"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”