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?
Saturday, August 15, 2009
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.
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