In the history of any nation there are certain defining moments. Invasion of Mughals, advent of Western Traders, Sepoy Mutiny, are some such. In the context of the present turmoil in our country, I feel that one more defining moment was Nehru living and Patel dying. Setting aside dogmas, with hind sight let us imagine;
what would have happened in Kashmir? Patel, the decisive realist, would not have allowed it to fester. Most likely, the invaders would have been driven out and the accession taken to its full and logical conclusion like any other native state e.g. Junagadh, Hyderabad. The times were conducive then for a strong action.
what would have happened in foreign affairs especially, Tibet? No hankering for external approval or Nobel Peace prize. Pragmatic national consideration would have prevailed. No Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai which only lost us a huge chunk of our mother land (where no grass grows!) and further loss of territory a possible reality. India would have commanded respect (respect stemming from steel strength and not pathetic posturing).
What would have happened to dynastic politics? Nehru, who was groomed and promoted by his father Motilal, was himself grooming Indira. He was steeped in dynastic politics whereas Patel was the total antithesis. Patel willingly obliged Gandhi, as a true nationalist. in the leadership issue though he was a towering senior to Nehru and could have even bested Gandhi as Bose did while contesting against Pattabhi. Whereas Nehru though inffectual after a stroke and the chinese debacle, did not retire in favour of fresh blood, instead he got potential challenger 'Kamarajed'.
What would have happened to the 'Communal question'? He would not have allowed large scale inundation of North East by the East Pakistanis. Today we see almost no Hindus in Pakistan. This would not have happened under his dispensation. At worst there would have been a neat and peaceful exchange of population as per the aspirations of people of India and Pakistan then. No communal riots nor pseudo-secularism.
What would have happened to the administration. The Iron Man would not have brooked inefficient Ministers like Krishna Menon who were a lot of gas with no substance. The Civil Services would not have degnerated like now. No propping up of people like Gen Kaul.
What would have happened to the political set up of the country? No linguistic states which was the creation of Nehru on his succumbing to minor riots. Langauge has proved to be no glue with the creation of Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chattisgargh and the demand for Telangana. Administratively conveient divisions only would have been allowed leading to less chauvanism, no river disputes or border disputes.
What could have been!
...ponder
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Modi vs Sonia
The results are out. The knives are not.
Sonia has bitten the dust but the scapegoats are loyally proclaiming their guilt.
So called rebels have also bitten dust.
Anti-incumbency bogey has bitten dust.
Candidly communal Modi has scored over pseudo secular Sonia.
Open Hindutva has scored over soft Hindutva.
Modi's victory is not withstanding Raj Nath Singh.
When Jyoti Babu speaks about Modi and communalism, I am reminded about his own role as Home Minister during the early seventies in anihilating Naxalites by facilitating joint action by his cadres and the police. His own Chief Minister went on hunger strike against him. Does he remember?
Balraj Madhok and M.L.Sondhi may be rejoicing wherever they are.
This may be the beginning of the end of BJP and revival of BJS.
...ponder
Sonia has bitten the dust but the scapegoats are loyally proclaiming their guilt.
So called rebels have also bitten dust.
Anti-incumbency bogey has bitten dust.
Candidly communal Modi has scored over pseudo secular Sonia.
Open Hindutva has scored over soft Hindutva.
Modi's victory is not withstanding Raj Nath Singh.
When Jyoti Babu speaks about Modi and communalism, I am reminded about his own role as Home Minister during the early seventies in anihilating Naxalites by facilitating joint action by his cadres and the police. His own Chief Minister went on hunger strike against him. Does he remember?
Balraj Madhok and M.L.Sondhi may be rejoicing wherever they are.
This may be the beginning of the end of BJP and revival of BJS.
...ponder
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Marriage Halls
People are more and more dependent on Marriage Halls for performing marriages of their children due to various reasons like
1. lack of large houses with open spaces
2. lack of homes/home towns where close relations could normally assemble otherwise
3. desire for lavish weddings
4. affordability
5. lack of time and energy to organise a wedding and depending on service providers
6. peer pressure
7. inter-religious/inter-language/inter-caste marriages calling for neutral venues
This gives licence for the marriage hall owners/employees to exploit with hidden costs/shortcomings about which we have no prior knowledge and the after wisdom of no use. Some of these are
1. extra charges for generator whether used or not
2. not providing complete infrastructure forcing people to hire out extras like accommodation for close guests, quilts, mattresses, drinking water, etc.
3. not providing energy meters at convenient places where one can easily remember and note down readings.
4. Not providing promised furniture/infrastructure.
5. Charging for labour additionally over whom we have no control and whose number we do not know.
6. Gate-crashers.
7. Insisting on utilising the services of particular individuals like caterers, decorators, who dictate terms and rates.
8. Pestering for tips.
These are only a few examples. Some Halls like Charitable ones may be better and free from these evils.
There should be some regulations. May be there are.
These halls should be made to prominently display:
1. Hire charges.
2. Services/infrastructure provided.
3. An undertaking not to insist any particular service provider.
4. That they will aaccept payments only through cheques.
More suggestions are welcome
ponder...
1. lack of large houses with open spaces
2. lack of homes/home towns where close relations could normally assemble otherwise
3. desire for lavish weddings
4. affordability
5. lack of time and energy to organise a wedding and depending on service providers
6. peer pressure
7. inter-religious/inter-language/inter-caste marriages calling for neutral venues
This gives licence for the marriage hall owners/employees to exploit with hidden costs/shortcomings about which we have no prior knowledge and the after wisdom of no use. Some of these are
1. extra charges for generator whether used or not
2. not providing complete infrastructure forcing people to hire out extras like accommodation for close guests, quilts, mattresses, drinking water, etc.
3. not providing energy meters at convenient places where one can easily remember and note down readings.
4. Not providing promised furniture/infrastructure.
5. Charging for labour additionally over whom we have no control and whose number we do not know.
6. Gate-crashers.
7. Insisting on utilising the services of particular individuals like caterers, decorators, who dictate terms and rates.
8. Pestering for tips.
These are only a few examples. Some Halls like Charitable ones may be better and free from these evils.
There should be some regulations. May be there are.
These halls should be made to prominently display:
1. Hire charges.
2. Services/infrastructure provided.
3. An undertaking not to insist any particular service provider.
4. That they will aaccept payments only through cheques.
More suggestions are welcome
ponder...
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Merchants of Death
Whether Mr.Modi and/or Mrs.Gandhi committed breach of election code is for the Election Commission to decide whose job alone it is.
Wheter Mr.Modi committed contempt of court by his Sohrabuddin speech is for the Hon'ble Supreme Court to decide who are seized of the matter.
Apart from the legal/codal dimensions, there is a moral dimension to the matter. Whether senior politicians like Mr.Modi and Mrs.Gandhi can indulge in such crass communal rhetoric, especially when matters are pending in courts, should be pondered upon.
Whether those who prescribe to the philosophy that 'when a tree falls, the earth shakes' have any right to speak about massacres?
Whether those who give safe passage to most wanted terrorist have any right to speak about terrorism?
Who are the merchants of death and who are not?
ponder...
Wheter Mr.Modi committed contempt of court by his Sohrabuddin speech is for the Hon'ble Supreme Court to decide who are seized of the matter.
Apart from the legal/codal dimensions, there is a moral dimension to the matter. Whether senior politicians like Mr.Modi and Mrs.Gandhi can indulge in such crass communal rhetoric, especially when matters are pending in courts, should be pondered upon.
Whether those who prescribe to the philosophy that 'when a tree falls, the earth shakes' have any right to speak about massacres?
Whether those who give safe passage to most wanted terrorist have any right to speak about terrorism?
Who are the merchants of death and who are not?
ponder...
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Honest Admissison
Today's papers carry a news item that the Hon'bleAP High Court pulled up the Labour Commissioner for stating on affidavit that the Prevention of Child Labour Act is faulty and unimplementable. It is the duty of the Hon'ble Court to ensure compliance to the letter and spirit all legitimate laws duly enacted by the Parliament.
Was the official recaltriant? Was he refusing to implement an Act framed and passed by the collective wisdom of the law makers? After reading the entire report, I feel that the official has been merely candid in his opinion on the implementability of the law at the ground level.
The affidavit, on behalf of the Labour Commissioner, could not have been filed without the clearance of the Law Department. The Hon'ble Court have taken the correct course in asking the government to clarify whether it is indeed its stand.
Now let us see what the government has to say. The reasons mentioned by the Commissioner in the affidavit as reported are:
1) The entire Act itself was faulty as it had no purview to look into the issue of children employed in Factories.
2) Officials facing resistance from the public when they raid shops and hotels.
3) Production of bogus age certificates.
4) Lack of witnesses to book employers.
5) Evasion of the Act on technical grounds.
Now the moot question is whether this Act and similar other Acts, which are made with good intenteions but remain only on paper, are to be reviewed in the light of the ground reality, present socio-economic and law & order situation prevailing in the country or insist on implementation with an iron hand. What sort of system is required to ensure the safety of the officials. Though it is cruel, for myself I feel that we may be snatching the bread from a child's mouth if we ask it to desist from labouring without providing alternative succour.
Despite the level of corruption that prevails in the administrative setup and consequent negative image, there are honest officials who throw up their hands sometimes instead of going through mere motions.
Hon'ble Court will find an answer and give due directives to all concerned.
...ponder
Was the official recaltriant? Was he refusing to implement an Act framed and passed by the collective wisdom of the law makers? After reading the entire report, I feel that the official has been merely candid in his opinion on the implementability of the law at the ground level.
The affidavit, on behalf of the Labour Commissioner, could not have been filed without the clearance of the Law Department. The Hon'ble Court have taken the correct course in asking the government to clarify whether it is indeed its stand.
Now let us see what the government has to say. The reasons mentioned by the Commissioner in the affidavit as reported are:
1) The entire Act itself was faulty as it had no purview to look into the issue of children employed in Factories.
2) Officials facing resistance from the public when they raid shops and hotels.
3) Production of bogus age certificates.
4) Lack of witnesses to book employers.
5) Evasion of the Act on technical grounds.
Now the moot question is whether this Act and similar other Acts, which are made with good intenteions but remain only on paper, are to be reviewed in the light of the ground reality, present socio-economic and law & order situation prevailing in the country or insist on implementation with an iron hand. What sort of system is required to ensure the safety of the officials. Though it is cruel, for myself I feel that we may be snatching the bread from a child's mouth if we ask it to desist from labouring without providing alternative succour.
Despite the level of corruption that prevails in the administrative setup and consequent negative image, there are honest officials who throw up their hands sometimes instead of going through mere motions.
Hon'ble Court will find an answer and give due directives to all concerned.
...ponder
Friday, November 16, 2007
Stretching to ludicrous lengths
I have no quarrel with the demand for separate Telangana. In another blog, I had lamented that this did not happen earlier. But the movement is being taken from the serious to the ludicrous. KCR's statement that 'Telengana' is different from 'Telugu' and his objections to the statues on the tank bund are the latest example. Any student of etymology will know that a language spawns local dialects due to the local practices, interaction with other languages, influence of court language, migration to and from other linquistic areas, etc. But, these are only dialects (Maandaleekamulu) and cannot aspire for language status. The Telugu spoken in Tirupati for example may be subtly different from the one spoken in Srikakulam and vice-versa but it cannot be a reason to them different languages.
There had been a raging controversy a few decades earlier whether Potana belonged to Ontimitta in Rayalaeema or Orugallu in Telangana. This was due to a sense of possessiveness and belonging and not due to rejection.
Everyone knows that earswhile state Hyderabad was ruled for long by various muslim dynasties and not only the court language was Urdu but the medium of instruction was Urdu. There was a keen competitiveness amongst the feudal hindus to curry favour with the ruling class due to which they started imitating them in dress and language. Also since the State, at that time, consisted of Kannada and Maratha speaking areas, it was a melting pot which all in synergy resulted in evolving a hybrid localised dialect which cannot be called a language.
Let us divide the state peacefully and amicably; but let us not divide the people. I have a ffew specific questions:
a) Why the demand for a separate state is confined only to that area which merged into Andhra Pradesh? Why TRS is not demanding all areas which constituted the earstwhile Hyderabad State?
b) If Telugu and Telangana are different, who are the icons of Telangana before the advent of British and Muslims?
c) What is the answer to the concept of Trilinga Desa? Is that also a conspiracy of Coastal Andhras?
d) Are there any examples for medevial literature in Telangana.
e) Why there is total rejection of the idea of separate Telangana State from the Muslims of Hyderabad? What is the stand of MIM on this?
f) Hyderabad is full of UP-ites, Biharis, Rajasthanis, Tamils, Gujatatis. What will be done with them?
g) In which party was KCR belonging to when the statues were being erected and for how many more years he was in that party? Did he object then?
Labelling people like Prakasam, CR Reddy, Veereslingam, Pratapa Reddy as belonging to a particular region is nothing short of blasphemy. They belong to the whole nation. Like-wise Molla Ramayanamu, Vemana Satakamu,Potana Bhagavatamu sre national heritage. Anything to the contrary is pettiness.
Speach is silver; silence is golden!
...Ponder
There had been a raging controversy a few decades earlier whether Potana belonged to Ontimitta in Rayalaeema or Orugallu in Telangana. This was due to a sense of possessiveness and belonging and not due to rejection.
Everyone knows that earswhile state Hyderabad was ruled for long by various muslim dynasties and not only the court language was Urdu but the medium of instruction was Urdu. There was a keen competitiveness amongst the feudal hindus to curry favour with the ruling class due to which they started imitating them in dress and language. Also since the State, at that time, consisted of Kannada and Maratha speaking areas, it was a melting pot which all in synergy resulted in evolving a hybrid localised dialect which cannot be called a language.
Let us divide the state peacefully and amicably; but let us not divide the people. I have a ffew specific questions:
a) Why the demand for a separate state is confined only to that area which merged into Andhra Pradesh? Why TRS is not demanding all areas which constituted the earstwhile Hyderabad State?
b) If Telugu and Telangana are different, who are the icons of Telangana before the advent of British and Muslims?
c) What is the answer to the concept of Trilinga Desa? Is that also a conspiracy of Coastal Andhras?
d) Are there any examples for medevial literature in Telangana.
e) Why there is total rejection of the idea of separate Telangana State from the Muslims of Hyderabad? What is the stand of MIM on this?
f) Hyderabad is full of UP-ites, Biharis, Rajasthanis, Tamils, Gujatatis. What will be done with them?
g) In which party was KCR belonging to when the statues were being erected and for how many more years he was in that party? Did he object then?
Labelling people like Prakasam, CR Reddy, Veereslingam, Pratapa Reddy as belonging to a particular region is nothing short of blasphemy. They belong to the whole nation. Like-wise Molla Ramayanamu, Vemana Satakamu,Potana Bhagavatamu sre national heritage. Anything to the contrary is pettiness.
Speach is silver; silence is golden!
...Ponder
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
IN SEARCH OF AN IDENTITY
It is a foregone conclusion that Telengana State will be formed and the announcement may just precede elections.
It will be worthwhile to create Rayalaseema also simultaneously to spare thte people of a similar demand and trauma later.
Language is no bonding factor and Andhra Pradesh, the first state to be created on linquistic basis, has proved the fallacy.
Actually separate Andhra should have been created in the early seventies but for the perfidity of then Andhra congress leaders, massive CRPF deployment and putting down the movement with a heavy hand and the sleight of hand of Indira Gandhi through the 6-point formula which effectively put a seal of approval against the emotional integration of the three regions.
Now Andhra will have to search for a Capital again. May be a make-shift tent capital initially before a place is decided. There is likely to be another emotional split between the 'toorpu (east)' for Visakhapatnam and 'Padamara (West)' for Vijayawada.
Land sharks and contractor mafia will be the biggest gainers.
There will be another seat of government, another Raj Bhavan, another High Court, etc.etc. which may ease the unemployment problem faced by politicians,administrators, etc.
When Andhra Pradesh was formed it lost not only Madras but everything else like industries, jobs, revenue, educational institutions. History will repeat itself. The truncated state will have to start from scratch.
The new state can even have a new name 'Endrakaya Pradesamu' - crab state.
...ponder
It will be worthwhile to create Rayalaseema also simultaneously to spare thte people of a similar demand and trauma later.
Language is no bonding factor and Andhra Pradesh, the first state to be created on linquistic basis, has proved the fallacy.
Actually separate Andhra should have been created in the early seventies but for the perfidity of then Andhra congress leaders, massive CRPF deployment and putting down the movement with a heavy hand and the sleight of hand of Indira Gandhi through the 6-point formula which effectively put a seal of approval against the emotional integration of the three regions.
Now Andhra will have to search for a Capital again. May be a make-shift tent capital initially before a place is decided. There is likely to be another emotional split between the 'toorpu (east)' for Visakhapatnam and 'Padamara (West)' for Vijayawada.
Land sharks and contractor mafia will be the biggest gainers.
There will be another seat of government, another Raj Bhavan, another High Court, etc.etc. which may ease the unemployment problem faced by politicians,administrators, etc.
When Andhra Pradesh was formed it lost not only Madras but everything else like industries, jobs, revenue, educational institutions. History will repeat itself. The truncated state will have to start from scratch.
The new state can even have a new name 'Endrakaya Pradesamu' - crab state.
...ponder
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Expediency
At one time or the other we all face situations where expediency overrules propriety. For some, this is after the turmoil of dilemma and others without any qualms.
This is only human. Politicians are also humans who behave in inhuman ways. So their expediency overtakes propriety is a habit and without batting of eyelids.
Karuna's 'Tamilness' over rules his 'Indianness' notwithstanding his obligation to uphold the constitution. Rajiv's widow's 'politics' overrule her tragedy despite her earlier tantrums over ATR on various commissisons' reports, specifically against Karuna in particular, and DMK, in general. Jayanti Natarajan's job of 'defending the UPA' overrules her memories of 'identifying Rajiv Ghandhi just by his shoe'. Deve Gowda's need to 'keep the Congress away' overrules his 'Secularism'. BJP's greed for power overrules the 'perfidity of Deve Gowda'.
That is the way of of our supremos! They are the 'Bharata Bhagya Vidhaatas'. Jai Hind
...ponder
This is only human. Politicians are also humans who behave in inhuman ways. So their expediency overtakes propriety is a habit and without batting of eyelids.
Karuna's 'Tamilness' over rules his 'Indianness' notwithstanding his obligation to uphold the constitution. Rajiv's widow's 'politics' overrule her tragedy despite her earlier tantrums over ATR on various commissisons' reports, specifically against Karuna in particular, and DMK, in general. Jayanti Natarajan's job of 'defending the UPA' overrules her memories of 'identifying Rajiv Ghandhi just by his shoe'. Deve Gowda's need to 'keep the Congress away' overrules his 'Secularism'. BJP's greed for power overrules the 'perfidity of Deve Gowda'.
That is the way of of our supremos! They are the 'Bharata Bhagya Vidhaatas'. Jai Hind
...ponder
Monday, October 15, 2007
Faith and Way of Life
Theists follow different faiths. Faith may be crudely described as that attribute in an individual who believes in an Almighty who is omnipotent and omnipresent and rever and fear that super-power. Major faiths like Hinduism, Christianity,Budhism, Islam are in existence - some for thousands of years and some for hundreds. There have been later faiths like Sikhism, Jainism, etc. offshoots of existing faiths. Apart from these, there have been cults like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj,Puttaparti Saibaba Worship, Nirankari, etc. in India and many abroad, which cannot be classified as separate faiths. Many faiths and cults have come up due to the process of reformation that was attempted by enlightened souls and a few by certain charismatic individuals aggrandising themselves. These faiths/cults have not only been giving spiritual solace but also dictating the way of life - as an individul and as a part of society.
But, the question today is whether faith should continue to dictate the way of life in our changed times which changes were not foreseen by the 'seers' of yore. No doubt some acceptance to change has crept in like rejection of 'Varna Ashrama Dharma' in Hinduism, that the world is spherical and not flat in Christianity, etc. But there are innumerable aspects of our life, individually and collectively, in all faiths which are still dictated by faith quite irrationally and followed to letter.
Especially in the context of Secularism and Pluralism, where modern organs of State follow certain precepts which should ideally be sweepingly uniform irrespective of the faiths of individuals, which should reign supreme, the article of faith or the injunction of the State?
We have been and are facing religious intolerance. Not only between two religious but of intra-religious variety too. Examples could be between Vaishnavites and Saivites within Hinduism during medivial times, between Roman Catholics and Protestants, between Shias and Sunnis, etc. If we analyse the differences which cause this friction, we can easily discern that the reasons are certain practices or due to fight for hagaemony (of power and/or pelf). Rarely, they are for spiritual reasons.
Today the consequences of inter/intra-religious intolerance have reached disastrous proportions. It is time to ponder and separate way of life from faith because the most visible trigger is the way of life and and not the spiritual espousal. A person who has the spiritual wisdom and goes through the scriptures himself, will always accept pluralism. It is only those who impose their tyranny on the masses, with a particular way of life, which is the most visible symbol, do not accept pluralism. In a country like India, if pluralism is not inculcated and tolerated, we are doomed.
The State has a responsibility in this and should exercise its might in discharging this responsibility.
ponder...
But, the question today is whether faith should continue to dictate the way of life in our changed times which changes were not foreseen by the 'seers' of yore. No doubt some acceptance to change has crept in like rejection of 'Varna Ashrama Dharma' in Hinduism, that the world is spherical and not flat in Christianity, etc. But there are innumerable aspects of our life, individually and collectively, in all faiths which are still dictated by faith quite irrationally and followed to letter.
Especially in the context of Secularism and Pluralism, where modern organs of State follow certain precepts which should ideally be sweepingly uniform irrespective of the faiths of individuals, which should reign supreme, the article of faith or the injunction of the State?
We have been and are facing religious intolerance. Not only between two religious but of intra-religious variety too. Examples could be between Vaishnavites and Saivites within Hinduism during medivial times, between Roman Catholics and Protestants, between Shias and Sunnis, etc. If we analyse the differences which cause this friction, we can easily discern that the reasons are certain practices or due to fight for hagaemony (of power and/or pelf). Rarely, they are for spiritual reasons.
Today the consequences of inter/intra-religious intolerance have reached disastrous proportions. It is time to ponder and separate way of life from faith because the most visible trigger is the way of life and and not the spiritual espousal. A person who has the spiritual wisdom and goes through the scriptures himself, will always accept pluralism. It is only those who impose their tyranny on the masses, with a particular way of life, which is the most visible symbol, do not accept pluralism. In a country like India, if pluralism is not inculcated and tolerated, we are doomed.
The State has a responsibility in this and should exercise its might in discharging this responsibility.
ponder...
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The Riddle of Yaksha
One of the significant episodes in Mahabharata is the 'Yaksha Prasna' where the question and answer session between Yama and Dharma Raja (father and son) is narrated. Yama queries as to what is the most astounding thing in this world, and Dharma Raja replies that persons grieving for the dead is the most astounding thing as death is inevitable and the person grieving has also to follow.
This may be relevant for those times, may be.
But today do we grieve a person's death? or the material loss it has created? In other words do we grieve one's absence or the absence of the comforts that used to accrue from the person's living?
People routinely say 'so and so's death is an irrepairable loss or the void cannot be filled. They may be literally true. If a pensioner dies, there is a permenent loss of income. If a grandparent dies, the loss is of an unpaid and dependable baby-sitter.
So today's grief may be more natural and truthful though for different reasons and since a reason valid is there, this grief may not be astounding anymore in our times. I don't know what will be Dharma Raja's answer will be today.
Ponder...
This may be relevant for those times, may be.
But today do we grieve a person's death? or the material loss it has created? In other words do we grieve one's absence or the absence of the comforts that used to accrue from the person's living?
People routinely say 'so and so's death is an irrepairable loss or the void cannot be filled. They may be literally true. If a pensioner dies, there is a permenent loss of income. If a grandparent dies, the loss is of an unpaid and dependable baby-sitter.
So today's grief may be more natural and truthful though for different reasons and since a reason valid is there, this grief may not be astounding anymore in our times. I don't know what will be Dharma Raja's answer will be today.
Ponder...
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
LAND OF INDIRAMMA AND RAJIV GANDHI
Andhra Pradesh, or, the three pieces of it tenuously held together for the time being is truly a land of milk and honey. Free electricity, free houses, free land (thanks to Communists all it takes is wear a red shirt and plant a flag), abundance of land at prime places for SEZs for throw away prices, mega irrigation projects, plenty of rains (Varuna has joined Congress), Kubera is expected to join Congress. All this is due to the blessings showered on this land by Indiramma and Rajivayya.
All these achievements cause envy. Hence, reports like Gautami, Jegurupadu, Konaseema and Vemagiri sitting on top of gas reserves not being able to generate a single MW due to starvation of gas. Don't believe them. They are in cahoots with the opposition. They will be taken care by raids and demolitions; Courts can have thier own opinion.
Now we are going to have one more blessing. Rahul Gandhi! With his success in the Assembly elections in his home state under his belt, he is the Messiah who will further escalate the fortunes of the Congress and the State soon.
People say that there is only one Ordnance Factory at Yeddumailaram that too in a moribund state. Dont believe this also. All lies. This state has several Ordnance Factories. Go to Mecca Masjid or Laser Show or Gokul Chat for proof of existence.
Telugus have no history of their own. They have no heros. No icons. Dont despair. Indiramma and Rajivayya have made good this vacuum.
Ponder....
All these achievements cause envy. Hence, reports like Gautami, Jegurupadu, Konaseema and Vemagiri sitting on top of gas reserves not being able to generate a single MW due to starvation of gas. Don't believe them. They are in cahoots with the opposition. They will be taken care by raids and demolitions; Courts can have thier own opinion.
Now we are going to have one more blessing. Rahul Gandhi! With his success in the Assembly elections in his home state under his belt, he is the Messiah who will further escalate the fortunes of the Congress and the State soon.
People say that there is only one Ordnance Factory at Yeddumailaram that too in a moribund state. Dont believe this also. All lies. This state has several Ordnance Factories. Go to Mecca Masjid or Laser Show or Gokul Chat for proof of existence.
Telugus have no history of their own. They have no heros. No icons. Dont despair. Indiramma and Rajivayya have made good this vacuum.
Ponder....
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Don'ts for Media
The other day while I was passing on the tank bund, I saw a commotion. One shirtless youngman was rushing towards the railing trailed by a battery of video/still photographers. He then sat on the railing and was talking to the microphones. My vehicle moved on. Next day I saw a news-item with a good-sized photo in the papers that a person claiming to be the head of an outfitcalled Rahul Priyanka Brigade attempted suicide in protest against the behaviour of opposition parties. The photo showed two expert swimmers with lifebuoys holding our leader.
Now this was nothing but a fraud. The plunger, the rescuers, the mediamen all knew that what is being enacted is a drama and were willing participants whether under the influence of power or pelf.
I would suggest a few don'ts for the print as well as visual media:-
1) Do not participate in sham events.
2) Do not cover events which result in traffic chaos.
3) Do not cover events which are obscurant superstitions are depicted.
4) Do not cover events depicting violence especially on women and children; evev enacted ones.
5) Do not show visuals showing damaging of private/public property during the course of demonstrations/protests.
6) Do not show victims of violence or traffic accidents on close-ups in gory detail.
Our society has degenerated enough. Media should not accelerate the process.
...ponder
Now this was nothing but a fraud. The plunger, the rescuers, the mediamen all knew that what is being enacted is a drama and were willing participants whether under the influence of power or pelf.
I would suggest a few don'ts for the print as well as visual media:-
1) Do not participate in sham events.
2) Do not cover events which result in traffic chaos.
3) Do not cover events which are obscurant superstitions are depicted.
4) Do not cover events depicting violence especially on women and children; evev enacted ones.
5) Do not show visuals showing damaging of private/public property during the course of demonstrations/protests.
6) Do not show victims of violence or traffic accidents on close-ups in gory detail.
Our society has degenerated enough. Media should not accelerate the process.
...ponder
Friday, August 17, 2007
Responsible Media
About a month ago while passing on the Tank Bund, I noticed a sudden commotion. One bare chested youth was rushing towards the tank railing trailed by a battery of still and video photographers. He sat on the railing and was hectoring to the battery of mikes. By that time I moved out of the vision. Next day in the papers I saw a news item, accompanied by a good sized photo of his rescue from the lake by expert swimmers, that he was heading an organisation called Rahul Priyanka Brigade and that he tried to commit suicide in protest against the behaviour of the opposition parties towards the benign congress government.
His arrival with a battery of cameramen and next day's coverage in print and visual media tells its own story of this sham episode and the absymal depths to which the media has sunk. They have succumbed either to power or pelf.
I would request the media to indulge in some introspection. Covering such fraud is not only immoral but also diminishes their own credibility. They encourage innocent people into committing such acts without proper back up resulting in tragedy.
I would suggest a few don'ts to the media for overall good of the society:
1) Do not cover any rallies/marches/demonstrations that disrupt traffic.
2) Do not cover any gruesome crime in graphic detail; especially in enacted dramatisation. This is teaching impressionable to commit crimes.
3) Do not show graphic details of accident/crime victims.
4) Do not repeat the same footage in one single telecast; this is abnoxious and tiresome.
5) Do not cover pre-planned frauds as described earlier. News has to be necessary spontaneous and not contrived.
6) Do not cover demonstrations involving violence/destruction of property.
7) Coverage of any news story should not be one-sided. Space must be given for all shades of opinion.
8) Reporting should be even handed. No kid glove treatment for a certain party and hostile treatment for another.
9) Do not crawl when you are asked to bend.
These are but a few. Media is the fourth pillar of our democracy. Where as there are rules and regulations for the other three, media should not misuse its liberty.
...ponder
His arrival with a battery of cameramen and next day's coverage in print and visual media tells its own story of this sham episode and the absymal depths to which the media has sunk. They have succumbed either to power or pelf.
I would request the media to indulge in some introspection. Covering such fraud is not only immoral but also diminishes their own credibility. They encourage innocent people into committing such acts without proper back up resulting in tragedy.
I would suggest a few don'ts to the media for overall good of the society:
1) Do not cover any rallies/marches/demonstrations that disrupt traffic.
2) Do not cover any gruesome crime in graphic detail; especially in enacted dramatisation. This is teaching impressionable to commit crimes.
3) Do not show graphic details of accident/crime victims.
4) Do not repeat the same footage in one single telecast; this is abnoxious and tiresome.
5) Do not cover pre-planned frauds as described earlier. News has to be necessary spontaneous and not contrived.
6) Do not cover demonstrations involving violence/destruction of property.
7) Coverage of any news story should not be one-sided. Space must be given for all shades of opinion.
8) Reporting should be even handed. No kid glove treatment for a certain party and hostile treatment for another.
9) Do not crawl when you are asked to bend.
These are but a few. Media is the fourth pillar of our democracy. Where as there are rules and regulations for the other three, media should not misuse its liberty.
...ponder
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Dignity of High Office
This is the age of transparency and skeletons tumbling out sooner is better than later. Since the People, who are not the electors, are already inured to high offices being debased, dignity is a non-issue here.
Despite Article 74, there can be individuals or situations, when the President can be proactive. Just recollect how the President directly interacted with the American Ambassador and UK High Commissioner when the PM was busy defending his Defense Minister in 1962.
I am afraid undue expectations from the present hapless contestants, are being aroused which was not the case earlier. Only time will tell whether the eventual occupant will measure up to the call of duties or she/he is also a frail human being. Just to refresh the memory how some past individuals performed, let me give a very few critical examples.
One President swore in an individual as PM who was yet to be elected the leader of the majority party in Parliament. The icing on the cake was that he later unsuccessfully conspired to unseat him.
Another President signed proclamation of Emergency without a Cabinet resolution.
Yet another President dismissed a state Government in comfortable majority even without a Governor’s report.
If we diligently catalogue, the list will be very long indeed. So the future incumbent need not worry that only lofty precedents are to be lived up to though that would be ideal. Our country is resilient. Let us be happy and watch the fun like Laxman’s Common Man.
Despite Article 74, there can be individuals or situations, when the President can be proactive. Just recollect how the President directly interacted with the American Ambassador and UK High Commissioner when the PM was busy defending his Defense Minister in 1962.
I am afraid undue expectations from the present hapless contestants, are being aroused which was not the case earlier. Only time will tell whether the eventual occupant will measure up to the call of duties or she/he is also a frail human being. Just to refresh the memory how some past individuals performed, let me give a very few critical examples.
One President swore in an individual as PM who was yet to be elected the leader of the majority party in Parliament. The icing on the cake was that he later unsuccessfully conspired to unseat him.
Another President signed proclamation of Emergency without a Cabinet resolution.
Yet another President dismissed a state Government in comfortable majority even without a Governor’s report.
If we diligently catalogue, the list will be very long indeed. So the future incumbent need not worry that only lofty precedents are to be lived up to though that would be ideal. Our country is resilient. Let us be happy and watch the fun like Laxman’s Common Man.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Snehalata Reddy, Sanjay Dutt and Film Fraternity
Ever since Sanjay Dutt had been sentenced and sent away to jail, the film fraternity is acting as if some subversion of justice had occured and an innocent has been made a fall guy. There is a talk of candle light vigil, protests, support, appeals, etc. Those indulging in this shrill cacaphony include the 'patriotism monopolists' like Shatrughan Sinha and 'Champions of secularism' like Mahesh Bhatt.
In this context, I would like to refresh the memory of some of my age who had seen emergency days and enlighten youngsters, who were too young at that time or were not even born, to the persona of Late Mrs. Snehalata Reddy and what happened to her.
Snehalata Reddy was a very sensitive artiste and wife of a sensitive director late Mr.Pattabhirama Reddy. Both had acquired international fame with their movies like 'Samskara'. Basically they belonged to the upper crust of the society solely immersed in creativity of the highest order with thier own political beliefs.
Despite their political beliefs and association with people like George Fernandez and other socialists, both the Reddys were law abiding, did not dabble with terrorism or befriend objectionable and potential plotters of mayhem and assassins of the innocent.
During emergency, when fundamental rights were abrogated and the Hon'ble courts held that there is no right to life enshrined in the constitution, there was an arrest warrant pending against George Fernandez who was underground. On the mere suspicion that Snehalata Reddy sheltered Fernandez, she was arrested and put in jail. No formal case nor any trial.
Her health was frail. She was not a hardened criminal to take the vagaries of jail life in her stride. (It may be worthwhile to recollect here that the likes of Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia and Maharani of Jaipur were kept in death row cells.) Such was the vindictiveness. Her health steadily deteriorated. She was released without a case almost on the day she breathed her last.
Now, let us juxtapose this episode in our national shame with that of Sanjay Dutt's. Sanjay Dutt had cases booked against him. He was afforded a long drawn trial during which time for nearly 90% of the time he went about his life nonchalently. He had a very fair and upright judge who was quite lenient to him. Even while sentensing him, the judge showed his sympathy due to a mis-guided but dangerous-to-society youth. Sanjay Dutt still has further avenue open to him. Due process of law has been ensured and is being ensursed. His crime is such that except for a Presidential pardon, he cannot be condoned without subverting the law.
What happened to Snehalata Reddy? No chargesheet. No trial. No bail. No privileges but an accelerated death given with the heavy hand of a tyrant. Where was the film fraternity then? Where were these secularists and apologists of criminals? Where are they even today? Do they recollect her name or are they too embarassed to be bothered? Will they hold a candle light vigil on her death day now?
Ponder...
In this context, I would like to refresh the memory of some of my age who had seen emergency days and enlighten youngsters, who were too young at that time or were not even born, to the persona of Late Mrs. Snehalata Reddy and what happened to her.
Snehalata Reddy was a very sensitive artiste and wife of a sensitive director late Mr.Pattabhirama Reddy. Both had acquired international fame with their movies like 'Samskara'. Basically they belonged to the upper crust of the society solely immersed in creativity of the highest order with thier own political beliefs.
Despite their political beliefs and association with people like George Fernandez and other socialists, both the Reddys were law abiding, did not dabble with terrorism or befriend objectionable and potential plotters of mayhem and assassins of the innocent.
During emergency, when fundamental rights were abrogated and the Hon'ble courts held that there is no right to life enshrined in the constitution, there was an arrest warrant pending against George Fernandez who was underground. On the mere suspicion that Snehalata Reddy sheltered Fernandez, she was arrested and put in jail. No formal case nor any trial.
Her health was frail. She was not a hardened criminal to take the vagaries of jail life in her stride. (It may be worthwhile to recollect here that the likes of Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia and Maharani of Jaipur were kept in death row cells.) Such was the vindictiveness. Her health steadily deteriorated. She was released without a case almost on the day she breathed her last.
Now, let us juxtapose this episode in our national shame with that of Sanjay Dutt's. Sanjay Dutt had cases booked against him. He was afforded a long drawn trial during which time for nearly 90% of the time he went about his life nonchalently. He had a very fair and upright judge who was quite lenient to him. Even while sentensing him, the judge showed his sympathy due to a mis-guided but dangerous-to-society youth. Sanjay Dutt still has further avenue open to him. Due process of law has been ensured and is being ensursed. His crime is such that except for a Presidential pardon, he cannot be condoned without subverting the law.
What happened to Snehalata Reddy? No chargesheet. No trial. No bail. No privileges but an accelerated death given with the heavy hand of a tyrant. Where was the film fraternity then? Where were these secularists and apologists of criminals? Where are they even today? Do they recollect her name or are they too embarassed to be bothered? Will they hold a candle light vigil on her death day now?
Ponder...
Monday, July 23, 2007
Cruelty to Animals
The other day it was shown on a Telugu channel the feed that was being given to two prized bulls of Ongole breed in Andhra Pradesh. The proud owner was shown feeding dozens of eggs, kgs of fish and meat topping it all with beer! The bulls were being force fed by hands thrust down their throats. They are not eating naturally. They have been shown to be kept in comfortable surroundings inside the four walls with air-coolers, mattresses,etc. The preening wife of the farmer gushed that he takes better care of the bulls than the family.
I read somewhere that mad-cow disease originated with feeding the livestock with the remains of cows after culling them to human needs. If I am wrong, some reader may kindly correct me.
I was disturbed by the scene itself and the repeated airing by the channel. This may goad others to imitate.
Now the species in question as I understood till now are herbivorious and feeding them animal products may be like taking banned steroids to grow muscles. If humans are thus protected by law against consuming harmful substances, why the animals are not protected and who will protect them?
I would like to draw the attention of Blue Cross/SPCA/other NGOs and animal lovers like Mrs.Maneka Gandhi and Mrs.Amala to ponder over. I dont know whether this is an accepted practice and my noise is childish.
Do animals have the right to graze peacefully in their natural habitat with some extra bio products like fodder, bran, etc. supplementing or they do not? Do they need beer?
Ponder...
I read somewhere that mad-cow disease originated with feeding the livestock with the remains of cows after culling them to human needs. If I am wrong, some reader may kindly correct me.
I was disturbed by the scene itself and the repeated airing by the channel. This may goad others to imitate.
Now the species in question as I understood till now are herbivorious and feeding them animal products may be like taking banned steroids to grow muscles. If humans are thus protected by law against consuming harmful substances, why the animals are not protected and who will protect them?
I would like to draw the attention of Blue Cross/SPCA/other NGOs and animal lovers like Mrs.Maneka Gandhi and Mrs.Amala to ponder over. I dont know whether this is an accepted practice and my noise is childish.
Do animals have the right to graze peacefully in their natural habitat with some extra bio products like fodder, bran, etc. supplementing or they do not? Do they need beer?
Ponder...
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Pain and Anger
Pain and Anger are two different emotions. Sometimes pain is misunderstood as anger. Pain and anger are both essential for the well being of a person as pain is a symptom of something wrong and anger, within reason, a safety valve.
When a person's likes, dislikes, wishes, desires, values, etc. are known but persistentky violated, it causes pain. At a certain point pain may turn into anger.
Anger will melt but pain will persist.
We should discriminate between pain and anger and deal with a particular person or situation accordingly. Pain should not be belittled.
In the nature of things and because of law of averages, a good lot of pain is caused to persons without anybody intending it. However, our endeavour should be not to cause any intentional pain or even anger, ever. Elders should especially try to practice this as, as experienced ones, they have to set the example.
Anger is a baser emotion but pain is not.
Ponder...
When a person's likes, dislikes, wishes, desires, values, etc. are known but persistentky violated, it causes pain. At a certain point pain may turn into anger.
Anger will melt but pain will persist.
We should discriminate between pain and anger and deal with a particular person or situation accordingly. Pain should not be belittled.
In the nature of things and because of law of averages, a good lot of pain is caused to persons without anybody intending it. However, our endeavour should be not to cause any intentional pain or even anger, ever. Elders should especially try to practice this as, as experienced ones, they have to set the example.
Anger is a baser emotion but pain is not.
Ponder...
Friday, July 6, 2007
Quotes
'Without much warmth of heart or depth of brain'.
'Mediocrity of an unchanged mind'.
'Capacity for hard work, speed of comprehension and courtesy in dealing'.
'For the sake of a cheap phrase, he exploded his reputation'.
'Tone rather than content'.
'Chief mourner at his own protracted funeral'.
'Conscious of his inadequacies and eager to repair them'.
'Competitive will power than the desire for recreational plesaure'.
'He had the good sense to see that his future did not lie in diligently awaiting promotion'.
'An able but obstinate man is one who joins the brain of a statesman to the susceptibilities of a mule'.
'If you anticipate, you only use up some of the pleasure of the moment in advance'.
'Inherent squaller of financial disputes within families'.
'Who only liked doing what he did well'.
'Mediocrity of an unchanged mind'.
'Capacity for hard work, speed of comprehension and courtesy in dealing'.
'For the sake of a cheap phrase, he exploded his reputation'.
'Tone rather than content'.
'Chief mourner at his own protracted funeral'.
'Conscious of his inadequacies and eager to repair them'.
'Competitive will power than the desire for recreational plesaure'.
'He had the good sense to see that his future did not lie in diligently awaiting promotion'.
'An able but obstinate man is one who joins the brain of a statesman to the susceptibilities of a mule'.
'If you anticipate, you only use up some of the pleasure of the moment in advance'.
'Inherent squaller of financial disputes within families'.
'Who only liked doing what he did well'.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Man, The Slave of Machine
It had been predicted by some sci-fi writers that man will eventually become the slave of the machine created by himself. I think to some extent this has already become true.
Today while travelling or in company, people do not talk to each other but to the mobile phone and if they are not talking to it, they are fiddling with it.
Those possessing computers interact only with computers all their waking hours. They have no time even for their normal biological needs like eating, sleeping, etc.
Those possessing bikes/cars are so obsessed with them they think/dream only bikes/cars and its next model.
There are no human emotions except in Soaps on TV.
Information is to be assessed only from a machine and not from a fellow human being as the machine is reliable and the human is not.
Even train announcements are made by machines with that mechanical dis-jointed voice with no modulation. Machine language!
People cannot do without remote whether it is TV or curtains or window glasses. Human hand cannot perform fundamental functions.
Even conceiving is more and more in the machine mode rather than natural with so many avoiding the bother of marriage and preferring single parenthood.
The child to be born or to be aborted is also decided by the machine. They think for us.
Owner's Pride and Neighbour's Envy is only about a Machine!
Doctors do not feel the pulse they scan.
The empire has already struck back!
Ponder...
Today while travelling or in company, people do not talk to each other but to the mobile phone and if they are not talking to it, they are fiddling with it.
Those possessing computers interact only with computers all their waking hours. They have no time even for their normal biological needs like eating, sleeping, etc.
Those possessing bikes/cars are so obsessed with them they think/dream only bikes/cars and its next model.
There are no human emotions except in Soaps on TV.
Information is to be assessed only from a machine and not from a fellow human being as the machine is reliable and the human is not.
Even train announcements are made by machines with that mechanical dis-jointed voice with no modulation. Machine language!
People cannot do without remote whether it is TV or curtains or window glasses. Human hand cannot perform fundamental functions.
Even conceiving is more and more in the machine mode rather than natural with so many avoiding the bother of marriage and preferring single parenthood.
The child to be born or to be aborted is also decided by the machine. They think for us.
Owner's Pride and Neighbour's Envy is only about a Machine!
Doctors do not feel the pulse they scan.
The empire has already struck back!
Ponder...
Monday, June 25, 2007
What is wrong with Telugu people?
I had some work in the Andhra Bank at Kakinada some years back. I found the forms there for various activities were bi-lingual - in English and Hindi. Now, Andhra Bank may be a nationalised bank but was founded by Late Sri Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitharamayya and by its nomenclature itself identified with Telugus. It is there only to provide service to its customers. How many in Kakinada need the help of Hindi to be served in a bank? This is nothing but tyranny on Telugus.
I would like to know as to in how many Central Schools in AP, Telugu is taught. Even in project schools, where the employees are not generally transferred, telugu is not taught in quite a few. Students, whose mother tongue is Telugu are deprived of even elementary knowledge of their language. In UP Telugu was supposed to be taught as a third language but is not being taught, I know for sure.
Important buildings, monuments, schemes, etc. are not named after Telugu heroes in AP. Why should we not comommorate our heroes. Why Ambedkar when Sanjivayya is available. Why not a Kannamadasu or Joshua if somebody from a particular community is to be named after?
Why do we oblitrate our own hoary history? Why this official censorship? How many Telugus know about the sacrifices done by Duggirala Goplakrishniah? He stands at par with Subhash Chandra Bose in preferring freedom struggle to joining ICS to which he was also selected. In which syllabus is the Chirala-Perala movement included? How many know about V.B.Raju, an outstanding parliamentarian and epitome of honesty? Are not the erudition, honesty in public life, sacrifices made by giants like Tenneti Viswanatham, Vavilala Gopalakrishniah, Tanguturi Prakasam, Veeresalingam, Joshua worthy of being told to future generations?
Apart from official censorship, there is another aspect at which I wonder. You find Subhash Chandra Boses, Jawaharlal Nehrus, Stalins, Lenins and even Hitler amongst Telugus but alas no Prakasam or Durga Bai! How broad-minded we Telugus are!
We experience the cacophony of hindi patriotic songs on Independence/Republic Days in AP but no Ghantasala or Suryakumari. No songs like Maakoddu yee Tella Dora Tanam. No songs of Garimella. How many know such exist.
I have seen India in its length and breadth but I find this trait peculiar only to Telugus.
Ponder...
I would like to know as to in how many Central Schools in AP, Telugu is taught. Even in project schools, where the employees are not generally transferred, telugu is not taught in quite a few. Students, whose mother tongue is Telugu are deprived of even elementary knowledge of their language. In UP Telugu was supposed to be taught as a third language but is not being taught, I know for sure.
Important buildings, monuments, schemes, etc. are not named after Telugu heroes in AP. Why should we not comommorate our heroes. Why Ambedkar when Sanjivayya is available. Why not a Kannamadasu or Joshua if somebody from a particular community is to be named after?
Why do we oblitrate our own hoary history? Why this official censorship? How many Telugus know about the sacrifices done by Duggirala Goplakrishniah? He stands at par with Subhash Chandra Bose in preferring freedom struggle to joining ICS to which he was also selected. In which syllabus is the Chirala-Perala movement included? How many know about V.B.Raju, an outstanding parliamentarian and epitome of honesty? Are not the erudition, honesty in public life, sacrifices made by giants like Tenneti Viswanatham, Vavilala Gopalakrishniah, Tanguturi Prakasam, Veeresalingam, Joshua worthy of being told to future generations?
Apart from official censorship, there is another aspect at which I wonder. You find Subhash Chandra Boses, Jawaharlal Nehrus, Stalins, Lenins and even Hitler amongst Telugus but alas no Prakasam or Durga Bai! How broad-minded we Telugus are!
We experience the cacophony of hindi patriotic songs on Independence/Republic Days in AP but no Ghantasala or Suryakumari. No songs like Maakoddu yee Tella Dora Tanam. No songs of Garimella. How many know such exist.
I have seen India in its length and breadth but I find this trait peculiar only to Telugus.
Ponder...
Sunday, June 24, 2007
A few questions to Sashi Tharoor
This is one more blog to discuss and debate about which Sashi Thaoor is nostalgic in his artilce in Sunday Times today. I will neither denigrate him nor agree with him but simply pose a few questions.
a) Does he think that there are only fanatic and moderate hindus? What about the secularists who muddy the Hindu waters more than the fanatics?
b) Does 'Staying away' amount to running away from law or not? What is the difference between Q and H?
c) Does the fact that 'nudity was a staple of Indian Art and sculpture for millennia' gives licence to artistes now to create an atmosphere not conducive at the present juncture of 'communal' and 'secular' politics? Is there a voice of sanity or a towering personality who can pull this country out of the present mess? If our traditions of bygone era are to be replicated now, even by a fringe, will it not lead to prosecution or law and order problems? For example Can certain classes of people denied entry into temple as that was the case then? Are we to go into a time wrap or be aware of current tensions and avoid them.
d) In Sashi's opinion, if demolition of Babri Masjid was denigration of Hinduism, then demolition of thousands of temples in India was denigration of which religion? Demolition of Bamian Budha is denigration of which religion?
e) Sometime back, 'The Hindu' today's champion of secularism, started a comic strip in its weekly children's section on the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). This was not a caricature but a healthy and interesting way of imparting moral education to young minds through parables. There were protests on portraying the Holy Prophet. The secular 'The Hindu' promptly stopped the feature and on top proferred a grovelling apology. Sashi, what is your stand on this episode?
a) Does he think that there are only fanatic and moderate hindus? What about the secularists who muddy the Hindu waters more than the fanatics?
b) Does 'Staying away' amount to running away from law or not? What is the difference between Q and H?
c) Does the fact that 'nudity was a staple of Indian Art and sculpture for millennia' gives licence to artistes now to create an atmosphere not conducive at the present juncture of 'communal' and 'secular' politics? Is there a voice of sanity or a towering personality who can pull this country out of the present mess? If our traditions of bygone era are to be replicated now, even by a fringe, will it not lead to prosecution or law and order problems? For example Can certain classes of people denied entry into temple as that was the case then? Are we to go into a time wrap or be aware of current tensions and avoid them.
d) In Sashi's opinion, if demolition of Babri Masjid was denigration of Hinduism, then demolition of thousands of temples in India was denigration of which religion? Demolition of Bamian Budha is denigration of which religion?
e) Sometime back, 'The Hindu' today's champion of secularism, started a comic strip in its weekly children's section on the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). This was not a caricature but a healthy and interesting way of imparting moral education to young minds through parables. There were protests on portraying the Holy Prophet. The secular 'The Hindu' promptly stopped the feature and on top proferred a grovelling apology. Sashi, what is your stand on this episode?
Friday, June 22, 2007
Oral Traditions of India
Men must have been definitely communicating amongst themselves before invention of script. Even after invention of script, which must have been the preserve of the privileged few, record of events, epics, traditions, stories of valour, songs, etc. must have been passed on from generation to generation through oral tradition.
In India even after the advent of script, Vedas were to be learnt only from a Guru though oral rendition and never through reading. One reason could be the need for chaste pronounciation and correct intonation (swara). Another reason could be the selfish desire to keep it the preserve of a few.
On another plane, till the advent of gadgets like phonogram, record-player, tape recorder, etc. music was preserved entirely in the minds of a few and passed on to the disciples through word of mouth. Not only the lyrics, but the entire style (Bani or Gharana) was preserved and carried forward by the Gurus and Sishyas through oral tradition. This is true especially in Indian context because, notation is just not possible as in the case of western classical music, as Indian music, whether Carnatic or Hindustani, is based on Manodharma or innovation on the spot and not put in a straightjacket.
It is mind boggling to realise that there were and are well-versed veda pandits who could chant thousands and thousands of lines from memory even while learning new lessons and practicing what was learnt already.
Likewise, the reportaire of an eminent singer, who can elaborate a raga, brings everything from out of his memory improvising the style and duration for that particular occasion, particular mood, particular audience, is also something to marvel.
Likewise historical events, mythological stories, etc. are sung by illiterates all learnt by rote. There were songs for every occasion and every chore to lessen the burden of the task or for mere merriment. All these are passed on through oral tradition.
The tradition of making children commit to memory is a continuation of this process.
If we are to preserve the vast trease trove of our culture, epics, sagas, language, history, we should nurture our tradition of imparting knowledge by rote. Mere publication or recording alone will simply not be adequate.
One food for thought! How many mothers can sing a lullaby today?
Ponder...
In India even after the advent of script, Vedas were to be learnt only from a Guru though oral rendition and never through reading. One reason could be the need for chaste pronounciation and correct intonation (swara). Another reason could be the selfish desire to keep it the preserve of a few.
On another plane, till the advent of gadgets like phonogram, record-player, tape recorder, etc. music was preserved entirely in the minds of a few and passed on to the disciples through word of mouth. Not only the lyrics, but the entire style (Bani or Gharana) was preserved and carried forward by the Gurus and Sishyas through oral tradition. This is true especially in Indian context because, notation is just not possible as in the case of western classical music, as Indian music, whether Carnatic or Hindustani, is based on Manodharma or innovation on the spot and not put in a straightjacket.
It is mind boggling to realise that there were and are well-versed veda pandits who could chant thousands and thousands of lines from memory even while learning new lessons and practicing what was learnt already.
Likewise, the reportaire of an eminent singer, who can elaborate a raga, brings everything from out of his memory improvising the style and duration for that particular occasion, particular mood, particular audience, is also something to marvel.
Likewise historical events, mythological stories, etc. are sung by illiterates all learnt by rote. There were songs for every occasion and every chore to lessen the burden of the task or for mere merriment. All these are passed on through oral tradition.
The tradition of making children commit to memory is a continuation of this process.
If we are to preserve the vast trease trove of our culture, epics, sagas, language, history, we should nurture our tradition of imparting knowledge by rote. Mere publication or recording alone will simply not be adequate.
One food for thought! How many mothers can sing a lullaby today?
Ponder...
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The Serious Business of Humour
Today a few extracts from Paul Brunton's 'A Hermit in the Himalayas'
"During all my wanderings in the mystic courts of Heavens, I have yet to notice any prohibitory announcement upon the walls proclaiming that laughter is prohibited."
"After all, it is better to jest and joke about this ephemeral life of ours than to imitate the undertaker. Life wihout its sprinkling of humour is like soup without salt - it lacks savor. We must laugh if life is to be made endurable. If nature has not made us a little frivolous, we would be most wretched. It is because we are frivolous that the majority do not hang themselves."
"Life is mostly tolerable if we are able to laugh at it."
"Humour is a mysterious quality which the gods have given to the fallen mankind as a soporific substitute for the divine exaltation it has lost. It provides an excellent way of liberating oneself from the dismal effects of misfortunes, from drab environments, from unpleasant realities and persons, but above all from one's personal ego. A man who can laugh at himselh has to that extent acquired some degree of impersonality."
"During all my wanderings in the mystic courts of Heavens, I have yet to notice any prohibitory announcement upon the walls proclaiming that laughter is prohibited."
"After all, it is better to jest and joke about this ephemeral life of ours than to imitate the undertaker. Life wihout its sprinkling of humour is like soup without salt - it lacks savor. We must laugh if life is to be made endurable. If nature has not made us a little frivolous, we would be most wretched. It is because we are frivolous that the majority do not hang themselves."
"Life is mostly tolerable if we are able to laugh at it."
"Humour is a mysterious quality which the gods have given to the fallen mankind as a soporific substitute for the divine exaltation it has lost. It provides an excellent way of liberating oneself from the dismal effects of misfortunes, from drab environments, from unpleasant realities and persons, but above all from one's personal ego. A man who can laugh at himselh has to that extent acquired some degree of impersonality."
Monday, June 18, 2007
Yoga Karma Su-Kaushalam
It should be our endeavour to do any job to the best of our ability. We should embed this thought in our mind while doing even the trivial of routine chores.
Now what is doing to the best of one's ability? How to achieve best results?
First we should have Asana Soukhyam i.e. we should adopt the correct posture, which is least tiring, ergonomic and comfortable. Proper work table, etc. should be ensured.
Most of the appliances are accompanied by maintenance manuals. These should be studied and preserved for ready reference.
We should have all the tools, implements, gauges, etc. readily available like the arrangements made in an O.T. There should be no searching while on the job. We see professional artisans arriving to attend to repairs without tools. Most common experience is their arriving without a ladder when the complaint is attending to fuses, wiring, etc. at a height. They drag expensive furniture and climb on them with scant regard to the damage they cause. Many a time they put themselves into danger. In West it is stated, workers come with all sorts of tools and are well prepared to tackle any need. This is lacking in India.
Tendency to borrow tools is abhorring. One should possess oneself all that may be commonly needed like screw drivers, pliers, hammer, etc. Generally the tendency is to borrow tools, damage them or lose them or not return them without being reminded.
Other common needs like nails, screws, washers, etc. should always be stored and not sought only when there is a need.
Conscious regard for personal safety, safety of others and safety of equipment is another pre-requisite. Elementary precautions like switching off power supply before attending to electrical faults, disconnecting appliances before attending to them, are some examples.
There should be a sort of mental flow chart as to how to approach a problem and solve it. Prior planning and knowledge about the job should be there.
The job executed should be most ideal and not mere patch work. Temporarily solving a problem knowing fully well that the it will recur will not do. We should do a work to our utmost satisfaction let alone the satisfaction of the customer.
The person should be competent to do the job. He should constantly upgrade his skills and be aware of the state of art of the technology involved.
After the job is done, the tools/implements should be thorouhly cleaned, correctly packed and put away in their respective places for easy retrieval next time.
For the uninitiated, they should avidly watch when a professional is working so that they are atleast aware of the job implication and are not short-changed. This will also upgrade their general knowledge, common sense and may be, some skills.
Only right person should be entrusted with the right job. In critical jobs, professionals should be engaged whatever be the cost.
Enjoy solving your problems yourself. Save on time and money. But do a good job. Do no risk safety by handling things you are not competent to handle. But keep on thinking and learning.
Ponder...
Now what is doing to the best of one's ability? How to achieve best results?
First we should have Asana Soukhyam i.e. we should adopt the correct posture, which is least tiring, ergonomic and comfortable. Proper work table, etc. should be ensured.
Most of the appliances are accompanied by maintenance manuals. These should be studied and preserved for ready reference.
We should have all the tools, implements, gauges, etc. readily available like the arrangements made in an O.T. There should be no searching while on the job. We see professional artisans arriving to attend to repairs without tools. Most common experience is their arriving without a ladder when the complaint is attending to fuses, wiring, etc. at a height. They drag expensive furniture and climb on them with scant regard to the damage they cause. Many a time they put themselves into danger. In West it is stated, workers come with all sorts of tools and are well prepared to tackle any need. This is lacking in India.
Tendency to borrow tools is abhorring. One should possess oneself all that may be commonly needed like screw drivers, pliers, hammer, etc. Generally the tendency is to borrow tools, damage them or lose them or not return them without being reminded.
Other common needs like nails, screws, washers, etc. should always be stored and not sought only when there is a need.
Conscious regard for personal safety, safety of others and safety of equipment is another pre-requisite. Elementary precautions like switching off power supply before attending to electrical faults, disconnecting appliances before attending to them, are some examples.
There should be a sort of mental flow chart as to how to approach a problem and solve it. Prior planning and knowledge about the job should be there.
The job executed should be most ideal and not mere patch work. Temporarily solving a problem knowing fully well that the it will recur will not do. We should do a work to our utmost satisfaction let alone the satisfaction of the customer.
The person should be competent to do the job. He should constantly upgrade his skills and be aware of the state of art of the technology involved.
After the job is done, the tools/implements should be thorouhly cleaned, correctly packed and put away in their respective places for easy retrieval next time.
For the uninitiated, they should avidly watch when a professional is working so that they are atleast aware of the job implication and are not short-changed. This will also upgrade their general knowledge, common sense and may be, some skills.
Only right person should be entrusted with the right job. In critical jobs, professionals should be engaged whatever be the cost.
Enjoy solving your problems yourself. Save on time and money. But do a good job. Do no risk safety by handling things you are not competent to handle. But keep on thinking and learning.
Ponder...
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Rationalism and Curse
Rationalism demands a cogent and logicial explanation sans which a belief is treated as superstition or blind faith or even tyranny over the minds of the gullible. In India, Rationalism is mostly directed at Hindu religious beliefs and practices. However, some of the beliefs and practices which apparently cannot be rationally supported had their own secular/mundane/practical/effective purposes.
Curse is one of them.
Before the advent of British to India, as anyone will readily accept, there were no registration offices, no stamp papers, no registration, etc. How then were land/property disputes avoided? How ownership was determined? Was it because of sparce population and abudance of land?
Forgetting about private ownership for a while, if we look at the public lands, like a village tank or temple lands, inscriptions abound where the donor solemnly lays a curse on anyone who tresspasses or grabs against the intended purpose. This is a good evidence that land-grabbing is not a recent phenenomen and that in those days a curse was a good deterrent.
In some parts of Rayalaseema there is a practice that if anyone loses valuables like ornaments due to burglary all the villagers are to throw a ball of dung into a heap and the valuable is normlly recovered in the dung heap without the culprit revealing himself. Anyone violating this system comes under a curse, it is believed.
Even now disputes are settled in the Kanipakkam temple under the belief that the wrong doer will come under the curse of Lord Ganesa if he does not mend his way.
Now with a plethora of laws, courts, registration offices, documentations, litigation has not abated albiet increased manifold.
What is good? Inculcating a sense of irrational belief in curse (if it is possible in these days) or muddle through police stations and legal jungle?
Ponder...
Curse is one of them.
Before the advent of British to India, as anyone will readily accept, there were no registration offices, no stamp papers, no registration, etc. How then were land/property disputes avoided? How ownership was determined? Was it because of sparce population and abudance of land?
Forgetting about private ownership for a while, if we look at the public lands, like a village tank or temple lands, inscriptions abound where the donor solemnly lays a curse on anyone who tresspasses or grabs against the intended purpose. This is a good evidence that land-grabbing is not a recent phenenomen and that in those days a curse was a good deterrent.
In some parts of Rayalaseema there is a practice that if anyone loses valuables like ornaments due to burglary all the villagers are to throw a ball of dung into a heap and the valuable is normlly recovered in the dung heap without the culprit revealing himself. Anyone violating this system comes under a curse, it is believed.
Even now disputes are settled in the Kanipakkam temple under the belief that the wrong doer will come under the curse of Lord Ganesa if he does not mend his way.
Now with a plethora of laws, courts, registration offices, documentations, litigation has not abated albiet increased manifold.
What is good? Inculcating a sense of irrational belief in curse (if it is possible in these days) or muddle through police stations and legal jungle?
Ponder...
Interacting with Youngsters
With the crumbling of joint family concept, interaction between grand parents and grand children is virtually extinct except for occasional visits. Traditions and values used to be handed down and the grand parents also benefited through a sense of usefulness and pride.
Change is natural. No point in regretting over changes that may not be palatable but over which we have no control.
Apart from the joy that one gets from interacting with one's own grandchildren, one more benefit was the opportunity to interact with those other than peers. When we interact with peers, we hardly imbibe anything new and, especially in old age, there is nothing but exchange of unpleasant experiences, complaints and discussion about health problems. This makes us all the more depressing. This I learnt from a young gentleman today though some vague idea was there in me earlier. But he put it more succiently.
Thus, interaction with youngsters is of immense help, in fact eye-opener, in these days of lonliness amidst the concrete jungles. If your grand children are away, interact with other children. Help them with their studies, if possible, without any monetary consideration. Share their interests. Take care of them if their parents are away. Share confidences. More importantly learn from them because their knowledge is fresh.
Ponder...
Change is natural. No point in regretting over changes that may not be palatable but over which we have no control.
Apart from the joy that one gets from interacting with one's own grandchildren, one more benefit was the opportunity to interact with those other than peers. When we interact with peers, we hardly imbibe anything new and, especially in old age, there is nothing but exchange of unpleasant experiences, complaints and discussion about health problems. This makes us all the more depressing. This I learnt from a young gentleman today though some vague idea was there in me earlier. But he put it more succiently.
Thus, interaction with youngsters is of immense help, in fact eye-opener, in these days of lonliness amidst the concrete jungles. If your grand children are away, interact with other children. Help them with their studies, if possible, without any monetary consideration. Share their interests. Take care of them if their parents are away. Share confidences. More importantly learn from them because their knowledge is fresh.
Ponder...
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Cadaver/Organ Donation
Many of our Teaching Hospitals face acute shortage of cadavers. This is not a new proble. If we read Richard Gordon's Doctor series, we find that one of the jobs of medical students is to steal graves.
Science has of course developed virtual cadavers/dummy bodies but I do not think these can replace real bodies for the students to appreciate the inards of our body and learn.
Today, disposal of bodies is also a problem. The other day I read in papers that one particular Muslim Graveyard in Hyderabad had put put a sign 'Sorry! No room. Go elsewhere." Wood is scarce and electric crematoriums do not function. Sea burial will be very expensive to hinterland.
Science has also recently progressed to the stage where the eye obtained from a donor after his death can be usefully grafted on 3 persons instead of one. Many other vital organs can give fresh breath of life (literally) I believe four hours time is available after death for these organs to be harvested.
I exhort one and all to seriously consider this and get over their inhibitions and religious beliefs. What better religion could be there than the religion of giving fresh lease of life to others even after one's own death. The relations of the deceased should be conditioned to this eventuality and their cooperation ensured during one's lifetime. Nearest teaching hospital apprised of the decision and immediate intimation given on occurence of death.
Ponder...
Science has of course developed virtual cadavers/dummy bodies but I do not think these can replace real bodies for the students to appreciate the inards of our body and learn.
Today, disposal of bodies is also a problem. The other day I read in papers that one particular Muslim Graveyard in Hyderabad had put put a sign 'Sorry! No room. Go elsewhere." Wood is scarce and electric crematoriums do not function. Sea burial will be very expensive to hinterland.
Science has also recently progressed to the stage where the eye obtained from a donor after his death can be usefully grafted on 3 persons instead of one. Many other vital organs can give fresh breath of life (literally) I believe four hours time is available after death for these organs to be harvested.
I exhort one and all to seriously consider this and get over their inhibitions and religious beliefs. What better religion could be there than the religion of giving fresh lease of life to others even after one's own death. The relations of the deceased should be conditioned to this eventuality and their cooperation ensured during one's lifetime. Nearest teaching hospital apprised of the decision and immediate intimation given on occurence of death.
Ponder...
Monday, June 11, 2007
Anaayaasa Maranam, Vina Dainyena Jeevanam
Whatever may be the desires of a person during his lifetime, there are only two goals that one should really aspire for (though they are not in his hands) that is a death without throes and a life without being pitied.
In respect of the first goal i.e. death without throes, we can only try to achieve it by keeping our body and mind fit. Regular habits, exercises commensurate with one's age and health, healthy diet and positive thinking may keep our body fit so that we can leave this mortal coil without much of effort on our part and little trouble to others. Lord Shiva also told Parvati ' Sareeram Aadyam Khalu Brahma Saadhanam' i.e. body comes first before attaining the lotus feet of Lord or only if the body is kept fit we can achieve our goal of becoming one with Him.
Regarding the second goal i.e. a life without being pitied, we may not have any control over this, but here too we can make an effort by leading a life of character. It is a sheer chance whether despite exemplary life, we can really lead a life where there is no need for pity from others. A chronic disease is one example.
In life let us maintain dignity, detachment and strength of character and not think of death at all. As nothing touches us after the Atman leaves the body, let us try to practice same state of mind even when the Atman resides in this body.
Ponder...
In respect of the first goal i.e. death without throes, we can only try to achieve it by keeping our body and mind fit. Regular habits, exercises commensurate with one's age and health, healthy diet and positive thinking may keep our body fit so that we can leave this mortal coil without much of effort on our part and little trouble to others. Lord Shiva also told Parvati ' Sareeram Aadyam Khalu Brahma Saadhanam' i.e. body comes first before attaining the lotus feet of Lord or only if the body is kept fit we can achieve our goal of becoming one with Him.
Regarding the second goal i.e. a life without being pitied, we may not have any control over this, but here too we can make an effort by leading a life of character. It is a sheer chance whether despite exemplary life, we can really lead a life where there is no need for pity from others. A chronic disease is one example.
In life let us maintain dignity, detachment and strength of character and not think of death at all. As nothing touches us after the Atman leaves the body, let us try to practice same state of mind even when the Atman resides in this body.
Ponder...
Friday, June 8, 2007
Cyclone Gunu and Indians
Cyclone Gunu has caused havoc in Oman. Citizens of Oman, who visit Mumbai to have a personal experience of rain, have now experienced a real nightmare. One Indian is said to have perished and about a dozen missing. The real problem is lack of information. Our electronic media gleefully present interviews with people back home complaining our government's inability to give information about their dear ones. I am not belittling the concerns of those back home; but the media should be realistic and should not excabarate the wounds of those already suffering.
Even in this age of communication revolution, things depend on infrastructure and when that infrastructure collapses, what can anyone do? It will take sometime for things to settle down and skeleton services to commence and information will trickle in. No point in blaming the government when the storm is still raging.
Instead of going for the kill by presenting false picture, these channels should create their own infrastructure for such calamities. How many of these channels have sent Ham Radio Operators (who alone can successfully function in such conditions) to Oman? Do they have any panel of names of those who willingly volunteer to render such service. Can't they arrange their passage? Ham Radio Operators had done yeoman service in 77 AP Cyclone and the recent Tsunami.
Media should practice what they preach.
One more word of advise to the Electronic/Print media. They should not show the bodies of victims of road accidents/murders, etc. in graphic/gory detail. It will be very shocking to the relatives of the victims, especially if they are not already aware of the incident. This is nothing but intrusion into privacy and robbing dignity in death. Ethically the correct procedure is to convey the bad tidings personally to the relatives of the victims by deputing a person who can handle such a situation with due sympathy and dignity before giving details. Some of the Telugu channels have been very insensitive in this matter.
Ponder...
Even in this age of communication revolution, things depend on infrastructure and when that infrastructure collapses, what can anyone do? It will take sometime for things to settle down and skeleton services to commence and information will trickle in. No point in blaming the government when the storm is still raging.
Instead of going for the kill by presenting false picture, these channels should create their own infrastructure for such calamities. How many of these channels have sent Ham Radio Operators (who alone can successfully function in such conditions) to Oman? Do they have any panel of names of those who willingly volunteer to render such service. Can't they arrange their passage? Ham Radio Operators had done yeoman service in 77 AP Cyclone and the recent Tsunami.
Media should practice what they preach.
One more word of advise to the Electronic/Print media. They should not show the bodies of victims of road accidents/murders, etc. in graphic/gory detail. It will be very shocking to the relatives of the victims, especially if they are not already aware of the incident. This is nothing but intrusion into privacy and robbing dignity in death. Ethically the correct procedure is to convey the bad tidings personally to the relatives of the victims by deputing a person who can handle such a situation with due sympathy and dignity before giving details. Some of the Telugu channels have been very insensitive in this matter.
Ponder...
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Politeness
Today I had to visit a Hospital. The work also involved getting some endorsement by a particular person. As I stood in front of him, he took no notice that an infirm and sick person is waiting politely for his attention. After about ten minutes, during which time I saw that he is not busy with anything worthwhile, I drew his attention to my presence and he disposed off my need within 2 minutes. I would have been happier had he noticed my presence promptly and asked me to wait.
Why a majority of us have lost our sense of politeness, helpfulness and respect to fellow human being? We expect others to be prompt and polite to our needs.
However, the doctor who attended to me was prompt, patient (as I am slightly hard in hearing), helpful in suggestions and briefed me about everything I need to know since I was a first time visitor.
This confirms that like any other aspect, politeness is also present in varying degrees in all of us but is obscured in some atleast temporarily, due to various factors like overwork, temperment, public-dealing, lack of motivation in work place, etc.
I would request that we constantly evaluate our behaviour vis-a-vis our own expectation from others. Institutions should give orientation training and periodic refresher training to their employees, especially those who deal with public. Training should not be treated as bothersome as the employees will have to necessarily miss their duties during training period. Employees at all levels especially at lower levels should be exposed to training and a sense of self esteem created in them that they are also an important cog in the machinery and that their beheviour can make or mar the reputation of the institution.
More importantly, a great responsibility dwells on the parents to make their children imbibe correct values in their formative years. This would need setting personal examples in their own behaviour and actions. Likewise, in schools, especially at primarily level emphasis should be on discipline, politeness, ethical behaviour through exemplary behaviour by the Teachers.
Standing in a queue and waiting for one's turn, not minding minor irritations, not swearing at others even in trying conditions, not showing undue interest in others' affairs are some of the qualities that we are losing.
For example, in a ATM cubcile, only one person is expected to enter at one time and others should wait for their turn outside. What we see is that many enter simultaneously and peer over the shoulders as PIN is being punched. Nothing bad intented but plain misplaced curisity.
Let us think over. Let us present an ethical, correct and polite personality to others. This will make waves and move people to similar thinking.
Ponder...
Why a majority of us have lost our sense of politeness, helpfulness and respect to fellow human being? We expect others to be prompt and polite to our needs.
However, the doctor who attended to me was prompt, patient (as I am slightly hard in hearing), helpful in suggestions and briefed me about everything I need to know since I was a first time visitor.
This confirms that like any other aspect, politeness is also present in varying degrees in all of us but is obscured in some atleast temporarily, due to various factors like overwork, temperment, public-dealing, lack of motivation in work place, etc.
I would request that we constantly evaluate our behaviour vis-a-vis our own expectation from others. Institutions should give orientation training and periodic refresher training to their employees, especially those who deal with public. Training should not be treated as bothersome as the employees will have to necessarily miss their duties during training period. Employees at all levels especially at lower levels should be exposed to training and a sense of self esteem created in them that they are also an important cog in the machinery and that their beheviour can make or mar the reputation of the institution.
More importantly, a great responsibility dwells on the parents to make their children imbibe correct values in their formative years. This would need setting personal examples in their own behaviour and actions. Likewise, in schools, especially at primarily level emphasis should be on discipline, politeness, ethical behaviour through exemplary behaviour by the Teachers.
Standing in a queue and waiting for one's turn, not minding minor irritations, not swearing at others even in trying conditions, not showing undue interest in others' affairs are some of the qualities that we are losing.
For example, in a ATM cubcile, only one person is expected to enter at one time and others should wait for their turn outside. What we see is that many enter simultaneously and peer over the shoulders as PIN is being punched. Nothing bad intented but plain misplaced curisity.
Let us think over. Let us present an ethical, correct and polite personality to others. This will make waves and move people to similar thinking.
Ponder...
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Did Freedom Ensure a Better Welfare State?
Times have changed. Education and Health were totally in public domain and the responsibility of creation, maintenance and operation of the institutions for these were Government's responsibility except for a few mission schools/colleges or Mission Hospitals.
Today both these vital sectors have been privatised. The results are there for all to see. The quality of education that the haves afford and get are totally out of reach of the have nots. Likewise the government hospitals to which alone poor have access, are over-burdened, Doctors more inclined towards private practice, infrastructure either inadequate or in shambles. My experience has been that in one of the most-reputed teaching hospitals in India, the blood bank is never operational but all around it, scores of pathological labs flourish where the donor has to pay to bleed. It is no secret that these are owned by the doctors of that Teaching Hospital.
The next casuality is water. This natural resource, about which future wars are predicted, have been privatised covertly and overtly. Whether for drinking or irrigation, the poor are at the mercy of the water mafia. The Water Users' Associations in AP are in fact the fiefdoms of the most powerful muscleman of that area.
Roads, bridges and other public utilities are also being privatised in the guise of BOT.
Where will this end? To what extent the abdication of responsibility towards ensuring a welfare state will proceed?
Despite what we read in history books, I am doubtful whether the British - company ruled or crown ruled - were such villains as made out. East India Company commissioned Max Mueller to bring Rig Veda as a publication at its cost! Was this commercial interest? Laying of rail lines in farthest nook and corners without any reasons of commercial profit or stratagic need in those days. I am confused.
The business of any government is to govern and not manufacture of sub-standard things or cheap liquor.
Will we go back to our concept of welfare state? It is not impossible. In Britain, we still see medical facilities provided by the state. Why is the state slowly retreating from each of its responsibilities gradually but surely. Is this to promote so called NGOs and Private hands?
Where lies the remedy? Where will the under-privileged go?
ponder...
Today both these vital sectors have been privatised. The results are there for all to see. The quality of education that the haves afford and get are totally out of reach of the have nots. Likewise the government hospitals to which alone poor have access, are over-burdened, Doctors more inclined towards private practice, infrastructure either inadequate or in shambles. My experience has been that in one of the most-reputed teaching hospitals in India, the blood bank is never operational but all around it, scores of pathological labs flourish where the donor has to pay to bleed. It is no secret that these are owned by the doctors of that Teaching Hospital.
The next casuality is water. This natural resource, about which future wars are predicted, have been privatised covertly and overtly. Whether for drinking or irrigation, the poor are at the mercy of the water mafia. The Water Users' Associations in AP are in fact the fiefdoms of the most powerful muscleman of that area.
Roads, bridges and other public utilities are also being privatised in the guise of BOT.
Where will this end? To what extent the abdication of responsibility towards ensuring a welfare state will proceed?
Despite what we read in history books, I am doubtful whether the British - company ruled or crown ruled - were such villains as made out. East India Company commissioned Max Mueller to bring Rig Veda as a publication at its cost! Was this commercial interest? Laying of rail lines in farthest nook and corners without any reasons of commercial profit or stratagic need in those days. I am confused.
The business of any government is to govern and not manufacture of sub-standard things or cheap liquor.
Will we go back to our concept of welfare state? It is not impossible. In Britain, we still see medical facilities provided by the state. Why is the state slowly retreating from each of its responsibilities gradually but surely. Is this to promote so called NGOs and Private hands?
Where lies the remedy? Where will the under-privileged go?
ponder...
Monday, June 4, 2007
Testifying and Confirmation before a person is allowed to hold an office
The other day we saw the picture of an MP behind bars talking to a supplicant police outside. It was indeed a miracle to see the Hon'ble MP behind bars whatever the final outcome of his case. We hear that a good lot of our honourable legislators have either criminal record or have henious criminal cases going on in the courts. Many of the successful ticket aspirants of almost all political parties are not deterred by their ill repute in contesting elections and quite a lot of them elected too.
In US, there is a system of Testifying, where an individual, seeking office or before entering office after getting elected, are grilled live by a panel of eminent/common citizens. A ratification or confirmation is needed before they cross the final barrier to the office,
Why not we introduce this in India through amendments to relevant laws like Representation of People Act. Some of the purposes that can be served are:
a) a genuine filter to eliminate the chaff.
b) live telecast will also sober the panel from going on fishing expedition.
c) No institutional protection like the Speaker of an Assembly or Parliament who can at times save a member from embarassment.
d) No notice as to what will be ferreted out.
e) Panel members can be taken up if they come out with certain pre-known revelations (not touched during hearings) at a later date if the honeymoon/earlier nexus, if any, is over.
f) People having something to hide may not make the bid at all thus eliminating potential blackmail.
g) Elimination of selective trial by media at a later date.
h) Transparency.
This need not be restricted to prospective MPs, MLAs, Ministers, etc. but also cover such political/constitutional appointments like, Chairpersons of Boards, Members of Judiciary, Members of EC, UPSC, Public Undertakings, etc. many of whom have been found to be fit to be impeached or prosecuted.
Eminent public spirited intellectuals can come together and give a concrete shape to this idea and place a proposal before the Government.
Ponder
In US, there is a system of Testifying, where an individual, seeking office or before entering office after getting elected, are grilled live by a panel of eminent/common citizens. A ratification or confirmation is needed before they cross the final barrier to the office,
Why not we introduce this in India through amendments to relevant laws like Representation of People Act. Some of the purposes that can be served are:
a) a genuine filter to eliminate the chaff.
b) live telecast will also sober the panel from going on fishing expedition.
c) No institutional protection like the Speaker of an Assembly or Parliament who can at times save a member from embarassment.
d) No notice as to what will be ferreted out.
e) Panel members can be taken up if they come out with certain pre-known revelations (not touched during hearings) at a later date if the honeymoon/earlier nexus, if any, is over.
f) People having something to hide may not make the bid at all thus eliminating potential blackmail.
g) Elimination of selective trial by media at a later date.
h) Transparency.
This need not be restricted to prospective MPs, MLAs, Ministers, etc. but also cover such political/constitutional appointments like, Chairpersons of Boards, Members of Judiciary, Members of EC, UPSC, Public Undertakings, etc. many of whom have been found to be fit to be impeached or prosecuted.
Eminent public spirited intellectuals can come together and give a concrete shape to this idea and place a proposal before the Government.
Ponder
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Music vs Noise on Television
So many channels dishing out their fare on 24x7 basis inundate us. These are necessarily audio-visual products. Let me request my readers to ponder on the audio part of these. There are many occasions when background score is required to be provided like a cookery show, title graphics scrolling, during a soap etc.
The present trend is to use electronic instruments like drums, synthesizer, etc. instead of traditional instruments like Flute, Veena, Violin, Mridangam, Santoor, Shehnai, etc. Even though the electronic instruments are capable of producing melody, the output generally resorted to is loud and garish.
It hardly needs to be told that the help of Carnatic or Hindustani ragas, which have a vast repertoire of specific ragas for specific moods, are not taken while setting the score.
Take any channel e.g. Gemini, ETV, ZEE, Sun TV, etc., every serial soap must have whiplashes for background score. They are so harsh on ears, monotonous and amount to plagiarism. The irony is that they give themselves annual awards for best this and best that.
The soap producers have to deliver their daily installment of the soap with tight schedule and on a shoestring budget. Hence quality must necessarily suffer. Thus they resort to such shortcuts and there is little scope for either aesthetics or quality. But this can be overcome with a little thought and effort.
The channels are in business for making money and not to promote any particular culture or tradition or our immense heritage. My suggestion is that without sacrificing their commercial interests, these channels can do their bit to our heritage by adopting the following:
a) wherever background score is needed, please use Indian instruments only.
b) Please use soothing ragas, tailor-made for the mood to be conveyed or light music. Even if old hits are used suiting the mood it is not bad or wrong.
c) Encourage and financially support traditional/folk/rare instrument players who are Artistes of great caliber lacking financial support if not in dire straits.
d) Spare the audience from noise pollution.
e) Cultivate and channelize the taste of the laypersons, without overtly compelling them but subtly through non-intrusive soothing music.
Ponder....
The present trend is to use electronic instruments like drums, synthesizer, etc. instead of traditional instruments like Flute, Veena, Violin, Mridangam, Santoor, Shehnai, etc. Even though the electronic instruments are capable of producing melody, the output generally resorted to is loud and garish.
It hardly needs to be told that the help of Carnatic or Hindustani ragas, which have a vast repertoire of specific ragas for specific moods, are not taken while setting the score.
Take any channel e.g. Gemini, ETV, ZEE, Sun TV, etc., every serial soap must have whiplashes for background score. They are so harsh on ears, monotonous and amount to plagiarism. The irony is that they give themselves annual awards for best this and best that.
The soap producers have to deliver their daily installment of the soap with tight schedule and on a shoestring budget. Hence quality must necessarily suffer. Thus they resort to such shortcuts and there is little scope for either aesthetics or quality. But this can be overcome with a little thought and effort.
The channels are in business for making money and not to promote any particular culture or tradition or our immense heritage. My suggestion is that without sacrificing their commercial interests, these channels can do their bit to our heritage by adopting the following:
a) wherever background score is needed, please use Indian instruments only.
b) Please use soothing ragas, tailor-made for the mood to be conveyed or light music. Even if old hits are used suiting the mood it is not bad or wrong.
c) Encourage and financially support traditional/folk/rare instrument players who are Artistes of great caliber lacking financial support if not in dire straits.
d) Spare the audience from noise pollution.
e) Cultivate and channelize the taste of the laypersons, without overtly compelling them but subtly through non-intrusive soothing music.
Ponder....
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Faith and Conversion
One of the most controversial issues plauging the world today is the so called 'Clash of Civilizations' or the notions about supposed superiority of one's own faith and the inferiority of others. I use the word FAITH instead of RELIGION because one can't be religious without having unstinted faith in it. Max Mulleur states that one should have religion to have a religion.
This phenomenon is unique in its own way as far as India is concerned because the majority of the population is HINDU and this loosely held religion (some Hindus treat it a faith and not merely a religion) is neither bound by a strict code of conduct nor straightjacketed nor needs any particular practices to be called a HINDU unlike some other religions/faiths which have a strict code of conduct, allegience to a particular book and prolesterizing as a duty. Though in recent times, some new cults like Hare Krishna etc have sprung up admitting a non-born into Hindu fold, basically one has to be born a Hindu and cannot be converted to Hinduism. This could be due to the fact that early Hindus were neither geographical conquerers nor were there any religious exhortions to wipe out other faiths on the premise that Hinduism is the only way to salvation and every soul needs to be salvaged which legacy still Hinduism carries. Also despite the varied ways that this religion is practiced there is no insistence in timings, attendance at a particular place, haranguing by the priestly class nor any congregation. One can practice Hinduism within his abode, by visiting a temple at any time without the help of another individual. One can be a Hindu without being religious, the only condition being not converting to any other faith.
One other reason why people of other religions/faiths cannot be really converted to Hinduism or accepted into Hindu fold is the all prevailing Caste factor. With the rigid Varna Ashrma Dharma embedded in the mindset, it will be a contradiction to be a Hindu without belonging to any Caste.
In the above context, the strife we see in some pockets of India between Hinduism and other faiths, as far as conversions are concerned, can be said to be defensive on the part of Hindus and offensive on the part of religions trying to proselytize as a sacred duty enjoined upon them, Ghar Vapasi or re-converting to original faith organised by certain political/religious groups being the exceptions more for political purposes than religious.
Indian constitution does give the right to propogation of one's own religion. But should this be treated as licence?
Kindly ponder over the following:-
a) The religious strife/violence already faced by our country (for no fault of Indians), due to happenings elsewhere e.g. the holy Prophet's caricatures in some obscure european country, visit of President Bush to India, attacks on mosques in middle east, etc.
b) It may be politically correct to quote the constitutional rights, but ethically or morally, is it right to distribute pamphlets exhorting conversions amongst devotees taking a holy dip at Sangam in the early hours of Kartika Poornima?
c) Is it necessary or obligatory to try to build church on Tirumala Hills despite the freedom enshrined in the constitution.
d)Is it correct on the part of Pope to exhort 'Harvest of Souls' when in India and then lament desertion of Catholics to other denominations and try to save his herd?
Ponder...
This phenomenon is unique in its own way as far as India is concerned because the majority of the population is HINDU and this loosely held religion (some Hindus treat it a faith and not merely a religion) is neither bound by a strict code of conduct nor straightjacketed nor needs any particular practices to be called a HINDU unlike some other religions/faiths which have a strict code of conduct, allegience to a particular book and prolesterizing as a duty. Though in recent times, some new cults like Hare Krishna etc have sprung up admitting a non-born into Hindu fold, basically one has to be born a Hindu and cannot be converted to Hinduism. This could be due to the fact that early Hindus were neither geographical conquerers nor were there any religious exhortions to wipe out other faiths on the premise that Hinduism is the only way to salvation and every soul needs to be salvaged which legacy still Hinduism carries. Also despite the varied ways that this religion is practiced there is no insistence in timings, attendance at a particular place, haranguing by the priestly class nor any congregation. One can practice Hinduism within his abode, by visiting a temple at any time without the help of another individual. One can be a Hindu without being religious, the only condition being not converting to any other faith.
One other reason why people of other religions/faiths cannot be really converted to Hinduism or accepted into Hindu fold is the all prevailing Caste factor. With the rigid Varna Ashrma Dharma embedded in the mindset, it will be a contradiction to be a Hindu without belonging to any Caste.
In the above context, the strife we see in some pockets of India between Hinduism and other faiths, as far as conversions are concerned, can be said to be defensive on the part of Hindus and offensive on the part of religions trying to proselytize as a sacred duty enjoined upon them, Ghar Vapasi or re-converting to original faith organised by certain political/religious groups being the exceptions more for political purposes than religious.
Indian constitution does give the right to propogation of one's own religion. But should this be treated as licence?
Kindly ponder over the following:-
a) The religious strife/violence already faced by our country (for no fault of Indians), due to happenings elsewhere e.g. the holy Prophet's caricatures in some obscure european country, visit of President Bush to India, attacks on mosques in middle east, etc.
b) It may be politically correct to quote the constitutional rights, but ethically or morally, is it right to distribute pamphlets exhorting conversions amongst devotees taking a holy dip at Sangam in the early hours of Kartika Poornima?
c) Is it necessary or obligatory to try to build church on Tirumala Hills despite the freedom enshrined in the constitution.
d)Is it correct on the part of Pope to exhort 'Harvest of Souls' when in India and then lament desertion of Catholics to other denominations and try to save his herd?
Ponder...
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