** Kudankulam **

So, after the Government has spent 14,000 crore rupees, the villagers living around the Kudankulam Nuclear Plant have woken up !! They do NOT want it to be operational out of fear for Nuclear disasters, especially after what happened in Japan. Well, if Nuclear plants are a threat, then, let us close Kalpakkam too ! After all, isn't it a danger to the thickly populated Chennai ? Aren't the lives of Chennai folks important ? (Hey, remember, I live in Chennai :) ) !!

This is rather unfortunate. People living in the villages are clearly being instigated by some religious organizations and unwanted elements. Government should not bend backwards for the sake of Vote bank politics. Of late, we are seeing a lot of arm twisting tactics that is being followed all over India thwarting Industrial and other progressive establishments. This is certainly NOT good for the future of India. This practice needs to be nipped in the bud. But, that will NOT happen - because, this is INDIA !!

** Found time atlast !! ** :))

I am so hard pressed for time these days that I have almost stopped blogging for quite a while (not that anybody is complaining ;) ). Finally, today, I found some breather time and I thought of posting something on a few topics that has happened since my last post ....


Jaya - IN; Karunanidhi - OUT;

Karunanidhi is out of the TN CM chair. Given the level of corruption he and his family members indulged in - I think he thoroughly deserved to lose every seat that his party contested. Almost every Minister is in jail on land grabbing cases. Big fishes are in Tihar jail , courtesy 2G scam!! I will be happy if the culprits gets atleast 100 years in jail... but, this is India and such things has never happened. I do not find any a reason to believe that it is going to change in the near future. I wont even be surprised if all those in Jail are back as Ministers in the next general elections.

Jayalalitha is back ... and as expected, she has already broken the alliance. She has more than absolute majority and she doesn't have the necessity to toe the lines of her alliance partners. Freebies continues to destruct TN economy - courtesy Karunanidhi. This parasite is going to spread across India and it is going to be another "gift" that the Dravidian culture has contributed to the downfall of our Nation.


Anna Hazare

Anna Hazare continues his rallies and postings. Being a great follower of Cho, I have started accepting Cho's line of thinking about Anna Hazare. Honestly, I don't believe he is a second Gandhi. He is a small time villager who has made it big, but lacks vision - which, makes him a puppet in the hands of people around him. His numerous announcements are testimony to that. Even if Gandhi takes a rebirth, corruption in India is going to be difficult to weed out - leave aside people of Anna Hazare and his ilk. Nothing gets done in this Nation without money, kick back, bribe, gift, fee .. whatever you may call it. But, if Anna Hazare's movement has give a ray of hope to a few - that by itself is a big contribution. Other than that, I do NOT believe any thing is going to change by this Lok Pal Bill.

LTTE Vs Kashmir Terrorists

Tamil Nadu Assembly under Jayalalitha, did the most foolish thing - passing a resolution in the Assembly seeking clemency to the three LTTE terrorists who were sentenced to death !! If Omar Abdulla ups is ante and tries to pass a bill seeking clemency for Afzal Guru - then what is wrong in that ? He, after all, is seeking clemency to an Indian Terrorist - whereas, TN assembly passed a resolution seeking clemency to Foreign Terrorists who killed one of our former Prime Minister !! He is only committing a far lesser sin and which has its precedent else where. As I always say - anything bad that happens in India, has its seed sowed in Tamil Nadu.


Cricket : World Cup & England Debacle

India winning the world cup after almost 27 years was wonderful. It brought joy to so many. I was one amongst many who did NOT switch off the TV till they ceased transmitting the footage. Soon after that, Dhoni came back to win the IPL. Unfortunately that is the last since then. The drubbing that India received in England was painful - but, it was expected. As many as eight, so called, leading players were out of the series due to injury, India NOT managing to win a single game was NOT a surprise. Performance of Rahul Dravid was so comforting and satisfying. He truly proved his caliber when every one else, including Sachin, were falling around. Will we manage to give the same drubbing to England who is already in India for the One Day Series ? I do NOT think so !!

Ok.. enough for now.. take care... catch you all later.

** Anna Hazare **

Once in while a few good things do happen in this nation. Latest of those is Anna Hazare's fast and the notification from the Government for a Lok Pal bill. As things stands in this nation, I do NOT believe that this nation can ever get rid of corruption. Corruption and rowdyism have become two most powerful elements of this nation and the rot has spread to everything. However, people like Anna Hazare bring in a glimmer of light in the overly dark arena. What would happen to the Lok pal bill and how it will weed out corruption are things that are NOT the point of discussion of this blog. Just the notion that there are people who stand up against corruption and for a cause is a more satisfying element. That there are people who still nourish Gandhian approach and principles is a wonderful aspect. I take a bow for Anna Hazare's feat. He just has proven once again that it is the initiative, thrust and momentum that is required and there are lot of good people to take lead and follow.

** TN Polls **

TV, Mixie, Grinder, Laptop, Gold, Rice... everything is free in TN. Along with every single item that we get free, we are privileged enough to get "corruption" as bonus !! Welcome to the PARADISE - this is our proud Tamil Nadu !! Almost everything is free EXCEPT - Honesty, Integrity, Truth and a few such things that are immaterial in this material world !! Rejoice our "culture" !!

** Who cares ? **

On Mar/20, a TN Police constable shot himself to death as the convict whom he was escorting escaped and ran away from his custody. Two constables were escorting this convict, who has been charged with rape, murder and other serious offense, back to jail after a court hearing. The convict has taken approval from the court not to be hand cuffed. While he was being escorted back to jail, he had insisted that he would travel only by A/C bus. The second police constable had gone in search of a A/C bus at the Bus Depot, when the convict escaped.

Why does the Government NOT provide vehicles to escort convicts ? (well, they must have sent all vehicles for all sorts of other personal jobs). Why did the court order not to hand cuff a criminal ?? (Isnt that the practice followed only for corrupt politicians? Have the criminals too been included to that list?). Later in an interview, Police commissioner said that the constable would have faced Departmental action - but, he should not have resorted to such a drastic decision ! The Department will NOT provide vehicle to escort criminals; the Department will NOT provide enough power to the poor constables; the Department will NOT provide enough support to the constables - and the poor constable had to pay his life for our faulty system. May his family have enough strength to bear this terrible loss. But the loss of a life, will NOT change anything in our system - the system would remain as corrupt and as inefficient as it is now !! After all, who cares for lives in this nation ?

** Awards **

Padma awards for Kajol & Tabu; Kalaimaamani award for Tamannah !!! What do you call this ?? Of course, pretty faces would bring in some joy to such boring ceremonies. :) - But, what is that they have achieved to receive such awards ?? Well, Tamannah has the qualification of acting in the movies produced by the family members of Karunanidhi - what other qualification does she need ?? On second thoughts, what better way to make such awards meaningless??? If there is some real intelligent thinking behind this move, I guess, it is really a good idea. What do you say ??

** Republic Day Tamashaa **

You would think that on the Republic Day of your country, you can hoist your national flag anywhere in the country and rejoice. But, if it is India, that may not be true. The Chief Minister of J&K rushes to meet the Central Govt and says that people from other States should not be allowed to enter J&K to hoist flag on Republic Day. If you would have known about our PM and Home Minister, you would have, by now, guessed it right.... They agree to it. Everyone trying to enter J&K are stopped at the State border, all this with the active support of the Central Govt. The present Govt is doing everything, with all its might, what Pakistan wanted to do - encouraging and giving in to separatists. Pakistan, instead of aiding and supporting terrorists, can now actively support the Congress Govt to achieve what they all along wanted to !! Jai Hind !!

** 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 ???