It is news that Hanuman Langur monkeys, 38 in number, are deployed to protect participants and spectators of the Commonwealth Games coming up in Delhi. Reaction to this news, varies from philosophic resignation to incredulity to contempt. Man, in his wisdom, has put animals and birds to his use from times immemorial and their effectiveness is there for all to see. Deploying dolphins to protect naval assets is a routine option. Pegions are used as Messengers. No need to enumerate the various uses of dogs. The first living thing to go into space was a dog. Even insects are used to predict earth quakes.
Naturer intended humans and animals to live in harmony. Earth worms and snakes are farmer-friendly and this delicate relationship is being turned over its head by the unwise and greedy human.
I see the instant case of monkey deployment as a practical, humane and cost-effective and efficient option, not withstanding the sarcasm and scorn with which this is viewed by some westerners.
Especially in the context of many human-made things failing to measure up to the expectations despite their cost, it is heartening to note that these simians, who expect payments in peanuts, will deliver goods without fail and a sense of security envelopes all that there is no room for human failure here.
I hope Maneka Gandhi and Amala will not cry foul over this deployment. This is, any day, a better option than an air rifle.
We in India rever and worship animals too. Here the belief is that God has taken the incarnation of animals too at various ages for specific purpose. So it is in keeping with our ethos too to turn to animals for rescue of humans.
...ponder
Friday, October 1, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Parallels
Three unconnected matters struck me as parallels.
Kashmir is on fire. Schools and colleges are forced to shut. One of the important leaders of separatism proudly states there is nothing wrong in students losing their academic year. She declares loss of studies, opportunities, future and even lives of these students is nothing compared to achieving 'freedom'. But her minor son applies for Indian Passport to go abroad and study there. It shows to go that either duplicity is practiced or she has no influence over even her son. Reports indicate that many separatists' children pursue studies elsewhere.
It is reported that quite a lot of youth, especially students, committed suicide for the cause of separate Telengana state. Students of University in Telengana districts lost valuable academic time and probably early employment opportunities too. But, the irony is not a single suicide has occured from the families of 'Leaders'. Not that I recommend dying for a cause. As Gen.Patton had said, no body attains anything by dying but by living and fighting. But fact is fact. Suicides and death only for masses.
There is another tamasha going on in the name of 'Odarpu Yatra' - consolation journey. It appears that hundreds have died on hearing about the death of former AP CM. But not a single soul from his family or party leaders. Here also the so called grief stricken deaths from masses only.
VIPs will be VIPs - Like Lord Venkateswara's darshan.
...ponder
Kashmir is on fire. Schools and colleges are forced to shut. One of the important leaders of separatism proudly states there is nothing wrong in students losing their academic year. She declares loss of studies, opportunities, future and even lives of these students is nothing compared to achieving 'freedom'. But her minor son applies for Indian Passport to go abroad and study there. It shows to go that either duplicity is practiced or she has no influence over even her son. Reports indicate that many separatists' children pursue studies elsewhere.
It is reported that quite a lot of youth, especially students, committed suicide for the cause of separate Telengana state. Students of University in Telengana districts lost valuable academic time and probably early employment opportunities too. But, the irony is not a single suicide has occured from the families of 'Leaders'. Not that I recommend dying for a cause. As Gen.Patton had said, no body attains anything by dying but by living and fighting. But fact is fact. Suicides and death only for masses.
There is another tamasha going on in the name of 'Odarpu Yatra' - consolation journey. It appears that hundreds have died on hearing about the death of former AP CM. But not a single soul from his family or party leaders. Here also the so called grief stricken deaths from masses only.
VIPs will be VIPs - Like Lord Venkateswara's darshan.
...ponder
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Misplaced Priority
After the 2003 Afro-Asian Games at Hyderabad, the major international sporting event being held in India is the forthcoming Commonwealth Games at New Delhi.
The amount spent by the Central Government for the CWG (bogged down in corruption allegations, cost overruns, delays) is Rs.28,054 crores whereas a measly Rs.100 crores was allotted to the Hyderabad event and it was expected rest of the cost would be raised from private sources. Even after taking into account that 7 years have passed and the inflation, the contrast is stark.
As stated by the Hon'ble Minister, the lion-share of this amount will go to create permanent infrastructure for the city. That is, indirectly, you are developing a city, which already had such bonanza during Asiad, further starving funds elsewhere.
Instead of creating infrastructure which will generate jobs perpetually, investment in stadia and swimming pools will take us nowhere except these will rot as we know our sports potential. These will be put to political use. How many sanctioned projects of public importance are given token allocations in budget for want of funds. How many foundation stones have been laid without a revisit to those sites.
This is skewed development, if not, parochial. New Delhi may be the capital of India. But our attempts to showcase India by projecting it to the exclusion of the rest of the country again and again is pathetic. Except for enriching the pockets of a few, what do these games achieve? How much of these thousands of crores goes to the athletes or the coaches? What infrastructure is created elsewhere in the country to spot, train and nurture talent?
For all round development, not only infrastructure but also talent, these games should be played at various venues. Sailing in Hyderabad, Rowing in Kerala, Football in Bengal, Hockey in Punjab or Jharkhand, etc The whole country should be involved and showcased and importantly nurtured.
We already see the results. Except for a miniscule number of individuals, our country never gets to the podium as a team. A country teeming with a billion population
....ponder
The amount spent by the Central Government for the CWG (bogged down in corruption allegations, cost overruns, delays) is Rs.28,054 crores whereas a measly Rs.100 crores was allotted to the Hyderabad event and it was expected rest of the cost would be raised from private sources. Even after taking into account that 7 years have passed and the inflation, the contrast is stark.
As stated by the Hon'ble Minister, the lion-share of this amount will go to create permanent infrastructure for the city. That is, indirectly, you are developing a city, which already had such bonanza during Asiad, further starving funds elsewhere.
Instead of creating infrastructure which will generate jobs perpetually, investment in stadia and swimming pools will take us nowhere except these will rot as we know our sports potential. These will be put to political use. How many sanctioned projects of public importance are given token allocations in budget for want of funds. How many foundation stones have been laid without a revisit to those sites.
This is skewed development, if not, parochial. New Delhi may be the capital of India. But our attempts to showcase India by projecting it to the exclusion of the rest of the country again and again is pathetic. Except for enriching the pockets of a few, what do these games achieve? How much of these thousands of crores goes to the athletes or the coaches? What infrastructure is created elsewhere in the country to spot, train and nurture talent?
For all round development, not only infrastructure but also talent, these games should be played at various venues. Sailing in Hyderabad, Rowing in Kerala, Football in Bengal, Hockey in Punjab or Jharkhand, etc The whole country should be involved and showcased and importantly nurtured.
We already see the results. Except for a miniscule number of individuals, our country never gets to the podium as a team. A country teeming with a billion population
....ponder
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Ambivalence and Duplicity
Babu Garu has been handed a humiliating defeat. He pretends that this was due to his preoccupation with Babli issue and hence not campaigning for the bye-elections. Nothing can be farther from truth. Had he come in front of the mike in public, he would have had to take a stand on separation or unity, which he has avoided till now. Telugu Desam Party which showed a strong presence in Telangana Districts during general elections, is reduced to ashes. The likes of Devendra Gouds will have to re-think. At worst, they may form a rebel TDP. There is no future for anybody with the yellow tag in Telangana districts.
Now, the story does not end with bye-elections or Telangana. Voters of rest of the State will also see through his game when opportunity comes. You cannot deceive all, all the time.
Justice Srikrishna Committee earlier said that they would try to elicit his views on the issue. Let us see whether he faces the committee and honestly takes a stand on the issue.
The fate of the party in Coastal and Rayalaseema areas is also sealed. The leaders there must be squirming uncomfortably. When the time comes, will the party president avoid campaigning in these areas also lest he has to take a stand? What state he has been reduced to. For a Politician to avoid mike and camera is nothing short of committing harakiri.
Hopefully, formation of a new state may come to his rescue. He may accept the fait accompli ' gracefully ' thus successfully avoiding taking a stand . But still, his presence will be a handicap to the party in Telangana even after the state is formed.
He has truly fallen between two stools.
...ponder
Now, the story does not end with bye-elections or Telangana. Voters of rest of the State will also see through his game when opportunity comes. You cannot deceive all, all the time.
Justice Srikrishna Committee earlier said that they would try to elicit his views on the issue. Let us see whether he faces the committee and honestly takes a stand on the issue.
The fate of the party in Coastal and Rayalaseema areas is also sealed. The leaders there must be squirming uncomfortably. When the time comes, will the party president avoid campaigning in these areas also lest he has to take a stand? What state he has been reduced to. For a Politician to avoid mike and camera is nothing short of committing harakiri.
Hopefully, formation of a new state may come to his rescue. He may accept the fait accompli ' gracefully ' thus successfully avoiding taking a stand . But still, his presence will be a handicap to the party in Telangana even after the state is formed.
He has truly fallen between two stools.
...ponder
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Last journey
Cadaver donation is one significant aspect which is yet to catch up in a big way in our society. This apathy is due to ignorance, lack of infrastructure, religious beliefs and staid thinking. People should be educated about its noble intentions and concerned authorities should create visibly dignified infrastructure to encourage people to opt for donation of their bodies.
Teaching Hospitals and Medical Colleges should come forward in association with voluntary and charitable agencies in creating this awareness, infrastructure and quick, efficient and dignified service.
I have read about an Hospital in Royapuram, Chennai, which takes care of terminally ill or very aged people, who are destitutes or abandoned by their kith and kin, in their last days, on the condition their bodies are donated to the Hospital.
Apart from the benefits that will accrue to the would-be recipients of organ donation, this could be an efficient and clean option of body disposal provided, proper infrastructure is created.
Leaving aside the miniscule minority of Parsees, who follow the most environmentally friendly way of disposal of their dead, the only two options available are burial or cremation. There is immense pressure on land and there is so much dearth of firewood, that both these options have already become unviable, especially in urban areas, where cremation grounds/cemeteries have been encroached in a big way and just no land is available to create newer ones. Electric crematoriums just don’t function in majority of cases.
Hence, the time has come for searching for other options. Sea burial, especially in coastal cities, towns, is one excellent idea. This could be a third option to those who do not want to donate their organs.
Concerned authorities like Municipal Corporations, Rotary/Lions Clubs, other Charitable organizations can join together in creating the required infrastructure like proper collection site, boats, trained staff, etc. There should be staff available for registration of the sea funeral to facilitate quick issue of Death Certificates.
Government should first come forward to enact laws (if required) for recognizing this system of disposal of the dead, provide space, infrastructure and give wide publicity. Old Age Homes should counsel their inmates about this. Religious seers and leaders should educate their flock about the good that will come to the society by this noble act. Instead of harping on traditions, they should boldly encourage their co-religionists to change – for the better of the humankind. Most importantly, they could set personal example.
Late Jyoti Basu set a very visible and noble example like many unknown before him.
…ponder
Teaching Hospitals and Medical Colleges should come forward in association with voluntary and charitable agencies in creating this awareness, infrastructure and quick, efficient and dignified service.
I have read about an Hospital in Royapuram, Chennai, which takes care of terminally ill or very aged people, who are destitutes or abandoned by their kith and kin, in their last days, on the condition their bodies are donated to the Hospital.
Apart from the benefits that will accrue to the would-be recipients of organ donation, this could be an efficient and clean option of body disposal provided, proper infrastructure is created.
Leaving aside the miniscule minority of Parsees, who follow the most environmentally friendly way of disposal of their dead, the only two options available are burial or cremation. There is immense pressure on land and there is so much dearth of firewood, that both these options have already become unviable, especially in urban areas, where cremation grounds/cemeteries have been encroached in a big way and just no land is available to create newer ones. Electric crematoriums just don’t function in majority of cases.
Hence, the time has come for searching for other options. Sea burial, especially in coastal cities, towns, is one excellent idea. This could be a third option to those who do not want to donate their organs.
Concerned authorities like Municipal Corporations, Rotary/Lions Clubs, other Charitable organizations can join together in creating the required infrastructure like proper collection site, boats, trained staff, etc. There should be staff available for registration of the sea funeral to facilitate quick issue of Death Certificates.
Government should first come forward to enact laws (if required) for recognizing this system of disposal of the dead, provide space, infrastructure and give wide publicity. Old Age Homes should counsel their inmates about this. Religious seers and leaders should educate their flock about the good that will come to the society by this noble act. Instead of harping on traditions, they should boldly encourage their co-religionists to change – for the better of the humankind. Most importantly, they could set personal example.
Late Jyoti Basu set a very visible and noble example like many unknown before him.
…ponder
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Man-made Ecological Disasters
Today’s TOI has given thumbnail sketches of 10 man-made ecological disasters in the context of recent oil spill off American coast. These can be read at the following link.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Human-error-Man-made-ecological-disasters/articleshow/5906418.cms
Knowing the consequences, due to lure of money or populism or vested interests or plain callousness, we continue to perpetuate ecological disasters through simple actions like throwing plastic to very serious actions like permitting import of surgical waste.
Yesterdat TV9 reported that by planting imported Australian ‘Thumma’ saplings over thousands of hectares in Tirupati hill ranges, we have wiped out ethnic flora and bio-diversity has been stamped out and as these trees have a life span of only 35 to 40 years, shortly these hills will be barren rocks with no support to the ecological balance. Environmentalists and botanists have to study the veracity of this report and, if true, come up with long term solutions.
Government should take urgent action to bring legislation to totally eliminate or atleast severely regulate the following for example.
. Ship breaking.
. Import of dangerous waste/scrap into the country.
. Quick plantation of only local varieties of greenery wherever plantation takes place. Advise of local Tribals should be followed.
. Stop distribution of exoitic varieties of cattle and instead distribute local breeds though may be less productive.
. Strict and regular audit of radioactive materials.
. Compulsory use of jute/cotton bags in place of plastic.
The alarm bells have been ringing. These should not become tolling of disasters. Let us all wake up.
…ponder
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Human-error-Man-made-ecological-disasters/articleshow/5906418.cms
Knowing the consequences, due to lure of money or populism or vested interests or plain callousness, we continue to perpetuate ecological disasters through simple actions like throwing plastic to very serious actions like permitting import of surgical waste.
Yesterdat TV9 reported that by planting imported Australian ‘Thumma’ saplings over thousands of hectares in Tirupati hill ranges, we have wiped out ethnic flora and bio-diversity has been stamped out and as these trees have a life span of only 35 to 40 years, shortly these hills will be barren rocks with no support to the ecological balance. Environmentalists and botanists have to study the veracity of this report and, if true, come up with long term solutions.
Government should take urgent action to bring legislation to totally eliminate or atleast severely regulate the following for example.
. Ship breaking.
. Import of dangerous waste/scrap into the country.
. Quick plantation of only local varieties of greenery wherever plantation takes place. Advise of local Tribals should be followed.
. Stop distribution of exoitic varieties of cattle and instead distribute local breeds though may be less productive.
. Strict and regular audit of radioactive materials.
. Compulsory use of jute/cotton bags in place of plastic.
The alarm bells have been ringing. These should not become tolling of disasters. Let us all wake up.
…ponder
Friday, May 7, 2010
Development and roots
I live in Kakinada. This was a Portugese colony, later annexed by the British. Yanam, a former French enclave and today part of Pondichery shares border with Kakinada. This was a small moffusil town though the headquarters of East Godavari District. There are three main roads parallel to each other intersected at right angles by side roads. This town has several lakes, well preserved, and generally clean. Once upon a time, this was known as Pensioners’ Paradise.
Educationally, this town was very important. The first Engineering College in AP was established here. There is a Medical College, one of the oldest Arts college, Polytechnic, ITI, etc. some dating back to pre-independence days. Today we have several corporate schools and colleges, coaching centres, in addition.
The discovery of gas off Kakinada coast is changing the face of this town. You see more of people from other parts of country which was not the case even as recently as 5 years.
Like any other town, vehicles have outgrown the capacity of roads, shopping malls like Spencers have sprung up. The profile of the people has also changed. Kakinadites are in the software field in a big way.
However, one puzzling aspect is there is no gas run buses or autos here. Kakinada gas may power several projects elsewhere. But people in places like Gadimoga, the nerve centre of gas industry here, cook with firewood. Delhi buses may run on CNG extracted here, but here buses run on polluting diesel.
Industrial activity will bring wealth, resources and opportunities. But along with these, it also brings ecological disaster, displacement of local population, turning farmers into migrant labour and so on. Whereas the wealth, opportunities and resources are enjoyed elsewhere, the misery is faced by the local population alone for whom no tears are shed. Fishermen are one of the worst sufferers. High seas braved by them for centuries are no longer open to them.
Oil/Gas exploration and extraction is a highly complex activity where only very highly skilled people can be employed and what with automization, least labour employing. But it guzzles thousands of acres of land. What is the fate of these marginal farmers, farm labour, fishermen? Migration to urban ghettos? Slavery in Gulf? Social unrest?
…ponder
Educationally, this town was very important. The first Engineering College in AP was established here. There is a Medical College, one of the oldest Arts college, Polytechnic, ITI, etc. some dating back to pre-independence days. Today we have several corporate schools and colleges, coaching centres, in addition.
The discovery of gas off Kakinada coast is changing the face of this town. You see more of people from other parts of country which was not the case even as recently as 5 years.
Like any other town, vehicles have outgrown the capacity of roads, shopping malls like Spencers have sprung up. The profile of the people has also changed. Kakinadites are in the software field in a big way.
However, one puzzling aspect is there is no gas run buses or autos here. Kakinada gas may power several projects elsewhere. But people in places like Gadimoga, the nerve centre of gas industry here, cook with firewood. Delhi buses may run on CNG extracted here, but here buses run on polluting diesel.
Industrial activity will bring wealth, resources and opportunities. But along with these, it also brings ecological disaster, displacement of local population, turning farmers into migrant labour and so on. Whereas the wealth, opportunities and resources are enjoyed elsewhere, the misery is faced by the local population alone for whom no tears are shed. Fishermen are one of the worst sufferers. High seas braved by them for centuries are no longer open to them.
Oil/Gas exploration and extraction is a highly complex activity where only very highly skilled people can be employed and what with automization, least labour employing. But it guzzles thousands of acres of land. What is the fate of these marginal farmers, farm labour, fishermen? Migration to urban ghettos? Slavery in Gulf? Social unrest?
…ponder
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