Indiankaleidoscope

A.R.Rahman gets two Grammy nominations for Slumdog Millionaire

2009-12-04T01:13:00.000+05:30

Robbie Williams sang “Swing while you are winning”. And who knows this better that the Mozart of Madras A. R. Rahman himself, who’s now dancing that too to his own compositions.

A.R.Rahman has bagged two Grammy nominations for his compositions in the Oscar winning movie Slumdog Millionaire. He has been nominated in the Best Song Written For Motion Picture and the Best Compilation Movie Soundtrack categories.

A.R.Rahman has already won two Oscars for the Best Original Score and the Best Song. He has also won a BAFTA for Best Music.

The Grammy Awards function will be held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on January 31st.

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No minarets for us: Swiss people to Muslims.

2009-12-03T23:14:00.001+05:30

Muslims around the world have exhibited anger and shock at the same time over the referendum in Switzerland banning the construction of new minarets. Some Muslims have even called for the banning of Swiss goods and breaking of all ties with Switzerland.

The referendum was voted into power after more that 57 % of Swiss voters voted in favour of the ban on new minarets. Muslim clerics around the world have described the vote as an attack on religious freedom that too in Europe, which is widely regarded as a continent which is democratic and fair.

A minaret is an ancient symbol of Islam. It’s simply a tower from where the imam (the holy priest) tries to call people to pray (not war). However there is so such mention that a minaret is necessary for prayer.

Muslims around the world feel that European countries are trying to take protective measures even when there is no need or threat. “A concept of European Islamization doesn't exist amongst Muslims”. This feeling has been gaining ground since the French ban on wearing the Islamic headscarf and the caricatures of Prophet Mohammed in the Danish newspapers.

However, though Muslims have been very vocal on the Swiss issue, there has been some introspection going on behind closed doors. Many people in Egypt are now beginning to feel that that the azan is more of a disturbance rather than a prayer call. Authorities are rushing through ideas and spending sleepless nights in order to find a solution to the problem before the religious ritual gets tarnished. After all everyone has a right to peace and tranquillity. Prayers should be conducted quietly without disturbing the other even of the same faith.

To counter this problem, the Egyptian government has come up with a proposal to have a unified call to prayer from the minarets in order to cut the chaos and confusion created especially by the thousands of untrained muezzins performing the azan over microphones and loudspeakers for five times a day, often out of sync.

A muezzin would announce the azan from one of the larger mosques and his voice would be beamed across to others through specially designed receivers.

This proposal too has been met with strong opposition as it is said to be un-Islamic to block someone from performing the azan. Also the jobs of thousands of muezzins are at stake.

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Indian Navy to Ambani, Tata: No Helipad

2009-12-02T22:06:00.000+05:30

Sometimes it seems that even the rich bend or rather have to. After all, they live in the same world as you and me and thus all their plans and ambitions are way too much for reality or rather for the law of the land.

If the Indian Navy has its way then it’s soon going to clip the wings of the Ambani’s and Tata’s, both top-notch industrialists in India. The Navy has sought cancellation of the flying permissions for the helipad atop the Ambani’s home Seawind at Cuffe Parade and the one used by Ratan Tata atop the Wellington Mews in Colaba.

Why???

Well, the Navy feels that these two helipads are very close to the naval dockyard and other vital naval installations.

The helipad atop Wellington Mews is within the flying area of the INS Shikra which is responsible for all the operations in the area. In case of an error, the pilot might land atop of the naval dockyard and the ships instead of his actual destination. The Navy has therefore sought to object the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for any helicopter operating from Sea Wind. In addition the Navy is also opposed to helipads on top of any private building as they pose a security risk.

This stand of the Navy hasn’t found many takers. The Brinhanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cleared the Ambani’s helipad and a NOC has been received from the Air Force for the Taj Wellington helipad. This has now put people to think whether the Navy’s objections are based on facts or simply ego.

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Get ready for 11-digit mobile phone numbers.

2009-12-02T01:11:00.000+05:30

If you are always on the lookout for new handsets, offers, plans and technology then this news will probably will seem like a bolt out of the blue. The DoT (Department of Telecom) has come up with a proposal to increment the mobile number by 1 digit to a 11-digit numbering system to overcome the surge in mobile phone users and the addition of more cell phone companies. (If like me you had trouble remembering the 10-digit number then get ready to pull your hair out).

The present numbering system which was introduced in 2003 was intended to cater to the needs of 600 million users and for the next 30 years. But thanks to the whooping increase in cell phone users, the number of 500 million subscribers will soon be breached. The government has therefore decided to push for a system which would allow for smooth running of services without any hassles and room for more players. The government is thus thinking of making it mandatory to prefix a 9 before the existing mobile number (something similar to a 2 before your landline number).

But the plan of the government hasn’t gone down well with the telecom companies. The change in numbering system will mean a total overhaul of the network equipment. This would not only take days but also involve a lot of technical snags, drop in quality and large investment. The telecom companies are thus proposing an alternate plan. They propose de-reserving certain series reserved for certain companies; like 92 for Tata Teleservices, 93 for Reliance Communication and 94 for BSNL.

But since the government is favouring the 11-digit numbering plan the telecom department has gone ahead and circulated an internal note identifying January 1st as the implementation date. However, insiders reveal that this may be delayed to give the telecom operators more time as they have to also start with implementing number portability from January 2010.

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Act fast before your phone goes dead.

2009-12-01T15:24:00.000+05:30

There is alot of Halla Gulla happening over IMEI number and the phones that don’t have it especially after the threatening message that all such phone owners have received that they're phones would go dead soon. Well, it’s a cause for worry but there is some solace. Phone owners can get an IMEI number embedded in their phones from their mobile service operator for a charge of Rs. 199.

What is an IMEI number?

Before we start whining about what the government is doing and why is it after all the phone user’s to ruin their peace instead of concentrating on more meaningful things, we should understand the reason behind such a move.

Firstly, an IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code that is embedded in your phone and cannot be changed at any cost. Every phone manufactured has or rather should have it as it enables one to identify a mobile. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number allows security agencies to track down the mobile in case of suspicion or robbery.

If you're wondering how this is done then heres an explanation. When a person makes a call, he basically passes through 3 gateways. The first and the most important is the IMEI number. The IMEI number uniquely identifies the phone that the user is making the call from. In case of phones that do not have an IMEI number especially the cheaply available Chinese phones, 0’s are used. Thus when a call is made from such a phone the IMEI number registered is simply 0000...(15 times).

The 2nd is the SIM card number. This number changes either when we change our operator or we change the plan without changing the operator.

The 3rd gateway is the tower which routes the call. This changes as we change our location. FYI the Delhi police investigation revealed that the bombers of the Delhi bomb blasts made calls from the bomb site few minutes before the bomb blasted. Thanks to the tower that routed the call.

Since it’s evident that it’s only the IMEI number that’s fixed, it plays a very important role in tracking down the movements of a phone especially from a security point of view.

How to check your IMEI number?

All phone models are different. Right from the functions, the key combination to lock/unlock the keypad, everything is different. Even the chargers are not spared. However, we should be happy that atleast the procedure to check the IMEI number is the same no matter which brand or model with the exception of the iPhone.

To check the IMEI number simply dial the number *#06#. On dialling this number your IMEI number will be displayed. This number is very important and should be recorded and kept someplace safe as in case of theft it can be registered with the police.

In case of the iPhone the IMEI number can be located either by accessing the ‘About’ icon or by using the iTunes software which would display the number.

In case this doesn't do it, then simply Google ‘IMEI number+mobile handset model’. This will give you the procedure specific to your phone.

What to do?

With the government’s directive, it is expected that around 25 million phones are going to die. If you have a Chinese phone then there's no reason to panic. Why? Simply because more than you your mobile operator doesn't want to loose you. So just make your way to your mobile operator’s gallery and inform him of the same. He will do the needful for a fee of Rs.199/-.

It’s not that the government hates Chinese phones and the people who use them; it simply hates the phones that do not have an IMEI number. In the interest of national security, all of us have to bear a few hardships.

This incident however makes me think. You get all the top class features for a real cheap price where the Chinese mobiles are concerned. Yet you don’t get something that’s really important. All that glitters is not gold. I’m sure all such phone owners may be saying “Sasta pad gaya mehenga”.

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Women combat pilots in the IAF: A Boon or a Bane?

2009-11-17T23:40:00.002+05:30

I in no way mean to offend anyone. All that I’m trying to do is offer my opinion to this sea of opinions that has already been created against/for the statement made by the IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal P K Barbora regarding women combat pilots. For those who don’t know what he has said, here is his statement.

“Nature's way of life is that you get married, bring up a family. Now the latest position on ladies flying is that if a lady goes into family way, she is off-duty for 10 out of 12 months. Now while we can always utilize... a lady in some other job, but in the pure profession in which we have invested so much if the poor lady herself who has contributed so much... if we cannot utilise... then it is not fruitful for either party. But we are looking at it and in a few more years we can see a change coming with certain pre-conditions."

Before allowing my mind to take a sortie of its own, I would like to say one thing. Why is it that everyone in India gets opinionated on every topic. In one way it’s good to have one, but it’s not necessary. I say this in response to the way our news channels and the press operates. Its good to give news, but giving news painted with a certain hue is not good. By offering this kind of news, you are forcing the listener/reader to think in a particular fashion. News should be given in such an impartial manner that it allows the listener to take his own stand if he must. The onus should lie on the listener as to which side he wants to be on. That is something that’s called impartial journalism.

Now coming back to the statement. I have listened to the IAF Vice Chief atleast twice now. To be honest I don’t feel he has said anything wrong. In fact he himself has tried to clarify that he sees no difference in the capabilities of a man and a woman. But the facts that he is pointing out to are true and cannot be denied. Unfortunately, the IAF is a 24x7x365 institution. There are no excuses for being absent. The times ahead are uncertain. If the war bugles are sounded, everyone has to report for duty. After all, just like football, a single player being absent changes the balance of the team. In war, every single pilot is a prized possession. Not having even a single one at your service is like operating with a handicap. If a woman combat pilot is pregnant, then as per the IAF she gets a maternity leave of 10 months. That means for 10 out of 12 months she is out of service. What during her leave, the nation goes to war? No one can demand or expect her to press herself into service in that critical condition. Unfortunately, she will have to be left behind.

Though I personally don’t like equating money with people, but it shouldn’t also be ignored. To train a combat pilot costs the exchequer a sum of 11 crores. 11 crores is no big deal where the nation and its security is concerned, but that money when it goes down the drain is unfortunate.

Another concern is what if these women pilots are taken as POW’s (Prisoners Of War). Already we have if not seen atleast heard of the ghastly tortures that the POW’s are made to undergo. Human rights violations, sexual, physical and mental abuse, etc. If all these things take place where men are involved wouldn’t it be worse if women were prisoners?

Another discussion is that women are inducted as combat pilots in US, China and even Pakistan, then why not India. Well at the onset, I would like to actually meet the man/woman who came up with such a phrase. Before asking him/her for the reasons behind such a phrase, I would actually want to ask her as to where was she all these years? Doesn't he/she know that India and the rest of the world are not just different but greatly different? In US you have tough laws, unbiased and lawful judiciary imparting justice not only impartially but also promptly, a serious clampdown on corruption, not allowing people who without any sense fight for the enforcement of a particular language to take law in their own hands, cleanliness and obedience. If India and US were so similar, you wouldn’t have any difference as of today. Everyone of us should realize that India is India and the US is the US. If in the US people look at the system to better the nation, in India we look at the system to search for loopholes which we can take advantage of. Just because it happens in some other nation, it doesn’t mean it will work in India too. Here in India, unfortunately things are not understood, they need to be explicitly mentioned. There have to be guidelines speaking of what protocol needs to be followed by all in times of need. Once decided there can be no two-way about it.

I wouldn’t say that I stand for the Vice Chief neither would say I stand against him. All I would like to say is to offer an unbiased opinion on the subject. I believe that a woman and a man are equal in every right. But unfortunately, biology doesn't agree. If it did, then men too would get a paternity leave. So, if you're a woman then please don’t see this issue being a woman. Place yourself in an unbiased position and judge. Only then formulate your opinion.

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Dear Sachin, Thank You for the cricket…

2009-11-15T03:05:00.000+05:30

Very few times in life you have something that you come across that truly lifts your heart, something that even would make an old man jump on his feet and whistle. That something, at present would probably be Sachin Tendulkar.

Unfortunately, for the people of my age group watching Sunil Gavaskar or Sir Vivian Richards playing was not possible. Even if we were fortunate enough to see some glimpses of them, I feel we probably were too small at that time to understand the finer nuances and nitty gritties of batting. For those who did, well they are very fortunate.

It’s shocking to know that Sachin Tendulkar has completed 20 years playing for India. For a person like me he has always been playing for India (that’s from when I’ve started watching cricket on television). Whether opening the batting or rising like a phoenix from the ashes by taking the team out of loosing situations he has always been there. Looking at his videos when he had just joined the team really makes me wonder. Atleast now he has grown in built and stature. What it must have been for him at that time to face the fast bowling greats like Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, Walsh, Ambrose, etc. At that time with no limits on the number of bouncers, I’m sure that it might have been more of defence rather than attack. But even though, he made sure they never got the better of him.

Probably the most vivid memory I have of Sachin is his Operation Desert Storm. The 134 runs against Australia at Sharjah is something I’m sure that I and also the millions of Sachin fans will never ever forget. The array of shots played was as if a simulation of the coaching manual was going on. May it be Warne, Fleming or whoever, Sachin showed that all hope was not lost. And though with defeat being in the face, he fought harder and harder and made sure that the two teams would be having an appointment again. There's a common saying that “Fortune favours the brave”. I would like to modify that its not only fortune but also God that favours the brave. The sandstorm was like a large group of angels that had come to descend on the field with all the good wishes and blessings of each and every Indian just hoping that we atleast qualify for the finals. After all, the God Almighty didn’t want to leave the God of Cricket alone in this hour of need. The sandstorm finally abated and out walked a man, with just one thing on his mind; not qualification but victory. In came the Aussie bowlers and out flowed the runs from the Master’s bat like blood oozing out of a fresh cut. Neither Fleming’s speed nor Warne’s spin web could stop him. The rest they say is History. India not only qualified, but also went on to win the finals.

Sachin’s career has been, in one word, illustrious with all the records in all formats (almost) of the game to his name. His charisma, style of batting, humility has caught the eye of one and all. So much so that even the all time great, the legendary, Sir Don Bradman took a note of it. Sachin is the only cricketer of the current generation to be included in the greatest of all time. So much so that even all the top-class bowlers of the world pray that they don’t have to bowl to him. The Indian bowlers on the other hand are the happiest as they never need to have that fear.

Even though of his genius and power on field, Sachin has not been a stranger to injuries. Whether it may be his back problem or his tennis elbow, everytime he has proved detractors wrong and has made a comeback harder and much stronger. Innings after innings, runs after runs, he just continues to inspire one and all. No one can and probably will never in a long long time match his abilities. Such a man is born just once in a century. His talent and prowess, uncanny ability to find gaps, running between the wickets and sheer presence at the wicket is so exquisite that it seems that God has taken special care and own sweet time to see that he is perfect. The beauty of Sachin is that even though he may have all the records to his name he always regards himself to be a student of the game. No matter what, there's always room for improvement. That’s the way to keep moving forward. Humility, I must say is Sachin’s motto.

With a staggering 12,773 runs in 159 Tests at a robust average of 54.58 with a mind-boggling 42 centuries and a whopping 17,178 runs in 436 ODIs at a healthy average of 44.50 with 45 centuries in the process, Sachin’s authority over the game is undefiable. His 44 Test wickets and 154 scalps in ODIs underline the fact that Tendulkar has been underbowled.

So, as Sachin makes his way out in the open on Sunday, the same way as he has been doing for 20 years, let us just stop and take a moment to say,” Thank You Sachin. Thank You for the cricket. May you keep going on and on.”

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Raj Thackeray: The uncalled-for Hero.

2009-11-13T00:10:00.001+05:30

Raj Thackeray is to the Marathi people what the Spanish were to Christianity, a perfect bad example. In fact, Raj has so well lived up to this task that if you ask any Bombay city lover what is his worst fear, he’ll say Mr.Raj coming up with some of his paintras.

Starting from agitations about North Indians filling up posts to getting all sign boards in Marathi, this guy just seems to go on and on (I wonder what’s the secret behind such tremendous stamina). If that all was not enough, he went up to the extent of pulling up KJ’s movie just for the use of Bombay instead of Mumbai. Whatever Raj or his party workers and loyalists claim, I feel that Raj is nothing but a man of double standards.

If the Maharashtrians think that Raj is their friend then let me tell you or rather warn you. Raj is neither there for you nor for me. He may speak of many things like if necessary taking birth a thousand times to protect the rights of Maharashtrians (this same line seems to be on the lips of every MNS worker who’s caught for creating some ruckus). You only have to protect the rights of people whose rights are trampled upon. Which employer says that he will not give Maharashtrian’s jobs? If jobs were give on the basis of caste and creed you would only see one section of the country developing. Jobs are given to the competent and not for any other reason. When a job applicant applies for a job, the employer only sees to of what benefit he will be for the organization. He doesn't see that because he is a North Indian it’s good. Nothing like that.

If Maharashtrians are nowhere where it comes to having high posts and degrees then no other but they themselves are to blame. Who told the Maharashtrian’s to be so lazy and lethargic? Why is it that they are always associated with everything that’s slow and dumb? Don’t the Maharashtrian’s students have the intellect to crack exams like CAT, IAS, etc. Who stopped them from putting up stalls besides the so called outsiders? Just because Bombay geographically lies in Maharashtra that doesn't mean that the Maharashtrians can exercise they're right over it. All Maharashtrians should look back on their history. There was a time when Maharashtrian’s were considered pioneers and stalwarts. The beauty of the Marathi language and songs has inspired one and all. But that does not mean by just banking upon your past your future is going to be bright. Though Sachin Tendulkar may have 17K runs to his credit, yet he has to give his best everytime he plays. Unfortunately I think my Maharashtrian friends may have forgotten this. By showing through brutal force that you are a Maharashtrian does not help. Infact it attracts only strong criticism and flak. Rise to the top through hardwork and perseverance. All the Maharashtrian stalwarts too did the same. Shivaji didn’t steal his right from others, he commanded it.

If you think that just because Raj is fighting for Maharashtrian’s so he’s good. Let me tell you that he only fights for his agenda and getting all the media attention to get ahead in politics. Something that he has inherited from this uncle. Not surprising, whenever Raj lands up doing something, after a few days you see the other Sena too raising up the issue. Is this a case of one beating the other or some internally decided explicit timing? If Raj Thackeray is so much in love with Mumbai, then why doesn't he change the Bombay Stock Exchange(BSE) to MSE; the Bombay High Court to Mumbai High Court and the IIT-Bombay to IIT-Mumbai. Why did he have a problem with Bombay being used in Wake up Sid and not Rock On? Why does Raj only see to the affairs in Bombay? Why doesn't he see to the backward areas of Maharashtra where majority of people live below poverty lines? After all in Raj’s own words, Bombay alone is not Maharashtra. Unfortunately, Raj will never do that. Why? Simply because there's no media attention in it. It’s also unfortunate to know that where Raj should have being dealt with an iron fist, he was dealt with a velvet glove. The congress party keeping they’re vote bank in mind have allowed Raj to grow, rather than nipping him in the bud. History is a witness that in cases where one uses the other for his own gains he lands up being the biggest loser. During the times of the cold war, the US supplied arms, ammunition and monetary assistance to terrorist outfits like the Taliban to fight the Russians so as to curb the ever growing power of the USSR. Today the US is themselves fighting it. Its their so called own creation.

If you think that the other Sena is good then also let me tell you this. This Sena has attacked many communities too in the past. When the Gujrati's played a pivotal role in the affairs, the Sena had a problem. Even so, they removed all the local station names that were in Gujrati. On seeing the south Indians putting up hotels and road side food joints, they attacked them. It seems that these two Sena’s are nothing but two sides of the same coin. Instead of working in a constructive manner for the Maharashtrians(like as if they are its rightful caretakers) like educating them, grooming them, providing job opportunities they teach them to destroy and bring about an atmosphere of fear. Why do I get the feeling that this is the same that the jihadi groups do?

Raj Thackeray talks about a progressive Maharashtra, but how is it supposed to the progress when the damages done by Raj and his band of hooligan’s runs in crores of Rupees. Is Raj and his MNS ready to pay for all the damages caused? Moreover is Raj a real well wisher of Maharashtra? If yes, then what about his alleged irregularity of funds in the Kohinoor Mills’ deal?

With respect to the attack on north Indians and also on Abu Azmi I would just say that instead of seeing outside Raj should first see within. His own son hasn’t taken Marathi in college. His son studied and studies in an English medium institution. Around 95% of all Maharashtrian families send their children to English medium schools. I think from now on, they should send them to Marathi medium schools. I wonder how many will be in favour for it.
If Raj feels that all outsiders have come and taken up jobs leaving none for the locals, then he should be happy and proud of the attacks on Indians in Australia as the same thing is going on there. The Australians are probably feeling too that the Indians are taking up they're seats in universities and jobs. So Raj should now either come out in the open expressing his happiness or should stop parents from sending they're students abroad altogether.

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Enough Is Enough...Just another slogan

2008-12-01T02:58:00.001+05:30

The last time I wrote was when some incidents perturbed me to such an extent that I had to get out what I felt. Few days later, my worst fears are taking shape. The Mumbai Massacre as it’s called is the main topic of argument.

Ever since we have had the Mumbai Massacre we keep saying Enough Is Enough. I know I may not be forgiven here, but I feel I need to differ. Enough is enough sounds nothing better than a political party’s slogan like Congress ka haath, aam aadmi ke saath. I wish to ask everyone, each & everyone as to what has infuriated us so much this time that we have actually come on the streets demanding answers. As far as my intellect takes me, it is simply because we have never seen an attack so severe. We never ever thought that an ordeal could last 60 hrs. all this while, we were used to those quick 20 minute bomb blasts & then ordinary people helping one another. Secondly, it was the Taj in question. The Taj or the jewel in the palace as one would say. This is probably the first time that the rich have felt unsafe. Probably this is the reason that Bombay was under the worldwide media glare. The Taj & the Oberoi-Trident did have guests of many different nationalities. If you ever doubt my perception then here’s a small query. How many news channels actually talk about VT railway station, Cama Hospital, Metro cinema casualties? There were more blast sites right? What about them? Weren’t lives lost there too? Or as compared to the elite living in Taj & Oberoi-Trident these are insignificant? Why have all the synagogues across the world decided to observe 26th November as a day of grief in remembrance of just 2 of its citizens? Why are we Indians treated as thrash & the death of one of us as ordinary?

Everywhere you go, you will find people asking questions as to why? What are the people who are entrusted with the job of protecting us doing? What should we do now? I’m quite surprised to know that people have even gone to the extent of saying that we are not going to pay taxes. We should go & demolish all the terrorist camps that have sprung all across PoK & Pakistan. In a state of fury such statements are legible, but come to think of it practically they're ILL-LEGITIMATE. If you ever think that these things are practically possible, then you're probably in LALALAND & need to be awoken from your deep slumber. These high vocals of protest of such anger are not going to yield anything except damage to one’s own health & nothing else.

You may have often heard on TV that we as citizens of this country need to exercise our vote carefully. We should make sure that those elected should be just & upright. I would like to ask the same people, whom are they talking about? Why they don’t understand that voting in India is nothing but choosing the Best out of the Worst. Everytime we see the same people contesting from the same constituency. Everytime the same person wins. Probably he has 9 criminal cases to his name as compared to the other who has 10. Secondly election is India is a big farce. We are made to choose people who are truly non-competent. This non-competent guy then goes ahead & handles an all-important portfolio which he is absolutely inept at. Thus the only condition for being a person holding power is to win an election. To do this, I just need to flaunt my popularity image, my muscle & money power. If I am successful at that then I will have thousands of chamchaas around me the same way bees encircle a flower.

There is also a demand that we should declare a period of national emergency to get things straight. I’m all for it. All I ask “Will it ever happen?” Sadly NO. No political party will agree to it. You see all our politicians have much to lose in this deal. Firstly, they would lose their salary. Now that runs into a pretty huge sum I would say. More importantly, do you realize how much time would be lost which could be spent in amassing huge wealth? Not to forget, if ever their scams are unearthed then it would spell disaster for the man in question. His clean image would be marred forever. After all things are put straight & India is returned her pristine glory, things would again be the same. Just like the time at independence & now.

Another angle to this incident is the Pakistan angle. I would like to ask; when would we learn to think as grown-ups. Every terrorist attack in this country is blamed on Pakistan. After getting credible evidence against Pakistan, we tell them to hand over to us those involved. Has Pakistan all these years paid even the slightest heed to our demands. NO. But yet like small children we run about yelling & pointing the finger at Pakistan. I mean why? What for? Pakistan is not to be blamed. India is. We very well know that our neighbor has probably nothing better to do than coming up with plans to annihilate us. But yet like old fools we continue to be a soft target for all of them. Why don’t we develop our security to such an extent that forget Pakistan, tomorrow even if Australia desires to attack us its plans never materialize. Its clearly a case where we point a finger at the other forgetting that three are pointing back at me.

In my earlier blog, I had spoken about the whole concept about India being a so-called country. Till today, since birth people keep on telling me that I belong to a particular religion, I belong to a particular region. When will the day finally arrive when people will tell me that I am simply an Indian…that too with no strings attached?

If we really want to change things then change should be complete. Not just a mere part of it. There should be changes in each & every department & that too with the celerity that it requires. A Harshad Mehta should be tried, convicted & should complete his sentence in his lifetime. Timely death should not be the ultimate punishment. If possible, corporal punishment should be awarded which will prove to be a deterrent for others. A high profile person giving inflammatory speeches against a particular section of people should be persecuted in the same way as an ordinary citizen is. A non-baillable warrant should be a non-baillable warrant & not just on the face of it. It is truly sad to say that we Indians don’t deserve democracy. We truly require the autocratic & imperialist rule that we are used to. In the ancient times we had just one English governor for the entire presidency. Today we have Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, MoS, etc, etc, etc. But yet, even together they are no match for the ability of that one governor. I am truly sorry for being a pessimist, but I guess it’s easy to convince yourself this way rather than being optimistic & see your hopes & aspirations of a better country go up in flames.

At last, the need of the hour is to channelize our anger, frustration in a proper way. This brings to mind an incident that took place years ago in USA. A son was returning home after years of education in another state. During this period the mother never saw her son. To return home, the son hired a cab. Unfortunately the cab driver was drunk. The son met with an accident & died on the spot. Imagine what the mother might have undergone? The mother’s anger knew no bounds. She was so angry that she formed MADD – Mothers Against Drunken Driving. This premier NGO in the US makes sure that people who drink & drive are brought to book. A common saying in Hindi says that the reply to a brick thrown should be a stone. I do not say that we need to hurl a stone at our enemy. I just say that we shouldn’t forget that somebody had the cheek to throw a brick at us. Together by looking in the interests of the country as a whole & not of a region or religion we will be able to make a difference. Yes We Can!!!

So, till we meet again. Take care, God Bless You & May God Bless India.

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I am Proud of my ‘So-called Country’ India…

2008-11-11T02:52:00.001+05:30

I am proud of the country where the ideals of our freedom fighters are remembered only during election times.

I am proud of the country where the streets & the surroundings are nothing but a vast public latrine.

I am proud of the country where basic amenities meant for the poor & needy are instead used by the rich & powerful.

I am proud of the country where disputes regarding the country’s resources are a daily affair.

I am proud of the country where justice takes years to attain.

I am proud of the country where the same guilty people always come to power in every election.

I am proud of the country where the people are not held accountable for their actions.

I am proud of the country where one community thinks of outnumbering the other by means of violence & destruction.

I am proud of the country where very citizen takes his freedom for granted.

I am proud of the country where its people have got caught entangled in the various laws & by-laws.

I am proud of the country where a 15 minute government job takes a minimum of 15 months.

I am proud of the country where red-tapism is the government agencies trademark.

I am proud of the country where its very own people look out for & destroy its own property.

I am proud of the country where the people are given a false impression of ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha, Hindustan Hamara’.

I am proud of the country where its people have no problem in dirtying it, but the same people in a foreign land stay away from.

I am proud of the country where being a literate means just being able to sign.

I am proud of the country where the minimum criteria for being a peon is Std X pass, but to be the Prime Minister even a Std V pass would do.

I am proud of the country where the facilities given to a minister for better implementation of his duties are used by his family to attend personal events.

I am proud of the country which though being the world’s largest producer of milk & wheat yet its every citizen is not guaranteed 1 roti & 1 glass of milk daily.

I am proud of the country where the law of the land is only for laymen & not for high profile people like ministers or people of power.

I am proud of the country where the number of pending cases in the Supreme Court is around 35 Lakh & no idea how many in the State & District courts.

I am proud of the country where before holding a person guilty his caste, creed & origins are taken into consideration.

I am proud of the country where freedom of speech, freedom of religion & other fundamental rights are only bound to the pages of the constitution.

I am proud of the country where its people are proud to flaunt their caste.

I am proud of the country where in a world of competition people look for reservations & resort to destruction of public property in order to get it sanctioned.

I am proud of the country where even after so many years questions are raised about an individual’s loyalty to his motherland.

I am proud of the country where an individual see’s to his betterment before the betterment of his nation & countrymen.

I am proud of the country where being an honest man is perhaps the worst crime.

I am proud of the country where holding a position of office is seen as a chance to amass wealth rather than a chance to serve with honesty & dedication.

I am proud of the country where laws are put aside just to attain political advantage.

I am proud of the country where its citizens feel unsafe even in the safety of their homes.

I am proud of the country where the death of its citizens is treated as an ordinary thing.

I am proud of the country where the innocent are penalized while the guilty are left scot free.

I am proud of the country where its people are looked upon only & only as a large vote bank & nothing else.

I am proud of the country where the meaning of ‘public servant’ varies from its actual meaning.

I am proud of the country where there are 43 political parties filled with relatives & people who are mostly incapable of governing the nation or have a long criminal record.

I am proud of the country where ministers having no previous knowledge of a particular office are given ministries to handle.

I am proud of the country where a justice seeking person’s character is maligned while that of the accused is glorified.

I am proud of the country each and every thing is given a religious hue.

I am proud of the country where the parliament is nothing other than a comedy circus.

I am proud of the country where its leaders itself don’t have any manners or etiquettes.

I am proud of the country where the people of 1 state are much more interested in the well being of its people in another sovereign country.

I am proud of the country where people living in a state for decades are termed as ‘outsiders’ & forcibly sent back.

I am proud of the country which has countless problems but no solutions.

I am proud of the union of 28 states & 7 Union Territories. I am proud of my ‘so-called country’ called India.

I am sad, depressed, disheartened & frustrated on seeing the incidents happening in India over the past few days. At such a time what do you expect someone to do? Let’s make an honest confession. Can we say that we are proud citizens of this country? Can we say that we are an emerging superpower? Or are we fooling ourselves by that never achievable dream?

We have everything that it takes to be the best. The best of talent, the work force, everything. The only thing required is the will, more importantly the political will. Till that comes nothing is achievable.

It is time for a new freedom struggle. Freedom from fear, freedom from injustice, freedom from caste, creed & other differences. The time has come. Let’s make a difference.

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The Study of History

2008-06-11T13:02:00.001+05:30

The study of history is largely a waste of time since it drifts us away from addressing the challenges of the present times is one of the most debated topics today....well i must say i disagree...

History is nothing but an account of man’s actions right from primitive times till date. The study of history enables us to learn from his experiences – his successes & shortcomings.

There's a saying in English that one should learn from mistakes, but it’s not necessary that mistakes should be one’s own. The fact that history keeps on repeating itself is again an affirmation to the fact that its study enables us to better address the challenges of today. Its study enables us to view the same situation through different perspectives. In short it prepares us to face the realities of today & the challenges of tomorrow.

Many instances can be taken up where the knowledge of history has led to situations being better dealt with. For instance, Indira Gandhi’s stand on the formation of Khalistan – a country for the Sikhs. The consequences of the partition of India & Pakistan being felt even to this very day, were enough for her to counter the demand. As a result today we see that Punjab is one of the most progressive & peaceful state in India and it also has one of the highest standards of living.

Hitler’s attack on Russia is another instance. Poor Hitler had only learnt his history well he would have known of Napoleon. Hitler would have never committed the same mistake of attacking Russia in winter.

The study of history enables us to draw inspiration from the countless men & women who gave their life in fighting for a cause. Mahatma Gandhi’s doctrine of ‘ahimsa’ or non-violence is still the most effective way of curbing the menace of barbarism & terrorism. In fact it is the need of the hour. After all an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. Drawing inspiration from Gandhi, his contemporaries like Martin Luther King Jr., Aung Sang Su Ki also used his doctrine and spread the word of love & peace. It may also be recalled that in medieval times King Ashoka himself sent his children to far off lands as ambassadors of peace.

Many disasters have been averted thanks to history. Today the nuclear states of the world think twice before they use these weapons of mass destruction keeping in mind the horrible consequences of the dropping of atomic bombs on Horoshima & Nagasaki which can be felt even to this day.

Thus the study of history enables us to better address the challenges of the present times and is not simply a colossal waste of time.

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For Name’s Sake…

2008-05-30T19:55:00.001+05:30

What’s in a name??? I guess in today’s world that’s become everyone’s favourite dialogue. On hearing this...anyone would say "William Shakespeare". Yes, but then at once Alec Smart would stand up and say “But below that he wrote his own name”. Well my dear friends for the record Shakespeare never ever said that…the phrase was a mere dialogue in one of his plays.

Though a lot has been said about what there being in a name, I beg to differ. A person’s name to him is the most sweetest sound in any language. A name may not be of any significance to another person, but to its bearer its of utmost value. None of us would liked being called as ‘Excuse me, Hello, Aaaa, Tsh Tsh’. When a person calls you by his name it means that the person relates to you in some way or another. It means that he regards you as one of his own to an extent.

Down the line even if a person changes his name, he is still called by his old name. Our previous generation refers to Amitabh Bachan’s wife as Jaya Bhaduri while our generation says Jaya Bachan. The same is going to happen with Aishwarya. Referring to Mumbai as Bombay & Pune as Poona I guess is no crime & according to me both should be officially recognised. I feel that for cities of the stature & fame as Bombay, the name shouldn’t be changed. One, it creates confusion & there is a lot of formalities to be done. Two, however much I try I can’t change history. After a few decades I will be wondering as to whether the place exists or not. Eg. How many of us know that Benaras is the old name of Varanasi. By changing the name no drastic development & progress has taken place. After all CST & VT mean one & the same; just like my (horrible) train experiences. So what the heck! Whenever I am supposed to fill any form asking me for my place of birth, I always answer Bombay. Whenever I am corrected, I answer that when I was born it was called Bombay, after that it changed to Mumbai.

The most important aspect of a name from a business point of view is that it speaks of its brand value. Lets say tomorrow I start a telecom company & name it Neltonz. Any person using my service will fall short of words when in a group of people. The people around him will wonder as to which service provider is this. No matter how much I may advertise using all forms of media, I will still fall short. Reason? Because my company name lacks credibility & value, a thing which obviously comes with time. More importantly my company name lacks class. Lets take an example of Vodafone. Everyone around would love being associated with Vodafone. Reason? Simple. Wouldn’t you love to say with pride that you are a part (even if that is being insignificant) of the world’s largest telecom company. A brand name that is valued & respected around the world. I’m not saying that I cannot achieve such brand value. But time is a very clever player. At the advent of the internet any website clicked, but in today's time where the net is filled with hundred thousands of websites (most of them being crap) it’s difficult for a newcomer to create a niche for himself.

It’s for this reason that there are so many companies who concentrate on creating a value for their brand. Realistically speaking there are more double who concentrate on imitating the latter. That’s where copyright & patents come to the fore. That’s the same reason why so many companies prefer not changing their names even when they have undergone acquisitions or mergers. That’s the same reason why television & the print media were flooded with messages just to convey the fact that Rin Supreme had now become Surf Excel. That’s the same reason why even though the world over we have M&M’s in India we still have Gems even though they are owned by the same company. Ultimately that’s what each company wants us to do & believe. Two toothpastes may be the same in composition, yet you may have one’s sales plummeting the roof, which the other taking a nose dive.

The other day my friend’s friend was listening to Linkin Park. Nothing wrong with that, except the fact that I doubted whether he understood anything given his tastes. Seeking a clarification I asked him. Well as I guessed he didn’t. All his praises for the band was a mere fallacy. Now that’s wrong. I asked him what made him switch, he just said that the coolest guys in class listen to them. The rest need not be explained. Many a time we do thing for no reason at all. We love things, do things just because it has been kind of endorsed by a particular section of people or society. Just not to be left out we endorse those things too. Even though they may be unaffordable or uncomfortable. Well that’s the same reason big brands utilize the services of the bigwigs of society to advertise for their products just for the prime reason that if at least no one else the celebrity’s fan following will at least purchase the product. Bigger the celebrity, larger is his/her fan following. That’s the reason you have Kareena Kapoor advertising for Dermi Cool talcum powder, Shah Rukh Khan for Navratna talc, Amitabh Bachan for Navratna Hair Oil etc, etc, etc…the list is endless. These people advertise for these products, their fans purchase them, but do these celebrities actually use them. On one such occasion during an interview, Sachin Tendulkar was asked what his favourite drink was. To everyone’s astonishment Sachin answered “Water”. Now where did the Pepsi go that Sachin endorses??? Only God knows.

Now coming to individual names there’s a lot in a person’s name. The country that we live in (I have started to believe) does not judge a person by his work, but by his name. On hearing a person’s name for the first time, the mind begins to analyze the name carefully as if titrating an unknown solution. For further analysis, the spelling is asked & for confirmation the surname is asked. Then that person is categorized as a Sindhi, Marwadi, Bengali, Maharashtrian, etc, etc, etc. Not to mention Christian, Muslim, etc. Over here I just have a simple question. Why? Why do we need to be so regionalistic? Why aren’t we contented with a person’s name & that’s it. End of story. What difference does it make if a person belongs to a particular section of society? Isn’t the goal much bigger than the individual? What criteria do we need to satisfy to be a part of a community? More importantly who gives us the right to judge other people? An incident comes to my mind from the movie ‘Mr & Mrs Iyer’. In that movie Rahul Bose plays the part of a bengali. On Konkana Sen Sharma coming to know of the fact that he’s a muslim, the question that pops out from her mouth is “But you said you were a Bengali”. To this Rahul Bose replies “I am”. Well all I would like to know is what defines us & makes us Indian. Who is an Indian & who is not? Tomorrow if I learn a particular region’s language can I say that I am a part of that community? Is going to temples & bathing in the Ganges being Indian. Does that mean that all the Muslims & Christians & many other non-Hindus who think & work for the betterment of the country stand no chance of being Indian? Is this what our country has been reduced to? Sadly speaking before this a 9% GDP growth also seems insignificant.

Hoping that you have an amazing day & week ahead. Until next time.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Nana Patekar being asked on his take on the IPL his reply was “I like to watch India play another country. Here Bombay is up against Delhi & Calcutta is against Madras. They are all part of my India, which side do I support?

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The Indian Cricketing Extravaganza

2008-05-23T11:45:00.001+05:30

The Date: April 18th, 2008

The Venue: Eden Gardens, Calcutta.

Well its not common that you see a total of 1,00,000 or more Bengali’s packed at a single place especially when the Indian Cricket Team is not playing….surely there’s some valid reason to it. Well it’s not the Indian Cricket Team but should we say the Calcutta team that’s playing a match today….

The day has finally dawned…a day many people have eagerly awaited. While some people have looked up to this day when they’re so called fortunes would change (as if they had not yet had the better of it).

April 18th brought with it a new dimension to a sport everyone looks up to in a country where everyone looks up to it as a religion. From now onwards till June 1st cricket will just mean hard hitting & pacy bowling. Exquisite timing & precise placement with a lot of self – control & perseverance have gone on a holiday for now. The BCCI created IPL – Indian Premier League kicked off form the historic Eden Gardens, Calcutta with much fanfare attached to it. After all you’re not talking about just another league. In my words it’s a public gamble where the two parties have money (a lot of it) at stake.

From the lines above I’m sure that you must have felt that I’m against this League. Well its not so. I’m not against it, but I do have some reservations.

Firstly cricket in India is of national stature. Nobody looks up to the cricket team as more of this region & less of that. When we speak of the cricket team we mean the whole country & not a part of it. Cricket has never been thought of as a regional game. By having regional representations in this league, we are not only fueling regionalism (leaving aside casteism, religion) but giving birth to alienation. For eg. If I am a person from say Gujrat then whom should I support, the team to my north The Rajasthan Royals or the team to my south The Mumbai Indians?

Secondly even after deciding on which team to support, I’m still in a dilemma…more that half of my team doesn’t come from the place they play for. It’s not that I have any thing against these people but if you look at it the way I do, it’s a bit funny.

Well an easy solution to the above problems would be is instead of naming the teams on basis of region, why not have club names? Like how we have in football, Dempo, Salgaoncar, etc….i guess that would be much easier to relate to & not cause any identity problems…

Another bone of contention is that was it required to have so much money invested in a game that is already brewing with cash inflows? A slight summary of the money invested per team is as follows in the following order:

Franchise

Owner(s)

Price (USD)

Mumbai Indians

Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Industries Limited

$111.9 million

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Vijay Mallya and UB group

$111.6 million

Hyderabad Deccan Chargers

Deccan Chronicle

$107 million

Chennai Super Kings

India Cements and N Srinivasan

$91 million

Delhi Daredevils

GMR Holdings

$84 million

Kings XI Punjab

Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Karan Paul (Apeejay Surendera Group) and Mohit Burman (Dabur)

$76 million

Kolkata Knight Riders

Shahrukh Khan, Juhi Chawla Mehta and Jai Mehta (Red Chillies Entertainment)

$75.09 million

Rajasthan Royals

Emerging Media: (Manoj Badale, Lachlan Murdoch, Suresh Chellaram)

$67 million

Just imagine (should I say can you imagine). I guess that looking at the figures it would be better if some of our cricketers who are at the end of their stint to just retire from all sorts of the game. Look forward to the League which lasts for some 40 – odd days, play 14 matches & earn what u haven’t earned in your lifetime. What’s more if you’re Sachin then you can earn just by sitting in the dug-out.

If you thought that money has been spent only on the players then there is some shocking news for you. The broadcasting allocation (or should I say fiasco) has been questionable.

On 15 January 2008 it was announced that a consortium consisting of India's Sony Entertainment Television network and Singapore-based World Sport Group secured the global broadcasting rights of the Indian Premier League. The record deal has a duration of ten years at a cost of US$1.026 billion. As part of the deal, the consortium will pay the BCCI US$918 million for the television broadcast rights and US$108 million for the promotion of the tournament.

20% of these proceeds would go to IPL, 8% as prize money and 72% would be distributed to the franchisees. The money would be distributed in these proportions until 2012 after which the share of IPL would go up.

Sony-WSG then re-sold parts of the broadcasting rights geographically to other companies. Below is a summary of the broadcasting rights around the world in the following order.

Winning Bidder

Regional Broadcast Rights

Terms of Deal

Sony/World Sport Group

Global Rights, India

10 years at USD 1.026 Billion

Network Ten

Free-to-air television in Australia

5 years at AUD 10-15 Million.

Setanta Sports

United Kingdom and Ireland on a subscription basis

5 years, terms not disclosed.

Arab Digital Distribution

Middle East broadcast rights on ADD's ART Prime Sport channel. Will broadcast to United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan and Libya.

10 Years, terms not released.

Willow TV

Rights to distribute on television, radio, broadband and Internet, for the IPL in North America.

5 years, terms not released.

SuperSport

South Africa broadcast rights

Terms not released

GEO Super

Pakistan broadcast rights

Terms not released

Asian Television Network

Canadian broadcast rights. Aired on ATN's CBN & ATN Cricket Plus channels on a subscription basis. Aired on XM Radio's ATN-Asian Radio as well.

5 years, terms not released.

The IPL negotiated a contract with the Canadian company Live Current Media Inc. to run and operate its portals and the minimum guarantee has been negotiated at USD 50 million over the next 10 years.

Initially the IPL enforced strict guidelines to media covering Premier League matches, consistent with their desire to use the same model sports leagues in North America use in regards to media coverage. Notable guidelines imposed included the restriction to use images taken during the event unless purchased from Cricket.com, owned by Live Current Media Inc (who won the rights to such images) and the prohibition of live coverage from the cricket grounds. Media agencies also had to agree to upload all images taken at IPL matches to the official website. This was deemed unacceptable by print media around the world. Upon the threat of boycott, the IPL eased up on several of the restrictions. On April 15th, 2008 a revised set of guidelines was issued by the IPL offering major concessions to the print media and agencies.

Even with the amended restrictions, specialist cricket websites such as cricinfo and cricket365 continued to be banned from providing live coverage from the grounds and from purchasing match images from press agencies. As a result, on April 18th major international agencies including Reuters and AFP announced their decision to provide no coverage of the IPL.

Overall the IPL, is nothing but a money-making racquet where cricket has been the canvassing agent. Its like I’m giving u a game to enjoy (with no guarantee that it will be competitive) but in return I am gaining a few million dollars. Honestly I pity Vijay Mallya. He got a team that everyone looked up to(as of late not himself----wonder if he had said that if his team was doing well) but yet that team lands up being the top team(in reverse) in the points table. Wonder if Mr.Mallya had invested that money in some social building activity, we would see a new face of India. Well if he is concerned about the returns then why not invest that money into some other sports like football, hockey where it is much required.

What more…the league seems bland with the absence of Brendon McCullum, Hayden, Hussey & co. I guess that people to whom attck comes naturally are being missed. Even the bigges (most of them being icons) are a total flop for eg. Afridi, Dimitri, etc. Thus this league has lost its competitive edge…there seems no more competition amongst the teams. The only fight is now for the 4th place in the standings table so as to qualify for the Semi – finals.

The only good that has come out from this tournament is that players who were not know are getting noticed. For eg. Swapnil Asnodkar, Shikhar Dhawan, etc. These people are what the selectors should keep they’re eyes on. After all, a competitive team is not measured by its playing eleven but by its bench strength. The future of Indian cricket depends on people like these – performers & not people who have made it by influence.

Looking at the approach of the sponsors towards this league, I guess having it next year would be doubtful. The owners have much more to lose that they stand to gain. Plus with individual boards planning a league of they’re own on the same lines, the availability of players would be scarce.

What I would suggest is that there should be T20 tournament but only for our domestic players & for those players who have not been contracted by the BCCI & various other boards. This would make sure that everyone is given an equal opportunity with the emphasis totally on cricket & not with the money associated with it.

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My Group Discussion

2007-08-12T04:38:00.001+05:30

Hello everybody out there….Well I know it has been a long time since I've blogged….well blame it on paucity of time…

The name of my blog is ‘My Group Discussion’…& there is a reason why I wish to name this blog. Today whilst my daily activities…I took part in a Group Discussion…The reason for organizing such an activity was to eliminate fear & boost self-confidence…Overall I can say it has been an amazing experience…

The Setup

The group consisted of 9 members…The topic was awarded on the spot…The topic my group got was, ‘Is the sentence awarded to Sanjay Dutt justified’

Well we discussed, at times argued, got our feedback & said Au-revoir…Well but like some adhesive, this topic kind of just got stuck in my head & I’ve just not been able to come out of it…That’s why I’m hoping to express myself & bring out many points that have probably never occurred to me…

He being a celebrity…

Well most of us when we hear about this Sanjay Dutt saga all of us just debate on him being a celebrity. Well I don’t think that he is going to get any leniency on being a celebrity. By being a celebrity he's getting just one thing & that’s media hype. Nothing else. So many countless people have been involved in this act, but no one has been highlighted because in other words other than their friends & family no one knows them, whereas everyone knows Munnabhai…

His sentence

What punishment would you award a person who has been arrested on grounds of illegal possession of arms? Point Blank 6yrs R.I plus Rs.25000/- . Is this befitting keeping into account how many years this case has been going on for? Before going into a debate, let’s analyze the events that took place before this crime was committed.

Before the bomb blast, we had the Hindu-Muslim riots. Understanding the situation then, where friends turned into foes & people went all out to pick up arms to save their loved ones. Next if that was not enough we had the Bombay Bomb Blasts where prime locations of our national commercial capital were targeted. Well keeping in mind all these facts, I guess possessing a weapon is accepted to some limit.

Well the next thing that I would like to raise is what has been going on in this country for so many years. The lethargic nature of our judiciary. This case has been going on since 1993. Sanjay Dutt was found guilty & later released on bail in 1995. Since then he has always sought the permission of the court before leaving the country.

Well since 1995, this case has been going on. It has been 12 yrs for this verdict. Do you think that this is justified. It would have been better incase if Sanjay had been imprisoned for this time period. That would make better sense. Why such a long delay?

One noteworthy point. What's the main objective of the law to punish someone. It’s basically to make a criminal again fit to live in society. Isn't that exactly what Sanjay has done & is being doing. He has made himself a better person, a person who is respected by all sections of the society. So does he deserve 6 yrs RI?

Another point. 6 yrs RI for possession of weapons. Let us just drift away from this case & move to the case of Alistair Pereira. He was convicted of over speeding his vehicle, that too under the influence of liquor resulting in the killing of 4 people by running over them. What sentence should be awarded to him? Well he was just awarded 6 months. That’s it. Now tell me 6yrs for Sanjay…is that right? He never went on a ‘Kill Frenzy’ spree. He was not also directly linked with the bombings. He was just held possessing weapons.

While announcing the verdict, the judge himself admitted to the fact that the weapons were solely for protection purpose only. But still such a quantum punishment. Probably the judge is trying some popularity stunt.

The Conclusion

Well according to me, I think the verdict is harsh. I don’t say that he should not be punished, what is say is that this case should be looked upon again. Not because he is a celebrity, that’s of no consequence, but for the sake of the belief of the people that the law is for the good of the people & not against it.

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2006-04-30T22:39:00.000+05:30

Just a Minute: Epiloque

A TRIBUTE!

2006-03-28T11:06:00.001+05:30

After watching the superhit 'Rang De Basanti', I was made to think. Do we really ever spare a thought about the people who allow us to live our today? Let us spare a thought guys about the people who defend our borders through the chills & heat. Recognising their effors here's a small token of appreciation.

During The Attack on Akshardham temple on 24th September 2002 this Brave Man fought the greatest battle of his life. Yes he was the N.S.G. Commando Late Mr. Surjan Singh , who sacrificed his life for the Nation. Sadly On 19th May 2004 he lost the Toughest and Longest battle against life exactly after 600 Days being in Coma, he lost this life. The Bullet which hit him in the head made him Unconscious for almost 600 days. His family members were hoping that one day their Hero will open his eyes but he didn't.It was the Longest Wait for the family members of this Brave Man. When the whole India was busy in Guessing Who will be the Next PM of the country - Will it be Sonia or will it be Manmohan Singh, This man was fighting his Last battle. But it's so sad that in the hype of all the Political Drama, the News about his Death was Lost like a needle in a hay stack! Even the leading News Papers & So Called Best News Channels of India which Works on 24 X 7 basis, failed to highlight this story of the Brave Man. Unfortunately it was mentioned somewhere on the middle page of some newspaper.....This was the Reward for the Brave task for which he lost his life. Besides his Family members, only one thing was there with him during those toughest 600 days. It was there near his bed till the last Moment. Can you guess what it was?............... It was the "Tiranga", yes! Our National Flag, which was saluting him for his Great cause. Absolutely No words can suffice our Gratitude towards him...

If news papers refuse to cover, TV channels refuse to cover, let us do our bit.

Please forward this mail to as many people as you can.

This is the only way we can salute his Bravery...

Hoping you have a wonderful week ahead. So till we meet Goodbye & please take Good care of yourself.

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2006-03-09T20:48:00.000+05:30

Well dear fellow Netizens,

Hoping that the Indiankaleidoscope (Inka) is creating the much needed thrust in your life. This is always an endeavor from my side to put in my best because I realize that the people who read this will not settle for anything less. Hoping that you'll have enjoyed the last editorial. Please do share with me your comments either at indiankaleidoscope.blogspot.com or email me at inka_webmaster@rediffmail.com. What I’m going to share with you'll today is something which is special & relevant to all of us. I'm talking about INDIA.

Saare jahan se achha, Hindustan hamara. This was probably the first sentence that came out of our mouths when we were toddlers. But today I ask all of you'll. Do we understand what we say? We say that ‘Compared to the whole world our India is the Best’. I am a die-hard Indian & I totally agree to this statement. After all where would one find a vast public latrine ranging from Jammu & Kashmir to Kanyakumari? Where would you be able to see a dustbin with nothing in it but all the garbage around it? Where would you see people running to flee with their vehicles when they sight a tow van approaching? The point I’m trying to make is that what’s the use in saying that our country is the best & sabse aage honge Hindustani. Lets face it guys, India is not. Infact it’s ranked at 127 in overall development across the globe.

We say look at the States, it’s so developed. The roads are spick & span. Everything is well organized & developed. Is it that God has some special consideration for US & not for India? Is it that if Americans litter their roads then God sends his angels to clean them, or are the people so responsible that they will find a bin & dispose of the waste. Its not about taking sides here & me fleeing to America. It’s just about seeing a dream & realizing it. It’s all about being the India you want to see.

It you don’t like the litter on the streets then henceforth make a resolution that you will not litter them. You see people doing that stuff then correct them. You see a ‘No Parking’ sign then don’t park your vehicle there. Make an effort to improve this country. We all have seen a dream for this country. Make it a point to resolve it. A little effort can bring about a great change; a great change makes a huge difference.

Hoping that you'll have enjoyed this editorial too. Please send me your comments on them. Also hoping that you'll are enjoying the sms’ & the advertisements. Some cool offers out there guys just for Inka visitors. Avail of them & make your life as beautiful as ever. Did I hear that someone's birthday is round the corner? Great for gifting purpose also guys. After all the budget is coming into effect from next month!!!

Hoping you have a wonderful week ahead. So till we meet Goodbye & please take Good care of yourself.

2006-02-24T20:19:00.000+05:30

Hello dear fellow Netizens,
Well i'm thankful to all for making this site hugely popular & spreading the word. Hoping that you'll will keep clicking the ads as well & avail of some amazing offers. As promised the better & fresher look of this site is in the pipeline, but looking at the tremendous response for this site i wonder whether i should actually go in for something new (Just Kidding). Well as nothing is permanent, so too this look will change for the better, this is an untiring effort from my side. If you'll are going ga-ga over this site then please do tell me, if there are any errors then also let me know, because there is always scope for improvement.
Before signing off i would like to share a small thought with you. Practically everyone in India owns a mobile. Infact not owning a mobile could be called as a status symbol. The one single communication device has now evolved into such a dynamic device which people cannot live without. Now we have mobiles with 2 megapixel cameras with flash, stereo music player, FM radio, etc...The point that i'm trying to emphasise is that have we forgotten the main aim of a mobile which is to keep people in touch. Its not that i'm trying to discourage people from buying the high end mobiles but what i'm doing is that remind people that a mobile is mere a communication device. The extra features are add-on's. At this time i'm reminded of a short story which goes like this.
In a very distant & remote village where the people were all illiterate & not a ray of civilisation had dawned came a missionary. he didnt have any plan of religion but of just development. He lived amongst the people & taught them many things. Amongst the most important was how to make fire. That single discovery was for them magnum opus. With that discovery they made metals, used it for lighting & improved their lifestyle. Seeing his mission accomplished the missionary made up his mind to leave & move to another place to carry out his work. Hearing about the decision the villagers were all sad. So the missionary promised to return when his work would be over in the other village.As a parting gift they decided to thank him for his gift of fire. So in his name they built statues, named roads, schools, etc after him. They continued to do this for many years so as to surprise the missionary when he came back. When finally the day dawned, the missionary did come back. He saw the new construction & was very happy. Now all he wanted to see was the creation of fire. This caught the villagers in a fix. After all these years they had forgotten how to create fire. They had achieved everything, but the thing that had made them able to do all this was forgotten.
So coming back. I hope we dont forget what is the main purpose of a mobile. If we own one we should use it responsibly.
Ending with a short incident that happened a few days back. Hoping you have a wonderful week ahead. So till we meet GoodBye & please take Good care of yourself.

This is a real incident that happened in a local hospital in Bangalore.A four year old girl was admitted due to leg fracture. As it was an open fracture, she had to undergo an operation to stitch the protruding bone back in place.Though it was quite a minor operati on, she was hooked on to a life support system, as a part of the process. The doctors had to input some data prior to the operation to suit different conditions.
Thereafter, the operation proceeded. Half way through the process, the life support system suddenly went dead.
The culprit: "Someone was using his/ her mobile phone outside the operation theatre. And the frequency had affected the system. They tried to track the fellow but to no avail. The little girl, young and innocent as she was, died soon after. Sad to say, she was the only child.Message :- Be compassionate!
Do not use your mobiles especially at any hospitals or within the Aircraft or any places where you are told not to use it. You might not be caught in the act, but you might have killed someone without knowing.
Sometimes it's a matter of Life & Death....!!!!

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