'Save our souls when the odds are against us' is the religion strictly followed by the political society. Any recommendation or report putting a big question mark on credentials of one political group, particularly the one which rules, is shown the door that opens to a stinking dumping ground.
The report on 2G by Public Accounts Committee has been dumped citing it as being partisan. The ruling United Progressive Alliance has left no stone unturned to doubt the intentions influenced during preparing the report.
After Murli Manohar Joshi circulated the report, the Congress defending team has taken its position. The report might have been given the same fate if the BJP was in power. It's crystal clear as to why UPA would think twice to put the report to force. PM Manmohan Singh and former FM P Chidambaram have been criticised in the report.
If the stakes are high and those who face charges boast huge political stature, hardly anything goes against them. Here too the precedents speak out. Till the time the PAC report on 2G gets its share of treatment, fingers need to be kept crossed. The UPA presently indulging in 'save our souls' tactic.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Let's stop pandemonium...
The monsoon session of Maharashtra legislature witnessed opposition MLAs throwing tantrums in the house over various issues plaguing the state. Such situations are orchestrated and are considered quintessential in order that the house is deprived of its order.
Besides 'dragging' the attention of those ruling at the power corridor forms part of the idea behind creating the ruckus. Those who rule use the houses to answer the queries. Unfortunately not a single session finishes off without any pandemonium.
Of late the anger against corruption has reached its zenith. The civil society irked by government's lethargic attitude towards corruption threw its support to the campaign started by Anna Hazaare.
Though the men backing the movement gathered along with Anna at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, the anti-corruption agitation saw the young across the country to feel for it. They shouted into the booms. It was evident in the television footage showing the young enraged with anger.
Can corruption be eliminated? An attempt in the direction would give sleepless nights to those daring doing it. Previous experiences bear witness to that. Any voice raised against the monster eroding our system is silenced through different tactics. Power, money and cajoling are a few of them.
In a society where men and women think only about their nuclear or closest families, a thought aiming to end corruption can never be turned into reality as erasing it would require a concerted effort. A team work which generally occurs when men and women feel for something.
A mere thought of a change cannot bring it to our civil society. Concrete measures set at the actual target would start yielding results. So guys the words from the mouth require actions to turn the dreams into reality.
Besides 'dragging' the attention of those ruling at the power corridor forms part of the idea behind creating the ruckus. Those who rule use the houses to answer the queries. Unfortunately not a single session finishes off without any pandemonium.
Of late the anger against corruption has reached its zenith. The civil society irked by government's lethargic attitude towards corruption threw its support to the campaign started by Anna Hazaare.
Though the men backing the movement gathered along with Anna at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, the anti-corruption agitation saw the young across the country to feel for it. They shouted into the booms. It was evident in the television footage showing the young enraged with anger.
Can corruption be eliminated? An attempt in the direction would give sleepless nights to those daring doing it. Previous experiences bear witness to that. Any voice raised against the monster eroding our system is silenced through different tactics. Power, money and cajoling are a few of them.
In a society where men and women think only about their nuclear or closest families, a thought aiming to end corruption can never be turned into reality as erasing it would require a concerted effort. A team work which generally occurs when men and women feel for something.
A mere thought of a change cannot bring it to our civil society. Concrete measures set at the actual target would start yielding results. So guys the words from the mouth require actions to turn the dreams into reality.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Is politics always dirty?
At times veteran politicians venture out on to the streets with bamboo. Don't fear. They are out not to go on a vandalising spree.
The bamboo sticks are fixed with brooms to use the 'conglomerate' on the streets. Motive? To spread the message. That they are not dirty. They are clean and like to get clicked while forwarding the cleanliness drive.
What spurs these rabble rousers to start a cleanliness drive is still not clear. Umpteen times on the pages of newspapers in vernacular can be seen the photos of these media savvy vota-gonists holding the tilling and toiling tools up high in the air.
Celebrities too have something hidden inside their mind. But unlike our 'Netas' our celebrities never come out on to the roads with dubious motives and hidden agendas. They are vocal and unequivocal at the same time.
In a democracy which is for the people, by the people and of the people, these runners of our legislative houses do not seem to be in any mood to do away with the perennials of the common men. Indeed they have huge vested interests.
Latest developments in Karnataka have put a green seal on the claims that Yeddyurappa wields a upper hand over the BJP biggies. This is backed by the way the candidate backed by Yeddyurappa manged to grab the hottest chair.
Now people say that yet another Gowda is merely a proxy for the powerful Yeddyurappa from the influential Lingayat community.
So what is the deal all about? Does the true political values are getting covered with layers of dust spread out of political deeds. let's be very clear. The post Independent era had a number of visionaries who saw India as a one nation.
Nowadays the concepts have seen oceanic change. Elections have given more chance to indulge in anti social activities than to exercise the constitutional right to vote. This was evident during the last decade full of election time violations.
On occasions the offices bearing constitutional values have been misused. The gubernatorial dictats in the past bear witness to that.
Politics being once an honest's affair has reduced merely to a gimmick and a means to realise dubious dreams. As of now the dirty cannot be removed from it as it is clinging to its umblical chord attached to the bellies of politicians.
The bamboo sticks are fixed with brooms to use the 'conglomerate' on the streets. Motive? To spread the message. That they are not dirty. They are clean and like to get clicked while forwarding the cleanliness drive.
What spurs these rabble rousers to start a cleanliness drive is still not clear. Umpteen times on the pages of newspapers in vernacular can be seen the photos of these media savvy vota-gonists holding the tilling and toiling tools up high in the air.
Celebrities too have something hidden inside their mind. But unlike our 'Netas' our celebrities never come out on to the roads with dubious motives and hidden agendas. They are vocal and unequivocal at the same time.
In a democracy which is for the people, by the people and of the people, these runners of our legislative houses do not seem to be in any mood to do away with the perennials of the common men. Indeed they have huge vested interests.
Latest developments in Karnataka have put a green seal on the claims that Yeddyurappa wields a upper hand over the BJP biggies. This is backed by the way the candidate backed by Yeddyurappa manged to grab the hottest chair.
Now people say that yet another Gowda is merely a proxy for the powerful Yeddyurappa from the influential Lingayat community.
So what is the deal all about? Does the true political values are getting covered with layers of dust spread out of political deeds. let's be very clear. The post Independent era had a number of visionaries who saw India as a one nation.
Nowadays the concepts have seen oceanic change. Elections have given more chance to indulge in anti social activities than to exercise the constitutional right to vote. This was evident during the last decade full of election time violations.
On occasions the offices bearing constitutional values have been misused. The gubernatorial dictats in the past bear witness to that.
Politics being once an honest's affair has reduced merely to a gimmick and a means to realise dubious dreams. As of now the dirty cannot be removed from it as it is clinging to its umblical chord attached to the bellies of politicians.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
BJP needs to play it safe...
The chief minister of Karnataka BS Yeddiyurappa has written to Bhartiya Janata Party high command to consider his name for keeping him at the helm of party affairs at state level. Yeddyurappa wants state presidentship.
Seeing the popularity and support Yeddiyurappa wields among the partymen in Karnataka the BJP has a tough task ahead. BJP no doubt is not in a position to overrule his demands. The party needs to play it safe Yeddiyurappa himself has indicated that he is stepping down under duress.
Though the chief minister has resigned after the report by Karnataka Lok Ayukta was submitted, he seems to be in no mood to lose his grip over the state matters.
BJP has two things to take care of. One is to salvage the party image tarnished by the recent 'indictment' by the Krishna Hegde report on the mining issue. The other much more important worry BJP has is to keep the party fabric in Karnatak intact.
After that comes the task of deciding as to who will be the next BJP parlaimentary party chief in the house after Yeddiyurappa goes. Again the loyalty card would be a great player in the decision. The favours given that were the main reason for the recent upheaval in Karnataka politics have once again proved that law of the land can not be compromised at any given point of time.
At present at least in Karnataka the BJP is walking on eggs. An eagle's eye watch on the ongoing developments needs to be put to keep the situation under control.
Seeing the popularity and support Yeddiyurappa wields among the partymen in Karnataka the BJP has a tough task ahead. BJP no doubt is not in a position to overrule his demands. The party needs to play it safe Yeddiyurappa himself has indicated that he is stepping down under duress.
Though the chief minister has resigned after the report by Karnataka Lok Ayukta was submitted, he seems to be in no mood to lose his grip over the state matters.
BJP has two things to take care of. One is to salvage the party image tarnished by the recent 'indictment' by the Krishna Hegde report on the mining issue. The other much more important worry BJP has is to keep the party fabric in Karnatak intact.
After that comes the task of deciding as to who will be the next BJP parlaimentary party chief in the house after Yeddiyurappa goes. Again the loyalty card would be a great player in the decision. The favours given that were the main reason for the recent upheaval in Karnataka politics have once again proved that law of the land can not be compromised at any given point of time.
At present at least in Karnataka the BJP is walking on eggs. An eagle's eye watch on the ongoing developments needs to be put to keep the situation under control.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Ramazan, when night turns into day...
At four in the morning Muslim pockets bear witness to an offbeat hustle and bustle. In the month of Ramazan the day-to-day life sees a '90 degree' vertical change, though not having side effects. In this month nothing is prohibited, except all that are given a time period.
From August 2 this year, Muslims in India would begin their fast from dawn till dusk. During Ramazan Muslims strictly follow the Islamic book. In this month violation of even a smallest lesson hardly takes place. The joy with which a Muslim observes fast reaches tremendous heights at the time of 'opening' the fast.
Men, women and children all alike undergo a thorough transformation. A metamorphosis clearing the inner soul of all the impurities embedded during the last one year spurs the 'observer of the fast' to do a retrospection.
Overpowering the self wishes is the biggest teaching the fast imparts to its observers. Scientific studies have corroborated that the Roza which is called 'Saum' in Arabic purifies the entire mechanism of human body. Its functions too get an overhauling.
In Ramazan in the areas dominated by Muslims, the devotees impose a disciplined life. Every thing is tagged with a label showing a time. During the day people read from Qura'n. Saying Namaz five times a day becomes a daily phenomenon. 30-days fasting with a well scheduled menu and the sheer time adherence make Ramazan the most sought after Muslim festival.
From August 2 this year, Muslims in India would begin their fast from dawn till dusk. During Ramazan Muslims strictly follow the Islamic book. In this month violation of even a smallest lesson hardly takes place. The joy with which a Muslim observes fast reaches tremendous heights at the time of 'opening' the fast.
Men, women and children all alike undergo a thorough transformation. A metamorphosis clearing the inner soul of all the impurities embedded during the last one year spurs the 'observer of the fast' to do a retrospection.
Overpowering the self wishes is the biggest teaching the fast imparts to its observers. Scientific studies have corroborated that the Roza which is called 'Saum' in Arabic purifies the entire mechanism of human body. Its functions too get an overhauling.
In Ramazan in the areas dominated by Muslims, the devotees impose a disciplined life. Every thing is tagged with a label showing a time. During the day people read from Qura'n. Saying Namaz five times a day becomes a daily phenomenon. 30-days fasting with a well scheduled menu and the sheer time adherence make Ramazan the most sought after Muslim festival.
Monday, July 25, 2011
A fairer deal maker...
Have you ever been entangled in a stalemate from where escaping was like trying to run away from the limits of earth? The answer maybe yes.
Like many others, I too struggle, struggled to set my foot firmly on the ground so as to make it possible to be seen by the world over there. Of late searching for a roof that too during the monsoon is like chewing a nut with your nose. Enough adjectives and phrases! Now let's come directly to the issue.
Imagine you shift to a new location in search of your bread and butter and end up without a proper roof over your head? The degree of depression emerged after the haplessness would be enormous.
But in my case the power that sits over the skies seems to be showering special treatment. June 30 I somehow managed to drag my luggage after alighting at Nagpur railway station early morning. it was like a dream on his way to becoming a reality.
Finally I was there. I was here, in Nagpur. Twenty six days on, well ensconced in the dormitory like set up and having my favourite Biryani all have given a spur to my aims. Keep going and this time don't stop.
People might object when I use 'I' several times in the post. But the situation demands it. Afterwards good thoughtful posts would start to come.
As I have set well in the hotel, I when find time, go out looking for a proper house. During my quest I have encountered brokers who act as middle-persons when it comes to seal a deal for the people who seek rented accommodation.
The last few weeks have taken me to women brokers who go along with the prospective house seekers. No other profession could have given these poor women such a nice chance to supplement their family income. After a few more weeks I am sure would get a fair deal and able
to accommodate my head.
Like many others, I too struggle, struggled to set my foot firmly on the ground so as to make it possible to be seen by the world over there. Of late searching for a roof that too during the monsoon is like chewing a nut with your nose. Enough adjectives and phrases! Now let's come directly to the issue.
Imagine you shift to a new location in search of your bread and butter and end up without a proper roof over your head? The degree of depression emerged after the haplessness would be enormous.
But in my case the power that sits over the skies seems to be showering special treatment. June 30 I somehow managed to drag my luggage after alighting at Nagpur railway station early morning. it was like a dream on his way to becoming a reality.
Finally I was there. I was here, in Nagpur. Twenty six days on, well ensconced in the dormitory like set up and having my favourite Biryani all have given a spur to my aims. Keep going and this time don't stop.
People might object when I use 'I' several times in the post. But the situation demands it. Afterwards good thoughtful posts would start to come.
As I have set well in the hotel, I when find time, go out looking for a proper house. During my quest I have encountered brokers who act as middle-persons when it comes to seal a deal for the people who seek rented accommodation.
The last few weeks have taken me to women brokers who go along with the prospective house seekers. No other profession could have given these poor women such a nice chance to supplement their family income. After a few more weeks I am sure would get a fair deal and able
to accommodate my head.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The passion that ruptured the me within...
A friend of mine once suggested that people who like to see themselves succeed should stick to what they get as their first job. Six years on, two three jobs lost and several times credentials questioned, life has come a full circle for me.
After a few child-like decisions taken in haste only to get my so-called skills and capabilities recognised, I sitting on the same branch which I was hacking; jumped blindly into the well of persistent agony.
Believe me when you have it in you and you cannot pursue your dreams you cannot imagine upto what extent it hurts. Same occurred to me when I started as a Sub at one of India's leading English dailies. My boss both the local and the immediate ones appreciated my work with sheer honesty and tried their best when I decided to leave. Imagine your boss pleading not to leave his or her organisation! Only a fool can proceed with his or her intentions of stepping down.
The years that followed after my graduation from the Bombay College of Journalism of the KC College fame bore a mark that guided me through my quest to be journalist. With two one by one successes and uncalled for over enthusiasm, I landed into hell. All the hell broke lose when I lost my second job as a trainee crime reporter at a city tabloid.
Life was not coming easily. Hardships coupled with a deep rooted desire to become a hardcore journalist, marred with my inability to make an indelible mark proved almost to be lethal for a cub journalist like me.
The reason for writing this article is that poor decision making took its toll on my life, career and persona. I had a dream. A passion embedded deep into my heart. Reporting. Reporting. Reporting.
Life is not easy to understand. At least for me. I could not do so six years ago. After spending great quality time with friends at the country's top most journalism school in Chennai, I have learnt a lesson to subject myself to the destiny.
I have accepted the truth. With another chance to re-embark on a journey that will take me to the final destination, the peak of my field, I have started to recover from the trauma inflicted by decisions taken immaturely.
Time is the biggest healer. It will decide the distance I walk or run along the path to success.
After a few child-like decisions taken in haste only to get my so-called skills and capabilities recognised, I sitting on the same branch which I was hacking; jumped blindly into the well of persistent agony.
Believe me when you have it in you and you cannot pursue your dreams you cannot imagine upto what extent it hurts. Same occurred to me when I started as a Sub at one of India's leading English dailies. My boss both the local and the immediate ones appreciated my work with sheer honesty and tried their best when I decided to leave. Imagine your boss pleading not to leave his or her organisation! Only a fool can proceed with his or her intentions of stepping down.
The years that followed after my graduation from the Bombay College of Journalism of the KC College fame bore a mark that guided me through my quest to be journalist. With two one by one successes and uncalled for over enthusiasm, I landed into hell. All the hell broke lose when I lost my second job as a trainee crime reporter at a city tabloid.
Life was not coming easily. Hardships coupled with a deep rooted desire to become a hardcore journalist, marred with my inability to make an indelible mark proved almost to be lethal for a cub journalist like me.
The reason for writing this article is that poor decision making took its toll on my life, career and persona. I had a dream. A passion embedded deep into my heart. Reporting. Reporting. Reporting.
Life is not easy to understand. At least for me. I could not do so six years ago. After spending great quality time with friends at the country's top most journalism school in Chennai, I have learnt a lesson to subject myself to the destiny.
I have accepted the truth. With another chance to re-embark on a journey that will take me to the final destination, the peak of my field, I have started to recover from the trauma inflicted by decisions taken immaturely.
Time is the biggest healer. It will decide the distance I walk or run along the path to success.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Malegaon: A town where Hollywood films are a craze...
At seven in the evening, most of the powerloom workers bid adieu to their day's shift. They head for their homes after measuring the length of the fabric they have woven over the nine hours they have spent on powerloom machines.
The eerie load shedding, thankfully, has not had much influence to the income of these powerloom workers, mostly school drop outs; who abandoned their education midway to supplement their family income. They still made more than Rs 1,000 on an average every week.
Friday almost all the powerloom units in the textile town are shut and brings to these workers a day off to indulge in leisure. The only mode of whiling away for these underprivileged workers is watching films with co-powerloom workers.
Though the Hindi films screened all across the ten big and small cinema halls along with the Mumbai release, the powerloom workers adore the Hollywood movies too and queue up to buy the tickets for them. An average ticket charge for such Hollywood movies is around Rs 15. For screening of such movies there are more than five video parlours decorated with state of the art sound technologies.
Top Hollywood superstars like Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, Will Smith, John Travolta and above all Pierce Brosnan of the Bond movies are ideals of those who flock these video parlours every whenever they find time.
Mustaqeem (name withheld), a class IV drop out had to resign from his studies and do odd jobs at eateries and tea stalls when his father, the sole bread winner of a family of three, passed away last year after succumbing to chronic Tuberculosis. Since his father's death the burden to feed his family now comprising only himself and his mother came crashing on his still immature shoulders.
With a great passion for Hollywood movies, this eleven-year-old recognises the films by seeing the movie posters. "Last time I was duped. I could not recognise the name of the movie. Merely after seeing the posters I bought the ticket," said the hapless powerloom worker who had to leave the video hall mid way as he had already watched the movie.
For a town like Malegaon, Mustaqeem is not the only person who splurges money to watch their Hollywood favourite stars.
"Mujhe English nahin aati phir bhi main hamesha English filmein dekhta hun," said Anwar (name withheld) another school drop out who unlike Mustaqeem has three elder siblings to take care of their family of six.
With number of such video goers experiencing a steep rise, the owners of these small cinema halls are forced to survive the competition from the rival video parlour owners. As a result the craze for Hollywood movies doesn't seem to be dying down.
The eerie load shedding, thankfully, has not had much influence to the income of these powerloom workers, mostly school drop outs; who abandoned their education midway to supplement their family income. They still made more than Rs 1,000 on an average every week.
Friday almost all the powerloom units in the textile town are shut and brings to these workers a day off to indulge in leisure. The only mode of whiling away for these underprivileged workers is watching films with co-powerloom workers.
Though the Hindi films screened all across the ten big and small cinema halls along with the Mumbai release, the powerloom workers adore the Hollywood movies too and queue up to buy the tickets for them. An average ticket charge for such Hollywood movies is around Rs 15. For screening of such movies there are more than five video parlours decorated with state of the art sound technologies.
Top Hollywood superstars like Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, Will Smith, John Travolta and above all Pierce Brosnan of the Bond movies are ideals of those who flock these video parlours every whenever they find time.
Mustaqeem (name withheld), a class IV drop out had to resign from his studies and do odd jobs at eateries and tea stalls when his father, the sole bread winner of a family of three, passed away last year after succumbing to chronic Tuberculosis. Since his father's death the burden to feed his family now comprising only himself and his mother came crashing on his still immature shoulders.
With a great passion for Hollywood movies, this eleven-year-old recognises the films by seeing the movie posters. "Last time I was duped. I could not recognise the name of the movie. Merely after seeing the posters I bought the ticket," said the hapless powerloom worker who had to leave the video hall mid way as he had already watched the movie.
For a town like Malegaon, Mustaqeem is not the only person who splurges money to watch their Hollywood favourite stars.
"Mujhe English nahin aati phir bhi main hamesha English filmein dekhta hun," said Anwar (name withheld) another school drop out who unlike Mustaqeem has three elder siblings to take care of their family of six.
With number of such video goers experiencing a steep rise, the owners of these small cinema halls are forced to survive the competition from the rival video parlour owners. As a result the craze for Hollywood movies doesn't seem to be dying down.
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