden of 60,000 crores on the Government would be taken care, thanks to no change in corporate taxes, surcharges and raise in capital gain tax. The ethics involved in the loan repayment stands forgotten and it has resulted in a scenario “YOU BORROW AND WE WAIVE”. These two aspects indicate the budget ahs been prepared keeping in mind the elections next year.

The two foundations based on which the country leap frogs are education and health care. Copious funds have been allocated for these two sectors keeping in mind the millennium goals and what needs to be done is to monitor and ensure that funds are properly used. Women and child specific schemes have been given special importance. Essential base products in fertilizer (naptha) and drug manufacture (like anti HIV) have been given total relief. Efforts of the finance minister have to be lauded for providing tax exemptions to persons who pay medical premium for their parent/parents. At least to be cut off from the tax net, I assume the numbers in old-age homes will decline!! Prices of small and hybrid cars and two wheelers are bound to come down with cut in the excise duties which may encourage a lot of buyers therefore increasing productivity and hence development.

Information technology which was considered the growth rider earlier has not been given the tax holiday but its good sign that this privilege has been extended for establishment of hospitals in lesser developed areas and three star and four star hotels in regions housing UNESCO earmarked sites for a five year period starting 2008. This may in a way generate direct and indirect employment.

While the health ministry is advertising against smoking in any form, is the finance minister inviting people indirectly towards the usage of filtered cigarettes by increasing the excise duty of unfiltered cigarettes (which has higher consumption) on par with the former??

It is difficult to satisfy the expectations of everyone. The views on the budget may vary but for the common man, it was his budget.

LALU GOODY EXPRESS

I made sure that I was before the television to witness the live telecast of the Indian railway budget 2008-09. One difficulty watching it was when I was slowly accustoming myself to Lalu’s self derived English accent it was made really inaudible by the increasing decibels from the opposition side. Usual chaos remained. Amidst all this the union minister for railways remained unscathed and witty and continued with his prepared budget speech until the speaker adjourned the house. First things first, the minister and his team has to lauded for making the Indian Railways an organization of profit. In the wake of central elections next year it appears to me as a budget targeted at the aam-admi (common man), which I assume are well above his expectations. The fares have been considerably reduced even in the premium classes which did not find a place for long. Reduction in the fares of AC classes is primarily to stay in the race with low cost airlines. Given the choice I think people will prefer the skies as it saves time at the same cost. Concessions have been showered on women senior citizens, girl students and decorated service personnel. Number of garib raths and new routes has been increased. Social welfare schemes have been announced. Infrastructural developments that include building of green toilets, world class stations, phased execution of capacity augmentation etc have also been proposed .Porters have been promised promotion to gang men (group D) after screening procedures. Public private partnerships have been called for raising capitals for the developmental activities. Its own staff has been made happy by a number of goodness schemes.

Even though these features make it a populist budget I noticed a few areas which have been just touched only on surface or magnificently camouflaged in the name of benefits.

• The freight load estimates are planned to be increased. There was no mention of steps needed for improvement of tracks to carry the additional freight.

• Railway security just includes deployment of CCTVs, metal detectors, baggage screening systems etc which misses to fill the void. Permanent task forces have to be formed to combat terrorist attacks and handle emergencies.

• Concession to HIV patients, women senior citizens will not cost the railways dearly as you won’t find the affected advertising their illness or grannies packing their bags for the journey.

In all it appears that, it was a smooth ride for the “Lalu budget express”.

WHO TAUGHT THE ANTS TO FALL IN LINE??

“The roads there are spick and span”

“You can’t find garbage strewn anywhere in the public there”

“The airports there are at its international best”

“Bribe, that’s the word you will find only in the dictionary there”

These are ‘feels good’ certifications awarded by most of our fellow Indians who have travelled abroad or have been impressed by system there. They would in fact contribute in the best possible way in order to make the above statements true, at least to avoid being fined and get recognized as responsible Indian visitors. All this disappear in thin air when the same pair of feet lands on the Indian soil or the same rules are to be obeyed here in practice. Hey, what’s wrong in following being an Indian when in India?:)

So that lets us free in India to litter the streets with garbage, vandalize shops, disrupt law and order in the name of silent protests, vroom off before red goes green and use the public transport system without tickets and when caught bribe the official with loads, quicken and lubricate the efficiency and performance of concerned authorities with liquid cash (I hear, now even deliveries could be made before the full ten months!!) and still complain that the country has been fed to dogs and is absolute pits irrespective of we lacking self discipline and ethics. Who taught the ants to fall in line??

An easy way of escapism from this allegation which has been devised is to question the country about its credibility and what it has offered all long. Take a moment to think what we have done to expect a dear return. As you sow, so it reaps. Analogously here it applies to country as well. We grow with the country and the country grows with us-mutual symbiosis.

IS AMERICA THE NEW GREAT BRITAIN?

The most written columns on page one last week were massive job cuts and scaling down of salaries of employees of top IT companies in India. You name them and you will find them on the list. TCS, IBM, Infosys and the tails extends. Reason of sacking was given as depreciating American dollar against Indian rupee and the oscillatory nature of US economy. Experts say there has been a rupee appreciation of 14% which has slowly shifted businesses to new avenues like the Philippines etc.Worries are growing in export industries because the United States is India's largest trading partner. For example, most customers of India's information technology industry are American companies, and if their profits fall, the flourishing local software companies could suffer. Only the top order of the Indian IT circuit had opened publicly the numbers they have dropped from their rolls causing uproars with the industry insiders but still left in the dark are similar actions carried out by smaller and lesser known companies. And there are concerns that foreign investment into the country could decline if there is a slowdown. This can be attributed to over dependency of our IT and ITES machinery on business outsourced from the US. Even the run of the Indian bull is accelerated or retarded by the rise and fall of stocks overseas. America seems indirectly to be the new Great Britain ruling India and its economy. When the English left, the country was left in the lurch and analogous will be the situation when America slowly moves it outsourcing base from India. If the present state of affairs continues the Indian economy which has self proclaimed IT and ITES as its backbone may crumble to ashes from which the rising of the phoenix may never happen.

This can be tackled by bringing a balance in the growth areas. Planning should be done with a long term holistic and 360’ vision in order to bring stability. Agro industries could be brought to lime light by giving it a face lift. Investments could be made on new technologies that may help to increase production thereby indirectly bring a rise in revenue. What are we going to fill our tummies with for survival, without addressing the farmer’s needs and requirements?

A basement that is not strong enough may pull down at anytime a beautifully designed and well constructed building!

CONSTITUTION VIOLATED

The issue that is catching headlines today in India is the steps (violent indeed) taken by
MNS, headed by Raj Thackaray organizing movements favouring regionalism. Claims have been made by the concerned that it was in the interest of their state, Maharashtra and its people who are deprived of basic rights the state provides them. Defence for their action: protection of ‘their’ people from the invaders, north of state Maharashtra..

It all started when the world famous Bollywood superstar Amitabh Baachan donated his land for building a girls college in his native place in Uttar Pradesh. Maharashtra proved to be the launch pad for the meteoric rise of Baachan. Abuses were thrown against Baachan, by the founder leader of MNS, Raj Thackeray for him starting such a noble initiative in his home state rather than on the lands which had the roots to his stardom. Baachan who has politically influential friends (from the Samajwadi party) from his own home state was protected from the verbal attacks by a fiery retaliation spearheaded by Jaya, Baachan’s wife. What followed was a blindfolded attack on the northern encroachers. Mumbai burned. Power and prowess was shown equally on both the sides.

Let’s leave the topic debating each others action. Apart from the people who bore the brunt of such an attack, the fundamental rights INDIA bestowed on its people were victimized. They are,

1.Freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India though reasonable restrictions can be imposed on this right in the interest of the general public, for example, restrictions may be imposed on movement and travelling, so as to control epidemics

2.Freedom to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India which is also subject to reasonable restrictions by the State in the interest of the general public or for the protection of the scheduled tribes because certain safeguards as are envisaged here seem to be justified to protect indigenous and tribal peoples from exploitation and coercion.

3. Freedom to equality.

Is this not a misdemeanor on the part of Raj and his party to have violated the provisions of the Indian Constitution?

If the same rule applies to investments or other growth activities from Non Resident Indians (NRIs), the development of India will only be region specific.

It’s time for each one of us as good citizens to bond cohesively so that even the thin air finds it difficult to breathe!!

DISCLAIMER:

I have expressed my view from a neutral stand and I do not owe inclination to any person or party mentioned.

THE REAL TRIBUTE

This I write on the 60^th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Are the principles of Mahatma Gandhi still followed? This may seem to be the most silly and unusual question to be asked to any Indian. I will not be surprised if the present day leaders of the country, in the name of self proclamation as the protectors of Mahatma’s legacy (both political and social) file a court suit against me for such an unkind statement.

He was shot not during the English rule but during our own governance. Liberation from the earth was what we could reward him with for liberating us from the shackles of slavery. Independence which was the result of toiling by many souls spearheaded and guided by the Bapu put an abrupt end to his own life and ideals. The pyres engulfed not only his body but also his ideologies of love, brotherhood, honesty, equality and non-violence. Instead,

1. Acts of hate, inequality, discrimination and violence have surfaced.

2. Attitude towards women and children has become offensive and derogatory.

3. Truth and unselfish service have become words only to be found in the dictionary.

When people from the other corners of the world like Sir Martin Luther King and Sir Nelson Mandela have inculcated his thoughts actions into their genes, it’s shameful to note that we (politicians included), the true inheritors are applauding creations with Gandhian values only on screen and in the print instead of us practicing it in our own lives. We the billion plus people are the conspirators of murdering Gandhism.

Can we still claim that we follow the Gandhian path?

The buried ashes of Gandhian thoughts are dug up only on the eve of his birth or death anniversary. October 2^nd (date of birth) is considered just another holiday and January 30^th (date of assassination) for not being declared a public holiday is regretted.

Building India he dreamt into a reality would be the most fitting tribute we could pay rather than Charka spinning, singing of bhajans and taking vows.

THE PRIME NATIONAL DUTY

The Transparency International (T.I) which is a non-governmental organization involved in fighting corruption has reported that India has improved its position in the comity of nations in terms of integrity as it is ranked 72 among 180 countries in the corruption index in 2008. It was at the 70th position among 163 countries in 2007.

Accordingly, India's integrity index has marginally improved to 3.5 in 2007 from 3.3 a year ago on a scale of 10 points. India's rank at 72 in corruption index is also shared by China, Mexico, Morocco and Peru. Pakistan is way down at 138th position. Denmark, Finland and New Zealand are the least corrupt countries, which jointly top the list with integrity index of 9.4 points each.

The good news from the above stats is that India’s position in the list has improved but its time to realize the reason, for us being part of the list? It’s definitely “We the people” who are to be blamed. The “weed” (corruption) was watered and protected well from the vigilant eyes and now it has spread its branches in every possible direction supported by strong and deep roots. Extending hands under the table has become an inherent practice for any work to be forwarded or done. This is diplomatically termed as “other formalities”. We are ready to bribe until it is within our pre- planned estimates and when it goes beyond, voices are raised and credibility of country is debated. It’s an act for which every person who has bribed in his lifetime should feel ashamed and repent.

The country is personified not only by its history or natural resources but also by its people, their conduct and their societal commitment.

The prime national duty of all of us at this moment is to extend our hands to wipe away the dust covering our exuberant legacy and undiminished glory.

COME; TOGETHER LET US BE THE CHANGE.

DIVERSED OR DIVORCED??

I am one of the billion plus Indian citizens who are unhappy with the way the country is. It was always a moment of pride for me at a young age to read in history and geography books that my country had “diverse” characteristics. It is pot-potpourri only in sense of geographic and cultural assets. Only the physical boundaries are giving a sense that we are brothers born of the same mother.

There are proofs supporting the fact that ‘angels’ of peaceful co-existence had charmed this “magic” land. The real split in terms of self defined terms like faith, caste, and race had its roots only during the reign of the Britishers. Thanks to the policy of “divide and rule”, that present day politicians find it any easy tool to earn the warmth of many (and wrath of some). Questions may arise regarding the division during the Vedic times in terms of classes. It was division based on the duty the people should perform. India that fragmented into pieces in the English rule is yet to find the missing pieces of the jig-saw. The confluences of rivers are celebrated but it’s a bitter fact that there is no confluence of the minds and the hearts. The books of harmony would now describe India, as a land of “divorce” characteristics.

For the minds to unite:

Resist divide,

Conduct brotherhood,

Cultivate tolerance,

Amplify love,

Lose hate, and

Gain hearts.

BE THE CHANGE..

Friends, I am now into my final year, final semester of the engineering course and let me tell you frankly I am enjoying it like anything. Only three papers this semester plus a project work. Thank God, gone are the days when I used to struggle with my core subjects only a few days before the examinations. The big engineering bibles would seem to me as the worst punishment that a man on this earth could ever get. The case is same with most of the students belonging to any stream today. The teacher taught saying “unity in diversity” applies well here, universally. “Why such an attitude?” is the question I would like to pose myself. And on thinking (which I unusually did this time!!) I came up with a few answers rather a few points to defend my stand.

First, I would point my finger at our education system. The present day Indian education system is praised world over but I find it too mechanical and rigid. We have been trained right from our kindergarten that exams are the knowledge measuring scale and high marks as the deciding parameters. The system has failed to transform the minds from ordinary to ultimate completeness. Does the purpose of education is only to train our minds to get a well paid, decent job? It is what nowadays the educational institutions try to accomplish. Education should bring about integration of thoughts and therefore intelligence. The purpose of life is defeated without such integration. As Jiddu Krishnamurthy says “Education should awaken the capacity to be self-aware and not merely indulge in gratifying self expression.”

The National knowledge Commission has recommended setting up of many more IITs, IIMs, NITs and central universities. World class institutions are not strengthened only by the kind of infrastructure or buildings they offer. Their strong foundations are laid by the quality of the faculty and support staff and it is what we lack today, which I found as my second reason. They are in a way a bridge between knowledge acquisition and its further development.

Finally students are too resistive (me included) to accept the fact that, for changes to occur in the future, it must me them who need to take the plough for sowing the seeds of change. In spite of breaking down due to what the external “incubating” environment offers, there must be a revolution within, to cast away the shell of ignorance and flap our “broken” wings to fly in the skies of acquired freedom and success.

Let’s be the change, we wish to be.

HAIL KHALIL GIBRAN!!

I would not have known a great poet called "Khalil Gibran" existed if i had not started reading books by Vairamuthu,Kaviko Abdul Rahman on world poetry.It opened me to the world of new thoughts, and creativity.All the present day poets I strongly believe would have taken ,rather borrowed creativity from this man of simple yet powerful words.And after some of the translated verses I developed such an interest for his works that I even went for a dog-hunt for his books.

Thanks to my close friend I was presented with an omni-bus edition titled "THE GREATEST WORKS OF KHALIL GIBRAN" containing twelve of his greatest works like The Prophet,Wanderer etc.