Sunday, August 28, 2011

random comments in rediff

These are my random comments on some of the developments.

Total 21 Comments on Discussion board

Article: IMPASSE OVER: Anna to end fast at 10 am on Sunday

Anna 's fast
on Aug 28, 2011 06:21 PM
Detractors are stooping to low levels to demean the noblest, non-violent movement of recent times. If Anna was taking water or glucose as reported and sat in fast, was it not still a miracle that he survived? Dr.Trehan has gone on record that it was a medical miracle for a 74 year man to survive for 13 days without food. So, no further certificate is required. Let us see the background. Widespread corruption and PM's inability to control it inspite of his distinguished record is the cause for public anger. In no way, it is a comment on public policy to ameliorate the condition of deprived sections. So, let us avoid the mischief of confusing the people. The corrupt ones like terrorists are no one's friend. We should get rid of this menace and the culprits as early as possible for the larger good of the country.

Article: http://world.rediff.com

PM acted
on Aug 24, 2011 09:34 AM
Really, our PM has cleverly cultivated the habit of 'pass the buck' to stay in power. When Sonia was available, it worked. With Sonia out of picture, PM tried to project HM and Kapil as scapegoats and avoid any initiative. Both HM and Sibal are hardly aware of ground realties. They are just arm chair ideologues and nothing more. So, matters are adrift without any meaningful resolution. If our PM can come out of his cocoon even at this late stage and take decisions like a statesman in the interest of the country, solution can be arrived in no time. Will it happen?

Article: 'Lokpal is no magical bullet against corruption'

Lokpal bill is not enough
on Aug 19, 2011 06:11 PM
Lokpal bill is a sort of harsh deterrent for corruption in high places. As those who are booked have become thickskinned, such a stringent law is being widely acclaimed. I agree,however, that we must take proactive steps to facilitate people when they have to deal with a opaque administration at lower levels to rid the menace of rampant corruption. And after reforms, many entrepreuners have sprung up in the private sector. Though it is welcome,we need some sort of regulator to weed out the shady ones, which will help to contain cheating and corruption. Lokpal bill will change the nation's mindset to usher in more holistic measures for better systems and people friendly governance.

Article: Ironies of the Hazare versus government tussle

Ironies of the tussle
on Aug 19, 2011 03:45 PM
Mahesh has probably missed the biggest irony. All the so-called VIPs in the Government have lost the ability to take any original decision to steer out of the mess because they are so used to get instructions from the Super PM, who is unfortunately away in a foreign country. So, the confusion will continue without respite. And our eminent lawyer, Sibal wants supremacy of Parliament to be recognised when it has failed to pass the bill for decades. What a joker.

Article: Govt, not Delhi cops, masterminded Anna crackdown

Anna's arrest
on Aug 18, 2011 12:27 PM
It is now clear that the entire operation was done at the behest of Chidambaram and Sibal, who lack scruples and honesty. There is no use on lamenting on what has happened. The focus of IAC should be to get a strong Lokpal bill passed so that politicians without scruples and honesty are behind the bars.

Article: Is Hazare's arrest UPA's biggest blunder?

Hazare arrest
on Aug 17, 2011 08:52 AM
Our PM's callous indifference and HM's calculated arrogance vis-avis the ground, realities both under the garb of false humility, have come to roost. They will rue the decision taken to arrest Anna Hazare, who has set the nation on fire to put an end to corruption and malpractice.
 

Article:

CVC SC verdict
on Mar 03, 2011 09:38 PM
Bird of same feather flock together. All corrupt persons and parties have ganged up to take the country down to the absymal depths. Our PM is unfortunately caught in the mess and is unable to either comprehend or steer clear of the corrupt mess. I think he should do some honest introspection and get out of the mafia surrounding him.

Article: I can't be crushed or bought, says Baba Ramdev

Baba Ramdev and his campaiagn
on Jun 04, 2011 04:14 PM
When Baba Ramdev conducted yoga classes and shares ayurvedic therapies from his labs benefitting millions of people, it was not fake or just for show. So, when he has taken up the cause of retrieving the lost wealth of the nation due to the treachery of the so-called educated class, it WILL not be a fake show. It will HAPPEN. We are eagerly waiting for the wealth to come back to India. May Baba Ramdev succeed in his mission. RSKumar

Article: 'The Indian Mujahideen is very much alive'

Indian Mujahideen is alive
on Jul 14, 2011 09:25 AM
The Mumbai blasts is a grim reminder of our utter failure. We have become a complete soft state. Look at the precision and timing. The blasts have taken place reportedly on Kasab\'s birthday. It shows how well entrenched are the traitors and their terror network. So, unless Chidambaram resigns owning responsibility for the blasts and unless Kasab is executed immediately, the future is very grim. Our lives are shortlived. Let us be prepared to die at any moment in terrorist strikes.

Article: Ramdev blames Chidambaram for Ramlila ground crackdown

Chidambaram must explain
on Jul 12, 2011 03:03 PM
If A.K.Antony, a simple person had been the Home Minister would such a mishap as beating up people in the dead of night occur? No. Chidambaram has forced the police action on the followers of Guru Ramdev and has ensured a suitable alibi for himself, so that no one even dares to point the needle of suspicion towards him. Chidambaram is a cunning fox masked as a gentleman.

Article: Telangana Congress, TDP leaders adamant on quitting

Separate Telangana
on Jul 05, 2011 02:40 PM
I think it is better to form the separate state of Telangana. At the same time all separate states with Telugu common language should act as a joint federation at the national level. Thus, separation will be only for administrative and executive reasons. Emotional bonds will continue. One possible solution will be to form 2 states viz., Telangana and Seemandhara with Kurnool as common capital. Hyderabad will be a Union Territory with both the States enjoying the fruits of the common Union Territory.

Article: Is Hazare's arrest UPA's biggest blunder?

Hazare arrest
on Aug 17, 2011 08:52 AM
Our PM's callous indifference and HM's calculated arrogance vis-avis the ground, realities both under the garb of false humility, have come to roost. They will rue the decision taken to arrest Anna Hazare, who has set the nation on fire to put an end to corruption and malpractice.
 

Article: Should Mohd Afzal be pardoned?

Afzal's death sentence
on Oct 05, 2006 03:23 PM
Has Afzal expressed at least a face saving apology? No. Has Afzal signed the mercy petition? No. Then, why care for the silly sentiments of useless bystanders including the wife and mother. Hang him and save the county.

Article: Sonia: Much ado about nothing

Sonia's decision to quit
on Mar 30, 2006 09:54 PM
In trying to imitate the great Indira Gandhi, Sonia is just no match for the epitome of patriotism i.e.Indira Gandhi. Sonia does not carry any conviction. In no time, she will be consigned to dustbin of history unless she realises the realities and mends her ways.

Article:

CVC SC verdict
on Mar 03, 2011 09:38 PM
Bird of same feather flock together. All corrupt persons and parties have ganged up to take the country down to the absymal depths. Our PM is unfortunately caught in the mess and is unable to either comprehend or steer clear of the corrupt mess. I think he should do some honest introspection and get out of the mafia surrounding him.

Article: http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/dec/22mumterror-an

Antulay antics
on Dec 24, 2008 08:18 AM
The comedy of sorts has at least ended. Antulay was not sure who killed Hemant Karkarei.e. whether he was killed by pakistani terrorists sent by ISI or Dawood Ibrahim or Sadhvi Pragya or Sonia Gandhi. He is honest about his intention to create confusion. But it is now clear that he was the instrument for fabricating the Malegaon case against Sadhvi Pragya seeing the way he is lamenting the loss of Hemant Karkare, who would have served his purpose and the purposes of Dawood Ibrahim and Sonia in the fabricated Malegaon case. SKumar

Article: 'Disrespect of PM is India's disrespect'

Re: Barring PV,Manmohan is...
on Apr 08, 2009 02:06 PM
Malliah garu, I agree that PV was a unique story of success. In the same congress mould and with far greater credibility, I do not think MMS could rise out of the shadow of Sonia. That is his failing. The country also suffered in the process. Srikumar
 

Article: Sonia: Much ado about nothing

Sonia's decision to quit
on Mar 30, 2006 09:54 PM
In trying to imitate the great Indira Gandhi, Sonia is just no match for the epitome of patriotism i.e.Indira Gandhi. Sonia does not carry any conviction. In no time, she will be consigned to dustbin of history unless she realises the realities and mends her ways.

Article: How to control terror

controlling terror
on Mar 20, 2006 09:19 AM
The author has rightly pinpointed the strategic steps to be taken to ward off terror attacks in future like the withdrawal of the outlived fatwa that India is a Dar-ul-harb, proclamation of fatwa against the terrorists by the Ulema. He has also underlined the truth that the average Muslim is patriotic and wants to live in peace. But I feel he should not discourage peaceful processions or yatra against the jehadi terroists. It is essential and can be a all party movement in which Muslims in large numbers can participate. In a democratic set up, there can be no better weapon to show than mass movement. If done in the correct spirit and throughout India, it can send right signal to the evil doers and can boost the morale of all Indians. Srikumar

Article: Should Advani go on the yatra?

Advani's Rath Yatra
on Mar 14, 2006 04:42 PM
I see no wrong in Advani taking out rath yatra to awaken and arouse the dormant consciousness against perpetrators of heinous crimes like attacking holy places like Varnasi. In fact, we are reading reports that prominent sections of Muslims are also upset due to such irresponsible acts sponsored from across the borders. They have issued fatwas against terrorists for bringing disrepute to peace loving Muslims. I think Advani should enlist the support of such peace loving Muslims in his yatra. It will send a strong message to all concerned, especially the pseudo-secularists like the Congress and CPM (Sitaram Yechury), who are more worried about the political mileage the BJP will get rather than condemning the heinous crimes in unequivocal terms.Srikumar

Article: Army census: Good or bad?

Muslim representation in army
on Feb 18, 2006 01:52 PM
The concept of reservation is itself obnoxious and was introduced as a purely temporary measure to bring up the weaker sections of Hindu Society. It has now become a nightmare and a vested interest, which no political party has the guts to oppose. If it is to be extended on religious basis also, we are paving the way for total disintegration of the country. Also, Will similar demands for Hindu reservation in Pakistan, BanglaDesh or other Muslim countries be admitted? Further, will Indian Muslims come out and give up Muslim Personal Law, Article 370 so that they are open to principle of equality?
 

Article: Army census: Good or bad?

Army census
on Feb 15, 2006 08:43 PM
That the Congress and its allies in UPA are pseudo-secularists and bogus nationalists to the core is now proved beyond doubt by this latest assault on India's army. Is this a punishment for the army's superb performance during the wars foisted by Pakistan? Can we forget the petty campaign unleashed against George Fernandes by the Congress after the successful Kargil was? I think it is our misfortune that the Congress has not been wound up as advised by Mahatma Gandhi. We would have been spared of the antics of these power-mongering jokers pretending to be leaders of this hoary country. I pray our President as Supreme Commander of Armed forces intervenes and puts an end to this farce.


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Essays and articles from the past


I have gathered some of the articles and essays written in the past. The following article was published in ‘Caravan’ magazine in July 1969, even before I joined the RBI in December 1969.
LOTTERIES AND RAFFLES
These days, lotteries and raffles have become the rage in our country.   Many State Governments have entered into the field with a view to earn revenues.  But it is not sufficiently realized that these lotteries and raffles are just forms of gambling and, therefore, they are vicious, dangerous and full of potentiality to harm the people and the country.
2. What do most of the gambling activities have in common?  If we list a few of them, we can see that, first of all, luck is the basis of all of them and not talent.  In pack games and horse racing, talent does not matter much, only luck matters.  At one time, a participant wins a lot of wealth and at other times, he returns blank to his house to hear the outbursts of the members of his family. The latter thing happens most of the times.  It makes the participants poor slowly and steadily.  Similar to these are the advertisements to win costly articles by mere stroke of luck.  Periodic loss is inherent even in these ventures.
3. The second common thing is the desire to win more or make good the loss suffered in previous participation and indulge in further participation.  Participation in lottery means investing the meagre income earned by hard labour in the hope of earning a lot which can never be achieved in lottery. If a person wishes to live a simple, righteous and happy life, he should learn to live within his means ignoring the increasingly frequent lottery stunts.  Thirst for money and luxury can never be quenched or satisfied by participating in lotteries and raffles.
4. As regards those who thrive on the money of the poor in so base a manner, they deserve nothing less than condemnation.  And regarding most of the State Governments, which have taken to such lotteries, it is most unfortunate that the State, which is to work for the welfare of the people, should suck money out the already poor nation in this way.  Taxation is more honourable than this.  Should this be the manner employed to fill the treasuries of the State emptied by corrupt practices of the ministers, legislators and officials?  It is most dishonourable. Mr.C.Rajagopalachari (Rajaji)’s warning to Mr.C.N.Annadurai in this respect is most appropriate and I quote “The need for funds for good causes does not justify this far reaching error.  That you stood firm against re-opening of toddy and arrack shops in Tamilnadu in the face of great pressures was most praiseworthy, but this opening of a vast gambling house more than undoes the good achieved on the drink issue.’ Unquote.
5. Elaborate arrangements are made to sell as many tickets as possible.  The expenditure on this account mostly goes unaccounted.  Unauthorized agents and fake tickets thrive all over the land.  The poor Indian is surrounded so much by these people that he is easily caught in the trap.  There are persons, who have wasted money on lotteries and raffles for years together always expecting rewards, which never comes.  There are persons, who even set apart a portion of their salaries for this purpose.  In all cases, a lot of money is lost, money which could have otherwise been diverted to buy a few more nutritious articles to improve the health of the family and the nation.
6. We have seen how when a person does not win a prize, he becomes disappointed and depressed. If by chance, a person even wins lakhs of prize money, this sudden jerk from his simple life makes him imbalanced. He does not get rest or peace of mind.  A time comes when he feels how happy he was in the past. Repentance comes too late.
7. People should dissociate themselves from lotteries and raffles and State Governments should desist from running State raffles.

January 1978
 An article on ‘Indians are Hero worshippers’ was published in Himmat magazine issue of 6.1.1978. The material is as follows:
INDIANS ARE HERO WORSHIPPERS
The progress of the country or the community depends very much upon good leaders and the rapport that binds the leaders and led.  If heroes can inspire their admirers to shake off the lethargy and involve them in constructive action for the betterment of the country and the community, hero-worship has definite value and gets respect.  But if the heroes are merely objects of worship and there are no efforts among the followers to improve, it is sheer hypocrisy.
2. Viewed in this context, Indians generally and its elite in particular are hero-worshippers only by and large and do not bother much about getting out of their dull and uninteresting existence through constructive work and co-operation.
3. In the case of earlier generations, their undue emphasis on destiny and their belief in fate had been an impediment to resort to action and had kept them mostly stoic and philosophic in outlook, bent doubly by the burden of religion and customs.  This apart, they could not shake off the inherited slavish outlook in political and social matters with the result they were not inspired enough to involve themselves in the progress of the country as partners with equal rights.  There was, therefore, the widespread tendency to regard even the home rule as the role by some distant masters.
4. Although the younger generation has seen through the double standards of the previous generation, it has not been able to give a new and purposeful direction. The reason again, is hero-worship of a different type.  The youth has no doubt become cynical about native achievements and greatness but has turned either to the materialistic west or socialist countries for enlightenment and leadership. They are blindly aping alien fashions and living conditions, which are not at all good. They are not even bothering about looking into the really positive traits of the foreigners. This new form of hero-worship has brought more miseries than comfort in its wake. Wrong values and attitudes have been imported into the nation’s body politic.

September 1981
An article sent to Himmat on 26.9.1981 did not get published. The article is as follows-
WOMEN ARE AS COMPETENT AS MEN
A noteworthy feature since the turn of the last century, more so, after the world war II, and in India’s case, after her independence, is that women are leaving the confines of their homes in more and more numbers to participate in public affairs.  We find growing number of girls going in for higher education and of women working shoulder to shoulder with men in public institutions.  The spread of democracy and education, the growth of technology and communications and an utilitarian value system have all combined in forcing women to assert themselves in public affairs.  Undoubtedly, women are demonstrating with a vengeance that they are as competent as men in any field of human activity.
2. Nevertheless, the fact remains that the price paid by women in asserting their rights has been colossal, individually and collectively.  It is not uncommon to encounter today much more privation, loneliness and disintegration of domestic life and harmony than hitherto.  So, even if we move towards a plurastic society wherein both the males and females are breadwinners for families, we ought to ensure that the current battle of sexes ends up in a better balance and harmony of  hearts, so that men and women are able to understand each other well.  The time tested family institution is still relevant for this.  We must give up false notions of sectarianism and licentious behavior and instead seek the responsibilities and pleasures of parenthood in a family set up.  It is a challenge worth the competence of both men and women today