About: Internet a photo album

Internet among other things is a big huge photo album, tumblr, blogs. Intagram, twitter, tumblr, facebook all of them are these huge photo albums that you can just click for next on snap or follow some link for another series of snaps and these never run out. The roll Camera a novelty if not a status symbols once has now given ubiquitous mobile phone and digital cameras. Yes there is a debate over having a specialist camera against a phone camera. The fact is phone camera given very decent out put in terms of quality of image. The camera in the phone is in sync step with the improvement in quality of the camera and quality of the snap. It simply amazing how the two phones and camera end up in a single piece of equipment. The network connectivity with Internet just opened the infinite items in Pandora's box to realms beyond imagination.

Yes computer too has had its impact too. That is as obvious as; obvious will ever get. It's not about just snaps from the professional photographers, some people just seem to get it right. It more than just snaps though, add meme and humour to it and some are just the daily dose of humour your simple can't have enough of those. It is digitization I know. But some of the things are just so thrilling, so cool, so, inspiring, so times just leaves you short of words.

I know camera are now one of the easiest things to use. Just aim and click. Snap of fingers and snap is on display. Often the image seems more picturesque than the object itself. It took me hard time to buy a camera phone. I had used a Nokia N95 for sometime it was fabulous. Then I had some more phones. I wanted to buy a camera phone with flash again. Yes I was fussy about the flash, I just something I wanted in the camera phone. Incredulous? Yes I know. Its just one of those (many) things.

The camera are know so easy to use, like I said. Its just aim and click. There should be however one should read about nuances off photography. National geographic website is a great tool. The tips there, are simple and basic. If these minor steps are followed then the photography skills increases multiple folds. It may be about the camera angle or may be how to stand while taking shot, or always having the camera

About: Benjamin Franklin an inspiration

Benjamin Franklin a modern day visionary, revolutionary, statesman, diplomat, polymath, scientist, satirist, quote machine, free mason and what not. There are many who believe today, he almost predates present day bloggers.There are things he did that are still in fashion today, bi-focal lenses for example or the postal system he developed in USA is pretty much his brainchild. USA, today is perhaps embodiment of what, I think Benjamin Franklin would have been. But like a true hero he was an inspiration to many, yes there would have been a few instances where he would have said something that is not savory in today's times.However, I would like to see the positives and chose his positive impetus on philosophies and other things that he did and practiced and left back. he has made some useful contributions to all kinds of sciences, including social sciences. His some of the contributions includes fields of, statistics, oceanography, wave theory of light, lightning conductor, effect of temperature on conductivity, meteorology. That was all the things geeky and nerdy in his era. I mean he was a dictionary and appendix in a technical book both rolled into one. He was huge figure seemingly a widely respected one at that I would like to imagine...

His life is not only the example of his industrious genius, but also his immense talent to work hard and go through the grind so to speak. It is fascinating how he could do it all. All in a days of work. I guess he never had a bad day in office, cause he could do seemingly multiple things at once, with a grace of a virtuoso. i wonder if he was this creative genius who planned to do different things at different points in time,and did it with all sincerity.

Some random quotes from Benjamin Franklin

If Men are so wicked as we now see them with Religion what would they be if without it?

There never was a good war or a bad peace.

In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.

Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.

Mankind naturally and generally love to be flatter'd

Freedom of Speech is ever the Symptom, as well as the Effect of a good Government

Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none.

Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do.
But Benjamin Franklin is in inspiration to me as a Polymath. His pursue of his talents and creative and constructive utilization of these talents make him an inspiration for me. Many of popular quotes we use today as result of his humor and satire. He was an active publisher of his time and his Poor Richards Almanack gave him success as author. I like many think he will best be remembered for drafting American Declaration of Independence.  His work as a statesman and diplomat helped winning over the French and further the cause of American Independence. his writing and life perhaps laid the way of American Dream or the American way of free enterprise their community and many of his writing laid foundation of how America developed as community and country. His personal belief provide many interesting insight of his genius. I think any disciple of management or who pursues management must have a look at Benjamin Frankling and read his works. He is a was epoch a colossal in many ways. I am not sure though he is credited to an extent in which he has directly or indirectly shaped the world as we see it today

It was his birthday on 17 January. I think I will continue to draw inspiration from the virtues of his actions and intelligence. I think I will start reading his autobiography soon.

I would like to end this post list of thirteen virtues of Benjamin Franklin, please read carefully -

1. "Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."
2. "Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation."
3. "Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time."
4. "Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."
5. "Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing."
6. "Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions."
7. "Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."
8. "Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty."
9. "Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."
10. "Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation."
11. "Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable."
12. "Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation."
13. "Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates."

About: Life & lost causes?

We are a failing nation or we are a failed one. May be, we have failed and along with it lost our sense of right and wrong.  There is simply no excuse that can be justify for physical/sexual assault on women. You can derive and decry all the reasons, excuses, possibilities and everything but it is simply unpardonable. The physical/sexual assault is against the very fundamental right to living a life. It is also against the fundamental duty and moral duty of every human to help the other to a respectable life.

The instances of news which come out and horror stories of gruesome violence in form of physical/sexual assault and unbearable pain that fuel the rage and dismay everywhere. The only apathy that exceed it, is the response from our holier than cow Gov. The nature of violence makes you question yourself and the sense of shamelessness that we simply cant get rid of. It is indeed disturbing trend. The situation now is like on in a lawless territory. All seemed to be lost and the rage someday will make this world worst than hell.

There are two aspects to all of it. One what  is the deterrent we have to any kind of physical abuse, sexual assaults and other act of violence which cause any injury temporary or permanent physical or mental. We know scars of the victims  mind never heal. What is the deterrent that we do have and is it strong enough so that No One can commit anything for which breaks spirit of the victim along with quashing the rule of law.

The first was deterrent. The second is a speedy trial, which will mean the sentence is spell quickly and perpetrators know there is no escape behind the cloak of law. Also is bit more humane aptitude has to be instilled. If it means reforming the police, judicial system, politics or society then so be it. In India laws have to be in sync with the times today, previous cases should provide enough data of what is happening and a good deterrent and transparent, quick and strong judicial process will perhaps set fear in rogue men/offenders of right set of Do's and Donts.

There is enough rage on twitter and lot of people suggesting many things. When rage begins to fuels mind, reason makes the first escapes. The leadership has to burden the onus. The NHRC sent notices to Commissioner of Delhi and Union Home Secretary. I thought it should have been sent to the Home Minsiter and Delhi CM Shiela Dixit. Let the top civil servants, ministers, cops be stake holders in this incident and come forward to take the blame. The Government can simply let things evolve in society on someones whims and irks. It seems our laws in practice protect the criminal from the victim.

We are amidst a grave problem of violence in form of sexual assaults on women and elderly. If the situation gets worst we will be victims and eyewitness. The trends of these assaults indicate signs of very bad times.

About: Bitter memories of 26/11

A week and four years have gone past, some memories of continues to hunt. It is simplistic saying Pakistan send a few terrorist. The Police was quick in denying an insiders hands. its too simplistic. Things don't simply seem to be true,sum of the parts fall woefully short of the complete picture. You can spin conspiracies theory but lives were lost and the city subtly would never be the same again. It wont reflect in four years and a week but we all know it. It's changed not for the good following this planned attacks, at least this time.

There were three posts written around that time focus on what happened, I look back at it with a feeling of numbness and dismay. Please feel free to read those.

1. Blog: Maximum terrorised city.

2. Blog: The Darkest hour.

3. Blog: In tough times.

This is just a tiny little attempt to pay homage to my people who died in action to save the citizens and city.

About: Romance lived once

May Long Live the memories of Rajesh Khanna. He rekindled romance like never before. A string of consecutive hit movie. The hype and imagination that fueled the hysteria of fan following that was never known to Hindi movies and the phenomenon will never repeat He weaved magic while romancing most glamorous heroines of the seventies, Sharmila, Mumtaz, Hema Malini, Asha Parekh, Zeenat Aman. Kishore Kumar crooned the songs, Pancham and Laxmikant-Pyarelal and compose the music,Shakti Samanta, Raj Kholsa, Yash Chopra, Hrishi da all of them came together to make some of the most delighful rmantic – dancing-around the trees movie. Rajesh Khanna went on to catch and hold imagination never known before. All the retro, belts ties up on shirts, flowing hair, and warm smile and the hint of the wink.

He went on to essay one of th golden periods of Hindi movie industry. The best of legends, actors, directors, story writers, lyricist, singers came together that came together. It was particular the age of golden music, each song a trinket of gold something any Indian will hum for ages. These songs till date are remade, remixed and jazz up but fall flat is mere shadows.

My favourites of Rajesh Khanna

Ittefaq, Anand, Andaz, Amar Prem, Aardhaa, Raja Rani, Khamoshi, Namak Haram, Meheooba and so many more. Rajesh Khanna convinces the audience that it was their story he piotrayed. He portrayed his role with an efficacy, delight and tenderness that went on to become hallmark of his times. He immortalized a romantic hero and no ma after him could woo his leading lady hike he could.. His style and charm had every hypnotized for more. His fan following seems to be deserving if you consider the types of role he played, intriguing, philosophical intense romantic, he did some negative roles as well.

Ittefaq, Anand, Bawarchi happen to be my favourites. The climax of Anand is the most astounding. Its one of the most stark rebuttal when audience close in on the climax and a tape recorder calls out to other actors. It was amazing scene. Its perhaps the most moving scene of Hindi Cinema. Ittefaq is an amazing murder mystery in which the accused murder breaks into a house while running away from the mental asylum only to find the Police on the door step of that house to investigate a murder. Bawarchi is all about Rajesh Khanna and all the things a hero can do, cooking, singing, story telling, and off course getting the family together.

A little bit of hysteria and some sense of romance lived once when Rajesh Khanna was the only superstar.

About: Godhra & other shames

Benjamin Franklin said once “There never was a good war or a bad peace.”. Today is the day when some chose to remember Godhra riots, the most skewed coverage, misrepresented riots in the recent history. Its like judging the book by its cover. If one has to analyze an event or occurrence one must giver equal weight-age for both the cause and the effects. It is evident that, the effects are discussed while the causes remains brushed under the carpet. The power of TV is to project and image add to it the power of sound and precision of a script. Congress ridding on this piggy bank of media house and “excellent coverage” managed to create a political avalanche and come back to power. The Prime Minister who was bought to power served in the name of (Party) President, also played a regent to rather obliquely successful prince. This is also one of the reality of post Godhra riots. The rest is collection of bigotry and scams we have lost all account of whatever logic and pragmatism on which our political system was supposed to be envisaged.

Yes Godhara in its cause and effects horrendous The affected people deserve justice at the earliest in accordance to the law of this land. Its is innocence till proven guilty. Then painting someone as being guilty with the colours of ones own imagination must stop too. It is also worthwhile for all the stake holders do understand who benefiter with the riots. India has lackadaisical record of riots of all kinds. Godhra a was the last one played out to the media and the news of the event has kept the event itself, alive. We all know the inclinations of all those channels who like to call themselves as free, fair and balanced.

I dont think Godhra riots following the burning of the ill fated rail coaches should be looked in isolation. There is need for us to look into other various riots, like the ones in 1992 following demolition of Babri Masjd, which was obviously followed by Mumbai serial blasts, if you want to jog back there were riots in Bhagalpur, which doesn't finds its mention in the official records, there were anti Sikh riots following India Gandhi's death in 1984. These are the major ones,which are used to primarily whip up the dust storm during elections only to mislead the electorate, only to extend political gains. Its a scavengers ploy really.

On the ground how do the challenges of roti, kapda, makan - food clothing and sheldter for a poor indivial in one community differ from individual of any other community. Isn't it a shame that millions should aspire for a privilege of earning two square meals a day? Gujarat meanwhile is trying to move, the picture is for all to see and debate. The fact is it has highest per capita income for individuals of minority community is little to debate, the income continues to grow.

Godhra riots for many proponents of equality and political righteousness is an attempted diversion from their own pathetic performances and repeated deeds of mis-governance and denying the electors a right of decent fulfilling lives. I mean there have been worst riots than Godhra, then why does the humanity has to wake up on call of Godhra alone. The other riots I am convinced were for better ment of humanity and hence a just cause. There is no point listing the names fof other riots, after all it's not a hall of fame. It's our social ineptness and hollowness of will to bring social justice in general. No one is above law. You may love or hate Modi for whatever he has done or claimed by other to have done, the fact that he has won two assembly elections, with better majority and there is nothing that SIT has done justify his silence and underscores the claims who seek his blood. If there was some evidence, SIT formed by SC under aegis of a Congress government should have found it in 10 years. What SIT has done remains to be known, but the leaked reports doesn't find Modi guilty.

Now it brings to focus the intentions of people who painted him with colours of their imagination, if the people have voted him back to Government, if Supreme Court funds nothing against him, shouldn't they accept they made it up and move on. The Media are the powerful tool in the masters of power, its very easy to mould public opinion to your advantage using TV. Any case you keep repeating the same thing in different tones and you have a newly dressed truth shall step straight out of our closets. A deeper influence free introspection is called for. Muslim have for long been pushed and shoved and maimed and forced to believe they should be insecure here. I see them doing well and worthy of their success, shouldn't they send a stern message to politicians that they deserve better than just be a card in the pack of politics.

Godhara has been a tragic event, but why is it the only one which is discussed so extensively, should we remorse and looking back at other communal or other kind of sectarian form of violence which have shaken the foundations of our democratic republic. Todays if u look back at riot victims if any riots, their condition remains susceptible to future horrors. We all have learnt by now that, riots sow seeds of further dismay and horror while little is done to get them justice, further less is done to provide them opportunity to climb up the ladder of social well being. There is a huge interest of keeping poor people poor and make sure they remain oblivious to opportunities of social and economic growth. The victims of riot are never able to come out of that dark shadow. India should today look back at all the past riots, including Godhara to have a better social policy in place and a very independent Police and Judicial mechanism so that justice is neither denied or delayed.

Its time for people to give up a few tears and look at the benefactor and the beneficiary of these induced riots of mayhem. Politically influenced riots will be a major challenge for any country. But is a strong deterrent should be maintained and rule of law must be upheld at every instance at all costs. Its upto us to find the truth and not only relying on horror stories in print or television media as a “source” of truth to decide upon true and false. Why is there no equal condemnation of other riots that have or take place? Why are human misdeed in other state make it to news. Is Muslim “suffering” limited to state of Gujarat. Why is Modi being withc hunted? Which politician hasnt created some form of riot to consolidate his position? There are many more questions to be unanswered. There is a need of social awakening which ensures development of are society as whole.

About: National Shame Day

It is that day of the year,you know,National Day of Shame, antipathy and remorselessness. Its been three years since the shameful incident when terrorist had a walk in the park gunned down innocent on roads, pavements, stations,restaurants and homes, indiscriminately firing bullets on babies, patients, women and men, while inept were in glued to the  democratically elected Seats of Power, contemplating what to do. It will be three years now since that shameful day, soon it will be 5 years and then may be ten and then there will be a silver jubilee along with some memorial and we will tel our kith and kin with some passing details of how some can decide to kill while we still contemplating things to do.

There have been attacks after that too, but we remember dates, feel the pinch and move on till we meet the next disaster. Mumbai remains sensitive and vulnerable, administration remains indifferent insensitive and incorrigible. I mean how many of you are convinced that the terrorists just filled a pot with chits of cities, picked out Mumbai, hired some boats, landed in the city, asked for places and then played jack in box?Palpable.

The more the things change the more they remain the same. The many champions of local cause were glued to TV sets, they did later  when the damage was done only the carnage to be seen for all, they did to their credit crawl out and to salute a "selective few" while conveniently forgot those who laid their lives but belong to some non local heritage.Selective patronizing of bravado by a select few.My rights, your duties.

Anyways this is as naive as I can get and the posts is getting as cliche' as it could. I will save a few precious word still the next irony happens.

Happy B'day to Kasab. He is here to stay and live. I wish hearty congratulations to his local daddies apart from his many other daddies as well.

The attack was not on any identity or belief, the attack was on ethos of a nation.

PS - This who are interested in trivia would also like to know,that there was this book which was completed, binded and ratified on this very day 26 Nov 1949. It was later to be adopted as The Constitution of Republic of India couple of months later.

About: Iron Man & Iron Lady

It is amazing how history concocts and intertwines dates of epic proportions. 31 October has entries for two such persons. One a reputed Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India Sardar Vallabhai Patel and the other being the third Prime Minister of India, Ms. Indira Gandhi. Today’s date marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel and death anniversary of Indira Gandhi. A lot of all that is  good in India  as we see it today can be attributed to Sardar Patel and the other can be attributed to Indira Gandhi. There couldn’t be two such diverse personalities who have such impact on India in particular and Indian sub-continent as a whole.

The Iron Man

Sardar Patel, Iron man of India, cometh the hour cometh the man. The self made man, been there done that, the master mind visionary and statesman, Indians equivalent of Benjamin Franklin and Bismarck. He provided the shoulders of a giant on which many a dwarves stood. He accepted Gandhian philosophy but not always accepted the Gandhi topi. His role in Indian freedom struggle is exemplarary. His vision of India, especially after winning the freedom balanced Nehru’s idealistic beliefs. If his words were paid heed to, Kashmir would never be in a state of fix. Pakistan gained upper hand of simply because of naive Nehru. The auspicious date of 15 August saw multiple challenges, horrific one at those, there were riots is many place of the country, Punjab remained tense for sometime, the merger of states, the largest of its kind in the world, the Pakistan attack on Kashmir with Pak regular army soldier in guise of tribals etc. These massive violence and horrific events raged across the sub-continent from Lahore to Dhaka. The British contributed handsomely to these problems.

Sardar Patel, the man with virtues and integrity of steel, resolved and guided the young nation through tough times, as though a grandfather guiding a pram. The merger and amalgamation of Indian states and princely domains itself is a case study for disciples of management, statecraft, diplomacy. I think there were more than 500 states dominions, princely states that were merged into what we now call as Union of Republic India. Operation Polo, in which, the then State of Hyderabad was merged into India, a unique Police action of its kind in the world.

It had to be a resolve of steel and Iron man of India often got it right too. His differences with Pandit Nehru were increasingly more apparent. India could have done more if Sardar Patel could see a few more years. It feels sad to dearth of such leadership and values in today’s time. I hope the next Indian prime minister has intellect of Patel, the dare devil Bose and the vision of Gandhi.

The Iron lady

Indira Gandhi was killed on this day. The Iron man was Sardar the Iron lady has to be Indira Gandhi. She divided Congress and formed Congress-I. That wasn’t her claim to fame. Indira tenure as Prime Minister has many things to be proud off – Atom Bomb, Bangladesh War, and Green revolution. Then there are not so good things, Emergency, Blue star, Nationalization of companies, poor, short sighted almost stymied economic and domestic policies. These are to be discussed with few that too in hush tones. She induced the culture of sycophancy in the Judiciary, government establishment, and Congress I. The effects are pretty visible till today.

She didn’t lead the government, she ruled with Iron fists. I think lot of what good that she did in her life was short lived. The bad, she left behind has a more ever lasting effect. Shimla Agreement fiasco, Emergency, split in the congress, almost an exalted sycophancy that was breed and meritocracy was sacrificed ensuring bad prevails in Cong, for eternity. There was reports of mal practice in her election, there was the court case, the Honourable High Court of Allahabad declared her election null and void. India saw her first and hopefully last emergency. The corruption that we see today, especially at higher level of so-called government can traces it's root back to Indira Gandhi.

India politics will take a long while to give up bad effects of Indira reign as Prime Minister of India. There was a few things which I like though, the Bangladesh War, where she outwitted Americans and Pakistani establishment. It was the best of the best from Indira Gandhi, the peak of her achievements. If only she would have thought of more prudent economic policies.

It is safe to say though that Indira Gandhi held her own among her contemporaries. I say this for reasons good and bad that there may not be another Indira Gandhi.

About: Review Immortals of Meluhas

I read the book written by Amish Tripathi - Immortals of Meluhas. I had seen is interview first and then later chose to read the book, it wasn’t that I did hear of the book earlier. A lazy weekend and a lazy Sunday after noon was an additional reason to tilt the balance in favour of buying the book. A good 40 minutes were spent reading it at Crosswords and then the book was bought, to be read in the confines of the bed.

I wonder of all bloggers aspire to be writers someday. At least I do. I have persisting doubts though, as to what I should write. Amish present the story of the One. When I read books, I am amazed by the effort goes in research about the contents, as well as the research of ones mind and soul, coz writing what ones think is just the start. The imagination the grey cells and the aspiration of the writer soon start to take toll on the creative abilities. The focus can waver and the creative fuel tank can go dry for no apparent reason. The pain staking research comes out as this very thought provoking book the Immortals of Meluha.

The book is as subtle and direct. The book is a courageous attempt to strike balance between creativity, mythic folklore, Holy Scriptures, and the present. Then plot itself at times present enough opportunity to extended and elaborate the narrative. The book is about a tribal leader Shiva dwelling near the Mansarovar Lake. He is invited to this fabled land, an empire and a society of Suryavanshi rigidly following rules and laws. The society is happy and prosperous but has its undercurrents. Lord Ram founded the fable land. Then there is this jealous and evil kingdom of the Chandravanshis. The Protagonist starts as someone and treads the path of self-discovery to becoming the destined one.

The protagonist, character is finely sketch so are the other characters. There fallibility is for all to read and experience. As someone who has read this book and writing the review of the book, one felt as is some character’s portrayal could have been more lucid. The Chandravanshi are thought to be evil and jealous but besides that, the empire of Chandravanshi is with perspective of Suryanvanshis and the characters of Suryavanshi. The narrative does not throw enough light of illustrates the Chandravanshis enough. I wonder if it had to be, the plot of subsequent books that Chandravanshis may be discussed in detail by the characters but not the writer. The same if for the protagpnist. There is not much narrative about his past. A lot in the book is about his development, and come to being so to speak. There is not much about the origins. I wonder if it is for the next book.

The book is welcome. It is amazing how creativity was research help simplify and present a unique interpretation. A society improves if one can introspect and present their interpretation provided there is no intention of injuring or undermining faith of the land.

About: Tough time and straw men

Does history repeat itself? There are many philosophies that believes time (read history) is cyclic, I mean everything in nature is cyclic. But it keep moving forward, dynamic like a bi-cycle rather than static like treadmill. I wonder what kind of parallels would one find if we were to compare Bahadur Shah Zafar and Dr Manmohan Singh as head of the governments. Bahadur Shah Zafar and Dr Singh both ascended the throne of Delhi. They both were excellent in what they did, Zafar as a poet & Dr Singh as an able Economist. There is very little in merit even after much contemplation about the days when they were in power. They did nothing and could do very nothing then merely being vassals. I find always interesting to interpolate what if, It gives very gruesome and often symptomatic solutions.

Zafar’s reign extended to a couple of by lanes beyond the four walls of the imposing Red fort, Delhi. This is still in dispute though. The poet Emperor died far away in alien land pretty much incognito after the First War of Independence in 1857. Zafar was defeated by an English Officer, his Seal and Sword were gifted to the Queen. The frail and out dated Emperor was sent off to Rangoon, Burma. He claimed himself to be a Sufi and all the glory of the Mughal Dynasty was a feeble self by the time Zafar ascended throne. The servants doubled up as courtiers and subjects. Zafar mean while remains a mere bookmark in the pages of history, the end of his reign official marks the end of Mughal Empire. After 1857, the English crown overtook the reigns of ruling the then India Sub-continent, from the British East India Company. He died in exile wailing for wanting to buried in his land. He was one of the leading poets of his time along with his contemporary, Ghalib.

कितना है बदनसीब “ज़फ़र″ दफ़्न के लिए, दो गज़ ज़मीन भी न मिली कू-ए-यार में

roughly translated to -

How unfortunate is Zafar! For his burial, Not even two yards of land were to be had, in the land of his beloved.

Dr Manmohan Singh reign as ( the longest care taker ) Prime Minister of India has been marred by political indecision and blunders. The ministers are as good as courtiers of a king who has lost it all. There is no doubt about Dr Singh the mid-wife of India Liberalization, Narsimha Rao was the father and compulsion of fractured mandate and politically fickle environment was the mother of first and till date only set of reforms that Congress had to take, if they had to be in Power. Dr Manmohan ascended to the throne of Delhi and before him the Prime Minister from Congress before him were either too idealistic (Pandit Nehru), too morbid (Indira Gandhi), too naive (Rajiv Gandhi) or too good (Narsimha Rao). The Congress itself underwent changes, the nationalist party which fought for freedom, increasingly saw their core getting precipitate to left wing communists to right wing groups. Indira Gandhi's morbid hunger for power saw doing some truly bizarre moves signs of desperate autocracy. Congress was dead as Indira went on to mould the faction of Congress just around Emergency that she led. It is just like Zafar the post, Dr Singh’s qualities as a economist seem to inspire confidence while his inability to lead and claiming helplessness as an alibi only generates more angst and disbelief.

Dr Singh tenure as Finance Minister was good thing that happened, just like Zafars poetry. Zafar’s poetry or most of his has been lost. It seems amazing now that in what kinda of economic environment we had to bear with. Dr Singh greatest qualification for which he was chosen to be a worthy Prime Minister, his qualities of being a genteel, unambitious demeanor and obedient. He didnt have any political heir to leave behind his legacy for, a perfect political pawn.There is little proof if any if Dr Singh has a grip of politics of the nations or the politicians in his cabinet.I for one thought, Indian population was a very big number a Billion and counting. The scams in last couple of UPA government have dwarfed that population count. I mean how easy it is to get convinced that the Government simply didn't knew. The governments don't run that way.

Between Zafar and Dr Singh, Zafar had no one to answer too, Dr Singh is not allowed to answer. It would be be too gullible to believe worst is over. Today Indian democracy must summon the its last breath - the will of the people for a decisive mandate.

About: Steve Jobs and Apple

Steve Jobs is the modern day Leonardo Da Vinci. He has influenced technology world like no one else, I know there have been many a stalwarts in tech-world, but Steve Jobs has made an indelible mark on many different verticals of tech-space. The tech-world as we see it, computers, laptops, mobile phones, computer accessories/peripherals, media players, animation movies, multi media hardware and software, e-Commerce, Internet - all have had imprints of Steve Jobs. He is a milestone in technology world. The pace of innovation in digital world was never to be the same after Steve Jobs advent on the scene.He has taken competitors head on and thoser are big guys, Microsoft, Sony among many others.

He is a genius. He like most geniuses seems to be an absolute freak. He has had his tough times in life. He with Steve Wozniak revolutionized the world of computer only to fall out in later years. He was the youngest tech wizard to find himself in limelight. He at times has pulled the rabbit out of the hat and at times made himself a bunny, all in one life, He is a bible of marketing. He is a marketing genius like no one else and probably Kotler may agree. There have been so many mails floating around about his not so good times. He is the face, the brain and the shear pull of cult called Apple. He has made Apple delight of every ones eyes. The products from Apple have just spin out of this world. The mania  at every launch of a new apple product is amazing

He has been a rebel and stood out at most times in the crowd of his peers. He is one of the few who have influenced the electronic hardware and software in equal measure and set standards for both. Steve jobs made a niche for his company, products of the company, it shares and for himself. He is the king of geeks today. The products that apple make push the technology further and they are almost a benchmark for their competitors.

It is very difficult to simple love him or just hate him. The awe of Steve Jobs arouses contrasting emotions from individuals. There are so many things we have been told. I read his biography iCon and this aura of Steve Jobs increased manifold. The biography shed different lights on his persona as a shrewd, cunning executive, a tech visionary. He is an abrasive and sharp professional as a boss he would often push people deep into the corner. He has come a long way. He was shunted out of the company, Apple which he had found with another Steve, Steve Wozniak and after a boardroom coup he had to leave Apple. He went to setup NExt  a venture into electronic hardware, and then came Pixar, he bought from George Lucas, then those animated movies, Toy Story, and rest as they say is history. 

Steve Jobs was the come back kid of the Silicon Valley. He is someone who really had it in him to have a bold vision and the boldness to pull it off for real. He has seen all the ups and downs in personal and professional life and kept coming back when he was down.

He came he saw his conquered or perhaps as the iConic Jobs may say something like this -  iCame, iSaw, iWon.

About: Straw & Camels back

Anna Hazaare is the straw that broke the camel’s back. The camel is the Sonia led MMS Government (if you  can still call it one) and the other straws are plethora of corruption charges that caught the glimpse of the morning sun from the headlines of the newspaper. There are more corruption frauds waiting to be exposed (conditions of TRP apply). I wonder no news channel or investigative journalist explore one of the more bizarre corruption scandal. It could be NREGA, Sonia G dream project, it could be Rs 77,000 Crores highway project, there are so many schemes that Gov seem to be running so hallow and decadent to the naked eye. The CWG mess couldn’t be a fiasco if there wasn’t any tacit approval of sitting Delhi CM for all the mess. After being indicted in Shunglu report and wrapped on the knuckles by the CAG, she enjoys to rule the state with the blessings of the top brass. As a famous sms is going around, government may think of passing the Anna’s version of Lokpal Bill if someone pays the bribe for it.

The UPA government is headed by Dr MMS who fathered the deregulation and helped India unwind the rigid and rugged Nehruvian jacket, which withered away all hope between 1950 and 1990. As a result, only 1% hundreds of million people who are earning are paying taxes. I think economic reforms bought us where we are, now we need to do more. The Congress had CPI with them to keep the boat floating so that they can isolate power. The congress really doesn’t want to get us out of the straight jacket; they continue to induce a mindset where status quo should not be changed. The alliance with Communists was the excuse for not doing any reforms earlier, now the alliance with other members is the excuse. It seems that Congress seemingly doesn’t want to deregulate and reform because they think their political prowess will dwindle. The incapability of this UPA government to reform and lead the poorest people and uplift them to have a secure life and robust future is hampering India on the path of growth. The governments inclination of not wanting to reform has been a major setback for this government. The reforms in the last decade or so have gone no where. The money for public spending has gone everywhere except fot the benefit of the public.

The Cabinet ministers seem to squabble about something irrelevant or how innocent someone like Raja is when the writing is on the wall. The Congress wants a few to be rich by making sure most of us a poor. They have polluted and undermine all possible institutions CAG, CVC, CBI, Judiciary, various other departments  (the list is pristine and prestigious). There are scandals coming out from India's most revered institutions the Armed forces. 

There is corruption everywhere then why is government trying to hide something instead of fighting the problem and cleaning the system and punishing the guilty. I mean they did everything to cover up; Sibal the esteemed minister came out and said there is no loss in Government reveneues in the 2G case. I wonder then why the previous Telecom Minister is in jail. Didn’t the Prime Minister know what Raja was cooking? If he knew, then the PM (hence Congress) top brass (I mean Sonia Gandhi, Ahmed Patel and others) are equally culpable. He should resign and give up his post. If on the other hand he didn’t know what was happening which means the Prime Minster was being led or kept in the dark then all the more reason for him to resign. Other cabinet ministers are equally corrupt in their practice and way beyond correction.

Its know value of money and the interest on principal rather than value and principles which formulates guidelines, policy making and Ponzi schemes that this government runs. The lazy unwillingness to address the issue and trying to misled the people repeatedly will hurt our society in the times to come. The means of livelihood and health are fast dwindling away.

This blog post is a patchy one as best. I think I would want to blog on this a little bit more.

About: Suave smiling Shammi

Shammi Kapoor breathe his last earlier today. He was my favourite hero. The songs from those movies which he starred are still remade ,redone and remixed again and again. He was perhaps the most handsome among all the movie actors across the ages who came to don the silver screen Hindi film world. He was suave and had lot of class, surely a gourmet if not a connoisseur. The songs from his movies were collector’s items. He was never to be choreographed, he was just told about the camera angles and he did his own stuff, did it pretty well. The characters he played were full of panache and gusto. He romanced the most glamorous heroines on the silver screen of his times from Vyjantimala, Sharmila Tagore, Mumtaz, Saira Bano, Geeta Bali and so many others. He was reputed not to feature with the same here heroine more than once. 

Junglee, Janwar, Budtameez, Professor, Boyfriend, Raj Kumar, Prince, China Town, Teesri Manzil, An evening in Paris, Kashmir ki kalli, Bluff Master, Brahmachari These were some of the movies which he starred,most of them were musical hits and popular movies. His movies were so good,so easy to watch in the sense, there was no sleaze and nothing loud and unsavoury. The stories consists, boy meets girl, pop corm love stories, but romance changed for good once Shammi Kapoor touched fame. He teamed up Rajendra Nath, Mehmood, Tun tun and other leading comedians and comedy was a permanent fixture of his movies. Rafi lend his voice to most of Shammi’s songs and there was magic on screen. Pran often played the villan in many of those movies. He did thrillers apart from romanctic movies. There was a sense of intergue in many of his movies, lot of drama and thrill. He often played a character wanting to make a mark of his own,often the rebel but those movie were sans chaotic action. His sense of style and persona was hard to miss. He would portray characters that stood out from the character that other actors played in their movies. The other actors were busy doing melodramatic, emotional roles, while Shammi was playing a flamboyant, yet sensitive comic-romantic hero. No other hero could match him for style, jackets, caps, t-shirts etc. 

When it comes to romance people go on roof tops to sing and yell their stories. He did it better and crazier. He did it on roof tops, mountain slops (Yahoo!! – Junglee ), river banks (Lal chadi maidan khadi - ), Lakes (Deewana hua badal – Kashmir Kalli ), waterfalls ( An evening in Paris), boats (Kashmir ki Kalli),elephant back (Yahan ke hum hai Raj kumar – Rajkumar), helicopters (Aasman se aaya farishta – An evening in Paris), cars,trucks (Kashmir Kalli) pubs( Teesri Manzil) , while trekking (Deewana mujhsa nahi – Teesri Manzil). He did it all and did it wish class and style. The few songs out of these were outright to woo some more just to flirt.

Shammi Kapoor will remain my favourite actor of all times.

About: Overspiced Bollywood

Indian Movies have had a deep impact on Indian society. It has been a sign of changing times. It is fair to say in many ways, movies have been a step head of our time and almost shown us a glimpse of how social changes likely to follow when tomorrow comes. The movies have been a chronicle of how society has evolved in the due course of time. The movies have detailed major events that left a mark on the dates of our history. The various themes have covered historical events, personalities, legends, thoughts and myths. Indian movies have given us icons many of whom have become facets of what’s good about Indian society. The Indian movies bind our society apart from cricket.

An illusion none the less.

It provides us an escape too, escape to a world of dreams. The songs, dialogues, costumes, looks and feel of it enamour us with situations that placate our lives for some time. It’s given rise and support to many industries, fashion/apparels for example. The radio industry is another that repeatedly plays popular song from old movies and promotes songs of new about-to-release movies. Ameen Sayani the legendary host on Radio was almost voice of Indian Radio for an eternity. I mean that was before television hijacked our lives. Tourism is another example. Tabloid industry is a major beneficiary. I mean imagine the morning paper without goof ups and break up and hook ups, morning tea won’t taste the same ever again. The (un) reality TV also gets their judges from here. These judges are no more in demand and TV seem to give them a life line.

Indian movies have reached to the classes and masses of all regions. The Indian movie industry as a whole is the largest number of productions and lowest ticket rates in the world. The Diaspora populace overseas has ensured that segment too is well feed in situations of the movies. The regional cinema in South Indian matches the Mumbai based Bollywood for exuberance and volumes of business and overwhelmingly beats it when it comes to mass following of actors.

The fact is ... 

The simplicity of movies has diminished now. It is more of a business now; I mean 3 to 4 movies are lined for a release in a weekend. The longevity of movies is reduced to two weekends or ten days. The movies and creative aspect is a cheap rip off some movie made in another corner of the Earth thing else. The movies are packaged with sleaze and raunchy. It is a must to have some controversy to rake up interest. A huge amount of time, energy and money is pumped in to promote and create a panic and repulsion to get audience queuing up to get a show. The only thing u might get after seeing these movies is regret and a tinge of red on your face of having washed away with a tinge of green.

The golden period of Hindi movies in particular and Indian movies in general were the 50s and 60s. The best people worked at that point in time. There were technical inadequate is for all to see. But then technology was simply not available. You also wonder how they movies were financed. There were weeks if not months before the next movie was to be released. The songs and tune and story lines from those old genres are now remade. I mean people are remixing R.D. Burman songs and dedicate those songs to none other than R.D. Burman. How genuine and insipid one would think. I sincerely believe that more than 4 out of fice songs remixed is nothing bbut a crowning glory of our ability to create something remotely originally. However, the movies getting digitized and Black and White movies getting redone coloured is a positive step.

There is a clear step down of type of movies that are being made. The possible reason the growth of various segements and marketable audience. There is this so called uber urban class, the college fellas, tier two cities, the expat clan, there are classes, masses and unbridled wild asses who hurry to see a movie. There is a loss of innocence and warmth of the movies of old.

I hope things change for the better coz movies are here to stay.

About: Ma, Mamta aur Amul Baby

The hand that rocks the government ...

Ma, Amma, Jayalalitha will be the new Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu. She has ousted corrupt and nepotistic regime of DMK led by the now incumbent patriarch Karunanidhi. It is interesting to note that Karunanidhi was the one who had ousted corrupt and not so nepotistic J Jayalalitha as Chief Minister when the Chief Minister's seats were last exchanged. The pendulum of voters swings rather decisively in Tamil electoral politics. The past few elections the incumbent have gave way to the new Chief Minister, only to be kicked out by the opposition through the will of mandate. It has been Appa, Amma, Appa, Amma, not necessarily in that order.This isnt exactly the crux of the matter. It is easy to get the hitch, either its Amma or its Appa. While Amma was corrupt, Appa carried that theory home. Among his several wives and more than a few children dear leader lead one of the most money mongering regime, that would have made a (few) Cabinet Ministers literally a run for their monies.

One of the many few factors that lead to a rout of DMK was that Appa kept bringing the family close and started distancing the populace. 2G Scam didn’t help. A Raja the corrupt telecom minister committed two crimes, first he did all the financial swindling, and then he was caught doing it. The first one may be acceptable in accordance to the law of the land, second one surely (probably?) isn’t. There have been few jokes about Appa and his family, those have now gone stale, and the fresh bread is sold along with the news that its Amma will be the rising star on the horizon. Congress has successfully slay one more ally of theirs, Laloo Prasad, Pawar, Communists etc have been Congress allies, all bitten the dust in the last few elections. In the coming months, DMK will be dumped in the bin and tonne of garbage would be further dumped on them. One has to wait and see the court’s judgement on Appa daughter Kanimozhi in the coming time. It will be only fair that she goes to jail.

Its about (now showing) tantalizing drama called 2G Scam; Kanimozhi, if critics are to believe plays one of the Key roles that unlocked the exchequers room and money the money just vanish (snap your fingers to add effect). It is the end of dynasty of sorts; Karuna may not come back again as the Chief Ministers. He is well past the age for a Chief Minister. I am not sure, if kin may stay united to rally and claim power again. But stranger things have happened in politics.

 A few roadblocks ahead.

The other major state that saw election in which voting went on forever was the eastern state West Bengal. Thugs called they, Communists, mercilessly misruled it for more than three decades. They did nothing for the community they were supposedly chosen (heard of mass scale rigging?) to govern. They did nothing for good and oppressed every idea that could have improved the situation. They didn’t even let anyone come forward and do good who was willing to listen and work on peoples wishes. There were Chief Ministers who would enjoy a drink of scotch and puff foreign cigarettes that cost borne by the hapless, their daily bread and dreams of living with dignity. As the times evolved and communist ideology started to disappear into index pages of old cloth bound books and communist blocks crumbled under the weight of reality of the present. Bengal saw like many communist state the bourgeois and proletariat evolved into rulers and ruled. The state paid a heavy price of the ideology of strengthening the party and screwing the people. The party was effectively the Government. They claimed sole representation of the people for 34 long years. One was never fail to imagine the plight of people as people fed themselves with hunger and deprivation into utter poverty. The hammer and sickle ruled the state of West Bengal by atrocities and mayhem that were to mirror the rule of the erstwhile East India Company, only more methodical and more potent. It was during period of the Communists reign that the state of West Bengal found itself down in the list of every parameter representing hope, happiness, growth and development and found itself topping every list of neglect, paucity, disdain and misery. The mindset of people represent an era gone by. This is a mandate for change and hope.

The vociferous and virago Mamata Banerjee has her tasks cut out, may be advised to be in touch with one of her neighbouring Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar, his home state suffered similar fates at the hand of its previous leaders. Mamata has much to do. Their debt burden is increasing, the revenues are thin (if any), the industrial policy resembles a witch hunt manual and the industrial setup resembles a ghost town, painted in ugly shade of red. The scepticism of previous Governments policy will pave way for a better humane policy, will boost (read initiate) growth prospects so every one can add to growth and lead a life of dignity and respect.

Its a rude wake up call for the Communists. I bet no wake up calls are kind, this one is particularly ruled. The Communists have to align their interest with the intention of doing it for the country. It seemed to everyone for quiet sometime now that Indian national interest wasnt enlist their core beliefs. The will of people and nations interst should be core to the politics.

God’s own country, Communists own backyard.

Kerala, God’s own country, legend has it that Parashuram, Lord Vishnu’s avatar threw his angst in the Arabian Sea as a result Land of Kerala (and/or Konkan) came up. Kerala Like its neighbour witness change of government, which swing between Leftist government and left of Center governments. The incumbent is invariably thrown out and government is succeeding by the opposition part. This time around, Achutandan was thrown out. If anyone who don’t know who he is, he is the old rug whose claim to fame was saying, “Not even a dog would visit Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's house.” Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s died fighting Pakistani Terrorists in Taj Mahal hotel on 26/11. He was shoo away from his house though. Anyways sad part to know is that he won the elections. The good news is Left has been routed and left of Center Congress led UDF will be forming the next government. It was hear that the first elected communist government was elected.

Baba’s wave

Rahul Gandhi the great saviour of Congress is now the face of the hand that renders Allies meek and listless. His growing (really?) stature in Indian politics has seen Congress being routed in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Pondicheerry. But to his credit, his great persona did help them win in Assam and Kerala and West Bengal. I cant confirm whether it more to do with his charismatic leadership of decent work by government in Assam, maintain a fragile peace as ULFA has been subdued in Assam. West Bengal for now seems to be Mamata doing and Lefts undoing contributing 50-50 to Lefts rout. He is a future Prime Minister and suppose to have more spine than Dr MMS.

These elections are a brief reflection of what is to come. But for now lets rejoice Ma (read Amma) Mamata and Baba’s victory. Indian politics can now breathe a sigh of release, as opposition will be based on values rather than age-old politics.

About: Revolution on life support

The entire crisis in Egypt, people shouting Revolution, calling for a changed of government, rolling of head (metaphorically or literally) made me wonder, how long do Revolutions last? Do revolutions last at all? Do they deliver the sweep changes for which the seed of revolution germinated? Equality and Liberty are for all to cherish but turns more people sceptic and suspicious, seed of next revolution may be. Does revolution brings these values to the people whose tears of agony turned the battleground red

There have been many a revolutions in the recent memory and some in the annals of time, set off new trends and set of policies, underlining the fact, the more the things seem to change the more they remain same. There was more than one revolution where violence was the flag bearer and the foot soldier.

The din after the damn bang

The famous revolutions of history books, The American Revolution bought freedom but not equality until the near past, American Civil rights movement was perhaps as old as the American Revolution, but then racial segregation was a fact for more than 50 years. It leads to American civil war, another revolution in the making but segregation persisted until the 1960s. It is well documented less known, least discussed. However, it is amazing; the land of freedom and hope was not the same for one definite set of people.

The French Revolution helped us differentiate breads and cakes, other profound movement towards meritocracy lead to Napoleon seizing power, ending the republic, fuelling Napoleons ambitions, Napoleonic wars ensued, which ended with Little Corporal banished to a tiny island, at more than an arms length from
France.

The dark 19 century saw colonization increase disparity among human race to a new nadir, a whole crop of revolution took seed. The sub-Saharan economies became an icon of social inequality, gross disparity, and poverty, not to be confused with GDP though. The words crime, ill health, substance abuse, and genocide slipped into the keywords column.

Russia another sub continental size country saw the worst of Anarchy in last 100 hundred years, known for its white and red revolution punctuated by KGB and Siberian prisons, forced labour. It lead a front in cold war, as tension exchanged hands between communism and capitalism. The communism fell with the Berlin Wall and capitalism dived blind after stocks markets pulled rugs, carpets, socks and stocking beneath. I wonder if we are as good as our competition. Russia finds itself ruling oligoarchy. After a very unstable and chaotic rule under Yelstin, Putin is helm of affair as the President, the Prime minister and the Duma of Russia.

The sublime sub-continent.

In the neighbour hood, violence and injustice prevails in the name of ideology. If one observes Pakistan and Bangladesh, a stable state needs more then just a common religion to forge ahead. Pakistan remains feudal and principles of Qaid-E-Azam have reduced to dust by his grave. A secular democratic peaceful Pakistan is shattered with every bomb blast and bullet that takes lives. Bangladesh is either about Mercedes or the footpath. But to their credit remains less sectarian, perhaps they have a language which is more common as another identity beyond religion, unlike former West Pakistan which has more feudal and reaping poisonous weeds of violence which it sowed, that too on the own turf..

India freedom struggle looks more intriguing with every passing year, especially against the present backdrop. I mean how cool was convincing the rulers to leave and grant freedom. There was a revolution movement almost a century earlier but then “why should I?” typifying our cultural DNA, looking for personal gain rather than social improvement mar many things which “could have been.” The systemic sycophancy and greed, amalgamated with poor leadership are fast eroding democratic values. The Indian judiciary seems to be working on principle resembling the Future Continuous Tense of English grammar. It is increasingly use by the guilty, inept and corrupt to protect them as Law takes its own (unguided, unchartered) course. Accountability is resembles a round circle. All other policy such a foreign policy, inter-national relations, our own opinion about or won brethren are topics which we don’t think much, parochial regionalist ambition are high on priority lists though. Long live Revolution.

Red Star and little red book

China meanwhile continues to leap forward but then keeps forced labour, unknown human right abuse, not so honest party by the side, like it take it. The fruits of power are enjoyed by the few, the social awakening simmers fuelling despair, but then the iron fists seem to have more than just absolute control. The Chinese leaders have talked of being more democratic, all has to be seen.

It interesting how things unravel in Egypt and will the revolution live long enough to see people meeting their aspirations. Let us all brew storm in tea cups.

About: Unpaved roads of Bihar.

What was Bihar?

Bihar has been a karma bhoomi to many, Janak, Buddha, Chanakya, Mahatma Gandhi, and JP Narayan. The great empires of Guptas and Magadha eastablish there; Patliputra was then capital of the entire Indian subcontinent. Rabri Devi, no connection to names mentioned before also ruled the state for a while. Laloo did all he could to decimate his lineage, the history of this great land, but now he finds himself out of the Samosa, rather discarded. Bihar was fast becoming ignominy and disenchanted and embarrassing. Kidnapping and extortion had graduated from cottage industry to a thriving business proposition, right suffered at the hands of might. Laloo had, been there and done that. Absolute power corrupted absolutely.

Tipping point?

But this is not about him. It’s about the people it’s about the Man who did the right things. They claim sweeping poll victories, but this particular Bihar election was truly something else. I haven’t seen such one side (for the good results). I mean going by purely numbers no one is worthy to be called an opposition coz they haven’t got even 1/10 of seats. This is a compulsive mandate.
Bihar was fast becoming everything that was ugly, feudal, and criminal. The political scenario was so dire that political satire was becoming vengeance. The tipping point was hit and everything changed for good. There are statistics, damn lies and poll arithmetic. But I wonder if Nitish Kumar, the leader who led the party back to the power again would have actually believe that he would get such numbers. It is a crown of thorns, Nitish Kumar must not falter.

The longest hour before dusk.

Bihar finds itself bottom of the table of every just account. It been pushed back into feudal time in a lost decade. Nitish may not turn Bihar into Japan in next five years, but would do well to stem the rot and get the system to move, give, there is scope there for sure, and some of the brightest minds come from Bihar. It would be interesting at what pace Bihar returns to normalcy i.e. come at par with national average w.r.t. to per Capita income, education health, etc.

The time is right to focus on nayi kahani, (new story). The system has started to work for the better. It is a long (and unpaved) road in Bihar; Nitish Kumar has to restore faith and hope. The people have showed their belief in him. He will pay in the long run. His intentions remain clean and clear and leadership founded on robust principle and virtues.

Of mandates and poll arithmetic.

Congress party of India remains master of poll arithmetics, amazing work for them. I know they last more than half the seats they held last time; they are down to four seats from nine. No it’s not the Rahul effect. It is something they do to their allies, frienmies is term used by one of a magazines. Laloo Prasad was one of the kingmakers of third front, and then a minister in the Congress led UPA. Congress seems to be mastering this poll arithmetic concept.
The did it in UP to Mulayam Singh Yadav, left parties in the last Lok Sabha polls, in Maharashtra to their ruling partners the NCP and to the opposition BJP and Shiv Sena. There are more examples, National Conference in Kashmir there are so many examples. Laloo did lose, but it would be interesting what would have been the results in the following scenarios
a. Laloo Prasad and Congress going forward with some seat sharing.
b. A swing of say 1% for argument sake from Congress to Laloo.

I must confess I don’t have the numbers. But I think Laloo would have between few seats richer and Congress would have got more seats. But fighting polls from all the 243 seats meant Congress would split votes away from Laloo, one vote less in elections means you are behind by two votes. This is a sample of how poll arithmetic works. Yes Congress did lose more than what they had but this has ensured Laloo would not much to fool about other than his poll result. This would make Laloo go back to the drawing board. Old dog new tricks kind of scenario.
This for Congress means one less nuisance creating coalition partner, Mulayam, Sharad Pawar, Left Parties have already been subdued.

I am not sure it is a trend but all indications are there, but increasingly where ever voting takes place hung mandate post poll alliances (read opportunities) would increasingly be a thing of the past. I find most of the state governments in India a pure majority at least the major ones, UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, MP, Bengal,AP, TN, I am sure these aren’t the only ones.

The nest state elections would be really fun.

About: Kashmir dreads fire

Jammu and Kashmir is the land of beauty beyond comprehension and compare, it becomes very easy to keep thinking of apt adjective to match the beauty and come up with nothing to describe the beauty that lays behold. Whoever said the wars are only for barren bits of land must eat his own words with gumption; if they were to pay a visit to this delightful haven. Jammu & Kashmir dismiss that notion with an absolute charm. J&K has been betrayed and conned by last century. I must confess I haven’t ever been there, I don’t have any relatives from there or someone from the kin posted there. It is the tense state of life that people seem to live there and thats something that bothers me to no end. The problem gets complex every day, and the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be diminshing everyday, perhaps hope is what you lose after you have to lose all that you can.

Are we losing hope on J&K?

There are so many stake holders, minority stake holders, plots, sub-plots,(political) party's plots, far cries and war cries in the whole J&K. The stake holders slug and wrestle, while the mere spectator, the common people is the one who is surely being victimized. It is sad. I truly believe that none of the stake holders , the local governments of Indian and Pakistan or the International Community (all permanent occupants of United Nations Organization) want a solution or if they are able to get one by God’s willing grace, it would be made sure it is not a long standing one. The will of the people wont ever be accepted.

Like it or hate it.

I would like to imagine things from a purely personal perspective. The fragile and eerie sense of tension and guilt is something that I must confess I don’t like but something I cannot disown or turn a blind eye to, at least not anymore. While there is a Muslim majority in the local state, hence a Pakistani claim, but they must surely know that religion alone cannot be basis on which they want to claim ownership of the land, if that’s honestly the case and valid even in some strange circumstance then the erstwhile East Pakistan would never be Bangladesh today. They just had a religion as a common bond. Moreover, the liberal and secular Kashmiri society and their will of pursuing values of Kashmiriyat (harmony, peace etc.) may not want to align itself with the factional, feudal and fundamentalist Pakistani setup a nexus of ISI-Army-Puppet Governments. I think the onus and ownership of these Pakistani setups have been rallied between different players, Pakistani and non Pakistani in origin. I imagine the Pakistani society ought to have minor elements of secular and liberal folks who wish well for Pakistan beyond filling their coffers, pockets and socks with loot. I dare cant say much about aspiration and will of society at large on Kashmir issue and Pakistan bent of morally supporting the valiant cause of Kashmir. Pakistan and the morality of nation is nothing more than a crude joke. Food, clothing and shelter still remains a dream still to be realized may be (just slight, may be) more than in India. The facts based on neutral accounts and studies rather than what is cooked here and we are made to believe.

Instrument of Accession,access denied?

The Indian claim largely is based on legal instrument the Instrument of Accession. I wonder if Pakistan would have backed sentiments even if Maharaja of Kashmir would have signed the Instrument of Accession earlier,would history have taken another course? The provision of temporary article in Indian constitution has led to a permanent and irreversible damage in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Yes we made a temporary provision in the book, but we have done little do dilute the resentment resulting out of alienation due to this temporary provision in the Constitution. It has alienated the people and kept them in the dark,instead of protecting their rights have make them inept to do their daily duties. It is for the people of Jammu & Kashmir to figure it out. I mean nobody will give up on them simple because it is too precious to be left alone. I mean they do have the option of being sacked by Pakistan of get Talibanized or see Chinese starting a new sugar factory there.

Line of Control that joins and distorts geographies and separates hearts

The Kashmiris too enjoyed the fruits but cursed the soil, did little to win the famed azadi and kept crying. All get rose with thorns that’s the beauty of roses. We too have not helped their cause,forced them to sit on wheelchairs saying it is a throne of privilege. Not suggesting to just shoo anyone away, but people must be inspired and motivate the truth. At least ask your brethren across the fences of Line of Control, what kind of Azadi they truly enjoy in the so called Azad Kashmir or Pak Occupied Kashmir or whatever.
 
As the situation presently stands and demands due to Talbanisation of Afghanistan and a possible re-Talibanization there, much more rabid, morbid and potent Ultra-Talbinzation of Northern Pakistan. The Kashmiri’s have less reduced choices. China too brings different set of worries to the table. It is will to bleed us out. They are the third neighbour enjoyed (may be fanning) the dispute. It seems thanking one neighbour for the shade in the day and thanking the other neighbour for the fruits in the evening while the two neighbouring farmers fight for the land. China has already has its presence in all our neighbours territories, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mynamar, and may be Maldives.


Misconstituted - misintented

The Indian Constitution is increasingly become something we swear at rather than swear by. There is no wonder that in High Schools, chapters in History text books, end abruptly on 26 January 1950. So as to say there is nothing historic after a specific date in 1950? The socio-political turmoil has never stopped. I think we have made many mistakes after that and the lesson have not be learnt, yet. We have sat far too long sat on laurels of history and keep proclaiming what was an idea. We were the golden bird a millennium back but that wont feed, shelter or clothe me for a day. The present along with the near past is a long list of embarrassing truths and blunders we need to understand accept and resolve never ever to repeat.
Indian Governments in first few decades of Independence ruled with tight fists in the guise of democracy and with people not having much choice were forced to choose only one option at least for first half a dozen General elections. As there was not much to hear in the name of opposition fractured policies and rigid stances have led to people to channelize their discontent in the form of violence, running parallel governments, defying states, spreading corruption.


Divided and misruled.

There have been various cases of divides, caste, language, religion, territorial, regional sub-regional,local and to the point of an electricity pole in a municipal ward. There is a little bit of Kahsmir in all our minds and hope that the problems the end come soon. We as a nation need to stand up,swallow bitter pills and do whats good for all instead of trying to appease somebody and by doing that ensuring, peace and prosperity is either locked away in hands of few or tied in a red tape and dumped in a dark corner of room piled up stack marked documents under review.

The right time is now,enough time has passed;streams full of blood and tears of agony and enough skeletons of misery and dismay have flown under the bridge of reluctance.I know I am far away Jammu & Kashmir to understand anyone agony,but I fear that even peace is afraid of a misadventure there.

About: 3 Idiots

Raju Hirani again pulls out a rabbit from the hat. Wonder if wake up Sid + Taare Zameen Par = 3 idiots. I mean I am not comparing the plots frame by frame, but certain hues out of those movies do match in weird ways. Taare Zameen Par, convinced every child is special, it showed how the kid pretty much through practice, and dedication and interest exhibits his creativity in form of paints and sketch, Wake Up Sid was more about utilizing the best you have. Both the films, do make a certain point that failures must not be a roadblock for you as a person to explore new ideas.


Aamir Khan plays almost a dream merchant and the drama revolves around him and almost like a dream merchant he plays a be good do good to various characters in the movie. There won’t be critical evaluation, of the whole movie or I may not describe you the best scene or song of dance. I would instead try to recollect and place my own, example as the movie goes forward.
I did remember the days back, when even I was a young bloke in hostel, gullible but gregarious. I too have a few good and fond memories and few not so proud moments, some of the incidents in the movie were hilarious, but then bit dramatized. If drama is absent then the movie is reduced to your favourite actor sans their make up. Reality punches the breath out of your lungs.

Some incidents were parallel, not exact but yeah fun. But three hours a bit downer and I don’t know why the ticket prices are jacked up. I mean come on man, Rs 250 and three hours out weigh the movie, in my opinion. But now are the days when product could be sold or bought on attribute of packaging. The movie is light hearted. People have done a good job, as the movies fold and unfold in different ways. It does reconfirm my view I had formed back in college that I met some incredible people back then some great pals. I mean since all of us were in the same boat, we could obviously relate ourselves to each other. Anyone who lived and studied hostel won’t just say that they just did their graduation. At least sub consciously they knew, they learnt to navigate through life.

It is good fun to see the movie and understand in different ways people behave and act and react. But then I don’t get paid to write reviews. There is more than conviction required to say “All is well.” which is the mantra of the movie.

About: Blog Action Day

I got a bit late to post this particular post.15 October was Blog Action Day, check out the website. The topic for this year is climate change. When one talk of climate change the following comes to mind, carbon cycle, green technology, pollution, mean thinking.

Carbon cycle.

Understand one thing, everything in universe is going round, what happens is the environment is processing everything within its realm. If you could imagine, there is carbon present in all thing living and non living, it’s in a compound form with other elements, namely, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and others. We (read all living beings) consume food, use Oxygen to digest it or use Oxygen as a key to release the locked energy in food. This results in carbon di oxide and other gases, organic and inorganic. This carbon gets into the atmosphere and water bodies and prove to be a key ingredient, for plants to turn CO2 (cabin di oxide) into organic forms what you and I see as fruits vegetables flowers and others.

For more detailed (read correct) explantion check Google and Wikipedia.

This is how the cycle behaved for a long while, before we started abusing carbon rich fossil fuels post industrialization era resulted in more carbon, being released, unwanted cutting down of trees resulted in continuous release of carbon with no way turning it into organic form. This in a way, results in rising temperatures, which induces a chain reaction of its own, a few could be rising sea levels, more intensive cyclones, droughts, a number of flora and fauna going instinctive, depletion of the know famed Ozone layer and various other catastrophes. This all is occurring together at real time as I write this post. The scientist fear the worst, n some way, it may have changed your genes and may alter evolution in some form or another. After all we too are result of this alteration of genes, which lead evolution that gave (mistakably?) rise to species which resulted in us Humans.

There is a lot at stake. That’s to put matter mildly.

Green Technology.

This one is also about green shoots of a different kind. This is nothing but harnessing using, existing energy around us, like sun light, winds, tides and geo thermal energy. It can be used to produce electricity, or cooking (in case of solar heater). Kudos to all those who go sailing and don’t use fuel. In days older the sepia toned snaps; ships use to travel using winds of the ocean. Well the technology can be used either to produce electricity to be used in homes and offices etc. or various other purpose. Green technology must be used to make present equipments we use and make them more efficient so as to make them consume less energy.

Pollution.

Lot can be done here. I will focus on water pollution, especially industrial pollution. I have travelled my share in trains and road and travel daily. I think purely on the basis of economics, I think there is lot of scope if promote schemes that will help reduce water pollution. Sewage water treatment plants in cities, in societies will be very helpful but may yield result only after 3 to 5 years. I mean imagine, every society in suburbs of Mumbai, storing rain water, purifying it with separate lines for consumption or cooking and other line for other various uses. The water for bathing and other being reused. It will help reduce water consumption and help in reducing pollution. It may prove to be costly in near terms but will defiantly help if we keep using and updating technology for say twenty years. I think it make sense.

Mean thinking.

Stop taking receipts at atm. Avoid hot showers, anyways the tap spew hot water after 11 in the morning (that’s for tropical country like India). Check you expenses online. Don’t print emails and messages mercilessly. For once before driving anywhere can you walk down and perhaps the world isn’t falling apart. Keep electrical equipments switched off and pull the plug out of the socket. Don’t keep the fans and tube lights running. I hate running taps.

Second Edit

For more,read the link from Project Syndicate.