** 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.