Somethings

Shanti Nilava Vendum

2009-07-16T20:19:00.004+05:30

Pattammal's alongwith M.S. Subbulakshmi and M. L. Vasantha Kumari were ones which were almost always heard at home. My grand mother used to be a big time rasika of DKP. She has made many kritis of Dikshitar immortal. Coming from an age when ladies were not allowed to sing in public leave alone sing on stage occupied by men, Pattammal was a revolutionary, paving way for many to follow her foot steps. Her clarity of pronunciation and also singing is something every aspiring musician should learn.

Praying for her soul to rest in eternal peace in the Almighty

Clip of her voice rendering Vaishnava Janato from Hey Raam

Adieu MJ

2009-06-26T06:18:00.004+05:30

It cannot be said it was shocking to hear about the passing away of the king of pop, Michael Jackson but still shocking it is. Personalities like these are ones who live on beyond their physical life.

He had been suffering a lot of health, medical and other issues, but that did not do a bit to wane his fans. Controversy was his middle name, with reports of him sleeping in an oxygen chamber, to his pets, to his bleaching his skin light, his conversion to Islam; all have been lapped up hungrily by his fans. The scandals and his exploitation by his music promoters which forced him to sell of his priced possessions, all left the newspapers and tabloids with a lot of fodder to fill their pages with.

My tryst with western music began with his songs actually. ABBA, BoneyM et al did not seem to be western music till "Beat It" from "Thriller" by Jackson came about. The way he sang, the way he danced, the way he made his videos...all seemed so unique and special and left us all spell bound. It surely changed the way music videos were made. "We are the world" that he alongwith Lionel Richie got all top artistes of the time to perform is another feather in his cap.

“Farewell and adieu to you, Jackson".

Though your music and videos will remain, you will surely be missed.

Though not perfect, his life can be an inspiration on what one can achieve if one had the talent and the drive.

Rest in Peace

Google Creates Wave

2009-05-30T09:56:00.002+05:30

Google Wave seems to be the biggest product launch in recent times which is an in browser communication and collaboration tool. Sounds exciting but the proof of the pudding is in its eating. So waiting for its release to public

Here is a guide to what the Wave is

April 1st

2009-04-01T11:40:00.000+05:30

An entertaining video for April 1st.

Earth Hour

2009-03-28T12:30:00.003+05:30

Earth Hour is all about small changes that people are capable of making and we in our day to day life forget about environment and all that needs to be done to preserve it.

On March 28th, 2009, some 1000 cities across different countries together are observing the Earth Hour by switching off lights for an hour. In Bangalore, there is touted to be large scale participation of people to this need of the hour by switching off lights from 8.30 to 9.30 PM. This is primarily aimed at sending a powerful global message that it’s possible to take action on climate change.

In Bangalore atleast, we have forced Earth Hour once in the morning and once at night not taking into account the numerous Earth Minutes:-), so it wont make a difference as we have learnt to live in darkness as well as in light.

The Taare Zameen Par Effect

2009-03-26T12:43:00.005+05:30

The SSLC Board in Karnataka has made concessions for students with learning disabilities or dyslexia by allowing them to use simple calculators and the assistance of a scribe while writing the 10th Standard Board examinations. Is this the Taare Zameen Par Effect? I did not know what dyslexia was, though had read a little about it and knew the spelling of the word till the movie came and shook me to the reality of dyslexia. Hope we wake up and realize that it is not just the dyslexics who need understanding but also others equally if not more challenged.

Recalling E-Mail the Google Way

2009-03-22T11:12:00.001+05:30

Google Mail has come out with yet another interesting feature that allows the sender to recall an email.

This feature aims at giving the sender an opportunity to rethink if he wants to send that email and if he feels like it, recall it by clicking on the Undo Button as G-mail holds the message in its draft form for five seconds before sending it. This does not recall a mail which is already sent. This could be a revolution in so far as sending emails is concerned. However, nothing would be achieved in holding the mail for 5 seconds more, when the sender had all the time in the universe while drafting that email to contemplate whether to send or not. Maybe, a mistake in address etc. could be rectified, but would this 5 seconds be enough? So, if a person has second thoughts about a mail, he better think fast.

Well, for all we know, google might have more in store for us in ensuring human relations are kept intact after their experiment in preventing users from sending emails when in a drunken state or reminding a person about a forgotten attachment if the attachment is mentioned in the mail.

Personally, using Gmail has spoiled me for any other email!!

Super Brain Yoga

2009-03-21T20:14:00.001+05:30

This ancient Indian practice of worship to Lord Ganesha, they have found has many beneficial effects. Only hope, they do not patent this and start slapping us with royalty for worshipping Ganesha in any temple..

I believe I can Fly

2008-12-19T11:14:00.001+05:30

I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly

I love this song by Kelly (1996)

Sarada Devi, the divine Mother

2008-12-18T23:17:00.004+05:30

She is considered the epitome of a "mother" who was selfless and always giving.

A few of her quotes -

"I am the mother of the righteous, I am the mother of the wicked as well. Never fear. Whenever you are in distress, just say to yourself 'I have a mother.'"

"If you want peace of mind, do not find fault with others. Rather see your own faults. Learn to make the whole world your own. No one is a stranger, my child; the whole world is your own."

From Sri Sarada Devi's last words, spoken before passing away on July 20, 1920

There Was a Queen

2008-12-16T22:14:00.002+05:30

This is a film of conflict and peace in Kashmir. This is about Kasmiri women.Atlast, we hear the voice of Kashmiri women on terrorism, militarism, peace and their daily life. It is a record of political voices of women from many sides in Kashmir.

The film was in the competition section of MIFF-2008 and was screened in VIBGYOR-2008. It was screened in the First International Video Festival of Kerala in May 2008.

“Give us guns and we’ll play our role!” - These are not the words of a hardened criminal,these are the words of a teenaged girl in Kashmir less than a week after her sister was buried.

This film is being telecast by NDTV in two parts on 17th and 18th December at 9.30 PM IST and also the full film is telecast on 21st at 1 PM.

The documentary "*Yi As Akh Padshah Bai*" or *There was a Queen* was made by an all women crew! It was a conscious and a deliberate decision as it was our belief as producers that since the film was about women in conflict situation, it would be appropriate to have a team of women who would be more sensitive and understanding in dealing with the subject and that the Kashmiri women would find it easy to articulate their views. Our objective initially was to make one film, on women in conflict situation, which includes the North East of India too. But in the process of making the film, we decided to work on Kashmir first as it was distinct from the North East though there are commonalities of situation, issues and concerns.

Pic- Other Communications Media

Remembering Rajaji

2008-12-10T18:13:00.005+05:30

Today is the 131st birth anniversary of Rajaji ( Chakravarthy Rajagopalachari). He not only played a very important role in the freedom movement but also was a collosal giant who strode the firmament of Indian politics post independence too with great foresight. He was essentially a statesman.

I had read his Ramayana and Mahabharata when I was in Class 7, and was deeply impressed by the way he has in a simple, plain and lucid language dealt with complex situations and made it very easy to comprehend.

It is sad that we do not remember him even once a year, and which will relegate him to the obscure corners of the History Books for a while before that too being considered not so important and the future generations not knowing anything at all about him

M. S. Subbulakshmi has immortalised a beautiful composition of Rajaji which stands testimony for the genius that he was.

India connects to the North East

2008-12-09T08:29:00.000+05:30

It does sound weird, but the North Eastern States of Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura have received the Cabinet Committee on Economic affairs' approval for the proposal of the Manipur Government to extend the broad gauge 27- km line from Tupur to Imphal thus providing the direct rail connection of the State capital with the rest of the Country.... 60 years after India became independent.

It has been a longstanding demand of the northeastern state to connect its capital with the rest of the country through a railway line to end the transportation bottleneck. On the request of the Government, the survey of the line was again done so as to connect Imphal directly by railway line.

The proposed new broad gauge line will be providing rail connectivity up to Imphal as well as make possible direct movement of freight and passengers from this region to other parts of the country. The increased expenditure of the extension proposal is estimated to cost Rs 2,650 crores.

In the North Eastern Region, rail connectivity had been intensified recently after the Centre had taken up many rail projects as a National Project. Recently Agartala, the State Capital of Tripura had been connected with the railway line with the rest of the country. Tripura’s State capital Agartala on October 5 this year became the second Northeastern capital town, after Guwahati, included in the railway map with regular train service beginning between the State and other parts of the country. The survey for construction of the railway line from Dimapur to Kohima, the State capital of Nagaland is being taken up as a National Project with the process of laying of 125-km long railway line between Dimapur and Kohima began from November 25 this year.

Do we need anything else to show the utter disregard of all our governments at the Centre for the past 60 years towards the North Eastern States? It is time we bring ourselves together and end any step motherly attitude to any State, Province, Region or People.

Well, atleast now than never!!

Media, Politicians or a Bunch of Jokers?

2008-12-02T13:54:00.006+05:30

It has always been a doubt, but now it is proved beyond all that, that indeed most of our politicians are a bunch of jokers. Take the case of R R Patil of Maharashtra who said that the Bombay attack was a small thing..saying.... "bade shahron mein aise ek adh hadse hote rahte hain. Woh 5,000 logon ko marne aye the lekin humne kitna kum nuksan hone diya ." (Such small incidents happen in big cities. They (terrorists) came to kill 5,000 people but we ensured minimal damage)”.

Then there was the reluctance of Deshmukh to quit. And his terror tourism of the Taj with his son and a film director.

There was the resignation of the Home Minister Shivraj Patil and the subsequent quip of Laloo that this should have happened earlier. And the advertisement issued by the BJP in Delhi during the Delhi elections.

While the Politicians are going full throttle to upstage one another, there are the media houses, which covered the terror attack saying "Breaking News, Exclusively covered by Us and such...". Are we interested in one upmanship at times like this?

And then the fiasco of Naqvi leaving the BJP blushing. And the CM of Kerala's spat with the slain martyr's father who refused to meet the CM.

By the way,there was this mail I received as a forward and I cannot vouch for its authenticity, but these people by the behaviour they exhibit do show that it might well be true!!

This is the state of Kerala Poticians, it seems!!

Taking Achudananandan or any other politician's remarks seriously is in actuality a waste of time...mine inclusive. Look at their Educational qualification and thereafter you could continue with your remarks!!!!
M. A. Baby - (Education!!!) degree fail

Premachandran - (Water and Irrigation) 10th class PhD (Passed with highest Difficulty)

A. K. Balan - (Electricity and SC/ST Welfare) 10th fail

S. Sharma - (Fisheries) 10th fail

Elamaram Kareem - (Commerce and Industries) 10th fail

Paloli Kutty - (Rural Development, Town Planning etc) 5th class and drill

Kodiyeri Balu - (Home, Vigilance and Tourism!!!!) 8th class and gundaism

Achu mama - (CM) 4th class - pass or fail doesn't matter
(Kerala Chief Minister)

I Want Peace

2008-12-01T14:17:00.003+05:30

“I am afraid now the war is raging inside my house and not on the country’s borders. My PM is telling me not to be afraid and to keep calm and maintain peace and harmony. He is not angry and his body language conveyed that everything is under control. But my PM has Z Plus security which is perhaps why he is not agitated. I am an ordinary citizen. How can I remain calm when my own house is on fire?” – An anguished Indian, Naresh Kumar Jain’s letter to the PM published in “The Hindu”

A Placard held by an Indian Citizen infront of the Taj Mahal Hotel on 29th November read-

Mr. Terrorist, I am alive, What can you do?
Mr. Politician, I am alive despite you...

I am a MUMBAIKAR

This indeed reflects the mood of the whole of India.

Is it finally over?

2008-11-29T09:28:00.012+05:30

Thank God for our Security Services!! And our salute to the many unknown brave men from our forces

Thank you Suchin for this message -

"Forgiving a terrorist should be left to God. But fixing their appointment with God is entirely our responsibility"

26th November 2008 - Mumbai's latest date with Terrorism

2008-11-27T08:07:00.004+05:30

Mumbai is still battling with the entire city under siege by Terrorists. A shiver runs down my spine to think about the calculated manner in which these attacks have been carried out with such precision that has left the intelligence looking like fools.

It is claimed that the perpetrators of terror arrived in the Gate way of India in a boat. What was our coast guard and our defence forces doing? I used to look at awe at the huge navy ships and feel a sense of pride that they were guarding India. Now.... A boat laden with arms and explosives have been seized in the Gateway. An unestimated number of terrorists, divided into small groups and weidling hand held weapons and improvised explosive devices literally took control of Mumbai and targetted hotels, railway stations, hospitals..... How porous can our security be? Can it get worse??

The grand old lady of Mumbai was the first building to be lit by electricity. It was really heart wrenching to see the fire there. And, also the commando action at the Nariman Bhavan, Hotel Trident and Oberoi. Hope all emerge safe and sound, though reports of two ATS men succumbing has already been confirmed. It will only take a few moments for Uncle Sam and his sychophant to declare Mumbai , or it could even be India, out of bounds for its citizens, forgetting the next target could be anywhere

This is not the India in which I want to live. Give me peace. There will be thousands, millions like me who want peace.

Scary picture this...It is not like 9/11, nor is it like Madrid 2004, or London 2006. How could the terrorists have planned such an operation, of such magnitude without the intelligence world wide not sniffing this? Be it the handiwork of LET or the Deccan Mujahideen or which ever, terror is a reality, a pressing one at that, which has in the recent days moved from Jaipur to Bangalore to Ahmedabad to Surat to Delhi to Assam and now Mumbai. This is not the end of it all.

But the pertinent question which arises in my mind is how safe are our nuclear establishments? We have been assured of No- First use assurance from President Zardari with glee but have we checked the ground reality and what needs to be done?

Hoping we wake up to a bright safe and new India and world soon which is like Utopia. Will we or the generations to come see that day? But before that, hoping we redeem our Mumbai from the clutches of these terror vultures soon!!

Image Courtesy - Reuters

Courtesy -Sri. Raman, Director, Institute for Topical Studies, Chennai

Sexual Harassment in the name of Mankind!!

2008-08-12T13:39:00.005+05:30

Ludicrous!! I really am not able to find a word or phrase or sentence to describe the thinking of people occupying "exalted" postions with such pea-brained mentality. Sexual Harassment meted out to a woman by a man is gallantary and a favour he does to mankind. Wow!! Wouldn't some people love this?

This is exactly what was decided by a judge in Russia on a case of Sexual Harassment filed by an employee against her boss. The judge in all his wisdom ruled that "If we had no sexual harassment we would have no children," Amazing!!

I have been advocating against the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill as I was feeling that a separate Act was not necessary but certain amendments to the Indian Penal Code would suffice as this Act would be like the proverbial Damocles Sword hanging over the heads of employers of women and consequently it would result in more and more women being denied employment. But after this judgement by the Russian Court, I am forced to do a re-think.

What are the International Organizations doing? The Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which Russia is a signatory relegated to the back burner. The International Communities should pressurize Russia to ratify, accept, adopt and accede to CEDAW, else it seems like doom is spelt for Russian women.

Aamir's Shahrukh Fiasco

2008-05-16T13:31:00.003+05:30

In a disgusting post Aamir Khan has divulged how petty minded he can be.

In a blog post titled, Settlers of Panchgani, he has stooped so low that whatever admiration I had for the man post Lagaan and Taare Zameen Par has flown out of the window. He might have been referring to the dog, but it is very much in bad taste. This spat between the two Khans is getting a little ugly. Why, is it a case of Aamir envying SRK for the success (or whatever) of the Kolkata Knight Riders?

Whatever it maybe, it cannot get worse than this while trying to maul or malign another person. Is it that we are losing gentlemen from the film industry? Sad state of affairs this!!!!

Australia, Germany....India..

2008-04-01T22:18:00.000+05:30

It is nice to see the smiling face of the bride

Hail India

2008-03-05T22:04:00.003+05:30

India has achieved what America is still struggling to..... A woman President.

Men Rule

2008-03-02T18:03:00.006+05:30

First, about the Men in Blue. They surely won and made India proud of them. Hats off to our Cricketing team especially Tendulkar and his century, first ever in Australia against the home team. The Boys in Blue too did it in style winning the Under 19 World Cup in Malaysia. Way to go Boys!!

Second, Vatican says this is still a Man's world. God is Man and no feminists allowed to try to change that. I wonder, why should anyone try to tamper or tinker with what has been there for ages as long as this isnt adverse to anyone or doesnt affect anyone.

One bit of news that Kapil Sibal, Anbumoni Ramdoss and Mani Shankar Aiyar are opposing Women And Child Development Minister Renuka Chowdhury's move to bring amendments to the Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act making men too liable under the Act. There are special Acts for Women which many "Male" organizations are opposing tooth and nail, while the Feminist organizations are moving towards making CEDAW a reality in India with India too being a signatory.

Eureka!!

2008-02-28T22:15:00.003+05:30

Election Commission, Karnataka has published in a website the draft voter list and hopes to publish the final voter list by 10th March. Hopefully, this site will help in updating the voter database. This site has been conceived and developed by some good citizens in the IT Sector. Kudos to them!!!

Frustrating!!!!

2008-02-26T14:52:00.007+05:30

Today, by far I could say was the most frustrating half day of all in the recent past. The reason was I had to deal with some Government Officials on Election Duty of updating the Electoral Rolls. I had to get our names deleted from one place of residence and add it on in the list in another area where we live now though both the places are within the same ward, same Assembly Consituency. First to delete the names, the person on duty said, no your names are not there. But I have voted from there and so was sure our names were there in the list, so I sat down and searched the rolls and found our names at last. It took me an hour to do so. Then fill up the form to get the name deleted and get the acknowledgement. Then go to another place to add on the names in the rolls there. Here again, the exercise of filling in the form and as advised by the person officiating at the earlier centre, got a copy of my husband's passport for proof of address and went and submitted all our forms. The lady who was there at the Center was so haughty that she was screaming and shooing away everyone there. I waited for my turn and handed over the forms. She said that there were instructions that they were not to take passport copies which was truly frustrating. Information on this is not publicized widely enough. Anyways, I had a telephone bill which she said was perfectly all right as proof of address and handed over the same.

The lady behind the desk who was collecting the forms also let our a wail and started weeping and crying suddenly when one person asked her why the form he was handing over was not being accepted. She started saying, she is from some other department and this was not her work and that he should not ask her such questions. Come on!! Election duty is the duty towards your country. Towards ensuring your country remains a Democracy and you should be proud of it. I do not know why they post such people to do this work. Whether they get remunerated or not is besides the point here, (There is separate remuneration in addition to their regular salaries, howmuch ever it might be)it is about doing your bit for your country.

But this should be so frustrating an exercise for people who have to keep going up and down for things and also information as to what centre they have to go for adding/deleting names in Electoral Rolls. This should be made available to people. Though today, they say is the last day for this exercise, addition can be done till the date on which elections are announced. But bottomline, interacting and dealing such people is truly totally frustrating.

And I spent half a day doing, well, almost nothing. But achievement, Yes!! submitted the forms for deleting our names and also submitted the forms for adding our names in the list of voters in two different places. Now, have to patiently wait and see if the list is updated!

In the Software Capital of India, can this updating be done through computers or some online kiosks be set up to do the updating. Atleast in Bangalore? We have a long way to go!!

Pepsi's Brand Ambassadors

2008-02-21T22:19:00.000+05:30

Pepsi is tight lipped about Sachin Tendulkar continuing as Pepsi's brand ambassador. But they have confirmed that Saurav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid have been dropped. So, as long as a person is in form, he is retained, if he so much as falls a notch lower than expected, he will be thrown out by both the people as well as the brands that they endorse. These cricketers when they are praised to heavens when they do well, should be prepared to face the brick bats too when they dont deliver. The best would be for these to do a Gilchrist and retire before they are thrown out of game.

From the world of Hindi Cinema, Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor have joined Shahrukh Khan in promoting Pepsi.

1000 days And A Dream

2008-02-20T22:19:00.005+05:30

Pedestrian Pictures, a media activist group, based in Bangalore and working across Karnataka since 2001 to create an understanding of socio- political realities existing in our society are presenting the film which has won the Jury Award at the recently concluded 10th Mumbai International Film Festival, 1000 days and a dream. Since its release in 2006, the film has been screened at nearly 20 film festivals in India and abroad.

The film is screened at the Institute of Engineers Bangalore between 5 and 7 PM on Saturday, the 23rd February 2008. Seems like a must-watch film

Related Links-
Coca Cola-nization of Plachimada
The Hindu
Pic - The Hindu

Curiosity

2008-02-17T19:00:00.002+05:30

This is a lovely video on how a monkey is curious to know what is there behind the lens which shows that curiosity is a trait in animals too!!

Aunty Sam Indeed!!

2008-02-16T13:00:00.007+05:30

Next quota of Amul ads.. Impressive!!!

United States Election 2008: Democrat presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton & Barack Obama race for nomination on the road to White House – February ’08.

Indian Cricketer Harbhajan Singh guilty of uttering offensive (abusive) words ‘teri maa ki…’ in his native language to Australian Cricketer Andrew Symonds during 2nd Test Match at Sydney, Australia – February ’08.

Volatility and turbulence tumbled Indian Stock Market unnerving investors – January ’08.

Previous Posts -
Priceless Amul

Creativity at its Best

Utterly Butterly Delicious

Amul Topicals

Jodhaa Akbar

2008-02-15T09:18:00.007+05:30

Jodhaa Akbar. The first movie of Aishwarya Rai after she became Aishwarya Bachchan and in the promos she looks absolutely breathtaking. And Hrithik in the garb of Akbar does not look one bit of the Akbar I know from the Amar Chitra Kathas.

But this, as Ashutosh Gowarikar has already claimed, has his brand of imagination. But how much licence does a film maker have in using his imagination in making a movie? Can he use his creative touch and interpret the lives of historical characters? He definitely does not have the right to distort history or malign the character of individuals if he does not have enough proof to substantiate such.

The Rajputs of Rajasthan are incensed by the movie so much so that the movie makers and distributors have wisely decided against exhibiting the film in Rajasthan. There have been other quarters too protesting against the film which they say has not only distorted History but also glorifies the promiscuity of the Mughals in general and Akbar in particular.

The movie itself is a good three and a half hour one and the first 20 minutes of the movie is a drag except for the narration of Amitabh Bachchan. A three and a half hour movie!! That seems too long to spend in a movie theatre but this is nothing to beat the 87 hour long movie " The Cure for Insomnia".

Let us wait and see how this movie is received by the masses, though period and historical movies have not been welcomed much, as has been seen with the Ashoka and other experiments.

Romance with Music

2008-02-14T18:38:00.006+05:30

Music is for the soul and the heart. Listed a few of the Hindi songs I enjoy, not limited to these and not necessarily in this order..

Abhi Na Jaao Chodkar from Hum Dono

Deewana Hua Badal from Kashmir Ki Kali

Gun guna Rahi Hai Bhavre from Aradhana

Kabhi Kabhi from Kabhi Kabhi

Aap Ki Aankhon mein from Ghar

Kasme Vaade from Kasme Vaade

Hume Tumse Pyar Kitna from Kudrat

Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas from Blackmail

Pehla Nasha from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander

Ek Din Aap Yoon from Yes Boss

Jab Se Tere Naina from Saawariya

Ajab Si from Om Shanti Om

And there are lots more..

Mayhem in Maharashtra

2008-02-13T18:25:00.006+05:30

Very bad situation indeed. Maharashtra for Maharashtrians!!! Absurd!!! If this kind of attitude is there all over India, where is India in this whole thing? Good that Raj Thackeray was arrested for his provocative speech against North Indians. He has not got bail till this evening whereas Abu Azmi has managed to secure bail. The fall out of this- Maharashtra -Mumbai in particular is burning and there is a mass exodus of people away from there. But pray who is Raj Thackeray to make such speeches? Aren't Maharashtrians there elsewhere in the country? If such an attitude or outlook is adopted all over India, doomsday is not far away. Where will India be, what after all this talk about Unity in Diversity etc. There is an advertisement in today's Bangalore edition of the Times of India by Maharashtra Tourism inviting people to visit Maharashtra. I was astounded by the timing of the advertisement.

If everyone has to go and be in the State from which they hail or go to the State where their language is spoken, I do not know where I belong to. My ancestors from Tamil Nadu settled in Kerala, my father relocated to Karnataka from where I am (ahem...am I?), lived in Maharashtra for a while, got married to a person who has lived in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Well...where do I belong? Is being an Indian not enough in India? Do we divide ourselves still further?

Racism!!! Baah!!

Pic Courtesy -ibnlive

Coca-Cola-nization of Plachimada

2008-02-11T09:17:00.000+05:30

From one agitation in Kerala to another..

Coca Cola in Kerala has been in the news more for the wrong reasons rather than any other. The company's Plachimada set up has stirred the hornet's nest by allegedly employing many practices not taken lightly by the people in Kerala in general and the people in Palakkad in particular. It is shocking to see how Coca Cola gave back to Plachimada.

Dr. P. R. Sreemahadevan Pillai, Principal,P.E.T. Engineering College, Tiruchendur Road, Valliyoor, Tirunelveli, who has been involved extensively in efforts to conserve nature and has taken part in issues against environmental degradation (click here for one of his write ups)has written a book,

The Saga of Plachimada

which deals exclusively with the cola giant's escapades in Plachimada. The Saga of Plachimada, written in English and published by M/s. VAK, Mumbai, is being released at 1 p.m. on 14 Feb 2008, at the venue of the VIBGYOR film festival at Thrissur, Kerala, India.

I am pasting herein the Preface from the book, The Saga of Plachimada.
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Environmental regulation has experienced tremendous growth in the last quarter of the century resulting in a heavily centralized command-and-control bureaucracy overseeing all aspects of environmental protection including enforcement. Still there are many regions severely polluted by the functioning of industries and stressed by resource crunch, including scarcity of drinking water, which has made the lives of the people there difficult in many aspects. Water is a prime natural resource very essential for life. The amount of potable surface water available is only 0.38% of the total amount of water available on the whole of earth. Kerala State in India is rich in such resources with 44 rivers. Palakkad (Palghat) district of the Kerala State has the highest percent of irrigated land in the State and also has a good potential of water resources. The water available at Plachimada in Palakkad district was suitable for domestic and industrial purposes. It wasin the year 2000 that the Coca Cola bottling plant was set up in Plachimada, after which there was a considerable depletion in the ground water and also degradation in the quality of the available water, making it unsuitable for domestic purposes. When the people at Plachimada resisted the overexploitation of ground water by the multinational corporation, the Coca Cola, it took a new dimension of fight for existence. Environmentalists and human rights activists rallied behind the adivasis of Plachimada in their historic resistance against the scrupulous exploitation of the natural resource with profit motive. Plachimada became a global symbol of a new movement. Though the struggle was begun by the resident adivasis of Plachimada, the involvement of the environmentalists and Government agencies gave some academic input to the whole issue. A lot of investigations were made by institutions and individuals on the depletion and pollution of ground water at Plachimada, the accumulation of toxic elements in water and plants, the health hazards in the locality etc. The author and his team have conducted two such studies from 2004 to 2006. The first study was sponsored by the Science, Technology andEnvironment Department of the Government of Kerala and the second one was sponsored by the Vikas Adhyayan Kendra, Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay). The results of both these studies as also relevant results of the studies conducted by others are included in this book.The socio-economic impacts of Coca Cola at Plachimada is also a matter of concern. Analysis in this line is worth comprehending. Being associated with the struggle from its beginning, the author had chances to address the mass gathering of protestors at Plachimada on some occasions. Plachimada has now become a catch word and hence a comprehensive document on this historical struggle is a sine qua non. This book came out because of the constant persuasion and inspiration of Mr. Ajit Murikkan and Mr.Mustafa Desamangalam. This book is dedicated to the more than a billion people of the world, deprived of safe drinking water.
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These kind of books may well be in the direction of making more and more people aware of the implications of such a project and ensure there is minimal to nil degradation of our environmental resources which are a loan from our ancestors to be held in trust to be handed over to our future generations.

Dam and be damned?

2008-02-05T12:45:00.000+05:30

Where ever a dam is proposed to be built, it is quite common to see protests galore. In places it becomes imperative to have the dams whereas in some others it can be avoided. Often than not, it is a clash between conservation and development. Development...well that becomes a controversial subject with many views.

Medha Patkar led Narmada Bachao Andolan's struggle to stall the Sardar Sarovar project is widely publicised but we hardly hear about the Athirappilly project in Kerala though the activists feel that the damage that would occur due to the Kerala State Electricity Board's proposed 163 MW Athirappilly Hydro Electric Project across the Chalakudy River in the Western Ghats in Kerala takes off on the 31st of March as decided by the KSEB would be devastating. This has been possible due to the judgment of the Kerala High Court on 1-1-2008. The struggle against this Hydro Electric Project has been going on for quite a few years now and the Environmental Clearance granted has been cancelled twice by the High Court of Kerala in response to the PILs filed by Chalakudy Puzha Samrakshana Samiti,another organization called NIlanilpu and Athirappilly Grama Panchayat. Since the judgment of the 1st of January, two more PILs are pending before the Court against the Environmental Clearance accorded to start work which is yet to be heard. This project if it takes off will be the 7th dam across this river.

As per Environment Groups, the loss that could ensue if this project takes off -

1. Loss of Athirappilly Waterfalls – An ICON of the Chalakudy River, one of the most visited tourist spots in South India, well placed in the Tourism map of India
2. Loss of the last remaining riparian forest stretch in the river ( the rest has been mostly submerged under the six dams upstream and dried up downstream of the dams ) – perhaps the only remaining low elevation ( 200-300 MSL) riparian stretch in Kerala Western Ghats
3. Submergence of most frequently used elephant route from Parambikulam Wild Life Sanctuary to Pooyamkutty forests
4. Most frequent citing area of all the four Hornbills together in the Kerala Western Ghats – Pied Hornbill cited most frequently
5. Vazhachal Forest Division within which the project area falls has very high conservation value of 75% as per French Institute of Pondicherry’s Studies on Kerala State forests (second to Mankulam Forest Division) – need for preserving the area from further destruction
6. Endemic, highly endangered, primitive, forest dwelling and river dependent Kadar tribal community under threat of loss of livelihood and habitat due to the new dam. A tribe already displaced several times due to the dams upstream with no proper rehabilitation package so far. Around 300 out of the 1500 number of the tribe remaining on earth to be displaced.
7. The habitat of one of the highest Fish Diversity Rivers (104 sp) in India to be destroyed. Presence of riffles, pools and rapids in the river along with riparian forests at low altitude sustains the high diversity of fish species for a 144 km small river with five sp. new to science. Upstream area recommended for a Fish Sanctuary by the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR).
8. Drinking and irrigation water needs of lakhs of people to be severely affected due to high daily flow fluctuation in the river. The Project is intended to be operated as a peak load station from 6pm to 11 pm. The summer flow in the river is already very low due to the peaking operation of the existing 48 MW HEP just 3 km upstream of the dam and regulation by the other five dams above out of which four divert around 40% water to Tamil Nadu via Parambikulam Aliyar Inter State Inter Basin Treaty.

A seventh dam would mean the death of the river itself...

The resistance against the project is growing.

Since the fresh Environmental Clearance granted to the project in July 2007, people’s resistance to the project has been increasing. Several political parties and social and environmental groups have joined hands with the movement to SAVE THE RIVER from further damming.

There is expert opinion that the Environment Impact Assessment carried out is quite porous and this project is definitely not going to bring in a revolution in the "power" scenario in Kerala. Tightening pilferage of electricity, trying to get the functional hydro electric projects to yield optimum power might just be the solution without touching this river further to ensure there is no further environmental damage

Gandhi and Hitler

2008-01-30T12:46:00.000+05:30

These are two men who changed the history of the world. Both men of strong character(?) in their own right. Gandhi had once said that "Man’s nature is not essentially evil" and maybe the Führer would have said "Man's nature is not essentially good either". Two men who draw passion among people, love or hatred, very strong indeed. But think about their similarities. Both loved their people. Gandhi fought against the British to ensure that his people were free, whereas Hitler fought against some "suspected" forces which were out to disintegrate his people. Both of them had unbound love for their people. Both have written books-An autobiography,the story of my experiments with truth and Mein Kampf standing testimonies to it. Both were highly religious. Hitler a Catholic and Gandhi a Hindu greatly impressed by all religions especially Jesus Christ.

Coming to their characters. Both were very charismatically hypnotic when it came to casting spells on people with their speeches, inspiring them and getting them to follow them. They were very stubborn and determined and no power could make them change their minds when set. They believed in their cause and the confidence they exuded was phenomenal. Would Gandhi have been different from what he was if he was born in some other age? What if he was born after India was free? Would we have had our own brand of Hitler sans the strong negative aspect (for we can never imagine Gandhi in that light)? Gandhi too was one who loved to have mass following and could shake the people with his speeches filled with conviction and make most follow his path, which was of love and non-violence.

One stark difference between these two men was the way the world looked at them due to the approach followed by them. The Gandhian brand of non-violence and Satyagraha brought him many admirers from all around the world including Martin Luther King Junior who used the non-violence and non co-operation principles expounded by the Mahatma in the Civil Rights Movement. Whereas Hitler believed that Force was the one and only way of subjugating people and getting them around. while Hitler's speeches were filled with power and hatred, Gandhi's speeches though powerful were soft and full of love. Gandhi Research Foundation had once said that, if Gandhi was born a Jew, he would have fought and won against Hitler too which seems just very possible given the strength of mind this man had. Gandhi is reported to have written to Hitler urging him to stop the atrocities he was committing.

I always wonder how Gandhi would have been in a Free and Independent India. When Gandhi was killed today 60 years ago, there was a newspaper in England which was quoted as saying, we put up with him for so many years and you Indians could not keep him for more than 5 months.

With their unique abilities both these men changed the world, one brought about freedom to the masses he loved and the other almost achieved the "Holocaust". The main difference between these men - Gandhi, his people love, Hitler...well....!!!!

A Salute to Gandhi and the multitude of men who lived for our India,laid down their lives for India, and those who are continuing to live and laying down their lives for our country.

Bharat Ratna

2008-01-28T14:14:00.000+05:30

The controversies regarding the highest civilian award is totally unnecessary making the award seem like a political gimmick.

Capt Sunil Kumar Chaudhry is an example of exemplary dedication with which one can serve the country and it is indeed touching to read bout the Captain giving up his life hours after he got the Sena Medal. He is one worthy person for Ashok Chakra and he is my Bharat Ratna. More power and glory to people like him who unflinchingly fight the destructive forces. I am sure our country is safe as long as such sons are born to Mother India.

Save the Theppakulam

2008-01-27T21:59:00.000+05:30

I received a mail from a friend who has written about the state in which the Perumal Theppakulam is in Madurai. I will reproduce the message I received below -

Recently I had been to Madurai. While walking along with my brotherin law in Town hall road , we wanted to look the water level in Perumal teppakkulam

as lot of efforts were there by previous govt. in rainwater harvesting and pouring it into teppakkulam. We found that the Teppakkulam was completely surrounded by shops in all the four sides. There was only a very narrow space at the south eastern side as approach to it. We went through that passage and found a shocking atmosphere.

It was a Sunday. At western side, the bank of the Teppakkulam was shrunk

And illegal construction was going on by encroachment. While we were looking into it suddenly a lady appeared and asks us to get inside. We shock to notice that there was a small passage which lead into the gap of periphery wall of Teppakkulam.We understood what is going on there and who was the Lady. The entrance to the Teppakkulam is controlled by criminals. Between the gap of shops and periphery wall of the tank four square streets were established as Red light area. The activities are not visible from out side as the Teppakkulam is completely covered by shops from all the four sides.

We are sure if the condition is allowed for some more time the tank will vanish.

This is the high time to save the Teppakkulam.

All shops surrounding the tank must be removed from all the four sides and

Water filled tank must appear for darshan of devotees and tourists.

Tepporsavam should be conducted for Koodal Alagar Perumal.

We are losing a lot of water bodies due to a variety of reasons. If this message is true, I fervently hope that something is done to protect this Theppakulam which is part of our ancient heritage

Amul Topicals

2008-01-25T11:17:00.000+05:30

Cricket still seems to be the pet topic for the Amul ads

Selectors exclude Sourav Ganduly from the Indian Cricket Team one-off Twenty20 match against Australia and the triangular series with Australia & Sri Lanka in Australia – January '08.

Rahul Dravid left out from the Indian Cricket Team for the lone Twenty20 match against Australia and the upcoming tri-series with Australia & Sri Lanka in Australia – January '08.

Tata Motors unveil “Nano” the world’s cheapest, cost-effective and technologically advanced car with affordable price tag of Rupees one lakh at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi, India – January ’08.

Smile and Drive

2008-01-22T12:39:00.000+05:30

The expression on the faces of most drivers in India, well atleast in Bangalore is either a scowl or a grimace. We hardly find any drivers who smile. The reason for all this being the utter chaos on the roads with people jumping signals, lanes, honking incessantly and we all end up blaming our city and other road users for it.

What are some of the things that we can do to ensure calm on the roads and see to it that we are smiling drivers? Inter alia,One, follow traffic rules to the T, two, be caring towards our fellow drivers, three, dont jump lanes, four, dont honk unless necessary, fifthly, of all pedestrian pavement not to be used by two wheelers.

Check the "Smiling Drivers" who strive to make the roads a pleasant place to be on, to make the drivers smile as they drive and it is all about making Namma Bengaluru a better place to be in.

Visit their site and learn as to how this movement can be strengthened

Utterly Butterly Delicious

2008-01-17T19:23:00.000+05:30

Though the Indian team has moved on from Sydney to Perth, Amul seems to be having a "Sydney Fixation"

Earlier posts here and here

Salman Khan at Madame Tussauds

2008-01-16T09:59:00.000+05:30

Well, Salman Khan beat among others, Lata Mangeshkar, Madhuri Dixit, Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan in a poll to have a place in the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. He is reported to have polled 10,000 votes to be chosen the next "Bollywood Star" at Madame Tussauds. He personally is reported to have chosen the clothes his wax image would wear. He is the fourth person from Bollywood after Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai to be immortalized at Madame Tussauds.

It is defnitely an amazing world at Madame Tussauds. All life size wax images, most of them life-like.

A good honour for Salman Khan, but is he worthy of it? The actor, who has been sentenced to five years in jail for poaching, was given permission by the Jodhpur High Court to travel to London for the unveiling of his wax image. Is it only about being an actor?

Roads and Lanes

2008-01-15T19:25:00.000+05:30

I enjoy driving, though of late driving on Bangalore roads can really drive you up the wall. Still with my music on, that is an hour and a half of time I spend with myself, listening to music most of the time and generally relaxing, not minding the unending traffic snarls or the incessant honking by fellow motorists.

Many roads in Bangalore are changed from two way to one way overnight and it sometimes becomes a little difficult to keep tab of that. I have had an experience, quite nightmarish of entering a lane which was two way till the previous evening and which had overnight become one way (the lane which connects Cunningham Road and Ali Askar Road, parallel to Millers Road), I had a tough time coming out of that lane. Driving on the Outer Ring Road used to be a pleasant experience always but the past couple of years with that bustling with activity, it is traffic jams galore.

I always tell people that if you can drive in India, you can drive anywhere in the world. Am I right in thinking so?

I read this which was written by Ross Koeser, who is the Executive Director of ICPHSO.

I am in England with my wife visiting our daughter and her family – husband Andy, a pilot in the US Air Force and two young daughters. I rented a car because I wanted to see the English countryside. Most of you readers are international travelers and have rented cars in the UK and survived. But, I was not prepared for the shock of riding on the left side of the road, shifting with the left hand, round-abouts (always look right), narrower than narrow roads, and trucks traveling at 60 mph missing you by 9-½” and never slowing down. In addition, I rented one of those GPS travel guide systems where “Stephanie” supposedly guides you effortlessly during your travels – NOT. Now I’m sure some systems are better than others, but I would say that our “Stephanie” did not graduate at the top of her class. For example, she says “turn left” – I turn left; after ¼ mile I hear, “at first opportunity – turn around”. What did I do wrong? – I turn around and after another ¼ mile I hear at first opportunity – turn around”. OK, get the map out and strangle Stephanie.

I now more than ever understand the meaning of safety, because I never felt safe. Somehow I managed to not have an accident in 5 days, although many a British driver increased their curse word vocabulary over my driving.

Do not ever underestimate the power of prayer.

The first time I saw traffic on the right side was when my flight was about to land in Dubai. It seemed odd to see traffic on the "wrong side" of the road. One experience I have had was when I was in New York and waiting for a bus. This was a "One Way" and so I walked upto a point where there indeed was a post marking a bus stop. I stood there and was watching the bus come, but it stopped on the other side and went away while I stood on the opposite side. Only then did I foolishly realize that, I should have stood on the right side and here I was standing on the left.

Creativity at its best

2008-01-11T22:34:00.000+05:30

Hello Nano

2008-01-10T21:37:00.000+05:30

Ratan Tata has done it. A car for about a lakh Indian Rupees. Unimaginable even a few years ago, but a reality today when Ratan Tata unveiled it at the Auto Expo in Delhi. He aims to market it around the world. Newspapers across the world from Washington Post to New York Times to Reuters are agog with this news.

Moreover, environmentalists are also taking up cudgels against the Tatas for the pollution that might ensue. But Ratan Tata says it conforms to the Euro-4 Standard which is still not mandatory in India.

The launch of the Tata Nano in all probability could result in many, who otherwise would not have dreamt of owning a car going in for cars in India and it could definitely benefit many but do we have the roads for new cars. Traffic problems are galore in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune and most other cities which witness chock-a-block traffic through the day. This will only add to the number of vehicles and thus adding to the congestion, confusion and chaos on the streets and not to forget the ever-increasing road rage.

Taare Zameen Par

2008-01-09T21:32:00.000+05:30

Oh What a movie!! A very moving, realistic one. Aamir Khan, the perfectionist he is, has done extremely well in his debut as the director. The child, Darsheel Safary is too good, what expressions. A knock-out performance. The parents of Ishaan too have acted very well, Tisca Chopra is very beautiful indeed. A moving movie. Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy too very catchy. Some songs, lyrics and music all make an impact.

It is the journey of an eight year old which you travel through the movie, share his frustrations, apprehensions, and all the emotions and in the end, it leaves you feeling joyful and uplifted. Aamir Khan is a thoughtful, silent, observing, director who does not overdo. Even sarcasm is underplayed which leaves a very strong mark on the audience. A very special movie with the tagline, "Every Child is Special".

Monkey Business

2008-01-08T13:59:00.000+05:30

Australia might have won in Round One but Cricket as a game has lost. What one fails to understand is did Harbhajan really call Symonds that, all this when Channel Nine Technicians say they have no evidence of that? Why should Symonds feel hurt and imagine being called a "Monkey"? The Ugly Australians are at it again, at what they are good at, sledging!!

India has lodged a protest against Hogg saying he has called an Indian player names. This will be taken up in a separate hearing.

Days after the unpleasant match between Australia and India, not every Australian is happy about the way in which the Australians have "upheld" the game. Even the Prime Minister of Australia has called for settling this issue amicably as soon as possible. One thing we should remember is, that culturally we Indians are very different from many others in the world and not by any stretch of imagination can anybody hold Indians "racists". We have seen the way the British contestants treated Shilpa Shetty and the uproar that was subsequently created.

It is a relief that Harbhajan has been cleared to play the 3rd Test beginning in Perth and that Billy Bowden will officiate in the place of Bucknor. But the other umpires remain. Let us see what we have in store for us in the remaining tests. What was surprising earlier was that neither the two officiating umpires could hear any racist remark nor the Channel Nine Techinicians could pick any audio or video evidence of any remark. God alone knows how Michael Proctor came to the conclusion that Bhajji had indeed called Symonds names.
Cricket in Australia is at its all time lowest. Possibly this could be the lowest in Cricket in general after Jardine's Bodyline Controversy of the 1930s.

Meanwhile there have been calls for the sacking of the Australian Captain Ricky Ponting. I cannot imagine the captain of a cricketing nation behaving the way Ponting has. All through his cricketing career, I have never seen Sunil Gavaskar wait even for a moment if he was out, to see if the umpire had noticed it. He would just walk back. That is an Indian for you

The next that the BCCI should ensure is that the Sydney Test is taken off record and BCCI should stand firm on this. After all, India contributes to around 70% of the revenue that ICC generates and ICC cannot just ignore India's concerns. Whatever might ensue, India has been wronged and it will take more than the ICC's superficial gestures to assuage the hurt Indian sentiments.

Truly Monkey Business this!!!

Pic- Deccan Herald

Umpiring Goof-Ups

2008-01-06T13:15:00.000+05:30

Second Test Match between Australia and India
Venue - Sydney
Players - India - 11
Australia - 14

It is sad that India had to play against 14 in the Second Test Match at Sydney. In a very controversial and unfair game, India lost by 122 runs to the cheats, the Australians. The thing that riled me most was the attitude of Ponting and Clarke. When the "God Almighty Benson" asked the fielders in the Second Innings if the catch off Ganguly's bat was taken, they said "Yes" and Ganguly was given out. What business does the umpire have asking the fielders when there is a "bigger than thou" 3rd Umpire sitting up there with high-tech gadgets to help him. Can Clarke, a person who would not walk out when he was caught till he was given out, be depended on to give his verdict. And Ponting stand there saying, "Yes Caught". Not to speak about Dravid being given caught and out by Bucknor when the ball was not touched by the batsman. Despicable umpiring indeed!!

Ganguly's Wicket

Even in the first innings there were decisions galore which went against India. But is it too much to expect the players to be fair even if the "umpires" arent. For now, the score card will show that India has lost to Australia in the Sydney Test though we all know how it was that India lost. Sad that Lakshman's, Tendulkar's contributions and in the Second Innings, Kumble's grit all went in vain.

A question that comes to mind is are these umpires really competent? Bucknor seems to be quite old to be standing there in the middle of the field all day long for 5 long days. Time he bade a goodbye to the game.

BCCI should lodge a strong protest to ICC and also ensure that this test is taken off record for bad umpiring. That will set a precedent of sorts and will make people have some faith and trust in ICC as well as the umpires.

Ofcourse Tendulkar could have played better in the Second Innings and also Dhoni cheaply sacrificed his wicket too. They could have played a little more responsibly. What saddens the mind most is that had India managed to stay on and faced 7 more deliveries, they could have drawn this test, but ultimately..Umpiring surely did India in.

Updates- One, Two and Three

Horn Ok Please

2008-01-03T14:51:00.000+05:30

Horn OK Please!!

We have seen this phrase on trucks mainly. I always used to wonder what this means with the OK in between and found the Wikipedia entry on this. This is supposed to mean that if someone wishes to overtake, they have to honk.

Probably this shows the Indian psyche of honking incessantly on the roads at the slightest or no provocation whatsoever. As I sit in my office and listen to the blaring of horns, it is like one single continuous sound, with the variation in pitch, strength and also the output decibel.

I read this bit--

As our one and a half hour drive (only 30 kilometers) continued, I began to realize that in this mess of cars, people and huge puddles, honking is the only organizing factor.

"Honk, honk-hoooooonk, honk-honk! Watch out, I am intending to go non-stop where I am going! I am not going to stop just to save your life!"

"Honk-honnnnnk, Honk-Hon! I see, you are on my tail, going non-stop where you are going. Aye, why do you rush so much?"

Honkkkkkk-honk-honk-honk-hooooonk! I am trying to kill myself and these two stupid foreigners."

"Honk-Honk. You must do what you must do."

And so it goes, non-stop, the music of Indian roads. We make a sharp left turn and with a brave acceleration, speed towards a very (and I mean VERY) narrow street of Maja-ka-Tilla (a small Tibetan quarter in Delhi). I am convinced we are going to kill a few people but no, despite our speed and incessant honking, a few pedestrians (many of them red robed monks) respond with a surprising sense of calm and trust. Trust in the driver? Trust in the inevitable? Divine intervention? Our mini-van barely misses; sometimes it actually brushes against their torsos. Only later do I learn that personal space is highly negligible in India: especially on the streets. Cars, cows, donkeys, motorcycles and people, all rub each other as they negotiate crowded streets and small spaces. Amazing, there are few accidents.

where Misha narrates her visit to Delhi.

And another site which gives instructions as to how to drive in India, it says dont hesitate to honk. Honk to let someone know you are behind them, honk to tell someone they better move out of the way or else, honk to get someone's attention, basically honk for just about anything.

Yes!! It is democrazy on the Roads. Go ahead, Honk or you might be a murderer.

There are reports that there is a crackdown in Mumbai on noisy motorists.

But now the Mumbai traffic police, in a move that runs against the very culture of driving in this city of 18m, have begun cracking down on noisy motorists. Police have booked 368 car owners for shrill and "non-regulation" horns and for violating silence zones that prohibit honking near hospitals, educational institutions and places of worship, according to the Mumbai traffic police website.

The offending horns ranged from the shrill high-pressure variety used by trucks on the sub-continent to other kinds that have been modified to play the latest Bollywood melodies or even to sound like dogs barking.

Still, honking is second nature to Indian drivers. Hope we too are able to effectively introduce noise-less driving on our roads soon.
Pic- The Internet

"Love" by Swami Vivekananda

2008-01-02T20:06:00.000+05:30

I am reproducing here an article on Love by Swami Vivekananda.

I once had a friend who grew to be very close to me. Once when we were sitting at the edge of a swimming pool, she filled the palm of her hand with some water and held it before me, and said this: "You see this water carefully contained on my hand? It symbolizes Love."

This was how I saw it: As long as you keep your hand caringly open and allow it to remain there, it will always be there. However, if you attempt to close your fingers round it and try to possess it, it will spill through the first cracks it finds.This is the greatest mistake that people do when they meet love...they try to possess it, they demand, they expect... and just like the latter spilling out of your hand, love will retrace from you .

For love is meant to be free, you cannot change its nature. If there are people you love, allow them to be free beings.

1. Give and don't expect.

2. Advise, but don't order.

3. Ask, but never demand.

It might sound simple, but it is a lesson that may take a lifetime to truly practice. It is the secret to true love. To truly practice it, you must sincerely feel no expectations from those who you love, and yet an unconditional caring."

Passing thought... Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take; but by the moments that take our breath away....

Pic-Internet

Battle at Kruger

2007-12-31T14:04:00.000+05:30

One of the most powerful videos I have ever seen and fascinated by it. I have lost count of the number of times I have watched it.

Imagine a baby buffalo (looks like an Indian Bison sans the white patch on its legs) which is mauled by a pride of lions and a crocodile surviving due to the collective effort of a herd of buffaloes. A must watch video, though amateurishly done, amazing. Truly, the ways of nature.

Benazir and Musharraf, Modi and Thapar

2007-12-30T21:32:00.000+05:30

I have been thinking of ending this year and beginning next year writing things pleasant. But the happenings around has forced me to take stock of our neighbourhood. I have not been too much of a fan of Benazir Bhutto. I have not been in awe of her baritone voice or her macho looks. But her assassination truly was something that shook me. She was after all the first woman Prime Minister of any Muslim nation and also the beacon of the Bhutto legacy and family, and her life snuffed out like this shows the terrorist politics of the region. Nawaz Sharief too needs to be aware of the risks, though I am sure he will know what it is to be a politician in the military-ruled Pakistan, that any Pakistani politician is open to. As long as Musharaff supports and has the support and blessings of the "groups", he need not worry about his life. He is safe. But the politics and the fabric of the Pakistani politics and society has definitely taken a sharp dip southwards. Hoping our bretheren too can breathe easy in a "free and democratic" Pakistan soon.

I was also reading a write up by Karan Thapar about "Modification of Politics". The last paragraph was something I could not really comprehend. What does Thapar mean by sudden removal of Modi? He should be careful about the words he uses. Whatever said and done, Godhra or whatever, Modi is the democratically elected leader. This statement is unbecoming of a senior journalist. Ofcourse everyone has the right to freedom of speech and expression as enshrined in the Indian Constitution but this is definitely inflammatory to say the least. Some check definitely needed here

P.S- I see that the last paragraph in this write up is blocked now. Is it intentional or just accidental. Anyways, here is what was there when I first read it

Only the sudden removal of Narendra Modi can stop this. For he is the agent forcing this change. And whilst he's with us, he will do just that. I have no doubt Indian politics after Sunday the 23rd is another country. We have to live with new challenges. Some of us have to accept new leaders.

Vimochana and Conflict Resolution

2007-12-20T23:20:00.000+05:30

Vimochana is one organization in Bangalore which has been striving towards gendered justice and also striving hard to place the "woman" in her rightful place in society. Donna Fernandes who spearheads this organization has done yeoman's ahem...should I say yeo-woman's service in this field.

The country is riddled with multiple issues around which conflicts are taking place. The conflict on issues related to ethnicity, language, culture and religion abound and mar the process of social and economic
development of society. Country is witness to the outbursts of violence in various garbs and around various issues. The social conflicts saw their peak in the terror of religion based in the most recent times. The
simmering ethnic conflicts in the northeast and Kashmir have been a semi permanent sore from many decades. And many such events have put the whole social thinking in to great turmoil and are pointers to the danger lurking in the unresolved social tensions.Also these phenomena are threatening the very existence of our democracy.

While democracy has enough space for all the diversities to thrive in harmony what we are witnessing is that some vested interests are using these diversities as the tool for implanting the conflicts. Communities and social groups and political outfits have not paid much attention to conflict resolution, and curbing the political trends, which are stifling the liberal and democratic space.

Vimochana - forum for women's rights, Bangalore and Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai and CIEDS Collective Bangalore are jointly organising a State Level Training Programme on Peace and Conflict Resolution at Bangalore between 17th - 21st January 2008.

It is a programme for a selected group of 45-50 participants.

2. Food and accommodation will be taken care of by the organisers.

3. Travel (II class train fare / bus fare) will be reimbursed for out station participants.

4. Selection of participants will be made to maintain regional balance.

5. Last date for application 31st December 2007

The course has been designed with the aim to address the many questions running through our minds. It aims to strengthen the plural norms and ethos. It, in a way plans to equip the social activists to be able to deal with various conflict situations to ensure that the rights of weaker sections of society are protected, preserved and strengthened within the democratic framework of Indian Constitution.

It will cover most of the facets of conflict and will put special focus on conflict resolution for Peace in general. The themes to be addressed will pertain to multiple diversities, linguistic, ethnic, cultural and
religious. Since the country is vast and diverse these multiple issues need to be taken up for a proper appraisal.

There is a realization that there is no systematic attempt to spread the message of Peace. Few committed workers are working for this, but it needs to be broadened a great deal. There is a need to build up a chain of activists who can take this message to nook and corner of the country.

1. Course Objective
 To impart understanding of Indian Situation
 To inculcate appreciation for religious, cultural and linguistic diversities
 To re-orient participant's thinking about different religious communities
 To promote value and peace education
 To equip the participants with adequate knowledge and skills to promote conflict resolution

2. Course Content

1. Theories of conflict resolution
2. Partition tragedy
3. Communal conflicts-Role of social common sense
4. Minorities
5. Kashmir imbroglio
6. Islam violence
7. Religion, Secularisation-India’s trajectory late 19th century
8. Uniform civil code
9. Communal politics post independent India
10. Democracy, pluralism & identity
11. Education: faith or reason
12. Politics of terror
13. Hindutva & gender justice
14. Communal organisation
15. Psychological roots of communal violence
16. Gujarat- laboratory of Hindu Rashtra
17. Religion & society: Indian context
18. Hindutva & dalits
19. Practising secularism dilemmas of Indian state
20. Mumbai riots
21. Adivasis
22. Strategies of conflict resolution.

3. Methodology
The training will involve Lectures by eminent scholars, religious heads and prominent activists followed by discussions. Methods like group discussions and interactive games, role-play will be deployed. Audio-visual aids will be used and films relevant to the training course will also be shown. Some of the proposed films are, War and Peace, Mr & Mrs Iyer, Zakhm, Pinjar, & Nata etc.

4. Eligibility – Criteria
1. Priority will be given to those who have Experience of working in the filed of communal harmony, human rights, women rights, etc.
2. Activists among teaching community will be preferred
3. Activists from both sexes can be nominated
4. Those who have genuine concern in Peace and Conflict Resolution.
5. Since the workshop is designed at a national level, the resource persons will also be from out side Karnataka and the course will be conducted mostly in Hindi and English. Therefore working knowledge of Hindi and English is necessary.

5. Venue:
Vimochana Training Centre, Kolar. Tel: (08152) 232801 / 232802.

Contact-
Donna- Tel: 080-25496934 (off)
Bhoga Nanjunda, Mob:9448206461

Pic- Donna Fernandes
Courtesy - The Internet

IIT and Dow Chemicals

2007-12-17T21:42:00.000+05:30

In a move bound to send strong signals to Dow Chemicals that India has indeed not forgotten either the Bhopal tragedy or the unrelenting fight for justice to the Bhopal Gas vitims, IIT Delhi has decided to return the funding by Dow Chemicals for a three day international conference to be organized by IIT. This decision was taken on Saturday.

This was in response to a great pressure mounted by the alumni, students and supporters fo the Indian Institute of Technology. It was sad to read earlier about the IITs trying to get as much funding as possible from this company.

It is also reported that IIT-Madras has been urged to bar Dow Chemicals from recruiting on-campus. Such pressure is being mounted in IIT-Bombay as well as IIT-Kharagpur.

I had written earlier about the proposed partnership of IIT and Dow Chemicals

Just hoping the Bhopal gas victims do see the light of justice soon.

Who Won and Lost at Bali

2007-12-16T12:58:00.000+05:30

In the nearly a decade since the U.S. rejected the landmark climate changeagreement known as the Kyoto Protocol, the U.S. has become accustomed tobeing attacked at U.N. environmental gatherings. But the pounding it took inthe tortured all-night negotiations that capped the UN climate changeconference in Bali was unprecedented. Not only did developing nations big and small from India to Papua New Guinea openly chastise the U.S. for its last-minute refusal to endorse the new agreement dubbed the Bali Roadmap,but — with the exception of a confused statement from Japan — not one of the allies that had generally stood with the U.S. the past two weeks —Australia, Russia, Canada — rose in its defense.

In the end, the U.S.'s total isolation was too much for even it to bear. "We've listened very closely to many of our colleagues here during these twoweeks, but especially to what has been said in this hall today," said leadAmerican negotiator Paula Dobiansky. "We will go forward and joinconsensus." Boos turned to cheers, and the deal was essentially sealed.

Here's a breakdown of what it means, who won and who lost:

WHAT WAS ACHIEVED--

The roadmap is essentially the beginning of a beginning. The negotiations to come have a specific end date — 2009 — and for the first time, dismantles what the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change executive secretary Yvo de Boer called "the Berlin Wall of climate change," the idea that only the rich nations need to take responsibility for fighting globalwarming. Both developed countries The two sides still have different responsibilities, with developed nations ready to take on more quantifiable emissions cuts, and developing nations preparing to take on less specific national actions, but no country is left behind. That matters because the majority of future carbon emissions will come from the developing world, and no climate deal can work without the participation of China and India. "The developing nations of the South areon the same road as the North," says Peter Goldmark, director for the climate and air program for Environmental Defense. "They're using the same road map."

Bringing the developing nations on board made it possible for the U.S. to join,since the Kyoto Protocol was signed. Lost a bit in the final drama was the Bali roadmap's most substantial achievement: putting forestry front and center for future climate change negotiations.

Deforestation accounts for up to 20% of man-made globalwarming emissions, but the Kyoto Protocol has no mechanism to support the protection of forests. That will change, and eventually tropical nations could be rewarded for not cutting down their forests, providing a way toreduce carbon emissions

WHAT WASN'T ACHIEVED:

The Bali roadmap contains no specific commitments or figures on the emissions reductions that developed countries will need to take, beyond language that "deep cuts" will be needed. Earlier in the week the EU fought hard to include a specific target of 25 to 40% cuts for developed nations by 2020, and a need to halve global emissions — two figures cited by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) latest assessment of global warming science. Neither made it into the final text, thanks largely to determined opposition from the U.S., although a footnote points to the IPCC report. For environmentalists who had hoped that the recent avalanche of data underscoring the rising crisis of climate change might prompt tougher action, Bali was a disappointment.

"It was a rather weak deal," said Meena Rahman, chair of Friends of the Earth International. "It'scompromised."

WHO WON:

After years of essentially rolling over against the Bush Administration on climate change, the EU showed surprising spine. A mid-week threat led by Germany to boycott the upcoming major emitter' conference — a Bush initiative that would bring together the world's biggest economies to talk about climate change But the clear big winners are China and India, which have fully arrived as major players on international climate action. China in particular came to Bali ready to negotiate hard, but also prepared to give something — a vital change after years of insisting that it would take no responsibility for climate change. While India began the negotiations seemingly disengaged, the country elevated its game in the final day, and showed that it was willing to go beyond its own narrow national interests. That was the case for the developing world as a whole, which stood up to the U.S. without scuttling the possibility of a future deal.

"The developing countries allowed this discussion to begin in a whole new way," says David Doniger, policy director for the Natural Resource Defense Council's climate center.

WHO LOST:

It should be difficult for a country to make the final concession that allows a landmark deal to fall into place, and still appear selfish and churlish — but the U.S. somehow managed to do that. Years of blocking climate action at every turn meant the Bush Administration came into the Bali talks with little public credibility, and while there was a sense before the talks that the U.S. might show flexibility, that hope was quickly dispelled. Throughout the negotiations the U.S. — with help, at least until the last night, from Canada, Australia and Japan — blocked attempts to make climate diplomacy match the urgency of climate science. "The U.S. needed to come in here and build up its credibility," says Kevin Knobloch, President of the Union of Concerned Scientists. "Instead, they just burnished their Darth Vader image."

WHAT'S NEXT:

That's the real question. The roadmap outlines the next steps for negotiation, and calls for a deadline of 2009 — in time to have a formal successor to the Kyoto Protocol. But as tortuous as Bali was, the next round— which will have to tackle the specific actions to be taken by developedand developing nations alike.

Courtesy- Reuters and the Hindu

List of Songs -Anth Tak - Ab Kya Misaal Doon

2007-12-15T11:55:00.002+05:30

This is the list of songs that were sung in addition to many sung impromptu and also added on later. Members, please give the addition to the songs you sang, so that we can update the list accordingly

Anthtak 29 Song list – 3rd October 2009. (1pm to 5 pm)

1. Chitra - Bhajan
2. Kishore panwar - Tujhko pukare mera pyar
3. - Dil ki aawaz bhi sun
4. Rama n Chitra - Man kyun behka
5. Venkat -Pacha malar poovu
6. Chahoonga main tuje
7. Geethika - Dheere Dheere Machal
8. Ramita - Yeh hausla
9. Chandra n Madhu - Aaja panchchi akela hai
10. Priya - Yeh Hai Reshmi
11. Mukunda Mukunda
12. Priya n Vijay - E sambhashane
13. Chitra - Agar tum na hote
14. - Naina Barse rimjhim rimjhim
15. Ramya - Yeh dil deewana hai
16. Rama n Chandrakumar - Dil ki nazar se
17. Chandrakumar - Yeh dil na hota bechara
18. - Dekha na hai re
19. Aashish n Geetika -Meri zindagi mein aaye
20. Ram - Geet Gata Chal
21. - Jo Tumko Ho Pasand
22. Priya venkat - Kajraare kajrare teri kaale
23. Vijay - Meri Aawaaz suno
24. - Aaj ki raat mere
25. Rama - Yeh dil aur unki
26. - Joake
27. Kishore p n chitra - Wada karle sajna
28. Kaushik -Pukartha chala hoon mein
29. Vivek - Jao na ( Tum jo ho to gaa rahi)
30. Priya n venkat - Tu cheez badi hai mast mast...
31. Vijay n Geethika - Ade Bhumi
32. Kishore n Chitra - Tujh sang preet lagayi
33. Manak - Hamne Jafa na sikhi unko wafaa
33. - Aapke hasin rukh pe aaj naya
34. Tara - Aji rootkar ab
35. Imtiaz - Humen tumse pyar kitna
36. Aashish - Yaaron dosti
37. Madhu n Kishore P - Ek shahenshah ne banvake
38. Keerthana - Chand phir nikla
39. Priya n Venkat - Sagar kinare
40. Akshay - Kya hua tera vada
41. Anurag - O aaj mausam
41. Keerthana - Janaki jaane
42. Ram -Janam janam ka saath
43.Chandra - Tum jo mil gaye ho
44. Madhu - Dil ka khilona haye
45. Suchin
46. Suchin n Rama - Narumugaye
47. Imtiaz - Chahiye thoda pyar
48. Imtiaz n Rekha
49. Ramya - Tiruppavai song - Maale Manivanna
50. - Yeh Dil Dewaana
51. Shruti - Maa…..
52. Rajesh shenoy - yaad na jaaye
53. Praveen - Mehbooba o mehbooba
54. Suchin - Pacha malar poovu
55. Chandra - Teri duniya se hoke majboor
56. Vijay
57. Ramya n Kishore P - tujhe jeevan ki dor se
58. Anurag - Zindagi kaisi hai
59. Manak - aaj kal mein dhal gaya
60. Chandra - Dilbar mere
61. Rama - Mizhiyoram
62. Ram - Pyar deewan hota hai
63. Kishore P - Tujhko pukare mera pyar
64. Kishore P - Ai mere pyare watan
65. Khushi - Jingle bells
66. Imtiaz - Yeh mera prem patra
67. Ram - Yeh mera prem patra- English translation
68. Vijay - Chupake yun dil me
69. Poonam geetika - aaj jaan ki zid
70. Saraswati Subramaniam -Tere bina zindagi se koi
71. Suchin Ramya - Andhi mazhai
72. Geethika - Chain se humko kabhi
73. Vijay n Priya - Jo wada kiya
74. Rama n Venkat - Nee padhi naan padhi
75. Venkat
76. Chandra - Yeh jawaani yeh deewaani
77. Ashish - Raat khali ek khwab me aayee
78. Vijay - Ab kya misaal doon

And the programme continues…………………………….
( Songs are not in the order they have been sung)

************************

Fireworks and Child Labour

2007-12-14T19:32:00.000+05:30

TAMIL CHILD LABOUR

- *Think Of These Kids When Sparklers Light Up Diwali Sky* [IANS]

Every time a sparkler lights up the sky during Diwali festivities, spare a thought for Karuppuswamy, Chitra and Muneeswari - three of the nearly 40,000 children toiling away in Sivakasi District fireworks and match industry.

The three children feature in a 25-minute documentary film, *'Tragedy Buried in Happiness'*, shot by South Korean broadcaster Taegu Broadcasting Corp in August with the help of *Manitham, a rights NGO working with children, Amnesty International and the National Confederation of Human Rights.

No volunteer of the National Rural Health Mission ever visits 12-year-old Chitra,who has been confined for four years within the walls of her tiny room - ever since the child, a rank holder in her school, got burnt while making crackers in the town, 650 km south of the state capital Chennai.

Today Chitra cowers before visitors, drawing up a grey sheet to cover her burnt body and her half burnt face. Her eloquent eyes speak to Hyuk Soo Seo's camera and say all that she does not tell.

Chitra's mother is reluctant to admit how much she was paid, what was the name of the unit where the accident took place. She only complains that it would have cost Rs.200,000 for the child's plastic surgery and that no one has helped her daughter.

Karuppusamy, 14, sits in an alley, surrounded by his siblings, stuffing gunpowder into holding trays for crackers. His hands and face are shrivelled. Asked if he feels pain, he says, 'No.'

Muneeswari's hands are yellow; no, not due to henna. 'The gum that the children in her work group use contains cyanide, which stains every hand that contributes to this industry,' said *G. Subramanian, executive director, Manitham.*

On camera, Muneeswari, 12, says she gets Rs.100 per week for eight to 12 ours of work every day. Her earnings help her parents feed her siblings.

Manitham activists say there are about 40,000 children working in the narrow bylanes of Sivakasi District, about 650 km south of Chennai and home to the fireworks and matchstick industry, employing 50,000 people.

'There is a ray of hope,' said rights activist and advocate Ajeetha B.S. 'We are beginning to notice a slight shift in the ages of the child labourers. A few years ago we found 10-year-olds working in these factories, now we find the children a little older, about 13-14,' Ajeetha told IANS at Chennai.

Another activist, not wishing to be named, added: 'What is happening in India today is exploitation of child labour, be it in the firework industry or in the farms. The issue is not poor working conditions, it is exploitation of children.'

India is estimated to have nearly 125 million child workers, 80 percent of them in rural areas. Appreciating the documentary, noted lawyer and rights activist Sudha Ramalingam said: 'We have been fighting to end child labour for more than two decades. The film is a shocking revelation of what still goes on.'

But making the film was not easy. Subramanian said, 'No Indian NGO or filmmaker was ready to shoot the film. We were, therefore, forced to go to filmmakers from Korea.' The documentary is in Korean, dubbed into Tamil and English. (Papri Sri Raman can be contacted at paprisri.r@ians.in)

Mr. G. Subramanian, the Director of the NGO, Manitham which has made this documentary says " This is said to be very first documentary made on Sivakasi Child.
Previously the fame dir. Shayam Benagal tried and failed. After facing a tough lot of opposition, we have made this. Original documentary was made with the support of Korean TV in Korean language. After that, we have dubbed it in English and in Tamil.

We made a jam packed public view on 03-11-2007 at AVM Studio, AVM A/C theatre, Chennai. Several Human Rights activists, film directors and noted personalities participated in that function.

NDTV, Deccan Chronicle, Indian Express, IANS has widely covered the stories Internationally. Thanks for support. You can have an idea by viewing this from our web page "

This DVDs priced, inclusive of postage charges, at Rs. 300 for naration in Tamil and Rs. 400 for narration in English is for sale and a part of the contributions goes to the affected children of Sivakasi. These rates are applicalbe for delivery within India.
The DD payment may be in favour of "G.Subramanian, Chennai" or payment can be made into the account as detailed below
I C I C I Bank:
Account Holder : Subramanian.G,
Account No : 6022 01518582,
Branch : Chennai R H Road, India

Dark indeed!!!

Priceless Amul

2007-12-11T16:11:00.000+05:30

[Key Indian cricket fast bowlers Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel, R.P.Singh and S. Sreesanth grappling with injuries. - Amul Ad for December '07]

All of us would have met the little moppet wearing the polka dotted frock. And we would have smiled at her, at her punchlines at some point or the other. This according to me, is advertising at its best. This endearing cherubic moppet has a place in the Guiness Book of World Records as the Amul's has the honour of being the longest running advertisement campaign. The moppet is none other than our little Amul Girl.

Amul ads have always been very creative, apt for the current situation, taking a dig at politicians, film stars or the current situation.Amul is said to be derived from the Sanskrit word, "Amulya" which means priceless. It however, is also the acronym for Anand Milk Union Limited.

We have heard about the big success story of the Co-operative movement in Gujarat to market milk which was eugolized in the Hindi Movie "Manthan". The architects of this movement being Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel and Morarji Desai which led the farmers to do their own procurement, processing and marketing. In December 1946, Tribuvandas Patel and some dairy farmers registered the Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers Union. Verghese Kurien, the father of the White Revolution, joined the union as general manager in 1950. In 1957 Kaira Co-operative registered the brand ‘Amul’ and Press Syndicate was entrusted the advertising job under the guidance of Jit Kantawala. In 1973, the Gujarat Milk Marketing Federation was set up which is today the largest milk federation.

The Amul Girl as the mascot was created so that at a time when hoardings were all hand painted, it was easy to paint her. The people who created the remarkable ‘utterly butterly delicious’ campaign were K Kurian, Eustace Fernandes, Sylvester Da Cunha and Usha Katrak of Advertising and Sales Promotion Company.

The Amul ads are something like the Common Man's cartoons by R.K. Laxman. Apt for the day. A mirror of our lives.

The Amul ads through the past four decades let us know how we have travelled the past 40 years. Hats off to a very Indian product, a very Indian mascot and advertisements very Indian.

[Bollywood's actress and dancing queen Madhuri Dixit in the movie "Aaja Nachle" (Let's Dance) in which music and dance being the essence of the movie - Amul's Ad for November '07]

Encounters...Murders?

2007-12-10T06:27:00.000+05:30

I received an intimation about a meeting in Hyderabad today at the Press Club at 6 PM organized by Human Rights Forum (Manava Hakkula Vedika) to protest against the Andhra Pradesh High Court's judgment on Encounters.

The Judgement delivered by a Three Judge Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, two Judges Justice L. Narasimha Reddy and Justice G. Ethirajulu gave the verdict. The third Judge, Justice Bilal Nazki, dissenting with the majority judgement ruled in favour of the stance that rights groups have taken. But the majority judgement would only be regarded as the Judgement of the Court.

There would perhaps be no one in the State who has not heard the slogan "All Encounters are Murders". This slogan has been the defining element of the civil liberties and rights campaigns and democratic movements for more than 40 years now. People's campaigns and rights movements have also repeatedly clarified that this is not just a political slogan, but one which has constitutional and legal relevance. What this implies is that law itself recognizes an encounter as a murder. There is no big secret about this. No intricate legal or jurisprudential philosophy to be deciphered. It has become a habit of sorts for the police to declare after every encounter that, when they confronted an armed person to lawfully arrest him,instead of surrendering, that person attacked them (the police) which put their life in peril and therefore in exercise of their right to self-defence, when they engaged in cross-fire, that person succumbed to death. Even a murder committed in exercise of the right to self-defence is a murder in the eyes of law. If that were really to have been applied in the process of the exercise of the right to self-defence, then it would not entail any punishment, but by itself it would not cease be a murder. Whether the death was a consequence of the exercise of the right to self-defence is something that must be decided after investigation and by due process of law, but not in the declaration made by the person who has indulged in the killing, and such person has no right to make a declaration and go scot-free. A case of murder must be registered against him, crime investigation must be initiated, and he must be able to produce evidence in his favour that there were compelling circumstances that necessitated the murder. There is no difference between the police and the ordinary citizenry as far as this is concerned. Would there be any meaning to the right to life if the person who has indulged in killing is set to liberty merely by making a self-proclamation that he did so in self-defence. Would it not sound the death-knell of the right to life which is a Fundamental Right. We perceive that this is something that can be understood quite easily by any one. But it took a great deal of endeavour to make the Courts understand this and see the issue in perspective. The success in convincing the Court almost reached its threshold a decade ago, but slipped back to failure. The Andhra Pradesh High Court has recently ruled that *"An Encounter is not a murder by itself; it would be so only when a specific complaint is received that a certain police official killed a certain person intentionally and subsequently cooked up a story of chance encounter and only then should a case of murder be registered against him". **

*If the police wear masks on their faces and kill someone, or corner someone in the dark of the night and kill or if the deceased happens to be some anonymous Bangladeshi or Pakistani, killed in Hyderabad, who would have no relative or next friend to complain, there would be no specific or concrete complaint. Therefore these would not be murders! The High Court has ruled that in such cases a magisterial (executive) inquiry must be initiated and if anything suspicious is detected, steps must be initiated accordingly. Not only is this Judgement unconstitutional and a transgression of law, but is anathema to the very spirit of the right to life.

The Human Rights Forum and other Human Rights Groups are calling upon people to reject this Judgement and campaign for safeguarding the right to life.

The police, obtaining the guarantee that by killing someone, intimidating those who would want to complain and ensuring that no one deposes during the magisterial inquiry would put the very life and existence of common citizens in jeopardy. Just to recollect the incident that took place in Vishakapatnam not so long ago. An honest bank official was very brutally murdered by some ruthless persons. Subsequently, the police caught hold of two suspects and gunned them down and declared that they resorted to that step as the two persons had retaliated against them (the police) and they had no other alternative but to fire at them in self-defence. Either owing to fear or some other unknown reason, none of the family members of the deceased complained. What they said in the magisterial inquiry, whether at all they said any thing is not known. So, is that all? No dispute, those who had callously murdered the bank official must be dealt with as per law and punished. But who is to impose the sentence of punishment? The Courts? Or the Police? Let us assume for the sake of argument that these two were indeed responsible for the murder of the bank official. Today the police have killed these "bad" people. Tomorrow they would go ahead and kill "good" people and in a way best known to them would ensure that there is no specific complaint and that no witnesses depose during the magisterial inquiry. What then? To attack the opposite person in legitimate exercise of the right to self-defence is a remedy available not just to the police but also to the ordinary citizenry. Law clearly provides that the right to counter-offensive attack must be proportionate to the threat caused. If a person over-steps his limit and causes injury beyond what is required of that situation, it is a crime. Precisely for this reason, a person who claims that he resorted to violence in exercise of the right to self-defence is not permitted to go scot-free. How much of threat that person faced, how much of force or counter-attack did he resort to in order to over come that is something that must be established in due process of crime investigation. Moreover, law places the burden of proof on that person to prove to the satisfaction of the Court that he caused only that must force as was necessary in that situation. All this implies that a criminal case must first of all be registered against him, crime investigation conducted and the facts must come out of the investigation. In the case of ordinary citizens, this is a principle that the Courts accept. A principle that is routinely implemented on a daily basis. Law makes no distinction between the police and ordinary citizenry to the effect that the former must be treated differently. Nonetheless, the High Court opined that a different principle must be applicable in the case of the police. The High Court says that it is quite difficult to concede to the argument that the police, when commit crimes, in the course of their duty must be placed on the same footing along with ordinary citizens, given the fact that the police establishment has been placed in charge of a colossal responsibility of preserving public peace and security, controlling crimes and maintaining law and order. If at all any one has the authority to come to such conclusion, it is the legislators, but do Courts have that authority? The legislators of this country did not opine that to deal with the crimes committed by the police in the name of their duty, a separate Penal Code is necessary. The Indian Penal Code makes no distinction between the police and ordinary citizenry in this regard. Wherefrom have Courts the power to imagine what is beyond the pale of law. "Do those who resort to violence have any rights? "

This is a question that we come across quite often. Though this might sound quite convincing and even justifiable, is a society that recognizes the rights of only the good people a truly civilized one? Only that society can claim to be a civilized one, which recognizes the rights of even those who, for reasons good or bad, out-step the generally accepted boundaries of society and treats them as equal citizens and even if they are sought to be contained,they are dealt with only within that right framework. It is because of the fact that our Constitution-makers recognized this principle, they incorporated and guaranteed equal rights to all citizens. They did not draft the Constitution in an ambience of peace and tranquility. The Constitution of India was written in one of the most turbulent and violent times in history.

In the context of the partition of the country scores of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs resorted to and were subjected to bloodshed and killing on religious lines.There was an exodus of whole villages. At least ten lakh people died. The international community witnessed a hitherto unknown massive exchange of populace. Notwithstanding the fact that the Constitution was scripted during these intensely troubled times, it guaranteed equal and inviolable rights to all citizens. It is quite poignant and sad that the Courts seem to have conveniently forgotten that spirit. It would have been a very ideal and welcome situation if everyone respected and followed the law. But the problem arises when some one inflicts harm on others but claims equal protection of law and rule of law.

True, the Penal Code nowhere recognizes the principle that only those who follow law have the right to seek equal protection of law and rule of law. There is also no principle that there shall be no constitutional protection for those who refuse to respect the law. But the High Court opines that a person or group that indulges in the killing of innocent people and propagates to indulge in such killing cannot have the right to claim all forms of protection in the process of the state containing it. This is a totally anti-constitutional opinion. Setting aside the Constitution for a moment, a society that treats any one and every one in a civilized manner is only a civilized society.That society which treats only those who conform to its norms and standards in a civilized manner is not civilized in the true sense of the term. Even otherwise, the police are not just doing away with those who as asystematic programme kill "innocents". They are also assuming the role of justice-dispensers and killing those whom the Courts can, after due process of inquiry punish. They are also straight away shooting down those who are branded as "naxalites" despite having the opportunity of lawfully arresting them, without making any meaningful effort in that direction. As was the case with Mudigonda firing, they are also gunning down those who refuse to budge to their diktats of putting on hold their protest. They are also casually sniffing out the lives of one or two persons, whenever they perceive that crimes are on the rise and these hooligans must be reigned in and are creating a sense of fear-psychosis. The inappropriate and skewed understanding of law has resulted in this wrongful judgement.

Citing the incident of the attack on the Parliament of India on the 13th of December 2001 and of the five persons whom the CRPF Jawans gunned down, the High Court asked if cases of murder should also be registered against those 5 Jawans. The Court further extending its opinion said that if a case is registered,the intent of those who had come to attack, was only to kill the parliamentarians and not the Jawans and therefore, these Jawans would not be able to claim protection under the exercise of the right to self-defence and they would therefore be punished. But the right to self-defence as incorporated in law, not just extends to us but also to safeguard the person of others when in peril. Not just this, the police also have a right recognized in law to use necessary force to control crimes. Whether in exercise of the right to self-defence or in the course of discharge of ones duties, what needs to be established is whether force commensurate to the situation was exercised or not. And to prove this, a case must be registered and investigation conducted. What if, of the five persons whom the Jawans gunned down, only four had come to attack the Parliament? What if the 5th person were to be a tourist with little or no local contacts? Should his death also be counted in the list of the other deaths, if there is so specific complaint to the effect that the Jawans killed an innocent person, presuming him to be an assailant? It is therefore ever expedient that a case of murder must be registered and swift crime investigation must be done. All this does not mean that those CRPF Jawans would be suspended or they would be arrested. There is no rule that as soon as a case is registered they must be arrested or suspended. But an independent and impartial crime investigation must be forthwith carried out. If after due investigation, it is found that whether in the exercise of the right to self-defence (includes the right to defend the lives of others in peril – emphasis added) or in the course of discharge of ones duties, the accused resorted to firing in good faith, he/they can be declared as innocent. Adopting this kind of a practice would be a manifestation of a civilized society. Closing down a case uninvestigated, as happened with the attack on the Parliament in which 5 people were gunned down, is an expression of incivility. We conclude by making some observations on the profound faith that the High Court has reposed in the magisterial enquiry and the prominence which the Court has ascribed to it. These inquiries are carried out by officials of the rank of RDO's (Revenue Divisional Officers). They do not have any of the powers that a Court has. They cannot summon any witness for inquiry. They have no power to impose penalty in case any one does not turn up for inquiry or to depose. There would be no cross-examination of witnesses in that inquiry. The opinion of the Inquiring Official is not the Judgement. Above all, the police, whose respect for the authority of the Judiciary is itself questionable, have little or virtually nil respect for these inquiries. The police can very easily round-up the Office of the RDO and the village of the deceased and make sure that no one turns up for investigation and inquiry,and this is something that they quite often do. To argue that a case must be registered only if truth is established in such an inquiry is equal to saying that it is not necessary to register a case at all. Looked at any which way, this Judgement is a serious blow to the right to life of people.

The Human Rights Forum is organizing a State-Level Meeting on this issue and campaign for safeguarding the right to life.

Day for the Girl Child

2007-12-08T14:20:00.000+05:30

Today is dedicated to the Girl Child.

We have days dedicated to Special causes all through the year. Today is also the National Day for the Mentally Challenged and also today is the SAARC Day.

Well coming back to "Girl Child Day", girls are generally considered a burden and not welcome in Indian homes as much as a male child would be. A few days back I had seen an article on India being a terrible place to be born a girl.

The reason for all this is the still largely prevalent dowry and the traditional marriage system as well as the pathetic position that women generally occupy in the largely patriarchal Indian Society. Female foeticide is still not a thing of the past and girls being abandoned by their parents or relatives is very much happening.

Whatever the development programmes maybe initiated by the Governments, maybe at the Central, State or District levels leaves a lot to be desired in terms of implementation. There are many NGOs in the scene who do yeoman's work, but it is much lesser than what is needed at the moment.

The awakening should happen from within and till that time, we will continue to have these special days for the girls who loathe the day they were born.

Pic- The Internet

Burma's Person of the Year 2007

2007-12-06T14:59:00.000+05:30

Burma Digest has come out with the names of some people who can be voted as the Person of the Year, 2007. We can contribute in our little way to the auguring of peace and democracy in a country where "freedom" is almost non-existent. One has to read the guidelines and vote.
Hoping our brothers and sisters in Burma awake to democracy soon

Tamil and Kannada, Classical Languages

2007-12-02T08:39:00.000+05:30

Tamil has been declared a Classical Language whereas Kannada is still in the queue for it to be declared one. The only Indian language which has been recognized as a Classical language by International bodies is Sanskrit.

Both Tamil and Kannada are ancient and have a very rich heritage. Both are beautiful languages, though my knowledge of the IlakkaNa Tamil is very limited. Advocates of the Kannada language feel that the language has been slighted by the Government according the Classical status on Tamil and not yet on Kannada.

It was with a sense of pride and happiness that I read the report that Tamil Brahmi inscriptions have been found on pottery found in Egypt and it belongs to Circa 1 Century B.C. This shows that India was very well connected with many parts of the world through trade and commerce.

Instead of taking this to be all about a regional language, we should be proud that there is proof of an Indian language having withstood the tests of time and onslaughts of different natures.

Now that Tamil is a Classical language, it is just a matter of time before Kannada too is accorded this status.

Tamil is the official language in a few countries like Srilanka, Singapore and Malaysia. Hoping they too accord this status on Tamil so that Tamil gets closer to the coveted status of being a Classical Language recognized by the International Bodies.

Pic- Courtesy The Hindu

Black Cats to counter Black Magic

2007-11-28T16:07:00.000+05:30

Can anything beat this? Gowda's Black Magic Gets Yeddy Z- Plus screams the Bangalore Mirror today. The report says that the "Saat din ka Sultaan" may feel better with gun-toting security personnel, automatic weapons, a motorcade or bomb detection squad guarding him agianst the black magic et al, but the state treasury is feeling the pinch. Its wallet is lighter by Rs. 18 lakhs per week.
This is in response to Mr. Yeddyurappa accusing Deve Gowda and his family indulging in black magic against him and that it is a threat to his life. Nasty politcs this

The only other person in the State given Z-Plus security is the Governor Rameshwar Thakur.

Z- Plus security is the top most security arrangement that can be given to any political leader or VVIP. This is given to those enjoying the VVIP status when there is a threat to their lives. One pilot vehicle and two escort vehicles, each with ten men will be provided. Moreover, security personnel will be deployed round the clock to their residences.

All visitors will be screened with a metal detector. In addition, the traffic police should be prompt in clearing traffic in case the VVIP is travelling by that particular road. Z-Plus includes bomb experts, automatic weapons, light bullet proof jackets, metal detectors, armed guards, ambulance, a motorcade etc. The police along with a dog squad have to check the VVIP's house everyday. His security will be supervised by an officer of the rank of ACP, with the assistance of an inspector and six police personnel.

The Bangalore Mirror says.."But thank god, the Z-Plus security system does not include the use of jammers in Yeddyurappa's case. If jammers are used, then all mobile network coverage within a certain radius depending on the range of the jammers will be shut down. Even a remote will not function. It is a device fitted to escort vehicles, which cuts down the transmission of high frequency signals to avoid bomb blasts etc."

Hmm....so much for an ex-Chief Minister. Now I wonder what Deve Gowda's response would be for this. Will he seek a higher security cover?

Only time will tell what is in store for us!!

Courtesy- Bangalore Mirror

The Sound of Music

2007-11-21T22:34:00.000+05:30

Have they stopped making such movies?

The movie, a musical is one loved for the songs, the actors and well, the Sound of Music ofcourse. It is all about a captain who has 7 children and our heroine, Maria goes in to take care of them. The brats that they are, they try to chase her away but she manages to woo them. Set in the nazi period, it is a wonderful movie.

Do re me is a favourite with children. But my all time favourite is the Confidence song and love the portion
I have confidence in confidence alone
Besides which you see I have confidence in me!

Then there is this "These are a few of my favourite things" So fresh and peppy even today. I cant have enough of watching and listening to all these songs

Nann(mm)a Bengaluru

2007-11-20T08:54:00.000+05:30

I am suddenly in a nostalgic mood...remembering the city as it used to be and the state it is in now..

I love Nanna Bengaluru very much. Bangalore has always been home though I have stayed in Bombay too for sometime and visited quite a few cities. Nothing to beat the charm of Bangalore. Much as I might crib about my city, it is more out of love for the city.

Those were the days I remember as a toddler we used to walk through M G Road to Cubbon Park. It was another story that my mother or father carried me most of the walk. I still vividly remember collecting the May Flowers strewn on the roadside pavements. The traffic, compared to today used to be next to nil then. Going to Bal Bhavan and going on the toy train, eating popcorn. I have relived all that again with my daughters though we have not walked on MG Road to Cubbon Park.

We used to go upto the top step of the Vidhana Soudha and peer inside through the sliding shutters and look in wonder at the painted roof and the chandeliers. Now all one can do is look at the marvel from the pavement. Well, security.. I can go on and on about Bangalore. Here is something about Bangalore.
When I read this, Oh yeah, Bangalore is definitely the best city. The phenomenal growth of the city has attracted many. However, political uncertainty seems to be putting people off too, per industry reports.

Climatically too, the "pensioners paradise" was very pleasant with nobody complaining about the heat, and most middle class houses did not need a fan. Now it is hard to see houses without air conditioners.

There are a lot of issues that I would like to mention here which I am saving for subsequent separate posts.

Whatever one may say, no other city (Call it frog in the well syndrome and I dont care) can beat the beauty of Bangalore. Well, it still IS the Garden City and can remain one if we strive to atleast keep it this way.

Pic - Me

Save Kannada and the Microsoft Connection

2007-11-02T09:18:00.000+05:30

What is the connection between Kannada language, literature and Microsoft? The reports are that Microsoft has submitted a letter of intent to the Government of Karnataka (well, do we have one) to establish paperless offices. The opposers say that it is riddled with errors. They have started a Save Kannada Campaign. Is it save Kannada? Does Kannada need saving or is there an ulterior motive in just ensuring Microsoft doesnt do this project? The site itself seems riddled with contradictions

My question is, we have so many companies and agencies in India offering software solutions worldwide, cant we do what Microsoft has proposed to do?

ಕನ್ನಡ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವದ ಹಾರ್ಧಿಕ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು‌

BJP Rally

2007-11-01T10:21:00.000+05:30

These were some sights witnessed in Bangalore on 31st October 2007 during the BJP Rally to pressurize the Governor to invite BJP-JD(S) combine to form the Government which put the traffic in total chaos. I was driving from MG Road towards Raj Bhavan where I asked a Policeman if I could drive past, he said sure madam, 'Democracy". If you can make space, you can drive by:)

This was near Minsk Square

On MG Road

Brisk business for some balloon vendors infront of Chinnaswamy Stadium

Infront of the Queens Statue, Cubbon Park, M G Road

Gathering for the Rally

Buses bringing supporters in hordes

Paan - The ubiquitous Spit

2007-10-22T19:13:00.000+05:30

Paan or the betel leaf has a very important place in our society. Be it from offering it to the Gods or to offering to people after a sumptuous lunch or dinner it has its own significance. It is said to contain digestive properties and is also used as a mouth freshener.

These can be bought from any roadside dukaan. And we can find the spots or maps created by the paan chewers along every street, though it has considerably reduced in recent times. I remember in erst-while Bombay, the corners in staircases used to be the favourite places for paan-spitters and of late we see a lot of pictures of Gods or writings from holy scriptures to dissuade people from spitting.

In the City Civil Court Complex in Bangalore, all the walls are plastered with notices that anyone found spitting would be fined.

I found this site which has a good deal of info about paan.

This I picked from here
A simple Paan can be prepared in following way.

Betel leaf is washed carefully and then dried with cloth.
Mix spices such as cardamom, anise and katha with choona (lime paste), grated coconut, different kinds of supari (betel nuts) and small piece of various candies.
Add the mixture on the betel leaf.
Fold the leaf into a triangular shape and secure it by piercing a piece of cloves into it.
You can keep Paan fresh on ice with rose petals.

I have had a very bad experience with paan. When I was in School, I had participated in a parade of NCC,as is the practice, we were given our lunch and also on that day, in addition there was paan. I had eaten that and when we walked to Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore where the parade was to take place, I felt I was floating and felt extremely dizzy. It was my luck that it rained cats and dogs and hence the parade was cancelled. Imagine leading a contingent of floating and swaying cadets... I still cant fathom what was added in the paan and it gives me shudders to even think of that.

This episode was enough for me to stay away from paan totally, never to touch it except the once I tried it in Infantry Road's paan shop in the cellar of the Samarkhand complex recently. This Air-conditioned shop has a fine array of paan and lots of customers flocking in.

Ban the Bulb

2007-10-04T18:56:00.000+05:30

Continuing my earlier post on Conservation which is becoming a very important issue, I came across this by Greenpeace urging the banning of the bulb. I would urge everyone, for whatever it is worth, to send the mail to our Government. Even if an iota of difference is made, it might mean a world of difference to our future generations

Conservation- The path ahead

2007-10-02T19:25:00.000+05:30

Protecting nature in India often means competing for valued living space and resources with some of the country's most under privileged people.Industrial and commercial pressures are also expanding rapidly, undermining the ecological integrity of parks in hitherto unprecedented ways. Simply garrisoning the fortresses will not, indeed, cannot work.

But for wildlife and humans to survive, each other requires a synthesis of the best of the insights the biological and humanistic disciplines have on offer. It also calls for innovative and often out of the box thinking.

Drawing on the book he has recently co-edited, Dr. Mahesh Rangarajan in his book, "Making Conservation work", looks back and ahead, not only at why things are at the current impasse but of how we can move forward. It is possible to look ahead with cautious hope, drawing on the systemic strengths of Indian democracy to reconcile competing demands and keep priceless biota intact in a manner that is just and stable.

P.S- Talking about Conservation, I chanced upon Blackle and the quantum of energy it could save in comparison to Google. I also saw this Blog by Google.

World Elders Day

2007-09-30T17:54:00.000+05:30

World Elders Day is celebrated on 1st of Oct every year.
This is the UN note on Ageing for 2007:
Older people - a new power for development.Why a "new power"?

A demographic revolution is underway throughout the world. Today, world-wide, there are around 600 million persons aged 60 years and over; this total will double by 2025 and will reach virtually two billion by 2050 - the vast majority of them in the developing world.

In our fast ageing world, older people will increasingly play a critical role - through volunteer work, transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in the paid labour force.

Already now, older persons make major contributions to society. For instance, throughout Africa -and elsewhere - millions of adult AIDS patients are cared for at home by their parents. On their death, orphaned children left behind (currently, 14 million under the age of 15 in African countries alone) are mainly looked after by their grandparents.

It is not only in developing countries that older persons' role in development is critical. In Spain for example, caring for dependent and sick individuals (of all ages) is mostly done by older people (particularly older women); the average number of minutes per day spent in providing such care increases exponentially with the carers' age: 201 minutes if the carer is in the age group 65-74 and 318 minutes if aged 75-84 - compared to only 50 minutes if the carer is in the age group 30-49 (Durán H, Fundación BBVA, 2002).

Such contributions to development can only be ensured if older persons enjoy adequate levels of health, for which appropriate policies need to be in place. In line with the Madrid International Plan of Action, the World Health Organization launched in 2002 a document "Active Ageing - A Policy Framework", outlining its approaches and perspectives for healthy ageing throughout the life course.

"Ageing is a development issue. Healthy older persons are a resource for their families, their communities and the economy."
- WHO Brasilia declaration on healthy ageing, 1996.

I was thinking aloud as to what could be the fit way to celebrate World Elders Day. It is probably one of the least glorified of all days. Does it show our apathy? Probably we do forget that it is just a matter of time before we too are there, being the "Elders".

There is an organization called Nightingales in Bangalore, Malleswaram which has done a lot of work towards making the lives of the elderly a pleasure. They also have day care for the elderly who can spend their time with a lot of people from morning till evening. The atmosphere there is very nice and I for one, felt that for some elders who would otherwise be all alone through the day, it would be a blessing to have homes like this where they can do all activities and also talk to a lot of people. It seems to be a very healthy place with all the elders there sporting a happy smile.

Remember the contribution our Elders have made in our Life,Society,,Country and the world.Lets Stand together and honour the Senior Citizens,"We are proud of all our elders for being part of our lives".

Phew At Last!!

2007-09-30T16:57:00.000+05:30

Phew At Last!!

After trying all ways and means to access blogspot, I found that I could get onto my dashboard and so can post blogs. It is only that I cant view any blogs. Hoping I find the time to take it up against my ISP and come back to blogging.

All the while, I have been trying other ways too, and my friend Suchin too has been helping me find ways to atleast post something while the issue is being resolved...like e-mailing the post directly to the blog. Before I could explore that, this opened and hence here I am test posting!!!

Is there anything to Hyde?

2007-08-22T08:25:00.000+05:30

The Hyde Act is divided into the binding and non-binding clauses. As per this report, what the left is objecting to is contained in the non-binding portion. But on a cursory glance of the Act I had yesterday, I felt that there was more to this than what meets the eye. There are "portions" in the binding portions too which might cause problems. I will post on this after studying the Act in its entirety and what 123 means to India. Is it going to be as simple as 123?

Surely, if this goes through, a major energy crisis within our country would be averted and it would help India on a large scale. But should we not exercise care and also ensure that we dont bow down but get things on our terms?

126 Military agreement is on the anvil. This has already caused a stir in the region with China and Pakistan upping their ante.

We should remember that the US Presidents are very powerful in that they can exercise three powers by which they can pass the executive orders, they can veto and they also have the extraordinary ability to cause acts such as the Hyde to be amended. This actually enables them to act as dictators. So we should exercise the utmost care and read between the lines but at the same time try to benefit the maximum out of the given scenario

Graffiti

2007-08-08T09:14:00.000+05:30

I have been wanting to blog for sometime, but due to time constraints ( I have been working for almost three weeks now without a break), could not even visit some blogs that I regularly frequent. Hope this kind of a hiatus doesnt happen anymore :)

On the 60th anniversary of our independence from the clutches of the colonial rule, it is imperative to ask and to assess how free are we today – to breathe clean and fresh air, to walk without severances in our own neighborhoods, to access drinkable water, to eat and live healthy and to choose our livelihood – in the city or village, we live in?

Are we becoming enslaved to an overpowering pursuit of globalization? - at the cost of destroying our local habitat and making it unlivable.

Can Bangalore leverage its advantages in research, IT and other technologies and its remarkable economic success to solve its problems – its unruly traffic; poor air quality and road safety; its dirty or disappearing lakes and ground water; and similar problems in managing its food supply chain, greenery, housing and land-use planning, electricity and waste ? Can it turn its impending crises on its head?

Building on its success as a Global Outsourcing hub, can Bangalore "upgrade" to become a Knowledge and Innovation Hub? Will Insourcing become Bangalore's new mantra?

Bangalore can leverage its advantages - in Research, IT/ITeS, Telecom, Bio-technology etc. - to solve multifarious problems of transport, air and water pollution, road safety, food supply, housing etc. At the same time, Bangalore can emerge as a national hub for IT-driven urban infrastructure and management and a global hub in the near future. For a city that has brought so much pride and glory to the country in recent times, can it rise up to the new challenges?

15 years of its glorious rise later, Bangalore's IT industry has tapped into a scarce pool of talent - engineers, graduates, post-grads and management professionals. Should it continue to primarily export all its services? Or should it contemplate developing solutions for the country beginning with Bangalore itself and self-regulate to commit 15-20% of its resources to the local needs, just as farmers are prohibited by law to export 100% of their produce even if agricultural produce prices become lucrative in the international market.

Just as the country would have a food crisis and millions would starve, export-oriented IT companies must realize how they are "crowding out" domestic market companies for skilled labour force, making it scarce or cost-prohibitive for companies which address local needs to hire good talent.

How do we gear up for a healthy and appreciating rupee that is close to its purchasing power parity and make it attractive to do business locally? In a remarkable way, a healthy domestic market will also provide a buffer for "outsourcing" export-oriented companies not to undercut each other on their billings to appropriate projects and upgrade to a new phase of Innovation-led growth.

As Bangalore introspects into its problems and develops pathbreaking solutions to become a truly world-class city, it can also package and export to rest of the world as its mantra to a new phase of growth and sustained profitability. This is what can be called - " Insourcing".

There is a seminar conducted on this in the Windsor Manor Sheraton on the 15th of this month from 3.30 PM. People interested in our city will find it interesting.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2007-07-21T07:30:00.000+05:30

My daughter had been waiting for the release of this book for a very long time now. And July 21st was the P-Day, I mean D-Day. She had warned us about long queues outside book stores and how she wanted to go and stand in the queue and absorb all the Potter mania and be amongst the first to get hold of the book.

I am not sure if she slept at all last night. We set out early in the morning today to the book store at Sadashivanagar. Surprise of surprises, there was nobody there except us. And, the staff at the store were just removing the books from the boxes and putting them up on display. They had made arrangements to ensure smooth sale of books and the feeling of achievement I could see on my daughter's face, to be amongst the first to get her copy of the book is too difficult to explain. And she was touched by the dedication in the book which said, Dedicated to 7 people, the last one was you..."if you have stuck with Harry until the very end". She said so sweet, thank you Rowling.

Leaving her and all the Potter fans with the Deathly Hallows... and waiting for the book to be released :-) (by my daughters) so that I too can read it.

Auto Fellow

2007-07-20T13:37:00.000+05:30

I am autofellow autofellow
Four knowing route fellow
Justice having rate fellow
Good people mix fellow
Nice singing song fellow
Gandhi borning country fellow
Stick take means hunter fellow
Big people's relation fellow
Mercy having mind fellow da
I am all poor's relative fellow da
I am always poor people's relative fellow da
Achak means achak only; Gumuk means gumuk only
Achak means achak only; Gumuk means gumuk only

Town become big, population become big
Bus expecting, half age over
Life become hectic in time, exist in corner of street
Ada eye beat means love coming they telling
You hand clap means auto coming I telling
Front coming look, this three-wheel chariot
Good come and arrive, you trust and climb up
Mercy having mind fellow da
I am always poor people's relative fellow da
Achak means achak only; Gumuk means gumuk only
Achak means achak only; Gumuk means gumuk only

Mummy motherfolk, danger not leave
Heat or cyclone, never I never tell
There there hunger take means, many savoury
Measurement food is one time
For pregnancy I come free mummy
Your child also name one I keep mummy
Letter lacking person ada trusting us and coming
Address lacking street ada auto fellow knowing
Achak means achak only ; Gumuk means gumuk only
Achak means achak only ; Gumuk means gumuk only

Got this as a forward...rings a bell?

E-Judiciary

2007-07-11T08:47:00.000+05:30

The sea change for the better being brought in with the computerization programme in the courts is laudable. Most of the courts, atleast in Bangalore are computerized and we can also check the status of different cases, cause lists, last action taken on a particular case etc online, though NIC does have a disclaimer which says it is not responsible for any wrong information.

The electronic display of cases in all the courts in the Karnataka High Court has also made life much more easier for us advocates to keep abreast of matters in different courts. The computerization in the different City Courts too is a tremendous effort in keeping up with the times and providing proper information to both advocates as well as the parties.

It is very heartening to read about the further computerization that is happening all over in the judiciary.

This is what President Abdul Kalam had to say....

"Our judicial system is dynamic and an institution which is throbbing with life catching up societal and technological evolution. As the ultimate protector of human rights and the final resort for dispensation of justice, the citizens of India look up to this institution with hope. Our Society is going through a unique dynamics due to the shortage of leadership with nobility. The only hope the nation cherishes and looks to is the judiciary with its excellence and impeccable integrity. We should do everything to make the judicial system succeed. It is said that a nation fails not because of economic progress but because of an increase in decision makers with small minds.

"This casts a very heavy responsibility on the entire judicial system to live up to the expectations reposed in it and to maintain the sacred aura attached to it unsullied. Qualities of honesty and integrity are synonymous with each member of the judicial system. e-judiciary will be an enabler in the realization of transparency, speed and equity in the judicial decision making process. With these words, I launch the Computerization of Courts by the Supreme Court of India. I am confident that with the effort taken, Indian model of e-judiciary can become the best in the world." (9 July 2007)

Films of Desire: Sexuality and Cinematic Imagination

2007-07-09T20:48:00.000+05:30

It makes interesting reading the reviews of the films to be staged in the "Creating Resources for Empowerment in Action" organized by The South and Southeast Asia Resource Centre on Sexuality and Moving Images And The International Centre to be held in PANAJI, GOA between July 14-15, 2007. The event, Films of Desire: Sexuality and the Cinematic Imagination, a one day event, will focus on Southeast Asian Cinema and will feature inter alia Screenings of features, short films, documentaries, animation, music videos and experimental films that engage with ideas of sexuality in South and Southeast Asia. Discussions around the different ways in which desires get articulated, normative and non-normative representations of sexualities and how filmmakers' intentions may be displaced by multiple readings by the audience.

This seems to be an interesting event in The International Centre,Goa,Goa University Road , Dona Paula on 14 July between 4 pm to 8 pm and on 15 July between 4 pm to 8.30 pm. The details can be procured from the website

A brief outline of some of the movies to be showcased in the two day festival and their review-

BEAUTIFUL BOXER, Ekachai Uekrongtham , 118 minutes/ Thai with English subtitles/ 2003/ Thailand

Based on the real life story of Parinya Charoenphol, a Muaythai boxer who underwent a sex change operation to become a woman. The movie chronicles her life from a young boy who likes to wear lipstick and wear flowers to her sensational career as a kick boxer whose specialty is ancient Muaythai boxing moves which she can execute expertly with grace and finally her confrontation with her own sexuality which led to her sex change operation.

LOVE FOR SHARE , Nia Dinata, 120 minutes/ Bahasa Indonesia with English subtitles/ 2006/ Indonesia .

The film is an intriguing portrait of polygamous lifestyles in contemporary Jakarta. A gynecologist Salma discovers, to her shock, that her husband has taken a second wife. She tolerates successive wives as'a good Muslim wife'should, until an incident forces her to cater to everyone in his circle. Siti, a country girl, realizes too late that her uncle, who has moved her to Jakarta with the promise of sending her to beauty school, has other intentions. In a packed household, Siti's hope for survival rests in her growing intimacy with one of her uncle's other wives.And Ming,a waitress and material girl, contrives to become her Catholic boss' second wife. The lives of these three women from different classes and ethnic backgrounds intersect as the similarities in their stories are revealed.

SEA IN THE BLOOD, Richard Fung, 26 minutes/ English/ 2000/ Canada.

An intensely moving personal essay about living in the shadow of illness, Sea in the Blood explores two of Fung's closest relationships — with his late sister Nan, who died in 1977 of a rare blood disorder called thalassemia (which literally means 'sea in the blood'), and with his lifelong lover, Tim, who has been living with HIV since 1980.

STRAY CATS , Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, 115 min/ Filipino, Tagalog & English with English subtitles/ 2005/ Philippines.

The film follows the parallel love lives of Marta,a middle-aged advertising executive, and her gay friend and duplex landlord, Boyet. Both are waiting for the men who they believe will fulfill their hopes and dreams. Boyet writes romance novels inspired by Marta's idiosyncratic anxieties about Steve, her noncommittal boyfriend. Hoping that Steve will eventually ask her to settle down,Marta is quietly envious of Boyet's 'family' —his adopted son, Jojo, a 15-year-old pickpocket, and Dom, his financially dependent lover. Willing to play the stereotypical roles of woman and gay man, Marta and Boyet embrace their hopeful fantasies. All these hopes
turn out to be illusions, however, and as they mature they decide to take matters into their own hands.

THE MATCHMAKER, Cinzia Puspita Rini, 10 minutes/ Indonesian with
English subtitles/ 2006/ Indonesia

A simple story about Kay, an eclectic girl with both beauty and sweetness and a guy who seems to fall for her.Their eyes locked and she had him besotted since the first second he saw her, in his bookstore. The simple yet charming guy, named Darren owns a bookstore and she is quite a regular customer. A conversation over the book she ordered actually begins what we think as a start of a romantic journey. While, Kay is cooking a master plan which involves Darren in her own mind, they enjoy their times together. A week after their first meeting, Kay decides to launch her master plan.

These are but a few of the movies to be showcased. Should be a double bonanza if one heads to Goa now, a nice holiday and the added attraction of the movies. Anyone game for it?

How Times Have Changed!!!

2007-07-07T16:56:00.001+05:30

I still hear the authoritarian voice ringing in my ears when we had been to participate in an interschool competition in BEL School, Bangalore ordering us to keep quiet. I, in Class 9 then was representing my School in a Quiz competition and we were asked to maintain silence while the competition was on. We were asked to sit in one place and be disciplined.

I was in for a very nice surprise yesterday when I went to Ambedkar Bhavan to pick my daughter up from the All India inter school national competition conducted by Horlicks called the Horlicks Activity, the biggest inter school fiesta. It was all about energy and enthusiasm and noise what with the organisers asking the audience to scream, dance and generally have fun and the children were more than willing to do so. There was a banner outside which read "CAUTION: WHIZKIDS INSIDE" . :-)

I saw the energy and the involvement with which the children were participating in the group dance, music etc conducted yesterday and today. It is a very interactive and wonderfully conducted competition having all schools from Bangalore participating. Another surprise was when the team from St. Joseph's Boys European School was represented by an all girl team. Well, they clarified that girls were also in the School now :-)

All in all, a very nice change from the routine work being with children shouting and cheering teams, a dhamaka. The half an hour I spent there was enough to have my adrenalin pumping and getting me all charged up. A nice Friday evening it was. Kudos to the organisers for coming up with such a wonderful competition which was more about participating than anything else.

Sycophancy of the Highest Order

2007-07-01T22:36:00.000+05:30

It was celebration time for Katta Subramanya Naidu in Bangalore today as it was his birthday. And what a way to celebrate...by putting up or encouraging putting up of hoardings all over the city defacing the beauty of our city. What a waste of money. They proclaim him to be "Badavara Bandhu" meaning "relative of the poor". Is this the way to help the poor? Encouraging all this is We, the People. What a sad state of affairs.

Interesting HR Practices

2007-06-27T22:32:00.000+05:30

In today's Bangalore where software companies are still mushrooming by the hundreds, the HR in most software companies are trying their best to keep the employees within their brood and stem the attrition rate. The whole idea is that the HR is being quite innovative now a days to keep the employees motivated and though the companies grow multifold, they retain the personal touch.

It was very interesting to read that Aditi Technologies had brought in an elephant and the works on the day new employees were inducted into the company and they were welcomed within the fold by the application of tilak and the performance of aarti. The new recruits were really thrilled to be given such a royal welcome.

In iGate, the employees get together every monday for a music performance in which any employee interested can display their talent. This has become such a hit that the phrase "manic monday" does not exist for iGators.

Another company "Continuous Computing" takes a break from continuous computing at lunch time when the company switches off all lights and the employees relax and go to sleep in the office. Some of them also get their pillows, mattresses etc to have a good, undisturbed siesta for 45 minutes. Also the employees have different smileys which they display on their cabins as per their mood. If the employee has a weepy, then the grievance of that employee is taken care of. What with employees asked to sleep and clients instructed not to disturb the staff during the afternoon siesta :), one need not be surprised to find smiling smileys all around

Surely it seems like a dream working for these software companies. However, will these practices stem attrition? Will the employees be satisfied with what their employers dole out to them?

What a place!!!!

2007-06-24T21:30:00.000+05:30

There are these small little tiny places strewn all around the city which dole out clean, tasty food from the usual traditional stuff that tingles one's taste buds to the really exotic ones which has us raising our brows in appreciation.

One such place I discovered when I went for my walk around the Malleswaram area is Sairam Juice and Chats on the 16th Cross somewhere between 6th and 8th Mains very close to MES College. I went back after the walk, drove to the place alongwith people from home.

They are very innovative with the chats there from Dahi Bhel to Nippat Masala to Chips Masala. And their churning out is so tasty that we were longing to eat more though we were full. It is all right I guess to sin once in a while. To top it, the people there are very friendly with pleasant faces and smiles that it is quite an experience though we have to stand on the pavement to eat (we sat in the car as it was drizzling). They are quite clean too. Bangaloreans should check out this place just like Veena Stores and Asha's in Malleswaram

Wishes for Sivaji

2007-06-21T22:58:00.000+05:30

It was a surprise to see this hoarding wishing that the film Sivaji would run to a centenary (dont know what that means though.... 100 days??) infront of Cauvery Theatre which is showing Sivaji. Surprise to see Kannada fans pitching for a Tamil film. Is it the Rajnikanth-Bangalore connection? Or... well I smell something here :D

Rig Veda A World Heritage

2007-06-20T15:58:00.000+05:30

It is indeed a proud moment for all Indians that 30 Manuscripts of the Rig Veda have been recognized as World Heritage. It is the earliest available work written by the Aryans in the Harappan Civilization. It was written between 1800 and 1500 BC. The hymns in the Rig Veda show how the people in the Indus Valley Civilization led their lives, what they believed in and also how they praised their Gods.The Rig consists of 1028 hymns,10552 verses(39,831 Padas) and is the longest of the Vedas.

This, though late,is but just a recognition of the ancient and rich culture that is India.

Unveiling the Purdahnashin

2007-06-19T13:48:00.000+05:30

All was well with the world of Purdah till our Presidential hopeful Pratibha Patil rattled the hornet's nest claiming that the purdah system was started to protect the women from Muslim invaders and Mughals in particular. What about the heavily purdhah-ed women of Rajashtan?

Once when I was still doing my law, had been to Delhi as part of our course and so we went to Jaipur. There was a wedding taking place in a temple and the bride was fully covered with clothes and flowers from head to toe. We wanted to see the bride. With a lot of charm and persuasion, a few of us girls managed to go see the girl lifing her purdah, she was such a young delicate girl, so beautiful, the feeling we had after seeing her was will she be this way always within the purdah... Sad state!!

Law too exempts certain classes of people from personal appearance in courts. Once amongst them is the purdahnashin(or the lady wearing the veil). She is not expected to appear in courts.

I just read a precis by Sanjeev Nayyar from the book "Thoughts on Pakistan" written by Dr. Ambedkar about the Purdah System and am reproducing it below-

"Purdah system - That something more is the compulsory Purdah system for women. As a consequence a system of segregation of Muslim women is brought about. ‘Friends have reproduced excerpts of purdah impact’. All of them are confined to the same room, not expected to visit outer rooms. These burkha clad women walking on the streets is one of the most hideous sights one can witness in India. Such seclusion cannot but have its deteriorating effects upon the physical constitution of Muslim women. They are usually victims of anaemia, tuberculosis and pyorrhea. Their bodies are deformed with their backs bent etc. Ribs, bones and nearly all their bones ache. Heart palpation is very often present in them. The result of this pelvic deformity is untimely death at the time of delivery. Purdah deprives Muslim women of mental & moral nourishment. Further they become narrow and restricted in their outlook. Being deprived of a healthy social life, the process of moral degeneration sets in. They have no desire for knowledge, because they are taught not to be interested in nothing outside four walls of the house. It makes them helpless, timid & unfit to fight life.
The origin of purdah lies of course in the deep-rooted suspicion of sexual appetites in both sexes and the purpose is to check them by segregating the sexes. But far from achieving that purpose, it has adversely affected the morals of women. They have limited contact with the outside world; the men have no company of females except children & aged. The isolation of the males from the females is sure to produce bad effects on the morals of men. It requires no psychoanalyst to say that a social system that cuts off all contact between the two sexes produces an unhealthy tendency towards sexual excesses & unnatural and other morbid ways & habits.

Purdah is also responsible for social segregation of Hindus from Muslims, which is the bane of public life in India. The Hindus do not want to establish social contact because it means contact between a Muslim man with and Hindu lady and Hindu man. Surely Purdah is found amongst a section of the Hindus too but it lacks religious sanctity, as is the case with the Muslims. ‘Friends what the Hindu ladies do is to have a ghoonghat, meaning covering of the head and face. Again it is more prevalent today in smaller towns & villages. A number of ladies cover their heads only as a mark of respect to elders. However, Hindu women do not wear another layer of clothing like Muslim women do'.
Thus there is stagnation in the social life of the Muslims. But there is also stagnation in the political life of the community in India. Their predominant interest is religion. Politics is essentially clerical and recognizes only one difference namely that existing between Hindus and Muslims. None of the secular categories of life have any place in the politics of the community and if they do find a place – they are subordinated to none and the only governing principle of the political universe, namely Religion.

Does it matter whether the purdah is one layer or two layers. The idea is to keep the women folk in seclusion. And it really does not matter what the origin, this system defintely has to go if India has to grow. This also means the relevant changes in the Laws too have to be brought about.

Pics-The Internet

Messages and Forwards

2007-06-16T22:28:00.000+05:30

Talking about SMSes and forwards,there are so many being circulated that I hardly spend anytime reading them. However, there are two that I liked..

One was an SMS I received which went like this-
What is the difference between the rest of India and Bangalore?
In the rest of India, people drive on the left of the road whereas in Bangalore you drive on what is left of the road.

How true..

Another one which I have received innumerable times but still I read it fully each time I receive it is this--

The white man said, "Colored people are not allowed here." The black man turned around and stood up. He then said: "Listen sir....when I was born I was BLACK, " "When I grew up I was BLACK, " "When I'm sick I'm BLACK, " "When I go in the sun I'm BLACK, " "When I'm cold I'm BLACK, "When I die I'll be BLACK." "But you sir." "When you're born you're pink, " "When you grow up you're white, " "When you're sick, you're green, "When you go in the sun you turn red, " "When you're cold you turn blue, " "And when you die you turn purple." "And you have the nerve to
call me colored?" The black man then sat back down and the white man walked away....

Food for thought this?

Sivaji the boss

2007-06-15T22:09:00.000+05:30

I received a message from Suchin this morning. I was getting ready to leave home when this message came in and I in a hurry snatched my phone to check on the message. it said..."I have Sivaji 4 tickets in PVR matinee show on 15th...if u want i will give it to u...."
I had never thought of watching this movie, but this message had me thinking, why not. But I was not sure about the convenience of my husband, so called him up and enquired if he would want to go. He was not very eager but did not want to dampen my spirits and so said after some thought ok if you feel like going. Well, then I called up Suchin and he asked me are you in the theatre and asked me did you read the message fully. I then realized it was a prank message and then scrolled down the message to see the full one.. which went this way..."but it is only parking ticket, venuma?" I had such a laugh.
The best part was in my hurry I thought that the tickets were for Sunday, I think we conveniently see only what we want to...LOL. But I started today with a hearty laugh.

Banning Orkut

2007-06-12T08:20:00.000+05:30

It was with surprise that I read yesterdday about moves to ban orkut and thought it probably was a joke till I read about the Shiv Seniks attacking a Cyber Net Centre in Thane, Maharashtra.

One wonders what will remain of the democracy if there is such a blatant attack on Freedom of Speech and Expression. There are moves to develop a software which will partly ban orkut and prevent access to sites which spread hate India campaign

I do not think this makes sense at all. Will the government now plan a ban on paintings which hurt the sentiments of many? China....here we come.

If the Government finds a way to block an URL, the techies will find a way to bypass that and still access the site.

There are so many porn sites on the web easily accessible to anyone surfing the internet.Why does the Government not do anything about banning that? It was reported by a Television Channel (ETV) that Billions of Rupees are going out of India due to
porno sites. It says, 33% of Men and 8% women browse porno sites from office computers itself while working -quoting AC Neilson. The International porno biz is around US$60Bn. It is behind lot of abductions and other sex related crime in India. We can easily assume the loss to India could be around US$ 3BN directly and if we take in account other costs like Judicial, Administrative and Social, it becomes too difficult to evaluate.

If the Government wants to do something about cleaning up the Internet for India, they should begin with banning these sites.

On the other side, my broad band service provider has blocked Blogspot and says it is one of the sites that Government of India has issued instructions for blocking. No amount of reasoning that I can access it from my work place or using dial up has worked till last evening when I have threatened legal action. Hoping better sense prevails.

An Open letter...

2007-06-10T14:23:00.000+05:30

After Bangalore, it is the turn of Tiruvananthapuram to ire the animal lovers. The CM's office is being barged by a flood of letters/mails.

OPEN LETTER TO THE CHIEF MINISTER OF KERALA -

chiefminister@kerala.gov.in

Mr.V.S. Achuthanandan,
Chief Minister,Kerala,
Government Secretariat,
Trivandrum 695001

Dear Sir,We are shocked and outraged by the savage and inhuman manner in which your Government and municipal corporations in your State have been killing stray dogs. Particularly revolting has been the role of the Trivandrum Corporation authorities who have been killing stray dogs with wanton and apparently pre-planned, savagery. What is absolutely unpardonable, an elderly British lady, Avis Lyons, who has set up an excellent animal shelter near Trivandrum and had been sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs, was roughed up by your policemen when she came to intercede in a completely civilized and non-violent manner.

Should municipal and police authorities in your State deny these allegations, we are prepared to counter them with live video clips showing their obnoxious conduct.We would like to point out to you in this context that Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India states that it shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen of India "to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and have compassion for living creatures".

We, the undersigned, therefore, strongly urge upon you to take immediate steps to stop the killing of stray dogs, revert to the earlier practice of implementing Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules 2001 and provide exemplary punishment to those guilty of roughing up Ms Lyons and inflicting unspeakable cruelty to innocent stray dogs, many of whom had been neutered and vaccinated against rabies.Hoping for immediate action

Yours sincerely

We had been reading that a number of children had been fatally mauled by dogs in Bangalore. However, my thought on this is, is sending the dog to the pound, the only solution to tackle this menace?

Proactive Bangalore Police?

2007-06-04T12:43:00.000+05:30

Bangalore Traffic Police are advertising through their notices in the newspapers as well as hoardings across the city that they have fulfilled their early promises made through BTRAC.

They are harping on these-

1. The traffic information system: BTIS- This seems great. It has to be seen how thisis used by the cops in regulating traffic.

2.Putting up signage and lane markings is good. They have started doing it in certain roads with dedicated lanes to autorickshaws etc. But please, this dedicated lane to the autorickshaws..is it wise? I was driving on Saturday from near Minsk square alongside Chinnaswamy Stadium wanting to enter Lavelle Road. These auto drivers who were in their lane which is at the extreme left wanted to go to Kasturbha Road, and hence taking a right. It was utter confusion there with vehicles zig zagging across the road at the junction. My take on this is that the traffic police should do a rethink about this dedicated lane, or should regulate the traffic at such points. Some markings which are visible here and there seems good though,

3.Easy Auto - Sounds so good, hope it is true. We have all heard stories of auto rickshaw drivers fleecing people.

Hope enforcement too is as good with fine being imposed on the spot for traffic violations.

Terrorism...Is there no end?

2007-06-03T09:58:00.000+05:30

There seems to be no end to terrorism. It sickens me no end to think that there is no respite for the world from these. And there is no country or place which seems to be safe any longer. Will the world ever be a peaceful place to be live in?

Hair Today Gone Tomorrow

2007-05-31T15:47:00.000+05:30

Acute Hair loss

This seems to be a common problem faced by majority of the youth today. Most of them are prematurely going the bald way. Is it the stress, the life-style (including bad eating habits ) that one leads now a days that is leading to this? Yesterday I saw a 18 year or so (looked like a boy in college) a stunner but balding, and it got me thinking are these also factors in addition to heriditary factors that we see so many balding so soon?

Now what is this?

2007-05-30T09:20:00.000+05:30

I have read/heard of a lot being said about stars and signs influencing a person's behaviour. But THIS?

If I am not driving well, all I need do is blame my stars..he he..

Another suggestion to the Authorities that issue driving licences, check the stars of the applicants and issue. Good idea?

What is in a Name?

2007-05-29T13:04:00.000+05:30

"Rose by any other name would smell as sweet".

This is what my mother would tell me time and again when I as a small girl used to ask her why she named me this. My name with the spelling as it is, used to cause a lot of confusion whether I was a male or female, no..most of the times it never caused confusion, it was decided that I was male. It used to embarrass me no end. The few occasions when I have felt very upset at being called is when I was felicitated because I got the highest marks in class 10 in our locality. I had specifically gone upto the compere and told him that my name was Rama with the 'a' sound longer in the second 'a' and not Raamaa. But to my horror, he called out not just my name but saying Mr. Raama. I did not want to go up stage and receive the certificate. But I had to. I just went up took the certificate and told everyone out there that I am Ms. Rama Hariharan and I am proud of my name. Now it makes me laugh in amusement to think about that. But to me as a 15 year old, it was the worst humiliation possible.

I came home and wept like never before. My mother who could not stand my state came upto me and told, we had named you this as the meaning of the name Rama is harbinger of happiness or one who gives happiness. I asked her why did my spelling not be Rema instead and she said "you are Rama and not Rema. But if this is bothering you so much, you choose a name you like most and we can officially get your name changed". It was then that I realised, Oh God, no way can I change my name. It is part of me and I like it. I am proud of my name and so if people cannot pronounce it right, well it is their problem not mine. Since then I have had no qualms about my name though I do have some light moments when people do goof up.

Like for instance, recently one person called up and said I want to talk to the advocate, can you please give the phone to your husband. I with a smile told my husband, someone wants to talk to you. The person on the other end started querying about Trademarks and Patents and hubby dear told him, Oh, you should be talking to my wife, she is the advocate. He apologised profusely both over the phone and also later when he came to the office to meet me saying he did not know as he saw the spelling "Rama". It is fun at such times and boy I do love it at such times. Makes up for all the times when I used to feel bad about my name.

I read this the other day about how names influence and it brought back some memories.

I personally feel it all depends on how your attitude is shaped and the environment you are exposed to, in addition to your inherent likes, dislikes which mould your personality. Name is just part of it, not that important a factor. After all, what is in a name?

Allegation against Rahul Gandhi

2007-05-28T12:26:00.000+05:30

Is this true? If yes, he should not be spared at all. There is an online petition being circulated.

It is not new particularly in politics to try to sully the names of persons. If wrong, then the rumour-mongers should be brought to book.

Views from my Windows

2007-05-25T08:39:00.000+05:30

Out of my office Window

Out of the train window in Irinjalakuda Station

Out of my car window

Another one out of my car window

Out of my office window

Out of the front glass of my car

The Rocket Launch Pad from my bus window in Kennedy Space Center, Orlando

The Statue of Liberty from the boat

An abandoned shack across the road again out of my car

Pictures- Rama R.Iyer

IIT and Union Carbide

2007-05-24T17:03:00.000+05:30

The Indian Institutes of Technology, some of the most advanced schools in the world, known and respected worldwide for their commitment to excellence.

But why are they considering a partnership with Dow Chemical? Dow Chemical is the mother company of Union Carbide. Union Carbide being the fully owned subsidiary of Dow.

To jog our memory Union Carbide, the culprit in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, also called the Hiroshima of the Chemical Industry was responsible for the leak of the poisonous gas, Metyl Isocynade. On Monday, the 3rd of December, 1984, in a densely populated region in the city of Bhopal, Central India, a poisonous vapor burst from the tall stacks of the Union Carbide pesticide plant. This vapor was a highly toxic cloud of methyl isocyanate. Of the 800,000 people living in Bhopal at the time, 2,000 died immediately, and as many as 300,000 were injured. In addition, about 7,000 animals were injured, of which about one thousand were killed. “A series of studies made five years later showed that many of the survivors were still suffering from one or several of the following ailments: partial or complete blindness, gastrointestinal disorders, impaired immune systems, post traumatic stress disorders, and menstrual problems in women. A rise in spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, and offspring with genetic defects was also noted.” (The Bhopal Disaster) This incident we now refer to as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which has also been called “Hiroshima of the Chemical Industry” one of the worst commercial industrial disasters in history.(Cohen)

The issue is settled, those involved say - " $500 is plenty good for an Indian."

However, the culprit, Union Carbide remains a fugitive from Indian law. Dow says it will not allow Carbide to appear for trial in India because India has "no jurisdiction."

In 2005, the Global IIT Conference tried to honor Dow's Chairman by inviting him to keynote the event. 1300 IIT alumni called for his invitation to be recinded, and he quietly withdrew.

Now Dow is trying to buy their way into the IITs. All IIT aluminus whoever know about his are signing a petition asking the IITs not to deal with a company that scorns India's laws and perpetrates the suffering of its citizens.

To help in dissuading IIT from involving with Dow and ensuring they do the right thing, these people can be contacted:

Priya Ranjan, IIT alum: priya@aidindia.org
Sudarshan Suresh: sudarshan.suresh@gmail.com

Stand up to RTI

2007-05-23T09:59:00.000+05:30

Make your local MLA/MP/Councillor responsible and accountable for everything. Don't get water? Roads potholed? Drains overflowing? It takes virtually nothing to ask for information from an information officer. And they're bound by law to provide information. Find out what the government is spending, what the local Corporation or Municipality is spending on, who they're giving the contracts to. All financial details are up for scrutiny.

Not many of us are aware of the existence of a powerful Act enacted by the Centre and a few States pertaining to the right to information called the Right to Information Act or simply called the RTI.

The enactment of this Act is the fallout of many years of hard and persistent pressure applied on the “authorities that be” by a handful of people and a few non-government organizations. Some states had this Act in place (Tamil Nadu in 1996, Goa (1997), Rajasthan (2000), Maharashtra (2000), Karnataka (2000), Delhi (2001), Madhya Pradesh (2003), Assam (2004) and Jammu and Kashmir (2004)), but not at the national level.

This Act strives to bring about transparency . The National Act was passed in October 2005 and Shahid Burney of Pune filed perhaps the first application under the National Act in Pune.

The Central government issued its rules for applications and fees under the new regime. Under these rules, citizens will have to pay Rs 10 as application fee, Rs 2 per page of A4/A3 size paper on which copies of information are received, and Rs 50 per floppy diskette. Inspection of records for the first hour is free, but citizens will have to pay Rs.5 for every 15 minutes of subsequent time.No fee will be charged for people living below the poverty line. The Central rules notification has also been followed by several State governments with their own rules on fees and costs, with many states making fee schedules similar to the Centre’s.
A combination of intimidation and mindless application of the letter of the law threatens to dissuade citizens from putting the RTI Act to use. And politicians are only happy to offer solutions that further dilute the law's purpose.There are incidences where huge bills have been handed over to poor people asking for information thus dissuading the effective use of this Act.

One or more officers in every public authority designated as Public Information Officers(PIO)are the nodal officers, who are supposed to accept any application under RTI,collectinformation from that Department and provide it to the applicant.If the desired information is not provided within 30 days of application or if the information provided is incomplete,the concerned officer becomes liable for a penalty of Rs 250 per day of default up to a maximum of Rs 25,000 per application. And if wrong information is provided, a penalty up to a maximum of Rs 25,000 can be imposed on the officer.An RTI application is to be submitted along with application fee.Fees may be paid by cash, DD or banker’s cheque.Fees will not be charged for BPL applicants.The PIO is bound to respond with the requested information within 30 days. It is not necessary to state the purpose of application or what is intended to be done with the information.The PIO may request the applicant to deposit an additional fee. The PIO should provide detailed calculations on how this additional fee was calculated.The period taken to deposit the amount(from the date of notification of extra fee)will not be counted for the 30-day time-period.The PIO should provide the reasons for rejection of application.The applicant may file an appeal against this decision within 30 days of the rejection.An appeal against the appellate authority’s decision can be filed with the State/Central Information Commission.The Union and State Governments have constituted CIC and SIC respectively.
Exception- The PIO should provide information that concerns the life or liberty of a person within 48 hours. The PIO may take upto 40 days to provide information if a third party had provided this information to the public authority under the presumption of confidentiality.

Tips-Questions should be precise and crisp and not vague. Obtain acknowledgement of all correspondence with the PIO. Maintain copies of all correspondences with the PIO including DD, acknowledgment etc.

After information regarding public works or whatever information is sought is procured, and verification of these done meticulouly to give the exact amount of defalcation, can be made public and submitted to various agencies including vigilance OR the findings can be presented before a gathering of the local people. This is JANSUNWAI. Parivartan of Delhi is one organization which conducts these jansunwais regularly.

There is a great sense of achievement once we use the RTI, it is after all our right to know things. It is not necessary that you need be in a particular place to use the RTI. A person sitting in Tirunelveli can ask about the cost incurred in laying of a particular road in Guwahati.

And in case you're thinking, where's the time for this? There are lots of people who are willing to help. There's a website called Mahadhikar( for Maharashtra), PAC (for Karnataka) Parivartan (Delhi) etc. ... I know more than a fair share of activists who will guide you every step of the way.

So... it's the first baby step towards getting the city/state/ country you want. Find out where the money is going. There are lots and lots of dedicated people who have put their heart and soul into RTI and into making officers, MLAs, MPs and everyone more accountable.

And if we keep using this, it will make the authorities stay on their feet and be more accountable. Transparency should be the mantra. Though we cant stop a terrorist attack, dont we have the right to live life a little off the edge?

A Cobbler's Kiosk

2007-05-22T19:05:00.000+05:30

Bangalore Mahanagara Palike or BMP had donated these kiosks to cobblers. One of them in disuse opposite Cauvery theatre near Sadashivanagar. No takers for this?

Picture - Rama

Know Your Food

2007-05-16T08:46:00.000+05:30

Talks about the intentions of the Multinationals of the world and those entering India. Well it is no longer about India alone, it is about the World...

Letter of a Tree Warden

2007-05-14T11:03:00.000+05:30

I am posting this letter of a Tree Warden, Mrs. Almitra H.Patel which she sent to Dr. Sharath Chandra, the Chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.

To,
Dr H C Sharatchandra
Chairman, KSPCB
Bangalore 560001

Dear Dr Sharatchandra

AUCTIONING OF ROADSIDE BANYAN TREES WHILE WIDENING ROADS

Greetings. I write this to you in my capacity as Karnataka Tree Warden since 1973.

Bagalur Road is being widened from 5m asphalt to 9 m carriageway currently and eventually to much more. In the process I have observed that many trees between Kannur and Kothanur are being felled and even where this is not necessary, they are severely damaged by the JCB arm tearing down overhanging branches and shaking them loose (like a musth elephant) so that the trunk is shredded on one or more sides, endangering the tree's survival. This must be happening everywhere nowadays.

Even worse, giant banyan trees are being auctioned and sold wherever they come in the way of the necessary widening. It is not clear by whom: the road contractor says it is the Forest Dept, the Forest Dept denies this and says it is the PWD, which again denies responsibility but does not say where the decisions are made and who does the auctioning or how. Whenever roadside trees are felled, the timber contractor who is felling them takes away the main trunk and major branches, and swarms of villagers immediately take away the lops and tops lying around. This of course is fine and useful, except that in the case of banyans, these are precious and hard-to-get planting materials for at least 1000 rooted stakes per full-grown tree.

I therefore request you to please ascertain the exact responsibility for tree-felling during widening, and accordingly issue the appropriate instructions to all concerned for the following:

1, All ficus trees auctioned/felled should be subject to the condition that all branches 5" diameter and below, shall be first be cut into plantable stakes and removed by the Forest Dept either to their mist chamber for sprouting, or preferably planted in situ along the new tree-line alignment which shall be marked out in advance by the PWD or road-widening agency alongside the widened road. Only thereafter can the tree-purchaser take away the main trunk and branches. The Forest Dept should be responsible for harvesting rootable branches, at the cost of the ficus-tree-buyer if necessary.

2, If the Forest Dept does not wish to have so many rooting stakes, they can ensure that they reach the hands of tree-planting NGOs who will utilise this scarce resource wisely elsewhere, like the Navachetana Trust (Srinivasa Raju, 94495 96880, plus@satyam.net.in) which plans to afforest the Melkote area especially with ficus species. The Forest Dept is probably already aware of such green NGOs, to whom the availability of ficus stakes can be publicised. (Also of any other roadside species like erythrina which can root from planted branches).

3, The Forest Dept or its designated tree-trimming agents shall be asked to move ahead of the road-contractors to decently trim all branches that need to be cut back, so as to inflict minimum damage to surviving roadside trees which do not need to be felled. As there is a cost to this service, it should be budgeted for and included in the Tender for that stretch of road as an activity as necessary as preparing the road-bed etc, and paid by the PWD or equivalent to the Forest Dept (or Electricity Dept if they have spare mobile ladders) as tree-trimming charges. the PWD or equivalent should not give the go-ahead for road widening until the professionally correct tree-trimming activity is completed. Ideally, a vehicle-mounted ladder with an electric saw powered by the vehicle/tractor engine, should be a standard advance item of road-widening equipment.

Please publicise the above directions after issue for the benefit of all environment-conscious citizens. I would be grateful for a reply and an email copy of the same.

As I do not have the emails of the Ministry of Environment and Forest and the Forest Dept, please forward this email to the concerned agencies as you think fit, copy to me.

Thanking you and always with pleasure at your service,

Yours sincerely,
Almitra Patel

Mrs Almitra H. Patel
Member, Supreme Court Committee for Solid Waste Management
50 Kothnur, Bagalur Road
Bangalore 560077
Phone: 080-2846 5365
Fax/Phone: 080-2846 5195

This was sent to me too. Thought it might interest tree lovers and so posting it here.

Privatization of Water in Mumbai

2007-05-13T08:41:00.000+05:30

It has been proved beyond doubt that privatization in different fields have led India be a global player and a force to be reckoned with. But is this privatization in the essential services good for Indians?

Water is increasingly becoming a crisis issue everywhere, assuming threatening dimensions since it affects all life forms. Over the last 10-15 years, it is slowly being turned into a commodity through privatization of water resources. Fortunately, citizens’ groups have been active internationally, sometimes militantly, resisting moves to commercialize drinking water supply.

In Mumbai, the K-East ward has been selected for water privatisation through a Water Distribution Improvement Project (WDIP) with an objective to improve the water supply. The K-East ward has been chosen for the pilot project, as it comprises industries, commercial and residential complexes and slums. If the project is a success, then it will be replicated in all the other wards. In January 2006, an agreement was signed with Castalia, French consulting firm based in New Zealand to develop a pilot project for privatisation of the water system in K-East. This consultancy has been funded through a US$ 692,500 (approx Rs. 2.6 crore) grant by the Private Public Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF), a multi-donor agency run by the World Bank.

Though the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) denies that this project involves any privatisation and they will never outsource, sell, or privatize its water and water assets, reality is quite different. The terms of reference (TOR) given to the consultant states, in “A Precise Statement of Objectives” that “MCGM envisages to award a "Water Distribution Improvement Contract" to a professional Operator to demonstrate, in a selected pilot area, that it is possible to achieve an improved water supply service....”. Indeed, the very involvement of PPIAF indicates that privatisation is involved, for the PPIAF has been set up with the express aim of “helping developing countries improve the quality of their infrastructure through private sector involvement.” Also the TOR indicates that privatisation even deeper than management contract may be possible, and even sale of assets cannot be ruled out. In fact, as part of its water privatisation drive, the Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC) is in the final stage to implement its proposal for putting ‘pre-paid water meters’, similar to a pre-paid phone card, in the slums and chawls in order to phase out public taps and reduce the use of non-revenue water.

In fact, the World Bank pushed for exactly the same kind of management contract in Delhi Jal Board in Delhi that Castalia has been asked to develop for K- East ward. But this project was dropped under massive protests by the Delhi citizens. Previous attempts to privatize water supply have taken place in Cochabamba (Bolivia), Atlanta and Pekin (U.S), Argentina, Philippines, Nicargua, Turkey, Ghana and South Africa. However, all of these attempts have been failures. In fact in countries like Ghana, Gambia and Philippines, Castalia involvement has led to water delivery being contracted out to private companies and increase in tariffs.

he citizens of Mumbai have a bitter experience of steep hike in the electricity bills after BSES was handed over to the Reliance Energy.

An organization called Mumbai Paani is involved in getting the support of citizens of Mumbai to protest against this move and tell people that as concerned citizens it is important to keep our water in our own hands. Only time will tell if privatization of water, if indeed it is privatized, is beneficial or does it bode bad times.