** Telengana & India **

I do not have any opinion on whether Telengana is a necessity or not - but, the manner in which it is being forced out is not good for the future of this nation. I really do not see this trend reversing !! It is sad that the vote base has become the sole criteria for our politicians. Interest of nation and its well being has taken a back seat. In the near future, lot of local politicians, in their ambition to become a Chief Minister of a State, are going to seek separate State for themselves. Politician, Mr Chandrashekara Rao, may even go on to become the Chief Minister of the new Telengana and don't be surprised if he becomes the "Father of Telengana" - but what he has done to this nation, I think, is unpardonable. There are lot of voices already being heard from different parts of the country seeking a separate state - including a few in Tamil Nadu. This is definitely a worrying trend.

Well, there is a section of people who believe that by dividing and splitting a large State - administration and growth prospects can be improved. In India, given the nature of our 'politicians' - growth and welfare are going to be last on the list. With more ministers and officials, number of people who loot public money will increase !! More money will be wasted on construction of Govt infrastructure - thus more bribes - more loots - more kick backs !!!

The way this Congress Govt is dealing with all these regional chauvinism is sickening. They are silent when it comes to the atrocities that Raj Thackeray commits - because he is dividing Sena votes and helping Congress!! They are not able to put their foot down and take a firm action against leaders who seek divisionism !! They are not able to show even slightest of guts to China which dictates whether roads can be built in Indian territory or not!! They are not able to take firm against naxalites and Maoists!! They are not able to talk firm when regional leaders support banned organisations!! They are not able to put things in right perspective when some politicians, with vote bank politics in mind, talk of giving citizenship to refugees. Nothing is more important than the stingless, pointless and clueless report - because that helps to show themselves as saviours of Muslim communit !! Ah... so much for Governance !!!

** Sixth Sense **

This is truyly amazing - something to bridge the gap between the real world and the digital world. Check out the link below.

Video Clip on Sixth Sense by Pranav Mistry

The guy says that its going to be an Open source soon !! Man - not all are behind money !!

** All new Delhi Airport **

A new terminal at Delhi airport is getting ready to meet the Common Wealth Games demands, which is about to start in Mar 2010. Read more about the features of the new terminal, which is being highly rated and appreciated.

About the all new Delhi Airport Terminal

I am waiting to see such modern features in all other Indian airports too. Psstt... a long way to go.

** நேரம் **

** நேரம் **

வேலைகள் பலவுண்டு முக்கியமாய் செய்வதற்கு !!
வீட்டு வேலைகள்; அலுவல் பணிகள்;
படிப்பதற்க்கான புத்தகங்கள்; கற்பதற்கான விஷயங்கள்;

கவிதையாய் மாறவேண்டிய மனதிலுள்ள கரு;
சமூகத்திற்கு செய்ய வேண்டிய நற்கடமைகள்;
கேட்க வேண்டியநல் இனிய பாடல்கள்;

பார்க்க கூடிய சிறப்பான திரைப்படங்கள்;
பட்டியல் இட்டேன் நாளை செய்வதற்கு
உறக்கம் வராது படுத்திருந்த ஒர்-மதியத்தில் !!

* * * * *

** Hooliganism in Assembly **

Raj Thackeray, before two days, had issued a diktat to all newly elected MLAs to take oath in Marathi. When a MLA of SP party took oath in Hindi, RJ's party MLAs abused, manhandled and did everything that goes against human decency to stop him from taking oath.

"Maharashtra only of Marathis" reminds me of the old "Tamil Nadu only for Tamilians" slogan of our own Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu during the 70s and 80s. All such acts are just political gimmicks and no real good intentions are meant. To me, such personalities, who instigate and stroke separatism are no different from Maulana Azad and other terror group heads. This is only a different form of Terrorism with similar such goals in mind. In fact, acts instigating separatism from within our own land is more dangerous. Setting Indians against Indians is monstrous and would split the nation. Hence these activities needs to be curbed with iron hand.

These sort of Regional chauvinism is no different from Racism. In Australia, the recent attacks on Indians were based on colour of skin - here it is based on the language one speak. There are too many politicians and political parties these days. Everybody want to show themselves as a savior of public, clamoring for public attention and lime light - so that they can go on looting public money. Raj Thackeray is no different. 6% of Maharashtrians who voted for Raj's party in the just concluded elections would have put their head down in shame due to act that was enacted by RJ's party MLAs yesterday.

** Rain in Chennai **

Till last week, lot of areas in Chennai had gone dry. Wells had turned into dustbins in many parts of Chennai. Bore pumps were not pumping out water. Few more days and the situation would have turned too bad and ugly. Thankfully, rain arrived - though a bit late. Forget the difficulties that the rain poses to the city dwellers - water logged roads, etc etc. The trouble is just for five or six days. Without rain, it would be a year long trouble !! In Chennai, it has been raining for the past three days and still, I think, the water bodies have not received enough inputs to sustain till next year.

It is here that we need to think about the importance of water bodies - many water bodies in Chennai have already turned into "plots" -or- is already a sewage canal. News relating to melting of glaciers, Artic ice, etc., indicating global warming is a real point of concern. Natural resources are visibly bursting at its seams. The only initiative, to save natural resources, I ever saw in Tamil Nadu was before few years - the rule, which made saving of rain water in all buildings a mandatory condition. That brought in a visible change in the water table level in the city. Many such proactive measures needs to put in place before it is too late !!

** A Nice one on Prespective **

When top level guys looks down, they see only shit!!









When bottom level guys looks up, they see only assholes !!

** Optical Illusion **

This picture at the left is one amongst the best optical illusion illustrator that I have come across. Simple lines gives the image of a curved pipe - wow.. what a beauty !!

** Good Old DoorDarshan **

Do you remember watching and enjoying the "Ek Titli" song in our DD during those good old days ?? Its available on net and I watched it in full !! Believe me, its a nice one with a beautiful song. You can watch that on the link below -

Ek Titli Song

We always had such "moral" imparting clippings on our DD as routines. Do we see those on any of our private channels now ?? While that is one side of the coin, I am not sure whether anybody watches DD these days !! Recently, when I turned to DD for a few minutes, I felt really sad to see that they have not improved their standard a wee bit and I dont know whether they still have the "Sorry for the Interruption" board available ready with them even today. DD must be last in the rankings & viewership despite the availability of vast amount of talent, money and the Govt support. Is anyone really concerned ?

** Deepawali Greetings **

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*** I WISH YOU & ALL YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS A VERY HAPPY DEEPAWALI **
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** MA (Kalaingar Thoughts) **

If you wish to know where Tamil Nadu Education system is heading to - here is the latest - G Thiruvasagam, the Vice Chancellor of Madras University has announced a new program of study in Masters in Arts category - MA in Kalaingar Thoughts!! The study will dwell in depth on the contribution of Kalaingar Karunanidhi to Tamil and Tamil Nadu !!! Not to end with that, the VC went ahead and announced more MA programs - "Periyar Thoughts" and "Anna Thoughts" !! When and If the AIADMK comes to power, we will have "MGR Thoughts" and "Amma Thoughts" !! A bad precedent has been set by the VC to please the powers. This is not just going to set a political battle - but another step towards spoiling the whole education system of Tamil Nadu !! Well - what will the curriculum consist of - Forward community bashing ? His "Separate Tamil Nadu" propoganda ? His schemes that is spoiling the whole economy of the State ? His support to the terrorist group LTTE ?? Well.. let us wait and see.

** TN Cine Awards **

Tamil Nadu State Govt has announced the Cine awards for the years 2007 & 2008. This is one best example to show the extent of how Politics has corrupted and crept into everything in this State.

Best actor for the year 2007 goes to Rajinikanth - for the movie "Sivaji" - which was a huge hit but a third rated crap movie as per standards !! Rajini's acting in that movie was far below mediocrity !! The "awards" comedy does not end here - the creaming on the cake is the 'best dialogues' writer award for 2007!! The award goes to.......goes to.... the Chief Minister himself !! CM, Karunanidhi bags the award for the movie "Uliyin Osai" which was a super-dooper flop and the dialogues were widely criticised for being lengthy and boring at the time of its release !!

Ok - let me make a suggestion here. From now on - the State Government awards will NOT be based on performance. It will be quota based. Ruling party supporters & sympathizers (sometimes to the rulers themselves) will get 85% of the awards. 15% of the awards will go to movies based on "Periyar", "Anna", "Karunanidhi" and other such 'stalwarts' of Tamil Nadu -or- movies based on "forward community - especially - Brahmin community bashing" themes. "Performance based awards" ????? - come on, you must be kidding - This is Tamil Nadu, Man !!!

** Citizenship for Sri Lankan refugees **

Mr. Karunanidhi has mastered the art of coming up with absurd and "Nation-spoiling" ideas. The latest is on granting citizenship to Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu. Given the vote bank politics that the idea is, P Chidambaram, who happens to be the Home Minister, would not shy away from implementing the idea. This is going to set a very bad precedent!! Now, others too, like the Bangladeshis, can ask for citizenship (I meant the legal means!).

** POEM - "CHANGES" **

மாற்றங்கள்

கரையாது மறைத்துண்ணும் காகம்;
குறைந்து மறைந்த குருவியினம்;
காகித குப்பையுண்ணும் ஆவினம் !!

கருத்து அழுக்கான நீர்நிலைகள்;
வளமிழந்து குப்பையான நிலங்கள்;
மாசடைந்து விஷமான காற்று !!

அழியாமல் மாறாமல் எது ??
மாசில்லா மழலையின் சிரிப்பு -
நாமழிக்கும் அதனுலகம் என்பதறியாது !!

** ISRO : Another feather in the cap **

In its 16th year, PSLV has been successfully launched 15 times. By placing Oceansat-2 and six other nano satellites in orbit on Sep/23, ISRO has added on more feather to its cap. Credit goes to the whole of the ISRO team. Such achievements makes all of us very proud. At the same time, it also makes us crave for such success and achievements from all of our other departments and organisations. One such white elephant is the DRDO, which has shown very little in the name of 'actual' success. Hope it learns and improves its performance so that it comes somewhere near, if not at par, with ISRO.

** Sri Lanka **

I am not a supporter of LTTE at all. I am not the one to raise my voice in support of Sri Lankan Tamils in the name of "Tamil". I feel that it is an internal matter of a different country. I do not like Pakistan interfering in Kashmir in the name of Islam - similarly, I do not like India interfering in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka.

That being said, news emanating from various quarters does not sound good. I am not interested in war crimes and all that - but, it worries me when I hear that millions of poeple are being subjected to undue harassment, made to live in sub-human conditions and a huge section of them are still being held under detention. It is not the label - "Tamilians" that it is worrying me. But, the news that millions of people are being subjected to harassment certainly pains me. Sri Lankan government, it seems, has hardly taken any major decisions on resolving the vexed Tamil issue. The President is now talking in terms of "No Fedaralism" - the same which he was ready to offer to LTTE two years ago(this , I feel, is where Prabhakaran erred very badly - He should have accepted it. The Tamils would have been living a lot more peacefully than what they are now.). If the President of Sri Lanka is taking no action to bring in equality in his nation between Sinhalese and Tamilians - the present victory that he had achieved over terrorism would become temporary. The treaty that ended WW-I sowed the seeds for WW-II. We should learn lessons from history. Wish the Sri Lankan elite would !!

** Shewag **

I am a big fan of our cricketer Shewag. Recently, in one of his interviews he answered to a question on his fondness to spin bowlers...

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"What is it about spinners? You seem to just get turned on by them?
I was a middle-order batsman who was too good against spin and hit sixes consistently in Under-19 and Ranji cricket, and I still have the same confidence. Once Gary Kirsten asked me, "What would you do if there is a long-off, long-on and deep midwicket?" I asked, "Gary sir, do fielders matter to me?" He burst out laughing.

Any big hitter, like Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Tendulkar, all can hit a six but they don't want to get out. There is a 1% risk.

Let me give an example: I was batting on 291 at Chepauk, against South Africa. I told Paul Harris, "Come round the wicket and first ball I'll hit you for a six." He accepted my challenge and the very first ball I hit him for a straight six, and there was a long-off, long-on, deep midwicket and a deep point. I was so tired and he was bowling on the pads and I was getting bored. So rather than spending 10-15 minutes to get to the triple-century I gave him good advice."
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You can read the full interview at "http://www.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/425164.html"

** "ANNA" & Release of prisoners **

At this rate, I guess, every title line of all our blogs would have to be "Oh No! Not Again!". Latest is the release of a few Al Umma terrorists from TN prisons on the occasion marking birth centenary celebrations of ex-Chief Minister AnnaDurai!! Karunanidhi has always some terrible tricks up his sleeves that can spoil this State more and more. Tomorrow he may celebrate the birthday of one of his numerous wives by releasing more and more prisoners. This is sickening to the core. At this rate, TN won't take too long to turn into a Bihar. By the way, what is the greatest achievement of Anna Durai for all these extravaganza ?? Why a YEAR long celebration?? How much is the Govt going to waste on this unnecessary celebration drama?? Why Anna postal stamps and commemorative coins ?? Where is this nation heading ??

** Education Reforms or Destruction ?? **

Well, the Congress government has done it, once again!! This new found "Education Reforms" is utter stupidity and the present Congress Govt has done it with utter disregard to the consequences and with colossal impunity. Taking cue from its Central Govt partner, the State DMK government has formed a committee to go into it the education and curriculum reforms. I am very sure that the Congress & DMK governments will meticulously disintegrate the education system that is in place now and that which has given so much to our nation over the years.

Given the record of both Congress and DMK parties, we can expect our kids to read more of filth than substance. To quote one example, during my school days, our books had lot of Bharathiyar's poems that oozed nationalistic spirit and positivity. Unfortunately, only because he happened to be from a forward community, the "Dravidian" rulers have slowly replaced almost 90% of his poems with the 'so called' communal crusader Bharathi-Dasan's poems in the school curriculum. As such, the present State board curriculum, which was revised before few years, strokes hatred by dividing people on various lines (say for example, english & non-english educated).

With the new curriculum, we can expect our kids to read that Periyar, Anna, MGR, Karunanidhi are all the GREATEST leaders who lived on this earth!! Do not be surprised if life story of Prabhakaran (LTTE) is included in the syllabus !!! Jai Hind !!

** Oh NO!! Not Again !! **

One more industrial unit has been kicked out of West Bengal !! This time its IT !! A joint sector IT project with Infosys, Wipro, TCS, IBM and other leading firms has been shelved. This is a worrying and sickening outcome. Moreso for West Bengal because this is the second big project in recent times that has been thrown out !! Who will dare to go to a place where the Tatas, Wipros, TCS - the big wigs of Indian industry, have been thrown out unceremoniously and made to bite dust ?? A sincere CM trying his best to make his State an industrial unit - but is not able to!! Now, whom do we blame - Left principles ? Mamta ? Naxalites ? Local hooligans ?? We may get to hear more on that in the near future - but, whoever may be behind this tragic result, I think this is a collective loss not just to the State but to the whole nation.

To read more on the subject - check out the links below...

http://in.news.yahoo.com/48/20090908/814/tnl-buddha-loses-again-his-it-dept-scrap.html

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Infotech/ITeS/West-Bengal-scraps-Infosys-Wipro-projects/articleshow/4982432.cms

** AP CM - YSR Reddy **

The sudden death of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister, YS Rajasekhara Reddy in a air crash on Sep/02 is real tragic. He is the person who was widely quoted as the reason behind the revival of Congress government in AP.

These sort of sudden deaths show cases the fickle nature of human life. YSR was the king of AP till the moment of his death - and after death, his body remained unknown and untraced for one full day in the jungles! What life has in store is never known to anyone and still we all take so much for granted !!

A friend of mine recently told me a story (real?). There is a village somewhere in this world, where people whose earnings are only from sea, make a comfortable living. But, once in every six months, they dump all their earnings, including their wealth and jewellery into the sea and start life afresh. They give up, whatever was earned, back to sea. That way, they know that their wealth and money are just temporary. A nice story - Huh ?? Well, I am looking for the place where they dump their money - if you do get to know early, please let me know. :)

** Swine Flu **

A friend of mine sent the below photo to me - taken in a marriage ceremony in Pune, the city that has seen most of the Swine-flu deaths. ( I was impressed by the matching coloured masks that the bride and groom are wearing) :)

(If the image is small, click on it and see a bigger one)

** Our Culture **

Today, on the way to my office, I noticed hundreds of posters put all along the way, wishing one Mr. Pachamuthu on his birthday. I learnt that this man is the chancellor of the SRM University. He was eulogized with very many words in all those posters. Well - this person may have the money and would like to celebrate his birthday in a grand manner flouting all norms of decency. What this man aims by such self advertisement is not known !! May be he is aspiring to become a MLA or MP !! Well, that is his wish - but having his banners and posters all along an already narrow Ramapuram road, is undigestable.

The posture culture has reached monstrous proportions that we need to curb it as soon as possible. You cannot name any other single element that spoils the city/state as worse as this posters. Even if one of the political bosses passes by car through an area, the local "chamchaas" (a nice hindi word) - display 'n' number of posters all along the way. The local "chamchaas" ensure that they prominently have their own (ugly) faces printed at the bottom of the poster, so that the 'boss' is impressed by the loyalty shown by the individual. You name any occasion and you can see a poster pasted somewhere in this dirty city (Chennai).

No political 'leader' in India can win a seat merely based on his/her credentials. Its the rowdyism, money power and 'star' value that decides the winner and loser. All these makes me wonder on what sort of 'culture' do we have?? What sort of culture do we intend to pass on to our next generation?? Lets try to list a few -

(a) Cell phone culture - where every girl on the street wont walk without a cellphone stuck to her ears - talking and laughing madly (and sometimes loudly) to someone;

(b) Dance culture - where parents feel so happy seeing their kids dance in scantily clad dresses in front of hundreds and thousands;

(c) TV culture - where every festival is being celebrated in front of TVs and daily soaps consume most of the people's time.

But, no change is worse than the decay in political standards. We, as always, keep bragging about "Tamil/Indian" culture - thoroughly forgetting to remind ourself that there is no use in living in the past. What our present day culture is a deep cause of concern - for, we are heading in a direction where we are setting nothing but filth and waste to the next generation.

** Vinayaka (Ganesh) Chathurthi **

I remember this festival being celebrated in a calm and serene atmosphere during olden days. Not just this, but almost every festival had some real 'festival' touch in those days. It is hard to digest to see what has happened to all our festivals nowadays. 'Political' mileage has become the underlying goal of all our celebrations/festivals. We have this new found idea of erecting huge Ganesh statutes in every street corner (copy of Marathi culture). You may ask - whats in it ? Well, its not the common man or the local area association that put up these statutes. Its the people who like to earn big money in politics who do all these things. NONE of the sincere devotees are members or part of any of the Temple committees - its always the local politicians !! The erection of Ganesh statutes is only the beginning of a bigger 'tamasha'. These Ganesh statues remain at the street corners for one week and after that they will be taken in procession to the ocean where they will be immersed during the week end. The procession and the route that it takes are other sensitive issues. Right from erection till its immersion, this festival has all the political contours and NOT an iota of 'bhakthi'. Religion has become a victim of politics. At one end, we have/had people who benefitted by talking against religion (read Hinduism) and at the other end, we do have people who use occasions like Vinayaka Chathurthi to fulfill their political ambitions. Either way, we should realise that we are being 'used'.

** Rights and Ex-Servicemen **

I am a member of a yahoo group, "ex-iaf". Recently there was a discussion on taking up the case for allowing ex-airmen to wear uniform on selected occasion. I wrote so -

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Regarding wearing uniform after retirement - first of all, let me place on record my appreciation for people like Sri. BVR Murthy who just dont keep talking but take up the initiative in going about knocking the doors and fighting for rights. It is because of people like Murthy that we aall are left with one or two privileges. Having said that, I think, NOT allowing the non-officer community to wear uniform or medals after retirement is nothing but hypocrisy and smacks of "British" attitude towards "Indian sepoys".

We all have seen and witnessed such things during our Service life. I dont have to elaborate. The situation got far worser after 1996. They started taking the best of everything, leaving the bone pieces to us. Starting from medical facilities and extending upto canteen facilities - it can be witnessed everywhere. Once, I had been to MH for a courtesy call on one of my station officer admitted (one of a few gentleman officer). He had a spacious two room facility + TV + everything. While walking back, I saw many soldiers lying on floors in verandah (as beds were not available). Why this disparity ?? Why separate Qs for Officer in Canteen ?? Why separate doctors for Officers and their "more-than-precious -families" even in ECHS ?? How come their "sickness" more serious than yours and mine ??? The worst case is allotment of higher allowances for officers in hard terrain areas - Is the terrain more difficult for officers than men?? Does the snow bite them harder than the 'jawans'?? I can and we all can quote thousands of such hypocratical rules, regulations, activities, orders, facilities and everything. Thats the way it has been and that is the way it will be.

This "Saab" community took all that suited them from the Britishers and never allowed Independence to reach the "Soldier" community !! Do you all know that last month the Defence Minsitry (meaning on strong recommendation from Officer community) refused to accept the Parlimanentary Committees recommendation to abolish "Bat Man" in Army ??? Many soldiers languish in the houses of "Saabs" as "Batman" washing their clothes, watering their gardens and taking their dogs on evening walks. If you do not agree with me - just take a evening walk in Delhi cantonment area and see for yourself !! (Lucky, we didnt have that in Air Force!). Even today, you can witness "jawans" stading as 'ceremonial guards' during evening time parties in Officers mess, as their "Saabs" dance to soulful music with their beloveds. The "jawan" would be standing in full ceremonial dress (in peak summer) at the gates to enhance the "status" of his boss having a tot inside!! If you dont believe, go and see those things for yourself happening even today as you read this mail.

Well, why am I stating all this here now ??? - It is because, we all should realise that "Officers" will NOT allow us the priviliges that they enjoy !! They will NOT allow us to be treated at par with them even after retirement - for, they live in an illusionary world, thinking that they served the nation more harder than what you and I did !!! It is on these lines that they will NOT allow men to wear uniform after retirement, but they will continue wearing it. It is on these lines that they will NOT allow oursleves to be called as JWO ABC (Retd) - but only as Ex-JWO Sepoy!!! They will remain as Gp Capt/Major/Admiral. Kings (Retd). ("Ex" means, you are OUT of it, while they are still "IN" it)!! The decorations that you earned is not higher or more valuable than what your "Saab" earned and hence YOU CANT WEAR IT after retirement!! ! All our claims to earn the rightful privileges will be taken up at "appropriatelevel" - and rest assured, at the "appropriate level" - it ALL WILL BE struck down. Leave Groups as like ours, even Parliamentary Committee recommendations can NOT stand in front of this "ego" wall !! Let us accept such realities.

Jai Hind !!
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** Beauty of Nature **

The below are photos of a beautiful parrot like flower, which is a protected species in Thailand and has been banned from being exported.

Who but nature can do this ??

** Online Grievances Redressal mechanism **

Yes, it is happening in India. The Government has setup an online grievance form. You can lodge and track your complaints at http://www.pgportal.gov.in The site gives various details on how your grievances will be handled. Such initiatives goes on to show that we do have some smart people working in our Govt offices. This is an excellent initiative and deserves all the appreciation. How effectively does this get implemented will have to be watched. I pray that this gets implemented with all integrity, transparency and sincerity. But, for that to happen, the Govt (read as - the ruling party and other political parties of our nation) needs to adhere to the noble principles - integrity & sincerity !! Will they ??

** Indian Army & Batman Policy **

The Government has decided not to implement the Parliamentary Committee's recommendation on doing away with the practice of batman (sahayak) in Indian Army. The 'Batman' were the invention of Britishers who employed Indian soldiers to polish their shoes and medals. The Indian Army officers who took over from the British did not do away with the 'Batman' - as it suited them very well. Batman has now become synonyms with "unpaid servant" (or) "slaves" of officers!! Why does the Officers and their family need Batman ?? Why should a Soldier be made to wash clothes, clean house, take care of Officer's kids and dogs ?? (Oh YES, he IS being made to do all such jobs and even worse than those that I have mentioned!!). The poor Soldier suffers all such indignation in silence !!

The articles linked below talks more on the subject :-

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mocking-Bird/entry/join-the-army-be-a

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/Govt-rejects-panels-advice-to-do-away-with-Army-orderlies/articleshow/4827855.cms

** INS Arihant **

There are few things that keeps surprising us every now and then. The unveiling of INS Arihant - the first indigenous nuclear powered submarine of India - is one such. The level of corruption that India has touched and the other such destabilizing forces of the nation has not deterred certain pockets of our society and that is the bright silver lining amidst the overpowering dark clouds. I am really not bothered on how good is the submarine going to be when compared to those possessed by other biggies. That India has one, built on its own, is by itself a biggest achievement. Kudos to all those folks who really worked towards accomplishing this goal.

** India & Pak **

This was expected a long ago!! This Congress Govt is NOT capable of taking tough stands - especially, when it comes to Pak. After the Mumbai episode, the same Congress Govt was high on rhetoric and severed all ties with Pak seeking action against the terrorists involved. The Pak Govt too obliged and took "proper" action against all the terrorists involved by releasing them one after another from prison. The Congress govt, being happy with the "suitable" actions having been taken - now, has taken a step forward for resumption of dialogue. Not just that, the joint statement released, makes a mention of "Baluchistan" - which had NEVER found a mention in any dialogue/declaration/statements before. Indian Govt is stupid enough to vouch the "Baluchistan" links in the joint statement released. Agreed, no explicit words linking India to the terrorists attacks by Baluchistan based terrorists on Pak - but the word "Baluchistan" in the joint statement released IMPLIES exactly that.

Now, if you are a core-to-core optimist - the sort who believes that one day sun will rise in WEST - then, you can also start believing that - Pak Govt will act sternly and will curb terrorism emanting from its soil; that Pak will stop aiding Kashmir terrorists; that Pak will stop supplying arms and ammunitions to the terrorists spread world wide; that India will NO longer lose solidiers in its border to Pak bullets; that we will NO longer lose citizens to the bullets of terrorists !!! Rosy picture - Isnt it??

Talk or NO talks - it is going to make NO difference. US Govt is naive enough to supply everything and anything, including money, to keep Pak afloat. Pak is going to be the breeding ground for terrorists. This is NOT going to change - atleast in our life time. A kid can say that by resumption of dialogue this Indian Govt is taking nothing and gives everything to Pak !! Jai Hind !!

** Coverup Operation **

Justice Raghupathi sitting Judge of High Court Chennai stated that he was insisted by an Union Minister (from Tamil Nadu) to let go some of the accused (involved in forging mark sheets) free on bail. Political intervention in judiciary is nothing new - but for the first time, a sitting Judge openly declared the same in the High Court. Names of ministers were openly discussed - but, our PM did not speak a word; CM of Tamil Nadu did not utter a word. They all conducted usual business - as if nothing happened. Finally it was all covered up wonderfully and the Minister has gone scot free. Another testimony to the sort of Ministers that we have - the sort of political system that we have and the sort of integrity we all do have. Jai Hind.

** Mamta & Railway Budget **

Railway Minister, Ms Mamta Banerjee said "Railways will not be guided by economic viability, but by social commitment" !! That is how they destroyed our Industries, Wealth and everything that once stood good in this nation. By such a statement, the Govt and Mamta has only conveyed that they are going to steadily destroy "Railways" !!

The "social commitment" philosophy is a wonderful concept in India. If some are not able to afford certain facilities - destroy the whole organisation that offers the facilities and make it unavailable to everyone !! Isnt that a wonderful "social commitment"??? Why dont such stupid people understand that social commitments can be fulfilled only by building a stronger and profitable organisation - not by turning profitable industries into "sick" industries !!

** New Education (Destruction ?) Policy **

The Congress Govt has surprised me by keeping quiet for so long (for ONE month) without making any surprise (stupid?) moves. They have compensated enough with the proposed education policy. Abolish tenth public examination; abolish marks; and slowly abolish +2 exams too !! Wah.. Wah !! Well, if you are wondering on how students would be graded and selected for elite courses like IIT and IIM - dont worry - Congress Govt may come up with some other stupendous ideas - say, if your are a Muslim, you can get a seat in IIT or IIM ("saving minority community" agenda). If you are an SC/ST, you dont have to work hard with your studies, you can directly become a President or Vice President or Speaker ("saving the supressed strata of society" agenda) !! What ???? Are you asking about those kids with talent ??? Tell them to go to their backyard (if they are left with any) and cut grass !! Jai Hind !!!

The only thing nice about the proposed education policy is making education compulsory for children upto the age of 12. Thats one nice rule. But, I am sure, as like the Child labour policy, this particular enactment will never be implemented.

** Maoists **

Extremists (Maoists - Naxals - call whatever the name u would prefer to) - have taken custody of a huge region in West Bengal and the security forces are fighting a tough battle to weed them out. At the time of writing this blog, the security forces have captured a majority of the area and the Maoists are now calling for ceasefire !! All these terror groups do adopt this "ceasefire" technique when they are cornered and down on their knees. Govt should not pay any heed to such silly requests. "Corner them and weed them out" - should be the goal. The Central Govt took the right decision to ban the Maoists group!! I was only surprised when the West Bengal's ruling CPI(M) party did not support the ban and is of the view that the ban does not serve any purpose and they want a political solution !! (If you thought that any 'political solution' is in the hands of the ruling State Govt - please take the back seat !! ) !! Naxalism is taking a monstrous proportion in our nation and it is high time that the Govt acts.

Secodly, for all those who were till now claiming that "West Bengal" is the model state under the principles of "Communism" - this "Lalgarh" episode should serve as an eye opener. "Communism" is a FAILED principle - be it, Russia -or- our own West Bengal !! Communist party is, unfortunately, a party with so many "right" people pursing "failed" principles !! It was good to hear their Gen Secy say that they would take a re-look at their Industrial policy !! If "Communism" is the stumbling block for so many good people, it is high time that they review their entire policy than just the "Industrial policy" !! Our nation needs "good" people pursuing "right" principles.

** Speaker Meira Kumar !! **

Mrs Meira Kumar, daughter of Late Jaga Jeevan Ram, has been elected as the Parliament Speaker. Right from the beginning, I never liked this lady. Previously, she has been Minister twice or thrice. But for the "Dalit" Label, I dont know whether this lady has any other qualification. Earlier we have seen this label having been used to elect certain top most positions in our country. Now, this lady's election as Speaker is only a testimony to the nasty 'caste' politics in India. But - there is a blessing in disguise - she was nominated as a Minister of State earlier before few days. She has to resign that post and now has taken charge as Speaker. Well, atleast one of our Ministries has escaped her "governance"!! In fact, electing a talented person as Speaker is only wasting a talented individual, very few talents we have as such as MPs. Dr Manmohan Singh, in that way, has been wise not to waste one talented person as the Parliament Speaker. :)

** Spelling Bee **

Last week I happened to watch the telecast of "US Spelling Bee" contest. Out of the three kids who reached the final stages - two were Indian kids (girls). The way the kids handled the toughest of the words with ease was fascinating to watch. I have not even heard about 99% (100%?) of the words that the kids were made to spell. Finally, Kavya Shivashankar, an Indian girl won it. I was thrilled. With a lot of my friends having settled in US, I wish, one day, I will be able to see one of my friend's son or daughter win this championship (do they entertain Indians to participate?? .... and .... If not for this championship, I would be happy to settle for a Wimbeldon championship by anyone of my friend's kids. ;) )

** Dynasty Politics !! **

Dynasty politics is not something new to Indian public. We live in a land which were occupied and ruled by so many dynasties and empires. Its only a normal tradition that Kings crowned their elder son as the next king. Now, Maharaja Karunanidhi has crowned his sons suitably. One of his sons, Azhagiri is now a Cabinet Minister. Karunanidhi was just waiting for this opportunity to elevate his another son, Stalin as Deputy Chief Minister of the state. One at the centre and another at the State. Azhagiri, for long, was the only thorn in Karunanidhi's plan to elevate Stalin. So, as soon as he was moved out to centre in the capacity of a Cabinet Minister - Stalin was handed over the mantle !!

Karunanidhi did not go to Delhi to fight for Cauvery water; he did not go to Delhi to raise the issue of Sri Lankan tamils - that which he raised so vociferously in the recent concluded elections; he did not go to Delhi to raise the issue of Mullaiperiyar Dam; he did not got to Delhi to fight for so many issues that the State is plagued with!! But he went Delhi on wheel chair to fight with the ruling Congress party to get the seats that he wanted for - especially for Azhagiri and Maran (another family member). I wont be surprised if his daughter Kanimozhi too gets inducted into the ministry very soon. With this, Karunanidhi has duly handed over the State in "safe" custody of his family !! All of us, those who voted for Karunanidhi - lets REJOICE !! Jai Hind !!

** Congress Govt, Prabhakaran... **

While I have been busy preparing for my MCA examinations, quite a few interesting things happened that needs a mention in my blog ( I am on two days break before the exam resumes again ;) ).

Firstly the victory of Congress party in 2009 elections. I was not in favour of the Congress Govt at the centre. Nevertheless, lets hope that the party, having won a near majority, goes on to do good things for the nation. This time the Congress party need not be at the beck and call of all alliance partners upon whom the previous Govt rested upon. Lets hope that the firmness Dr Manmohan Singh showed during the Nuclear deal will be seen on numerous other issues too and he goes on to establish a strong Government at the centre which is what the nation needs at this hour.

Another important news is the death of LTTE chief, Prabhakaran. What did this man achieve after fighting for so many years?? He and ALL his family members have been wiped out in jungles !! Lakhs of people have died and more than a Lakh have been displaced !! What did he fight for?? What did he achieve?? Was the 30 years fight worth the present end result?? Why did he not utilise numerous opportunities that came his way for formation of a federal set up for Tamils in Sri Lanka ?? Now the Tamils will neither have an Eelam nor a Federal setup - that is what Prabhakarn has achieved !! My heart goes out to millions of people who have suffered due to this mindless war. I hope peace prevails in Sri Lanka and people get an opportunity to live and see what happiness is. God Bless.

** Now Nepal !! **

I, in this blog, before sometime expressed my reservations on powers that rule Nepal falling in to the hands of Maoists. I felt and still do feel that democracy in the hands of Maoists is a dangerous option. Now, the Government in Nepal has sacked the General who stood against allowing Maoists into the Nepal army. The General will Go and the Maoists will have their say. This is not good - both for Nepal and for India. Now Nepal completes the wonderful set of neighbours that India has - Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka - all failed States or on the verge of collapse !! It is the time that we should have a strong Govt at the centre. But the election trends does not give a very healthy sign. BJP and its allies, from the available trends, are not going to get a majority on their own. Congress too is far away from it. That leaves the possiblity of all these bits and pieces getting together to form an ugly mosaic and a government at the centre. I feel, we are inching towards another ugly phase in Indian history !! Imagine Laloo + Mulayam + Sharad Pawar + Mamta + LEFT + etc as our rulers. We are going to be at our weakest when we are supposed to be very strong - to handle the economic crisis and all these neighbourhood crisis !! My GOD !!!

** Attack on Army **

On May/02 - LTTE supporters attacked an Army convoy in broad day light in Coimbatore. The Army convoy was returning to its base after a training exercise in Andhra Pradesh. Rumours that the convoy was carrying arms and ammunition to Sri Lanka to attack LTTE was said to be the reason behind the attack. Members of some fringe political parties like Periyar Dravida Kazhagam and MDMk (Vai Ko's party) were involved in the attack. Army men running for cover from the mob was shown on TV. The worst part is - NO political party has condemned the attack. Other than in J&K - (and also in Punjab before few years) - Indian Army has never been attacked in its own land. Tamil Nadu always is the first when it comes to setting bad precedents. Here we have people supporting LTTE - a group that killed a lot of our Indian Soldiers, one of our former Prime Minister and completely wiped out the other Tamil groups - and the Government is silent about it. I am ashamed.

** Train Hijack **

"Someone" hijacked an EMU train that was parked in Chennai Central; drove it for a few kilometers at high speed and smashed it against an oncoming goods train during the early hours of Apr/29. 4 died and several injured due to the attack.

As far as I know, in real life, this is the first time that a train has been hijacked and used for killing people. Last month a train was hijacked in Bihar by the Maoists - but, it was released without any loss to life. This is a new trend that is catching up. Most of our railway stations and the whole of the railway tracks are sitting ducks for terror attacks. Imagine what would happen if a train full of passengers being hijacked and hit against an oncoming train carrying passengers. It would be catastrophe. Apart from the loss of lives, it would disturb the whole Indian Railways for days together. We all know how airplanes were hijacked for the 9/11 attack, which has turned the world history to take a new course. The world is not the same after that chilling terror attack.

I hope the Indian Government acts fast on this new trend and nips it in the bud stage. Tighter security to railway yards is the first step towards that direction. It is also being said that the hijacked train could have been stopped, if only officials on duty had acted promptly. They could have cut the electricity supply, changed tracks - could have done so many things. The hijacked train traveled just for four minutes before ramming against the goods train - nevertheless, de-linking electric supply or changing tracks would only have taken few seconds. I firmly believe that those on duty have not acted with sincerity. They must have been sleeping during the early morning hours and that led to so many slips and ultimately the death of innocent people. I am not surprised that no one noticed that a train was being moved before time, failed stopping at a station in between, traveling at high speed, traveling at an odd unscheduled hour - nothing - NOTHING was noticed. In general, Indian Government servants, (well, a big majority of them), are very lethargic , lazy and poor workers. You can walk into any Govt office to witness the phenomena. Nothing moves without bribery money. I hope, by some sheer magic - by hook or crook - all these things changes in the near future - or we all can be assured that the Nation is going down the path of disaster.

** Aus quits Davis Cup **

Quoting security reasons, the Australian team has decided not to visit Chennai for the Davis Cup Tennis tournament. They have forfeited the game this year and stand to lose a huge sum of money. P Chidambaram, Home Minister has rubbished the Australians security fears. I feel the Australians have their point - because this is the same country which refused to conduct a tournament (IPL) quoting security concerns. No matter whether the tournament is of smaller or bigger magnitude - a security threat is a threat - no matter what the magnitude is. The next government, which would assume office in the next few days, has a tough task in hand - they have to convince lot of countries to take part in the 2010 Commonwealth Games scheduled in India.

** IPL Tamashaa on Blog **

www.fakeiplplayer.blogspot.com - thats the most talked about blog these days. The blogger has introduced himself as a team member of KKR (Kolkatta Knight Riders) - who stands no chance of getting into the team. He gives a lot of inner information about his as well as other teams. This fellow has a nice sense of humour and makes good fun of others. He has given a nick name to all those whom he refers to (there is another site which names who is who ;) ). This fellow's blog is a big hit and its followers increased by 1000 in two days !! Why not if he gives inner info about who is going out with whom to the night parties ??!! He has not even spared the commentators.

** Source Banking ?? **

A few have found a new meaning for the term "Source Banking" in Chennai. They cooly took away the whole ATM machine of Indian Overseas Bank at Kilpauk, Chennai. The ATM was installed before a few months - it neither was cemented to the floor nor it had any security guard. So, some found a new way of looting the ATM. Why take the trouble of breaking it in public - instead they decided to take the whole ATM machine to a safe place !! Afterall the bank has not put it in a safe place - right ??? I call this a smart idea - you?? :)

** IPL - first day special **

Though a bit late to make this posting, I wanted to make this message a part of my blog. All the three greats of Indian Cricket, Sachin, Dravid and Kumble, left their stamp on the T20 format on the very first day of the IPL tournament and that was very satisfying for me. Sachin and Rahul Dravid received the "Man of the Match" awards respectively for the two matches that was held on that day. I was particularly happy for Rahul, for he was hugely criticized and was declared unfit for T20 style of game by our so called pundits. Even in the previous edition of IPL, I remember, Rahul Dravid played some wonderful knocks but they went unnoticied as his team lost very badly. Another wonderful performance on the first day was from Anil Kumble who registered a figure of 3.1-1-5-5. With Five wickets giving away just five runs, he now has the best figures by an Indian bowler in all the three formats of the game - Tests, One Day and T20. What can I say about Sachin?? He is the God of Cricket.

** Bandh - another stunt by Karunanidhi **

Karunanidhi has called for a Bandh in Tamil Nadu tomorrow for the sake of Tamilians in Sri Lanka. If he is so concerned, why is he not going to SL to fight the war alongside his "friend" Prabhakaran?? How is the Bandh going to solve the tamilians plight in Sri Lanka?? Karunanidhi's latest stunt is to cover up the gross deficiences of his Government and to score a brownie point during the election time. This, I guess, is the fourth bandh in Tamil Nadu within the past 18 months. We have Bandh in Tamil Nadu only when he comes to power (and the Government itself calls for the Bandh - thats the irony!). People should atleast now understand that this old man needs rest and a retired life. We cannot allow him to continue spoiling Tamil Nadu. He knows every trick to ruin the State's economy - freebies, bandh, etc, etc., - you name it and he has already done that and is not going to stop doing it as long as he is going to be in power. Yes, all politicians do these sort of things - but Karunanidhi is the master of the art and is a trend setter.

** Why not eVoting ?? **

A few months before, I made a post in this blog about a country (Estonia) implementing e-Voting for the elections in their country. At the time of elections, I wanted to talk about it once again - especially after watching the naxal attacks on polling booths in some parts, where elections were conducted yesterday.

If we can safely carry out financial transactions online (eBanking) - then, why not eVoting? Look at the possibilities - (a) No big Qs and hence a lot of people will vote from within the comforts of their home (b) no poll related violence at polling booths (c) lesser Logistics (d) no security threat to polling booths (e) people can vote from anywhere, especially those who are settled outside India and still hold polling rights (f) no Bihar style booth capturing - the trend that is catching up everywhere, including Tamil Nadu (g) more good natured people will contest - as canvassing too would switch to e-style - a far better option than what is being enacted now with the support of "goondas and rowdies" (h) cheaper. These are just a few of the benefits that comes immediately to my mind.

On the negative side - yes, we need a foolproof arrangement to enable eVoting. We need to work out a methodology and implement this. We do have a wonderful possibility that is full of benefits and yes, of course with a few loop holes. We need to work on plugging the loop holes. If banks can administer secrecy to millions of its customers - then why can't the Government try it out for its citizens ?? Instead of pondering over the negatives, eVoting option should be actively pursued. We need to have eVoting atleast by 2020 !!

** Ban Computers & English **

"Importance should be given to human labour and workers would not be enslaved by computers and machines. Harversters and computers are the root cause of unemployment. We should work against use of English in education and computers in new projects" - Oh, NO - those are not the dictums of Taliban !! The above are the election manifesto of Mulayam Singh's Samajwadi Party, which is being touted as one of the party that will have a say in the next government formation. I was working in Defence when Mulayam Singh happened to be the 'Defence Minister' (yes, he was the Defence Minister for a while - you see, any one can become a Minister in our Government, that does NOT call for any qualification or eligibility - gone are those days!). When Mulayam was heading the MoD, he ordered that all communication to him be taken up in Hindi. We witnessed a great amount of comedy at that stage. It only increased the work load and not just that - it created a lot of confusion. I am sure that he has a big following in UP and is going to win a handful of seats and will be one of the King makers!! We have to live with such people as our rulers. Does that say anything about the future of our country ??

** Whom do we vote for ?? **

No party is going to get a majority in the forthcoming Parliament elections (2009) and that is the only aspect that has emerged clearly so far. In India, initially there was only one party, Congress, and people voted for it without even thinking for a second. Later, the Janata party emerged and then the BJP - paving way for a sort of two party system. Then we had the Third front and in this election we have what is being called as the "Fourth Front" !! How many fronts are we going to have in future?? With no party in a position to get a majority, after elections, this so called third and fourth front will split into smaller elements and will align with either Congress or BJP or will form a front of their own to form a Government at the centre. We all know very well that principles takes back seat and it is the money power that decides everything in our political system. So, parties aligning for the sake of power & money is going to be the next natural step - and that is where our confusion starts. What if the party that I vote for aligns with the party that I oppose and in turn help them to form a Govt?? This happened to the people of Kerala last time. CPI(M) and Congress are the two arch rivals in Kerala. People normally choose one amongst the two. They voted for CPI(M) during the last assembly elections. rejecting the Congress But, after elections, CPI(M) aligned with the Congress and helped them to form a government at the centre !!

Well in this election, when it comes to Tamil Nadu candidates, I dont want to vote for DMK because they are in alliance with the Congress. So, its going to be the AIADMK front. But, if I vote for this alliance, what if they help Congress to form a government after the elections?? My vote will be wasted, if I vote for the BJP or other smaller parties which are non-entities in the State. If I vote for CPI(M), what if they support people like Mulayam and Laloo to form a government after the elections ??

The only solution to all this predicament is a compulsory rule that makes it mandatory to stick to the pre-poll alliances. It should not be changed to suit the interest and needs of the party than that of the nation and people. Secondly, we should have a law that slowly eliminates parties that do not poll, say a 5%, of votes in elections. Thus, smaller parties cannot survive long, leading to a two party concept in India which would be far more healthier. Well, these are options that have been long discussed without any final outcome. For now, which party do we vote for??

** Indian victory in Nz **

It was nice to see India win the cricket series quite convincingly and comprehensively in New Zealand. I am especially happy for Sachin and Rahul, for they once again demonstrated their skills and in the process has shut lot of mouths. Without taking anything away from the test and one day series victory, did you all notice about the discussion on "pitches" that were laid out for the Indians?? No seaming tracks that Nz is known for. Only once was a seaming track laid out, for an one day match, and India duly lost it. Why we did not get to see seaming tracks?? Not one test was played on a seaming track?? Anything to do with commercial aspect?? Whatever those aspects may be, a win is a win and I am happy that Indian cricket team did that. Congratulations.

** Vaiko & LTTE **

Whatever "VaiKo" has said in his election speech about LTTE, blood bath and a separate Tamil Nadu does not need any mention in this blog. The Sri Lankan issue, as always been, is highly politicised one in TN. Nobody really cares for the innocent tamils of Sri Lanka. If at all they do care, let them go to Sri Lanka and help them. Why cry shrill from the safe Indian borders?? What they do is akin to what Pak does to Kashmir terrorists!! When VaiKo speaks of separate TN, he becomes no different from a Kashmir Terrorist. He should have been pushed into jail for one more year (as was done by Jaya few years before!). Such speeches are far worser. All they want to score is cheap political mileage. They are used to do that even over dead bodies. What pains me more is the over all political trend in India - which is becoming cheaper and cheaper with every passing day. Its sickening. In India, to get arrested or some action taken against you - you need to speak against the minority folks; Other than that, you can speak any damn thing about the nation and can easily get away with it. VaiKo needs to be condemned for his speeches and needs to be punished.

** Mohammed Azharuddin **

Mohammed Azharuddin, a well known and established "Match Fixer" is going to contest this election representing Congress. A person who can throw away a cricket game while representing a Nation only establishes the nature of the individual on how capable and willing he will be when it comes to doing things for the sake of money. If Congress happens to win this election and form a Government, I will not be surprised if Azharuddin becomes a Minister for Sports !! Azhar is a muslim and the Congress party will do anything for the sake of Muslim's vote bank. It is the Muslims of this Nation who should be aware of such cheap political gimmicks. Will they be??

** Varun Gandhi & NSA **

Varun Gandhi has been booked under National Security Act (NSA) for his inflammatory speech during one of the election rallies. I am not going to discuss the rights and wrongs of Varun Gandhi's speech. I am only surprised at the fact as to why certain blatantly harsher and inflammatory speeches by persons like Madhani are NOT considered as a security threat to nation !! Oops - why do I keep forgetting that terrorists like Madhani can speak anything and get away from this land because he speaks for muslims and is not a pro-hindu !!!???

** I WILL NOT VOTE FOR CONGRESS **

If you are following Indian elections- 2009 - did you come to know about the Congress manifesto?? If they win this elections, they have proposed to implement reservation in private sector too. That one reason is enough for me, not to talk about their promise for a separate quota for Muslims as well, to NOT to vote for Congress in this forthcoming elections.

We started with 18% quota on the whole and we all know where we stand now. The quota system is going to stay on for ever - thanks to the cheap and cunning politicians that we have. Quota - more than helping the downtrodden - is only helping the politicians to divide and exploit people. We have more caste based parties now than what we had in 1947 !! Congress, Mulayam, Mayawati, Laloo - everyone and ALL of them mastered the art of manipulating the votes based on caste. Please think before you vote to any one of them - because, you are only entrusting the life of our next generation into their hands. So, am I saying that other parties are not thriving on caste based politics?? Yes, everyone is - but not as worse as all the above. So, let us atleast try to delay the inevitable, if we cant avoid it. Well, I am NOT going to vote for Congress or any of the parties that support Congress in this elections.

** The IPL punch **

The congress government tried its best to scuttle the second edition of IPL . It has been discussed enough in the media that not the elections, but IPL being headed by a BJP man, Lalit Modi is the prime reason for refusing security cover to the tournament. The Centre and all the Congress governed States were the first of the block to refuse security cover to the matches. I am not a big admirer of Lalit Modi, but I am greatly impressed by the punch that he delivered to the government by simply taking the IPL matches out of India. Elections are important - but that does not mean that the Govt does nothing other than conducting the elections.

** Airtel CEO sells his entire stocks !! **

Airtel CEO, Mr Manoj Kohli, has sold his entire stock holdings with Airtel (123,000 shares) in open market (today - 11 Mar 2009). Another Satyam ??

** India & Chief Election Commissioner **

President, Prathiba Patil, as expected and as recommended by the Ministry of Law - has turned down the recommendations of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Mr Gopalswami for sacking Navin Chawla. Navin Chawla will now go on to take the post of CEC from Apr/20 this year when Mr Gopalswami retires. Navin Chawla is a stooge of Congress party. Some of the accusations against him are very serious and still he his going to take over the coveted position. The accused and the judge are on the same side of the fence here. Navin Chawla is a puppet of the Congress party and the Congress headed Government went into and decided on allegations against him. Isn't this strange??? (Well, not if you are not an Indian or used to Indian politics and ways). Navin chawla was deliberately and very planted in to the Election Commission by the Congress party and they will be immensely benefitted by his taking over the reigns of the Election Commission. Satyameva Jayadhe (honesty triumphs) can NEVER be true in this land of Gandhi. Jai Hind.

** India, Slumdog Millionaire & Oscar **

I saw the movie Slumdog Millionaire. Having seen a few Oscar winning movies, Slumdog Millionaire, I feel, was definitely not upto that standard. AR Rahman's music was good and there can be no second opinion on that. But, Slumdog Millionaire, as a movie was a good one - certainly NOT the BEST.

We, over the past few days, have heard a lot of accusations on how Indian poverty is being sold abroad. Having seen the movie, I would say that there is not a single scene which is grossly misleading or inappropriate or being falsely depcited. Poverty, violence, beggar mafia - its all very much present and rampant in India. Those who bad mouth about the way India is being depcited in the film, should realise that it is the actual state that India is in. We can not just see the rosy side of India alone and turn blind eye towards the state a large proportion of Indian population lives in. Abject poverty and mindless caste-ridden violence have all been and are going to be part and parcel of India. Above all, the situation is getting worser and worser and ALL our political parties are only adding fuel to the fire. To finish up this write up, Slumdog Millionaire is a good movie (not the best) and the way India has been depicted in the movie is not far away from the reality/truth. Not to forget, to this movie has opened up a lot of avenues for Indian cinema technicians and artists.

** DMK Govt's achievements **

Yesterday, there were full page advertisements in all leading New papers listing the achievements of the present DMK government, thus far. Free TV, Rice for Re.1/-, cheap loans (where it is not written off), free electricity (whenever supplied ;) ), free gas connection and stove... the list went on and on listing all about the freebies.

Dishing out freebies - do you call that achievement?? The Govt has done NOTHING to earn money. All the DMK govt has done so far is to dole out exchequer's money in a callous manner - in the name of freebies. Handing over Rs.2000/- to EVERY family in Tamil Nadu after the heavy rains last season is the icing on the cake. I saw people who own car and bungalows receive the money (if they do not collect, some body will swindle it anyway on their behalf). Latest mockery is to give a golden ring to ALL the babies that are born and being named in TAMIL !!

I do not know where and when will all this madness. At this rate, the deficit is going to get wider and wider and one day, this Govt will be in a position where it will not be able to pay monthly salary to the Govt employees (it was almost at that stage when this DMK govt completed its tenure last time, only to be revived later by Jayalalitha when she succeeded as Chief Minister).

Well... what matters to Mr Karunanidhi and his family is that they are getting richer and richer through deals, omissions and commissions !! So, who cares for the welfare of the State?? Does anybody ??

** Cricket - India & New Zealand (2009) **

At the time of writing this, India has already lost two T20 matches and hence the series 0-2. We have five one day matches and 3 tests to play. While I dont want to take a call in the Test series, all my instincts say that New Zealand will win atleast 3 of the one day matches and hence the series.

** Indians and Oscars **

I have never watched the Academy awards ceremony before - but, this time (2009), I was glued to TV to watch AR Rahman win two Oscar awards. It was really a proud moment. Indians winning awards in international arena is always a great feeling that leaves you proud and happy. AR Rahman, Resul Pookutty and Gulzaar made us proud with their award winning performances. Having said that, I do feel that AR Rahman has given even greater and memorable scores than what he has scored for the Slumdog Millionaire; but all those happened to be in Indian (language) movies and hence he missed out on getting Oscars. Right?

** Anarchy **

What should have been nipped in the bud is now grown up into a huge monstrous and poisonous tree. When one or two people were shouting on pitch of their voice, the Govt kept silent and infact encouraged them for cheap political benefits. The Govts inaction has encouraged a lot more to jump into the fray. I am talking about the voice raised over the support of LTTE (in the disguise of supporting Sri Lankan Tamils). The State, Tamil nadu has become a lawless state. The State Govt is totally ineptitude in solving the issue and the Central Govt is a silent and mute spectator in this case. LTTE is a poisonous organisation, to which we have already lost one of our prominent leader, Rajiv Gandhi. The DMK Govt was ruling the state when Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by LTTE in Tamil Nadu and again, the same DMK Govt is in power when once again the LTTE has roped in a lot of politicians to voice their support for the organisation. Karunanidhi has no time for the State and is content in solving his own domestic problems centered around his sons and daughters. The creaming on the cake was the High Court incident where lawyers and police faught a pitched battle on the Sri Lankan issue. Without getting into who is right and who was wrong - what do you call a set of people who pelt stones on police, burn down police vehicles and who burn down a police station ??? Well, in Tamil Nadu, you have the right to call them as "Lawyers". Surprisingly, the police folks are being widely criticised for resorting tough action. How do you handle hooliganism?? By Ahimsa??

Crores and crores of rupees were swindled in the Telecom deal by a DMK Minister. The Central Govt (read Congress) does nothing !! LTTE has started spreading its wings in Tamil Nadu once again and the Central Govt remains a mute spectator. These are just two incidents which highlights the total inefficiency of the Central Govt (Congress). Not to talk about the worst possible way the Govt handled so many other issues - starting from the Amarnath land row to the soft glove treatment of terrorists. Today DMK and Congress have become two pillars that wholly support corruption, nepotism and inefficiency. To save India and hence corrupt ridden states like TN, both these Govt should go. We have no other alternative.

** January 2009 **

This is the first posting of mine for the blog this year. Well, I have reasons for abstaining from blogging for the past 30 days !! I decided to take the Sun Solaris Certification exam this year and had my exams scheduled for Jan/27. I was seriously preparing for the exams and I have cleared the first paper (hooray!!). Now, I need to prepare and appear for the second paper and then I would be a SCSA (Sun Certified Solaris Administrator). Well, lets hope that I get to finish it and get the certification soon.

There were quite a few things that happened in the past 30 days which are of immense importance to India as a nation and hence, a mention in this blog becomes inevitable.

Firstly the Satyam scam. Satyam story goes on to show how one man’s greed can take down the whole nation – and it cannot be better explained than this episode. Ramalinga Raju has let down his nation, his employees and his family. The big question mark on the whole episode is on the Auditing and the Auditors. Auditing – done over the past few years on Satyam has become a laughing stuff. Auditors are supposed to find the frauds being committed by their Patrons !! They are being paid by the same organization/persons against whom they are supposed to find faults. This client/patron hierarchy/chain becomes too compromising and undermines the whole “Audit” concept. Ultimately, Auditors lead their patrons on a path where they are being professionally aided and helped to do a perfect crime and safely (well, mostly) get away from law. When it comes to the question of very big and reputed firms – Auditors never would try to cross the lines for they would lose a lucrative Patron. This is what has happened in Satyam’s case. We urgently need to address this arrangement. Having said that, whatever we try to do – “திருடனாய் பார்த்து திருந்தாவிட்டால் திருட்டை ஒழிக்க முடியாது" (unless thieves mend their methods,thievery cannot be stopped ). More than any thing else, its time India, as a nation, start planning on building moral values!! Its down the drain and is at its cheapest elements at this point of time in this competitive society!!

Talking about the society takes me to the next topic – “Slumdog Billionaire”. AR Rahman winning the Golden Globe award and being nominated for Oscars definitely makes us all proud. But, I personally feel that he has scored a lot of even better and wonderful tunes than what he has won this award for (the song “Jai Ho”). Not scoring for English movies before could be the only reason that has stopped him from getting such awards before. Well, lets hope he gets lot of such awards and make us all proud.

The discussion on “Slumdog Billionaire” cannot end here as we also hear a lot of criticism about the movie – about selling Indian poverty abroad. While I have not seen the movie so far, my present opinion is that poverty, robbery, terrorism, etc., all exist in India in large scale. We cannot develop an ostrich approach to the whole issue. Don’t we have slums with abject living conditions? Don’t we have brothels where women are forced into prostitution? Havent we heard about kids being kidnapped by beggar mafia?? More than 50% of our people are still uneducated and are below poverty line. Why should we cry hoarse when such things are filmed?? Anyway, I reserve my comments about the film for the time being.

Another important topic is Sri Lanka / LTTE / Tamils / TN Politicians. I whole heartedly welcome the debacle of LTTE. LTTE is a terrorist organization. An organization that can break bunds and hold people as human shields cannot be a charity organization and we have had a lot of facts and stats to prove on what sort of organization LTTE is. LTTE has killed lot of Sri Lankan Tamilians. People like Karuna, who were once top leaders of LTTE speak volumes and volumes of the atrocities committed and is being committed by LTTE. Unfortunately, in India, we don’t have enough and powerful law like POTA to put people who support LTTE in jail (as was done to Vai Ko). Even more unfortunate is that we have a party (DMK) that has a poor record of handling miscreants and terrorists in power. Isn’t it time that we learn from countries like Sri Lanka the methods and means to curb terrorists and implement the same strategy in dealing with Kashmir terrorists?

Talking about terrorism and Sri Lanka leads me the topic of Israel. I am of the view that Hamas is a terrorist organization and it instigated Israel to attach the Gaza strip. Only countries like India will tolerate terrorists attacks !!

Unfortunately lot of civilians - hapless people, kids, old aged were all caught in the cross-fire and have been killed. Such loses can never be compensated by any means. My heart goes to all those families. Having said that, this should make the terrorists realize their folly and I do not vouch to the argument that Govts should stop attacking terrorists. Terrorists organization like Hamas, Al Qaida and LTTE have to be given a sever blow and they should be erased of the face of this universe. The world should speak in one voice against TERRORISM without giving any creed/religion color to it.

My final topic of this posting will be on local politics (Tamil Nadu). The comments of Election Commissioner on Thirumangalam bye-election is worth noting. He has said that Tamil Nadu fares worse than Bihar when it comes to election offences and violence. People who know about Bihar elections would realize the severity of such a statement. All the recent elections that were conducted in TN (especially after Karunanidhi came to power) have been severely rigged to the worst possible extent – as has been never seen before in TN. We already have a situation where educated and decent people stay away from politics. With more such elections – our fate for good future as a nation will permanently be sealed for the worst. “Rule of Law” will soon be replaced by “Goonda Raj” ! “Politics in India” has become a synonym of “Rowdyism”.