Mr Prime Minister never thought a banal citizen like me will have something to share with you. Though appearing older, Carla Bruni looks beautiful. Though her husband, Nicolas Sarkozy turns out to be shorter. Since there is no hard and fast rule as to who marries whom, Sir, ideally others should have no objection to what the duo looks like. But since I don’t understand French, only this is what I could make out of the France President’s visit to India. While I am yet to decipher whether Sarkozy really thinks “Viv La India, Viv La France”, few issues are still rankling me about American President Obama’s visit to the country over a month ago, Sir.
Before we get on, just felt like escalating this with you, Doctor. My maa is a very credulous character. The moment Obama turned up in Mumbai; she asked what he was here for. “He is here to improve bilateral ties and create win-win situation for all” a reply from a shallow scribe in me. Maa apparently didn’t get a word of it as, to be frank, she has no clue of what do we eat diplomacy and politics with. As the time progressed, States’ first black President celebrated Diwali with city kids, held parleys with corporate head honchos. While addressing Parliamentarians, he showered praises on Gandhi, Ambedkar and Swami Vivekananda. Thus, before he flew off, maa got a fair idea of what the American had come for.
However, being a yellow journalist, my propensity to be pessimist (even after the Prez emphasizing India being an ‘already emerged country’) is impelling me to fidget. Unlike maa, my father is well-versed with world’s happenings. He had told me that you were instrumental in India embracing open market policy. So, I was expecting a good deal out of Obama’s visit when an economist like you is at the helm of country’s affairs (or at least we think so!). The party you represent believes in Gandhian philosophy of peace, which Obama admires. However, what he sold us are weaponries to generate employment back home. Even as flow of outsourcing jobs to India is not going down well with the US, it wants us to mend things for them. In return, what we are getting is assurances and many of them. I mean berth in UNSC, NSG and what not. It is worth remembering Sir-jee Americans had expressed similar sentiments for Japan and Germany as well in 1993. That place, however, still eludes the two nations. US had once uttered America and India were ‘natural allies’. The alliance, at least for India, is coming at a price as seen from the deals signed recently. Obama’s remarks that India has emerged won a round of applause, but do we need a pundit to tell us, Sir, that basic (if not proper) infrastructure, sufficient water and power supply continue to be distant dreams for most Indians?
Being in good books of the lone Superpower is what most countries across the globe strive for. American influence though seems to be waning with China threatening its position post recession. US’ attempts to develop close rapport with India, therefore, appear as exploitation of our long-standing wish to be its ‘natural ally’. Proximity to India will also help US in keeping a check on the Dragon while it continues to support our archrival Pakistan. Like Obama had said, it indeed is a win-win situation, but only for the US as it scored over us in economic, political and strategic spheres. To be a major global force, India needs to do well in the three areas; berths in world groups will automatically follow. This is what wanted to bring to your notice, Sir.
PS: By the way, maa also noted the American President is far younger than you. Indian democracy will have to grow older to have younger Prime Minister she concluded later.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Bum-per of Rides!
Among the four rides I took off Calangute Beach in Goa earlier this year, bumper ride was the most enjoyable one. Tip of current hitting one’s bum, placed on a floater tied to a speed boat, hard and tossing body at some height on sea water is a thrilling experience, especially when the boat is cruizing some kilometers off the shore. Though weird, the ride is worth an experience (even if it means getting your bottom hit hard and that too by paying for it! You vulgars!!). While leaving Goa, I vowed to return to the state in future and enjoy the ride again.
However, it never crossed my mind that the future would be so near and bumper rides back in life. It is just that the sea water has been replaced by roads and hits being harder. Compared to past few seasons, officials of meteorological department are busier recording rainfall this year, thanks to relatively satisfactory showers registered over the last four months. The rains, however, have caused pathetic condition of roads which has my body crying for cushions while commuting as journeys towards office and home have turned into ‘bum-per’ rides. With fun quotient missing in such a ride, paying toll for the same has become a weird thought, contradictory to what happens on sea water.
A web of roads connecting industrial belt of Navi Mumbai to other places witnesses heavy traffic everyday. Revenue generated at toll plazas in these areas amounts to some hundred crore annually. Whose pockets do the money flows into is the first, obvious and repeatedly asked question. But the damages caused by these instances of inferior infrastructure to vehicles and health of motorists are becoming issues of great concern. The situation has led to commuters demanding cancellation of tolls on such roads. This, however, is a no permanent solution to the problem and may lead to concerned authorities responsible for construction of the roads become more ignorant towards the issue.
Condition of roads in a country is considered as one of the parameters that indicate its development. Keeping this in mind, we know where we Indians stand as of now, right in potholes! Though our administrators are taking wrong turns over the developmental issue, it’s our duty to play at least the roles assigned to us in democracy well. This can be done by putting forth demands in a proper manner. Getting toll cancelled is okay, but having roads in good conditions is what we need and rather something must insist on. And if these demands fruition, generalization of bumper ride will stop and it can be enjoyed on sea water only.
However, it never crossed my mind that the future would be so near and bumper rides back in life. It is just that the sea water has been replaced by roads and hits being harder. Compared to past few seasons, officials of meteorological department are busier recording rainfall this year, thanks to relatively satisfactory showers registered over the last four months. The rains, however, have caused pathetic condition of roads which has my body crying for cushions while commuting as journeys towards office and home have turned into ‘bum-per’ rides. With fun quotient missing in such a ride, paying toll for the same has become a weird thought, contradictory to what happens on sea water.
A web of roads connecting industrial belt of Navi Mumbai to other places witnesses heavy traffic everyday. Revenue generated at toll plazas in these areas amounts to some hundred crore annually. Whose pockets do the money flows into is the first, obvious and repeatedly asked question. But the damages caused by these instances of inferior infrastructure to vehicles and health of motorists are becoming issues of great concern. The situation has led to commuters demanding cancellation of tolls on such roads. This, however, is a no permanent solution to the problem and may lead to concerned authorities responsible for construction of the roads become more ignorant towards the issue.
Condition of roads in a country is considered as one of the parameters that indicate its development. Keeping this in mind, we know where we Indians stand as of now, right in potholes! Though our administrators are taking wrong turns over the developmental issue, it’s our duty to play at least the roles assigned to us in democracy well. This can be done by putting forth demands in a proper manner. Getting toll cancelled is okay, but having roads in good conditions is what we need and rather something must insist on. And if these demands fruition, generalization of bumper ride will stop and it can be enjoyed on sea water only.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Time You Remembered Ones Who Gave You Time To Rejoice...
He may appear as a just another fella you will get to see at every nook and corner, but Wilson Varghese is a secular figure that our great ancestors had well thought of over a century ago.
With the 10-day Ganesh festival being celebrated with great fervor, it is Wilson whose slogan shouting of Ganpati Bappa that gets loudest response of Morya from devotees at one of the mandals at my place (and this does not involve exaggeration of any sort).
A South Indian chap, as his name suggests, is a Christian by religion. But his enthusiasm as the mandal activist is a significant one in many ways and direct or indirect outcome of efforts put in by visionaries like Bal Gangadhar Tilak to ensure people of the country, hailing from different societal backgrounds, emerged and later continued to remain as a united force.
At a time when we are yet to win over regional prejudices completely, we should not turn a blind eye towards successful rooting of secular ideology that the Ganesh festival has helped take place be it in whatever extent. Therefore, the manner in which the fiesta is celebrated, a brainchild of Tilak, is a commendable one in this context.
It is true that we commoners are reeling under several serious problems and the political leadership of our time is putting on a miserable show to come up with satisfactory solutions to them. However, even as these negative aspects are being highlighted by several mandals, it is also required that we, as a nation, appreciate the success story scripted by our heroes to the hilt.
Doing so will help us develop productive attitude that most of the statesmen of all time have always sought for while heading their respective nations. Thus, the festival not only provides with time to rejoice, but also with reasons to be a proud Indian first and representative of a particular region later to each of us. This will take us miles in becoming global leaders in every sphere even as we respond to some Wilson’s Ganpati Bappa slogan shouting with Moryas in between!
With the 10-day Ganesh festival being celebrated with great fervor, it is Wilson whose slogan shouting of Ganpati Bappa that gets loudest response of Morya from devotees at one of the mandals at my place (and this does not involve exaggeration of any sort).
A South Indian chap, as his name suggests, is a Christian by religion. But his enthusiasm as the mandal activist is a significant one in many ways and direct or indirect outcome of efforts put in by visionaries like Bal Gangadhar Tilak to ensure people of the country, hailing from different societal backgrounds, emerged and later continued to remain as a united force.
At a time when we are yet to win over regional prejudices completely, we should not turn a blind eye towards successful rooting of secular ideology that the Ganesh festival has helped take place be it in whatever extent. Therefore, the manner in which the fiesta is celebrated, a brainchild of Tilak, is a commendable one in this context.
It is true that we commoners are reeling under several serious problems and the political leadership of our time is putting on a miserable show to come up with satisfactory solutions to them. However, even as these negative aspects are being highlighted by several mandals, it is also required that we, as a nation, appreciate the success story scripted by our heroes to the hilt.
Doing so will help us develop productive attitude that most of the statesmen of all time have always sought for while heading their respective nations. Thus, the festival not only provides with time to rejoice, but also with reasons to be a proud Indian first and representative of a particular region later to each of us. This will take us miles in becoming global leaders in every sphere even as we respond to some Wilson’s Ganpati Bappa slogan shouting with Moryas in between!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Roll Dosa And Not Hike For Us, Anna!!!
Just when I was expecting two rupees in return, anna demanded for two more after I relished medu and dal wadas at The Anna’s which is located just opposite a toilet (with door carrying text ‘ladies’ and used by gents only). Anna’s gesture for the extra two rupees alarmed me about the held-back-so-far hike by him, fearing likely loss of customers after the Central Government raised fuel prices few weeks ago. Left with no other option, I had to lose two of my hard-earned rupees and anna, a hard-core customer.
On the same day in Delhi, political masters Sharad Pawar and Pranab Mukherjee, Agriculture and Finance Ministers respectively, preferred to give a miss to Parliamentary class wherein students from Opposition benches demanded for their heads over the price rise issue. Unlike the Opposition parties, I chose to curse Anna instead of any minister in the capital as he falls under my jurisdiction and his actions reflections of what goes on in Delhi. Post the hike at The Anna’s, he is to me a bonsai version of Petroleum Minister Murli Deora who has had the honour of announcing fuel price hike for seven to eight times my superficial memory tells me. To be frank, I keep getting a feeling of submitting a memorandum to anna along with Prakash and Sanjay, other regulars at The Anna’s from dnaa (as anna pronounces the name of the brand I act to work for). Just to intensify my protests, anna, I can get signatures of my diet-conscious editorial team colleagues, who keep asking “annala vichar aaj bhaji kaay aahe?” or “annala teen chapati sang” through Vishal/Prakash/Sanjay, expressing their dissents as well. In the memorandum, anna, we signatories will insist you on rolling back the hike at The Anna’s. I can sense you feeling like showing the memorandum garbage bin at the very first sight of it. But it is a litany on our part that you read it first and pass on our grievances through Deora to the turbanator Prime Minister, whose dispensation’s policies you reflect (or is it inflict?) on us.
Big brother anna, tell the famous economist in him that if demand is not in accordance with supply then a commoner like me is bound to collapse, if not the entire economy on record. Let the administrator in him know that though his government claims dip in inflation rate, reality is biting me hard with my pocket continues to accumulate money less than what it should at the end of every month. Also cry to the politico in Dr Singh that just assurances from his side won’t serve the purpose, but awakening a statesman in him with a vision for long terms will certainly to its bit. And isn’t it that anna, good for me is good for you as well? I hope anna, you rascala, will mind it!!!
On the same day in Delhi, political masters Sharad Pawar and Pranab Mukherjee, Agriculture and Finance Ministers respectively, preferred to give a miss to Parliamentary class wherein students from Opposition benches demanded for their heads over the price rise issue. Unlike the Opposition parties, I chose to curse Anna instead of any minister in the capital as he falls under my jurisdiction and his actions reflections of what goes on in Delhi. Post the hike at The Anna’s, he is to me a bonsai version of Petroleum Minister Murli Deora who has had the honour of announcing fuel price hike for seven to eight times my superficial memory tells me. To be frank, I keep getting a feeling of submitting a memorandum to anna along with Prakash and Sanjay, other regulars at The Anna’s from dnaa (as anna pronounces the name of the brand I act to work for). Just to intensify my protests, anna, I can get signatures of my diet-conscious editorial team colleagues, who keep asking “annala vichar aaj bhaji kaay aahe?” or “annala teen chapati sang” through Vishal/Prakash/Sanjay, expressing their dissents as well. In the memorandum, anna, we signatories will insist you on rolling back the hike at The Anna’s. I can sense you feeling like showing the memorandum garbage bin at the very first sight of it. But it is a litany on our part that you read it first and pass on our grievances through Deora to the turbanator Prime Minister, whose dispensation’s policies you reflect (or is it inflict?) on us.
Big brother anna, tell the famous economist in him that if demand is not in accordance with supply then a commoner like me is bound to collapse, if not the entire economy on record. Let the administrator in him know that though his government claims dip in inflation rate, reality is biting me hard with my pocket continues to accumulate money less than what it should at the end of every month. Also cry to the politico in Dr Singh that just assurances from his side won’t serve the purpose, but awakening a statesman in him with a vision for long terms will certainly to its bit. And isn’t it that anna, good for me is good for you as well? I hope anna, you rascala, will mind it!!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Centre Rubbing It The Wrong Way
When troubles follow you, they do so in a series. The Ashok Chavan government, already facing flak for its poor representation of Best of 5 admission policy before the Bombay High Court, may again be in the line of fire for being caught sleeping over the Maharashtra-Karnataka border issue.
The Central government off-late filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court that mentions Belgaum, having Marathi-speaking populace largely, cannot be included in Maharashtra. Considering both Congress and NCP are enjoying power in Delhi and Mumbai as well, it would be foolish to believe that leaders of the two parties from Maharashtra were kept in dark by Centre before taking a biased stand that is also against policies of the Provincial Linguistic Commission, which insisted formation of states on the basis of languages.
The claims by NCP that its chief Sharad Pawar, considered to be the most influential leader from the state in Centre, was clueless about such a stance by the Centre therefore comes across as a ridiculous one and equally unfortunate. However, the Chavan cabinet alone cannot be held responsible for not taking a firm stand over the issue, as the problem has not been handled properly by any of the CM's predecessor or political outfits in that case.
If those in power are putting on a hopeless show, the ones in opposition parties are not lagging far behind. When in NDA government, the Shiv Sena, which is trying to gherao the governments over the issue now, was not as aggressive towards the sentiments of the Marathis in Karnataka as today. The main opposition party BJP, led by a Maharashtraian, is tight-lipped over the issue and instead indulging in trivial issues like banning release of a book on King Shivaji penned down by James Lane.
As mentioned earlier, states were created on the basis of language spoken mostly in the region. However, the Central government's statement has trampled very core of the policy. From political point of view, the move by the union government, headed by Congress mainly, comes across as an effort by the Sonia Gandhi-led party to win its lost ground in the southern state, which is ruled by BJP currently.
With both the main ruling and opposition parties not likely to support the long standing demands of the Marathis there, it appears that it is going to be a battle to be fought lonely by the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti, putting up a brave front over the issue for more than 50 years now against the suppressive tactics used by all Karnataka governments over the half century.
P.S.: Guess what if the SC turns out to be a Samaritan for the Karnataka-based Marathis. Mad race amongst political outfits will be on to take credit for the same. We would prefer to see the ugly scene as well if that means inclusion of Belgaum and other regions in Maharashtra for the sake of Marathis residing in Karnataka. It is good to be chauvinistic some times, isn't it?
The Central government off-late filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court that mentions Belgaum, having Marathi-speaking populace largely, cannot be included in Maharashtra. Considering both Congress and NCP are enjoying power in Delhi and Mumbai as well, it would be foolish to believe that leaders of the two parties from Maharashtra were kept in dark by Centre before taking a biased stand that is also against policies of the Provincial Linguistic Commission, which insisted formation of states on the basis of languages.
The claims by NCP that its chief Sharad Pawar, considered to be the most influential leader from the state in Centre, was clueless about such a stance by the Centre therefore comes across as a ridiculous one and equally unfortunate. However, the Chavan cabinet alone cannot be held responsible for not taking a firm stand over the issue, as the problem has not been handled properly by any of the CM's predecessor or political outfits in that case.
If those in power are putting on a hopeless show, the ones in opposition parties are not lagging far behind. When in NDA government, the Shiv Sena, which is trying to gherao the governments over the issue now, was not as aggressive towards the sentiments of the Marathis in Karnataka as today. The main opposition party BJP, led by a Maharashtraian, is tight-lipped over the issue and instead indulging in trivial issues like banning release of a book on King Shivaji penned down by James Lane.
As mentioned earlier, states were created on the basis of language spoken mostly in the region. However, the Central government's statement has trampled very core of the policy. From political point of view, the move by the union government, headed by Congress mainly, comes across as an effort by the Sonia Gandhi-led party to win its lost ground in the southern state, which is ruled by BJP currently.
With both the main ruling and opposition parties not likely to support the long standing demands of the Marathis there, it appears that it is going to be a battle to be fought lonely by the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti, putting up a brave front over the issue for more than 50 years now against the suppressive tactics used by all Karnataka governments over the half century.
P.S.: Guess what if the SC turns out to be a Samaritan for the Karnataka-based Marathis. Mad race amongst political outfits will be on to take credit for the same. We would prefer to see the ugly scene as well if that means inclusion of Belgaum and other regions in Maharashtra for the sake of Marathis residing in Karnataka. It is good to be chauvinistic some times, isn't it?
Friday, July 9, 2010
Pawarnama Rules, Commoners Don't...
There may have been doubts raised internationally over his ability to administer world cricket, but back home Sharad Pawar has shown why he is termed maverick when it comes to his favourite game of power politics. By requesting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to shed one of his three portfolios, that too on the day when opposition parties were busy in total shut down theatrics over soaring fuel and food prices, the Maratha strongman ensured he had many wickets in a single delivery.
The 69-year-old leader, who heads Agriculture, Food and Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs departments in the coalition, has been blamed for consistent rise in food prices, not only by the aam junta but also by some of his "well-wishers" in the Congress-led government. The NCP supremo is also charged of devoting more time to cricket instead of remaining busy at Mantralaya.
By expressing wish to shed one of his portfolios, under the pretext of wanting some time for party work, the seasoned politico confirmed he was not on radar when people vented their anger over increasing prices. The move will also give Pawar time to don his new role of the ICC president. It is worth remembering here that ex-ICC CEO Malcolm Speed had doubted if Pawar would be able to devote sufficient time for the cricket's governing body considering the latter's ministerial responsibilities.
In the series of developments which ensured win-win situation for Pawar, the saddest part, however, is that the interest of common man -- around whom the entire Bharat Bandh drama was centred -- doesn't figure anywhere, leading to doubts over sensibility of today's politicos. The NCP chief is highly regarded for his prudent work as Chief Minister of Maharashtra and labeled as "Jaanata Raja" (the King who understands pain of his subjects) by his supporters. No doubt, the veteran leader knows the pulse of commoners, but that said his off-late decision to curtail his own role in the government when he actually should have been sitting in Mantralaya and chalking out strategies to see the junta do not reel under inflation, is nothing but a sorry indicator of today's politics. It's not that Pawar is the only politico who is appearing to be least bothered about the public grievences, but that he leads them all everywhere and every time. Leading all could be yet another feature of "Pawar Politics", but alas! in a sorry context though this time around.
P.S.: Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard's failure in his bid to become next ICC vice president has spawned a new controversy. Those who have studied Pawar's political journey so far, maybe wondering if Howard's defeat has something to do with 'Pawar play'. With Pawar in-charge, speculations are bound to be aplenty, while truth only he knows and this Malcolm Speed-like ones will know in days to come.
The 69-year-old leader, who heads Agriculture, Food and Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs departments in the coalition, has been blamed for consistent rise in food prices, not only by the aam junta but also by some of his "well-wishers" in the Congress-led government. The NCP supremo is also charged of devoting more time to cricket instead of remaining busy at Mantralaya.
By expressing wish to shed one of his portfolios, under the pretext of wanting some time for party work, the seasoned politico confirmed he was not on radar when people vented their anger over increasing prices. The move will also give Pawar time to don his new role of the ICC president. It is worth remembering here that ex-ICC CEO Malcolm Speed had doubted if Pawar would be able to devote sufficient time for the cricket's governing body considering the latter's ministerial responsibilities.
In the series of developments which ensured win-win situation for Pawar, the saddest part, however, is that the interest of common man -- around whom the entire Bharat Bandh drama was centred -- doesn't figure anywhere, leading to doubts over sensibility of today's politicos. The NCP chief is highly regarded for his prudent work as Chief Minister of Maharashtra and labeled as "Jaanata Raja" (the King who understands pain of his subjects) by his supporters. No doubt, the veteran leader knows the pulse of commoners, but that said his off-late decision to curtail his own role in the government when he actually should have been sitting in Mantralaya and chalking out strategies to see the junta do not reel under inflation, is nothing but a sorry indicator of today's politics. It's not that Pawar is the only politico who is appearing to be least bothered about the public grievences, but that he leads them all everywhere and every time. Leading all could be yet another feature of "Pawar Politics", but alas! in a sorry context though this time around.
P.S.: Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard's failure in his bid to become next ICC vice president has spawned a new controversy. Those who have studied Pawar's political journey so far, maybe wondering if Howard's defeat has something to do with 'Pawar play'. With Pawar in-charge, speculations are bound to be aplenty, while truth only he knows and this Malcolm Speed-like ones will know in days to come.
Friday, March 5, 2010
The beauty of beauty is that it impels you to fall prey to its charm time and again…
The beauty of beauty is that it impels you to fall prey to its charm every now and then. An impromptu decision to have my first encounter with Tal (southern) Konkan before heading to my destination recently only underlined it. The glimpses of 720-km-long coastal stretch of Maharashtra through TV footages and pictures had been giving an idea of the richness of the land god took time to portray with his hands, but a visit to the part of the world has more to offer than what has been talked about it so far.
After an exhausting and a sort of ‘loser’ journey (even an autorickshaw surpassed the tin we traveled by and mind you, there is no exaggeration involved when I say it), my gang of friends had another defeat in store which, accepting, was nothing but a blissful experience. Narrow, yet smooth, roads making inroads into the green patches of Ratnagiri and the scene repeating itself till Sindhudurga (rather southern Goa), is enough to re-energise one with unlimited O2. Coconut trees lined up on both sides of the route and covering hills having natural water bodies at their feet, are a treat to eyes which, in cases of many of us, have gone tired ‘monitoring’ the monitors in offices during day time and at homes after working hours thanks to our busy schedules.
Well, at how many places you get to see dense fog at the crack of dawn during summer across the globe? Tal Konkan has that too to boast of. Sun peeking out of hills engulfed by haze here can send many photographers on clicking spree. For lensmen, the southern Konkan is a heaven on earth during rainy season, but under estimating its glory during the period when mercury levels see rise can easily be termed as a mistake. So, if you want to spend quality time with your close ones, then the region is awaiting your footprints with open arms. Yeva. Fall prey. Konkan Aaplach Asa!
After an exhausting and a sort of ‘loser’ journey (even an autorickshaw surpassed the tin we traveled by and mind you, there is no exaggeration involved when I say it), my gang of friends had another defeat in store which, accepting, was nothing but a blissful experience. Narrow, yet smooth, roads making inroads into the green patches of Ratnagiri and the scene repeating itself till Sindhudurga (rather southern Goa), is enough to re-energise one with unlimited O2. Coconut trees lined up on both sides of the route and covering hills having natural water bodies at their feet, are a treat to eyes which, in cases of many of us, have gone tired ‘monitoring’ the monitors in offices during day time and at homes after working hours thanks to our busy schedules.
Well, at how many places you get to see dense fog at the crack of dawn during summer across the globe? Tal Konkan has that too to boast of. Sun peeking out of hills engulfed by haze here can send many photographers on clicking spree. For lensmen, the southern Konkan is a heaven on earth during rainy season, but under estimating its glory during the period when mercury levels see rise can easily be termed as a mistake. So, if you want to spend quality time with your close ones, then the region is awaiting your footprints with open arms. Yeva. Fall prey. Konkan Aaplach Asa!
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