Testing Times……
Well read the news of Ujjain, ABVP state president has been implicated in Prof’s murder.
He has surrendered before police and sent to judicial custody. The law will take it’s own course. But in media they already have been convicted of murder and the tapes of threatening been aired across all channels.
I don’t know about the case and not trying to exonerate them, but the way whole issue has been highlighted seems other way round. It just follows the line, that whenever any RSS related organization is involved, media leaves no stone unturned to malign them.
These are a few examples-:
-during NDA rule, several nuns in Jhabua district filed cases of rape and the media directly convicted Bajrang dal,VHP for it. Later on it was found out that tribals converted to Christianity were the actual rapists. One of the case filed by nun was found to be false and medically confirmed that she was not raped.
- Graham Staines’ and his two children were burnt alive by a mob. Same allegations and direct conviction by media. But nobody investigated that Staines’ was a Christian missionary involved in conversion and the mob was of tribals and noway related to these organizations.
-Honorable Shankaracharya was arrested on the allegations of murder, case is still going on. But the way media and all parties (except BJP) jumped on the issue to implicate Him was simply fascinating. Don’t they know that Shah Imam of Jama Masjid openly supported Taliban and Laden, and was even alleged to have been involved in smuggling but NO ARRESTS.
-Sudden explosions rocked churches during NDA rule, same allegations, but later on Din-Dar Anjuman a Pakistani organization was impicated in it. But one of the Reverend approached Chandrababu Naidu to withdraw support from NDA ……strange……
-in broad daylight, a coach full of karsevaks was burnt in Godhra…..but our secularists said , they teased muslim girls and even abducted them…so the carnage took place. Within a span of 15-20 minutes a mob of thousand gathers and has all weapons to burn a coach….great organizing power or a preplanned attack….
There are several such examples not only recent but from Nehruvian era. The media is prejudiced and will never appreciate the yeoman service being done by RSS and it’s affiliations but anywhere it finds a controversy, it will try to falsely implicate them.
The solution is to have a strong electronic and print media which can fight back this misconceptions spread by secularists.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
HISTORY REVISITED…….
We will be celebrating 60th year of independence staring from 15th august 2006. It’s a diamond jubilee year, so lot of celebrations will be held and we would be reminded of the great sacrifice made by our freedom fighters. It is this history which I am going to revisit in my blog.
While seeing all the publicity campaigns for I-day, the message was clear ,it is because of CONGRESS ,that we achieved independence otherwise we might still have been one of the jewels of British empire. It made me think, is it true, are we interpreting the history correctly……
Ponder on these facts,
After World War-II, most of the Asiatic regions like Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Lanka besides India & Pakistan got independent. There were no violent movements in these neighboring regions still they managed to throw off foreign yoke. I will let the reader decide whether it was QUIT INDIA or WW-II which expedited the process.
Indian National Army aroused national feeling among armed forces and turned them against their colonial masters first time after 1857. It made the British jittery about staying in India.
Besides anybody studying world history will notice that almost all independence movements were violent and basically armed struggles. Even in India we have a long history of armed struggles starting with Vasudev Balwant Phadke . Although we might claim that we are first to achieve independence through non violent means still violence had it’s own impact.
Revolutionaries like Bose, Savarkar, Aurbindo Ghosh, Khudiram, Bismil, Ashfaqullah, Dhingra gave more sacrifices than congressmen to see their beloved motherland free.
It drives down to the fact that an illusion was purposely created by successive Cong governments that Congress (esp a particular family) only sacrificed and made us free.
Can a nation of continental proportions be free just because of a family or a party.
The answer is NO, Congress was one of the many factors which led us to freedom.
But has’nt Congress and even the family achieved almost 50 years of continuous rule by harping on their sacrifices which are so small when compared to others.
For eg-: We only know (?????) Vinayak Savrkar but very few know that all the 3 brothers gave their heart and soul for this cause and elder Babarao along with Vinayak Savarkar suffered life imprisonment at Andaman which probably no congressmen ever endured.
It is because of such distorted visions of history that we have developed into a nation of such insensitivities. Because of impractical notion of non violence we have been suffering blows from our neighbours (latest of 11th july). And a nation 1/100th of our size is forcing UN Security council to take care of it’s concerns.
We will be celebrating 60th year of independence staring from 15th august 2006. It’s a diamond jubilee year, so lot of celebrations will be held and we would be reminded of the great sacrifice made by our freedom fighters. It is this history which I am going to revisit in my blog.
While seeing all the publicity campaigns for I-day, the message was clear ,it is because of CONGRESS ,that we achieved independence otherwise we might still have been one of the jewels of British empire. It made me think, is it true, are we interpreting the history correctly……
Ponder on these facts,
After World War-II, most of the Asiatic regions like Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Lanka besides India & Pakistan got independent. There were no violent movements in these neighboring regions still they managed to throw off foreign yoke. I will let the reader decide whether it was QUIT INDIA or WW-II which expedited the process.
Indian National Army aroused national feeling among armed forces and turned them against their colonial masters first time after 1857. It made the British jittery about staying in India.
Besides anybody studying world history will notice that almost all independence movements were violent and basically armed struggles. Even in India we have a long history of armed struggles starting with Vasudev Balwant Phadke . Although we might claim that we are first to achieve independence through non violent means still violence had it’s own impact.
Revolutionaries like Bose, Savarkar, Aurbindo Ghosh, Khudiram, Bismil, Ashfaqullah, Dhingra gave more sacrifices than congressmen to see their beloved motherland free.
It drives down to the fact that an illusion was purposely created by successive Cong governments that Congress (esp a particular family) only sacrificed and made us free.
Can a nation of continental proportions be free just because of a family or a party.
The answer is NO, Congress was one of the many factors which led us to freedom.
But has’nt Congress and even the family achieved almost 50 years of continuous rule by harping on their sacrifices which are so small when compared to others.
For eg-: We only know (?????) Vinayak Savrkar but very few know that all the 3 brothers gave their heart and soul for this cause and elder Babarao along with Vinayak Savarkar suffered life imprisonment at Andaman which probably no congressmen ever endured.
It is because of such distorted visions of history that we have developed into a nation of such insensitivities. Because of impractical notion of non violence we have been suffering blows from our neighbours (latest of 11th july). And a nation 1/100th of our size is forcing UN Security council to take care of it’s concerns.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Engines of Growth…..
World cup fever is rising…..we are at the semis stage. In one interview of FIFA chairman , he said future of football is India. It will take the game to it’s next level. Seeing countries across the globe clashing to hold the coveted cup….it tickles me and every other Indian to see our country also rising as a challenger.
Although my title and start might seem contradictory but they are interlinked. Sports can be and is already a major industry. For a country of 1 billion sports, can be a major industry and employment generator. Leave aside Cricket because I firmly believe as diverse nation we need diverse sports too. Now what about business…..If we could encourage sports at every school level, it will expose us to a vast pool of talent.It should be all sports like athletics, swimming, hockey football, cricket etc etc.
Scholarships should be instituted for talent in sports. Centers of excellence can be established throughout the country like IIT to nurture the talent. Teenagers can be examined for their prodigy in different games. They can then be admitted to this schools where their needs of education and sports can be taken care of by government. Coachs can come from retired professionals. Public-private partnership can be the best way to raise funds. It can provide employment to lot of talented sportsmen and also create a multi billion $ industry through stadiums, equipments, tournaments and sponsorships.
Now coming to other one i.e public transport. Except metros this is the most neglected area in other cities. Sometime after the first oil shock GOI had planned to have mass transit system in every city of 1 million population. Now even after quarter century we could do it, could be a major event. These systems can create direct employment as employees in these systems, beside they can help the city to grow thus attracting more investment and hence economic activity. In fact the best example is of Mumbai which grew because of local trains and then economic activity and now it’s continuing.
Other can be Health Services…India needs 1 lakh doctors every year and we are producing 20k.It can generate employment but also be a major revenue generator because of lower costs as compared to global levels and besides poor health infrastructure in India. NHS (National Health Services) of UK is the 3rd largest employer in world.
If a small country like UK can do it why can’t we????????
World cup fever is rising…..we are at the semis stage. In one interview of FIFA chairman , he said future of football is India. It will take the game to it’s next level. Seeing countries across the globe clashing to hold the coveted cup….it tickles me and every other Indian to see our country also rising as a challenger.
Although my title and start might seem contradictory but they are interlinked. Sports can be and is already a major industry. For a country of 1 billion sports, can be a major industry and employment generator. Leave aside Cricket because I firmly believe as diverse nation we need diverse sports too. Now what about business…..If we could encourage sports at every school level, it will expose us to a vast pool of talent.It should be all sports like athletics, swimming, hockey football, cricket etc etc.
Scholarships should be instituted for talent in sports. Centers of excellence can be established throughout the country like IIT to nurture the talent. Teenagers can be examined for their prodigy in different games. They can then be admitted to this schools where their needs of education and sports can be taken care of by government. Coachs can come from retired professionals. Public-private partnership can be the best way to raise funds. It can provide employment to lot of talented sportsmen and also create a multi billion $ industry through stadiums, equipments, tournaments and sponsorships.
Now coming to other one i.e public transport. Except metros this is the most neglected area in other cities. Sometime after the first oil shock GOI had planned to have mass transit system in every city of 1 million population. Now even after quarter century we could do it, could be a major event. These systems can create direct employment as employees in these systems, beside they can help the city to grow thus attracting more investment and hence economic activity. In fact the best example is of Mumbai which grew because of local trains and then economic activity and now it’s continuing.
Other can be Health Services…India needs 1 lakh doctors every year and we are producing 20k.It can generate employment but also be a major revenue generator because of lower costs as compared to global levels and besides poor health infrastructure in India. NHS (National Health Services) of UK is the 3rd largest employer in world.
If a small country like UK can do it why can’t we????????
Saturday, May 27, 2006
The TROJAN HORSE
In all this hoopla about reservation, I am writing about a topic which is not on the front pages. The topic is SIACHEN sell out which UPA government is planning with Pakistan.
We all know Siachen as a glacier in some remote corner as a border post. It was during Rajiv Gandhi government, that Indian army occupied to foil any Pakistani attempts.
A simple study of Kashmir map will reveal the reason why it’s on the negotiation tables every time. We know that Kashmir is divided in 3 regions PoK, Aksai Chin , J&K. There is some territory which Pakistan has acceded to China. Siachen lies at meeting point of all these 3 power axis.
It acts as a pressure point on Pakis and Chinese and is a useful watchtower to thwart any nefarious designs. This is the very advantage which our dear PM is planning to squander just on the promise from people which have fooled our government for past 50 years. The other point is how much territory are we planning to donate. Our boundaries have been shrinking for past millennium, once we ruled Hindukush now it’s a distant outpost of another country, and on other side we have shrunk from Myanmar and are losing North East as well.
Nixon once said that history is littered with examples of failed states who could not gauge developments around their borders. We are also at the same state ,at the confluence of two whirlwinds ,one is the Islamic terrorism and other is rise of Chinese giant. Both are going to cut us across for their advantage. This is just the 1st step a TROJAN HORSE to enter. The solution is simple to stop any attempts of contraction of our borders.
Pakistan has been rated as one of the top 10 failed states,let us help them to attain numero uno status. Musharraf has foiled many attempts (???) on his life, if he is executed, further turmoil can start, Baluchis are up in arms, MQM & Jiye Sindh are other dicontentders. Also we need to surround China with our friends as they are trying to do. We should slowly start supporting Tibet & Taiwan with giving harbour to democratic movements.
India and China are natural enemies because of our size and global status we are trying to achieve. So along with dreams of ChIndia….let us also be rational……..
In all this hoopla about reservation, I am writing about a topic which is not on the front pages. The topic is SIACHEN sell out which UPA government is planning with Pakistan.
We all know Siachen as a glacier in some remote corner as a border post. It was during Rajiv Gandhi government, that Indian army occupied to foil any Pakistani attempts.
A simple study of Kashmir map will reveal the reason why it’s on the negotiation tables every time. We know that Kashmir is divided in 3 regions PoK, Aksai Chin , J&K. There is some territory which Pakistan has acceded to China. Siachen lies at meeting point of all these 3 power axis.
It acts as a pressure point on Pakis and Chinese and is a useful watchtower to thwart any nefarious designs. This is the very advantage which our dear PM is planning to squander just on the promise from people which have fooled our government for past 50 years. The other point is how much territory are we planning to donate. Our boundaries have been shrinking for past millennium, once we ruled Hindukush now it’s a distant outpost of another country, and on other side we have shrunk from Myanmar and are losing North East as well.
Nixon once said that history is littered with examples of failed states who could not gauge developments around their borders. We are also at the same state ,at the confluence of two whirlwinds ,one is the Islamic terrorism and other is rise of Chinese giant. Both are going to cut us across for their advantage. This is just the 1st step a TROJAN HORSE to enter. The solution is simple to stop any attempts of contraction of our borders.
Pakistan has been rated as one of the top 10 failed states,let us help them to attain numero uno status. Musharraf has foiled many attempts (???) on his life, if he is executed, further turmoil can start, Baluchis are up in arms, MQM & Jiye Sindh are other dicontentders. Also we need to surround China with our friends as they are trying to do. We should slowly start supporting Tibet & Taiwan with giving harbour to democratic movements.
India and China are natural enemies because of our size and global status we are trying to achieve. So along with dreams of ChIndia….let us also be rational……..
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Inquilaab Zindabaad!!!!!!
Writing about someone who has been your first ideal in life, evokes lot of memories. I am talking about none other than Sardar Bhagatsingh. It has been 75 years since Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagatsingh sacrificed his life so that his beloved motherland be independent. Nobody symbolizes the same zeal of patriotism and dedication to one’s ideals as he does.
This blog is just a snapshot of his life.
There is a saying in marathi that a person’s intentions are clear from his cradle. Same was the case with him. There is a story that once his father saw him sitting alone in the field. When asked he replied of planning to sow guns so that more guns will grow and with them he will drive foreigners out of this country. He was just 5 years then.
After Jalianwala Baugh massacre, he visited the site and brought back ,blood stricken soil, which always reminded him of the injustice done to his people.
The ideals turned in to fervour and he decided to join revolutionary movement during his college days. The movement called Hindustan Republican Association had the who’s who of revolutionaries like Azad, Bismil, Ashfaqullah, Bhagvaticharan Vohra ,Sukhdev,
Yashpal, Durga Bhabhi and many others. Everybody was competing with each other so that he could prove his mettle for the country. It was really a “League of Extraordinary Gentleman & Woman.”
The revenge of Lalaji’s death pleased whole nation and convinced that blood still flowed in our veins and it could boil when struck. The culmination came on 8th April 1929, he along with Dutt exploded bombs in the assembly and voluntarily gave arrest. His arguments in the court and later on his long drawn fast to oppose ill treatment in jails made him a demi-god for youths. And finally on 23rd March 1931,when he kissed gallows, he became immortal in the memories of millions of people like us who still madly hope that India will once again achieve it’s old glory.
May a day come in our life when the city(Lahore) in which he martyred for this great cause be a part of India. And we see BHARAT MATA sitting on throne of eternal glory resplendent as never before.
INQUILAAB ZINDABAD !!!!!!!!!
Writing about someone who has been your first ideal in life, evokes lot of memories. I am talking about none other than Sardar Bhagatsingh. It has been 75 years since Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagatsingh sacrificed his life so that his beloved motherland be independent. Nobody symbolizes the same zeal of patriotism and dedication to one’s ideals as he does.
This blog is just a snapshot of his life.
There is a saying in marathi that a person’s intentions are clear from his cradle. Same was the case with him. There is a story that once his father saw him sitting alone in the field. When asked he replied of planning to sow guns so that more guns will grow and with them he will drive foreigners out of this country. He was just 5 years then.
After Jalianwala Baugh massacre, he visited the site and brought back ,blood stricken soil, which always reminded him of the injustice done to his people.
The ideals turned in to fervour and he decided to join revolutionary movement during his college days. The movement called Hindustan Republican Association had the who’s who of revolutionaries like Azad, Bismil, Ashfaqullah, Bhagvaticharan Vohra ,Sukhdev,
Yashpal, Durga Bhabhi and many others. Everybody was competing with each other so that he could prove his mettle for the country. It was really a “League of Extraordinary Gentleman & Woman.”
The revenge of Lalaji’s death pleased whole nation and convinced that blood still flowed in our veins and it could boil when struck. The culmination came on 8th April 1929, he along with Dutt exploded bombs in the assembly and voluntarily gave arrest. His arguments in the court and later on his long drawn fast to oppose ill treatment in jails made him a demi-god for youths. And finally on 23rd March 1931,when he kissed gallows, he became immortal in the memories of millions of people like us who still madly hope that India will once again achieve it’s old glory.
May a day come in our life when the city(Lahore) in which he martyred for this great cause be a part of India. And we see BHARAT MATA sitting on throne of eternal glory resplendent as never before.
INQUILAAB ZINDABAD !!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Need for ATF (Anti Terrorist Force)
The events are taking a disturbing trend. Terrorists have started striking at any place according to their will be it Sarojini market or IISC or Varanasi. These disturbances can’t continue for long if we have to achieve a status of global superpower. Because a nation torn by ‘thousand mutinies’ cannot command respect of the world.
The best thing to happen due to 9/11 was US getting a Department of Homeland Security solely responsible for internal security. Although we have Home ministry at Delhi, the responsiblity to maintain internal law & order lies with a maze of security agencies.
India represents a case, worst affected by terrorism but has done little to protect it’s citizen lives.
The need of hour is to form a centralized ATF i.e Anti Terrorist Force which has pan-India authority & responsibility. We have totally confused & decentralized approach towards terrorism, while a large part of Army is stuck in a low intensity conflict in Kashmir + North East, naxalites are solely being delt by police while there are STF’s in some states.
So there should be an ATF which deals with terrorists be it mujahideen or Nagas or naxalites. It can select best officers from police & army on deputation. It will directly deal with RAW & IB regarding internal security. The benefits will not only be regarding centralized authority & accountability. But information can be processed faster with quicker decisions to avoid any eventuality. States will cry for their autonomy, but the need for all of us is to rise at this occasion above regional boundaries to deal with this global menace.
Anytime Army should decide about strategic matters like long term vision for security of India and how to prepare for it.While police must deal with day to day operational affairs. ATF can fulfill the need to deal with tactical affairs.
Because a peaceful state can only expect to grow at double digit growth rates of what we are dreaming of. Remember China clogged such high growth rates because it first placed it’s house in order.
The events are taking a disturbing trend. Terrorists have started striking at any place according to their will be it Sarojini market or IISC or Varanasi. These disturbances can’t continue for long if we have to achieve a status of global superpower. Because a nation torn by ‘thousand mutinies’ cannot command respect of the world.
The best thing to happen due to 9/11 was US getting a Department of Homeland Security solely responsible for internal security. Although we have Home ministry at Delhi, the responsiblity to maintain internal law & order lies with a maze of security agencies.
India represents a case, worst affected by terrorism but has done little to protect it’s citizen lives.
The need of hour is to form a centralized ATF i.e Anti Terrorist Force which has pan-India authority & responsibility. We have totally confused & decentralized approach towards terrorism, while a large part of Army is stuck in a low intensity conflict in Kashmir + North East, naxalites are solely being delt by police while there are STF’s in some states.
So there should be an ATF which deals with terrorists be it mujahideen or Nagas or naxalites. It can select best officers from police & army on deputation. It will directly deal with RAW & IB regarding internal security. The benefits will not only be regarding centralized authority & accountability. But information can be processed faster with quicker decisions to avoid any eventuality. States will cry for their autonomy, but the need for all of us is to rise at this occasion above regional boundaries to deal with this global menace.
Anytime Army should decide about strategic matters like long term vision for security of India and how to prepare for it.While police must deal with day to day operational affairs. ATF can fulfill the need to deal with tactical affairs.
Because a peaceful state can only expect to grow at double digit growth rates of what we are dreaming of. Remember China clogged such high growth rates because it first placed it’s house in order.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Marxist-Muslim combine….
India is a land of contradictions it is said. We have lot of contradictions on our back.Here are some of them.
· India is the first country to have installed a democratically elected communist government in Kerala.
· India has the second largest muslim population in world but still people doubt our secularism.
But the blog is about the combination which is shaping up in India. All around the globe if one observes communism & Islam have been at loggerheads. Be it USSR vs Chechnya or China vs Xinjiang. Because both have imperialistic flavour and both watch nationalism with contempt.
Communism declares “Workers of world unite” casting aside national boundaries. Actually communists never viewed India as a nation but a collection of nationalities as Europe. They declared that India with so much diversity cannot be a nation and always derided our culture. The main reason behind communism not getting a wide acceptance.
Islam also views world in two halves-: Dar-ul-Harab & Dar-ul-Islam. Dar-ul-Islam is where shariat or Islamic law is followed and Harab where kaafirs rule the roost. Al-Qaida wants to convert all Harab to Dar-ul-Islam. They have a following throughout the world because nationalistic fervour is second to religion in Islam. (The same tendency is seen in opposing Vande Mataram because it is a prayer for motherland)
Strangely in India, communism & Islam have enjoyed a long drawn friendship. It came out strongly during Bush visit. When protests were organized throughout the country saying that he was a mass murderer by our comrades as well as muslims. But has American bombing killed any Indian muslim, unless he went all the way to Afghanistan to support Taliban. Iraq war is controversial but what Bush did in Afghan land should be supported because it cleansed the medieval rule of Taliban.
But it is the same way in which muslims here are more bothered about what is happening to their brethren in Palestine or Iran than in India. Same was the case with Khilafat movement which was formed for Khalifa of Turkey and not to drive British out of India. It actually sowed the seeds of partition by fanning communal passions of people like Jinnah. The communist, Samajwadis or RJD are commiting the same mistake by supporting such protests.
Communist are supporting these protest by keeping an eye on assembly elections which they have tilted through allowing illegal migration of Bangladeshis which are their voters. Officially there are 40 lac of illegal immigrants in West Bengal. It is time to teach both of them a lesson by ensuring that communist suffer their first ever defeat in WB which they have so illegally occupied.
India is a land of contradictions it is said. We have lot of contradictions on our back.Here are some of them.
· India is the first country to have installed a democratically elected communist government in Kerala.
· India has the second largest muslim population in world but still people doubt our secularism.
But the blog is about the combination which is shaping up in India. All around the globe if one observes communism & Islam have been at loggerheads. Be it USSR vs Chechnya or China vs Xinjiang. Because both have imperialistic flavour and both watch nationalism with contempt.
Communism declares “Workers of world unite” casting aside national boundaries. Actually communists never viewed India as a nation but a collection of nationalities as Europe. They declared that India with so much diversity cannot be a nation and always derided our culture. The main reason behind communism not getting a wide acceptance.
Islam also views world in two halves-: Dar-ul-Harab & Dar-ul-Islam. Dar-ul-Islam is where shariat or Islamic law is followed and Harab where kaafirs rule the roost. Al-Qaida wants to convert all Harab to Dar-ul-Islam. They have a following throughout the world because nationalistic fervour is second to religion in Islam. (The same tendency is seen in opposing Vande Mataram because it is a prayer for motherland)
Strangely in India, communism & Islam have enjoyed a long drawn friendship. It came out strongly during Bush visit. When protests were organized throughout the country saying that he was a mass murderer by our comrades as well as muslims. But has American bombing killed any Indian muslim, unless he went all the way to Afghanistan to support Taliban. Iraq war is controversial but what Bush did in Afghan land should be supported because it cleansed the medieval rule of Taliban.
But it is the same way in which muslims here are more bothered about what is happening to their brethren in Palestine or Iran than in India. Same was the case with Khilafat movement which was formed for Khalifa of Turkey and not to drive British out of India. It actually sowed the seeds of partition by fanning communal passions of people like Jinnah. The communist, Samajwadis or RJD are commiting the same mistake by supporting such protests.
Communist are supporting these protest by keeping an eye on assembly elections which they have tilted through allowing illegal migration of Bangladeshis which are their voters. Officially there are 40 lac of illegal immigrants in West Bengal. It is time to teach both of them a lesson by ensuring that communist suffer their first ever defeat in WB which they have so illegally occupied.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
A Sovereign, Socialist, Secular Republic ?????????
We declare that “India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular Republic” said our forefathers in the beginning of constitution. India has a come a long way since 26th Jan 1950.However I have started doubting all the 3 characteristics in which union republic of India has been described. Events in last few days have added to my suspicion.
First let us take a look at Sovereignity. The French warship Le Clemenceau clarified my all doubts about the sovereignty which we all are so proud off. When it was crystal clear that the warship was full of asbestos (a carcinogenic material),our government could not order it back. A country like Egypt did’nt allowed it through Suez canal. PIL was filed, supreme court had to step in, but the result was one more committee set up. Only when French court ordered it, the issue was resolved.
When queen Elizabeth II visited India she did’nt had any visa for India visit and it is said the it was not required.
The convicts in Purulia arms drop case, were released by central government when Russian president requested (???) to do so.
There are many such instances when a sane person will really doubt the sovereign state.
Even Dr Ambedkar in his speech to the constituent assembly said that we have designed a document for India’s future. But the question is whether India’s independence after a war torn history of almost a millennium continues or it is again subjugated by foreign yoke.
Starting from Muhammad Bin Kasim’s sindh invasion in 712 AD to 1947 AD, there have been more moments of sorrow than happiness. The liberty which we take for granted has come after a long struggle and sacrifices. We as citizen of India might be seeing the longest period of “Free India.”
Although you might doubt imperialism in 21st century but we are living near 2 American colonies (Afghanistan & Iraq) and the tendency to subjugate others (American or Islamic) still exists and has a following.
So “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty”
Will discuss the other 2 in next blog.
We declare that “India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular Republic” said our forefathers in the beginning of constitution. India has a come a long way since 26th Jan 1950.However I have started doubting all the 3 characteristics in which union republic of India has been described. Events in last few days have added to my suspicion.
First let us take a look at Sovereignity. The French warship Le Clemenceau clarified my all doubts about the sovereignty which we all are so proud off. When it was crystal clear that the warship was full of asbestos (a carcinogenic material),our government could not order it back. A country like Egypt did’nt allowed it through Suez canal. PIL was filed, supreme court had to step in, but the result was one more committee set up. Only when French court ordered it, the issue was resolved.
When queen Elizabeth II visited India she did’nt had any visa for India visit and it is said the it was not required.
The convicts in Purulia arms drop case, were released by central government when Russian president requested (???) to do so.
There are many such instances when a sane person will really doubt the sovereign state.
Even Dr Ambedkar in his speech to the constituent assembly said that we have designed a document for India’s future. But the question is whether India’s independence after a war torn history of almost a millennium continues or it is again subjugated by foreign yoke.
Starting from Muhammad Bin Kasim’s sindh invasion in 712 AD to 1947 AD, there have been more moments of sorrow than happiness. The liberty which we take for granted has come after a long struggle and sacrifices. We as citizen of India might be seeing the longest period of “Free India.”
Although you might doubt imperialism in 21st century but we are living near 2 American colonies (Afghanistan & Iraq) and the tendency to subjugate others (American or Islamic) still exists and has a following.
So “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty”
Will discuss the other 2 in next blog.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Building another AJANTA-ELLORA….
Visit to Aurangabad is like traveling down the annals of history. The ancient caves of Ajanta-Ellora, Devgiri fort, tomb of Aurangzeb & Bibi ka Muqbara (replica of Taj Mahal). The blog is about caves which are world famous. Probably no caves on the globe have caught attention as Mecca of arts & sculpture.
Any Indian monument we think of which acts as a magnet for international tourists, be it TAJ, Ajanta-Ellora or the forts have been built in medieval or ancient era. It has been sixty years since we as a nation started our journey. But we have failed to built anything which will capture the attention of world.
This is not only about monuments, but when a nation as a whole sets a goal, it unleashes the immense source of energy & innovation. The best example will be JFK’s speech in 1961 in which he specified ‘landing man on moon’ as a target for USA in decade. Different agencies stepped in, resources were mobilized, frontiers of technology were stretched to make this one thing possible which their president had set. The whole world tuned in radios when Armstrong said “ A small step for man but giant leap for mankind”. Another will be MANHATTAN project which probably had collaboration of best of the brains ever borne.
As a nation we have to set certain goals which must look impossible and put to test all the capabilities which we developed uptil now.
Visit to Aurangabad is like traveling down the annals of history. The ancient caves of Ajanta-Ellora, Devgiri fort, tomb of Aurangzeb & Bibi ka Muqbara (replica of Taj Mahal). The blog is about caves which are world famous. Probably no caves on the globe have caught attention as Mecca of arts & sculpture.
Any Indian monument we think of which acts as a magnet for international tourists, be it TAJ, Ajanta-Ellora or the forts have been built in medieval or ancient era. It has been sixty years since we as a nation started our journey. But we have failed to built anything which will capture the attention of world.
This is not only about monuments, but when a nation as a whole sets a goal, it unleashes the immense source of energy & innovation. The best example will be JFK’s speech in 1961 in which he specified ‘landing man on moon’ as a target for USA in decade. Different agencies stepped in, resources were mobilized, frontiers of technology were stretched to make this one thing possible which their president had set. The whole world tuned in radios when Armstrong said “ A small step for man but giant leap for mankind”. Another will be MANHATTAN project which probably had collaboration of best of the brains ever borne.
As a nation we have to set certain goals which must look impossible and put to test all the capabilities which we developed uptil now.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BJP !!!!!!
The title might seem to be weird because of the negative publicity currently BJP is withdrawing be it the Jinnah episode, MP’s being bribed or Sanjay Joshi episode.
Many people have predicted the death knell for the party saying that it will never come out of this turmoil or probably it won’t celeberate it’s next quarter centenary celebrations.
I am not an astrologer to predict future of anybody leave aside a large organization like BJP. BJP may or may not be around in next 25 years but it has made itself immortal in the history of independent India. There are many reasons for it, some are listed below-:
Accept it or not, BJP only ushered India in a two party system or gave a credible alternative to Congress (I) in last 60 years of independence. All others be it the Janata Party or Dal or any party was noway near it.
BJP adopted an aggressive & nationalist stands on many issues. Be it developing a credible nuclear deterrent or Kashmir. The policy paid clear dividends during nuclear explosions when the whole world was slamming sanctions against us. But Atalji maintained his stand and on the other hand kept dialogue window open.
It’s the only party which has called the “spade a spade” i.e it has always seen secularism as a way to plead minorities and vote bank politics which actually led to partition of India. And thus it has become a favorite punching bag of media, pseudo secularists and the intellectuals. Eg-: even while declaring reservations for SC/ST Congress has kept out institutions run by minorities, thus giving them special status.
It is truly a right-winged party against the so called leftist, even Congress with it’s current behavior seems to be leftist. Seeing the UPA performance which has so many champions of liberalization, the NDA was far bolder in not only taking decisions but also framing policies.
It’s a party which is run by professionals who have achieved the status on their own merit and not because they are sons/ daughters or members of particular family. No other party, you name it be Congress,Samajwadi,Communist, or Telugu desam is managed by a group of meritorious individuals.
Although Jinnah episode was sad, but it still demonstrated the ideological core which if mishandled can fireball anybody’s career, be it Advani or anybody. The partymen were of clear opinion that the statements made were incorrect and hence he must resign. (Imagine Sonia making a similar statement would she be forced to resign?)
All said and done the current events have definitely taken unfortunate turns. But Advani’s remarks that “we should turn back to basics” is a welcome sign. In recent years especially after the 2004 elections BJP seems to have lost it’s way, but still it won major victories in Jharkhand & Bihar which show that voters are still with them.
If BJP learns from these mistakes and corrects it’s course towards basics of development, transparent governance & nationalism. It can still carry the tag of “Party with a Difference”. For who knows “When the Resurrection comes”.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Shame Shame!!!!!!
Indian democracy seems to be achieving nadir of decadence in public life. But the problem is that we are sliding down a abyss. Recently Indian MP’s were caught on a camera with taking bribes. That too for asking questions which probably is their only work left. The worst part is amount ranges from 15k-100k. These are our policy makers whom we trust with our futures.
But actually we cannot blame them…we all are responsible for it. In Sanskrit there is a saying that “King is just a depicition of public”. These MP’s are one of us so they are selfish, greedy & corrupt. Can we blame them when almost 50% of people don’t vote.
Almost all of the governments are alliance cobbled up just to stay in power. No party gets more than 40 % of total votes which is less than 20 % of total.
Now is there a talk that people need to be given a right of calling their representatives back. That means the solution is more foolish than problem itself. Nobody is talking of making this people more accountable. The selection of these candidates should be made more transparent.
That too it was disclosed on 12th December, a day before 4th anniversary of “Parliament Attack”. Our democracy is in danger of internal as well as external foes. External are terrorists and neighbours but internal are much more than them.
Indian democracy seems to be achieving nadir of decadence in public life. But the problem is that we are sliding down a abyss. Recently Indian MP’s were caught on a camera with taking bribes. That too for asking questions which probably is their only work left. The worst part is amount ranges from 15k-100k. These are our policy makers whom we trust with our futures.
But actually we cannot blame them…we all are responsible for it. In Sanskrit there is a saying that “King is just a depicition of public”. These MP’s are one of us so they are selfish, greedy & corrupt. Can we blame them when almost 50% of people don’t vote.
Almost all of the governments are alliance cobbled up just to stay in power. No party gets more than 40 % of total votes which is less than 20 % of total.
Now is there a talk that people need to be given a right of calling their representatives back. That means the solution is more foolish than problem itself. Nobody is talking of making this people more accountable. The selection of these candidates should be made more transparent.
That too it was disclosed on 12th December, a day before 4th anniversary of “Parliament Attack”. Our democracy is in danger of internal as well as external foes. External are terrorists and neighbours but internal are much more than them.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
A Strange coincidence!
Well, writing after a long time. November has been a month of turmoil. Especially the so called right wing parties (BJP & Sena) are facing one of the worst turmoil of their life.
But the blog is about killing of 2 Indians. The coincidence among them is both were killed (murdered) while performing their duty in far flung areas from home.
The one I am talking about is Manjunath (IIM-L alumni & IOC sales officer) who was killed when he detected adulteration in petrol at a petrol pump. The economics of cross subsidization killed a person who was just performing his duty. But our leaders have come and gone without realizing that subsidies carry no meaning if they don’t reach the target. In this case it’s kerosene…..petrol& diesel actually have the same production cost as kerosene. However they are way above costlier than kerosene….thanks to our policy makers we have ended up subsidizing kerosene, so that poor can afford this fuel. But it actually ends up in our fuel tanks because pump owners and even some oil cos want to make quick bucks. The result poor suffer more, environment pollution and even murders of such innocent persons. It’s a 10,000 crore business…..
The second one is Maniappan Kutty…..who was a BRO (Border Roads Organisation) driver and was involved in road construction project in Afghanistan. He was abducted by Taliban and brutally murdered, to give a warning to India to stop all development activities in the war ravaged country. The message is clear Taliban (also read Pakistan), does’nt want it’s arch rival to earn good points of Afghani people. As engagement of India increases in this country so does the uneasiness of Taliban and their masters. India should think of deploying it’s army for the safety of government servants working in this hostile country.
Their souls may rest in peace and GOD give their family members courage in this time of providence.
Well, writing after a long time. November has been a month of turmoil. Especially the so called right wing parties (BJP & Sena) are facing one of the worst turmoil of their life.
But the blog is about killing of 2 Indians. The coincidence among them is both were killed (murdered) while performing their duty in far flung areas from home.
The one I am talking about is Manjunath (IIM-L alumni & IOC sales officer) who was killed when he detected adulteration in petrol at a petrol pump. The economics of cross subsidization killed a person who was just performing his duty. But our leaders have come and gone without realizing that subsidies carry no meaning if they don’t reach the target. In this case it’s kerosene…..petrol& diesel actually have the same production cost as kerosene. However they are way above costlier than kerosene….thanks to our policy makers we have ended up subsidizing kerosene, so that poor can afford this fuel. But it actually ends up in our fuel tanks because pump owners and even some oil cos want to make quick bucks. The result poor suffer more, environment pollution and even murders of such innocent persons. It’s a 10,000 crore business…..
The second one is Maniappan Kutty…..who was a BRO (Border Roads Organisation) driver and was involved in road construction project in Afghanistan. He was abducted by Taliban and brutally murdered, to give a warning to India to stop all development activities in the war ravaged country. The message is clear Taliban (also read Pakistan), does’nt want it’s arch rival to earn good points of Afghani people. As engagement of India increases in this country so does the uneasiness of Taliban and their masters. India should think of deploying it’s army for the safety of government servants working in this hostile country.
Their souls may rest in peace and GOD give their family members courage in this time of providence.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Shubh Deepawali !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deepawali is nearing and so it’s enthusiasm is touching sky high. All sorts of sales and discounts have swarmed the market to lure the customer. Whenever Diwali arrives we hear the story of how residents of Ayodhya celebrated this festival of lights on the occasion of returing of Sree RAM.
But in my school days I read a fantastic essay about Diwali. It was by Hazariprasad Dwivediji about the nature of Diwali. Till date I have not come across a more better explanation. Diwali is one of the most auspicious days in HINDU religion. Many readers must be knowing that Hindu’s have 3 ½ most auspicious occasions and Diwali is one of them. But it falls on Amavasya which is considered unholy.
Leaving that apart, what Dwivediji’s argument was that on diwali, Lakshmi puja holds a special significance. It is not only worship but it is a tryst with goddess of wealth that one will strive to acheive equitable distribution of wealth. Quite in line with what our economist strive for. ISLAM has a similar concept of ZAKAT in which well to do muslims donate money so that their poor brethren can celebrate Id. A nice food for thought for the coming DIWALI.
So SHUBH DEEPAWALI to all of you.
Moreover some thoughts on 2 issues….first one about recent spat between Murthy and Devegowda. Well that shows what thoughts our Netas have about IT in 21st century. No doubt INDIA lacks on all the development indicators and China is catching up fast even in this forte of us.
The other about musings of Iranian president about Israel and wiping it off the map. Leaders have come and gone with this dream in their eyes. Just after establishment, Israel was attacked by 5 nations and still it was not wiped off but emerged victorious. Even if Israel becomes endangered we should extend our support against one common enemy and i.e Islamic terrorism. These words from president are just an indication that even leaders share the same thought about so called “infidels “.
Let me end with “Long live India, Long live Zionism”
Deepawali is nearing and so it’s enthusiasm is touching sky high. All sorts of sales and discounts have swarmed the market to lure the customer. Whenever Diwali arrives we hear the story of how residents of Ayodhya celebrated this festival of lights on the occasion of returing of Sree RAM.
But in my school days I read a fantastic essay about Diwali. It was by Hazariprasad Dwivediji about the nature of Diwali. Till date I have not come across a more better explanation. Diwali is one of the most auspicious days in HINDU religion. Many readers must be knowing that Hindu’s have 3 ½ most auspicious occasions and Diwali is one of them. But it falls on Amavasya which is considered unholy.
Leaving that apart, what Dwivediji’s argument was that on diwali, Lakshmi puja holds a special significance. It is not only worship but it is a tryst with goddess of wealth that one will strive to acheive equitable distribution of wealth. Quite in line with what our economist strive for. ISLAM has a similar concept of ZAKAT in which well to do muslims donate money so that their poor brethren can celebrate Id. A nice food for thought for the coming DIWALI.
So SHUBH DEEPAWALI to all of you.
Moreover some thoughts on 2 issues….first one about recent spat between Murthy and Devegowda. Well that shows what thoughts our Netas have about IT in 21st century. No doubt INDIA lacks on all the development indicators and China is catching up fast even in this forte of us.
The other about musings of Iranian president about Israel and wiping it off the map. Leaders have come and gone with this dream in their eyes. Just after establishment, Israel was attacked by 5 nations and still it was not wiped off but emerged victorious. Even if Israel becomes endangered we should extend our support against one common enemy and i.e Islamic terrorism. These words from president are just an indication that even leaders share the same thought about so called “infidels “.
Let me end with “Long live India, Long live Zionism”
Monday, October 24, 2005
A tale of TWO Indias ???????
The title is similar to one of the most famous novels from one of the most famous novelists. But the blog is about two different Indias which co-exist here……one which is being challenged and the other which is challenging the world…..
First about the challenger……which is growing at an awesome pace of 6-8% annually inspite of lethargic governance. It is giving rise to a new clout of Indian companies with Indian professionals who are scouting the globe for opportunities. Today DNA carried headlines of a professor from Nagpur, Dr Asha Zadgaonkar who has commercialized the process of creating fuel from plastic waste. Since I am a Nagpurite…I had heard about her 3-4 yrs ago. But then there was a silence and now it is said that she has perfected it and is now being wooed from many countries for technology. She is planning to scale it up for the phenomenal demand. We are going to see more of such challengers in every field ,and India needs them in all fields. Be it Mr. Rajendra Singh for water conservation…or Dr Shanta for cancer treatment or Dr Asha for technology. This India is what we hear about a lot and tend to believe that.
The other India is being challenged by terrorism,violence,casteism….Recently muslim organizations have formed a “United Democratic Front” in Assam. You would say nothing great in that everybody is free to form institutions at will. But the inspiration behind this comes from “Jamait-e-Ulema-e-Hind” whose student wing was SIMI which was banned by then NDA government for anti-national activities. The president of UDF is the person who also heads JUH in Assam. These organizations have always been supportive of the illegal influx from Bangladesh. They can influence results in 40/126 assembly seats.
Muslim population has grown by 20% according to last census in Assam. No state is growing at this rate..so there is a clear case of illegal immigration. But still Mr Gogoi (CM of Assam) says there is no immigration. Don’t get awed by the response it is a shameless act of vote-bank politics. These immigrants are voters of Congress so they are being protected by them (Even in Mumbai, Sunil Dutt supported them for votes). Jinnah had a unfinished dream of integrating Assam with Pakistan but all our politicians seem to be working towards it. This India is not growing but is actually degrading.
North-East can be a great money spinner because of it’s access to China,Bangladesh and Burma. It is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world and can be a rice bowl of India. Tourism can be another million dollar business. Opportunities are immense if our so called ‘Janata ke Sevak’ see national cause and not vote banks. If this India is not integrated with the other one no body can continue for long.
“ASK NOT FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS, BUT IT TOLLS FOR THEE…..”
The title is similar to one of the most famous novels from one of the most famous novelists. But the blog is about two different Indias which co-exist here……one which is being challenged and the other which is challenging the world…..
First about the challenger……which is growing at an awesome pace of 6-8% annually inspite of lethargic governance. It is giving rise to a new clout of Indian companies with Indian professionals who are scouting the globe for opportunities. Today DNA carried headlines of a professor from Nagpur, Dr Asha Zadgaonkar who has commercialized the process of creating fuel from plastic waste. Since I am a Nagpurite…I had heard about her 3-4 yrs ago. But then there was a silence and now it is said that she has perfected it and is now being wooed from many countries for technology. She is planning to scale it up for the phenomenal demand. We are going to see more of such challengers in every field ,and India needs them in all fields. Be it Mr. Rajendra Singh for water conservation…or Dr Shanta for cancer treatment or Dr Asha for technology. This India is what we hear about a lot and tend to believe that.
The other India is being challenged by terrorism,violence,casteism….Recently muslim organizations have formed a “United Democratic Front” in Assam. You would say nothing great in that everybody is free to form institutions at will. But the inspiration behind this comes from “Jamait-e-Ulema-e-Hind” whose student wing was SIMI which was banned by then NDA government for anti-national activities. The president of UDF is the person who also heads JUH in Assam. These organizations have always been supportive of the illegal influx from Bangladesh. They can influence results in 40/126 assembly seats.
Muslim population has grown by 20% according to last census in Assam. No state is growing at this rate..so there is a clear case of illegal immigration. But still Mr Gogoi (CM of Assam) says there is no immigration. Don’t get awed by the response it is a shameless act of vote-bank politics. These immigrants are voters of Congress so they are being protected by them (Even in Mumbai, Sunil Dutt supported them for votes). Jinnah had a unfinished dream of integrating Assam with Pakistan but all our politicians seem to be working towards it. This India is not growing but is actually degrading.
North-East can be a great money spinner because of it’s access to China,Bangladesh and Burma. It is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world and can be a rice bowl of India. Tourism can be another million dollar business. Opportunities are immense if our so called ‘Janata ke Sevak’ see national cause and not vote banks. If this India is not integrated with the other one no body can continue for long.
“ASK NOT FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS, BUT IT TOLLS FOR THEE…..”
Saturday, October 15, 2005
SALAAM to the BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My day begins with encounter with the best…I go to the nearest bus stop catch the bus at a particular time and reach my workplace. Well you will say nothing great in that,everybody does that. But what we don’t notice everyday or rather take it for granted is the on time availability. (exceptions do exist)
But seeing the condition of Mumbai roads, rising traffic BEST still makes a mark. Buses still arrive within 5-10 mins of their schedule. Along with it the level of customer service is amazing. Most of the conductors, carrying this volume of traffic, still ensure that everybody buys ticket, change is returned and this with amazing efficiency and politeness. (there have been very few instances when altercation erupts)
BEST everyday carries 4 million passengers…but still incurs a loss. Causes are many…now rising fuel costs have added to the woes. But this blog is not about this. For people like me who come from the hinterland…..BEST & Local services are simply amazing.
So what’s the big deal?
Unleash them…….Form a company for BEST & Mumbai Urban transport….not like the one currently exisiting…but with more autonomy and ones which can follow their commercial interest ,and not take order from some MLA/MP who most of the times don’t understand B of business.
The result will be organizations who have behind them decades of experience of running public transport and can provide such services in other part of India as well. They might compete with state or private entities if required.
But where will the funds come from ?.Already India spends 25 billion $ on fuel bill…..taxes collected through them can be pumped into such entities and the return can be not only in monetary from but also in cutting down the bill.
There are several such examples of state PSU’s which instead of selling off should be made more independent and commercial. Take the example of MSEB now unbundled into 4 entities.
It has been ridiculed for bad customer service and power failures….but few people know that it has second largest generation capacity after NTPC.(NTPC has m-cap of 68000 crs) It has PLF (plant load factor) a measure of efficency, comparable with best in INDIA. The same logic can be applied here….unleash it. Let there be a autonomous board responsible for MSEB which can decide the policy matters and execution part can be left to the engineers. The result one more power company which can compete within India for operating power projects and deliver power efficiently.
But we are so much obsessed with disinvestment that we can’t see any other way of reviving the public sector. Ultimately once disinvested, the property which has been created over 30-40 yrs of diligence, is sold off instead of which private sector can be encouraged to create more capacity which India desperately needs be it in transport, electricity, petrochemicals, heavy industries etc.
Don’t believe me….even Lee Iacocca in his autobiography had severely criticized American co’s intention of M&A’s. Which only leads to larger co’s and does’nt create new technologies or new capacity. The same logic can be extended to disinvestment as well.
SO what do you say?????
My day begins with encounter with the best…I go to the nearest bus stop catch the bus at a particular time and reach my workplace. Well you will say nothing great in that,everybody does that. But what we don’t notice everyday or rather take it for granted is the on time availability. (exceptions do exist)
But seeing the condition of Mumbai roads, rising traffic BEST still makes a mark. Buses still arrive within 5-10 mins of their schedule. Along with it the level of customer service is amazing. Most of the conductors, carrying this volume of traffic, still ensure that everybody buys ticket, change is returned and this with amazing efficiency and politeness. (there have been very few instances when altercation erupts)
BEST everyday carries 4 million passengers…but still incurs a loss. Causes are many…now rising fuel costs have added to the woes. But this blog is not about this. For people like me who come from the hinterland…..BEST & Local services are simply amazing.
So what’s the big deal?
Unleash them…….Form a company for BEST & Mumbai Urban transport….not like the one currently exisiting…but with more autonomy and ones which can follow their commercial interest ,and not take order from some MLA/MP who most of the times don’t understand B of business.
The result will be organizations who have behind them decades of experience of running public transport and can provide such services in other part of India as well. They might compete with state or private entities if required.
But where will the funds come from ?.Already India spends 25 billion $ on fuel bill…..taxes collected through them can be pumped into such entities and the return can be not only in monetary from but also in cutting down the bill.
There are several such examples of state PSU’s which instead of selling off should be made more independent and commercial. Take the example of MSEB now unbundled into 4 entities.
It has been ridiculed for bad customer service and power failures….but few people know that it has second largest generation capacity after NTPC.(NTPC has m-cap of 68000 crs) It has PLF (plant load factor) a measure of efficency, comparable with best in INDIA. The same logic can be applied here….unleash it. Let there be a autonomous board responsible for MSEB which can decide the policy matters and execution part can be left to the engineers. The result one more power company which can compete within India for operating power projects and deliver power efficiently.
But we are so much obsessed with disinvestment that we can’t see any other way of reviving the public sector. Ultimately once disinvested, the property which has been created over 30-40 yrs of diligence, is sold off instead of which private sector can be encouraged to create more capacity which India desperately needs be it in transport, electricity, petrochemicals, heavy industries etc.
Don’t believe me….even Lee Iacocca in his autobiography had severely criticized American co’s intention of M&A’s. Which only leads to larger co’s and does’nt create new technologies or new capacity. The same logic can be extended to disinvestment as well.
SO what do you say?????
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
BLOG
My last blog might have seemed ridiclulous, but similar article appeared in INDIAN EXPRESS suggesting of strategic tie up with Vietnam to counter China. But today I would like to discuss about 2 topics-:
AMERICA & TRIPURA ??????
The title might be contradictory suggesting of the sole superpower and one of the most troubled states of India. But connections do exist. Recently in a Human Right conference in USA, activists ridiculed India for it’s poor record in stopping atrocities against Dalits. The activist were members of Senate who expressed concern over the sufferings of Dalits. But the greater concern was that conversions of these backward people leads to their progress. And Indian constitution does not grant the same benefits ( read reservations) as Dalits on their converted brethren. Also so called communalists (read RSS and other NGO’s) try to revert the progress by reconversion of these Dalits. The writing on the wall is clear, American Senate members supporting the mass conversions carried out by missionaries with force or money.
Now coming to TRIPURA, everyone knows Durga puja has a large following in Eastern India and even in North East. But many states like Tripura have seen massive conversions to Christianity and rise of terrorist organizations supported by Church.
So during Durga puja these outfits make a declaration that Puja is banned in the state and who so ever defying the rule will meet the consequences. Although the connection seems weird , but when one sees the strategic location of N-E, it is perfectly located between China & India. It is also a door to South East Asia, one of the regions with most frenetic economic growth. Most of the missionaries are funded by Europe & US who then carry out the holy mission in India and also foster secessionist movements.
Fortunately this year some clubs have decided to defy such orders and carry out puja in a large scale.
CEASEFIRE
Terrorists organizations have declared a ceasefire seeing the massive destruction caused in Kashmir due to quake. Their leader Salahuddin has gone far in suggesting that they must offer a helping hand to suffering people. Nothing can be described a better farce than this ploy. Terrorism has lost it’s glamour in J&K. Pakistan has been trying desperately to rekindle the local support for this movement. But every time it has faced a bitter defeat.
Now in case of such a calamity where even the cruelest of being will lend a helping hand, Pakistan is playing tricks by trying to win local sympathy. The best helping hand can be shutting down the terror network and fighting against a common enemy i.e POVERTY.
My last blog might have seemed ridiclulous, but similar article appeared in INDIAN EXPRESS suggesting of strategic tie up with Vietnam to counter China. But today I would like to discuss about 2 topics-:
AMERICA & TRIPURA ??????
The title might be contradictory suggesting of the sole superpower and one of the most troubled states of India. But connections do exist. Recently in a Human Right conference in USA, activists ridiculed India for it’s poor record in stopping atrocities against Dalits. The activist were members of Senate who expressed concern over the sufferings of Dalits. But the greater concern was that conversions of these backward people leads to their progress. And Indian constitution does not grant the same benefits ( read reservations) as Dalits on their converted brethren. Also so called communalists (read RSS and other NGO’s) try to revert the progress by reconversion of these Dalits. The writing on the wall is clear, American Senate members supporting the mass conversions carried out by missionaries with force or money.
Now coming to TRIPURA, everyone knows Durga puja has a large following in Eastern India and even in North East. But many states like Tripura have seen massive conversions to Christianity and rise of terrorist organizations supported by Church.
So during Durga puja these outfits make a declaration that Puja is banned in the state and who so ever defying the rule will meet the consequences. Although the connection seems weird , but when one sees the strategic location of N-E, it is perfectly located between China & India. It is also a door to South East Asia, one of the regions with most frenetic economic growth. Most of the missionaries are funded by Europe & US who then carry out the holy mission in India and also foster secessionist movements.
Fortunately this year some clubs have decided to defy such orders and carry out puja in a large scale.
CEASEFIRE
Terrorists organizations have declared a ceasefire seeing the massive destruction caused in Kashmir due to quake. Their leader Salahuddin has gone far in suggesting that they must offer a helping hand to suffering people. Nothing can be described a better farce than this ploy. Terrorism has lost it’s glamour in J&K. Pakistan has been trying desperately to rekindle the local support for this movement. But every time it has faced a bitter defeat.
Now in case of such a calamity where even the cruelest of being will lend a helping hand, Pakistan is playing tricks by trying to win local sympathy. The best helping hand can be shutting down the terror network and fighting against a common enemy i.e POVERTY.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Dump the SECURITY COUNCIL !!!!!!!!!!!!!
It might sound insane because of all the hoopla going on this subject. Some claiming that we are very close to getting a permanent seat while others claiming that we do not stand a chance. But is it worth that we should surrender everything just to sit as a permanent member in that council which has achieved so little in last 50 years of it’s existence.
Time and again it has been proved that “POWER RULES”. Remember that America continued it’s attacks on Bosnia even when Security council did’nt ratify it.(Remember Chinese embassy was attacked). Invasion of Iraq was carried out even without it’s consent. It could’nt do anything on the Kashmir issue even when Pakistan and China were clear aggressors.
But people obsessed with it will say that we will get a veto power which we can use in case of Kashmir. But then every member has it, so neither can it harm nor can it advance our interests.
Even if we see what have we surrendered for just getting that seat which still seems elusive.
1) We voted against IRAN which has been our sole supporter in OIC against Pakistan.
2) We signed that shady Nuclear co-operation treaty which nobody is clear what it’s gonna deliver.
For past 5-6 yrs our policy has been clearly pro-US even when it means surrendering our interests just for this seat.
The solution is simple, get your basics right. Stop contributing for peace keeping forces of UN. Why should a poor nation like India spend it’s valuable resources on these battles which in no way benefits us?
Go on modernizing your forces so that we can be major power in the Indian ocean which controls majority of crude oil flows to China & US.
Destabilize Pakistan & China by giving support to their dissidents and clearly showcasing our offensive strategy by not accepting any misadventures like Kargil or China claiming Arunachal.
Engage in more & more business with EU,US & ASEAN so that commercial interest force these powers to be on good terms with India.
There is no possibility in future of a war between US & India because everybody knows that defeating a nation of 1 billion people is near to impossible.
So our motto should be the one liner
“THERE ARE NO PERMANENT FRIENDS OR FOES BUT PARAMOUNT NATIONAL INTERESTS”
It might sound insane because of all the hoopla going on this subject. Some claiming that we are very close to getting a permanent seat while others claiming that we do not stand a chance. But is it worth that we should surrender everything just to sit as a permanent member in that council which has achieved so little in last 50 years of it’s existence.
Time and again it has been proved that “POWER RULES”. Remember that America continued it’s attacks on Bosnia even when Security council did’nt ratify it.(Remember Chinese embassy was attacked). Invasion of Iraq was carried out even without it’s consent. It could’nt do anything on the Kashmir issue even when Pakistan and China were clear aggressors.
But people obsessed with it will say that we will get a veto power which we can use in case of Kashmir. But then every member has it, so neither can it harm nor can it advance our interests.
Even if we see what have we surrendered for just getting that seat which still seems elusive.
1) We voted against IRAN which has been our sole supporter in OIC against Pakistan.
2) We signed that shady Nuclear co-operation treaty which nobody is clear what it’s gonna deliver.
For past 5-6 yrs our policy has been clearly pro-US even when it means surrendering our interests just for this seat.
The solution is simple, get your basics right. Stop contributing for peace keeping forces of UN. Why should a poor nation like India spend it’s valuable resources on these battles which in no way benefits us?
Go on modernizing your forces so that we can be major power in the Indian ocean which controls majority of crude oil flows to China & US.
Destabilize Pakistan & China by giving support to their dissidents and clearly showcasing our offensive strategy by not accepting any misadventures like Kargil or China claiming Arunachal.
Engage in more & more business with EU,US & ASEAN so that commercial interest force these powers to be on good terms with India.
There is no possibility in future of a war between US & India because everybody knows that defeating a nation of 1 billion people is near to impossible.
So our motto should be the one liner
“THERE ARE NO PERMANENT FRIENDS OR FOES BUT PARAMOUNT NATIONAL INTERESTS”
Monday, September 26, 2005
Marathi Mansa Jaga Ho !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Maharashtra get out of your slumber)
Sunday is normally a day of reading, when one can really scan newspapers at leisure.
While going through one of the dailies I found a comparative analysis of different states.
It argued that normally in case of nations poor nations grow faster and catch up with the rich ones. But in case of Indian states the phenomena is reversed, laggards are lagging more & more while richer states(read southern) are growing faster.
The fact that shocked me to core was that Maharshtra and Bihar had the same average growth rate in per capita income for last 10 years.
Till my childhood I used to hear with pride that Maharashtra is the most industrialized state, rich farmers, good irrigation, power rich and supplying to neighbours. But within 10 years myopic leaders who just could’nt look beyond their tenure, brought it in the league of one of the worst off states in India.
It’s not the case that Maharashtra was good in manufacturing but could’nt survive in Service era. Pune & Bangalore were at the same status at the start of 90’s, while Karnataka and their entrepreuners really saw a sunrise opportunity, Maharashtra just allowed it to pass like any other wave. Thus we have an eyewash, Bangalore exports 6 billion $, Pune (1 billion $). Even now almost all the 2 tier cities of Maharashtra like Nagpur, Nasik, Aurangabad etc have all the factors necessary for becoming a IT hotspot i.e cheap real estate& large number of graduate colleges for manpower. But while Mysore, Coimbatore,Vizag,Noida,Chandigarh,& Gurgaon are buzzing with activity, these cities look sleepy and devoid of any activity.
The archaic tax laws (M.H is the only one still collecting Octroi) have hollowed out manufacturing and Gujarat has grown on it’s expense( look at Vapi & Ankaleshwar.)
Labour unions are equally responsible for this fate (Datta Samant !!!!!!!!!).
No need to comment about BSP (Bijli, Sadak & Pani).
Hope we get out of this slumber and once again sing “Jai-Jai Maharashtra Mazha”
Sunday is normally a day of reading, when one can really scan newspapers at leisure.
While going through one of the dailies I found a comparative analysis of different states.
It argued that normally in case of nations poor nations grow faster and catch up with the rich ones. But in case of Indian states the phenomena is reversed, laggards are lagging more & more while richer states(read southern) are growing faster.
The fact that shocked me to core was that Maharshtra and Bihar had the same average growth rate in per capita income for last 10 years.
Till my childhood I used to hear with pride that Maharashtra is the most industrialized state, rich farmers, good irrigation, power rich and supplying to neighbours. But within 10 years myopic leaders who just could’nt look beyond their tenure, brought it in the league of one of the worst off states in India.
It’s not the case that Maharashtra was good in manufacturing but could’nt survive in Service era. Pune & Bangalore were at the same status at the start of 90’s, while Karnataka and their entrepreuners really saw a sunrise opportunity, Maharashtra just allowed it to pass like any other wave. Thus we have an eyewash, Bangalore exports 6 billion $, Pune (1 billion $). Even now almost all the 2 tier cities of Maharashtra like Nagpur, Nasik, Aurangabad etc have all the factors necessary for becoming a IT hotspot i.e cheap real estate& large number of graduate colleges for manpower. But while Mysore, Coimbatore,Vizag,Noida,Chandigarh,& Gurgaon are buzzing with activity, these cities look sleepy and devoid of any activity.
The archaic tax laws (M.H is the only one still collecting Octroi) have hollowed out manufacturing and Gujarat has grown on it’s expense( look at Vapi & Ankaleshwar.)
Labour unions are equally responsible for this fate (Datta Samant !!!!!!!!!).
No need to comment about BSP (Bijli, Sadak & Pani).
Hope we get out of this slumber and once again sing “Jai-Jai Maharashtra Mazha”
Friday, September 23, 2005
SHUT UP Mr.CHOPRA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
21st Sept might be the most shameful day for Indian Freedom movement.
Defence lawyer from Yash Chopra’s side argued that Mangal Pandey was not a freedom fighter.Readers must be knowing that a legal war is waging on the image of Mangal Pandey being portrayed in the film.
The argument first of all contradicts the publicity of the film which said “One man rises against the Empire” which only depicts him as a patriot. But we can leave that aside saying that our beloved Mr.Chopra & Aamir Khan must have forgotten it in their arguments.
But what do the historic facts suggest?. V.D.Savarkar who is known as the authority on war of 1857. And who was the first to proclaim that it was not a sepoy mutiny but the “First War of Independence” honored him by saying that if someone can claim the first right to have sacrificed himself for the cause of independence from British yoke it was MANGAL PANDEY. Every history textbooks we have read glorifies this simple soldier from Barrackpore regiment as a glorious freedom fighter who did’nt hesitate to sacrifice his life so that his beloved motherland may see glory.
It was his defiance of the empire that triggered one of the most organized assault on the foreign rule. It was the only attempt in which Hindus & Muslims truly fought hand in hand against the calamity from Europe. We really felt that these so called ‘Gora Sahab’ can be brought to his knees and sent back to London. The feeling got culminated in 1947 when we finally got our Swaraj although a partitioned one.
But no sort of high ideals have been shown in the film. It revolves only about Mangal, Hira (who is she and where did she come from?), Jwala(??), and an English sepoy. Mangal looks more like a mercenary who takes bhang, enjoys whores and suddenly rises against the empire. Somebody even went as far as to claim that he did everything under effect of Bhang and no patriotic feelings. Then why did’nt he plead innocence when he was being court marshaled or hanged.
But then I realized that Bollywood is expert in making only romantic films and crash commercialistic, which are more interested in showing scantily dressed women and intimate scenes rather than historic facts. The film flunked on box office and that is the best way to show it’s caliber.
But Mr Chopra must be told to refresh his knowledge of history and keep his mouth shut.
The tendency of showing historical figures, who are our ideals in bad light should be damned and film makers must be dragged to court when they seem to digress like “The Rising”. Even the court must stop the screening of the movie when it’s concept is under question. Because “Justice delayed is Justice denied”.Now one more movie is coming “Bajirao Mastani”……the name only suggests what part of this great warrior’s life must have been highlighted……………
21st Sept might be the most shameful day for Indian Freedom movement.
Defence lawyer from Yash Chopra’s side argued that Mangal Pandey was not a freedom fighter.Readers must be knowing that a legal war is waging on the image of Mangal Pandey being portrayed in the film.
The argument first of all contradicts the publicity of the film which said “One man rises against the Empire” which only depicts him as a patriot. But we can leave that aside saying that our beloved Mr.Chopra & Aamir Khan must have forgotten it in their arguments.
But what do the historic facts suggest?. V.D.Savarkar who is known as the authority on war of 1857. And who was the first to proclaim that it was not a sepoy mutiny but the “First War of Independence” honored him by saying that if someone can claim the first right to have sacrificed himself for the cause of independence from British yoke it was MANGAL PANDEY. Every history textbooks we have read glorifies this simple soldier from Barrackpore regiment as a glorious freedom fighter who did’nt hesitate to sacrifice his life so that his beloved motherland may see glory.
It was his defiance of the empire that triggered one of the most organized assault on the foreign rule. It was the only attempt in which Hindus & Muslims truly fought hand in hand against the calamity from Europe. We really felt that these so called ‘Gora Sahab’ can be brought to his knees and sent back to London. The feeling got culminated in 1947 when we finally got our Swaraj although a partitioned one.
But no sort of high ideals have been shown in the film. It revolves only about Mangal, Hira (who is she and where did she come from?), Jwala(??), and an English sepoy. Mangal looks more like a mercenary who takes bhang, enjoys whores and suddenly rises against the empire. Somebody even went as far as to claim that he did everything under effect of Bhang and no patriotic feelings. Then why did’nt he plead innocence when he was being court marshaled or hanged.
But then I realized that Bollywood is expert in making only romantic films and crash commercialistic, which are more interested in showing scantily dressed women and intimate scenes rather than historic facts. The film flunked on box office and that is the best way to show it’s caliber.
But Mr Chopra must be told to refresh his knowledge of history and keep his mouth shut.
The tendency of showing historical figures, who are our ideals in bad light should be damned and film makers must be dragged to court when they seem to digress like “The Rising”. Even the court must stop the screening of the movie when it’s concept is under question. Because “Justice delayed is Justice denied”.Now one more movie is coming “Bajirao Mastani”……the name only suggests what part of this great warrior’s life must have been highlighted……………
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
9/11 gone by.
It has been 2 days past 9/11. We all remembered how the globe changed after the incident. The hot pursuit of terrorism by the sole superpower and still the all pervasive image of Al-Qaeda. But we as Indians should have remembered one more event in a much more assertive way.
The Parliament of Religions which started on the same day in 1893 at Chicago.And our beloved Swami Vivekananda started his immortal speech as representative of Hinduism with golden words of “My American Brothers and Sisters.”
It has been said in Geeta that whenever Adharma raises it’s ugly head in this world Lord comes as a saviour. Same was the situation before the event. The British rule had strengthened it’s grip over India. People had lost their conscience and started praising the foreign yoke. Everything European was considered supreme and everything was Indian substandard to it.
But a simple graduate from Calcutta university and a disciple of the care taker of Dakshineshwar temple not only challenged all this but turned it upside down. He proudly proclaimed that I belong to a religion which has taught the world, tolerance and mutual acceptance and which always gave shelter to people from tyranny. Americans were stunned to listen and were astonished that Indians have achieved the pinnacle of thought and knowledge about the most complex problem faced by humans i.e SELF.
India too arose to acknowledge this beloved son of HERS. Everywhere Swamiji went he was welcomed and received showers of praise. India and Indians were not remain the same after this. They realized that India still carries in it’s bosom the most spectacular culture of the world and it has been again proved by this MONK. Swamiji’s speeches indirectly cultivated a feeling of pride and encouraged discontent among people about the current situation. NATIONALISM was on the rise.
It is recorded that once he said “ I clearly forsee BHARAT MATA sitting on the throne of eternal glory resplendent like never before. The future lies on us, it’s time to work”
The DREAM is still unfulfilled LET’S strive to make it a reality.
It has been 2 days past 9/11. We all remembered how the globe changed after the incident. The hot pursuit of terrorism by the sole superpower and still the all pervasive image of Al-Qaeda. But we as Indians should have remembered one more event in a much more assertive way.
The Parliament of Religions which started on the same day in 1893 at Chicago.And our beloved Swami Vivekananda started his immortal speech as representative of Hinduism with golden words of “My American Brothers and Sisters.”
It has been said in Geeta that whenever Adharma raises it’s ugly head in this world Lord comes as a saviour. Same was the situation before the event. The British rule had strengthened it’s grip over India. People had lost their conscience and started praising the foreign yoke. Everything European was considered supreme and everything was Indian substandard to it.
But a simple graduate from Calcutta university and a disciple of the care taker of Dakshineshwar temple not only challenged all this but turned it upside down. He proudly proclaimed that I belong to a religion which has taught the world, tolerance and mutual acceptance and which always gave shelter to people from tyranny. Americans were stunned to listen and were astonished that Indians have achieved the pinnacle of thought and knowledge about the most complex problem faced by humans i.e SELF.
India too arose to acknowledge this beloved son of HERS. Everywhere Swamiji went he was welcomed and received showers of praise. India and Indians were not remain the same after this. They realized that India still carries in it’s bosom the most spectacular culture of the world and it has been again proved by this MONK. Swamiji’s speeches indirectly cultivated a feeling of pride and encouraged discontent among people about the current situation. NATIONALISM was on the rise.
It is recorded that once he said “ I clearly forsee BHARAT MATA sitting on the throne of eternal glory resplendent like never before. The future lies on us, it’s time to work”
The DREAM is still unfulfilled LET’S strive to make it a reality.
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