Mahatma Gandhi is Obama's real hero!

US President Barack Obama has said given a chance he would like to have dinner with Mahatma Gandhi, whom he considered a real hero.

Obama expressed his desire in response to a question from a student Lilly during his discussion with 9th graders at Wakefield High School in Arlington Virginia where he accompanied with the Education Secretary gave a national speech welcoming students back to school.

Obama called for students to take responsibility and to learn from their failures so that they succeed in the end.

"Hi. I'm Lilly. And if you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?," Obama was asked by one of the students.

"Dinner with anyone dead or alive? Well, you know, dead or alive, that's a pretty big list," Obama responded amidst laughter. The next moment he was serious.

"You know, I think that it might be Gandhi, who is a real hero of mine," Obama said. "Now, it would probably be a really small meal because he didn't eat a lot," he said amidst laughter. But Mahatma Gandhi is someone who has inspire people across the world for the past several generations, he said.

Terming the iconic figure as the source of inspiration for many, Obama said "he (Mahatma Gandhi) is somebody whom I find a lot of inspiration in. He inspired Dr King (Martin Luther), so if it hadn't been for the non-violent movement in India, you might not have seen the same non-violent movement for civil rights here in the United States." said.

"What was interesting was that he ended up doing so much and changing the world just by the power of his ethics, by his ability to change how people saw each other and saw themselves -- and help people who thought they had no power realise that they had power, and then help people who had a lot of power
realise that if all they're doing is oppressing people, then that's not a really good exercise of power," Obama said.

Expressing his belief in the way of change proposed by Gandhi, the President said, "I am always interested in people who are able to bring about change, not through violence, not through money, but through the force of their personality and their ethical and moral stances. That is somebody that I would love to sit down and talk to," said Obama.

Mahatma Gandhi has always been a source of inspiration for this first African-American President of the United States of America.

"In my life, I have always looked to Mahatma Gandhi as an inspiration, because he embodies the kind of transformational change that can be made when ordinary people come together to do extraordinary things," he wrote in the ethnic India Abroad newspaper last year.

"That is why his portrait hangs in my Senate office; to remind me that real results will not just come from Washington, they will come from the people," Obama said.

http://www.ndtv.com/news/world/mahatma_gandhi_is_obamas_real_hero.php

The dawn of Prabhakaran!

Prabhakaran is Dead! Now there would be no more violence in the country of Budda followers Sri Lanka. President of The country and probably the Gandhi parivar of India would have taken a big sigh of relief. The day Rajiv Gandhi was killed brutally by Prabhakaran's WOMEN India could not never forgive this devil hero of so called some Tamils. It had put a indelible mark on the sanity of Indian Politics. Our Politics can be so bad but it was without any blood war until then; touch wood. Then who has given the right to play to him with the person;holding the topmost post of India. Well he ought to be limited to his territory.
This so called Tiger has died a shameful death. Reportedly he didn't died while fighting as ChandraShekar but as a rat, as a poor dog. How afraid and weak he was from within who presided the LTTE for 30 years?
I do understand that any kind of humility on Tamils in Srilanka is wrong. No human being has got the right to suppress another human being based on the caste, religion,color or country.
But the way Prabhakaran has adopted can be accepted. It should be non violent. The people who protest through violent means are most coward as they are afraid and weal from within.They don't have the power of patience and truth. Any kind of violence for any cause is prohibited in Human Religion. It is the nature of wild animals of the jungle who resort to such activities for fulfilling their demands. Be it LeT or LTTE. They are coward and impotent as far as humanity is concerned.
Violence never provides any solution in the long term. Its only provides a temporary measure.
It shows the fading shine of the person involved in violence.
Prabhakaran was on among them. At last he proved to be not a Tiger but a rat who died of the Bullet while running away. The man who took suicide bombers lives for granted could not gather courage to take him himself to the door of hell.
I am not happy that Prabhakaran as a human being is dead but as a violent being(not a human being) it gives me great pleasure that no more violence will evolve in the future.
Its an lesson to the extremist violent groups that their end may not be well.
...ankur

Who is the Culprit?

World over the economy is facing the pain of Deep Wound made by the ailing economy.In this era of Globalisation succeeded by Glocalisation every country is suffering from an H1N1 syndrome which is highly epidemic. India is also not untouched!
I remember the quote which I had learnt in my school days that once India was nicknames as "Sone ki Chidiya". A bird made of Gold. A rich country with a equivalent rich culture indeed.
A beautiful past!
But where we stand today? We have been ruled by foreigners for over 1000 years. We lost a lot!
Not only the money but also the prestige. Interestingly I had read in a Newspapers long back that Indians do have the sharpest brain the world, quoted by French Education Minister.
More than 60 pathetic years have passed since we have got the freedom. But where we stand today despite the rich culture and a big pool of most intelligent breed in the world?
We are loosing jobs, Obama is respected more than our own Prime Minister. Bills passed in US are of more importance then the bills passed in our so called sabji-mandi, Parliament.
We thrive for H1 Visa. We have second highest population in India.
Even recently I have heard that the much talked about Swine Flu today have a cure in India. WHO has contacted and relied on an Indian company to invent a vaccine to counter attack the deadly virus.
Though Indian Origin brains are running the biggest economy of the world. Mr. Obama relies upon the people of India to make policy decisions.
Even big-shot Warren Buffet when talks about an Indian being the most intelligent brain working with him gives our morale a big boost.
I feel among all the habitats it is the brain which makes Human a superior breed which we have got by Birth, but sad fully to mention that more than 40% of the population of India is reeling under the Below Poverty Line whose annual income is hardly 10000 INR a year in a country where per capita Income is 24000 INR a year which is much less than Pakistan's per capita Income?
Off the track I gives me great pain to accept a fact that India do have the highest Polygamy rate of 5.6%. What culture we are proud of?
Time has come when we need to seriously think about changing the culture and economic policies.
In India the base of the pyramid is too big. Roughly over 60% of the population is dependent on Agriculture though day on day representation of Agriculture in GDP has come down to a mere 17% today. What a mockery?
Further you will be surprised to know that Agri Processed Food Account for more than 33% of the total GDP to which nil share is imparted to the toiling Farmer in the land. Why?
From over 50% in 1950 to 17% in 2009, where we are heading.
Why are we allowing the riches consisting of Indians and foreigners to eat up the over 33% of the GDP? For every 100 INR spent by a FI in India takes back 300 INR.
Are we sleeping or waiting for worse to come?
Being an Agriculture Rich country we have the opportunity and the command to rule the world.
For this we need to first enrich the farmer so that he can buy new technologies and harvest even more. We should never forget that farmers are the back bone of our country and they should be given a proper respect.
Can you recall how many farmers have been awarded with a Padamshree or Padambhushan Award?
Probably None.
The country is of Farmers,for Farmers and by Farmers.
Recently I happened to go to one place in Uttarakhand, a small village named Agrakhal near Rishikesh. Land Produces tons of ORGANIC Ginger. As a buyer I can buy Ginger from a farmer for just paying Rs.22 a Kg, though the market rate in Mumbai is Rs.140 a Kg.If it is processed in any form then you will get it for Rs.1000 a Kg. So what a big gap from a meagre 22 to 1000?
Who is earning out of the total game. definitely it is not the farmer who is producing it but the middle man who is getting richer and richer day on day on the ever increasing poverty of poor farmer?
Just declaring a relief package of Rs.60000 cr will not suffice. Its a temporary move. How we can ever dare to oblige a farmer who is giving us something without which we can survive?
At the end with the facts and figures I am leaving a question "Who is the real culprit for all this menace?"

Jai Hind..

...Ankur

How To File PIL In India!

How To File PIL In India
These days in India, the only way to get things done is to file PILs. Here is how to do it:
1. How can I file a PIL? PIL is filed in the same manner, as a writ petition is filed. If a PIL is filed in a High Court, then two (2) copies of the petition have to be filed (for Supreme Court, then (4+1=5 sets) Also, an advance copy of the petition has to be served on the each respondent, i.e. opposite party, and this proof of service has to be affixed on the petition.The Procedure: A Court fee of Rs. 50, per respondent (i.e. for each number of party, court fees of Rs 50) has to be affixed on the petition. Proceedings, in the PIL commence and carry on in the same manner, as other cases. However, in between the proceedings if the Judge feels that he may appoint the commissioner, to inspect allegations like pollution being caused, trees being cut, sewer problems, etc. After filing of replies, by opposite party, or rejoinder by the petitioner, final hearing takes place, and the judge gives his final decision.2. In which cases, can a PIL be filed? PIL can be filed only in a case where “Public Interest” at large is affected. Merely because, only one person is effected by state inaction is not a reason for PIL.There are some of the possible areas where PIL can be filed.· Where a factory/ industry unit is causing air pollution, and people nearly are getting effected.· Where, in an area/ street there are no street lights, causing inconvenience to commuters.· Where some “Banquet Hall” plays a loud music, in night causing noise pollution.· Where some construction company is cutting down trees, causing environmental pollution.· Where poor people, are affected, because of state government’s arbitrary decision to impose heavy “Tax”. · For directing the police/ Jail authorities to take appropriate decisions in regards to jail reforms, such as segregation of convicts, delay in trial, before the court on remand dates.· For abolishing child labor, and bonded labor.· Where rights of working women are affected by sexual harassment.· For keeping a check on corruption and crime involving holders of high political officer.· For maintaining Roads, Sewer etc in good condition.· For removal of Big Hoarding and signboards from the busy road to avoid traffic problem.3. Who can file the PIL?Earlier it was only a person whose interest was directly affected along with others, whereby his fundamental right is affected who used to file such litigation. Now, the trend has changed, and, any Public-spirited person can file a case (PIL) on behalf of a group of person, whose rights are affected. It is not necessary, that person filing a case should have a direct interest in this PIL.e.g. a person in Mumbai can file a PIL for, some labor workers being exploited in Madhya Pradesh or as someone filed a PIL in supreme court for taking action against a Cracker factory in Sivakasi Tamilnadu, for employing child labor or the case where a standing practicing lawyer filed a PIL for release of 80 under trials in a jail, than the period prescribed as punishment for offence, for which they were tried. It is clear that, any person can file a PIL on behalf of group of affected people. However, it will depend on every facts of case, whether it should be allowed or not.
4. Against whom a PIL can be filed? A PIL can be filed against a State/ Central Govt., Municipal Authorities, and not any private party. However, “Private party” can be included in the PIL as “Respondent”, after making concerned state authority, a party. For example- if there is a Private factory in Delhi, which is causing pollution, then people living nearly or any other person can file a PIL against the Government of Delhi, Pollution Control Board, and against the private factory. However, a PIL cannot be filed against the Private party alone.5. Can a Letter Explaining Facts to Chief Justice be treated as a PIL?In early 90’s there have been instances, where judges have treated a post card containing facts, as a PIL. Many PIL has been filed on this basis in the past. Since, many people have tried to misuse the privilege of PIL, the court has required a detailed narration of facts and complaint, and then decide whether to issue notice and call the opposite party. However, as there is no statute laying down rules and regulations for a PIL still the court can treat a letter as a PIL. However, the letter should bring the true and clear facts, and if the matter is really an urgent one, the court can treat it as a PIL. Even a writ petition filed by the aggrieved person, whether on behalf of group or together with group can be treated as a PIL.6. What are the various reliefs available by PIL?There are many kinds of remedies, which can be given in a PIL, to secure the public interest, at large. They are:· The court can afford an early interim measure to protect the public interest,· The court may appoint a committee, or commissioner to look into the matter and· The court may also give final orders by way of direction to comply within a stipulated time.
Painstakingly compiled by Subhashini.

source:http://www.amitu.com/blog/2007/august/how-file-pil-india/

Whats Up Google?

I just heard a news that Google is planning to launch G Drive? Wow whats a great and innovative idea.Salaam Google!

But I got disheartened when I searched for "New York Times Website". Before the bytes were received by my computer I was confident that Google Search will come out with the website address.

But alas!

Google has become commercialised now!

In the top ten searches nytimes.com no where appeared. At once I thought that the website does not exists at all, a firm believe in Google. But what I saw was too much full of disappointment.

The website appeared under the Label of Sponsored Label? See Pic!

Sum of the day is that Google is no more a reliable and best search engine!

Hope Google Guys will listen to my woes,pain and concerns!

....ankur

Portal for Grievance Redressal

Hey Guys,

If you have any complaints against the erring government officials or current government system then you can logde online complaint at http://www.pgportal.gov.in/

Hopefully It works:-)

परचम पे है आहट।

सत्ता की घबराहट,
वक्त की बगावत।
आज रंग ला गई,
परचम पे है आहट।
....ankur

Have we learnt any Lesson?

We have still not learnt any lesson! Probably we have been still acting to insulate ourselves from the possible threats arising due to the recent terror strikes in the economic city of the country,Mumbai.

Being a Sunday,Today I chanced upon to visit the places where terrorists have hoisted the flag of Jihad, be it Taj Mahal Hotel, Leopold cafe or the VT station to name a few. I found that the things were as usual as before. The police was seemingly idle and least worried about to check the passers by. We were three guys hav

ing three bags each. I was carrying a bag full of 10 books. We entered the VT station hoping that our bags would be checked as a part of high-alert surveillance but none cared to even throw a view. Though I have found that Malls have been really reactive and sensitive. All the visitors are checked thoroughly even my wallet was checked. That's a good thing. But I think about a situation if someone enters a Malls with a Automatic Machine Gun in hand and spilling deadly bullets all over then will these poor G-4 security chaps who are unarmed would be able to stop them? 

At the VT station though they are armed but they are not very possessive about the security of the venue.

The good thing which I discovered over my day long journey that people are quite worried and behaving sensitively. The destinations of massacre have been quite become an icon of historical monuments as I saw the people including me staring the cordoned off Hotel Taj, gossiping with each other.

We could easily locate the marks of bullets at Leopold cafe where I astonishingly saw the youths enjoying the unconsciousness of Beer. The cafe was jam-packed. Though there was a seemingly tension which was prevailed all over. The foot-path vendors were not very aggressive to sell their cheap products as they usually were during my last visits.

In a nutshell I feel its the insensitivity of the government in vision as well in action to avoid such embarrassing situation in the future.

End of the day I am worried and my face carries a sadistic look.

.........ankur

Towards a Divide....

Terror strikes in India do come as an untimely rain every now and then. The entire country is put on high alert post these attacks. The ministers do their jobs by passing a sadistic note to the media with an assurance that they will not allow the anti-social elements to terrorise our nation in any way further. The people sitting in the opposition do a spot survey added by counter attack on the failure of National Security Agency and off course target the ruling government. We too forget these pathetic incidents after a little while as we have become maniacs to these shocking events. Now what to do, should we wait for one another terror strike or do something really useful for the nation?
Today everyone is well aware of the fact that the backbone of our political system has become so corrupt that it can't afford the weight of the security of the Great Hindustan. Sometimes I got frightened by thinking of a possibility that our nation is heading towards a great divide. We all have become so self centered and lost the true feeling of being an Indian. We have just cornered our feelings to the Air-conditioned 70 mm screens of the multiplexes where we enjoy watching bollywood films like Rang de Basanti to recently colored Naya Daur. Have popcorn and Pepsi and enjoy for the 200 bucks that we have paid; with a feeling of directed Nationhood which flows in our blood temporarily which lasts for 3 hours at most.
It is very sad to explain in words that the current Indian westernised breed has no strength of its own! We lack good leaders and a vision.
I condemn the recently happened serial of unwanted events that rocked the economic city of India, Mumbai. I have no regrets to say that it is not only the politicians but also the aam-aadmi is responsible for these attacks. I can't spare the Navy also that how they didn't notice the said entry of the terrorists in India through Indian Ocean. Were they sleeping that time? For what they are paid? The so called Indian sleeping tigers are not at all comparable in competency with respect to the active Pakistani Pigs. Why our defence minister has dared to take his job for granted? Should we remind him that that there are much more things to do other than just playing cards for his party? I herewith blame the media also for broadcasting the filtered and money churner news only.
The recently much hyped probe of Malegaon has overshadowed the Batla House Encounter and other incidents. Why? It clearly hints towards a dirty political influence.
To cut the long story short I will simply say that with this kind of system and this kind of inhabitants including me we are heading towards a big instability and a divide for which we all will be responsible.
Jai HIND!
......ankur

क्या लाहौर क्या इस्लामाबाद?

क्या लाहौर क्या इस्लामाबाद?
हम चाँद को भी,
करते है आबाद!

........ankur
(Salute to इसरो from a proud इंडियन)

Mahatma Gandhi inspires Obama.....

Obama also flaunts his love for the apostle of peace by having a portrait of Mahatma at his Senate Office!

Washington: Barack Obama, who today scripted history by getting elected as the first black President of the United States, has always seen Mahatma Gandhi as an inspiration who reminds him about the “real message of life”.
Obama also flaunts his love for the apostle of peace by having a portrait of Mahatma at his Senate Office.
The Democrat, who favours US having close links with India, has told an Indian magazine that he was “fortunate” to have close Indian-American friends and recalled the rural development work his mother did in the country.
Through the power of his example and his own unshakable spirit, Gandhi inspired a people to resist oppression, sparking a revolution that freed a nation from colonial rule, the Democratic Presidential-elect had said.
“Gandhi’s significance is universal. Countless people around the world have been touched by his spirit and example. His victory in turn inspired a generation of young Americans to peacefully wipe out a system of overt oppression that had endured for a century. “And more recently led to velvet revolutions in Eastern Europe and extinguished apartheid in South Africa,” the 47-year-old Senator from Illinois had said in his message on 2 October, birth anniversary of Gandhi.

Source:http://www.livemint.com/2008/11/05115805/Mahatma-Gandhi-inspires-Obama.html?h=B

Please don't trust the Congressite Mussalmans, for they are not only the 'Mir Jafars amongst us.....

Thus writes a Khan Bahadur from Delhi"This is a letter for the Question Box in Harijan.In your article in Harijan of April 6, you observe as follows:
'I should be failing in my duly if I did not warn the Mussalmans against the untruth that is being propagated amongst them. This warning is a duty because I have faithfully served them in their hour of need and because Hindu-Muslim unity has been and is my life's mission."
I will request you to consider the Hindu-Muslim problem from our point of view. The stumbling block to any negotiations for a settlement of the communal question has been the refusal of the Congress to recognise the All India Muslim League as the authoritative and sole representative body of the Indian Mussalmans. The Congress claims that it speaks for whole India and that it has on its rolls a considerable number of Mussalmans. The very fact that the Congress has made several attempts to come to terms with Mr. Jinnah shows that it is not fully confident of its representative character as far as the Mussalmans are concerned, But do you not honestly feel that the Congress Mussalmans are the real stumbling block in the way of Hindu-Muslim unity, and that it is for their sake that the Congress is not making a serious effort to solve the problem? Believe me, they are a lazy lot who are enjoying their present position because they are in the Congress.
You know what the Muslim masses did to your President in Calcutta where for years he had been leading Id prayer. You also know that they have no courage to address a Muslim meeting to convert the Mussalmans to their point of view. You blame the British for creating Princes, Moderates and Khan Bahadurs like me. You blame the British for trying to create another Ulster in India. Has not the Congress created equivalent Moderates and Khan Bahadurs in Azads, Asaf Alis and Kidwais. Is not the action of the Congress tantamount to creation of a Muslim Ulster?
You may cite the case of Mr. Asaf Ali succeeding in the municipal elections of Delhi. I may inform you that but for a division in the Provincial league and bad handling of the situation Mr. Asaf Ali would have never won the election. I may inform you that even as it is, when Delhi Congress wanted to contest the municipal elections as a party, Mr. Asaf Ali, who is now a member of the Congress Working Committee, had declined to take a Congress ticket. Therefore, Mr. Asaf Ali's election was not a test case; and if, you pardon my saying so, even now let Mr. Asaf Ali re-seek election on a Congress ticket, and I am confident that any league candidate would defeat him. You will thus realise, that your being baffled by the Lahore resolution of the League is not. Justified when Mussalmans have ceased to trust in your file's mission regarding Hindu-Muslim unity. On the other hand they are convinced that the sole aim of the Congress, for the last ten years at least, has been to divide and rule the Mussalmans. I will beg of you to reconsider your attitude towards the League. Please don't trust the Congressite Mussalmans, for they are not only the 'Mir Jafars amongst us, but the enemies of Hindu-Muslim accord and India's freedom."
Just now I am inundated with letters of protest from Muslim friends. Most writers do not argue. They give themselves satisfaction by abusing Pyarelal, who opens and deals with the daily post, gives me only those letters which he thinks I should see. Of these I take notice of those I think I must. In some cases I answer them privately. Therefore correspondents who never receive acknowledgement either through Harijan or the post should know the reason.
There are some Muslim letters of sympathy too. One of them says that in his house he has to listen to wildest criticism of me. No adjective is too bad to use. Much criticism he knows to be false. What is he to do, he asks. Is he to leave the house, or is he to engage in endless disputation and convert his house into a bear garden? I have advised my correspondent neither to leave the house nor to engage in a discussion. If he can, he may put in a mild word when he knows that a manifest falsehood is being uttered and believed.
The correspondence in my possession and the Urdu press cuttings and even some English cuttings from journals owned by Muslims go to show that I am believed to be the arch enemy of Islam and Indian Muslims. If I was at one time acclaimed as their greatest friend and suffered the praise, I must suffer too to be described as an enemy. Truth is known only to God. I am confident that in nothing that I am doing, saying or thinking I am their enemy. They are blood brothers and will remain so, though they may disown me ever so much.
Now for the Khan Bahadur's letter.
I have never understood the reason behind the demand for the recognition by the Congress of the All India Muslim League as the sole and authoritative Muslim body. Why should such an admission be demanded or expected? How is it compatible with a genuine desire for a settlement?
The Congress attempts to represent all. But it has never demanded recognition as such from anybody. The all India status has to be deserved. But whether it be deserved or not, admission there of is a superfluity. The Congress has never claimed that it represents the whole of Indian Muslims. It has not claimed to represent any single community wholly. But it does claim to represent every single national interest irrespective of class, caste, colour or creed, Even that claim need not be admitted by those who deal with it. It should be sufficient consolation to each party that it is considered by the other important enough to seek friendship with.
The Congress has always frankly admitted that it has not on its register as many Muslims as it would like. But it has been proud to have had the support of many eminent Muslims. Hakim Shaheb Ajmal Khan was the tallest among them. Qaid-e-Azam himself was a great Congressman. It was only after non-cooperation that he, like many other Congressmen belonging to several communities, left it, Their defection was purely political. They disliked direct action.
It is wrong to swear at the nationalist Muslims simply because they are attached to the Congress. If they become members of the League, they will become worthy Muslims!!! My correspondent simply does not know how much Congress Muslims are trying to bring about unity. When unity is re-established, as it must be, I have no doubt that nationalist Muslims will get their due both from Hindus and Muslims.
It is torture of truth to suggest that they are so many Mir Jafars. They are betraying neither Islam nor India. They are as true Muslims according to their lights as members of the League claim to be, It is equal torture of truth to suggest that the Congress is following the British method of divide and rule. The Congress is a political party with one single aim. It would be a bad day for India if the Congress could be proved to have mean motives. Is it mean to woo Muslim opinion by the fairest means imaginable? Rightly or wrongly the Congress does not believe in watertight compartments on a communal basis. If religion is allowed to be as it is, a personal concern and a matter between God and man, there are many dominating common factors between the two which will compel common life and common action. Religions are not for separating men from one another, they are meant to bind them. It is a misfortune that today they are so distorted that they have become a potent cause of strife and mutual slaughter.
It will perhaps now be clear why I can have no concern with Asaf Ali Saheb's case. I would grant that he would be beaten in a contest between him and a Leaguer. let it be further granted that such will be the case in the majority of such contests. It will in no way weaken my position. It will prove the superior organizing ability of the League and its popularity among the Muslims. I have not doubted either. My case is incredibly simple. I must not be called upon to make any admissions about the status of the League before thinking of unity through the League. I must not be disloyal to the Muslim nationalists however insignificant they may be considered to be. I ask the Khan Bahadur, the writer of the letter under discussion, to exert his influence to bring the two communities together.

source:http://www.mkgandhi.org/journalist/index.htm

a fight for right!

It was just another joyride along with my family to one of the most exotic beaches of Maharastra, Divyaagar located in the district of Raigad. I along with my brother, sister-in-law and my sweetest niece were returning from Harihreshwar and decided to spend some of the unforgettable moments at the mile long beach at Divyaagar under the sauna of the Almighty Sun. We all were so tired after a long drive from Harihareshwer to Divyaagar that we decided to have a lunch first before submerging ourselves in the waves of the splendid Indian Ocean. A MTDC resort run by one private Mumbai Based group Exotica fitted the bill as it lied just closest to the beach. Not to mention I found the beach as one of the best beaches in India comparable to famous Kovlam Beach at Kerala, which I had visited around four years back. Back at MTDC Resort the best in the beach city we ordered lunch. We preferred to have Mineral Water instead of Regular one. The food was delicious beyond expectations. We asked for the bill. The bill totaled a sum of INR 325. I scanned the bill and a sleeping Indian Citizen immediately got a catalytic pill started reacting in my blood. The Mineral Water bottle was charged for INR 25 a bottle which was INR 12 above from the MRP. You would be thinking that what strange is in this order of routine. But my dear friend it is illegal to sell any item above the Maximum retail Price. I retaliated. I felt a Gandhi inside me and did a “dandi march” deep in the depth of my heart. I asked the attendant who reluctantly referred to the manger who tried to convince me that what wrong is with me. Everywhere in the country at the star places items are sold above the MRP. I simply asked him to give me a bill mentioning the name of the brand and sign the same. The guy got a shiver from inside he immediately called his superior and talked to him on the matter. The Phone was handed over to me and I took the charge of the invisible battalion and put my simple point before the senior manager who was actually the Incharge of the Resort. He immediately smelled his malpractices and apologized me and finally I extra amount was deducted. I felt that time my heart had beats for India only. Money was not the issue it was the issue of the malpractice which we generally ignore in our routine life as the amount is not big. Though I tipped off the waiter as a gesture but something which is wrong at the moment was not acceptable to me. Later I moved to beach and gave a thought sitting amidst the neck rubbing waters of the non-ending ocean. This was a small battle which with God’s grace I had won. I had many more battles that I have to fight. I pray to God that He give me a strong and robust spirit to fight all those honestly. Signing off!
....ankur

U.N. says credit crisis could enable "green growth"

By Patrick Worsnip
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Instead of sidelining the fight against climate change, the global credit crisis could hasten countries' efforts to create "green growth" industries by revamping the financial system behind them, the U.N. climate chief said on Friday.
But that would depend on governments helping poor countries -- who are key to saving the planet's ecology -- tackle their problems, instead of spending most available money on rescuing the financial world, Yvo de Boer told reporters.
De Boer said the financial "earthquake" that has seen markets plunge worldwide in recent weeks could damage U.N.-led climate change talks, but only "if the opportunities that the crisis brings for climate change abatement are ignored."
"The credit crisis can be used to make progress in a new direction, an opportunity for global green economic growth," de Boer, who heads the Bonn-based U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, told a news conference.
"The credit crunch I believe is an opportunity to rebuild the financial system that would underpin sustainable growth ... Governments now have an opportunity to create and enforce policy which stimulates private competition to fund clean industry."
De Boer said a successful outcome to climate change negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009 would create new markets, investment opportunities and job creation.
But he warned that "if available global capital is used primarily to refloat the financial world, we literally will sink the futures of the poorest of the poor.
"And I hope that the credit crunch will not mean that people in the South will have to wait for those in the North to have repaid their credit card debts and mortgages before attention is again turned to the South."
Without reaching out a hand to developing countries, it would be very difficult to make advances on the rest of the environmental agenda, De Boer said.
Environment ministers will meet in two months' time in Poznan, Poland, to prepare for the Copenhagen summit, which is due to agree on a new global-warming accord to succeed the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.
Ministers in Poznan must make clear they were "willing to put financial resources, the architecture, the institutions in place that will allow developing countries to engage in a global approach on both mitigation and adaptation," he said.
Funding did not have to all come from governments and he foresaw "an approach where we very much use the market".
De Boer said the financial crisis had not so far affected the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism, which allows rich countries to offset their carbon footprints by investing in clean energy projects in developing countries.
"I don't see a slowdown in the CDM pipeline at the moment," he said.
Source:http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=un-says-credit-crisis-cou

the RAVE Parties!

In the recent times the word Rave Parties has influenced the media in a big way. I don’t exactly understand why the issue has attracted too much of a lime-light in a society where our Sadhus and Mahatmas are found taking happy narcotic drugs. I remember my 3 day long stay at Mahakumbh, Allahabad held in 2001 where I got the opportunity to understand the very native essence of Hindu religion practiced in modern times. Many of our ancient temples are full of pictures of naked gods and goddesses. I found many babas taking deep puffs of ganja and charas and enjoying their bharamacharya on the ghats of the Ganges. I too adventured to reserve a puff for myself and tried to understand the world from their view of thinking. Infact I later only regretted the decision but anyways it was good for the sake of first cut experience. During my entire stay and interaction with the people of different muths I didn’t find anything praiseworthy that I can talk of my religion once I am out of the created pious scene. I found the visiting pilgrims as scoundrel as in routine life. While taking bath in the holy rivers they were more concerned about the safety if their holding that they have left at the ghats. There was no respect for the senior citizens that they should be given the chance first and must be obliged physical help. I was also not a different being altogether and I remember the night of Shivaratri, it was 4:00 AM in the morning and a bit raining. I was all alone and wanted to take a bath in the holy preliminary hours of the festival. But I was worried about my polythene bag that I was carrying. I scanned the entire ghat to form a covalent bond with someone. With God’s grace I didn’t have to waste much time and I finally got me. I handed him over my belongings and went straight to the river to take a holy dive. Though all the way I was terrified lest these people flee away as I was barely wearing only an undergarment. During the period I was restless as all my money was with the Good Samaritan and if I lost touch with him after I return then I would have to do a naked parade on the streets of Allahabad! Fortunately things were all in order and I succeeded to go back to my hostel which full honor. End of the day I thought that when my heart contributed even a single second to pray to god when I was amidst the flowing waters of Ganga? Like me there a millions of followers who sail in the same boat. I firmly believe no one can be expected to function and act as a 100% right man. There is a Ravana hiding in each one of us!
The current rave party is no more a exception. Our culture is going westernized so the people. At one time in USA the LSD was so popular that the users had formed a big community in itself. Remember the famous bollywood song “Hare Rama, Hare Krishna”
I will not advocate the usage of such drugs as it is for sure that we are running towards our end but we should visualize the problems in totality. Why the FTV and XX movies not banned in India? Why the pubs and bars are allowed to operate? Why the government is no so forceful in implementing the laws if any strictly? Infact behind the successful organization if these Rave Parties we are all involved some where.
I had also chanced upon to visit a Rave Party (just today I realized) last year at dharamshala. The so called sacred divine home for Holy Dalai Lama. The person who is fighting against the Chinese government for the freedom of Tibet. He has used the method of Gandhi ie Non-Violence. I interviewed various localities there who had a firm faith in the method of Gandhi practiced by Dalai Lama. But bounced back whether Mr. Lama is fighting a spiritual war or a diplomatic one? He is enjoying the luxuries of the life far away from the region of problem and talking about its’ freedom. He is scared of going to China as Chinese may get hold of him. I would like to react sharply that it is not a true Gandhian way. I agree that they are non-violent but there hardly I see any struggle for the Freedom. Gandhi was the person who sacrificed all the luxuries, traveled in third class and was the first person to reach the ailing state; whatever the consequences. Dalai Lama wants to get the freedom diplomatically. He may prove to be right in his method but I request him not to compare his method with that of Gandhi.
I was shocked to see the young Tibetans staying there. The night life of Dharamshala was as romantic as Las Vegas. You will find many Tibetan youths going hand in hand with the visiting foreigners and enjoying their nights with them at their expense. The Rave Parties are common there. I saw a topless foreigner girl kissing a young Tibetan at a dark corner of the room. And this was not the only example!
I thought at the moment that where Dalai Lama is paving his youths to? Do they ever be able to get the freedom by indulging in such heinous acts? Their first and foremost mission should be to work towards the achievement of the freedom and that needs sacrifice of high level if they want it through non-violence.
Interesting an Indian is not as respected as a foreigner in Dharamshala as we Indian are poorer to visiting videshies, though Mr. Lama and his pupils are living in exile in India.
I appeal him to do something for his nation and integrity before he dies rather than allowing his persons to fall into this western fashion of Rave Parties!

....Ankur

REACTIONS invited!

It’s not the congress or UPA it’s the Honorable HRD minister Mr. Arjun Singh again. He had hit the hot iron again. The politician in real meaning has done his job. Did his best to reserve his seat in the seat if the UPA comes back in power at least. He has played the cards smartly though out his tenure as HRD minister. But has he done it right by taking another regretful decision of increasing the Income Cap for Other Backward Class to 4.5 lacs from 2.5 lacs presently?
Mixed reactions? Some take it for good for their better but for some it is worst than worse! The government has again proven on account of Mr. Arjun Singh that somewhere down the line it political interests matters more than the National Interests. Seems that there is an appeasement department working underground for the government headed by the honorable HRD Minister! This is not the first time when Mr. Singh has not gone against the right wind that flows to the nation to the path of right democracy.
Government can hang me if I say that acts of Mr. Singh are not only shameful but also anti-nationalist. For certain political interests he is doing all the acts that an obliged dog has to perform for his master.
I assume Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and our Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh are quite sensible in understanding the true patriotic desires of the nation. If they like to keep their eyes closed then my nation doesn’t require them. Let me be clear that my nation is not hungry of these power-savvy politicians be it the leader of opposition party Mr. Advani or Mrs. Sonia Gandhi. It’s the call and voice of a natural Indian. An Indian soul and soil will never allow anyone to divide the nation on the basis of cast or religion. Being a secular nation all are equal, all are the spirits of One God.
I am not against the reservation. There should be a provision in the Indian Constitution to provide equal footing to the underprivileged. But compare peers with peers, is Mr. Singh really observing this?
A country where more than 40% of the people are living below the poverty line with an annual income of roughly Rs.25000 a year can a person 450000 a year be certified as underprivileged by the government of India?
The equation is out of my intelligence!
But it is true and it is happening.
We all Indians including me again have to follow the path shown by Great Mahatma. Just publishing some advertisements in the newspapers financed by the hardworking taxpayers will not suffice. We should keep in mind that we have no right including me to voice against anyone without contributing anything to the nation literally. Even writing an article like this is just a most coward and useless act performed by an average Indian.
You will even find some more and better article on the newspaper next day.
On the path shown by Mr. Gandhi we have to prosecute a non-violent non-cooperation movement against the government. Time has come when we all need to stand up against these corrupt politicians.
The current of the so called honorable Union HRD Minister shows that they are least bothered about being an Indian first than a politician.
Our politicians have learnt a good thing from British that divide and rule. These unfortunate chaps are great in following this rule.
So my friends time has come when the entire youth has to show his strength. Dare to stare in the eyes of these power-hungry politicians. Let we make them realize that Indians are no more a dull fools. They are no more their hand-puppets!
But this is not an easy path. Just words are not enough, you need a courage and good understanding from your inner spirit. A feeling of utter devotion is required to the service of the Nation. You may have to leave your jobs, your friends may call you a dumb-fool, your family may stop you from doing this, and your financials may go in a deep black-out!
Be Ready! If you really want some change, otherwise for God’s sake stop criticizing the politicians like a favorite time pass.
If you have the will then go ahead. I am always with you just give me knock!
REACTIONS invited!
.....ankur

What is more shameful Bangalore, Ahmedabad OR?

Ahmedabad succeeded Bangalore in an unexpected way. But there was one similarity between the two successive blasts which may interest a numerologist for sure. Think beyond the poor bicycles and gelatin rods! Got it or Are you still poking your nose....Well, it is the number 8! Bangalore was shaken by 8 bombs though Ahmedabad faced 17 (1+7=8). Infact in Jaipur too 8 bombs were blasted some months back. This is not a man-matched figure though it is a figure decided by God. How?The miscreants had planted more number of bombs than it actually blasted! So,is this figure 8 writing the panic year for India. In Numerology this figure eight has some special characteristics. The number is the sum of two fours. Because of this reason the number dwindles between highs and lows. The places, people and points attached to this number either see a lots of highs, if they are fortunate enough or they have to burn their fingers if they are not the lucky souls.You take it(similarity) as a joke or whatever you have all rights as even I take this as a mere coincidence as coincidences just do fall in some high level band of unknown sciences. No comments!I was planning to pen-down the article after the bangalore blasts as I was wailing from inside but due to some unavoidable circumstances I could not write one. The next day it further intentified my feelings as I switched on the television in the evening to get updates on the bangalore blast. I was terrified with the kind of updates. I heard the interviews of Advani, Modi and our PM very cautiously though nothing substantial I did found as on the expected lines. But I was more surprised that our central defence minister was absent from the scene as though he was least bothered ? I feel that the defence minister is equally responsible for the failure.I would like to quote the example of USA. Today USA and its citizens are on the top of the hit list of top of the topmost Jehadi Group across the world. It did suffer hundreds of lives in the WTC collapse. But since 11 sep 2001 to till date the country has never seen any substantial terror attack. Though the chances were more post Iraq war and the subsequent hanging of Saddam-Hussain.The simple reason is that America had really taken some lessons from the unfortunate episode and had acted accordingly.I dont understand how many lessons we Indians have to take. Mumbai, Benaras, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Bangalore and now Ahmedabad. I sometimes feel scared of switching on the television. Is putting the metros on high alerts post blasts solves the purpose?Everyone knows that how porous our borders are. There is a almost free entry from Bangaladesh, Nepal and certain Coastal Shipyards. We can easily locate bangladesi mohallas in the metros. Do the police ever bothered to check their passports? Do we have the data that how many foreigners are staying in our land and if we know how pro-active we are in deporting them off to their countries after their visa period is over. (Special mention for Shri Raj Thackeryji that please focus more on how many untraced and unwanted foreigners are staying in our land rather than wasting his precious time in tracing UPites and Biharis staying in Maharastra, if he really wants to serve the nation!)These people are the real nuisance creator and must be dumped off. Also the people who are so called guarding our borders some of them who brought this nuisance home for a paltry some of 50 or 100 rupees must be put to justice.India is no more a dharamshala now our neighbours must understand it clear. Allow only people whose purpose and period of stay is known.We say we have learnt from the western people. yes we have learnt how to enjoy in late night parties and make fun of others. But do you know yearly thousands of Indians are deported back to India by them for illegal immigration and they are absolutely right. Even Gujarat CM was denied visa twice, why? Can we Indians borrow some honesty and courage from them so that we can make our India a terror free nation. Remember how Lala Lajpat Rai had lost his life in a bid to oppose the entry of Simon in the lands on India. I feel that these terrorists are mostly imported Simons and must be barred from entering into India.It must be a shameful moments for the state as well as for the central government. It is quite obvious that terrorists are shameless and cruel but where do you rate our politicians wrt these anti-social elements?So, Jago India Jago!
............ankur