** Greetings :: Happy 2011 **

Dear,

I wish you and all your family members a very, very happy, healthy and prosperous 2011. May God bless you with all the good things in life and the capability to understand the good things that is blessed upon us, which would eventually make us more responsible.

Here, I can not help but think as to what a wonderful nation that we are blessed with, but has only left it to the corrupt elements. Now, the corrupt elements have become so monstrous that we have been left with no choice but to watch the indignity with silence. I do NOT belong to the school of thought that believes individual votes can change the fate and destiny of this nation. Votes cannot change the corruption that has penetrated every layer and every root of this society. Personally, all I can do is to remain a good citizen and believe that more and more people will think that way, which MAY prolong some of the left out good things in our society to prevail a little longer.

Amidst the looting Generals, Robbing Ministers, bluffing Judges, cheating Journalists who fall prey to the lure of money - we also do get to see one or two good things that is happening in our society.... I wish we get to see more of such good things in 2011.


Jai Hind.

** Barkha Dutt : What a Fall !! **

I had a huge respect and regard for this lady, Barkha Dutt, till recently. She, I always thought, was a person of good integrity. But, the "Nira Radia Tapes" controversy has brought Barkha down in my esteem. In my opinion, this lady has fallen from grace. Next time when we watch her conducting any interview (if at all if she does) on any issues or goes about questioning moral values - no doubt, I will have a wry smile on my face. The Nira Radia tapes have only reiterated what this Nation stands for - corruption, filth, manipulation and poor governance at every level. We do have a person with civil cases against him entrusted with the responsibility of over seeing corruption cases in our country. Well, that is not something new - don't we have Ministers with criminal records?? All these underlines just one thing - quite a lot of people have got together to destroy this nation, come what may!! The legacy of Gandhi is gone long ago. Truth, Honesty, Integrity, Values, etc have all been forgotten. Our future is very clear from what we have as our present. We do not want our enemy nation to destroy us - we are capable of it ourselves. Jai Hind.

** Oh We know !! **

We all know how corrupt our system is. Nothing shocks us. We all knew about the Spectrum scandal months ago. Its just that the press got new leads and it has made headlines in a bigger way very recently forcing the minister to go (Does resignation absolve him of all his crimes?). Nevertheless, all along, we knew about many scams. The level of corruption in our Govt departments when it comes to awarding contracts is just a common knowledge. It is just that the press got lead about the Common Wealth Games scandal and the same has made headlines. There are terrifying corrupt elements in Defence forces - it is just that the Adarsh scandal caught the top most General (Retd) red handed. The tax returns filed by the retired general is being made fun of. In fact, if a secret and honest investigation is done into the property details of some top most Defence officers, especially those who belong to the Logistics division - our Govt can recover funds that would be enough for next budget. Such is the level of corruption in our nation. Well, we all pay money to get our jobs done. We want our job to be done.. and our counterpart with whom we deal, wants money... its just mutual.. we mutually take our nation towards destruction. Oh, yeah.. we all along know that.. right ??

** Suu Kyi **

It was heartening to see the smiling Suu Kyi come out of her house, after almost 15 years of house arrest. I read that she was not even allowed to meet her husband when he was in his death bed. The military Govt time and again rejects her sons visas without stating any reasons and she has not met her children for so many years. Yet, despite all these difficulties, she has not given up. She acts for the welfare of the masses without giving up her calm demeanor. We do not know on how long she would be allowed to remain free. Her present freedom may only be short lived as the rulers may frame her if her popularity rises high.

Given her Gandhian approach in pursuit of democracy for the people of Burma (I am not used to the name Myanmar), it is sad that the Indian Govt has decided to remain silent as far as Suu Kyi is concerned. Worse, it leans towards the Military ruler (going to the extent of even inviting him to India for official functions). Why ?? As far as I can think, India is afraid that if it takes a strong stance against the Burmese Govt, the military Govt may lean towards China allowing its strategic land area to be used by the Chinese. But, what happened with Sri Lanka ?? Despite all the behind the screen support by Indian Govt, the Sri Lankan Govt has allowed China into its country to develop the infrastructure. China has its presence in Sri Lanka, Bangaladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and almost all the nations surrounding India. But, can that be given as an excuse for not supporting a genuine movement which is devoid of any violence ??

** America's Ayodhya **

Building a mosque at ground zero, where the twin towers once stood majestically and was subsequently destroyed by terrorists, is being hotly debated in US. This only reminds me of our own backyard - "Ayodhya". You should not try to draw exact parallel lines between these two. What I am trying to point out is the sensitivity of building a religious monument at an even more sensitive location. Arguments and counter arguments can fly to and froth - but, the question is , whether all this is really worth the struggle??

Religion getting spilled over in a negative manner on to the society is really a dangerous first step towards eventual disaster. Here, we cannot deny the fact that terrorists, world over, have identified themselves to one particular religion and it is well documented on how their worship places have been used as a fountain head to breed terrorist and terrorism. Unfortunately, even the liberals in their own sect are being targeted and victimized, thus effectively quelling sensibility and reasonableness!! Even more unfortunate is the attitude of Politicians in handling fundamentalism. Hundreds and thousands of parties have sprung up at every nook and corner, exclusively based on religion, which is the spring bed for all future terrorist activities. However, instead of nipping them in the bud, politicians, for the sake of votes, start supporting them and would, one day, surely are going to end up as their slaves. Given the harsh realities, I have reasons to believe that we are going to witness even more terrible times ahead.

** Oh Master : Please accept my donation **

Timid actions are always painful to watch, especially when such an action is being seen to have been exhibited by a Nation - my Nation !!

Pakistan is suffering under dangerous floods - we all fell sorry for the sufferings of the innocent people. India comes forward to offer help - well, truly a nice gesture. What comes after that is truly baffling !! Pakistan remains silent and does not accept India's offer. India keeps pleading!! US intervenes and tells Pakistan to accept the assistance!! Pakistan PM goes to the media asking them on what grounds can he reject the Indian assistance!! Finally Pakistan accepts the offer !! India, now, goes over board and offers a lot more than what it offered initially !!

What is this crap all about ?? I am ready to help - but, if you are not ready to accept it - go lick your own a-- should be the reaction !! Why should we keep pleading others to accept our donations ?? The pain of watching a Nation kneeling before a worthless State is annoying to watch. Offering thousands of crore of rupees as assistance, of which a major part would go to terrorists is nothing short of stupidity. We should not at all be surprised, if they use our money to kill our own people - as they did it to US. When thousands of your own citizens are going without daily food, why do you have to go and offer millions to others ?? To show your magnanimity??

** Non Stop Scandals **

There was an article in 'Times of India' yesterday (Aug/04) on stale rations being issued to Army soldiers - and about existing cartels in the Army Supply Corps. It went on to quote CAG reports on the wrong practices that exist in the Ration procurement and distribution.

Army is responsible for the ration procurement and distribution for all the three services in India. Rs.1440 Crore is the annual business. If I had been an outsider, I would only be surprised if there is no evidence of any such malpractices. I have seen these things happen from close quarters - and was not at all surprised nor shocked at the news. (Just was wondering as to why it took decades for the CAG to find this out!!!). Everyone serving in Indian Defence forces would know how the supply of meat comes with heavily injected water (so as to increase weight), how only the left overs are pushed to the forces in the name of "vegetables", how rice and wheat are adulterated to pathetic levels, how the "atta" supplied is so stale and unusable - these are just open secrets. (PS: The best of the worst that is supplied goes to Officers' mess and you can imagine what the poor soldiers are always left with!!).

Having said that - I skimmed through today's newspaper with great interest to see if there were any follow ups on the scandal that was published the previous day !! Not a word !! Well, such things do not get out in open - even if it does - the powers that be knows how to sweep everything under the carpet !! This is not the first time that this is happening nor the last !! Jai Hind !!

** Common Wealth Games **

If Naxalism, Terrorism and Corruption are robing our Nation of its growth and glory - Governments ineptitude in anything it does is pathetic. The latest in line is the preparation for the Common Wealth Games (CWG) scheduled to commence in October this year. Reams and reams have been written about the poor quality constructions, slow progress and many sub-standard stadiums. Some of the stadiums, even before formally being thrown open, have developed leaks. Bickering and in-fighting surface every day that show-cases the inefficient manner in which the preparations are going on for the games. If the CWG games goes on to become a successful event - then that is going to be nothing short of miracle. In such cases, we Indians do resort to a technique - PRAY !!

** Iran Oil Pipe Line **

It surprises me to no extent when political parties keep pressing for the Iran-Pak-India oil pipe line deal. It is understandable that some parties support the deal simply because US opposes it and they are paranoid about anything that has a US stamp on it. A rational thinking would help us understand that it is not the US nor the Muslim card that should be considered while planning for this deal. It is the role of fundamentalists ridden Pakistan, terrorist trainers ISI and Talibans that ought to be considered when thinking about the oil pipe line that would come to India through Pakistan. If ever this oil pipe line is signed, that would be one of the many worst blunders that India has made so far. The only difference would be - this would sit right on top of everything - simply because we missed to see -or- deliberately avoided to see the very evident threats.

** IPL & Scandals **

In their personal tussle, Shashi Tharoor and Lalit Modi opened a can of worms and more and more skeletons are tumbling out of the cup-board every day!! It is still surprising that why there is no investigation into all these murkier deals. IPL is very much corrupt and that is very evident now. What is not known is the real depth of corruption. Anything that involves cricket, you cannot keep Dawood away. With the names of actual investors and companies NOT known clearly, the Govt should have stepped in to find out to check the involvement of Dawood and other Pak based terrorists (not to rule out Mumbai based dons). That has not happened. But, given the record of the present Congress Govt, which has a soft corner for such corruptions that is only understandable (Haven't we seen the Telecommunication scam involving our "GREAT" A.Raja)!!

Shady involvement of high profile ministers in IPL are published in black and white. They keep dishing out white lies in the name of excuses!! Abuse of power has been recorded. Daughter of the aviation minister was able to divert an "Air India" aircraft for IPL!! Who gave her the power?? Daughters/Relatives of big industrialists work for Lalit Modi! Lalit Modi has direct interest in three of the IPL teams!! It is not a question of few thousands - but thousands of crores of rupees. Where did all the money come from?? Who is behind who?? We know nothing.

Lalit speaks as though he is the one who created and made IPL a big success!! Any Ramu and Somu in his place would have made this possible - simply because IPL was waiting to happen. The timing was ripe and Lalit Modi just happened to be in the right place. Having said that, Lalit Modi, without the support of Political bigwigs, could not have done this all by himself., sweeping all rules and regulations under the carpet. Laws, regulations, rules, procedures have all been kissed good-bye!! For more truth to come out, suspects needs to be screwed. But, that in India, will NEVER happen. RIP !!

** Vishy **

It has been quite some time since I made my last posting. I work all night these days and sleep all day along. Getting the body mechanism in tune to different work hours takes some time. There were occasions when I wanted to post a piece but tiredness and laziness took over.

If there is something to cheer about in the past few days - then, I think the top most would be Anand's Chess Championship victory. What can be better than this piece to make a start - and here I am writing about that. I would rank Anand alongside Sachin. Both of them have attained phenomenal success and yet remain firmly footed to ground. They never go overboard and that makes them even greater.

In one of the article I was reading - the author clearly brought out as to how difficult it is to achieve success in any game in India. Your success is despite the system and NOT because of the system. The author humorously narrates on how they were put up in a huge hall for one of the National level chess tournament; 100s put up in a hall where it could only accommodate 60!! There were just three small sheds which was intended to be toilets - and with wrestlers and boxers put up alongside chess players - the chess players had to control their bowel movements than take it head on with others !!

Anand has achieved success despite the system and that makes all his achievement even greater. Anand came up the ladder during days when internet and other modern facilities in India were unheard of!! Quoting the author again - "it is like a guy taking his Maruti 800 for a F1 championship and wins it - that guy has to be more than just the best driver in the world" !!

"Congratulations, Anand for the tremendous feat. You are definitely one of the greatest sportsman India has ever produced. Keep the winning streak continuing as it brings cheers to lot of us in India."

** New TN Secretariat Complex **

I recently happened to see the new TN Secretariat complex. "Ugly" is the word that came to my mind first. So much was talked and published about this building - but, unfortunately, the ground reality is far from any of those much hyped images (atleast mine). Its neither modern nor aesthetic. You do not see any of the modern Architectural style nor blend !! It is another cramped structure !! When the construction of the entire complex is completed, may be - may be - the present look may change !! But as of now - its a big eye sore !!

Why have they chosen this place ?? Ideal plan should have been to construct the complex in such a place where it would take the traffic congestion out of the city and get a fresh whiff of air !! Alas, that is not to be!! It is right across Mt Road!! When the construction of this complex is completed - and when the offices start functioning in full swing - it is going to take the already horrific traffic congestion in Mt Road to another level!! I found atleast one symbolic link to the location of the complex. It has been constructed right on the banks of the stinking and dirty Coovum (sewage) river. A representation of the present and future state of TN politics?? A exhibit to show that many of the political big-wigs grew on the Coovum-cleaning project money?? Well, that fits the bill nicely !!

** Afghan Agony **

More Indians have died in Afghan - killed by Pak (read Taliban) aided terrorists. Indian Govt wants to establish proximity to Afghans and hence is spending millions and millions of rupees in Afghanistan, which is nothing but going down the drain. Why spend millions for Afghans, when our own people are suffering ?? You spend your whole of your wealth on Afghanistan - and yet, it is not going to be a country that will side with India - not now - nor in the future; it is not going to be a country that will speak for India in Islamic forums; it is not going to stop its territory from being used against India !!! We never learn our lessons. We helped Bangladesh to take root and this small nation keeps killing our soldiers every other day and allows its territory to sponsor terrorism against India!! We see our people being killed; we see our territory being targeted very often - yet, what do we do?? - pump money - help them build ?? Does that sound as a joke ???

** SACHIN **

Sachin became the first person to score a 200 in a one day game today (Feb/24). He scored a double century, remained not out and immediately returned to the field when India started bowling. Such is the commitment of this man and that is what has made him what he is today. I am immensely happy that Sachin achieved this unique record today.

Whatever I say or write about Sachin would have already been written and told 'n' number of times by 'n' number of people. Irrespective of what is being said (both bouquets and brick-bats), Sachin remains totally balanced and has carried on with his game. Though he has numerous records to his name, he never makes any fuss about any of it. When Sachin scores a century, whole of India rejoices. Such is the greatness of Sachin. No doubt, he is God's gift to Indian cricket. Someone, during one of the test matches in Australia, wrote a banner - "I have seen God. He plays for India at No.4" - (No.4 is the position Sachin plays in Test matches) !!

** WR Varadharajan **

I have heard only good things about this man, WR Varadharajan. His "missing" news and subsequently the news about his death was big shock to me. The party sacked him from all responsibilities and yet, he gave away his savings and laptop to the party and that speaks volumes about him. Leave alone the politicians - do we, on the whole, have such people amongst us ? May his soul rest in peace !!

** Bt Brinjal **

After lot of hesitation, Indian Govt has said "No" to Bt Brinjal for now and that is an appreciable decision. This subject needs a lot more research and there are too many unanswered questions. We should not let ourselves to become guinea pigs. Govt decision on this matter needs appreciation.

** Padma Awards **

Enough has been discussed about the Padma awardees in the media recently. I wish to add just one line about the Padma Awards - Mallikha Sarabhai was awarded the Padma Bhushan award this year for Art !! Mallikha Sarabhai was the one who contested against LK Advani in the previous parliament election and the present Congress Govt has gifted her with the award !! Jai Hind !!!

** IPL :: India & Pakistan **

We have been crying hoarse for decades over the atrocities being done by the Pakistan supported terrorists in India and no one pays any heed about it in Pakistan. Now, when a few Pakistani cricketers were not selected by the IPL franchise - Pakistan makes a huge hue and cry, - what happens??? Right from Indian Home Minister goes on to support Pakistani line of argument !!! When everyone should have come upfront saying, "Yes, we do NOT want Pakistani players", it is a shame that the so called "elite" talks about waving a white flag in support of Pakistan players. People talk about "aman ki asha" - My foot !!! Talk about "aman ki asha" to all those families who have lost their near and dear to the covert Pakistani bullets and bombs !! Pakistan is the breeding ground for terrorists world wide and it is going to remain so for a long time to come !! Neither US nor India have learned its lessons. US keep pumping millions and millions of dollars into Pakistan, which is being used to kill their own soldiers. India keeps running behind Pakistan waving white flag and talking about peace. In return, Pakistan continues to kill our soldiers at the border; continues to kill innocent Indians through covert means !! Let us severe all ties with Pakistan !! Let us confront terrorists instead of begging Pakistan and US !! For that to happen, we need people with vision and strong will power to rule our nation. But our political parties are more interested in muslim votes than the development of our nation !! What is the result ?? Even smaller nations like Bangladesh ups it ante and makes fun of India by supporting terrorists and helping separatists elements !!

** INDIA - Heights & Pitfalls **

I am here back to blogging ways after a short break. I was busy with my examinations and was not able to blog for quite a long time. We are into 2010 and I thought of revisiting on how we have progressed, particularly India, in the past few years. (Note: I am a common man and I write only on what & how I see - This is not a perfect analysis) !!

Well, the positives first -

Definitely the Communication revolution tops the list. We may still be in the second and third generation of mobile communication while advanced nations are talking in terms of the fourth generation. But - the level that the communication revolution has touched is truly tremendous. Even the most down trodden have cell phones in their hands. Here, I do accept that mine is a city level view and I do not know much about the interior villages and poorest of the poors. But, today, every village in India, is in one way or other connected to the national grid and that I count as a biggest achievement.

Aided by the strong communication links, IT industry and the service industry has grown leaps and bounds that has touched a lots of lives in India. Yes, unemployment exists even today - but, not to the extent that we feared before, say 15 or 20 years. In cities, if you have the right talents, you do have a job.

The National Highways - especially the "golden quadrilateral' - is a wonderful effort and needs thorough appreciation. Work is still in progress, but the whole concept and what we have achieved so far needs appreciation. Now we can boast of wonderful highways.

Media - It is no more "Doordarshan" alone !! We have a plethora of channels, newspapers and magazines. Probably, India is the only country where you can buy a magazine for as low as five rupees (10 cents ?)!! Unmindful of the standard, the growth of Media and its power is a plus.

Hospitals and Medical Science. Gone are the days when people requiring specialist treatments had to fly to America (ie. those who could afford to and others get ready to face the sufferings/death). Now, people from developed nations are flying to India to get treated - especially because of the cheaper rates (in their standards) in India. Affordability by a lot of poor people for the facilities available and the unwanted intrusion of Insurance in Hospitals are big holes that needs to be questioned !! Having said that, the facilities are in place and that is a big growth.

Automobile Industry. Cars of all makes and standards have replaced the Ambassadors and Fiats of olden days. Lots and lots of companies have set base in India providing employment opportunities.

Nuclear/Space Technology Our growth in Nuclear and Space science is truly a big achievement which we all Indians can be proud of. We never resorted to the "back door" tactics that may nations resorted to. Our growth on these spheres needs a big pat on our back.

Well - you can talk about a lot of dis-advantages in all the pluses that I have mentioned. But, every coin has to sides and that is the way it is. Yes, there are dis-advantages - but, we need to plug those leaking holes and cannot write off the pluses as such on the whole.


Now the negatives -

Food !! Even today, there are people who die of hunger !! I cant help but remember poet Bharathiyar's famous lines. Its very very sickening to hear about people who die because they do not have food to eat. What the Government is doing is still a mystery !!

Politics and Corruption - Lesser said - the better. Corruption and Politics have become synonyms in India. Politics and the politicians control the bureaucracy and hence corruption has percolated all government agencies with ease. Politicians who have criminal charges (read, murder offences) have become Chief Minister. Well, when one can become a President then why to speak about CMs !! People do not get shocked at all when scandals involving Judges, Generals and Ministers spill out !! It has become the order of the day !! Unless this is going to change, which I doubt very much, all the achievements that India has managed to score will go down the drain.

Tinkering with the Education system. Ours is a time tested education system and some politicians have started tinkering that !! Accepted that children should be stopped from commiting suicide due to pressure. But, when 0.001% is affected, what will you do - take measures to attend to 0.001% or decide to correct 99.999% ??

People and their attitude. The cultural change is sad to note. People are becoming more self centered. No one walks on the streets without mumbling into their cellphones. No one cares for rules and regulations. If you obey traffic rules, you become a laughing stuff (being honked at red light is just one example). "Its all ok" - is a sickening attitude.

Pollution. One of my friend who lives abroad mentioned that everytime he visits India, what strikes him first is the increasing amount of garbage on the roads !! Yes, it keeps increasing every day !! We still do not have any waste management plan !! We do not preserve nature and abuse them without any care. Water levels are decreasing and yet we do not mind polluting our water bodies. We may soon understand a different meaning for the term "water pressure" !!


Well, there are quite a few pluses and minsues - but the above mentioned are those that I thought needs a mention. Having said that - the one big aspect that needs to be addressed is the marriage of politicians and corruption. You fix that and you have a solution for most of the other aspects. That, unfortunately seems would never happen !! Not just in India, but world over !!

** HAPPY NEW YEAR **

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Hearty Wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Successful 2010.

Wishing you a great and prosperous new year.

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