** Deepawali Greetings * 2008 **

May the Festival of lights brighten up your life even further and bring more health, wealth and happiness to you and all your family members.

With Warm Regards,
Gowri

** LTTE & 'POWER' Politics - DMK Strategy **

DMK and its chief Karunanidhi are always masters of cheap politics. The whole of Tamil Nadu is reeling under the worst power crisis. Urban areas face a minimum of two hours power failure and rural areas are without power for most part of the day & night. Industrial units are 'warned' not to take power from the grid during peak hours. What does the DMK Government do ? They took the 'Sri Lankan Tamil cause' !! Stage managed its MPs to submit their resignations to their chief, Karunanidhi (not to the Lok Sabha speaker!). The highly politicised film industry was instigated to organise a rally supporting the cause of Sri Lankan Tamilians. So, for the time being and for the n-th time, DMK has succeeded in the cheap diversionary tactics to gain political mileage. Given the situation - Power crisis - is going to haunt the DMK party in the forthcoming elections. But, again, by then, they will have another cheap tactics (as like the free TV campaign during the previous elections). You see, we never learn our lessons and curse ourselves by electing such cheap and mindless people to govern us.

** Sachin **

Sachin, is now the highest test runs scorer with 12,000 runs in his kitty. It took 19 years for Sachin to complete this stupendous feat. His mastery, sincerity and dedication reflects well in this achievement. But, above all - he has his head firmly on his shoulders and did not allow fame to get in to his head, The new gen kids who let their tongues wag after just one century should learn a lesson or two from Sachin on behaviour. Sachin, no doubt, is God's gift to Cricket and I consider myself lucky to have witnessed some of his wonderful innings. He has given so much joy to the huge fan followers of the game cricket. Sachin is a Legend and his records speaks volumes about the man's calibre. Kudos to Sachin on his 12000 runs feat !

** Poison Vs Poison **

Do you believe that a poison can be cured by another poison??  Well, the Indian Govt believes so !!  We all know that India has been the target of numerous terrorist activities - especially at a higher intense level in the recent past.   Home Minstry is the department that deals with internal terrorism.  Home ministry has a Minister (Shivraj Patil) and is assisted by three Minister of States in the present Congress Government.  One of the Minister of States for Home is Mrs. Radhika Selvi.    

Here, we should know more about this person, Radhika Selvi.  She belongs to the party DMK - well, that is irrelevant to our subject.  What is more relevant is that she is the wife of Venkatesh Pannayar - who was a big time rowdy element (a Dawood Ibrahim of a smaller zone).  He was killed in a Police encounter in 2003.   Now, she is a Minister of State for Home Affairs of the Government of India.   Can you find a more suitable person for the portfolio ??  I suggest that we sack the present home minister and make the wife of Dawood Ibrahim as the Home Minister of India.  You see, a poison can be cured only by another poison !!  Don't you believe that ??  Well, our Govt does !! Jai Hind !!

** Honking & Indians **

Yesterday, I read an article on the honking habits of Indian drivers.  It went on to describe about the level of sound pollution and the rude behaviour of Indians (honking is considered rude in most of the other countries!!).

Probably the author of that article is not aware of the basic difference between honking in other countries and in India.  While in other countries they honk to seek 'right of way' -  in the crowded Indian roads - we honk for numerous reasons -

- to warn the person who jumps traffic signal and heads our way on the wrong side,
- to warn the pedestrian who jumps the road median to cross the road,
- to warn bicyclists from taking a casual stride across the road,
- to warn those animals that take a casual strode in the middle of the road,
- to warn the pedestrians who share the small strip of road along with plying vehicles,
- to warn the drivers who have obtained driving license by paying few bucks,
- to warn the person who may appear as a flash in front of you from numerous blind roads,
..... the list is endless.

In India, alteast in the 'so called' metro cities, it is impossible to drive without honking, especially during peak hours.  Those who talk about sound pollution and 'rude manners' should be punished to drive in Indian roads without honking for ten days (Just ten days!)  - without hitting any one or being hit by any one !!!  He he he....

Yes, I do honk !! ;)   

** Birthday Gift **

   On the occasion of his mentor and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (Late) Anna Durai's Birthday, Karunanidhi - the present TN CM,  has ordered release of more than 1400 life convicts from prison (Those who know about Indian judicial system would vouch that life sentences are not handed over that easily in India and it involves years and years of trial process !).   Worst, the High Court did not stop this, despite an appeal filed to stop the release of prisoners.  The High Court in its ruling, stated that the prisoners can be released after obtaining a bond from them - the bond that is going to hold no value and at best can be used as toilet papers !!  The release of prisoners comes at a time when the State's crime graph is on the rise !!  I do not know what the real achievements of both Anna-Durai and Karunanidhi are, but can, without any doubt, say that Karunanidhi, in this tenure as CM of TN, has taken oath of destructing Tamil Nadu in every domain and sphere !!  Tamil Nadu will soon be the next Bihar of India !

PS :  The names of those to be released, it is said, also includes those who were convicted in Tha.Kirutenan's murder case.  Karunanidhi's son, Azagiri's hand was suspected in the murder case and it is said that all of Azhagiri's hench-men were involved in the murder of Kirutenan due to inner party feud/politics.   This is just what I read somewhere and I cannot authenticate on this claim.   But, Indian politics is capable of such things. 

** Whats thrown up comes down **

 When there were bomb blasts all over Gujarat, the congress Govt at the centre said that it had given advance warning and intelligence reports to the State Govt on the impending attack and wahsed off its hands of any responsibility stating the policing is under the State Govt's domain.  The idea of the congress Govt was to squarely blame the Gujarat Govt and put him in a fix - and they succeeded to a fair extent.    Later, Modi, Gujarat CM, immediately after the interrogation of one of the top suspects (whom the Gujarat Police arrested in UP) had met Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh and had informed of Delhi being one of the next targets.  And that is what has happened exactly.  Delhi,  as a State is being looked after by the Delhi State Govt - and also, in the capacity of it being the Nation's capital is directly under Centre's Home Ministry -  both under the Congress regime !!  So what did they do with advance warnings ???

   Well, arguments apart - it is very easy to place a bomb in any place in India.  With huge population and proportionately poor police strength, it is next to impossible to screen each and every one in importat market places, railway stations and other crowded places.  etc.   However, an analysis of ALL the bomb blasts in India will reveal "muslim" hands in every one of it  !!   While I will NOT blame the entire muslim community - there is no denying the fact that muslim fundamentalism is the root cause for all the blasts in India.  And the Congress Govt is hell bent upon pleasing the muslims and is NOT going to do anything about this "muslim" terrorism.  This Govt's attitude of soft pedalling on SIMI, the terror organisation that is stated to be behind all the bombings in the recent past,  speaks volumes about its capacity on controlling terror.   Also, as is being widely discussed, we do not have stringent laws to handle terrorists - courtesy the scrapping of POTA by this very same Congress Govt.  To add more fuel to fire, even those who are convicted are not executed beceause they happen to be muslims (Afzal Guru of the Parliament attack!!).

    Another aspect of this situation is the faith of muslims over their religion.  They place religion above nation - and due to this aspect, muslim terrorists exploit the religious feelings of fellow muslims for its all its operations.  Accommodation and logistics to muslim terrorits are no big deal in any part of the nation - as all they have to do is to locate a muslim dominated area and a masjid.  Rest is a cake wake.  Integrity based on religious faith is only sowing seeds for diversion.  Such acts takes the muslim community far away from the national stream.  It is best that Muslim leaders realise this and start speaking to their people in a tone and meaning that is against terrorism.  The muslim schools, "madar shahs", should be brought under Govt scrutiny as it is these schools that happens to be the fountainhead of hatredness and religious fanaticism.  Muslim clerics should realise that it is regligious fanaticism that has forced terrorists to the extent of  placing a bomb near children's play area, which however was fortunately diffused.  This is time for introspection - both to the hapless and spineless Congress Govt and to the Muslim leaders.

Jai Hind. 

** Sports & Chennai **

     I was of the opinion that everything is available in a walkable distance in Valasaravakkam, Chennai - well, atleast till last week.  I came in for a rude shock when I went in search of a sports shop for buying a swim shorts.  Not just in Valasaravakkam, but in a huge radial, which includes some of the posh localities, I could not locate a single sports shop.   I was told that barring one street in Paris, Chennai and another one near Mount Road, there are hardly any sports shop in Chennai.   Surprised... aren't you ???

Well - it brings forth a few important aspects - 

a)  The facilities available for a sports person in Chennai (India?).

b)  The level of Chennites interest in sports. 

c)   If this is the state of affairs in a metro city, what about the rural areas?

and above all...

d)  I am gonna start swimming...  ;)

** Olympics 2008 **

China has definitely set an example by successfully organising the Olympics with very high standards. Organising an event of such huge magnitude calls for involvement from every sphere of the nation - and by conducting it successfully, China has proved its mettle, calibre and growth in every sphere. The inaugural and closing ceremony were simply fantastic. Facilities and resources left everyone astounding. Credit goes to China !! This only proves that "population" is NOT an impediment to growth. It is the 'discipline' that we Indians lack and which puts hurdle in the growth path of our nation.

** Sports & Facilities **

Indian wrestler, Sushil Kumar, who won the bronze medal for India in the just concluded Beijing Olympics made all the Sports ministry officials talk high. But, what is the ground reality?? One of the TV Channels showed the living condition of Sushil Kumar in Delhi, where he was staying and practicing. It was a small dingy hall will full of cots. Around ten were staying in that hall - where, not a single more could be accommodated. Cots were put next to each other without even one centimeter of space. A person living in a road side hut would have had more living space than that. Cant the sports ministry select atleast the top few and provide them better amenities?? All the three boxers who reached the quaterfinals and the wrestler have proven credentials even before the Olympics and yet the facilities provided to them were awful !! That speaks volumes of what the Sports Ministry does. Thats the exact reason that the value of the medals that these men have brought for India is worth more than what it appears. We will NEVER be able to up with China - not just in sports !!

** Kill and Walk Free **

RK Anand and IU Khan are two eminent High Court lawyers (one of them is an ex-MP). They were caught on camera influencing a witness to depose in favour of the prime accused in a sensational BMW hit-and-run case which resulted in the death of six. The witness is the main witness (sole?) for the whole case and if he back-tracks, the prime accused, son of a rich arms dealer Nanda, will walk free.

Well, now that the lawyers were caught obstructing the justice on camera, you would expect harsher punishment. No, NOT in INDIA !! All they got was a four months suspension from appearing in court and a fine of Rs.2000/- (those lawyers servants may be getting more than that as monthly salary!). This only sets a wonderful trend where anyone can obstruct justice and all they get is a mild punishment, if at all they were caught.

** J & K **

The State is in a turmoil since the past few days. I do not agree with the view of lot of so-called "elites" who keep writing that Kashmir should be given "aazaadi" (yes, in Indian news-papers!!). The present situation is entirely due to the stupid act of the Congress government - both at the Centre and at the State. It does not have any resolution in hand to solve the tangle - and that has added fuel to the fire. The present situation is quite dis-heartening and painful and I am watching the horizon with a grave concern.

** விகடனும் LTTE-இம் **

In the latest edition of Vikatan - it has published a survey on LTTE and Tamil Nadu. The survey was done amongst a total of 4195 people and has been published as if that is the overall views of people of Tamil Nadu. A magazine of the stature of Vikatan could have acted more responsibly. The following are some of the "findings" of the survey :-

a) Support LTTE - always :54.25%
b) Tamil Eelam - Yes, needed:55.44%
c) India Should involve in the SL problem - YES:62.59%
d) LTTEs growth in the warfare - Proud of it:46.24%

Icing on the cake :
ராஜீவ் காந்தி படு கொலையில் குற்றம் சாட்டப்பட்ட பிரபாகரன் -
கைது செய்யப் பட வேண்டும்:43.02%
மன்னித்து விட்டு விடலாம்:40.07%
குற்றம் அற்றவர் : 16.90%

So, will these people say the same if equated with Kashmir?? Isnt it the same scenario. Tamil people in SL for Kashmir people; LTTE for Kashmir terrorists; Sri Lanka for India; and India for Pakistan !!!

This is an example of how insane can people get to and how irresponsible can a magazine be !!
Jai Hind!!

** Abortion Law - Pt II **

Exactly on the same day I made my previous posting on the plight of a couple who had filed a suit seeking permission to abort a 25 weeks foetus - court has given its ruling that they CAN NOT !! Per the ruling, since the 25 weeks foetus starts breathing, it becomes alive and hence cannot be terminated. Law has no provision for 'euthanasia' in Indian constitution. Now, the couple can do nothing but to pray God.
---------------
A couple in Mumbai has filed a case in court seeking legal permission to abort the 25 week foetus as medical/scan reports suggests that the unborn child has heart blockages. In India, the country’s abortion law does not allow termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks unless it harms mother’s life/health. Aborting a 25 weeks foetus, is by itself a threat to the mother - and now, the court is going to take a few more days to decide. Adding to the chaos, Mumbai's Archbishop has given a religious colour to the case by appealing to the couple to allow the child to be born and the church will take care of the child. So many questions go begging - about our abortion laws; on why cant the church take care of lakhs of children getting treated for various diseases in India? - But what is clear from all these happenings is - if you decide to seek a solution to any of your problem, do NOT seek legal assistance in India !! Jai Hind !!
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** Sports & Grit **

Natalie Du Toit & Oscar Pistorius are no ordinary sports persons. Both are physically challenged. Natalie, a swimmer with only one leg and Oscar a sprinter with no legs at all! While Natalie has qualified for the Olympics, Oscar failed to qualify. Oscar fought a prolonged legal battle to allow him participate in the Olympics to compete alongside other able bodied sportsmen; it was opposed on the grounds that artificial legs gave him an advantange over fellow men; Oscar ultimately won the case but failed to qualify in the Olympic qualifying rounds. However, Natalie's is a success story. She says her memorable experience was in one of the Common Wealth games that she participated, where, when she turned around to take the last 50 m lap, all other swimmers had already finished the whole distance, but the whole stadium stood up and cheered for her. In this Olympics, no doubt, I will be cheering for Natalie.

Check out the links below to know more about them :-

Natalie Du Toit........................ Oscor Pistorius

......................

Watch Oscars 400m run in the You tube link below..
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=1so1ZMgpg2w

and Natalie's swim and more on disability in sports in the link below
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=j9GxfsQ1eVw

** Abortion Law **

A couple in Mumbai has filed a case in court seeking legal permission to abort the 25 week foetus as medical/scan reports suggests that the unborn child has heart blockages. In India, the country’s abortion law does not allow termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks unless it harms mother’s life/health. Aborting a 25 weeks foetus, is by itself a threat to the mother - and now, the court is going to take a few more days to decide. Adding to the chaos, Mumbai's Archbishop has given a religious colour to the case by appealing to the couple to allow the child to be born and the church will take care of the child. So many questions go begging - about our abortion laws; on why cant the church take care of lakhs of children getting treated for various diseases in India? - But what is clear from all these happenings is - if you decide to seek a solution to any of your problem, do NOT seek legal assistance in India !! Jai Hind !!

** Talent **

VaLLavanukku PuLLum AaYuDhaM !!
Watch the video clip in the link below..... I love this fellow.. :)

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=4iSYjn7Tjz8

** Rajini in US chocolates **

After Japan, its now US that Rajini has invaded with his fame !! M&M chocolates are bringing out choclolates with Rajini's image imprinted on it. Read more on that and watch the trailer of Rajini's forthcoming movie "Kuselan" in the link below.

Kuselan Trailer

** Bomb Blasts **

Today (25 Jul 08), there were as many as 7 bomb blasts in Bangalore, India. On the first account, hands of LeT and SIMI are suspected. All the bomb blasts that happened today are of low intensity - nevertheless, reminds us of the harsh reality of the threats that our nation faces. Politicians are busy saving their chairs and police folks are even busier, pleasing their bosses. America invades nations when terrorists attack them; Israel bombs them; India - well, we are the preachers of peace - we release terrorists from prisons !!

** Beach Volley Ball **

The glamorous game, Beach Volley Ball championship was successfully conducted in Elliot's beach, Chennai. All the newspapers, in the name of news, gave huge publicity to the event by publishing sexy photos - some, even above the Headlines (Head Photo!!) - on the first page !! I was only surprised that the event was conducted, as planned, without any resistance from the so called 'moral policers' !! Well, if it interests you, the Indian girls team skipped playing in bikinis and wore the normal sports wear (shorts and T-shirts). ;)