The self styled King Khan aka, Shahrukh Khan also has FiM syndrome (FiM - Foot in Mouth). The sad part is that media is hungry for news that they will lap up anything. No matter how crappy the topic.
Shahrukh made such a big noise for a delay at Newark Airport. Ask other Indians (without the Khan on their name) who have no contacts with the Shuklajis of the world and hence cannot call up or afford to create a ruckus with the immigration staff. They have at some point gone through the security scanner (could be due to profiling) and frankly no one minds although it is a hassle. This is a security principle and it does not matter if you are a Khan or a Tripathy or a Powel.
The security staff did their job. I remember even our Ex President Dr. Kalam being frisked in India and he never complained. What's wrong with Shahrukh? You are no real king? And even if you are, when it comes to security, you better stop dreaming and be a commoner.
In one of my flights from Boston to Miami, I was asked to go through the same procedure and my name does not have a Khan. My friend who is an American Citizen and has a last name of Balmer (he is not Steve) had to go through the same procedure upon arrival at Toronto. This is regular work for the security staff. I think one should appreciate it rather than complaining about it.
You know, when I was speaking to a friend on this, she had two possible explanations for Shahrukh Khan's behavior.
01. His show in the US was not sold out, hence he wanted to get some media hype so that he and the promoters can make money
02. This is one of the poorest or campaigns for this forthcoming movie ...my name is Khan...
FiM Syndrome catches on fast!!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Help yourself from H1N1
Swine Flu!!! H1N1 Virus!!! Media has blown it out of proportions. Politicians are playing their cards - to be politically correct. Everybody blames the Government as we always do - 'no rains? Yeah the govt. is responsible for that as well!!!' What we do not see is passing out the right information, mobilizing testing for H1N1,
I found an interesting forward today and thought it would be of help all those who are worried about Swine Flu and the H1N1 virus. Here are some tips for prevention from an AIMS doctor. I am quoting the forward:
"Thanks to media hype about H1N1, several people who trust me have either approached or called me to advise. The hype in media about the utility of face masks and N95 respirators as a tool for general protection against H1N1 can't be deplored enough. Yesterday, a friend who listened wanted me to write down briefly what I advised so that he could tell others in similar words. Hence this short email to friends whom I have advised recently (and others whom I haven't yet). Please realize that this is not an official advice, especially the one about face masks or N95.
"Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates of 0.3µ, while the size of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ. Hence, dependence on N95 to protect against H1N1 is like protecting against rain with an umbrella made of mosquito net.
"Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation till the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle). H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
"While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps - not fully highlighted in most official communications - can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms.
4. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
5. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
6. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
7. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
"All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households, and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside public hospitals. "
Happy Breathing!!!
I found an interesting forward today and thought it would be of help all those who are worried about Swine Flu and the H1N1 virus. Here are some tips for prevention from an AIMS doctor. I am quoting the forward:
"Thanks to media hype about H1N1, several people who trust me have either approached or called me to advise. The hype in media about the utility of face masks and N95 respirators as a tool for general protection against H1N1 can't be deplored enough. Yesterday, a friend who listened wanted me to write down briefly what I advised so that he could tell others in similar words. Hence this short email to friends whom I have advised recently (and others whom I haven't yet). Please realize that this is not an official advice, especially the one about face masks or N95.
"Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates of 0.3µ, while the size of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ. Hence, dependence on N95 to protect against H1N1 is like protecting against rain with an umbrella made of mosquito net.
"Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation till the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle). H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
"While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps - not fully highlighted in most official communications - can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms.
4. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
5. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
6. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
7. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
"All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households, and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside public hospitals. "
Happy Breathing!!!
How much are we ready to pay for Azmal Qasab?
This one beats me. Quasab wants meat, biriyani, and a Rakhi. All these is food for media who keeps making it sound like its funny. We have a whole host of police, security
and courts involved in a hearing - we have to go by the rule book! Today you will find it difficult to drive across the jail road in Bombay as it can cause a security lapse for
Qasab - that what someone told me.
Who is paying for all this? Why is my tax money being used? Who is accountable for this?
The other day I read on paper that Pakistan has accepted that some of the perpetrators who were killed during the Mumbai attacks were citizens of Pak. However, they are
not ready to take their bodies back!!! We bore the cost of them being alive and now we bear the cost of them dead!!! Why?
Why are we being so naive? This is not Gandhigiri, this is pure foolishness.
Should we have to wait for another 5 or 10 years to get a sentence given to Qasab and work to his whims and fancies? He is clearly seeing this as an advantage for him?
And he is playing to the stands.
We in turn are spending our hard earned tax monies to help him play his game. I understand this is a small fee for showing Pak in bad light to the international community. But as recent history has it,
what if we have to hand over this guy to the terrorists in exchange for a favor? Where do we stand?
How long are we ready to spend? What is our budget for the spend?
Do we have answers or is it a black hole?
and courts involved in a hearing - we have to go by the rule book! Today you will find it difficult to drive across the jail road in Bombay as it can cause a security lapse for
Qasab - that what someone told me.
Who is paying for all this? Why is my tax money being used? Who is accountable for this?
The other day I read on paper that Pakistan has accepted that some of the perpetrators who were killed during the Mumbai attacks were citizens of Pak. However, they are
not ready to take their bodies back!!! We bore the cost of them being alive and now we bear the cost of them dead!!! Why?
Why are we being so naive? This is not Gandhigiri, this is pure foolishness.
Should we have to wait for another 5 or 10 years to get a sentence given to Qasab and work to his whims and fancies? He is clearly seeing this as an advantage for him?
And he is playing to the stands.
We in turn are spending our hard earned tax monies to help him play his game. I understand this is a small fee for showing Pak in bad light to the international community. But as recent history has it,
what if we have to hand over this guy to the terrorists in exchange for a favor? Where do we stand?
How long are we ready to spend? What is our budget for the spend?
Do we have answers or is it a black hole?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Reaching Masses for Education
Am trying to focus on one of the points of my earlier blogs (http://citizenvoiceindia.blogspot.com/2009/07/combining-technology-and-education.html) about using technology to reach aspiring students.
Let’s put some statistics upfront on electronic reach. Today India has Cable and Satellite penetration of over 70 million households (35% of population), cellular phone penetration of over 350 million (30% of population) and internet penetration is over 12%. This means, over 56% of India is connected in some way or the other. This does not include the non-electronic reach.
The marketers are reaching out to each segment of this population. Using technology and innovations to tap the potential market. Isn’t it time for educationists to realize the dream of an educated India (or at least, a literate India)? Yes, there is also a commercial angle to this, for all those educationists who are not not-for-profit organizations.
If a two-minutes-noodle can change the way 15% of the country have their breakfast using TV as a medium, what stops 15% Indians to plant a tree in their neighborhood? Or to convert used news papers into paper bags? You have not only taught a way of earning a livelihood, you have also created the largest company of paper bag producers (will this not reduce the consumption of low grade plastic bags?).
You may say, ‘this is vocational education’!!! Let’s talk about primary education. Almost every village either has or can acquire a Television set. What stops us from broadcasting primary education with a live teacher teaching it and local coordinators handling 1st level questions of teachers or even using mobiles to handle questions through a call center?
This is equally applicable for rural and urban India. This is applicable for vocational, primary, secondary as well as higher studies.
If a marketer can reach the masses in India’s every nook and corner, so can education.
What we need is a ‘willingness’ to get the country educated and have an education that can earn them a living. Hope Mr. Sibal is listening!!!
Let’s put some statistics upfront on electronic reach. Today India has Cable and Satellite penetration of over 70 million households (35% of population), cellular phone penetration of over 350 million (30% of population) and internet penetration is over 12%. This means, over 56% of India is connected in some way or the other. This does not include the non-electronic reach.
The marketers are reaching out to each segment of this population. Using technology and innovations to tap the potential market. Isn’t it time for educationists to realize the dream of an educated India (or at least, a literate India)? Yes, there is also a commercial angle to this, for all those educationists who are not not-for-profit organizations.
If a two-minutes-noodle can change the way 15% of the country have their breakfast using TV as a medium, what stops 15% Indians to plant a tree in their neighborhood? Or to convert used news papers into paper bags? You have not only taught a way of earning a livelihood, you have also created the largest company of paper bag producers (will this not reduce the consumption of low grade plastic bags?).
You may say, ‘this is vocational education’!!! Let’s talk about primary education. Almost every village either has or can acquire a Television set. What stops us from broadcasting primary education with a live teacher teaching it and local coordinators handling 1st level questions of teachers or even using mobiles to handle questions through a call center?
This is equally applicable for rural and urban India. This is applicable for vocational, primary, secondary as well as higher studies.
If a marketer can reach the masses in India’s every nook and corner, so can education.
What we need is a ‘willingness’ to get the country educated and have an education that can earn them a living. Hope Mr. Sibal is listening!!!
Combining technology and education
A friend of mine asked me yesterday evening as to how technology can help education. Actually an interesting piece of thought. I started to think of multiple areas where technologies can really kick-start education or make it smoother.
All my thoughts gravitated to three aspects
a) How do you reach a larger number of people who have the basic infrastructure like connectivity (internet, cable TV, satellite TV, mobile phone etc.) and bring education into their fold?
b) Why is ‘Ice Age-3’ more memorable compared to the fact that Alexander invaded India in 326 BC?
c) How much of what we study today in our schools and collages is relevant to our jobs?
Using technology to reach (distribution of education), sink in (making education interesting and experiential), work for (getting students industry ready) is essential as it can change the face of education, face of students and the face of an economy.
But a bit of caution here. Technology will not solve any of these issues independently. One needs to have a ‘learner centric’ or ‘knowledge centric’ thinking and intent to create a knowledge economy. Technology can only be an enabler for making it happen. A second caution is that it is practically impossible to replace the teacher.
You know what surprised me the most? This question came in from a friend who is not an educationist. I am surprised, that our educationists, the education boards and the private training outfits are fighting for their piece of the economy and are not actually bothered thinking about growth of the knowledge economy!!!
I am dead sure technology cannot help change their mindset.
All my thoughts gravitated to three aspects
a) How do you reach a larger number of people who have the basic infrastructure like connectivity (internet, cable TV, satellite TV, mobile phone etc.) and bring education into their fold?
b) Why is ‘Ice Age-3’ more memorable compared to the fact that Alexander invaded India in 326 BC?
c) How much of what we study today in our schools and collages is relevant to our jobs?
Using technology to reach (distribution of education), sink in (making education interesting and experiential), work for (getting students industry ready) is essential as it can change the face of education, face of students and the face of an economy.
But a bit of caution here. Technology will not solve any of these issues independently. One needs to have a ‘learner centric’ or ‘knowledge centric’ thinking and intent to create a knowledge economy. Technology can only be an enabler for making it happen. A second caution is that it is practically impossible to replace the teacher.
You know what surprised me the most? This question came in from a friend who is not an educationist. I am surprised, that our educationists, the education boards and the private training outfits are fighting for their piece of the economy and are not actually bothered thinking about growth of the knowledge economy!!!
I am dead sure technology cannot help change their mindset.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Politics of rape
Searching the net today to see reactions of Rita Bahuguna’s derogatory speech, I felt ashamed as every news channel that are worth their salt in India and abroad covered it in their websites. When will this FiM (foot in mouth) syndrome of politicians be cured?
They is being extremely lackadaisical about what they say in public and more so, of what they think of their competitors. Bad mental state and still worst, lack of understanding of peoples’ feelings.
After a long time, Congress has had a foothold in Uttar Pradesh. They selected a politician who could represent them and this is what she does.
On the other hand, Mayawati, is using this situation to gain political mileage. Another example of poor leadership in UP. She has conveniently forgotten her equally derogatory speech a year or so back. That time it was directed to female relatives of Mulayam Singh. That speech was no different from this although her party men confidently talk of different situations that both the speeches were made!!! Audacity!!!
In both these cases, the two ladies used rape and money given to rape victims as issues to go ahead in politics. I am sure politicians will never understand realities of life – actually any reality. These ladies confirm it.
To top it, the vandalism that followed of destroying the house of a politician. Where is the law and order in that state? Who is responsible for this? It was good that Rita was arrested. When are they planning arrest Mayawati and her vandals.
Politicians can never be cured from the FiM syndrome. Can we citizens realize the situation and react. I hope we vote out both the ladies who do not have a basic sense of understanding of life and compassion for other citizens.
They is being extremely lackadaisical about what they say in public and more so, of what they think of their competitors. Bad mental state and still worst, lack of understanding of peoples’ feelings.
After a long time, Congress has had a foothold in Uttar Pradesh. They selected a politician who could represent them and this is what she does.
On the other hand, Mayawati, is using this situation to gain political mileage. Another example of poor leadership in UP. She has conveniently forgotten her equally derogatory speech a year or so back. That time it was directed to female relatives of Mulayam Singh. That speech was no different from this although her party men confidently talk of different situations that both the speeches were made!!! Audacity!!!
In both these cases, the two ladies used rape and money given to rape victims as issues to go ahead in politics. I am sure politicians will never understand realities of life – actually any reality. These ladies confirm it.
To top it, the vandalism that followed of destroying the house of a politician. Where is the law and order in that state? Who is responsible for this? It was good that Rita was arrested. When are they planning arrest Mayawati and her vandals.
Politicians can never be cured from the FiM syndrome. Can we citizens realize the situation and react. I hope we vote out both the ladies who do not have a basic sense of understanding of life and compassion for other citizens.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Top Science Institutes want market driven streams scrapped
In one my earlier blogs (27/06/09), I had suggested the following to be introduced:
01. Getting students industry-ready
02. Making education boards agile to change patterns, content and education modes to drive employability of students
Yesterday, three of the leading Science Institutes have suggested scrapping of market-driven streams in BSc. These specialized courses like any other graduation courses have their limitations, but were certainly a step towards increasing employability of students.
However, with the onus of the students’ success slowly moving to the institutes and the faculties, reality has struck. It is difficult for our institutes to provide growth of a student to meet the industry, hence, the best option for them is to scrap the course.
Yes, if you can’t dance, there is something wrong with the dance floor. Break it down!!!
How about, making the courses more laser focused? How about getting industry involvement in developing students and giving them a career? How about driving a real world learning that represents the industry of today and tomorrow? Shouldn’t we be looking for these solutions?
I think the need of the hour is scrapping the institutes rather than the courses. Introducing new-age, quasi government institutes that can give a real feel of the industry and give students a pathway to jobs.
And this is only training/education that am talking about!
To convert students’ passion into a livelihood, there are three aspects other than just training:
01. Real industry Introduction
02. Talent marketing
03. Preparing a platform to succeed
Instead of thinking of generating we are thinking of degenerating. And this is the state of education in India.
No wonder the top 3 Science Institutes want market driven streams scrapped!!!
01. Getting students industry-ready
02. Making education boards agile to change patterns, content and education modes to drive employability of students
Yesterday, three of the leading Science Institutes have suggested scrapping of market-driven streams in BSc. These specialized courses like any other graduation courses have their limitations, but were certainly a step towards increasing employability of students.
However, with the onus of the students’ success slowly moving to the institutes and the faculties, reality has struck. It is difficult for our institutes to provide growth of a student to meet the industry, hence, the best option for them is to scrap the course.
Yes, if you can’t dance, there is something wrong with the dance floor. Break it down!!!
How about, making the courses more laser focused? How about getting industry involvement in developing students and giving them a career? How about driving a real world learning that represents the industry of today and tomorrow? Shouldn’t we be looking for these solutions?
I think the need of the hour is scrapping the institutes rather than the courses. Introducing new-age, quasi government institutes that can give a real feel of the industry and give students a pathway to jobs.
And this is only training/education that am talking about!
To convert students’ passion into a livelihood, there are three aspects other than just training:
01. Real industry Introduction
02. Talent marketing
03. Preparing a platform to succeed
Instead of thinking of generating we are thinking of degenerating. And this is the state of education in India.
No wonder the top 3 Science Institutes want market driven streams scrapped!!!
Mindful. Straight. Dhoni.
Yesterday after a harrowing traffic experience between Sion and Bandra, I had the opportunity of meeting MS Dhoni. Yes, our very own Dhoni.
When you meet people of his stature and with his kinda success, you would imagine an air around them of being a superstar. Interestingly, in a span of 2-3 minutes, he makes you feel as if you know each other for ages.
Going through with him on a certain future path, I was surprised to see his extreme involvement in a very short span of time (actually a couple of minutes). Extremely focused, you can see his mind working out strategies and plans that are relevant to the discussion. And each point picked up by him was relevant to the core – extremely mindful.
I liked his decision making style. His clarity on 'WH' questions on things he would want to do or get associated with – logic for each one clear in his mind. There are no mincing words. You almost see a Wall Street financial executive, an advertising executive and a school teacher at heart, all rolled up into one.
If Indian cricket is doing well, a good part comes from this thinking mind that has a focused goal in vision and agile strategy to change with times and adapt to situations – maintaining the core value of ‘respect for every other person’.
MS Dhoni. Very mindful. Straight. Of course Dhoni.
These are actually the signs of a true leader! How long will it take our politicians to lead India in the true sense?
When you meet people of his stature and with his kinda success, you would imagine an air around them of being a superstar. Interestingly, in a span of 2-3 minutes, he makes you feel as if you know each other for ages.
Going through with him on a certain future path, I was surprised to see his extreme involvement in a very short span of time (actually a couple of minutes). Extremely focused, you can see his mind working out strategies and plans that are relevant to the discussion. And each point picked up by him was relevant to the core – extremely mindful.
I liked his decision making style. His clarity on 'WH' questions on things he would want to do or get associated with – logic for each one clear in his mind. There are no mincing words. You almost see a Wall Street financial executive, an advertising executive and a school teacher at heart, all rolled up into one.
If Indian cricket is doing well, a good part comes from this thinking mind that has a focused goal in vision and agile strategy to change with times and adapt to situations – maintaining the core value of ‘respect for every other person’.
MS Dhoni. Very mindful. Straight. Of course Dhoni.
These are actually the signs of a true leader! How long will it take our politicians to lead India in the true sense?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Brainless in Maharashtra
In the wake of state elections, the Maharashtra Government played dirty politics to be one-up on the Sena. To ensure vote banks, they were ready to play with lives of students, introducing the 90:10 principle.
“How brainless can you get? You are ready to forego a set of students as they are from ICSE or CBSE or any private board? You are ready to leave that talent that could have helped your state and the citizens of the state?” They are forgetting that you are playing with the future for very short term gains!
They tried to make it a law, and certainly, there is taxpayer’s money involved in the futile time spent. Why should we bear this cost? I think the party/organization that wanted to woo vote banks should pay for this. They should also pay for the time spent by the courts to negate their decision. Also, to the multiple families who have lost sleep over their child’s education. On top of all this they should pay at least INR 50 crs to the govt. for fooling around and misusing their power so that no party can ever think of taking cheep and dirty steps to get voters into their fold!
Brainless in Maharashtra, that’s what these politicians are.
I like the courts as they do have their brains in place.
“How brainless can you get? You are ready to forego a set of students as they are from ICSE or CBSE or any private board? You are ready to leave that talent that could have helped your state and the citizens of the state?” They are forgetting that you are playing with the future for very short term gains!
They tried to make it a law, and certainly, there is taxpayer’s money involved in the futile time spent. Why should we bear this cost? I think the party/organization that wanted to woo vote banks should pay for this. They should also pay for the time spent by the courts to negate their decision. Also, to the multiple families who have lost sleep over their child’s education. On top of all this they should pay at least INR 50 crs to the govt. for fooling around and misusing their power so that no party can ever think of taking cheep and dirty steps to get voters into their fold!
Brainless in Maharashtra, that’s what these politicians are.
I like the courts as they do have their brains in place.
Thanks for the LEFT being left out!
I was watching the post budget analysis and surfing channels to see how industry stalwarts and the common people are reacting to the budget and there were multiple reactions to Pranabda’s budget. Some good and some not so good to some ugly. I do not completely like the budget although there are few small steps taken in the right direction, where, possibly I expected long leaps.
Interestingly, a spokesperson from the left felt that the common man was missed out in this budget. There could be three reasons why he said so:
01. He was sleeping through the budget,
02. He does not understand the needs of the common man and
03. He does not understand what a budget is.
My take on the gains for the common man are many:
a) Reduction in personal taxes
b) Reduction in cost of a host of products
c) Emphasis on the agro sector (with incentive to pay up on time)
d) Investment in infrastructure, power, rural and urban development
I am sure there are many more that I have not mentioning here.
Good budget, or bad budget, it’s a sigh of relief not to have the left at the helm of things.
Cheers India, we left them out!
Interestingly, a spokesperson from the left felt that the common man was missed out in this budget. There could be three reasons why he said so:
01. He was sleeping through the budget,
02. He does not understand the needs of the common man and
03. He does not understand what a budget is.
My take on the gains for the common man are many:
a) Reduction in personal taxes
b) Reduction in cost of a host of products
c) Emphasis on the agro sector (with incentive to pay up on time)
d) Investment in infrastructure, power, rural and urban development
I am sure there are many more that I have not mentioning here.
Good budget, or bad budget, it’s a sigh of relief not to have the left at the helm of things.
Cheers India, we left them out!
Plan for reducing our budget deficit
With the new budget being announced, we see a well identified challenge of sustaining GDP growth of 9% (my gut feel is 7-8%). There are multiple areas announced in the budget that lay the foundation of to sustaining the GDP growth rate – infrastructure, power, agriculture and urban development. This benefit to the common man comes at a cost – higher fiscal deficit – approx INR 400,000 crores.
Here are three ways of bringing down the deficit if not completely neutralizing it:
1. Tax ‘productivity-hurdles’ for the nation (target INR 500 crores +)
a. For every political party / organization that organizes a bundh which affects productivity of a state, city or country with or without violence does it at a cost – INR 15 crores + cost of property destroyed
b. Labour groups calling for bandh at a production facility or service outlet – INR 5 crore + cost of loss of revenue
c. For over shooting of project deadlines, the contractors / vendors should be charged a part of their fee – it always happens in the private business world
2. Tax corruption (target INR 100,000 Crores +)
a. People taking bribes pay 10 times the bribed amount presuming that they have done this at least 10 times earlier and need to cough it up
b. Misuse of national property or funds – example Mayavati’s statues campaign – charge 5 times the amount spent from public money or a la Deve Gauda taking multiple trips in a month to Bangalore when he was the PM.
c. Non-payment of government dues – charge unsecured personal loan rates of interest (18-22% PA) for offenders beyond a crore of rupees, e.g., Reliance Industries not paying electricity bills to the board
d. Vote bank corruption should be charged at cost + INR 10 crores from the party resorting to such politics, e.g., 90:10 education policy of Maharashtra govt.
e. Infrastructure project revaluation midway, after lowest bid wins – the contractor pays for the increased value (surprisingly this has become a norm today)
3. Private participation in spends (INR 200,000 crores +)
a. This is at a conceptual level. Private companies earn revenues from the society pay taxes to the government. They expect rules to be changed to suit their company or industry. What about doing their bit for infrastructure, healthcare, well being of the society? I am not talking of lipstick-on-a-pig CSR initiatives. I think we have a role model in the form of Tatas as a group. Can each large corporate of over INR 100 crores of PAT contribute 10% of their profits (post tax) for a better India? Remember this 100 crores of Profit is gained from your country – India, a key stakeholder in your company
This sounds achievable and real. I am sure it will take a lot of beating from the corporate world, the babus, and politicians. But what the heck? If this is what the country needs, we got to do it.
Is India listening? Here’s over INR 300,000 crores recovered from the deficit!
Here are three ways of bringing down the deficit if not completely neutralizing it:
1. Tax ‘productivity-hurdles’ for the nation (target INR 500 crores +)
a. For every political party / organization that organizes a bundh which affects productivity of a state, city or country with or without violence does it at a cost – INR 15 crores + cost of property destroyed
b. Labour groups calling for bandh at a production facility or service outlet – INR 5 crore + cost of loss of revenue
c. For over shooting of project deadlines, the contractors / vendors should be charged a part of their fee – it always happens in the private business world
2. Tax corruption (target INR 100,000 Crores +)
a. People taking bribes pay 10 times the bribed amount presuming that they have done this at least 10 times earlier and need to cough it up
b. Misuse of national property or funds – example Mayavati’s statues campaign – charge 5 times the amount spent from public money or a la Deve Gauda taking multiple trips in a month to Bangalore when he was the PM.
c. Non-payment of government dues – charge unsecured personal loan rates of interest (18-22% PA) for offenders beyond a crore of rupees, e.g., Reliance Industries not paying electricity bills to the board
d. Vote bank corruption should be charged at cost + INR 10 crores from the party resorting to such politics, e.g., 90:10 education policy of Maharashtra govt.
e. Infrastructure project revaluation midway, after lowest bid wins – the contractor pays for the increased value (surprisingly this has become a norm today)
3. Private participation in spends (INR 200,000 crores +)
a. This is at a conceptual level. Private companies earn revenues from the society pay taxes to the government. They expect rules to be changed to suit their company or industry. What about doing their bit for infrastructure, healthcare, well being of the society? I am not talking of lipstick-on-a-pig CSR initiatives. I think we have a role model in the form of Tatas as a group. Can each large corporate of over INR 100 crores of PAT contribute 10% of their profits (post tax) for a better India? Remember this 100 crores of Profit is gained from your country – India, a key stakeholder in your company
This sounds achievable and real. I am sure it will take a lot of beating from the corporate world, the babus, and politicians. But what the heck? If this is what the country needs, we got to do it.
Is India listening? Here’s over INR 300,000 crores recovered from the deficit!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
‘Education’ in India – a new buzz word
With Kapil Sibal’s new found interest in education, I am sure we will see changes. Changes that he will be hailed for and changes that he will be booed for. Either way, I believe this is a start of a new chapter in Indian Education.
Although I am not privy to the changes being made at a grass root level, I still believe these are too small steps coming too late. The issue we face in education is a little more than ‘to have exams or not to have exams’.
Are the students trained to do something in a practical ‘big bad world’? Let’s look at what science graduates Zoology do. Or for than matter what do engineers do? A mechanical engineer goes ahead and becomes a software professional. A Zoology graduate becomes an advertising professional handling FMCG accounts. So is it about just being a graduate or actually learning to do something that is required in the industry.
Unfortunately, the pace at which the industry grows, is not the same as the pace at which our education changes. In fact, we need to look at education from two critical aspects:
01. Getting students ready for what they can do in parlance to the industry
02. Making education boards agile to change patters, content and education modes to drive employability to students.
Hope Mr. Sibal is seeing it from this perspective
Although I am not privy to the changes being made at a grass root level, I still believe these are too small steps coming too late. The issue we face in education is a little more than ‘to have exams or not to have exams’.
Are the students trained to do something in a practical ‘big bad world’? Let’s look at what science graduates Zoology do. Or for than matter what do engineers do? A mechanical engineer goes ahead and becomes a software professional. A Zoology graduate becomes an advertising professional handling FMCG accounts. So is it about just being a graduate or actually learning to do something that is required in the industry.
Unfortunately, the pace at which the industry grows, is not the same as the pace at which our education changes. In fact, we need to look at education from two critical aspects:
01. Getting students ready for what they can do in parlance to the industry
02. Making education boards agile to change patters, content and education modes to drive employability to students.
Hope Mr. Sibal is seeing it from this perspective
A traffic cop that the nation should be proud of
The other day I was moving around Andheri West in Bombay, trying to navigate my way in the overtly crowded roads. Cars kept zipping by, BEST buses hogged the roads, Rickshaws kept swinging lanes to avoid hitting and being hit, but mostly to avoid picking up local passengers as it would result in low fare earnings.
At a traffic junction, I saw a traffic cop literally pulling a rickshaw off the road to allow an old couple get on and move. Not a single rickshaw was stopping to pick them up. Just as we got our green signal to move on, I saw him stopping another rickshaw to accommodate a mother and child standing on the road.
I kept moving trying to navigate the traffic and my chores. But the face of the cop and the acts kept smiling at me. On my way back I asked a shop owner there about the cop and him stopping the rickshaws for passengers who wait and do not get a ride. He said that this cop (still do not know his name) does help out people keeping the ‘spirit of the law higher than the law itself’.
Amid all the corruption we see in the police cadre, acts like this change the mindset of people. This is truly where protectors act as protectors and are seen the same way.
A bright light of hope. I sincerely want to see that cop being given recognition for what he is doing.
At a traffic junction, I saw a traffic cop literally pulling a rickshaw off the road to allow an old couple get on and move. Not a single rickshaw was stopping to pick them up. Just as we got our green signal to move on, I saw him stopping another rickshaw to accommodate a mother and child standing on the road.
I kept moving trying to navigate the traffic and my chores. But the face of the cop and the acts kept smiling at me. On my way back I asked a shop owner there about the cop and him stopping the rickshaws for passengers who wait and do not get a ride. He said that this cop (still do not know his name) does help out people keeping the ‘spirit of the law higher than the law itself’.
Amid all the corruption we see in the police cadre, acts like this change the mindset of people. This is truly where protectors act as protectors and are seen the same way.
A bright light of hope. I sincerely want to see that cop being given recognition for what he is doing.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
What brought about the fall of the BJP Empire?
BJP is a large national party. What did they stand for in this election? Hindutva or secularism or the economy? Did they stand for health care or technology enablement in the country? Did they stand for strong international policies or did they stand for domestic security? Did they stand for Roti, Kapda aur Makaan? Did they stand for education and commerce?
Actually they stood for all of these. All of these are needed for India today! So, where is it that they went wrong? Should they blame Congress, the Left or themselves? Here are four possible reasons why they have lost:
01. Positioning of the party moved from plank to plank. This was the biggest blunder. Any marketer would want to have a focused campaign with a single minded proposition. Unfortunately, BJP did not follow this basic marketing principle. Maybe, they did not have any strong plank to promote.
02. BJP tried to score political points in time of a disaster – 26/11, Mumbai attacks. This actually backfired on them. Insensitivity to the voters’ feeling was a key contribution for their failure.
03. Personal attacks on the Prime Minister – weak vs. strong. This actually showed, that they were again insensitive to people who have contributed to the growth of the country – cutting across party lines. Plus the reason for this attack as seen by voters is the fact that BJP does not have any plank to make a pitch or debate.
04. Last reason but no the least, was the support for non-secular Varun. This was another tactical move by the BJP to showcase their pro-Hindutva stand. This was another piece that backfired for them – although it built a political career of a non-existing Varun.
In short, BJP was insensitive, lacked positioning (read as lack of real agenda), indulged in personal attacks rather than attacks on issues and finally they supported Talibanization within India.
And yes, they paid the price. Two pieces of advise to the BJP:
a) They should have some strong differentiated issues and agenda
b) They should hire a good marketing organization the next time around!
Actually they stood for all of these. All of these are needed for India today! So, where is it that they went wrong? Should they blame Congress, the Left or themselves? Here are four possible reasons why they have lost:
01. Positioning of the party moved from plank to plank. This was the biggest blunder. Any marketer would want to have a focused campaign with a single minded proposition. Unfortunately, BJP did not follow this basic marketing principle. Maybe, they did not have any strong plank to promote.
02. BJP tried to score political points in time of a disaster – 26/11, Mumbai attacks. This actually backfired on them. Insensitivity to the voters’ feeling was a key contribution for their failure.
03. Personal attacks on the Prime Minister – weak vs. strong. This actually showed, that they were again insensitive to people who have contributed to the growth of the country – cutting across party lines. Plus the reason for this attack as seen by voters is the fact that BJP does not have any plank to make a pitch or debate.
04. Last reason but no the least, was the support for non-secular Varun. This was another tactical move by the BJP to showcase their pro-Hindutva stand. This was another piece that backfired for them – although it built a political career of a non-existing Varun.
In short, BJP was insensitive, lacked positioning (read as lack of real agenda), indulged in personal attacks rather than attacks on issues and finally they supported Talibanization within India.
And yes, they paid the price. Two pieces of advise to the BJP:
a) They should have some strong differentiated issues and agenda
b) They should hire a good marketing organization the next time around!
Friday, May 8, 2009
The vanishing lines – politicians will be politicians
Ideologies vanish, passions vanish, agendas vanish and so does conscience. This is what happens with political parties and politicians in India. The day election fever started, every one wanted to stand on their own two feet. Smaller parties moved out of from larger national parties to announce their own sq ft of land. The lines were clearly drawn for negotiation tables (????).
As the days go by, you see each one of them keeping their options open and trying to be friendly to one another on ground (read everyone as the types of Sharad Pawar, Lalu Yadhav, Orissa CM, CPM, the Southern parties etc.) and still show their dislike for one another. A unique love and hate relationship between parties and players.
Slowly as we come to the climax we see alliances which were once broken, come closer. And the lines vanish. Some party workers clearly say that alliances will be announced only after elections are over and the results are out. Obviously, we are talking about money transactions (obviously coz’ they had moved out due to difference in agendas and opinions). How can these clear demarcations be moved after elections? (The official story will be 'for the good of my country'.)
I know this country cannot do without politicians and politics. But how long do we have to take this crap. I remember vaguely there was a law (once upon a time) that barred politicians from jumping political parties, immediately pre and post elections… Not sure if that rule stands good today. But how different is this?
Its almost like banning hawala and allowing free money transfer by Western Unions and Times of Moneys of the world.
Today the same nitwits change parties (well, not technically) but yes, for a price, the political bazzar is abuzz with bids, quotes and currency passing hands!!! Or am I dreaming of a bad world when the life with politics and politicians are very noble!!!
How can the lines vanish so fast? What happens to their own sq ft of land?
As the days go by, you see each one of them keeping their options open and trying to be friendly to one another on ground (read everyone as the types of Sharad Pawar, Lalu Yadhav, Orissa CM, CPM, the Southern parties etc.) and still show their dislike for one another. A unique love and hate relationship between parties and players.
Slowly as we come to the climax we see alliances which were once broken, come closer. And the lines vanish. Some party workers clearly say that alliances will be announced only after elections are over and the results are out. Obviously, we are talking about money transactions (obviously coz’ they had moved out due to difference in agendas and opinions). How can these clear demarcations be moved after elections? (The official story will be 'for the good of my country'.)
I know this country cannot do without politicians and politics. But how long do we have to take this crap. I remember vaguely there was a law (once upon a time) that barred politicians from jumping political parties, immediately pre and post elections… Not sure if that rule stands good today. But how different is this?
Its almost like banning hawala and allowing free money transfer by Western Unions and Times of Moneys of the world.
Today the same nitwits change parties (well, not technically) but yes, for a price, the political bazzar is abuzz with bids, quotes and currency passing hands!!! Or am I dreaming of a bad world when the life with politics and politicians are very noble!!!
How can the lines vanish so fast? What happens to their own sq ft of land?
Low Electoral Turnaround – looking the different direction
Interestingly, this year, we are seeing lower turnaround of voters. Is it surprising?
TV news channels say that voters do not like any candidates and are hence, keeping their distance from voting. My Bombay saw low turnout after the phenomenal heights of voices, post the Bombay terror attacks. Was this different from other elections or are Bombaites really not concerned?
Vir Sanghvi, wrote on The Hindustan Times (dated: May 2, 2009), that Bombay voters are somewhat not interested in voting or taking part in any kind of democratic voicing. Is that really correct? Today, when we see other cities and states, we find the same trend. We did not see the the expected young voters or first time voters this election. Why?
Jaagore.com started a massive campaign and ensured that many citizens had their cup of tea and woke up. They did – a good number of them. It will be interesting for the sponsors of Jaagore.com to do a small research. From all the people who followed their path and registered with the government for voting, how many were actually allowed to vote?
I will take my example. The form that Jaagore.com wanted us to present was not accepted by the election office in Kandivali (E), Bombay. They gave us anther form and refused our proof of residence (one that was confirmed by Jaagore.com). We followed the new form with the Jaagore.com form and interestingly we were told that we will be allowed to vote and that our names will take a month or so to come on list. Every time we checked after our month of waiting we were told that the new name lists have not come yet. Four trips to the election office and many phone calls - no effect.
Finally on the day of voting, when I checked with the lists in our locality, I found two new names against my house number!!! Some Mr. Singh and Mrs. Singh. Who are these people? How do they appear on my house number when I am the very first occupant of this house and I have registered with the election office at least 3 months in advance?
Mr. Sanghvi, and dear TV news analysts, are you reading something here? You are not only barking up the wrong tree, you are also misguiding people. Have you ever thought how goons in politics are taking advantage of pushing down new voters and ensuring their vote banks are more stable?
When will we be truly democratic and give the basic rights of voting to citizens who want to vote? When will politicians and their so called followers (read jokers) keep the real cards in play?
My question to the election commission is, “When will I be able to vote”?
TV news channels say that voters do not like any candidates and are hence, keeping their distance from voting. My Bombay saw low turnout after the phenomenal heights of voices, post the Bombay terror attacks. Was this different from other elections or are Bombaites really not concerned?
Vir Sanghvi, wrote on The Hindustan Times (dated: May 2, 2009), that Bombay voters are somewhat not interested in voting or taking part in any kind of democratic voicing. Is that really correct? Today, when we see other cities and states, we find the same trend. We did not see the the expected young voters or first time voters this election. Why?
Jaagore.com started a massive campaign and ensured that many citizens had their cup of tea and woke up. They did – a good number of them. It will be interesting for the sponsors of Jaagore.com to do a small research. From all the people who followed their path and registered with the government for voting, how many were actually allowed to vote?
I will take my example. The form that Jaagore.com wanted us to present was not accepted by the election office in Kandivali (E), Bombay. They gave us anther form and refused our proof of residence (one that was confirmed by Jaagore.com). We followed the new form with the Jaagore.com form and interestingly we were told that we will be allowed to vote and that our names will take a month or so to come on list. Every time we checked after our month of waiting we were told that the new name lists have not come yet. Four trips to the election office and many phone calls - no effect.
Finally on the day of voting, when I checked with the lists in our locality, I found two new names against my house number!!! Some Mr. Singh and Mrs. Singh. Who are these people? How do they appear on my house number when I am the very first occupant of this house and I have registered with the election office at least 3 months in advance?
Mr. Sanghvi, and dear TV news analysts, are you reading something here? You are not only barking up the wrong tree, you are also misguiding people. Have you ever thought how goons in politics are taking advantage of pushing down new voters and ensuring their vote banks are more stable?
When will we be truly democratic and give the basic rights of voting to citizens who want to vote? When will politicians and their so called followers (read jokers) keep the real cards in play?
My question to the election commission is, “When will I be able to vote”?
Friday, April 10, 2009
Sunil Dutt must be turning in his grave
It was surprising to hear Sanjay Dutt speaking about how POTA was used on him. And surprisingly a news channel (internet based Khabrein.Info) tells that he spelt Gandhigiri.
A convict or one who has just escaped being a convict speaks to an audience and accuses the police and security forces of mis-treating him in custody. This was different from what he had spoken when the justice day was nearing.
This is not Gandhigiri. No way!!!
Please do not spoil the name of Gandhi. I do not think a movie on Gandhigiri gives the rights to Sanjay to speak against the law of the land. He has done a mistake then, and it is still a mistake now.
Frankly, if his father were alive, he would have possibly removed him from the family tree. Even now, he must be turning in his grave!
Wake up Sanjay, you are moving away from the real Gandhigiri you promoted on films. Amar Singh, you big bro is taking you astray!!!!
A convict or one who has just escaped being a convict speaks to an audience and accuses the police and security forces of mis-treating him in custody. This was different from what he had spoken when the justice day was nearing.
This is not Gandhigiri. No way!!!
Please do not spoil the name of Gandhi. I do not think a movie on Gandhigiri gives the rights to Sanjay to speak against the law of the land. He has done a mistake then, and it is still a mistake now.
Frankly, if his father were alive, he would have possibly removed him from the family tree. Even now, he must be turning in his grave!
Wake up Sanjay, you are moving away from the real Gandhigiri you promoted on films. Amar Singh, you big bro is taking you astray!!!!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Tytler and Sajjan dislodged from party tickets standards
As a friend says, one shoe and two targets. Very good step taken by the party. Seems like there is hope for politicians and politics in India. Although I am against politics in its current form, acts like this reassure me of hope in Politics and Politicians.
When do we see a Modi, Varun and Muthallik be debarred by their own parties? When will gundagardi see an end in politics?
When do we see a Modi, Varun and Muthallik be debarred by their own parties? When will gundagardi see an end in politics?
Of Muthaliks, Tytlers, Sajjans, Modis, Yadavs, Vaikos and Varuns
Faces of India. People of the soil. Indians by birth and spirit. Those who pledge to dedicate their lives for the betterment of the citizens of the country.
A CEO of a small enterprise Talibanizes women in a pub in Mangalore and is campaigning for a national party to swing vote banks in their favor. A case study of outsourcing of Taliban forces for Politics.
Two CXOs/unit heads who were witnessed in a negative way in the 1984 riots has got a clean chit from CBI and tickets to the current Lok Sabha elections.
A CEO of as state drives a riot and refuses the act like a coward. Ignites religious citizens to stand for him and pushes industry stalwarts to vote for him as the PM of the country. He is the biggest leader today of a national party.
A CEO of a state party is convicted for murder and pushes his wife to the frontiers of politics to keep his legacy in place. His wife defends him like any other Indian Biwi. A party gives her the ticket.
A CEO of a small organization in Tamil Nadu, wants blood bath in India if a CEO of a terrorist organization in a neighboring country is touched. The entire state CEOs of parties are implicitly and explicitly supporting the carnage.
A young, aspirant CEO takes to the streets with one of the most atrocious religious remarks. A large national political party is supporting him more every day as time flies by. Every other CEO in the political process is taking advantage going against him or for him.
My question comes here. Why are we after the poor guy… Ramalinga Raju? Should not the courts take charge of punishing the above mentioned CEOs who have had a life threatening and homicide impact on Indian Citizens rather than a small culprit who has cheated a few investors?
A CEO of a small enterprise Talibanizes women in a pub in Mangalore and is campaigning for a national party to swing vote banks in their favor. A case study of outsourcing of Taliban forces for Politics.
Two CXOs/unit heads who were witnessed in a negative way in the 1984 riots has got a clean chit from CBI and tickets to the current Lok Sabha elections.
A CEO of as state drives a riot and refuses the act like a coward. Ignites religious citizens to stand for him and pushes industry stalwarts to vote for him as the PM of the country. He is the biggest leader today of a national party.
A CEO of a state party is convicted for murder and pushes his wife to the frontiers of politics to keep his legacy in place. His wife defends him like any other Indian Biwi. A party gives her the ticket.
A CEO of a small organization in Tamil Nadu, wants blood bath in India if a CEO of a terrorist organization in a neighboring country is touched. The entire state CEOs of parties are implicitly and explicitly supporting the carnage.
A young, aspirant CEO takes to the streets with one of the most atrocious religious remarks. A large national political party is supporting him more every day as time flies by. Every other CEO in the political process is taking advantage going against him or for him.
My question comes here. Why are we after the poor guy… Ramalinga Raju? Should not the courts take charge of punishing the above mentioned CEOs who have had a life threatening and homicide impact on Indian Citizens rather than a small culprit who has cheated a few investors?
BJP’s IT Vision – making a mockery of democracy
A friend of mine send me a poorly made pdf document which had a good IT vision for India. The thoughts in the document were good, but sounded like a bad collation from the Barack campaign. I liked the part of use of IT to curb corruption. And from a business angle I saw a lot of money in the document!
But as a citizen, I still believe we have not addressed roti, kapda aur makaan as yet. I would add infrastructure and education to it. With this, I do not mean IT education (10k laptop oriented education) or IT infrastructure (land records online and SSN the Indian way).
Do we need these? Yes we do!!! In fact we need more than this. We need the Swiss weather, non-polluted OZ, homeland security of US, valuation of Re. higher than the British Pound, we need the infrastructure of Dubai and of course, my insignificant dream of making Bombay (not Mumbai) a Singapore clone.
But when I look beyond my window to see the dirty slums, I think of health care – a few malarial deaths in the last month. I see corruption with the traffic cops near my house. I see uneducated youth (high potential youth) who are direction less and sit around commenting on school girls who are returning home. I see an 82 year old lady working in our neighboring garden as she has to earn just her next meal. I see a builder who is building apartments in thin air. Has he ever thought of pollution or hazards or even is there enough roadways and parking spots to accommodate the new cars that will come in there?
These are key problems for me. My digitized land records can wait. My SSN equivalent can wait. Actually my seeing money in IT projects in India can wait. I can also wait to see my Bombay with the colors of Singapore.
I need food, health care, education, income, low cost energy, responsibility and accountability and reduction of corruption. Frankly, this is what I will vote on. I can do without any of these being in place, coz I can afford them. But unfortunately, I am only 26% of my population - am only talking of Bombay. I think it is time to speak for the other 74 %. And most of my problems will be taken care of.
Today I am not sure if I am voting for a party or an agenda. I will vote for an individual who I know has done or at least has a potential to do. I do not see Prakash Amte or his likes standing for elections. Hence, chances of finding my guy is bleak. My next bet is the youth. Hope I find some and politicians take a leaf from the Lok Sabha Ex Speaker's book.
One thing is for sure, today politicians are hitting their own feet with the axe. And this is making us citizens more aware of what we need to do.
But as a citizen, I still believe we have not addressed roti, kapda aur makaan as yet. I would add infrastructure and education to it. With this, I do not mean IT education (10k laptop oriented education) or IT infrastructure (land records online and SSN the Indian way).
Do we need these? Yes we do!!! In fact we need more than this. We need the Swiss weather, non-polluted OZ, homeland security of US, valuation of Re. higher than the British Pound, we need the infrastructure of Dubai and of course, my insignificant dream of making Bombay (not Mumbai) a Singapore clone.
But when I look beyond my window to see the dirty slums, I think of health care – a few malarial deaths in the last month. I see corruption with the traffic cops near my house. I see uneducated youth (high potential youth) who are direction less and sit around commenting on school girls who are returning home. I see an 82 year old lady working in our neighboring garden as she has to earn just her next meal. I see a builder who is building apartments in thin air. Has he ever thought of pollution or hazards or even is there enough roadways and parking spots to accommodate the new cars that will come in there?
These are key problems for me. My digitized land records can wait. My SSN equivalent can wait. Actually my seeing money in IT projects in India can wait. I can also wait to see my Bombay with the colors of Singapore.
I need food, health care, education, income, low cost energy, responsibility and accountability and reduction of corruption. Frankly, this is what I will vote on. I can do without any of these being in place, coz I can afford them. But unfortunately, I am only 26% of my population - am only talking of Bombay. I think it is time to speak for the other 74 %. And most of my problems will be taken care of.
Today I am not sure if I am voting for a party or an agenda. I will vote for an individual who I know has done or at least has a potential to do. I do not see Prakash Amte or his likes standing for elections. Hence, chances of finding my guy is bleak. My next bet is the youth. Hope I find some and politicians take a leaf from the Lok Sabha Ex Speaker's book.
One thing is for sure, today politicians are hitting their own feet with the axe. And this is making us citizens more aware of what we need to do.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Muthalik in custody for one day – a joke
India’s vandalism party chief has been arrested and a news channel says that he will be in jail for at least a night (this was on Thursday evening). Ask anyone in Udupi, about Muthalik’s background, they will tell you that he was a local goonda – a petty ransom and hafta collector. I will not be surprised if he has not been arrested earlier. What is new for him if he goes for another day? Does it matter to him? He has become a political leader overnight. That’s what he wanted!!!
In fact, with the Karnataka CM’s statement, in a way supporting him by telling that pub culture should be stopped in Bangalore – the pub city, does he not know Muthalik’s background? Should he be stopping pub culture or ensuring guys like Muthalik are put behind bars?
How come he was not arrested for his acts and put behind bars for good?
Why does it take Mumbai Police to get him to books? What is this “at least one day in jail attitude”? This is the biggest joke played on Indians today!
In fact, with the Karnataka CM’s statement, in a way supporting him by telling that pub culture should be stopped in Bangalore – the pub city, does he not know Muthalik’s background? Should he be stopping pub culture or ensuring guys like Muthalik are put behind bars?
How come he was not arrested for his acts and put behind bars for good?
Why does it take Mumbai Police to get him to books? What is this “at least one day in jail attitude”? This is the biggest joke played on Indians today!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Morale policing vs. economic stability and national security
Once again our politicians display their foot-in-mouth syndrome. From the head of a nitwitic party who disrupted lives and terrorized people in Mangalore, to another party in Nashik who terrorized kids to the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan and Karnataka – every ones motto now seems to be “morale policing is my contribution to the society”!
Wake up guys, today the problems that our country (including your party) faces are two:
01. Economy is slowing down further and is actually exposing cracks even in India
02. This is resulting in increased unemployment
03. And finally, the threat to our existence from terrorism
Morale policing will not help in any of the top three issues that are primary to the lives of an Indian. When will our politicians understand that? Why are we voting for them?
Wake up guys, today the problems that our country (including your party) faces are two:
01. Economy is slowing down further and is actually exposing cracks even in India
02. This is resulting in increased unemployment
03. And finally, the threat to our existence from terrorism
Morale policing will not help in any of the top three issues that are primary to the lives of an Indian. When will our politicians understand that? Why are we voting for them?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Political terror to Politics of terror
It was sad see Ajmal Amir Qasab again creating havoc in Nashik, at a hotel in Bombay and a pub in Mangalore. The hundreds attacked by terrorists in Bombay were innocent. The objectives of the terrorists were to create havoc and destroy lives of many innocent people. At the same time, one of the key reasons for the attack was to get certain recognition.
How different are the hooligan parties in Bombay and Mangalore? They have created havoc with their inhuman actions. They have terrorised the lives of innocent people. And their core objective is to get their parties recognized as the elections are round the corner.
This is where we do not see the Government and the Supreme Court not taking steps. Can’t these parties be barred from participating in elections? What are we waiting for?
When do we see an end to the politics of terror? Or political terror?
How different are the hooligan parties in Bombay and Mangalore? They have created havoc with their inhuman actions. They have terrorised the lives of innocent people. And their core objective is to get their parties recognized as the elections are round the corner.
This is where we do not see the Government and the Supreme Court not taking steps. Can’t these parties be barred from participating in elections? What are we waiting for?
When do we see an end to the politics of terror? Or political terror?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
When do we learn? When will India be safe?
You have politicians still talking, pointing fingers, covering their bums and finally bullshitting. You and I, the citizens of India are still living to die an unexpected death.
Yesterday here in Bombay, Police were patrolling the streets like never before. They are keeping vigil on the city and we are told they are well equipped to handle and kind of incident of attack on the city. What about Assam?
Why were these steps not taken in Assam? And our security system stinks. Doesn’t it? The home minister was supposed to be coming to Assam and was supposed to be passing that route. I am sure the security agencies, have done a complete combing of the areas which will be touched by the home minister. What searching have they done?
Yes, the number of people killed in today’s incident in Assam are low. Three as now. But aren’t they lives?
They question that comes to my mind is that, ‘am I safe anywhere in India’, ‘are you’?
This is a result of governance and the governors – a failure of both. Poor governance has led to misuse of power in wrong directions and being unprepared to go in the right direction. By governance, I mean the politicians who fight based on caste and religion, security agencies that are paid peanuts and hence, hire moneys and finally the govt. officials who are so corrupt (mind you, corruption in India is a function of poor salaries paid to them and someway their attitude towards life in general).
Can the governors stop being corrupt and do their duty as they should and work towards improving governance? Secondly, can we citizens work out governance principles based on our experiences in our careers?
I for sure can help India market itself to the world. What can you do?
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