29.5.09
Blog: Realigning self
There is some sense of timelessness about the song,all parties involved in the song have shades of an evergreen to them, Lataji, the singer, S.D. Burman, a master in his own right, Shailendra, the lyricist, who penned on of the more memorable songs, Waheeda Rehman, along with Madhuballa, Meena Kumari, Nargis, Vyjanthimala in formed the pantheon of leading ladies of the sepia, overtures. Then there was Dev Anand, unique was his middle name. He, along with Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, formed a troika, success of whom is still is the part of a Golden chapter of Indian cinema. The technical aspect was supreme too, the lyrics, music, dialogues, camera, work, such supreme work, never mind the lack advancement in filming or recording of things like those. The quality of worked has not been the same since then.
Anyways the song perfectly reflects the mood, exams are finally over, beeen a good end of summer. The exam ended on my birthday so there was one more reason for jubiliation. I dont know after how long I may be getting a break. I have couple of biogrpahies and auto biographies lined up so hopefully will spend time reading that, then there are some movie old and new I would like to watch some of those for sure. There is strike so no new movies have released for quiet some time now, I am waiting for Angels and Demons to release. I loved every bit of Da'Vinci Code. One could say Dan Brown is predictable, at least I can say so since I have read all four of Dan Brown's novels. I can say that I could see the end coming when I had completed three fourth of the novel. But like in teh case of most novels I have read, you tend to guess the end before the novel ends. I have read a dozen or so novels, many Archers, Sheldons, Dan Browns a couple of Coelho, but I could take a guess and what might happen. I must say though I still find Sherlock Holmes quiet intriguing or some unknown reason. Homles and unknown cant be separated by much, can they?
I don't know if Birthdays, are men to be this tiring, but have had a few cakes since morning, lots of good wishes,fast food and some chillers and a gift in the day. Then some quiet evening dinner at the nearby restaurant, with family off course, a few days of relaxation before the mind starts nibbling on cheese of what to do next. Lets see.
20.5.09
About: Rain and smell of earth:
This song has nothing to do with Vinod Khanna losing elections, or Rajasthan Royals bowing out or Dr Man Mohan Singh aka the Singh is the King. As India happens to make a smooth transition from a democracy to a Oligoarchy-Dynastic form of Democracy, off course rules of succession are governed by sycophancy and nepotism. Other would associate dynasty with kingdoms fiefdom and feudalism setups. But we have over the ages across social set ups chosen dynasties especially after our first elections in 1952 two years after India deemed herself Republic. You can check out all other isms and archies on this link. The fact is all democracies anywhere in the world mature into Oligarchy. This in turn again reinstates my belief in what Aesop said, "The petty thieves are hanged and the great ones are elected to public office."
I believe politics in the air. :P One more thing besides politics in the air was the sweetest aroma of dry earth drenched in the season's first rains. I hope people know that in India, rain is a season rather than a daily phenomenon, unlike other geographies where you are likely to get rains pretty much round the year or no rains for ages. But out here it is the season, it often it frustrating when you have to contain with only rains for say an extended weekend. The frustration can only be digusted by hot pakoda of all size forms shapes, but something I deeply detest are Baingun (Brinjal) pakodas. The favourites being aloo (potato) and onion pakodas. I didnt mention hot samosa and spicy chatnis, did I?
I just wanted to blog this song,I was thinking about it, since I saw dark clouds from my balcony early morning today and then in the evening I just knew it would rain. I love it when it rains. I also dont mind having roasted corn when it rains,something I always do if and when I go to band stand Bandra. :)
This is one of the shortest post I have remembered writing. It is perhaps just the mood, the day didnt go so exhubrently well, infacst could have gone better but one of the days when you go to bed you can afford to smile and sense a reason of achievement.
16.5.09
About: Long live democracy
If some has to understand how and why democracy strives you can look at the at Indian politics. All things said and done. This was an important election; the result of which we accept and rejoice. This can be seen considering the quantum of steep challenges that lay ahead. This also reinforces my faith in what I feel about trends in how democracies have yielded results over last 10 and more years in Indian states and general elections and results overall.
The for last 15-17 years, there were fragmented verdict given by the voters, not only in India but also in many if not most democracies in the world circa 1991 A.D. I did try and research a few things about that, but couldn’t be much successful. May be I a psephologists or number crunching people are to be consulted. All throughout the 1990s and first half of the decade, what we saw is hung assembly and hung parliament. The 14 Lok Sabha in 2004 was an example, so was the state government seen in Maharashtra for last 10 years or so. If you recall, when Bush was elected it was matter of few votes that were to determine Bush vs. Al Gore or Bush vs. Kerry. I think back to imagine Bush vs. Gore was tighter. In Indian states elections too there have been elections fought in which two or more different groups, and verdict is equally in favour of those, classical hung assemblies, not only in Maharashtra but also in Karnataka couple of elections ago, UP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Goa and many other states. The absolute majority or simple majority was a tough to get no matter what combination you would have selected.
The functional democracies that immediately come to my mind are Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, US, UK, Russia, continental Europe (including Scandinavian countries), Japan, Australia, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, bigger countries of South Americas and Africas. I haven’t been able to get the details of how the voting and the verdict trend have been over the past two years. The coalition politics seems to have taken root and know seems to bearing a few sweet few sour fruits.
Even in these elections, if you consider Mulayam Singh, his brother Amar Singh if they extend support, to the Congress Led UPA alliance, we get simple majority. The two states which went to polls, namely Orissa, and Andhra Pradesh, have also been voted into simple majority. The four states which went to the poll earlier this year namely, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh also yielded definite majority so did the state of Kashmir. The election which we may come in future would also perhaps yield definite majority to one particular party/alliance.
The point I would like to emphasis is on the fact the slowly after 1990-1991 fall of Soviet Bloc, first few years many democracies, threw up hung assembly and many governments seem to be in the garb of coalition politics. India was no different. But what I can cay that in last two decades (nearly) we have grew from an economy which was left in tatters and were almost labeled defunct and defaulter, to where we are today, once of the countries not to be seemed to be affected by economic crises at least on the surface although inflation figures have plummeted, but Dr Man Mohan Singh has seen it all and perhaps turned almost cycle as third generation would be likely to be on the anvil provided negligent role Communist Parties and both the opposition and government, being pro-reforms. The man at the helm of affairs started it all and perhaps one of the few people along with Narsimha Rao and Atal Behari Vajpayee who should be given credit for where we are today as a state, nation and democracy.
Why Narsimha Rao? It was the statesman, and the cunning politician who didn’t yield and gave Dr Man Mohan Singh enough advantage to formulate the stepwise reforms he wishes. Narsimha Rao always managed to quash terrorism in Punjab and to the extent North East and for once and all at least bought one of the state from tough hardships to what it is today. Why Atal Behari Vajpayee? Well simply because he continued after a phase of torrid uncertain times, managed a large coalition and continued to reform and disinvest. He also managed to boost India export credentials and almost cornered Pakistan in every way possible. Pakistan seem to be in trouble now, but thats there own doing, if you sow guns, you reap bullets and bombs.
Dr Singh happened to be in spotlight of history when it was time to sign Nuclear Dealer and multi billion-dollar deal that was made possible by a firm Prime Minister and now trouble companies of the US. The challenges that lie ahead include implementation of that deal, the rural employment the loan waiver. That was the government agenda. The terrorism and geo-political scenario need to be paid enough attention. The violence in Lanka, the uncertainty in Nepal and Pakistan. The hostile Bangladesh and the over balance Junta in Burma to name a few.
What I would like to see government on macro policies is to improve upon disinvest, with the present scenario the business acumen incurred in last twenty years, has passed all most all test, so disinvestment is one of the things. The second is rural education and rural health. Education and health would be the need of developing social infrastructure. India needs to spend there more on physical infrastructure as well. The one thing I am glad about it the way Government Institutions have adopted information technology and cyberspace. The electronic voting machines are one example. There were over 713 million people had the chance to exercise their voting rights a few fools didn’t but I am happy for the over all majority who did vote, for example in West Bengal, where Communist are now in the red and perhaps the sign of things to come. The next I would focus more public-private initiative for strengthening democracy. The various laws directly affecting the people like Police Laws which were formed more than 150 years ago. They haven’t changed over the years. The judges ought to be more accountable. Did you know it was compulsory for judges to declare the assets and properties? Also bring in more corporate accountability so that politicians don’t act as if vultures and poor shareholders don’t have to regret buying shares.
If you purely look at the result, The BJP led coalition lost a dozen seats to recede from 130+ to 121, perhaps they were expecting too much and fared badly against what should have been a positive result. Congress meanwhile, jumped to more than 200 seats, a position unknown to them for over 20 years. The messers Communists, Laloo Yadav and Paswan, Mayawati, Jayalalitha are left beleagured and perhaps no more antics for Laloo for next near future. The third front was in anyways not a distinct possibility. The leader of this particular front would think they are hard to please because no one tries to please them. I am particularly happy that Communists have been voted out, they perhaps cater to only themselves have done nothing for the country and in fact left us with very little to work out. I always have felt that they are one regional party not exactly representing aspirations of majority. I also wonder if there manifesto, is approves, deigned printed and shipped from the far off capital of a neighboring country.
There is however a small condition applies here. There are couple of more states like to go for voting and what I personally feel that the political parties know should wipe the slate clean and formulated and realize the situation on the ground.
The for last 15-17 years, there were fragmented verdict given by the voters, not only in India but also in many if not most democracies in the world circa 1991 A.D. I did try and research a few things about that, but couldn’t be much successful. May be I a psephologists or number crunching people are to be consulted. All throughout the 1990s and first half of the decade, what we saw is hung assembly and hung parliament. The 14 Lok Sabha in 2004 was an example, so was the state government seen in Maharashtra for last 10 years or so. If you recall, when Bush was elected it was matter of few votes that were to determine Bush vs. Al Gore or Bush vs. Kerry. I think back to imagine Bush vs. Gore was tighter. In Indian states elections too there have been elections fought in which two or more different groups, and verdict is equally in favour of those, classical hung assemblies, not only in Maharashtra but also in Karnataka couple of elections ago, UP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Goa and many other states. The absolute majority or simple majority was a tough to get no matter what combination you would have selected.
The functional democracies that immediately come to my mind are Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, US, UK, Russia, continental Europe (including Scandinavian countries), Japan, Australia, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, bigger countries of South Americas and Africas. I haven’t been able to get the details of how the voting and the verdict trend have been over the past two years. The coalition politics seems to have taken root and know seems to bearing a few sweet few sour fruits.
Even in these elections, if you consider Mulayam Singh, his brother Amar Singh if they extend support, to the Congress Led UPA alliance, we get simple majority. The two states which went to polls, namely Orissa, and Andhra Pradesh, have also been voted into simple majority. The four states which went to the poll earlier this year namely, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh also yielded definite majority so did the state of Kashmir. The election which we may come in future would also perhaps yield definite majority to one particular party/alliance.
The point I would like to emphasis is on the fact the slowly after 1990-1991 fall of Soviet Bloc, first few years many democracies, threw up hung assembly and many governments seem to be in the garb of coalition politics. India was no different. But what I can cay that in last two decades (nearly) we have grew from an economy which was left in tatters and were almost labeled defunct and defaulter, to where we are today, once of the countries not to be seemed to be affected by economic crises at least on the surface although inflation figures have plummeted, but Dr Man Mohan Singh has seen it all and perhaps turned almost cycle as third generation would be likely to be on the anvil provided negligent role Communist Parties and both the opposition and government, being pro-reforms. The man at the helm of affairs started it all and perhaps one of the few people along with Narsimha Rao and Atal Behari Vajpayee who should be given credit for where we are today as a state, nation and democracy.
Why Narsimha Rao? It was the statesman, and the cunning politician who didn’t yield and gave Dr Man Mohan Singh enough advantage to formulate the stepwise reforms he wishes. Narsimha Rao always managed to quash terrorism in Punjab and to the extent North East and for once and all at least bought one of the state from tough hardships to what it is today. Why Atal Behari Vajpayee? Well simply because he continued after a phase of torrid uncertain times, managed a large coalition and continued to reform and disinvest. He also managed to boost India export credentials and almost cornered Pakistan in every way possible. Pakistan seem to be in trouble now, but thats there own doing, if you sow guns, you reap bullets and bombs.
Dr Singh happened to be in spotlight of history when it was time to sign Nuclear Dealer and multi billion-dollar deal that was made possible by a firm Prime Minister and now trouble companies of the US. The challenges that lie ahead include implementation of that deal, the rural employment the loan waiver. That was the government agenda. The terrorism and geo-political scenario need to be paid enough attention. The violence in Lanka, the uncertainty in Nepal and Pakistan. The hostile Bangladesh and the over balance Junta in Burma to name a few.
What I would like to see government on macro policies is to improve upon disinvest, with the present scenario the business acumen incurred in last twenty years, has passed all most all test, so disinvestment is one of the things. The second is rural education and rural health. Education and health would be the need of developing social infrastructure. India needs to spend there more on physical infrastructure as well. The one thing I am glad about it the way Government Institutions have adopted information technology and cyberspace. The electronic voting machines are one example. There were over 713 million people had the chance to exercise their voting rights a few fools didn’t but I am happy for the over all majority who did vote, for example in West Bengal, where Communist are now in the red and perhaps the sign of things to come. The next I would focus more public-private initiative for strengthening democracy. The various laws directly affecting the people like Police Laws which were formed more than 150 years ago. They haven’t changed over the years. The judges ought to be more accountable. Did you know it was compulsory for judges to declare the assets and properties? Also bring in more corporate accountability so that politicians don’t act as if vultures and poor shareholders don’t have to regret buying shares.
If you purely look at the result, The BJP led coalition lost a dozen seats to recede from 130+ to 121, perhaps they were expecting too much and fared badly against what should have been a positive result. Congress meanwhile, jumped to more than 200 seats, a position unknown to them for over 20 years. The messers Communists, Laloo Yadav and Paswan, Mayawati, Jayalalitha are left beleagured and perhaps no more antics for Laloo for next near future. The third front was in anyways not a distinct possibility. The leader of this particular front would think they are hard to please because no one tries to please them. I am particularly happy that Communists have been voted out, they perhaps cater to only themselves have done nothing for the country and in fact left us with very little to work out. I always have felt that they are one regional party not exactly representing aspirations of majority. I also wonder if there manifesto, is approves, deigned printed and shipped from the far off capital of a neighboring country.
There is however a small condition applies here. There are couple of more states like to go for voting and what I personally feel that the political parties know should wipe the slate clean and formulated and realize the situation on the ground.
2.5.09
Blog: Read the following.
The hysteria after 26 November 2008, terrorist attack took less than six months to wilt. All that the people had to do was come out and vote and all they did was enjoyed couple of days holiday (then and now). I thought we all would be voting in huge numbers, a large number of people showed they don’t wanna face either bullets nor ballots. Not coming out and voting justifies neither protest nor appreciation. In fact, it is a form of resignation from the people of Mumbai city. It is the way of saying that we live our lives like animals and we love it anything else is something we don’t seek.
Anyways in the dance of democracy I too did my jig. I went and voted, I did so for the first time in my life. Voting is not a right (ask the people in neighbouring countries) it is a duty. It may not be divine, it may be choosing the lesser evil, it may be something else. But it is one way of saying yes we believe in our ethos, we may be pragmatic, albeit cynical but then it is our duty to be cynical. We all have reduced to mortal being and projecting our rights and neglecting our duties. We have reached a tipping point, people who don’t vote must not cry hoarse and personally people who don’t pay taxes or vote should banished. They are the ones who are the rusting, degrading system that only believe in pointing other. The primal excuse being, it was too hot.
In the bad times, economic, political instability, terrorism, least with which could do was to go there cast or vote, so many ads especially from Jaago Re and all that enticing them to come out and vote, those people who did the Jaago re forgot that people in Mumbai city are moral dead and have they conscious on death support. I guess it was a trend that no one saw coming. It is only the signs of things to come, I mean it is an omen of bad times to come, political stability and economic hardship and tough living conditions for the people of this city. I think we deserve it.
The democracy is dancing alright, but there are a few worrying issues, will the elections in 2009 break the trend of 1989 and 1999, when there was this political turmoil and instability, Indian economy took a heavy beating and weigh down by wrestlers in the political arena? Click on this site to check out the a sneak peak about the history of Indian elections.Only times will tell all indications are towards a hung parliament and a lethargic economy and increasingly stalled state of affairs. If only people come out and presented a chance for a consolidated mandate. The point is, I wont a government to be in majority,but I didn't think it is likely possibility. I think I may have to vote again pretty soon.
I feel one of the reason I have for often being blog blocked because I sense that one day all the Shakespeares, Frosts, Dickens, who have been sleeping all the while will wake up in me and I will write such a post that I will leave all the nominees behind or be the only name in contention for all the literary awards ever won. Magnanimity has limits too. But I certainly believe that practice makes one perfect.Like all things in life, blogging should also be practiced as often as possible. I often thinking about throwing some light on Ads. There are some really good ads featuring on the tele these days.I think the Tata Indicom one was good.Then the crown of lethargy that I wear around every where I go, make me not do things. I should win over some title of aristocracy. Now come on people who do nothing are either aristocrats don't do much except turn the plots in novels and catch the paparazzi napping.
Manna Dey celebrates his b'day on 1 May. He has been an awesome singer and he has perhaps seen Hindi movies from it's infancy to the big behemoth it is grown to today. He has sung some amazing chart busters and still continues to sing and practice with same diligence. There is a story about Manna Dey. His uncle was a great musicial of his times, Manna Dey took part in a singing competion when he was in school, his uncle told him to take part in all forms of singing, there were 10 types of competition on different styles and languages. He accepted and took apart and won in all ten of them. Thats some class.
Anyways in the dance of democracy I too did my jig. I went and voted, I did so for the first time in my life. Voting is not a right (ask the people in neighbouring countries) it is a duty. It may not be divine, it may be choosing the lesser evil, it may be something else. But it is one way of saying yes we believe in our ethos, we may be pragmatic, albeit cynical but then it is our duty to be cynical. We all have reduced to mortal being and projecting our rights and neglecting our duties. We have reached a tipping point, people who don’t vote must not cry hoarse and personally people who don’t pay taxes or vote should banished. They are the ones who are the rusting, degrading system that only believe in pointing other. The primal excuse being, it was too hot.
In the bad times, economic, political instability, terrorism, least with which could do was to go there cast or vote, so many ads especially from Jaago Re and all that enticing them to come out and vote, those people who did the Jaago re forgot that people in Mumbai city are moral dead and have they conscious on death support. I guess it was a trend that no one saw coming. It is only the signs of things to come, I mean it is an omen of bad times to come, political stability and economic hardship and tough living conditions for the people of this city. I think we deserve it.
The democracy is dancing alright, but there are a few worrying issues, will the elections in 2009 break the trend of 1989 and 1999, when there was this political turmoil and instability, Indian economy took a heavy beating and weigh down by wrestlers in the political arena? Click on this site to check out the a sneak peak about the history of Indian elections.Only times will tell all indications are towards a hung parliament and a lethargic economy and increasingly stalled state of affairs. If only people come out and presented a chance for a consolidated mandate. The point is, I wont a government to be in majority,but I didn't think it is likely possibility. I think I may have to vote again pretty soon.
I feel one of the reason I have for often being blog blocked because I sense that one day all the Shakespeares, Frosts, Dickens, who have been sleeping all the while will wake up in me and I will write such a post that I will leave all the nominees behind or be the only name in contention for all the literary awards ever won. Magnanimity has limits too. But I certainly believe that practice makes one perfect.Like all things in life, blogging should also be practiced as often as possible. I often thinking about throwing some light on Ads. There are some really good ads featuring on the tele these days.I think the Tata Indicom one was good.Then the crown of lethargy that I wear around every where I go, make me not do things. I should win over some title of aristocracy. Now come on people who do nothing are either aristocrats don't do much except turn the plots in novels and catch the paparazzi napping.
Manna Dey celebrates his b'day on 1 May. He has been an awesome singer and he has perhaps seen Hindi movies from it's infancy to the big behemoth it is grown to today. He has sung some amazing chart busters and still continues to sing and practice with same diligence. There is a story about Manna Dey. His uncle was a great musicial of his times, Manna Dey took part in a singing competion when he was in school, his uncle told him to take part in all forms of singing, there were 10 types of competition on different styles and languages. He accepted and took apart and won in all ten of them. Thats some class.
You Are a Question Mark |
 You seek knowledge and insight in every form possible. You love learning. And while you know a lot, you don't act like a know it all. You're open to learning you're wrong. You ask a lot of questions, collect a lot of data, and always dig deep to find out more. You're naturally curious and inquisitive. You jump to ask a question when the opportunity arises. Your friends see you as interesting, insightful, and thought provoking. (But they're not always up for the intense inquisitions that you love!) You excel in: Higher education You get along best with: The Comma |
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