Hi People! I am an Ocean. I am boundary less. All my seven brothers are joined together, and we cover two-third area of the Earth. At times I touch the surface levels – you call me beach; sometimes I am so deep – no one even dares to measure my depth. I enjoy the ripples of Penguins at Ataractic and I also enjoy fighting with rocks in European hills. I used to be a proud owner of entire earth, but that’s not the case now. Most of the places where I touch the ground have been converted into Beaches and Sea faces! May be for commercial use – I have no problem if everyone comes and enjoys with my tides. Problem is when they do more than enjoyment! To explain it, I’ll take one example - Mumbai. There are some beaches where people do enjoy and there are some sea faces where people do more than enjoyment. Band stand at Bandra is known for its reason. There are many sea faces, where many things happen, that are not natural. Irony is I can only see. I can’t do anything. When I feel frustrated, the maximum I do is raise my tide level so that I can wash everything around me. People know that I give them back what they throw in me; still they keep throwing things in me. Till evening things thrown in me are food items, plastics, papers, bottles but I can’t name those things that are thrown in me when the world is covered with Darkness. Burglars, Sex workers, Conspirators and Smugglers own me in dark night. I do witness people killing people on my shore. I want to speak everything and tell it all to you people, but I don’t have mouth with me. I can’t cry, I can’t speak, I can’t run, and I can’t hide, though I want to. Dirty and contaminated water is something that flows in me continuously. I can give back what is thrown in me, if it is solid. Problem is that people throw things what are soluble in me. I don’t carry simple water- I carry saline water. These saline waters are more soluble and miscible than normal water. The water that flows in me carries lots of harmful chemicals that kill many organisms living inside me. Fishes are the one that are directly affected. These affected poisoned fishes further carry it to other organisms and contaminate them. I try my best to dilute them as far as possible, but can’t help it every time.
I am not bad at all. It’s the purview of looking at me. Fishermen enjoy the salt water fishes for there day to day living. Business man uses me for their profit. I help people to reach from one shore to other by the means of Ferries. I allow big ships to move from one place to other without any interruptions. I can be dangerous at times still you make me friends. I have drawn many ships, many tankers, etc. Barmuda Triangle is known to everyone. It’s a big nuisance thing living in my family. I cover 60 % of Mumbai’s boundary directly and 80 % indirectly. This coverage can both be boon and bane for Mumbai. Unfortunately people have used me to harm Mumbai only. I wish people used me for some constructive purpose. Mending walls, bridges etc is a good initiative, but there are many more uses. During festive seasons, I am used for immersion of Idols. Millions of Small and Big Ganpati Bappa’s are thrown in me. Now there is Goddress Durga’s turn to be thrown in me. I have utmost respect and regards for the God Himself and I would love to take their idols in my arm. My problem is the chemical that is used in those idols. Can I not have Eco-friendly idols? Why tonnes of Plaster of Paris are flown in me? The sulphates in the PoP are bad for my as well as your health. The moist chlorinated air that comes out of me is good enough to rust metal things. With addition of sulphates from various sources, the chlorides are added with sulphates. Still I see countless high rise buildings. Mumbai is one example. There are billions small and big cities covered by me. Hope you all wake up. I want to be your friend. I want to play with you. But I am a notorious friend. I don’t keep anything with me. You be bad with me, I shall revert back with my badness.
Monday, October 3, 2011
An August Visit in August!
It was my official 30th Birthday on August 12. Since I was entering loosing my young age, and entering towards the matured age, I decided to celebrate it with a twist, with a difference. Gaurav had been blessed with a baby boy last month, so I had to visit Kota and greet Ganu the ‘chhota Gaurav’. Fortunately my schoolmate Ajeet visited Mumbai and stayed with me on 11th night. We had a dinner outside and some evening ‘walk the talk’ with him. I was in fever but we had to leave early morning. I had the Jaipur flight in morning 5:30 AM. So, though Ajeet had his flight to Delhi at 10:00 AM, I forced him to join me at Airport (to ensure we save on money and Planet!). He had to wait for 3.5 hrs at airport- I am so bad sometimes!
Anyways first halt was at Kota, so I couldn’t stop at Jaipur. Taxi at Jaipur charged me Rs 300 for Airport to Railway Station (from pre-paid counter). Train was on time and dropped me to Kota Station at 13:30 hrs. Honey came to pick me. He is a good driver I must say! Or may be I was a bad back-sitter. The 30-40 min. of informative ride from Kota to Sakatpura was amazing. But the real amaze was yet to come. Apart from Uncle, Aunt, Bhabhiji and Ganu – there were four special buddies waiting for me. Pepper, Babe, Hummi and Cupid, initially hesitated and revolted since I was a stranger. But, we became friends very soon. First part of Day-1 was over with hectic travels. Second part started with my getting freshens up, and lunch with Uncle – followed by some nap in a very beautiful and organized room. Evening tea in veranda, and watching the river’s overflowing water in the courtyard of the house was mesmerizing.
Home was so beautifully designed, made and crafted that you could have full view of the river. Fresh air blows for 24 x 7. Ganu was doing what he does best at 1 months of age. Sleeping, drinking milk and dirtying his nappy. If you are lucky enough, he’ll open his eyes and smile at you – else he is happier enjoying sleeping. Bhabhiji and Aunt were completely busy with Ganu – I was having full time to play with 4 beautiful dogs.
Day-2 was Rakshabandhan. Obviously all Indians are Brothers and Sisters, were bound to be busy. I was only not busy, because I didn’t have any cousins in Kota. So, on Uncle and Gaurav’s advice, I decided to visit Boondi. You have three ways of traveling. Cheapest is Bus – but it will be crowded. Lavishing would be Hiring a Cab for the entire trip. I chose a third way. Following Salman Khan from Ready, I decided to bargain with Auto wala- a 3 Wheeler. After much negotiation and persuasion, the agreed cost was Rs 800 for Kota – Boondi - Kota. Auto driver was a nice muslim guy. We talked a lot while he drove me to Boondi. Boondi is a beautiful place with lots of visiting and picturesque scenes. Places of interest in are: Boondi Fort,
Raniji ki Baori, Sukh Mahal and Lotus Pond, Chauth Mata Temple and Chaurasi khambhon ki Chhatri,
to count a few. It’s a good place for trekking lovers. I had a train back to Jaipur, en-route to Ajmer, so I left Boondi for the day and reached Kota. After dinner with everyone, I left for Railway Station.
I reached Ajmer at 10:00 AM on Day-3; I came again on the bargain mode with three wheeler owners, as I stepped out of Station. But, I came to know that only Taxi’s go to Pushkar – so negotiated a taxi at Rs 500 for Ajmersharif – Pushkar – Ajmer Station. Worshiping Khwajaji was a Roohani experience - I cannot write in words. I was just lost somewhere. I get to know that Kwajaji has two wives. Though Gareebnawaj has a beautiful dome for his body to rest in peace, his wife’s Mazaar have open roof.
I was informed that those souls are still living there, and don’t permit anyone to build a ceiling over their Mazaar. Dozens of unsuccessful attempts made, every time the roof fell or cracked. After this mesmerizing and informing visit, I started for Pushkar – the only known place with the temple of Lord Brahma – the creator God. The drive over and within green hills and forests were so soul touching that I wanted to live there forever. The pond in Pushkar is so big and attractive – it will attract you to sit on the banks for hours. Adding to the beauty were the flocks of Pigeons who fly like marching battalions. The streets are confusing, so I may recommend you to take a guide. Guides are cheap and you can bargain for as low as Rs 20! After worshiping Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, I was back to Ajmer Station and waiting for my train to come. I must say, Indian trains have become punctual. May be thanks to Mamata Didi or may be Railway officials have realized the benefits of punctuality. I reached Jaipur at 8:00 PM; and headed for Loha Mandi area. I was going there to meet my ex-student, her Mom and brother after 7 years.
Day-4 was August 15 and for Lord Hanumanji at Salasar. Salasar is a 4 hours ride and I’d recommend hiring a cab. We hired a Travera for 6 people including me. We had two beautiful kids with us in the troop! The day started with continuous raining. We had the breakfast (Delicious Poori’s and Sabji, thanks Aunt!) and we started for Salasar. Salasar is a pilgrimage. It is said that Lord Hanuman incarnated Himself here. You can listen to the stories of bad spirits getting tied and beaten in some sacred room/hall. The ‘bhabhoot’ from here is said to be very charismatic. We were fortunate that rain didn’t catch us during journey, but the return journey was not fortunate. We could experience the thick and dense rain. Visibility was almost Zero. We were lucky that road was one way, so there was no fear of vehicle coming from opposite side. Darshan took a longer time, so practically all hotels were closed, and we all were feeling hungry. Nothing was working out, so I thought of an innovative lunch. We had 1Kg of Jalebi, 2 Jumbo packs of Chips, 2 small packs of Kurkure, 2 pepsi bottles and 1 mineral water. Lunch was in the Car only! I don’t know if other’s enjoyed or not, but I was enjoying every moment. We halted at a Dhaba. Driver filled his car’s petrol tank and we filled our bellies with road side Tea. Then, en-route Jaipur we get to know that Khatu Village is only 10 Km from highway! We requested Driver Uncle to be nice on us and route the car to Khatu. We had the evening Darshan of Khatu Shyamji (An incarnation of Lord Vishnu). After that we headed for Jaipur at 22:00 hrs. All of us were completely tired with a long ride and lots of walks. Aunt cooked a delicious food again. We enjoyed the food and slept like Pigs.
Day-5 was my returning day. Eyes opened with Good Morning tea and a pleasant weather, with rain outside. I had breakfast, done my packing and talked for long hours with Kusha. She was going to join a job. Balancing life between studies and jobs is very difficult. I wished her to do success at both places and come out with flying colors. I am sure this Lady Amitabh Bachchan has immense potentials and shall surely complete her MCA one day, with managing her professional life. After taking Lunch, I took a bye from everyone and took an auto for Airport. I would advice you guys not to take an Auto when it’s raining whole day, and you have luggage with you. Somehow I reached airport. In the attempt to save luggage from rainwater and spilling road water, I was wetting myself. Once I reach airport, 1st thing that I did after security check-in was changing cloths. Then I rushed for Coffee Counter. It was still One hour in the flight, and I was feeling hungry – so munch something though I didn’t like it. I wish KFC or Pizza Hutt guys open their shop someday at Jaipur Airport. I landed at Mumbai and rushed for home to throw my luggage and find a restaurant to each Tandoor Chicken. Well did I tell you, girls of Jaipur are no good? They have no manners. While the Mumbai-Jaipur trip, a girl used my shoulders and chest for sleeping. May be I was a beautiful pillow for her. I was waiting for an offer of Coffee from her, or at least a Thankyou. Nothing came! She left airport as if nothing happened. Didn’t even see that I was following her till she left – may be I wanted to give her time to say Thanks! While returning back, I got a chance to sit next to a beautiful girl. In the fraction of a second, I dreamt so many things, but she requested me to exchange seat with her not-so-beautiful friend. As a courtesy and like a responsible person, I agreed on her request and exchanged the seat. Again, I was expecting a Thank you for my kind gesture. This time it came, but with a suffix. “Thank you Uncle”. I tell you these Jaipur girls are beautiful, but carry a lot of attitude. I just hate girls with attitude.
Anyways first halt was at Kota, so I couldn’t stop at Jaipur. Taxi at Jaipur charged me Rs 300 for Airport to Railway Station (from pre-paid counter). Train was on time and dropped me to Kota Station at 13:30 hrs. Honey came to pick me. He is a good driver I must say! Or may be I was a bad back-sitter. The 30-40 min. of informative ride from Kota to Sakatpura was amazing. But the real amaze was yet to come. Apart from Uncle, Aunt, Bhabhiji and Ganu – there were four special buddies waiting for me. Pepper, Babe, Hummi and Cupid, initially hesitated and revolted since I was a stranger. But, we became friends very soon. First part of Day-1 was over with hectic travels. Second part started with my getting freshens up, and lunch with Uncle – followed by some nap in a very beautiful and organized room. Evening tea in veranda, and watching the river’s overflowing water in the courtyard of the house was mesmerizing.
Home was so beautifully designed, made and crafted that you could have full view of the river. Fresh air blows for 24 x 7. Ganu was doing what he does best at 1 months of age. Sleeping, drinking milk and dirtying his nappy. If you are lucky enough, he’ll open his eyes and smile at you – else he is happier enjoying sleeping. Bhabhiji and Aunt were completely busy with Ganu – I was having full time to play with 4 beautiful dogs.
Day-2 was Rakshabandhan. Obviously all Indians are Brothers and Sisters, were bound to be busy. I was only not busy, because I didn’t have any cousins in Kota. So, on Uncle and Gaurav’s advice, I decided to visit Boondi. You have three ways of traveling. Cheapest is Bus – but it will be crowded. Lavishing would be Hiring a Cab for the entire trip. I chose a third way. Following Salman Khan from Ready, I decided to bargain with Auto wala- a 3 Wheeler. After much negotiation and persuasion, the agreed cost was Rs 800 for Kota – Boondi - Kota. Auto driver was a nice muslim guy. We talked a lot while he drove me to Boondi. Boondi is a beautiful place with lots of visiting and picturesque scenes. Places of interest in are: Boondi Fort,
Raniji ki Baori, Sukh Mahal and Lotus Pond, Chauth Mata Temple and Chaurasi khambhon ki Chhatri,
to count a few. It’s a good place for trekking lovers. I had a train back to Jaipur, en-route to Ajmer, so I left Boondi for the day and reached Kota. After dinner with everyone, I left for Railway Station.
I reached Ajmer at 10:00 AM on Day-3; I came again on the bargain mode with three wheeler owners, as I stepped out of Station. But, I came to know that only Taxi’s go to Pushkar – so negotiated a taxi at Rs 500 for Ajmersharif – Pushkar – Ajmer Station. Worshiping Khwajaji was a Roohani experience - I cannot write in words. I was just lost somewhere. I get to know that Kwajaji has two wives. Though Gareebnawaj has a beautiful dome for his body to rest in peace, his wife’s Mazaar have open roof.
I was informed that those souls are still living there, and don’t permit anyone to build a ceiling over their Mazaar. Dozens of unsuccessful attempts made, every time the roof fell or cracked. After this mesmerizing and informing visit, I started for Pushkar – the only known place with the temple of Lord Brahma – the creator God. The drive over and within green hills and forests were so soul touching that I wanted to live there forever. The pond in Pushkar is so big and attractive – it will attract you to sit on the banks for hours. Adding to the beauty were the flocks of Pigeons who fly like marching battalions. The streets are confusing, so I may recommend you to take a guide. Guides are cheap and you can bargain for as low as Rs 20! After worshiping Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, I was back to Ajmer Station and waiting for my train to come. I must say, Indian trains have become punctual. May be thanks to Mamata Didi or may be Railway officials have realized the benefits of punctuality. I reached Jaipur at 8:00 PM; and headed for Loha Mandi area. I was going there to meet my ex-student, her Mom and brother after 7 years.
Day-4 was August 15 and for Lord Hanumanji at Salasar. Salasar is a 4 hours ride and I’d recommend hiring a cab. We hired a Travera for 6 people including me. We had two beautiful kids with us in the troop! The day started with continuous raining. We had the breakfast (Delicious Poori’s and Sabji, thanks Aunt!) and we started for Salasar. Salasar is a pilgrimage. It is said that Lord Hanuman incarnated Himself here. You can listen to the stories of bad spirits getting tied and beaten in some sacred room/hall. The ‘bhabhoot’ from here is said to be very charismatic. We were fortunate that rain didn’t catch us during journey, but the return journey was not fortunate. We could experience the thick and dense rain. Visibility was almost Zero. We were lucky that road was one way, so there was no fear of vehicle coming from opposite side. Darshan took a longer time, so practically all hotels were closed, and we all were feeling hungry. Nothing was working out, so I thought of an innovative lunch. We had 1Kg of Jalebi, 2 Jumbo packs of Chips, 2 small packs of Kurkure, 2 pepsi bottles and 1 mineral water. Lunch was in the Car only! I don’t know if other’s enjoyed or not, but I was enjoying every moment. We halted at a Dhaba. Driver filled his car’s petrol tank and we filled our bellies with road side Tea. Then, en-route Jaipur we get to know that Khatu Village is only 10 Km from highway! We requested Driver Uncle to be nice on us and route the car to Khatu. We had the evening Darshan of Khatu Shyamji (An incarnation of Lord Vishnu). After that we headed for Jaipur at 22:00 hrs. All of us were completely tired with a long ride and lots of walks. Aunt cooked a delicious food again. We enjoyed the food and slept like Pigs.
Day-5 was my returning day. Eyes opened with Good Morning tea and a pleasant weather, with rain outside. I had breakfast, done my packing and talked for long hours with Kusha. She was going to join a job. Balancing life between studies and jobs is very difficult. I wished her to do success at both places and come out with flying colors. I am sure this Lady Amitabh Bachchan has immense potentials and shall surely complete her MCA one day, with managing her professional life. After taking Lunch, I took a bye from everyone and took an auto for Airport. I would advice you guys not to take an Auto when it’s raining whole day, and you have luggage with you. Somehow I reached airport. In the attempt to save luggage from rainwater and spilling road water, I was wetting myself. Once I reach airport, 1st thing that I did after security check-in was changing cloths. Then I rushed for Coffee Counter. It was still One hour in the flight, and I was feeling hungry – so munch something though I didn’t like it. I wish KFC or Pizza Hutt guys open their shop someday at Jaipur Airport. I landed at Mumbai and rushed for home to throw my luggage and find a restaurant to each Tandoor Chicken. Well did I tell you, girls of Jaipur are no good? They have no manners. While the Mumbai-Jaipur trip, a girl used my shoulders and chest for sleeping. May be I was a beautiful pillow for her. I was waiting for an offer of Coffee from her, or at least a Thankyou. Nothing came! She left airport as if nothing happened. Didn’t even see that I was following her till she left – may be I wanted to give her time to say Thanks! While returning back, I got a chance to sit next to a beautiful girl. In the fraction of a second, I dreamt so many things, but she requested me to exchange seat with her not-so-beautiful friend. As a courtesy and like a responsible person, I agreed on her request and exchanged the seat. Again, I was expecting a Thank you for my kind gesture. This time it came, but with a suffix. “Thank you Uncle”. I tell you these Jaipur girls are beautiful, but carry a lot of attitude. I just hate girls with attitude.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Live your Life.
I had been busy lately, or rather say Lazy lately.. so I couldn't find time for blogging, though lots happened around the Globe. Due to some unfortunate but essential developments at Organization, I got transferred to a new division with additional responsibilities, I was trying to balance the work-life time... In the hullabaloo of the junction, I got this message from a friend that touched me a lot.. Sharing the same with all of you....
How strange life is…
We wish to earn loads of Money, but we have the best times only when we have just 10 bucks in pocket…
We wish to wear high brands, but we feel most comfortable in Payjama’s…
We wish to sit in Taj and Marriot with elite people around, but we enjoy roadside vendor food with Friends, the most…
We wish to own big cars and go on Long Drives, yet we talk to our heart out only while walking down a long road…
We have 64 GB Ipod’s filled with songs, but a song on the radio brings a smile that can’t be compared…
Life is indeed simple… We make it complex by running after what never gives us joy…
Love Life… Take note of small things…
For when you achieve the bigger ones, you can smile and say. I have LIVED it all...
How strange life is…
We wish to earn loads of Money, but we have the best times only when we have just 10 bucks in pocket…
We wish to wear high brands, but we feel most comfortable in Payjama’s…
We wish to sit in Taj and Marriot with elite people around, but we enjoy roadside vendor food with Friends, the most…
We wish to own big cars and go on Long Drives, yet we talk to our heart out only while walking down a long road…
We have 64 GB Ipod’s filled with songs, but a song on the radio brings a smile that can’t be compared…
Life is indeed simple… We make it complex by running after what never gives us joy…
Love Life… Take note of small things…
For when you achieve the bigger ones, you can smile and say. I have LIVED it all...
Monday, July 25, 2011
Mumbai Traffic – Do we have a Solution?
It is my 9th Month in Mumbai. It’s the time of Delivery! I came in November 2010. Since then, I am experiencing huge crowds everywhere. Be it road, train, shopping mall – anywhere. Countless peoples around you can be found in neighborhood –though they are busy doing their ‘things’. On Jan. 26, 2011 Mumbai Local authorities and Railways tried to work on giving some comfort to passengers travelling in Local trains. All slow and fast trains were converted to 12 bogies, from 9 bogies trains, on both Western and Central Lines. But, ever growing population of Mumbai had witnessed no ease on Train crowd. Per cubic meter density in the train remains same. Same story is on Mumbai Roads. Cars are becoming cheaper and average economy of Mumbai increases, so every house owner carries more than one Vehicle. I wish Roads could be made of Rubbers or Elastic, but Roads are made up of Cement and Tar and are limited. It cannot accommodate the ever growing populations of car. The Worli-Hazi Ali road is so populated that sometimes I feel walking on road is better than driving my bike. Having said some burning problems of Mumbai let me try to find some solutions.
Trains: The easiest solution could be increase no. of trains plying on various routes. But when I stand on the Dadar Flyover and watch the running trains, I see no possibility of new trains. Tracks are already overloaded. We must not forget that railway tracks are made up of Iron bars and have a stress limit. They are not immortal. Unless properly maintained and replaced, tracks may develop cracks. Imagine a fully crowded train at 9 AM or 6.30 PM meets an accident, due to track problem. Recently a train accident near Kanpur experienced 80+ deaths, though it was an express train without much crowd. Imagine a Mumbai Local colliding to another Local. I am sure death toll will be more than 500. I think the only solution is Government’s intervention. We may need to categorize all companies and industries in various zones. All zones should be asked to manage their office start and close times. If all office starts working at 9 AM, obviously all trains from 8-9 AM would be over crowded. I think companies should be divided into 5 zones and each should be asked to follow timing like 9 AM – 5.30 PM, 9.30 AM – 6 PM, 10 AM – 6.30 PM, 10:30 AM – 7 PM and 11 AM – 7:30 PM. This will give breather to the employees and workers. The 5th slot can be given to service industries which do business with European and American Companies and customers.
Roads: The best solution would be if all car owners either leave their cars or share their cars with others. 90% of car running on roads have only ONE passenger. The ‘rich’ ones do maintain a driver also. Sharing of Cars can be a solution, but no one wants to lose its privacy. Again I would look towards Maharastra Government. An active government can do miracles – provided it wants to do something. BEST already runs 1000’s of buses on Mumbai roads. It can have additional AC buses running on the roads, for the ELITE class population of Mumbai. An AC bus has a seating capacity of 30 – 36+ standing capacity of another 10 – 16. Means a total of 40+ people can be transported in those buses. One AC bus consumes the space of 4 cars on the road, but can accommodate passengers of 32 cars (I am assuming that 10 peoples share their car). So, one AC bus has a capability of replacing 28 (32 - 4 = 28) cars, from road. If a total of 1000 buses are put on Mumbai roads, plying from every corner – it has a capability to replace 28000 cars from Road (At least during Office Hours). I don’t see a crowded Mumbai, if 28000 cars don’t come on Road. But, Mumbaikar’s are needed to be educated on this. I would further elaborate on the benefits of reducing car. Pollution due to smoke will go down. Pollution quotient of Mumbai will reduce drastically. The air used by Mumbaikar’s to breathe, would be more pure. On economic front, assume a person drives a car for approx. 16 km and back - In total, he drives 30-40 Km a day. Average fuel efficiency of a Car is 12-15 Km/L. So, for 40 Km of drive - Diesel requirement is of Rs 120, or petrol of Rs 180. A travel in AC bus would cost a maximum of Rs 100.
Other option could be the use of Taxi’s. Non AC taxi’s cost Rs 10 per Km, and AC taxi’s cost Rs 16 per Km. Choice is yours! Cost is little high, but can be managed during urgency.
Average Mumbaikar’s can be seen losing weight on Sea shores, parks, gyms and grounds. Thousands of people can be seen collectively jog or run in grounds, in morning and evening. But, those same mumbaikar’s can’t walk 1 Km for shopping! They may jog for hours, but they prefer not to visit mall or multiplexes without Car, even if it is in vicinity! I have a strong feel that we mumbaikar’s are responsible of increasing the crowd and pollution. Our one small step can help in a big way. Unfortunately the initiative is not taken by Government too… The most educated ‘BITS Pilani graduate engineer’ Chief Minister of Maharashtra is not using a single iota of his own brain. Ironically Mumbai is dealt by Delhi. I am sympathetic for common man here. An outsider cannot understand insider’s pain. Thackrey’s who claim to understand the pain, too are busy in doing politics over it.
Trains: The easiest solution could be increase no. of trains plying on various routes. But when I stand on the Dadar Flyover and watch the running trains, I see no possibility of new trains. Tracks are already overloaded. We must not forget that railway tracks are made up of Iron bars and have a stress limit. They are not immortal. Unless properly maintained and replaced, tracks may develop cracks. Imagine a fully crowded train at 9 AM or 6.30 PM meets an accident, due to track problem. Recently a train accident near Kanpur experienced 80+ deaths, though it was an express train without much crowd. Imagine a Mumbai Local colliding to another Local. I am sure death toll will be more than 500. I think the only solution is Government’s intervention. We may need to categorize all companies and industries in various zones. All zones should be asked to manage their office start and close times. If all office starts working at 9 AM, obviously all trains from 8-9 AM would be over crowded. I think companies should be divided into 5 zones and each should be asked to follow timing like 9 AM – 5.30 PM, 9.30 AM – 6 PM, 10 AM – 6.30 PM, 10:30 AM – 7 PM and 11 AM – 7:30 PM. This will give breather to the employees and workers. The 5th slot can be given to service industries which do business with European and American Companies and customers.
Roads: The best solution would be if all car owners either leave their cars or share their cars with others. 90% of car running on roads have only ONE passenger. The ‘rich’ ones do maintain a driver also. Sharing of Cars can be a solution, but no one wants to lose its privacy. Again I would look towards Maharastra Government. An active government can do miracles – provided it wants to do something. BEST already runs 1000’s of buses on Mumbai roads. It can have additional AC buses running on the roads, for the ELITE class population of Mumbai. An AC bus has a seating capacity of 30 – 36+ standing capacity of another 10 – 16. Means a total of 40+ people can be transported in those buses. One AC bus consumes the space of 4 cars on the road, but can accommodate passengers of 32 cars (I am assuming that 10 peoples share their car). So, one AC bus has a capability of replacing 28 (32 - 4 = 28) cars, from road. If a total of 1000 buses are put on Mumbai roads, plying from every corner – it has a capability to replace 28000 cars from Road (At least during Office Hours). I don’t see a crowded Mumbai, if 28000 cars don’t come on Road. But, Mumbaikar’s are needed to be educated on this. I would further elaborate on the benefits of reducing car. Pollution due to smoke will go down. Pollution quotient of Mumbai will reduce drastically. The air used by Mumbaikar’s to breathe, would be more pure. On economic front, assume a person drives a car for approx. 16 km and back - In total, he drives 30-40 Km a day. Average fuel efficiency of a Car is 12-15 Km/L. So, for 40 Km of drive - Diesel requirement is of Rs 120, or petrol of Rs 180. A travel in AC bus would cost a maximum of Rs 100.
Other option could be the use of Taxi’s. Non AC taxi’s cost Rs 10 per Km, and AC taxi’s cost Rs 16 per Km. Choice is yours! Cost is little high, but can be managed during urgency.
Average Mumbaikar’s can be seen losing weight on Sea shores, parks, gyms and grounds. Thousands of people can be seen collectively jog or run in grounds, in morning and evening. But, those same mumbaikar’s can’t walk 1 Km for shopping! They may jog for hours, but they prefer not to visit mall or multiplexes without Car, even if it is in vicinity! I have a strong feel that we mumbaikar’s are responsible of increasing the crowd and pollution. Our one small step can help in a big way. Unfortunately the initiative is not taken by Government too… The most educated ‘BITS Pilani graduate engineer’ Chief Minister of Maharashtra is not using a single iota of his own brain. Ironically Mumbai is dealt by Delhi. I am sympathetic for common man here. An outsider cannot understand insider’s pain. Thackrey’s who claim to understand the pain, too are busy in doing politics over it.
Bihar – has the things really developed?
The year 2011 has witnessed my father elevating from a senior science teacher to Principal. Bihar has been a happening state since last 7 years. It started in year 2003 when the monarch of legendary Laloo Prasad Yadav was dethroned. Nitish Kumar emerged as a Leader of Mass – who un-root Laloo Yadav from his very own soil. Both RamVilas Paswan and Laloo Yadav are searching vehemently for one small spark – to attack on Nitish’s ‘Sushaashan’. I did not see something great happening in Bihar – in last 7 years. Only that Law and Order has come to track. Road side romeo’s and hero’s have reduced. Females and girls are safer. Snatching and robbery are at its minimum. But electricity is still a problem. Except Patna – that experiences 24 hours electricity, all other districts suffers Power loss. State transports are not available. It is still under the arms of mafia’s and dabangg’s. Having said all this, I got prompted to write about Bihar – because of two reasons.
1. Recent Land Scam – on the name of Bihar Industrial Development (BIADA): Most of the lands allotted to various ‘personalities’ were turned out to be kin’s of Ministers and close aide of Mr. Nitish Kumar! Is it a real co-incidence or some malpractice done? If it’s a co-incidence, I wish I could become the nephew of Mr. Kumar – and get some acres of Prime Land in Patna. If its favor’s done on account of good governance, this is going to be 1st step towards bad governance. I am closely watching Mr. Kumar’s next steps – Mr. Chief Minister, kindly wake up. Bihar and whole India is looking at you. Kindly do justice. Come out with Flying Colors. Don’t give a chance to your opponents. They are already like hungry Pythons and Cobra’s. Don’t give them a chance to hiss and bite you and Bihar again.
2. School Education Status: As a Principal, my father leads a team of 24 teachers only, and 3000 students. I am not talking of any school in main town. This is the scene of a village neighboring Samastipur, my hometown. When father told me, I was nearly shocked. One teacher per 125 kids is a real jibe, a gag with the future of Bihar. This is the story of one school. There could be many more schools where the ratio could be 1:200. I don’t see education Minister’s intention. On one hand, it announces various lucrative packages for kids to take admission in schools. On the other hand, it is silent over recruiting competent teachers. Papa has put forward an application for 24 more teachers, so that he can run the school in two shifts. The intention is also to reduce the teacher to student ratio by 1:64 so that one teacher can give quality time to each student. Surprising the District Magistrate has replied to him “Kaam Chalaiye na, abhi teachers ka transfer karna thoda mushkil hai” He continues: “Abhi har jagah pe tangi ka maahaul hai, Netaji se sachiv sahib baat kar rahe hain – kuch decision hone se aapko khabar kiya jayega”
Nitish ji, are you reading it? Where is your intellectual thinking? Where is your education Minister? And what does he do? What will happen if you recruit 1 million of Bihari’s for a teacher’s position in Primary and secondary education. Even quality teachers of Primary standard can be promoted as secondary teachers. Hope you will get some understanding, some knowledge – and will help in shaping Bihar and Bihar’s talent. Someone said “Kids are Nations future” – don’t play with the future of Nation. Else they will play in Future with you.
1. Recent Land Scam – on the name of Bihar Industrial Development (BIADA): Most of the lands allotted to various ‘personalities’ were turned out to be kin’s of Ministers and close aide of Mr. Nitish Kumar! Is it a real co-incidence or some malpractice done? If it’s a co-incidence, I wish I could become the nephew of Mr. Kumar – and get some acres of Prime Land in Patna. If its favor’s done on account of good governance, this is going to be 1st step towards bad governance. I am closely watching Mr. Kumar’s next steps – Mr. Chief Minister, kindly wake up. Bihar and whole India is looking at you. Kindly do justice. Come out with Flying Colors. Don’t give a chance to your opponents. They are already like hungry Pythons and Cobra’s. Don’t give them a chance to hiss and bite you and Bihar again.
2. School Education Status: As a Principal, my father leads a team of 24 teachers only, and 3000 students. I am not talking of any school in main town. This is the scene of a village neighboring Samastipur, my hometown. When father told me, I was nearly shocked. One teacher per 125 kids is a real jibe, a gag with the future of Bihar. This is the story of one school. There could be many more schools where the ratio could be 1:200. I don’t see education Minister’s intention. On one hand, it announces various lucrative packages for kids to take admission in schools. On the other hand, it is silent over recruiting competent teachers. Papa has put forward an application for 24 more teachers, so that he can run the school in two shifts. The intention is also to reduce the teacher to student ratio by 1:64 so that one teacher can give quality time to each student. Surprising the District Magistrate has replied to him “Kaam Chalaiye na, abhi teachers ka transfer karna thoda mushkil hai” He continues: “Abhi har jagah pe tangi ka maahaul hai, Netaji se sachiv sahib baat kar rahe hain – kuch decision hone se aapko khabar kiya jayega”
Nitish ji, are you reading it? Where is your intellectual thinking? Where is your education Minister? And what does he do? What will happen if you recruit 1 million of Bihari’s for a teacher’s position in Primary and secondary education. Even quality teachers of Primary standard can be promoted as secondary teachers. Hope you will get some understanding, some knowledge – and will help in shaping Bihar and Bihar’s talent. Someone said “Kids are Nations future” – don’t play with the future of Nation. Else they will play in Future with you.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Mumbai Blasts: Who are responsible…?
July 13, 2011 has witnessed 13th blast at Mumbai in 18 years! Isn’t it little surprising? Thanks to the visionary Dawood Ibrahim, Mumbai witnessed first bomb blast in 1993 and till then he rules on Mumbai, either directly or indirectly. Since then, areas in Mumbai have become hub for testing intensity of Bombs. Mumbaikar’s have become resilient, or may be choice less but to accept the fate. The curious me tried to weed out reasons of Why Mumbai?
The very reason why Mumbai is famous is the reason why Mumbai is most susceptible for such attacks. Mumbai is economic capital of India. If you want to hurt India, if you want to hurt governance, if you want to attack on Indian economy – you have Mumbai. It is one city that does transactions of billions dollar every single day. So, if you want to attack – it’s better to attack on spine. Mumbai is covered with Oceans on three sides. I don’t doubt on the efficiency of Indian Navy, and Indian coast guards, but infiltrations cannot be avoided. Anyone can come anytime by Air or water route. Land route is always a safe haven for anytime incoming and outgoing. One cannot have a metal detector on every road, every street?
I was watching television and someone beautifully said while discussing on blast episodes – It is our problem only. If we cannot send 543 clean people to Indian Parliament, if we cannot choose countable no. of politicians to rule us at center or state – how can we avoid terrorists coming to our land and kill us? All powerful politicians have criminals support and all criminals are sheltered by politicians. So when governance has locked hands with militants, what to expect? And why expect anything from Government? All parties have their criminals and terrorists as pets. Which one to believe?
Well I leave these questions for you to ponder upon and try to analyze involvements in this blast. The inquisitive me, it won’t be nice if I done write anything on such a burning issue. I surprised about the timing and location. First blast in Opera House, Second blast at Kabootarkhana, Dadar and Third Blast at Khaugali, Zhaweri Bazaar – finding integration is little difficult. I don’t find any pattern.
Suspect ONE as obvious would be Terrorists. We normally see what is shown to us; we normally read what is printed for us and listen to what is spoken to us. In short we think what is seeded in us. All government, political chair holders, media, police everyone has pinpointed the allegation and investigation on Indian Mujahhiddin, Lashkar-e-taiba, Pakistan, Afganistan Millitants. It is obvious on many counts. Terrorists have 13th connection. India has witnessed major explosions on 13th and 26th. All these involved those terrorists group taking responsibilities. Surprisingly no one has own the responsibility this time. It is said that the honorary Ajmal Kasab’s birthday is on July 13 – so it was a celebration to wish him Happy Birthday. Dude – dance @ Arthur Road Jail. Someone still misses you!
There have been some international developments recently. Indian government gave a warm gesture of friendly support to Afghanistan. We extend our support on supplying goods and medicines, medical teams for treatment, experts to help in rehabilitation, allowing import – export between two nation and also the peace army to restore the old beautiful Afghanistan. Obviously terrorist agencies working in Afghan territories will be unhappy, so retaliation from them is genuine.
One possibility also links Pakistan territory. Pakistan is on international pressure to curb terrorists and terrorism seeding and growing from their soil. Funding has already been curbed by various nations including USA. Added to the facts are Indian diplomats stern move to round off Pakistanis for provoking terrorism in India. Army (or Militant!) ruled Pakistan want to deviate World’s attention – they have done such things in past, by either bombing inside or outside Pakistan.
Suspect TWO could be opposition parties: I have a reason to believe it. Vilasrao Deshmukh was tainted – he was sent to Central Politics. Ashok Chavhan was tainted – he has been discharged from duties. Prithviraj Chavhan has a clean image and maintains a diplomatic path (under the aegis of Madamji). Everything is running smoothly in Maharastra. So, opposition has nothing to speak for, nothing to attack on and nothing to fight for, in the next election. Obviously National security and Mumbai’s security is of top priority, so if there are blasts in Mumbai – obviously Government is incapable of maintaining internal security. A common man will flow in the wind. If one government is failing to secure them – they grow hope with other government. They are helpless. They cannot do anything. A sheep can’t take care of herself – so the shepherd chooses a Dog to be leader of the sheep gang. Statements within 24 hours of blast by BJP, MNS – gives sufficient proof’s that they are least bothered with pain. BJP wants to make it a national issue. MNS wants non Marathi Maanus to leave Mumbai…! Third front is searching its lost land, so any small opportunity will be a big opportunity for them.
Suspect THREE could be the Ruling Party @ Center. I am citing it at last due to various reasons. No one will suspect UPA might have done this. As I spoke earlier, we think what is seeded in us. When media is in their grip, when channels are in their grip, when defense and security is in their grip – they can manipulate anything. If a blunt attack by Police forces in Ramleela ground, Delhi on June 4, under the direction of Home Ministry, is proved a correct political and national move – Government can do anything and change the direction of thinking.
I have some reasons to believe. Central government is always on axe by opposition parties on issues like corruption, corrupt ministers, being liberal on all issues, be it mercy petition of convicted prisoners, be it issue related to hanging Kasab, be it tax havens money whatever; government has always come on back seat. Recently Supreme Court of India has used hard and accusing words for Government in delaying the process of bringing Indians stashed money from abroad. Government wants a breather. She knows she has been caught from all directions. It wants to divert parties’ attention from local politics to global politics. UPA or for that matter Congress has always been doing it. Congress safely plays with any issue till the time it favors her politically or diplomatically. Once the issue starts back biting Congress, suddenly something else happens and all starts looking at other issues – leaving the current issue behind. Congress gets a breather and everything is put under the carpet.
Let us analyze very critically. The blast happened between 18:30 to 19:30 hrs. This was the time when whole Mumbaikar’s leave for their home. This is the time when whole Mumbaikar comes out from office, and do some shopping / snacks and call it a day. Blast at Kabootarkhana, the circle where 90 % of population either rush for taking train to western/central line or come for shopping at Dadar. Khau Gali – where people are gathered in large no for snacks and other shopping's; Opera House – known for diamond business – is always crowded for trades and transactions. Three bombs got blasted and death toll was only 17. I can’t buy it. It has only two meaning: Either the bomb planted was of low intensity – to ensure minimum damage, or purposely put to ensure maximum casualty and no death. In both cases, one message erupts clearly. Mumbai was vulnerable and Mumbai will remain Vulnerable. Unless system is clean, No one can claim its security. I sometimes question myself – Mumbai has witness 13 blasts - Why not a single MLA / MP / Minister died in either of the blasts. Why only common man suffers all the pain? And when will a common man retaliate? When will a common man go to Parliament or Assembly and blast ONE BOMB to ensure all Ministers die in a single shot? I am a dreamer, and I dream that that day will come! Because that seems, is the only way of waking Office bearers at Higher up.
The very reason why Mumbai is famous is the reason why Mumbai is most susceptible for such attacks. Mumbai is economic capital of India. If you want to hurt India, if you want to hurt governance, if you want to attack on Indian economy – you have Mumbai. It is one city that does transactions of billions dollar every single day. So, if you want to attack – it’s better to attack on spine. Mumbai is covered with Oceans on three sides. I don’t doubt on the efficiency of Indian Navy, and Indian coast guards, but infiltrations cannot be avoided. Anyone can come anytime by Air or water route. Land route is always a safe haven for anytime incoming and outgoing. One cannot have a metal detector on every road, every street?
I was watching television and someone beautifully said while discussing on blast episodes – It is our problem only. If we cannot send 543 clean people to Indian Parliament, if we cannot choose countable no. of politicians to rule us at center or state – how can we avoid terrorists coming to our land and kill us? All powerful politicians have criminals support and all criminals are sheltered by politicians. So when governance has locked hands with militants, what to expect? And why expect anything from Government? All parties have their criminals and terrorists as pets. Which one to believe?
Well I leave these questions for you to ponder upon and try to analyze involvements in this blast. The inquisitive me, it won’t be nice if I done write anything on such a burning issue. I surprised about the timing and location. First blast in Opera House, Second blast at Kabootarkhana, Dadar and Third Blast at Khaugali, Zhaweri Bazaar – finding integration is little difficult. I don’t find any pattern.
Suspect ONE as obvious would be Terrorists. We normally see what is shown to us; we normally read what is printed for us and listen to what is spoken to us. In short we think what is seeded in us. All government, political chair holders, media, police everyone has pinpointed the allegation and investigation on Indian Mujahhiddin, Lashkar-e-taiba, Pakistan, Afganistan Millitants. It is obvious on many counts. Terrorists have 13th connection. India has witnessed major explosions on 13th and 26th. All these involved those terrorists group taking responsibilities. Surprisingly no one has own the responsibility this time. It is said that the honorary Ajmal Kasab’s birthday is on July 13 – so it was a celebration to wish him Happy Birthday. Dude – dance @ Arthur Road Jail. Someone still misses you!
There have been some international developments recently. Indian government gave a warm gesture of friendly support to Afghanistan. We extend our support on supplying goods and medicines, medical teams for treatment, experts to help in rehabilitation, allowing import – export between two nation and also the peace army to restore the old beautiful Afghanistan. Obviously terrorist agencies working in Afghan territories will be unhappy, so retaliation from them is genuine.
One possibility also links Pakistan territory. Pakistan is on international pressure to curb terrorists and terrorism seeding and growing from their soil. Funding has already been curbed by various nations including USA. Added to the facts are Indian diplomats stern move to round off Pakistanis for provoking terrorism in India. Army (or Militant!) ruled Pakistan want to deviate World’s attention – they have done such things in past, by either bombing inside or outside Pakistan.
Suspect TWO could be opposition parties: I have a reason to believe it. Vilasrao Deshmukh was tainted – he was sent to Central Politics. Ashok Chavhan was tainted – he has been discharged from duties. Prithviraj Chavhan has a clean image and maintains a diplomatic path (under the aegis of Madamji). Everything is running smoothly in Maharastra. So, opposition has nothing to speak for, nothing to attack on and nothing to fight for, in the next election. Obviously National security and Mumbai’s security is of top priority, so if there are blasts in Mumbai – obviously Government is incapable of maintaining internal security. A common man will flow in the wind. If one government is failing to secure them – they grow hope with other government. They are helpless. They cannot do anything. A sheep can’t take care of herself – so the shepherd chooses a Dog to be leader of the sheep gang. Statements within 24 hours of blast by BJP, MNS – gives sufficient proof’s that they are least bothered with pain. BJP wants to make it a national issue. MNS wants non Marathi Maanus to leave Mumbai…! Third front is searching its lost land, so any small opportunity will be a big opportunity for them.
Suspect THREE could be the Ruling Party @ Center. I am citing it at last due to various reasons. No one will suspect UPA might have done this. As I spoke earlier, we think what is seeded in us. When media is in their grip, when channels are in their grip, when defense and security is in their grip – they can manipulate anything. If a blunt attack by Police forces in Ramleela ground, Delhi on June 4, under the direction of Home Ministry, is proved a correct political and national move – Government can do anything and change the direction of thinking.
I have some reasons to believe. Central government is always on axe by opposition parties on issues like corruption, corrupt ministers, being liberal on all issues, be it mercy petition of convicted prisoners, be it issue related to hanging Kasab, be it tax havens money whatever; government has always come on back seat. Recently Supreme Court of India has used hard and accusing words for Government in delaying the process of bringing Indians stashed money from abroad. Government wants a breather. She knows she has been caught from all directions. It wants to divert parties’ attention from local politics to global politics. UPA or for that matter Congress has always been doing it. Congress safely plays with any issue till the time it favors her politically or diplomatically. Once the issue starts back biting Congress, suddenly something else happens and all starts looking at other issues – leaving the current issue behind. Congress gets a breather and everything is put under the carpet.
Let us analyze very critically. The blast happened between 18:30 to 19:30 hrs. This was the time when whole Mumbaikar’s leave for their home. This is the time when whole Mumbaikar comes out from office, and do some shopping / snacks and call it a day. Blast at Kabootarkhana, the circle where 90 % of population either rush for taking train to western/central line or come for shopping at Dadar. Khau Gali – where people are gathered in large no for snacks and other shopping's; Opera House – known for diamond business – is always crowded for trades and transactions. Three bombs got blasted and death toll was only 17. I can’t buy it. It has only two meaning: Either the bomb planted was of low intensity – to ensure minimum damage, or purposely put to ensure maximum casualty and no death. In both cases, one message erupts clearly. Mumbai was vulnerable and Mumbai will remain Vulnerable. Unless system is clean, No one can claim its security. I sometimes question myself – Mumbai has witness 13 blasts - Why not a single MLA / MP / Minister died in either of the blasts. Why only common man suffers all the pain? And when will a common man retaliate? When will a common man go to Parliament or Assembly and blast ONE BOMB to ensure all Ministers die in a single shot? I am a dreamer, and I dream that that day will come! Because that seems, is the only way of waking Office bearers at Higher up.
Monday, July 4, 2011
June’25, 2011 - Get-together of All Turning 30…!
School results are out in the month of June, and students run cats and dogs to become a Bachelor! They run from this corner to that corner for admission to either Graduation Colleges, or Technical/Commercial Colleges. 13 years back, students of Kendriya Vidyalaya N E Railway Samastipur too got their School Leaving certificates and were running for shaping their future. 
Some went to Delhi, Some went to Patna, and some decided to shape their career in Samastipur itself. After 13 years, 12 out of 56 students decided to meet at Gaziabad on June 25-26. I wish all 56 kids who started studying together in 5th Standard, would have joined hands together. But, since only 12 decided to make it to come to Delhi, for a memorable time together, I’ll speak of only 12 + 1 people. The additional ONE** is the one who accused me as ‘Disastrous’. I don’t know why!
1. Ranjeet Singh: Ranjeet left us earlier may be before 10th. He is one guy with complex character. But, at the same time, he is the one who writes his own fortune. He is among those, who determine the ways of living life. From a crew member at Air Deccan, to running a chemical factory, and now a small but effective Infrastructure development company – he has marked his signature at every work he has done. Still miles to go, but he knows how to lead life lavishing.
2. Ajeet K Mahapatra: Dr. Mahapatra is awaiting final confirmation from a faculty at IIT Kanpur for him to be awarded a PhD from Delhi University. This budding Scientist is an avid chemistry fan. He wanted to be a doctor in past. Within one month, he shall be fulfilling the dream, with an award of Doctorate in Chemistry. In school, he was popularly known as Kishan Kanhaiya. He still maintains that status quo. Hanging around with girls, or girls hanging around him, is a normal thing and can be witnessed at North Campus. :-P
3. Trinath Prasad: Titti or Bhutta was the nick name given to Trinath, considering his height, compared with average height of the batch. A dedicated follower of Radha Swami ji, Trinath never run after a dream. He lived his life as it came. Got a graduation degree from Samastipur College, then MBA from IGNOU and finally a CA – he went a long way. The best part is the height he gained. With 5’8”+ height, he is certainly not a Bhutta anymore! Can you believe this guy is a hard core vegetarian, not eating even garlic, ginger and Onions! I still wonder how he survived for 5 months at USA!
4. Ranjit Verma: The third member of the DAR group, Ranjit too had a dream of becoming a Doctor – and chased his dream for quite few years. Realizing the truth, Ranjit changed his track and finished graduation and thereafter MBA. Two things didn’t change in him in last 13 years. One, like Ajeet he too has maintained his looks and shapes – Olay guys, come and endorse them for your Ad, and Two, he still has a fascination with Nehru Vihar – the place where he used to stay when he first landed in Delhi. Why Ranjit? Who stays there? :-P
5. Amit Raushan: Popularly known as Michel, he still remains the darling for all of us, as he was during School. Whenever we talk of/about him, we remember and miss Manjari. They were so tagged with each other, sometime we were confused if they are two bodies and one life! Like Trinath, he also didn’t have any fascination with particular career. After finishing his graduation he did his MBA, and now helping HSBC in making Dollars! I rate him an expert in convincing the common public to invest! A very good cook among us, he cooked food for all KVians gathered.
6. Akhilesh Mishra: Son of S D Mishra sir, he carries the same persona and character with him. Only addition is, he has developed some habits that were a complete NO for Mishra Sir. Akhilesh is one guy who has seen the dark days of his life. There were times when even Mishra Sir lost hope that Akhilesh will really do something to make him proud of. But, as it says, after every dark night, colorful morning comes – and brings light and life. So did Akhilesh, by becoming a certified CS. As a Company Secretary, this guy helps running an Infrastructure and Real Estate Company. I wish Akhilesh carries the same charisma Mishra sir was having.
7. Dheeraj Ranjan: Dhajji, is another guy who inherits a lot from his father. Like Sudhanshu Ranjan sir, Dheeraj also sketches and paints well. He is the founder of DAR group, came in competition with MSM detective Agency (Mrinalini, Shweta, Manjari) when we were in 11th Standard. Dhajji too had a dream of becoming a Doctor, but destiny had something else in the Pandora Box. He finally finished with an MBA. He has an avid experience of Real Estate business in Delhi and NCR area. Like all MBA’s, he also plans to start something of his own. I wish he makes me CEO of his company someday!
8. Abhishek Kumar: Lara – this is the name we all gave him, considering his passion for cricket and particularly for his love with the great Brian Lara. For us he was a right handed Lara, when he was playing cricket. In school days, Lara was interested in batting only. Balling and Fielding was something he disliked to do. Like Akhilesh, he too has seen the worst days of his life. At times, he was known to be a budding gunda of Samastipur! The best news I received when I visited his house and get to know that Abhishek has joined VIT for his MBA program. This guy runs Amex Bangalore office on his toes!
“Sun Rubia, tumse pyaar ho gaya, kya karein” – Lare, do you remember this song, from MARD. This song is relevant in many senses. Sumit, Ajeet and some others can shed some light.
9. Mangal Murti: Captain Dr. Mangal Murti, MD., was famous among us as Mangu and Mangal. AFMC guys know him as MaMu. If you want to see someone reading Sanskrit version of Ram Charit Manas with the same ease as Hanuman Chalisa and reciting without opening the holy book, visit him sometimes. He is among those few guys, who fulfilled his dream and remained firm with the decisions he made. He wanted to be a Doctor, and became a Doctor. He serves in Indian Army as Resident Psychiatrist, and helps Soldiers to stay firm with their duties, and helps their family members to keep love and faith with the respective Soldiers. A genuinely Genius among us, he still maintains the art of witty remarks and quick One liners he used to give when we were kids.
10. Rajeev Ranjan: I won’t write much about him, since he came for only few hours. Madhavi was ill, so he was taking good care of his wife. I shall share only one point for him – he was a philosopher and he remains a philosopher.
11. Bhupinder Singh: Bhuppi and Sardar were two nicks given to him, though he didn’t like someone calling him Sardar. If you remember or think of any possible controversy at School, Bhuppi was either directly or indirectly linked with all of them. Bhuppi tried his luck with everyone, be it Rupali, Aparajita, Anjana or Nimisha, Shalini... but alas! He was never too serious with study at any point of time. It was like cutting a cake for him. Live life king-size and enjoy every moment is his moolah for Life. He runs his own business in Ludhiyana, and also works in some government firm.
12. Yours Truly: :-)
After briefly introducing everyone, let me pen down those impetus and memorable moments of June 25 – 26. The intoxicated fever started with late evening. Lara was slated to fly from Bangalore, Mangal to move from Jhansi and Bhuppi to move from Ludhiyana. I was going to land at Delhi airport for the first time, that too in Terminal 3. Unfortunately Lara was landing at T-1. I had no idea of distance between T-1 and T-3. The gap is of approx. 10 Km. Dhajji did all arrangements of our pick-up. Michel’s house at Vaishali, Gaziabad had been chosen as meeting venue.
Lara and I reached Vaishali at 0230 hrs. We met Michel after 13 years. Lara has grown him from many places. I too developed tyres on and around belly. But nothing changed in Michel. He just proportionally grew from every direction. We had a long hour discussion, with sips of ‘Coffee with Lara’ – and we decided to stay awake to receive Mangal at 0600 hrs. Omelets, Corn flakes and Tea was served by ‘Cook’ Michel to all of us. By 1330 all 11 gathered and we decided to have Lunch.
Time was running so fast, and we were racing against time. We wanted to enjoy every moments by staying as close as possible. So we were chalking out every plans of making this meeting memorable one. Everyone was trying to give ‘personal’ time to everyone! Thanks to the power cut in Gaziabad, we finally zeroed on visiting a Shopping Mall nearby. Dilli was full of heat with temperature ranging from 34 – 37oC; we had no choice than to take shelter where free AC is available. Rajeev joined us at the shopping mall.
After roaming around and ‘absorbing lots of Vitamin A in eyes’ till 10 PM, and googling on various hotels for Dinner, we decided to go back to Michel’s house and order something for munching. Ranjeet and Rajeev paid adieus to us. Madhvi was not well, so Rajeev had to go. Ranjeet had some meeting at mid-night! When you own a Honda City and a driver, meeting can happen anytime and anywhere. The Titti sponsored moonlight dinner on the rooftop started at 1 AM, and we 10 engrossed ourselves with a lot of ‘boyish’ talk. We pulled the leg of many among us, and many girls. A lot was discussed on why I am ‘disastrous’ but nothing concrete could come out. We recalled many moments and cherished all of them. All those that were embarrassing at one point of time, were giving a pleasing and sensuous feel when we were hovering our past. Finally we decided to take a nap at 4 AM in morning. Michel, Dheeraj, Lara and I were awake from last 40 hours, though I was taking some 30 minutes of power packed naps in between. Surprisingly, all of us woke up by 9 AM. Don’t know how! Again the ‘cooks’ Michel and Lara were ready with Omelets and Corn Flakes. Mangal loved the evening and night food a lot, so the love converted into loose motion. Addition to it was his allergy with the narcotic smells that were prevalent in rooms. Seems ITC became millionaire in those 48 hours!
Considering the uncalled situations, rice was cooked and 1 Kg of Curd was purchased. We all preferred to eat a simple food comprising Rice, Dal, Aaloo ki bhajiya, and Curd. Did some rest and suddenly sadness cropped up in everyone’s eyes and face. It was a genuine pain of separation. All of us were trying to hide that feeling. Boys don’t cry. So we were trying to keep ourselves busy in stupid things like snapping pics, or collecting and packing cloths or taking rest by forcefully closing eyes. Mangal, Bhupinder and Ajeet left us at around 3 PM. Bhuppi and Mangal’s departure was acceptable as they had to catch their respective trains, I am unable to understand why Ajeet left us. If I am correct, no laboratories are open for conducting experiments on Sunday’s. Well may be some girl friends could be! Finally the cab came to pick me to drop at Airport. I was crying from inside, so was trying to avoid eye contact with anyone. Boys don’t cry you know. So, I shook hands and hugged everyone and sit in the Cab. Asked the driver to move and motioned to friends that keep in touch. I’ll call all of you.
I left Delhi in 2001 as I was selected by IIT, Kanpur. After 10 years, when I got the glimpse of Delhi, I was amazed. The flocks of flyovers, widened roads, modernization of buildings etc. everything was just amazing. I wish I could have stayed longer to experience Delhi also. I was so engrossed with friends, completely forgot that I have to see the new and changed Delhi too. Well, sometimes later… Delhi Wait for me.
Some went to Delhi, Some went to Patna, and some decided to shape their career in Samastipur itself. After 13 years, 12 out of 56 students decided to meet at Gaziabad on June 25-26. I wish all 56 kids who started studying together in 5th Standard, would have joined hands together. But, since only 12 decided to make it to come to Delhi, for a memorable time together, I’ll speak of only 12 + 1 people. The additional ONE** is the one who accused me as ‘Disastrous’. I don’t know why!
1. Ranjeet Singh: Ranjeet left us earlier may be before 10th. He is one guy with complex character. But, at the same time, he is the one who writes his own fortune. He is among those, who determine the ways of living life. From a crew member at Air Deccan, to running a chemical factory, and now a small but effective Infrastructure development company – he has marked his signature at every work he has done. Still miles to go, but he knows how to lead life lavishing.
2. Ajeet K Mahapatra: Dr. Mahapatra is awaiting final confirmation from a faculty at IIT Kanpur for him to be awarded a PhD from Delhi University. This budding Scientist is an avid chemistry fan. He wanted to be a doctor in past. Within one month, he shall be fulfilling the dream, with an award of Doctorate in Chemistry. In school, he was popularly known as Kishan Kanhaiya. He still maintains that status quo. Hanging around with girls, or girls hanging around him, is a normal thing and can be witnessed at North Campus. :-P
3. Trinath Prasad: Titti or Bhutta was the nick name given to Trinath, considering his height, compared with average height of the batch. A dedicated follower of Radha Swami ji, Trinath never run after a dream. He lived his life as it came. Got a graduation degree from Samastipur College, then MBA from IGNOU and finally a CA – he went a long way. The best part is the height he gained. With 5’8”+ height, he is certainly not a Bhutta anymore! Can you believe this guy is a hard core vegetarian, not eating even garlic, ginger and Onions! I still wonder how he survived for 5 months at USA!
4. Ranjit Verma: The third member of the DAR group, Ranjit too had a dream of becoming a Doctor – and chased his dream for quite few years. Realizing the truth, Ranjit changed his track and finished graduation and thereafter MBA. Two things didn’t change in him in last 13 years. One, like Ajeet he too has maintained his looks and shapes – Olay guys, come and endorse them for your Ad, and Two, he still has a fascination with Nehru Vihar – the place where he used to stay when he first landed in Delhi. Why Ranjit? Who stays there? :-P
5. Amit Raushan: Popularly known as Michel, he still remains the darling for all of us, as he was during School. Whenever we talk of/about him, we remember and miss Manjari. They were so tagged with each other, sometime we were confused if they are two bodies and one life! Like Trinath, he also didn’t have any fascination with particular career. After finishing his graduation he did his MBA, and now helping HSBC in making Dollars! I rate him an expert in convincing the common public to invest! A very good cook among us, he cooked food for all KVians gathered.
6. Akhilesh Mishra: Son of S D Mishra sir, he carries the same persona and character with him. Only addition is, he has developed some habits that were a complete NO for Mishra Sir. Akhilesh is one guy who has seen the dark days of his life. There were times when even Mishra Sir lost hope that Akhilesh will really do something to make him proud of. But, as it says, after every dark night, colorful morning comes – and brings light and life. So did Akhilesh, by becoming a certified CS. As a Company Secretary, this guy helps running an Infrastructure and Real Estate Company. I wish Akhilesh carries the same charisma Mishra sir was having.
7. Dheeraj Ranjan: Dhajji, is another guy who inherits a lot from his father. Like Sudhanshu Ranjan sir, Dheeraj also sketches and paints well. He is the founder of DAR group, came in competition with MSM detective Agency (Mrinalini, Shweta, Manjari) when we were in 11th Standard. Dhajji too had a dream of becoming a Doctor, but destiny had something else in the Pandora Box. He finally finished with an MBA. He has an avid experience of Real Estate business in Delhi and NCR area. Like all MBA’s, he also plans to start something of his own. I wish he makes me CEO of his company someday!
8. Abhishek Kumar: Lara – this is the name we all gave him, considering his passion for cricket and particularly for his love with the great Brian Lara. For us he was a right handed Lara, when he was playing cricket. In school days, Lara was interested in batting only. Balling and Fielding was something he disliked to do. Like Akhilesh, he too has seen the worst days of his life. At times, he was known to be a budding gunda of Samastipur! The best news I received when I visited his house and get to know that Abhishek has joined VIT for his MBA program. This guy runs Amex Bangalore office on his toes!
“Sun Rubia, tumse pyaar ho gaya, kya karein” – Lare, do you remember this song, from MARD. This song is relevant in many senses. Sumit, Ajeet and some others can shed some light.
9. Mangal Murti: Captain Dr. Mangal Murti, MD., was famous among us as Mangu and Mangal. AFMC guys know him as MaMu. If you want to see someone reading Sanskrit version of Ram Charit Manas with the same ease as Hanuman Chalisa and reciting without opening the holy book, visit him sometimes. He is among those few guys, who fulfilled his dream and remained firm with the decisions he made. He wanted to be a Doctor, and became a Doctor. He serves in Indian Army as Resident Psychiatrist, and helps Soldiers to stay firm with their duties, and helps their family members to keep love and faith with the respective Soldiers. A genuinely Genius among us, he still maintains the art of witty remarks and quick One liners he used to give when we were kids.
10. Rajeev Ranjan: I won’t write much about him, since he came for only few hours. Madhavi was ill, so he was taking good care of his wife. I shall share only one point for him – he was a philosopher and he remains a philosopher.
11. Bhupinder Singh: Bhuppi and Sardar were two nicks given to him, though he didn’t like someone calling him Sardar. If you remember or think of any possible controversy at School, Bhuppi was either directly or indirectly linked with all of them. Bhuppi tried his luck with everyone, be it Rupali, Aparajita, Anjana or Nimisha, Shalini... but alas! He was never too serious with study at any point of time. It was like cutting a cake for him. Live life king-size and enjoy every moment is his moolah for Life. He runs his own business in Ludhiyana, and also works in some government firm.
12. Yours Truly: :-)
After briefly introducing everyone, let me pen down those impetus and memorable moments of June 25 – 26. The intoxicated fever started with late evening. Lara was slated to fly from Bangalore, Mangal to move from Jhansi and Bhuppi to move from Ludhiyana. I was going to land at Delhi airport for the first time, that too in Terminal 3. Unfortunately Lara was landing at T-1. I had no idea of distance between T-1 and T-3. The gap is of approx. 10 Km. Dhajji did all arrangements of our pick-up. Michel’s house at Vaishali, Gaziabad had been chosen as meeting venue.
Lara and I reached Vaishali at 0230 hrs. We met Michel after 13 years. Lara has grown him from many places. I too developed tyres on and around belly. But nothing changed in Michel. He just proportionally grew from every direction. We had a long hour discussion, with sips of ‘Coffee with Lara’ – and we decided to stay awake to receive Mangal at 0600 hrs. Omelets, Corn flakes and Tea was served by ‘Cook’ Michel to all of us. By 1330 all 11 gathered and we decided to have Lunch.
Time was running so fast, and we were racing against time. We wanted to enjoy every moments by staying as close as possible. So we were chalking out every plans of making this meeting memorable one. Everyone was trying to give ‘personal’ time to everyone! Thanks to the power cut in Gaziabad, we finally zeroed on visiting a Shopping Mall nearby. Dilli was full of heat with temperature ranging from 34 – 37oC; we had no choice than to take shelter where free AC is available. Rajeev joined us at the shopping mall.
After roaming around and ‘absorbing lots of Vitamin A in eyes’ till 10 PM, and googling on various hotels for Dinner, we decided to go back to Michel’s house and order something for munching. Ranjeet and Rajeev paid adieus to us. Madhvi was not well, so Rajeev had to go. Ranjeet had some meeting at mid-night! When you own a Honda City and a driver, meeting can happen anytime and anywhere. The Titti sponsored moonlight dinner on the rooftop started at 1 AM, and we 10 engrossed ourselves with a lot of ‘boyish’ talk. We pulled the leg of many among us, and many girls. A lot was discussed on why I am ‘disastrous’ but nothing concrete could come out. We recalled many moments and cherished all of them. All those that were embarrassing at one point of time, were giving a pleasing and sensuous feel when we were hovering our past. Finally we decided to take a nap at 4 AM in morning. Michel, Dheeraj, Lara and I were awake from last 40 hours, though I was taking some 30 minutes of power packed naps in between. Surprisingly, all of us woke up by 9 AM. Don’t know how! Again the ‘cooks’ Michel and Lara were ready with Omelets and Corn Flakes. Mangal loved the evening and night food a lot, so the love converted into loose motion. Addition to it was his allergy with the narcotic smells that were prevalent in rooms. Seems ITC became millionaire in those 48 hours!
Considering the uncalled situations, rice was cooked and 1 Kg of Curd was purchased. We all preferred to eat a simple food comprising Rice, Dal, Aaloo ki bhajiya, and Curd. Did some rest and suddenly sadness cropped up in everyone’s eyes and face. It was a genuine pain of separation. All of us were trying to hide that feeling. Boys don’t cry. So we were trying to keep ourselves busy in stupid things like snapping pics, or collecting and packing cloths or taking rest by forcefully closing eyes. Mangal, Bhupinder and Ajeet left us at around 3 PM. Bhuppi and Mangal’s departure was acceptable as they had to catch their respective trains, I am unable to understand why Ajeet left us. If I am correct, no laboratories are open for conducting experiments on Sunday’s. Well may be some girl friends could be! Finally the cab came to pick me to drop at Airport. I was crying from inside, so was trying to avoid eye contact with anyone. Boys don’t cry you know. So, I shook hands and hugged everyone and sit in the Cab. Asked the driver to move and motioned to friends that keep in touch. I’ll call all of you.
I left Delhi in 2001 as I was selected by IIT, Kanpur. After 10 years, when I got the glimpse of Delhi, I was amazed. The flocks of flyovers, widened roads, modernization of buildings etc. everything was just amazing. I wish I could have stayed longer to experience Delhi also. I was so engrossed with friends, completely forgot that I have to see the new and changed Delhi too. Well, sometimes later… Delhi Wait for me.
Mumbai to Tarapur: Development on Loot…?
With my present responsibility as BD & OE at Corporate office, and more specifically with JFE activities, I do require visiting most of JSW plants with JFE officials or otherwise. Recent one was a road trip to Tarapur works with Sugino San. As norms, I picked him from Four Seasons and our car speedup for Tarapur. Weather was beautiful, with occasional rains every 15 minutes, was adding colors to the weather. Drive till Dahisar was very comfortable. Suddenly Car started taking brakes, and the average speed broke down from 80 km/h to 20-30 km/h. I realized that flyover was in making, keeping a narrow pathway for vehicles to pass. I was deep in my thoughts, so didn’t paid attention to the slow speed. After 30 min. of slow driving I realized that something is wrong. I focused my attention on the road and the heavy traffic ahead of our car. I commanded driver to break rule and drive car from opposite lane. Since the problem was severe and a big haphazard line of vehicles were on road, the inquisitive mind tried to find a reason of the same. I started focusing on every intricate detail I could collect in mind. I could realize that there were more than 10 flyovers developed by NHAI and IRB between Dahisar and Tarapur.
Two genuine questions came into mind.
Why 10 flyovers at a time, that too on the main road connecting Tarapur and Ratnagiri District from Mumbai?
Government may give the plea that the MIDC area of Tarapur needs to be connected to Mumbai for mutual benefit. Government may have a good intention of minimizing the distance between Mumbai to Tarapur by a whopping 80 minutes, from present 180 minutes, but the question remains why initiating all 10-12 projects at the same time? Why they dig roads at various places? Why the project was not taken one after other? Why people were were left traumatized for hours?
When NHAI is capable of making roads, bridges and Flyovers on difficult tracks, why it has partnered with IRB for this National Highway development project?
The good thinking could be a win-win merger to ensure the best of both companies come forward and deliver the best result in record time. But the speed of work and intentions says the opposite. Road and Flyovers are not complete, and IRB is collecting millions of rupees as Toll. I see the profit interest of business minded IRB and hunger for money by Government employed NHAI engineers. If all are there to loot, who will really take the pain of common man?
The other interesting thing observed on the roadside was Beer and Wine shops common along the road sides, in villages. Government can give their plea that it is for the discretion of common man to drink or not, but the fact of the matter is a poor person waters its money for liquor. The hard earned money could have been used at home, on wife, kids and family – is going into the hands of Mallya and other Liquor Barons. The question again came to my mind: why licenses were distributed to open wine shops in Public and eat poor’s hard earned money?
Suddenly my car stopped at one gateway. It was toll tax gateway. Driver paid Rs 50 and got permission ‘slip’ for continued driving. After some time another toll bridge and the cost were little higher Rs 70! So my curious mind did a simple calculation:
Toll Tax collected by IRB (at 2 places): Rs 50 and Rs 70 i.e. Rs 120 per vehicle.
Assuming 10,000 vehicles in 24 hours, per day (i.e., 7 vehicles in 1 min.) the collection is Rs 12,00,000 per day.
In 365 days, IRB collects Rs 43,80,00,000. i.e. approx 44 crores of Indian rupees per year. If the flyovers take 4 years of completion, common man would have paid Rs 1,75,20,00,000 i.e., 175 crores. A common man pays such a huge amount collectively, and still drives on a painful 60 - 80 Km road.
Another inquisitive question cropped up. If a common man pays 17 crores for one flyover, what amount government pays for infrastructure development? Normally toll taxes are taken for maintenance of roads / bridges / flyovers etc, if it is make with public-private partnership. It is not taken before the construction is complete and open for public use.
Government also invests common man’s money (paid in terms as various taxes) for infrastructure developments. It doesn’t own any money. If that is the case, what is the actual amount a common man pays to live a filthy life for four years!
Two genuine questions came into mind.
Why 10 flyovers at a time, that too on the main road connecting Tarapur and Ratnagiri District from Mumbai?
Government may give the plea that the MIDC area of Tarapur needs to be connected to Mumbai for mutual benefit. Government may have a good intention of minimizing the distance between Mumbai to Tarapur by a whopping 80 minutes, from present 180 minutes, but the question remains why initiating all 10-12 projects at the same time? Why they dig roads at various places? Why the project was not taken one after other? Why people were were left traumatized for hours?
When NHAI is capable of making roads, bridges and Flyovers on difficult tracks, why it has partnered with IRB for this National Highway development project?
The good thinking could be a win-win merger to ensure the best of both companies come forward and deliver the best result in record time. But the speed of work and intentions says the opposite. Road and Flyovers are not complete, and IRB is collecting millions of rupees as Toll. I see the profit interest of business minded IRB and hunger for money by Government employed NHAI engineers. If all are there to loot, who will really take the pain of common man?
The other interesting thing observed on the roadside was Beer and Wine shops common along the road sides, in villages. Government can give their plea that it is for the discretion of common man to drink or not, but the fact of the matter is a poor person waters its money for liquor. The hard earned money could have been used at home, on wife, kids and family – is going into the hands of Mallya and other Liquor Barons. The question again came to my mind: why licenses were distributed to open wine shops in Public and eat poor’s hard earned money?
Suddenly my car stopped at one gateway. It was toll tax gateway. Driver paid Rs 50 and got permission ‘slip’ for continued driving. After some time another toll bridge and the cost were little higher Rs 70! So my curious mind did a simple calculation:
Toll Tax collected by IRB (at 2 places): Rs 50 and Rs 70 i.e. Rs 120 per vehicle.
Assuming 10,000 vehicles in 24 hours, per day (i.e., 7 vehicles in 1 min.) the collection is Rs 12,00,000 per day.
In 365 days, IRB collects Rs 43,80,00,000. i.e. approx 44 crores of Indian rupees per year. If the flyovers take 4 years of completion, common man would have paid Rs 1,75,20,00,000 i.e., 175 crores. A common man pays such a huge amount collectively, and still drives on a painful 60 - 80 Km road.
Another inquisitive question cropped up. If a common man pays 17 crores for one flyover, what amount government pays for infrastructure development? Normally toll taxes are taken for maintenance of roads / bridges / flyovers etc, if it is make with public-private partnership. It is not taken before the construction is complete and open for public use.
Government also invests common man’s money (paid in terms as various taxes) for infrastructure developments. It doesn’t own any money. If that is the case, what is the actual amount a common man pays to live a filthy life for four years!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Baba Ramdev, Corruption, Politics and Aam Aadmi!
Baba Ramdev, born in 1965, is among few highly influential Godman in India. He has been credited with bringing a Global revolution in Yoga and Ayurveda. It is he who ensured Yoga reaches to every house. It was Baba Ramdev who showed the power of Yoga to the world. Many diseases got cured only because of his Yogic treatments. The Anulom-Vilom, Bhramri and Kapalbhati have done wonders among every Indian. Every Indian can be seen rubbing nails and fingers in leisure time, to take care of falling hair problem.
Corruption, like HIV, in India is like an incurable disease with no cure. From bribing a Traffic Police at Street to bribing Ministers and MP’s at Parliament, every office is infected with this disease. Politicians, Aristocrats, Businessman, Underworld, everyone looted a common man in all possible ways. The trillions of money got stashed away by various means and deposited in various banks in US and UK and other EU countries. Baba Ramdev thought to bring a cure to this disease also.
Politics is like a double faced sword, or say a venomous snake with two mouths. You never know which face will attack. Every country has politicians and every politician plays politics. Sometimes politics are played on International level, sometimes on National level. The recent example of international politics was shown by Americans. How they effectively used it against Pakistan and now after killing top 3 militants, Osama, Iliyas Kashmiri and Azhar – gave a breather to Pakistan by giving clean chit to Tahawwur Rana in 26/11 conspiracy. India was about to nail Pakistan, suddenly India came on back foot. The recent example of National politics was shown by Congress led UPA government. On day ZERO, top 4 cabinet Ministers goes to airport to receive Baba Ramdev and indulge in close room talk. On day ONE, Baba announces 99% of demands are accepted verbally, only deadline is to be given by government. Suddenly, in evening, a chit appears and flashed out by one eminent Minister and Baba gets exposed. He got trapped completely, so he announces fast unto death against this cheating and demands all promises in writing. On the wee hours of day TWO, five to ten thousands of police force appears, fires Tear shells, conspires Laathi charge in evacuating Ramleela Ground, Delhi. Government tries everything to kill or seriously injure Baba Ramdev and his allies. Baba gets the get-up of woman and somehow come out from police barricade.
Aam Aadmi, as I always tell, is only for getting used as tools and tackles. It is used for casting vote every five years, sometimes earlier. Aam Aadmi is for calling to National and State capital to stage Dharna. Aam aadmi is there to be brutally beaten by Police forces. Aam Aadmi is for mass killing by militants. Aam Aadmi is for paying heavy taxes to government. Aam Aadmi is used by one politician against other. Aam Aadmi is like chicken and lambs. They are feed to ensure they will give good value at times to come. They are there to be killed and added into menu. As Chickens and Lambs cannot raise its voice, so an Aam Aadmi cannot raise. Government has made a beautiful law in its favor. Article 144! Impose it when you feel Aam Aadmi is waking up or Aam Aadmi is gathering somewhere for demanding genuine demands. Once Article 144 is imposed, police is free to take strict action- can even kill to ensure PEACE. Aam Aadmi is like a Condom! Kept at most safe place till unused. Once used, it is thrown into dustbin or sewer.
It happened that Aam Aadmi gathered at Ramleela Ground on 4th June for a genuine cause of eradicating corruption, spearheaded by Baba Ramdev, who could foresee Corruption as a curable disease and tried to find solution for this disease. Within one week of the herculean task he initiated, Baba Ramdev is hospitalized and is on the verge of going into Coma. Many of his followers staging Satyagraha are hospitalized, thanks to the mass Laathi charge. Sometimes I doubt if Police Forces are human. They are some remote controlled instruments or robots without feeling. Congress has alleged that Baba Ramdev is a RSS man, backed by BJP and other communal forces. Government has asked Enforcement Directorate to check the property Baba Ramdev has accumulated. It has a single point agenda. Defame Baba Ramdev. I think the single point agenda was eradicating Corruption. Bring back the trillions of Indian money stashed away by some handful of Indian people. As usual my inquisitive mind started racing for the reasons of such behavior by Government. I started dissecting everything.
UPA is led by Congress and has Trinmool Congress and DMK as major support. TMC cannot say anything, as it is busy celebrating a huge win against Left front. They have come into power for the first time, since Independence. Now, in order to re-structure Bengal, they need central support. Obviously they shall be tight lipped. DMK has three of its key persons involved in corruption cases! A Raja and Kanimozzi are in jail. Dayanidhi Maran is next! They have lost the ground at Tamilnadu. They have no option than to live on mercy of Central Government. Other members of UPA are powerless. Practically UPA is all Congress. Now, somewhere Corruption and Congress are linked. If the disease is attacked, somewhere Congress has to face the heat of the disease. Rahul Gandhi was arrested 10 years back, at an airport in USA by NYPD, with a bag containing millions of money. Where did this money come from? A normal person is detained and put into Jail. He was released and all charges were cleared. How come? Since freedom, Congress has governed the nation for 60 years. Obviously, a minimum of 60% of stashed money must belong to congress men. How can they allow the names to become public? How can they allow trustworthy and Pet Congress Dogs to become beggar in a single shot? In parliament, how can they clear the bill? Will you sign on your suicidal note? With this nationwide agitation against corruption, congress has realized that sooner or later, they’ll have to act against corruption and Black money. But the credit will be taken away by Baba Ramdev and his team. On the other hand Anna Hazare and team were also pressurizing Lokpal bill formation that was making PM office accountable for all activities. So congressmen played a very political game. Baba Ramdev was cheated in closed room, and made naked in front of Common man. The public image of Baba Ramdev was hanged till death. Congress killed three enemies in a single shot. Baba Ramdev was crushed. BJP and RSS was blamed for putting country on stake! And the Civil society members drafting Lokpal Bill were given a strong message – follow government or be ready for consequences! What a Rajnikant Shot!
Corruption, like HIV, in India is like an incurable disease with no cure. From bribing a Traffic Police at Street to bribing Ministers and MP’s at Parliament, every office is infected with this disease. Politicians, Aristocrats, Businessman, Underworld, everyone looted a common man in all possible ways. The trillions of money got stashed away by various means and deposited in various banks in US and UK and other EU countries. Baba Ramdev thought to bring a cure to this disease also.
Politics is like a double faced sword, or say a venomous snake with two mouths. You never know which face will attack. Every country has politicians and every politician plays politics. Sometimes politics are played on International level, sometimes on National level. The recent example of international politics was shown by Americans. How they effectively used it against Pakistan and now after killing top 3 militants, Osama, Iliyas Kashmiri and Azhar – gave a breather to Pakistan by giving clean chit to Tahawwur Rana in 26/11 conspiracy. India was about to nail Pakistan, suddenly India came on back foot. The recent example of National politics was shown by Congress led UPA government. On day ZERO, top 4 cabinet Ministers goes to airport to receive Baba Ramdev and indulge in close room talk. On day ONE, Baba announces 99% of demands are accepted verbally, only deadline is to be given by government. Suddenly, in evening, a chit appears and flashed out by one eminent Minister and Baba gets exposed. He got trapped completely, so he announces fast unto death against this cheating and demands all promises in writing. On the wee hours of day TWO, five to ten thousands of police force appears, fires Tear shells, conspires Laathi charge in evacuating Ramleela Ground, Delhi. Government tries everything to kill or seriously injure Baba Ramdev and his allies. Baba gets the get-up of woman and somehow come out from police barricade.
Aam Aadmi, as I always tell, is only for getting used as tools and tackles. It is used for casting vote every five years, sometimes earlier. Aam Aadmi is for calling to National and State capital to stage Dharna. Aam aadmi is there to be brutally beaten by Police forces. Aam Aadmi is for mass killing by militants. Aam Aadmi is for paying heavy taxes to government. Aam Aadmi is used by one politician against other. Aam Aadmi is like chicken and lambs. They are feed to ensure they will give good value at times to come. They are there to be killed and added into menu. As Chickens and Lambs cannot raise its voice, so an Aam Aadmi cannot raise. Government has made a beautiful law in its favor. Article 144! Impose it when you feel Aam Aadmi is waking up or Aam Aadmi is gathering somewhere for demanding genuine demands. Once Article 144 is imposed, police is free to take strict action- can even kill to ensure PEACE. Aam Aadmi is like a Condom! Kept at most safe place till unused. Once used, it is thrown into dustbin or sewer.
It happened that Aam Aadmi gathered at Ramleela Ground on 4th June for a genuine cause of eradicating corruption, spearheaded by Baba Ramdev, who could foresee Corruption as a curable disease and tried to find solution for this disease. Within one week of the herculean task he initiated, Baba Ramdev is hospitalized and is on the verge of going into Coma. Many of his followers staging Satyagraha are hospitalized, thanks to the mass Laathi charge. Sometimes I doubt if Police Forces are human. They are some remote controlled instruments or robots without feeling. Congress has alleged that Baba Ramdev is a RSS man, backed by BJP and other communal forces. Government has asked Enforcement Directorate to check the property Baba Ramdev has accumulated. It has a single point agenda. Defame Baba Ramdev. I think the single point agenda was eradicating Corruption. Bring back the trillions of Indian money stashed away by some handful of Indian people. As usual my inquisitive mind started racing for the reasons of such behavior by Government. I started dissecting everything.
UPA is led by Congress and has Trinmool Congress and DMK as major support. TMC cannot say anything, as it is busy celebrating a huge win against Left front. They have come into power for the first time, since Independence. Now, in order to re-structure Bengal, they need central support. Obviously they shall be tight lipped. DMK has three of its key persons involved in corruption cases! A Raja and Kanimozzi are in jail. Dayanidhi Maran is next! They have lost the ground at Tamilnadu. They have no option than to live on mercy of Central Government. Other members of UPA are powerless. Practically UPA is all Congress. Now, somewhere Corruption and Congress are linked. If the disease is attacked, somewhere Congress has to face the heat of the disease. Rahul Gandhi was arrested 10 years back, at an airport in USA by NYPD, with a bag containing millions of money. Where did this money come from? A normal person is detained and put into Jail. He was released and all charges were cleared. How come? Since freedom, Congress has governed the nation for 60 years. Obviously, a minimum of 60% of stashed money must belong to congress men. How can they allow the names to become public? How can they allow trustworthy and Pet Congress Dogs to become beggar in a single shot? In parliament, how can they clear the bill? Will you sign on your suicidal note? With this nationwide agitation against corruption, congress has realized that sooner or later, they’ll have to act against corruption and Black money. But the credit will be taken away by Baba Ramdev and his team. On the other hand Anna Hazare and team were also pressurizing Lokpal bill formation that was making PM office accountable for all activities. So congressmen played a very political game. Baba Ramdev was cheated in closed room, and made naked in front of Common man. The public image of Baba Ramdev was hanged till death. Congress killed three enemies in a single shot. Baba Ramdev was crushed. BJP and RSS was blamed for putting country on stake! And the Civil society members drafting Lokpal Bill were given a strong message – follow government or be ready for consequences! What a Rajnikant Shot!
Indian Brands: Are they responsible for lagging behind their counterparts?
Lately it so happened that I switched to Sanskaar and Aastha Channel. Baba Ramdev was giving his speech on Bharat Swabhimaan and Swadesh. He was in the best of his enthusiasm and convincing mood. I too got motivated and charged up enough! The patriot in me woke up, and decided to use products made solely by Indian Brand. Shahrukh Khan once said “Itni Siddat se maine tujhe pane ki jurrat ki hai… ki saare zamane ne tujhe mujhse milane ki shararat ki hai” The other day I got a mail from friend, listing all Indian products in daily use. A blind needs two EYES! I took the printout and pasted on the front wall of my room. The co-operative shop was in front of my apartment. Charged up with Patriotism, I went inside the Co-operative shop and purchased Blades, Soaps, Detergent, Tooth paste, Shaving cream, face cream, etc. all from Indian Brand. With the same motivational charged up state of mind, I started using them. But you know, there is a difference between ‘being passionate’ and ‘being experienced’. An old man is always called wise and obeyed than an emotionally charged youth. Once the fever of nationalism was down, I started comparing the products I purchased, with their MNC counterparts. The Supermax and Topaz blades I took, was no way compared with Gillete and 7’Oclock blades. The Indian bathing soap has now become toilet soap. Somehow surf came out good, so I am still using it. I am heck of the taste of toothpaste, but the 200 g has to be consumed. Couldn’t help it still consume, in the name of taking value for the money spent. Shaving cream- though I wanted to throw out of window, but couldn’t do, so gifted it to security guard. Face cream that I used did a lot of happening on the face. So I decided to use it rather as skin cream. Similar was the fate of other products. You can very well ask why I didn’t throw them out when they were so bad. Answer is simple. I invested money on that! Have to recover it either way! I am not like sons and daughters of Jindal’s or Tata’s or Birla’s. I earn money and know the value of a single penny. I wish I could have billions of dollars in Swiss banks!
Now that the patriotic fever is gone and I tore that paper pasted on front wall, the inquisitive me started thinking of reasons behind such a big gap in brands. Why MNC’s and their brands are more successful and effective in giving what they promise. Why Indian brands are failing? We have companies like Tata. Dabur, Himalaya, Jyothi Laboratories, etc. who are successful in keeping the quality and brand value, but major Indian companies fail to deliver what they promise. After a great self brainstorming, I concluded on three reasons.
1. Lack of proper R&D facility,
2. Loss of focus from customer’s requirement and
3. Greed for quick money.
Most of the companies fall in all three categories. Investment on R&D and product development is called a future investment. Some intentionally bypasses R&D investment to increase profit margin. Some do keep R&D division as a functionary to save various taxes, but don’t do actual R&D activities. On the other hand MNC’s have good money, so they invest good amount on R&D activities to ensure bringing new products for market. Also a high level of expert team is there to project the demand and to understand customer’s requirement. A new trend is coming up. MNC’s are brilliantly pushing new products into markets and provoking its demand among customers! Some examples are After Shower, Mouth Wash, Face wash, Revive, Chocolates, Cold Drinks, Hair Colors etc. Such products are not in necessisity list, but MNC’s market it in such a beautiful way, it creates its place among every house. I must say TV’s and Cricket/Bollywood Stars are helping a lot in ensuring millions USD profit for these MNC’s. Who is a sufferer? Common Man! A common man is a victim of anything and everything. A common man works hard and earns money. On the money he earns for himself and his family, he pays a direct tax to government for its own safety (payment to all government officials) and welfare (infrastructure and other developments in society and nation). Story doesn’t end here. A common man has to pay Tax for Entertainment, Food, Medicine, Purchase, Travelling, Road, Water, Education, VAT etc. in the name of Indirect Tax. If all taxes are calculated, a common man pays 60-70% of his/her money in tax. What he/she gets? Nothing! Some mental satisfaction and happiness for family – that too for some time only! Jokingly I say sometimes, if ‘Fair and Lovely’ is so effective, A Buffalo could be converted into Cow! If not White Buffalo, at least a Grey Buffalo! If skin creams are so effective against Sun, it should be distributed in African countries! Cosmetics have entered in such a big way; it looks like all FEMALES have become a slave of it. They can’t take a single step out of her house, without applying cosmetics!
Indian Companies seems, have lost their identity in the RAT Race! They always live in the fear of ‘big fishes eating smaller fishes’. So they cater into low end market. Every business has a single motive – PROFIT. So, in the struggle of survival, Indian companies do forget to cater and deliver the quality. They intend to utilize cheaper resources to cut down cost. Suffice to say, they forget to see the long term consequences, in the tug of war of survival. The short vision and short term goals lead to inferior quality, and slowly throwing them out of competitions.
Problem doesn’t end here. Government of India cannot shed its responsibility. Unless Indian Start-ups and companies are supported by Government’s assistance- financially/R&D support/Policy revisions etc. they cannot compete with MNC’s. Government keeps a close eye on Indian companies, and willingly allows MNC’s to grow. MNC’s fund their election rallies. MNC’s provide them best of facilities, why would they think of Made in India products and common man? So it's a complex issue for breaking head. So ultimately I decided to be partially patriotic. Made in India by Indian companies Products which are of good quality and cost competitive will get my thumbs up. But I won’t compromise on quality! After all, I too want to glow like Shahrukh Khan and smell like John Abraham! It’s my bad luck, they give their time and energy for branding foreign companies products!
Now that the patriotic fever is gone and I tore that paper pasted on front wall, the inquisitive me started thinking of reasons behind such a big gap in brands. Why MNC’s and their brands are more successful and effective in giving what they promise. Why Indian brands are failing? We have companies like Tata. Dabur, Himalaya, Jyothi Laboratories, etc. who are successful in keeping the quality and brand value, but major Indian companies fail to deliver what they promise. After a great self brainstorming, I concluded on three reasons.
1. Lack of proper R&D facility,
2. Loss of focus from customer’s requirement and
3. Greed for quick money.
Most of the companies fall in all three categories. Investment on R&D and product development is called a future investment. Some intentionally bypasses R&D investment to increase profit margin. Some do keep R&D division as a functionary to save various taxes, but don’t do actual R&D activities. On the other hand MNC’s have good money, so they invest good amount on R&D activities to ensure bringing new products for market. Also a high level of expert team is there to project the demand and to understand customer’s requirement. A new trend is coming up. MNC’s are brilliantly pushing new products into markets and provoking its demand among customers! Some examples are After Shower, Mouth Wash, Face wash, Revive, Chocolates, Cold Drinks, Hair Colors etc. Such products are not in necessisity list, but MNC’s market it in such a beautiful way, it creates its place among every house. I must say TV’s and Cricket/Bollywood Stars are helping a lot in ensuring millions USD profit for these MNC’s. Who is a sufferer? Common Man! A common man is a victim of anything and everything. A common man works hard and earns money. On the money he earns for himself and his family, he pays a direct tax to government for its own safety (payment to all government officials) and welfare (infrastructure and other developments in society and nation). Story doesn’t end here. A common man has to pay Tax for Entertainment, Food, Medicine, Purchase, Travelling, Road, Water, Education, VAT etc. in the name of Indirect Tax. If all taxes are calculated, a common man pays 60-70% of his/her money in tax. What he/she gets? Nothing! Some mental satisfaction and happiness for family – that too for some time only! Jokingly I say sometimes, if ‘Fair and Lovely’ is so effective, A Buffalo could be converted into Cow! If not White Buffalo, at least a Grey Buffalo! If skin creams are so effective against Sun, it should be distributed in African countries! Cosmetics have entered in such a big way; it looks like all FEMALES have become a slave of it. They can’t take a single step out of her house, without applying cosmetics!
Indian Companies seems, have lost their identity in the RAT Race! They always live in the fear of ‘big fishes eating smaller fishes’. So they cater into low end market. Every business has a single motive – PROFIT. So, in the struggle of survival, Indian companies do forget to cater and deliver the quality. They intend to utilize cheaper resources to cut down cost. Suffice to say, they forget to see the long term consequences, in the tug of war of survival. The short vision and short term goals lead to inferior quality, and slowly throwing them out of competitions.
Problem doesn’t end here. Government of India cannot shed its responsibility. Unless Indian Start-ups and companies are supported by Government’s assistance- financially/R&D support/Policy revisions etc. they cannot compete with MNC’s. Government keeps a close eye on Indian companies, and willingly allows MNC’s to grow. MNC’s fund their election rallies. MNC’s provide them best of facilities, why would they think of Made in India products and common man? So it's a complex issue for breaking head. So ultimately I decided to be partially patriotic. Made in India by Indian companies Products which are of good quality and cost competitive will get my thumbs up. But I won’t compromise on quality! After all, I too want to glow like Shahrukh Khan and smell like John Abraham! It’s my bad luck, they give their time and energy for branding foreign companies products!
Rain, Beach and Me…
Mumbai is famous for sea shores and beaches, though one won’t get feelings of Goa. Nariman Point, Marine Drive, Walkeshwar, Juhu, Aksa, Arnala, Worli Sea face etc. to count a few, are among few sea beaches/ shores for ‘good time’. Band Stand is famous, not for houses of big bollywood stars like Salman Khan, Rekha, Shahrukh Khan – rather it is famous for non-stop kissing and other scenes around the sea face. This location is so crowded that you need to be lucky to get a seat, and ‘do what you want to do’! Most of the Mumbai’s sea face are famous or say ill famous for ‘lovemaking in public’. Added advantage is when it rains! I am still searching a convincing answer for one question: Is it that people get romantic at sea shore, or that they are already romantic, only find sea shore as a safe haven for doing ‘everything’!
It was June 11, 2011, one among few lucky Saturday’s when I do sleep for long hours. Thanks to the headquarters policy, we get two additional holidays every month. Monsoon has arrived to Mumbai before the expected time. May be it came on time, our prediction was wrong. So as expected, Mumbai has become a slum. Water logging everywhere, late running trains, buses, and flights are common. Anytime and anywhere, it rains. Timing of rain is also very peculiar. It rains to ensure you get disturbed for hours especially during office hours! Sometimes I feel that raincoat and umbrella makers must have paid a huge bribe to Almighty to ensure hours of non-stop rain. It makes them rich. Whole four billion populations in Mumbai are required to buy either Umbrellas or Raincoats. Think of the business they will have. If one umbrella costs Rs 150, one has a potential business of 600 billion INR businesses. That too in One month only!
So I woke up at 11 AM and decided to have breakfast. Well rain hampered my plans. After much of brainstorming I decided to drench myself, and came out in shorts and T-shirt. After roaming around for quite some time, on the roads connecting Siddhivinayak Temple, I decided to head for Arabian Sea. For a change, I chose to go to a less famous Prabhadevi beach. The intention behind choosing a sea shore for killing time was my inquisitiveness of watching Sea’s behavior when it rains. For three hours, I was wetting myself on sea shore and walking around. Miles of the beach were full of dirt, plastics, cloths, and waste materials. Thanks to the nature of Ocean. It gives back what you throw in it. The question is- why we throw these things in it? May be because these are safest havens to throw, may be oceans don’t charge any penalty to people to throw waste in it. People tend to forget the very basic fact that air originates from Ocean. The direction of airflow is decided by the ambient temperature and water evaporation rate from Oceans. If dirt and pollutants are thrown into it, it shall bring contaminated odours with microbes (bacteria n viruses) in the originating air. Oceans never remain partial with anyone. It gives back what is given to it, either directly or indirectly. Anyways, more than 30 couples were searching a ‘suitable’ place to sit near the sea face. Struggling inside a small umbrella, they were trying hard to warm each other. Most of the people I could see were wet; still they wanted to be under umbrella. Don’t know why! Another interesting thing on sea shores! Condoms! I was confused whether it was used here and thrown or used somewhere and thrown here? Anyways the good thing is people have learnt to use it. Stones pelted on sea shores were full of algae and seed shells. Since it was raining and I didn’t want to get injured, I gave up the decision of rock climbing and rock sitting. Out of curiosity, I decided to go into the ocean. The soil below the sand was completely soiled. The reason might be the sewer line and waste water pipes and tunnels that open into sea. I could experience black mud all around. Seems Mumbaikar’s have decided to kill the very serenity of Shores.
The water pipes and tunnels were pumping out gallons of water into ocean. Since it was raining, I assume 99% of the water pumped out was rain water. I wish municipality and government could have done something on rainwater harvesting, or could have made some reservoir to store these rain waters. Mumbai is known to have huge water cuts in the month of April and May. Let us hope, someday these highly pure rain water would be utilized properly in Mumbai.
It was June 11, 2011, one among few lucky Saturday’s when I do sleep for long hours. Thanks to the headquarters policy, we get two additional holidays every month. Monsoon has arrived to Mumbai before the expected time. May be it came on time, our prediction was wrong. So as expected, Mumbai has become a slum. Water logging everywhere, late running trains, buses, and flights are common. Anytime and anywhere, it rains. Timing of rain is also very peculiar. It rains to ensure you get disturbed for hours especially during office hours! Sometimes I feel that raincoat and umbrella makers must have paid a huge bribe to Almighty to ensure hours of non-stop rain. It makes them rich. Whole four billion populations in Mumbai are required to buy either Umbrellas or Raincoats. Think of the business they will have. If one umbrella costs Rs 150, one has a potential business of 600 billion INR businesses. That too in One month only!
So I woke up at 11 AM and decided to have breakfast. Well rain hampered my plans. After much of brainstorming I decided to drench myself, and came out in shorts and T-shirt. After roaming around for quite some time, on the roads connecting Siddhivinayak Temple, I decided to head for Arabian Sea. For a change, I chose to go to a less famous Prabhadevi beach. The intention behind choosing a sea shore for killing time was my inquisitiveness of watching Sea’s behavior when it rains. For three hours, I was wetting myself on sea shore and walking around. Miles of the beach were full of dirt, plastics, cloths, and waste materials. Thanks to the nature of Ocean. It gives back what you throw in it. The question is- why we throw these things in it? May be because these are safest havens to throw, may be oceans don’t charge any penalty to people to throw waste in it. People tend to forget the very basic fact that air originates from Ocean. The direction of airflow is decided by the ambient temperature and water evaporation rate from Oceans. If dirt and pollutants are thrown into it, it shall bring contaminated odours with microbes (bacteria n viruses) in the originating air. Oceans never remain partial with anyone. It gives back what is given to it, either directly or indirectly. Anyways, more than 30 couples were searching a ‘suitable’ place to sit near the sea face. Struggling inside a small umbrella, they were trying hard to warm each other. Most of the people I could see were wet; still they wanted to be under umbrella. Don’t know why! Another interesting thing on sea shores! Condoms! I was confused whether it was used here and thrown or used somewhere and thrown here? Anyways the good thing is people have learnt to use it. Stones pelted on sea shores were full of algae and seed shells. Since it was raining and I didn’t want to get injured, I gave up the decision of rock climbing and rock sitting. Out of curiosity, I decided to go into the ocean. The soil below the sand was completely soiled. The reason might be the sewer line and waste water pipes and tunnels that open into sea. I could experience black mud all around. Seems Mumbaikar’s have decided to kill the very serenity of Shores.
The water pipes and tunnels were pumping out gallons of water into ocean. Since it was raining, I assume 99% of the water pumped out was rain water. I wish municipality and government could have done something on rainwater harvesting, or could have made some reservoir to store these rain waters. Mumbai is known to have huge water cuts in the month of April and May. Let us hope, someday these highly pure rain water would be utilized properly in Mumbai.
Friday, May 20, 2011
1886 days at JSW…!
I thought to scribe on walls of Great Wall of China on March 21, 2011, since that was one proud day. I could see a blinking light among astounding darkness. Suddenly the mathematician in me popped out and said to post the blog on 15-5, making 1881 days! A Symmetric figure you know! But as one says – you can stop for yourself, time doesn’t stop for yourself. It has its own course of action. Life and Time, both guys have been extra special for me. Perhaps they have taken an oath, during my birth that they shall keep teaching me by giving all bitter experiences of life. So, without cursing much to myself let me start writing some good points, as the story proceeds.
5 look to be very peculiar number, in many senses. It has some special but unique characteristics. We have 5 fingers in either hand or leg. A fist formation requires 5 fingers. Human being has 5 sensory organs. A government lasts for 5 years, if it is in majority! Government announces 5 years plans. Gratuity of any working person is locked for 5 years! Completing 5 years in any profession makes anyone ‘someone’ in the company. Elections are done every 5 years, to select next governance. When I joined JSW 5 years back, I didn’t know that I shall be completing 5 years at JSW. Don’t believe me; even my friends, teachers and co-workers at JSW were confident that I shall be moving out of JSW shortly!
I was just wondering on one Sunday evening- what made me stay so long. Was it my inability to get another job? Was it the close association with friends and colleagues out there? Was it the beautiful township and a secure life – that blocked my thinking to move beyond? Was it my urge to prove my worth? Was it the patriotism that I was showing to the studies I made at IITK? Was it some insecurity? Or was it some commitment I made to someone, knowingly or unknowingly? The inner I spoke very softly and quietly. A bit of everything!
Though suffering from Allergy and sneezing all day, a wry smile flashes all day on my face. The reason was simple yet very impactful. I was getting congratulating calls from friends, mostly from abroad, for completing FIVE years at JSW Steel. I finished my day’s works and was sipping Green Tea (Mr. Nash, I still sip green tea!) at Jindal Mansion. It is then I decided to pen down my memories. Exactly 5 years back, on March 21, 2006, I joined JSW at Vijayanagar Works. I, or for that matter anyone, did not anticipated in 2006, that I shall stay that long. There is a compulsory induction program from HR dept, and I was not special! So, I was confronting only two questions while I was visiting any production shop- How come you joined Jindal ? and When are you going to resign ?.
Questions were obvious. I was the first B. Tech. from No. 1 Engineering College in India to join a core job and particularly JVSL (JSW was famous at JVSL in 2005-06). Even faculty members were skeptical about my career in core sector. Core job meant joining SAIL or Tata Steel or may be Tata Motors at college!
Now, when I look back, I realize that there were some parameters that helped me continuing my career at JSW. Had it been other organization, I could have taken alternatives like my batch mates did – went for PhD, B School or Switch job.
I got two things at JSW
1.) One of the best Bosses; and
2.) An ocean of Learning with complete Independence.
Vijayanagar is blessed with good people. They are kind hearted supportive people who always encourage newcomers in understanding and taking responsibilities- at least they did with me. I had a chance to meet most of the people before dedicating my full attention on project works at R&D and SS. I witnessed JSW Steel growing from 2.5 Mtpa to 4 Mtpa with the commissioning of BF-2. I happened to see batteries of Coke ovens, Converters, BF-2 and BF-3, to count a few, from inside. In a way I had witnessed the growth path from 2.5 Mtpa to now 14.5 Mtpa (11 Mtpa expansions and 3.5 Mtpa ISPAT acquisitions).
List mentioned in the image
are some of the lists I saw while it was under commissioning phase. Hope, the dates mentioned is correct! From Wagon Tippler at RMHS to state of art CRM and BRM/WRM, I rate myself fortunate enough to see all plants while in commissioning to post commissioning. I too, grew from a newbie in professional career, to ‘someone’ in professional field. From an unknown to understanding the morphologies of Iron Ore, from theoretical knowledge of Rolling to practically understanding surface defects, from memorizing various grades of steel at college to practically witnessing the alloying mechanism and packaging of various grades of steel, I went a long way. With an award for best project at NMD to Patents and Copyrights and providing technical supports to user departments- I see my learning grew exponentially, if nothing else. After five years when I find myself in new shoes now, I realize that I have gone back by five years. But, Now I am confident that I will grow again.
I rate my tenure with Ranvijay Sir (now Scientist at IGCAR) as most cherishing time. We were racing against time, and challenging all odds. To count a few, we experimented on HPS (Hybrid Pelletizing System) and successfully reported to senior management in 2008. In 2011, JSW is thinking of putting up a HPS system at JSW! Most memorable time at Vijayanagar would be 2010 summers, when I was working on an average of 16-18 hours ensuring Pellet Plant Productivity and quality. Well, having said all this – you could have imagined that I am like a cannon, or a super man at JSW, so I must be elevated to higher ups – but worry not – 6th year running, I am still Assistant Manager. Irony is, next year my batch mates would be promoting to Manager, and I shall be promoting to Deputy Manager with juniors of Two Years! The reasons are interesting, but it would be part of another BLOG!
Everyday Life at JSW is challenging but full of experience. Growing to a 36 Mtpa company by 2020 means a lot. I am sure many more proud JSWites will come in future with experience better than me. Since it’s the time for new joiners to join JSW family, and for some people ‘to think alternative’- I’ll just say- ‘be patient’. Learn. You are at the temple of Learning and in the ocean of Opportunities. Give sometime to yourself and soak some of JSW in your blood. You will not be able to count fruits, when it starts ripening.
5 look to be very peculiar number, in many senses. It has some special but unique characteristics. We have 5 fingers in either hand or leg. A fist formation requires 5 fingers. Human being has 5 sensory organs. A government lasts for 5 years, if it is in majority! Government announces 5 years plans. Gratuity of any working person is locked for 5 years! Completing 5 years in any profession makes anyone ‘someone’ in the company. Elections are done every 5 years, to select next governance. When I joined JSW 5 years back, I didn’t know that I shall be completing 5 years at JSW. Don’t believe me; even my friends, teachers and co-workers at JSW were confident that I shall be moving out of JSW shortly!
I was just wondering on one Sunday evening- what made me stay so long. Was it my inability to get another job? Was it the close association with friends and colleagues out there? Was it the beautiful township and a secure life – that blocked my thinking to move beyond? Was it my urge to prove my worth? Was it the patriotism that I was showing to the studies I made at IITK? Was it some insecurity? Or was it some commitment I made to someone, knowingly or unknowingly? The inner I spoke very softly and quietly. A bit of everything!
Though suffering from Allergy and sneezing all day, a wry smile flashes all day on my face. The reason was simple yet very impactful. I was getting congratulating calls from friends, mostly from abroad, for completing FIVE years at JSW Steel. I finished my day’s works and was sipping Green Tea (Mr. Nash, I still sip green tea!) at Jindal Mansion. It is then I decided to pen down my memories. Exactly 5 years back, on March 21, 2006, I joined JSW at Vijayanagar Works. I, or for that matter anyone, did not anticipated in 2006, that I shall stay that long. There is a compulsory induction program from HR dept, and I was not special! So, I was confronting only two questions while I was visiting any production shop- How come you joined Jindal ? and When are you going to resign ?.
Questions were obvious. I was the first B. Tech. from No. 1 Engineering College in India to join a core job and particularly JVSL (JSW was famous at JVSL in 2005-06). Even faculty members were skeptical about my career in core sector. Core job meant joining SAIL or Tata Steel or may be Tata Motors at college!
Now, when I look back, I realize that there were some parameters that helped me continuing my career at JSW. Had it been other organization, I could have taken alternatives like my batch mates did – went for PhD, B School or Switch job.
I got two things at JSW
1.) One of the best Bosses; and
2.) An ocean of Learning with complete Independence.
Vijayanagar is blessed with good people. They are kind hearted supportive people who always encourage newcomers in understanding and taking responsibilities- at least they did with me. I had a chance to meet most of the people before dedicating my full attention on project works at R&D and SS. I witnessed JSW Steel growing from 2.5 Mtpa to 4 Mtpa with the commissioning of BF-2. I happened to see batteries of Coke ovens, Converters, BF-2 and BF-3, to count a few, from inside. In a way I had witnessed the growth path from 2.5 Mtpa to now 14.5 Mtpa (11 Mtpa expansions and 3.5 Mtpa ISPAT acquisitions).
List mentioned in the image
are some of the lists I saw while it was under commissioning phase. Hope, the dates mentioned is correct! From Wagon Tippler at RMHS to state of art CRM and BRM/WRM, I rate myself fortunate enough to see all plants while in commissioning to post commissioning. I too, grew from a newbie in professional career, to ‘someone’ in professional field. From an unknown to understanding the morphologies of Iron Ore, from theoretical knowledge of Rolling to practically understanding surface defects, from memorizing various grades of steel at college to practically witnessing the alloying mechanism and packaging of various grades of steel, I went a long way. With an award for best project at NMD to Patents and Copyrights and providing technical supports to user departments- I see my learning grew exponentially, if nothing else. After five years when I find myself in new shoes now, I realize that I have gone back by five years. But, Now I am confident that I will grow again.
I rate my tenure with Ranvijay Sir (now Scientist at IGCAR) as most cherishing time. We were racing against time, and challenging all odds. To count a few, we experimented on HPS (Hybrid Pelletizing System) and successfully reported to senior management in 2008. In 2011, JSW is thinking of putting up a HPS system at JSW! Most memorable time at Vijayanagar would be 2010 summers, when I was working on an average of 16-18 hours ensuring Pellet Plant Productivity and quality. Well, having said all this – you could have imagined that I am like a cannon, or a super man at JSW, so I must be elevated to higher ups – but worry not – 6th year running, I am still Assistant Manager. Irony is, next year my batch mates would be promoting to Manager, and I shall be promoting to Deputy Manager with juniors of Two Years! The reasons are interesting, but it would be part of another BLOG!
Everyday Life at JSW is challenging but full of experience. Growing to a 36 Mtpa company by 2020 means a lot. I am sure many more proud JSWites will come in future with experience better than me. Since it’s the time for new joiners to join JSW family, and for some people ‘to think alternative’- I’ll just say- ‘be patient’. Learn. You are at the temple of Learning and in the ocean of Opportunities. Give sometime to yourself and soak some of JSW in your blood. You will not be able to count fruits, when it starts ripening.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Air India: Way beyond – Do they have any Future?
‘35 Flights from Delhi have been cancelled! 15 flights from Mumbai have been cancelled! Passengers are stranded. No idea what to do’? The zest of news flashed again, on the early morning of April 26. What’s going on? A series of activities happening around in national arena, one after other. A day back, I was happy – I am shocked now. I got a chance to fly earlier Maharaja- though I was skeptical in choosing it to carry me to air. My all past take-offs with Maharaja were delayed by some 'genuine' reasons, still I found good comfort in it. This untimely and unprecedented call for boycott by pilots, made me take a back seat and think a little bit. I tried doing some dissection on whole Air India things.
If I look back, and try to flash last one year – a lot of happening news has come via print media. From strike by Air India Pilots that got thumbs up by other aviation members! Air India announcing a loss of around 4000 billion! Govt. of India, giving a 1200 millions of bailout package! The struggling Air India got some edge and sympathy of passengers. Slowly people like me, turned to Air India for air travel. The occupancy rose from 60% to little beyond 84%, to recently Air India announcing its growth path and competitive rates to challenge rival airlines. Known low fare offering IndiGo flight’s CEO also felt uneasy with Air India’s competition in Air. Suddenly, all pilots decided to go on Honeymoon! and called for a nationwide Strike, on account of Pay revision and other demands. Air India is governed by Ministry of India through Aviation Ministry. Pilots are ranked among class A officers. Obviously they would be enjoying the best of facilities. I am told they have a package ranging from 3,00,000 to 5,00,000 per month apart from other benefits. Executive pilots do get packages higher than mentioned above! Dude, can you believe 36 lacs to 60 lacs per annum package in India, and these pilots are still starving for money. I wish I get even 30% of the package these buggers get. Leave the perk things aside for the time being. What they actually want? I wish I too had taken commercial pilot’s study and training. Why the hell I became an Engineer?
While scratching head, I came across with three stories. I shall share them with you before dissecting everything and concluding my points. Story 1: I met a very kind hearted person, who gave his life to Air India. He joined Maharaja as Trainee, and retired after 35 years, as DGM only. I enquired why? When his colleagues rose to higher positions amassing huge property, why he got separated out – and retired at DGM rank only. The answer was obvious: “Beta, I was not corrupt! I was genuinely dedicated to my work. And now, I am a completely satisfied person – living a happy life after retirement. I may have retired without much professional accomplishments; I have earned pride, love and relationship with wonderful people. I cherish that”! Story 2: It was one Wednesday morning when I woke up late. So was late for office. Adding to chaos was that I got a call from Boss to reach ‘fast’. Obviously, my bike speed was rocketing. Suddenly during a road cross, I hit a Car, while changing lane. I was fast, he put brakes – God knows why! The back bump of his Alto was hit by my bike’s leg guard, and one corner got punctured. We had some conversation, thankfully not hot. I came to know that the guy is from Air India. That too, at some ‘senior’ position! Still that guy showed me the slip he spends on the car, 2 days back on maintaining it. It was some 2000 bucks bills, and he was asking me to pay 1500 bucks for its repair. I had only 900 bucks in my wallet. I politely asked him for his address, so that I could send him the cheque. He did not give his address, but after much negotiation, he agreed to mollify things for 800 bucks. I paid him and rushed for office. Later, I pondered- That senior ranked guy asked me for MONEY. Why? Was he sacked? Was he poorly paid? Was he too kind for his position? Was he trying to teach me a lesson of not driving fast? I am still confused. Story 3: This I heard on a TV channel. An ex-Chairman of Maharaja has got settled in London, after retirement. Now, he owns a private airline, company flying in the name of his wife! So is there any bifurcation? Someone earns gold, someone has to gratify with copper and brass only.
15 years back, Maharaja was the only national as well as International career from India. Some private airlines were seeding in early 2000. Suddenly in last 10 years, a mushroom of private airlines grew. Maharaja, who owned 100 % of empire, shrunk to 30 - 40% of it. Rest 60-70% has been opened for and grabbed by private carriers. How come! Why Air India decided to cut down its flight during peak hours, to peak destinations? Why travel between important destinations during peak hours are enjoyed by flights like Jet and Kingfisher! Why NCP was demanding Agriculture and Aviation Ministry, on priority? Mr. Pawar owns many industries in Maharastra, and wanted his monopoly to continue. So, the decision of keeping Agriculture with him is justified. Why a business minded Prafull Patel was given Aviation Ministry! Why Mr. Patel was reluctant to leave Aviation during his second term, when a cabinet reshuffle was made? Is there any 2G scam like situation running parallel in Aviation too? Are private players feeding money to ‘some’ officials in Air India to ensure poor performance of Maharaja? Is Ministry corrupt and killing Maharaja’s legacy? Has government decided to phase out from aviation slowly? Why Air India has a double standard? Are bosses of National Carrier that corrupt! and have eaten Air India from every corner? Why pilots, aviation staffs and senior management are not on same platform? Success of any organization is determined by a unison approach and parallel thinking of everyone the the organization. The Maharaja’s parachute has got punctured with many holes. Big HOLES of corruption, bribe, and scams are ensuring a massive accident. When wills this national carrier, actually think of nation? Owners of Jet, Kingfisher, IndiGo etc. only pays tax on profit they earn. Why the think tanks of Maharaja, do not realize that they are losing 70 % of profit earned by private carriers? Recently two independent directors of Air India, Mr. Anand Mahindra and Mr. Amit Mitra resigned citing some reasons. Did they realize that Air India is going to be a History in the years to come? BSNL, another government run company, has similar status. Some of the BSNL officials did accepted that senior officials at higher ups are heavily paid by competitors to ensure ‘bad’ BSNL services. I smell some parallels between both public service systems.
It will be quite interesting to witness Maharaja’s fortune. Pilots win the Battle or Ministry? I am quite sure that this strike has been planted by private carriers, to slap Air India by every means– on account of Air India announcing competitive rates to ensure cheaper fly within India. Media’s grilling to aviation ministry and some ‘high profile’ officials may help doing some good to this National Carrier. I wish BJP asks for CBI probe on Aviation Ministry, to investigate the money flow.
Vyalar Ravi, you have a tough time ahead. Take it from me; this strike is going to pay you and your maharaja a lot. You need to do way beyond expectation to get back passengers confidence. Please don’t take us for granted.
If I look back, and try to flash last one year – a lot of happening news has come via print media. From strike by Air India Pilots that got thumbs up by other aviation members! Air India announcing a loss of around 4000 billion! Govt. of India, giving a 1200 millions of bailout package! The struggling Air India got some edge and sympathy of passengers. Slowly people like me, turned to Air India for air travel. The occupancy rose from 60% to little beyond 84%, to recently Air India announcing its growth path and competitive rates to challenge rival airlines. Known low fare offering IndiGo flight’s CEO also felt uneasy with Air India’s competition in Air. Suddenly, all pilots decided to go on Honeymoon! and called for a nationwide Strike, on account of Pay revision and other demands. Air India is governed by Ministry of India through Aviation Ministry. Pilots are ranked among class A officers. Obviously they would be enjoying the best of facilities. I am told they have a package ranging from 3,00,000 to 5,00,000 per month apart from other benefits. Executive pilots do get packages higher than mentioned above! Dude, can you believe 36 lacs to 60 lacs per annum package in India, and these pilots are still starving for money. I wish I get even 30% of the package these buggers get. Leave the perk things aside for the time being. What they actually want? I wish I too had taken commercial pilot’s study and training. Why the hell I became an Engineer?
While scratching head, I came across with three stories. I shall share them with you before dissecting everything and concluding my points. Story 1: I met a very kind hearted person, who gave his life to Air India. He joined Maharaja as Trainee, and retired after 35 years, as DGM only. I enquired why? When his colleagues rose to higher positions amassing huge property, why he got separated out – and retired at DGM rank only. The answer was obvious: “Beta, I was not corrupt! I was genuinely dedicated to my work. And now, I am a completely satisfied person – living a happy life after retirement. I may have retired without much professional accomplishments; I have earned pride, love and relationship with wonderful people. I cherish that”! Story 2: It was one Wednesday morning when I woke up late. So was late for office. Adding to chaos was that I got a call from Boss to reach ‘fast’. Obviously, my bike speed was rocketing. Suddenly during a road cross, I hit a Car, while changing lane. I was fast, he put brakes – God knows why! The back bump of his Alto was hit by my bike’s leg guard, and one corner got punctured. We had some conversation, thankfully not hot. I came to know that the guy is from Air India. That too, at some ‘senior’ position! Still that guy showed me the slip he spends on the car, 2 days back on maintaining it. It was some 2000 bucks bills, and he was asking me to pay 1500 bucks for its repair. I had only 900 bucks in my wallet. I politely asked him for his address, so that I could send him the cheque. He did not give his address, but after much negotiation, he agreed to mollify things for 800 bucks. I paid him and rushed for office. Later, I pondered- That senior ranked guy asked me for MONEY. Why? Was he sacked? Was he poorly paid? Was he too kind for his position? Was he trying to teach me a lesson of not driving fast? I am still confused. Story 3: This I heard on a TV channel. An ex-Chairman of Maharaja has got settled in London, after retirement. Now, he owns a private airline, company flying in the name of his wife! So is there any bifurcation? Someone earns gold, someone has to gratify with copper and brass only.
15 years back, Maharaja was the only national as well as International career from India. Some private airlines were seeding in early 2000. Suddenly in last 10 years, a mushroom of private airlines grew. Maharaja, who owned 100 % of empire, shrunk to 30 - 40% of it. Rest 60-70% has been opened for and grabbed by private carriers. How come! Why Air India decided to cut down its flight during peak hours, to peak destinations? Why travel between important destinations during peak hours are enjoyed by flights like Jet and Kingfisher! Why NCP was demanding Agriculture and Aviation Ministry, on priority? Mr. Pawar owns many industries in Maharastra, and wanted his monopoly to continue. So, the decision of keeping Agriculture with him is justified. Why a business minded Prafull Patel was given Aviation Ministry! Why Mr. Patel was reluctant to leave Aviation during his second term, when a cabinet reshuffle was made? Is there any 2G scam like situation running parallel in Aviation too? Are private players feeding money to ‘some’ officials in Air India to ensure poor performance of Maharaja? Is Ministry corrupt and killing Maharaja’s legacy? Has government decided to phase out from aviation slowly? Why Air India has a double standard? Are bosses of National Carrier that corrupt! and have eaten Air India from every corner? Why pilots, aviation staffs and senior management are not on same platform? Success of any organization is determined by a unison approach and parallel thinking of everyone the the organization. The Maharaja’s parachute has got punctured with many holes. Big HOLES of corruption, bribe, and scams are ensuring a massive accident. When wills this national carrier, actually think of nation? Owners of Jet, Kingfisher, IndiGo etc. only pays tax on profit they earn. Why the think tanks of Maharaja, do not realize that they are losing 70 % of profit earned by private carriers? Recently two independent directors of Air India, Mr. Anand Mahindra and Mr. Amit Mitra resigned citing some reasons. Did they realize that Air India is going to be a History in the years to come? BSNL, another government run company, has similar status. Some of the BSNL officials did accepted that senior officials at higher ups are heavily paid by competitors to ensure ‘bad’ BSNL services. I smell some parallels between both public service systems.
It will be quite interesting to witness Maharaja’s fortune. Pilots win the Battle or Ministry? I am quite sure that this strike has been planted by private carriers, to slap Air India by every means– on account of Air India announcing competitive rates to ensure cheaper fly within India. Media’s grilling to aviation ministry and some ‘high profile’ officials may help doing some good to this National Carrier. I wish BJP asks for CBI probe on Aviation Ministry, to investigate the money flow.
Vyalar Ravi, you have a tough time ahead. Take it from me; this strike is going to pay you and your maharaja a lot. You need to do way beyond expectation to get back passengers confidence. Please don’t take us for granted.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
What will I do if I am made Prime Minister of India?
Do u Remember we used to write such essays during school days? Idling minds always think on complicated issues. So was I. The addition to my thinking was further propelled by PM’s confession that what can I do! ‘Some’ decisions are not in my hand and to be taken to ensure party’s development. Whole day I was thinking, what to do? Had I been the Prime Minister of India right now, either I would have resigned from the position, or I could have done something to prove myself worth of being Prime Minister. It is ironical that in the people run governance of such a colorful country, the prime minister is such a highly qualified person. Dr. Manmohan Singh has been credited with changing the financial in-dependency of the nation, when he was Finance Minister of India, during late Mr. P V Narsimha Rao’s regime. Now sitting on the hot seat, with most able persons like Pranav Mukharjee, P Chidambram, and D V Subbarao in his team, he is unable to curb inflation. He is unable to reduce costs of common goods. He is unable to fulfill the need of a common man. Isn’t it ironical? During his tenure of last 7 years, India has witnessed maximum scams, uncountable frauds and abuse to Governance. Looks like Business Houses are actually running the Government. Either the government is corrupt, or the corruption has surfaced in public domain during this government. Surprisingly all caught- have hands glued with Congress or its allies. This makes me to ponder over another question. Why India has a Parliament House, President’s house, other Ministries when the nation is governed by 10, Janpath. I always get confused, if chief of Indian National Congress is so strong, why others take credit of any work, even when they do puppet dance with strings maintained and managed from 10, Janpath. When the whole lot of activists, even opposition parties is so against her, why she is still the King of Congress and India? Which political party is actually better and powerful?
I find all politicians, involved in some kinds of corruption. They have reasons to be corrupt. Government of India gives them $334 THOUSAND every year to spend, apart from a hefty salary. Anyone who sees that amount will become mad. A Member of Parliament with $1670 THOUSAND for 5 years to spend in his/her constituency – is good enough to grow greed. No worries, if one bribes and invests millions during general elections in getting a ticket from reputed parties.
So, decision is tough. How to tackle people like these? Being a Prime Minister, I shall need to deal with 543 such politicians. Dealing with big business houses and billionaires would be another big challenge for me. Additional tension will be those Baba’s and self proclaimed incarnations of God, since they have a huge fan following. Common Indian junta is blind supporters of those Baba’s. Tackling with PCBSL (Pakistan, China, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) would be among other priorities that should be given proper consideration. LTTE has not been demolished completely. They may develop their base in due course of time. They still carry good support from various societies. China is another threat since its provoking internal terrorism, both directly as well as indirectly. Be it naxals movements in various states of India, funding internal/external terrorists or funding ‘snake faced politicians’ in bringing imbalance in common man. I’ll categorize PCBSL among tier-1 countries with whom diplomatic as well as defense ties are of utmost requirement. Tier-0 is internal security. CBI and IB must be accountable, and made independent to charge and investigate anyone. Administrative and Judicial systems should be made citizen friendly. Tier-2 would be developing and maintaining relationship with all other countries. Tier-3 would be providing diplomatic supports to those African and other countries that live below poverty line, and are forced to become pirates.
No country can prosper if its technologies are of World’s best. I shall incline my focus in providing all supports to ensure developing best technocrats and business tycoons. Inclination shall also include retaining best of talents in the Country only. Health and hygiene is another focused and thrust area. Doctors and hospitals should be of prime quality and dedicated to mankind. They should not be money making machines; rather they should be mirror image to God on mother Earth. Inflation has emerged out as another immortal giant. Seems tackling it will be another full time challenge. May be various companies would be instructed on giving focus on their R&D activities to ensure quality product in cheaper cost. They must refrain from big brand endorsements. If companies are investing on brand endorsements and big campaigns and advertisements, such investments must be incurred from profits made by organizations and companies. These costs should not be the part of calculating total production cost of the products. I won’t allow companies to prosper when a common man is suffering.
Last but not the least, Farmers are of prime Importance. They are the one who feed us. Ironically they have been sidelined, and only kept for playing politics. My focus should be to provide them better livelihood and motivation to bring another green revolution in India. Rain water harvesting and water storage mechanisms shall be provoked and ensured to village level. They should not depend on Rain all the time. I shall take personal concern in ensuring that at least 80 out of 100 rupees reach to the ground level.
I find all politicians, involved in some kinds of corruption. They have reasons to be corrupt. Government of India gives them $334 THOUSAND every year to spend, apart from a hefty salary. Anyone who sees that amount will become mad. A Member of Parliament with $1670 THOUSAND for 5 years to spend in his/her constituency – is good enough to grow greed. No worries, if one bribes and invests millions during general elections in getting a ticket from reputed parties.
So, decision is tough. How to tackle people like these? Being a Prime Minister, I shall need to deal with 543 such politicians. Dealing with big business houses and billionaires would be another big challenge for me. Additional tension will be those Baba’s and self proclaimed incarnations of God, since they have a huge fan following. Common Indian junta is blind supporters of those Baba’s. Tackling with PCBSL (Pakistan, China, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) would be among other priorities that should be given proper consideration. LTTE has not been demolished completely. They may develop their base in due course of time. They still carry good support from various societies. China is another threat since its provoking internal terrorism, both directly as well as indirectly. Be it naxals movements in various states of India, funding internal/external terrorists or funding ‘snake faced politicians’ in bringing imbalance in common man. I’ll categorize PCBSL among tier-1 countries with whom diplomatic as well as defense ties are of utmost requirement. Tier-0 is internal security. CBI and IB must be accountable, and made independent to charge and investigate anyone. Administrative and Judicial systems should be made citizen friendly. Tier-2 would be developing and maintaining relationship with all other countries. Tier-3 would be providing diplomatic supports to those African and other countries that live below poverty line, and are forced to become pirates.
No country can prosper if its technologies are of World’s best. I shall incline my focus in providing all supports to ensure developing best technocrats and business tycoons. Inclination shall also include retaining best of talents in the Country only. Health and hygiene is another focused and thrust area. Doctors and hospitals should be of prime quality and dedicated to mankind. They should not be money making machines; rather they should be mirror image to God on mother Earth. Inflation has emerged out as another immortal giant. Seems tackling it will be another full time challenge. May be various companies would be instructed on giving focus on their R&D activities to ensure quality product in cheaper cost. They must refrain from big brand endorsements. If companies are investing on brand endorsements and big campaigns and advertisements, such investments must be incurred from profits made by organizations and companies. These costs should not be the part of calculating total production cost of the products. I won’t allow companies to prosper when a common man is suffering.
Last but not the least, Farmers are of prime Importance. They are the one who feed us. Ironically they have been sidelined, and only kept for playing politics. My focus should be to provide them better livelihood and motivation to bring another green revolution in India. Rain water harvesting and water storage mechanisms shall be provoked and ensured to village level. They should not depend on Rain all the time. I shall take personal concern in ensuring that at least 80 out of 100 rupees reach to the ground level.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Attack on Gaddaffi or Libya or China?
So, USA found another Islamic dominated country for attack. Bush senior credited his resume with gulf war. Bush junior took cue from his father and added Iraq war in his bucket of successful credentials. Bill Clinton tried his best to bring peace to ensure Islamic countries against Christian dominated countries, and was so involved with ‘Monica’ that he didn’t find time to do anything else. Osama had been another topic of governance for American President’s. Then was Mr. Obama; A man whom people voted, in hope that he shall change the fate of America. Fortunately, 9/11 episode is history now and the ghost of Osama is not haunting Obama. Though countless bombings and killings in Afghanistan is were made in a hope to kill Osama. Osama is alive or not, is still a mystery. Unfortunately, Bush junior gifted Recession and global economic meltdown to the incoming president. 4 years over, America has not changed. Americans are still struggling for recovery. India, China, South Korea and Japan emerged as new economy. China is known to anti-US in gaining No.1 position, by dethroning USA. So, Obama took a diplomatic move by making treaties with India and India favoring nations. Key Position Holders in US cabinet by Indians, revoking H1 visa’s etc. are examples of it. In order to divert Americans from real problems, Bush junior targeted Saddam Hussain. He succeeded in devastating Iraq and hanging Saddam ‘till death’ in a record time. I see Obama trying to repeat Iraq story in Libya. As a president of USA, I agree on whatever is done by either of them. Saving USA and US economy should be the prime importance for any President. US economy runs on Dollar transactions only. Most of the US banks run only for publishing dollars and ensuring all deals globally, in USD. When all petroleum and crude oil producing nations tried to unite themselves for a common trade, Bush senior ensured a gulf war. When Saddam Hussain revolted Dollar’s transaction and tried to move towards Euro trade for crude oil, he was charged with keeping Biological weapons. Gaddaffi doesn’t own any biological weapon or a threat to Dollar’s still he was attacked! I was wondering why!
British gave a very good policy for dominance. ‘Divide and Rule’. Chanakya taught economic and political science to Indians long back. Shaam, Daam, Dand, Bhed was taught to be various phases of ensuring work completion. Seems Indians forgot the lesson completely. But British commercialized it. Were it used by them within India, in ruling India or parting India-Pakistan? US-UK is the two sides of the same coin. Sons of same Mother! So USA has also learn this rule and excelling in it. Libya use to have rich oil reservoir and Gaddaffi is among the strong rulers of those Countries, in trade. It is obvious that USA would like to control those oil mines. So people’s agitation against King was fueled to such an extent that war is made only option. NATO is controlled by USA. Everyone knows this. US, UK and France are three countries that look different geographically, but are same. May be sons of same Mother! They may speak and deviate on any other issues; they stand united when it is to fight any war.
Fueling agitation against Gaddaffi has shown long lasting affects. Most of the king and monarch ruled countries, including China, have witnessed similar agitations. The agitation may have been crushed; it hasn’t been uprooted from any countries. Bombarding by US colonies was neither desired nor required to such a deep level. But it was done. Reasons are obvious: 1. Deviate attention of Americans. 2. Try to take control of oil producing nations. 3. Initiate agitation among all king ruling countries, and provoke home-war and 4. Minimize the warfare inventories, so that mass production can be started ensuring some employment. Ultimate aim of USA is providing situations that provoke Chinese people against Communist ruled Governance in China. To ensure China disintegrate in USSR way. Success story of Libya and Syria will motivate Chinese junta, against its rulers. Dude! Big politics in fray!
British gave a very good policy for dominance. ‘Divide and Rule’. Chanakya taught economic and political science to Indians long back. Shaam, Daam, Dand, Bhed was taught to be various phases of ensuring work completion. Seems Indians forgot the lesson completely. But British commercialized it. Were it used by them within India, in ruling India or parting India-Pakistan? US-UK is the two sides of the same coin. Sons of same Mother! So USA has also learn this rule and excelling in it. Libya use to have rich oil reservoir and Gaddaffi is among the strong rulers of those Countries, in trade. It is obvious that USA would like to control those oil mines. So people’s agitation against King was fueled to such an extent that war is made only option. NATO is controlled by USA. Everyone knows this. US, UK and France are three countries that look different geographically, but are same. May be sons of same Mother! They may speak and deviate on any other issues; they stand united when it is to fight any war.
Fueling agitation against Gaddaffi has shown long lasting affects. Most of the king and monarch ruled countries, including China, have witnessed similar agitations. The agitation may have been crushed; it hasn’t been uprooted from any countries. Bombarding by US colonies was neither desired nor required to such a deep level. But it was done. Reasons are obvious: 1. Deviate attention of Americans. 2. Try to take control of oil producing nations. 3. Initiate agitation among all king ruling countries, and provoke home-war and 4. Minimize the warfare inventories, so that mass production can be started ensuring some employment. Ultimate aim of USA is providing situations that provoke Chinese people against Communist ruled Governance in China. To ensure China disintegrate in USSR way. Success story of Libya and Syria will motivate Chinese junta, against its rulers. Dude! Big politics in fray!
Sri Satya Sai Baba – an Incarnated God, or a successful Businessman?
Baba had proclaimed long back that he is the incarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba, and shall again take birth sometime in 2030 as ‘Prem Sai’. May be we need to wait till that time to see if Sri Satya Sai baba was correct, though his proclamation that he shall live and serve mankind till 2022 has not met the ground. He left millions of his devotees alone and soulless, by taking his last breath on the early morning of April 24, 2011. At 7:40 AM IST, his soul left his worldly body and left this earth to meet and integrate into ‘super soul’. Surprisingly April 24, happens to be a legend’s birthday. Satya Sai has a huge base of some of high profile legends, and Sachin Tendulkar is one among them. To add value to spice, Dr. A P J Abul Kalam, whom whole nation praises and have high regards, is another high profile devotee of Sri Satya Sai. It would be a point of interest now to see if Sachin celebrates his birthday or mourn for demise of his spiritual guru, in the years to come. Having said this, an empire and legacy worth 1000 billion dollars will be available to Google when one Google Satya Sai. In the tenure of 85, starting from Zero money in his account to spend, to managing an empire that is a dream for many.
Satya Sai Baba announced himself an incarnation in early 80’s, and chose the path of Peace, Spiritualism, Love and non-violence. Puttaparthy, a small village in Andhra Pradesh is now world famous with followers coming in from everywhere to take his blessings. He realized that a common man needs proper care and concern. So with the donation money he got from his followers, he started building schools, various engineering, medical and other colleges, hospitals and other infrastructure developments that are needed and desired for common people. Satya Sai Hospital’s are free to poor people. From simple consultancy to highly complicated operations, all are done for free. Water Sanitation, providing clean drinking water to all nearby villages etc. are among some of the selfless welfare services he did with the donation money. Clearly Satya Sai was running a parallel government, since he realized that Political parties and governments are not effective enough to do such things.
I truly wish this Miracle Baba would live little longer. He was a true motivator for many. He was a successful social entrepreneur whose ambition was to serve mankind. But, I am surprised on his death. A holy Godlike person gets admitted in Hospital, survives on Ventilator for almost a month and dies with multiple organs failure. I read somewhere that earlier Godman like Shirdi Sai Baba, Swami Ramkrishna Param Hansa, Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekanand, Devraha baba etc. who were true incarnations of God, actually took Nirwana. With their Yog and Pranayam power, they left their worldly body without any pain. And before attaining Nirwana, they told their desires and intensions on attaining the same, in advance to their disciples. Then why Satya Sai did not follow the same suit. Was he a normal human being? Did we actually make him God, by blindly following his magic’s?
There are many more high profile mircale baba’s like Sri Sri Ravishankar, Baba Ramdev, ISKON, Sant Nirankari, Asharamji Bapu, Asho Rajneesh, Kripalu ji, Sudhanshu ji- etc., who are known for different kind of magic, but they are yet to disclose their actual property and do such a humanitarian work. I am sure all baba’s are equally rich and run their uncrowned empire. Some spiritual houses run like big business houses. They recruit (Devotees) best of brains (eminent engineers, doctors, MBA’s, CA’s etc.) for they key positions. A common man as devotee remains a devotee only. He/she is there to keep giving donations and take Baba’s blessings (make baba happy). Baba Ramdev at least initiated Yog and Patanjali Vidyapeeth in renovating Ayurveda and curing many incurable diseases. I wonder what these proclaimed saints do with such huge money! A saint is supposed to live an ascetic life with an ambition to serve mankind.
Anyways, we had Shirdi as one Holy place. Now Puttaparthi is next. Hoping that 'Prem Sai' will also come in 2030, we shall have third pilgrimage on Sai in North Karnataka!. India is truly the land of Miracle Baba's.
Satya Sai Baba announced himself an incarnation in early 80’s, and chose the path of Peace, Spiritualism, Love and non-violence. Puttaparthy, a small village in Andhra Pradesh is now world famous with followers coming in from everywhere to take his blessings. He realized that a common man needs proper care and concern. So with the donation money he got from his followers, he started building schools, various engineering, medical and other colleges, hospitals and other infrastructure developments that are needed and desired for common people. Satya Sai Hospital’s are free to poor people. From simple consultancy to highly complicated operations, all are done for free. Water Sanitation, providing clean drinking water to all nearby villages etc. are among some of the selfless welfare services he did with the donation money. Clearly Satya Sai was running a parallel government, since he realized that Political parties and governments are not effective enough to do such things.
I truly wish this Miracle Baba would live little longer. He was a true motivator for many. He was a successful social entrepreneur whose ambition was to serve mankind. But, I am surprised on his death. A holy Godlike person gets admitted in Hospital, survives on Ventilator for almost a month and dies with multiple organs failure. I read somewhere that earlier Godman like Shirdi Sai Baba, Swami Ramkrishna Param Hansa, Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekanand, Devraha baba etc. who were true incarnations of God, actually took Nirwana. With their Yog and Pranayam power, they left their worldly body without any pain. And before attaining Nirwana, they told their desires and intensions on attaining the same, in advance to their disciples. Then why Satya Sai did not follow the same suit. Was he a normal human being? Did we actually make him God, by blindly following his magic’s?
There are many more high profile mircale baba’s like Sri Sri Ravishankar, Baba Ramdev, ISKON, Sant Nirankari, Asharamji Bapu, Asho Rajneesh, Kripalu ji, Sudhanshu ji- etc., who are known for different kind of magic, but they are yet to disclose their actual property and do such a humanitarian work. I am sure all baba’s are equally rich and run their uncrowned empire. Some spiritual houses run like big business houses. They recruit (Devotees) best of brains (eminent engineers, doctors, MBA’s, CA’s etc.) for they key positions. A common man as devotee remains a devotee only. He/she is there to keep giving donations and take Baba’s blessings (make baba happy). Baba Ramdev at least initiated Yog and Patanjali Vidyapeeth in renovating Ayurveda and curing many incurable diseases. I wonder what these proclaimed saints do with such huge money! A saint is supposed to live an ascetic life with an ambition to serve mankind.
Anyways, we had Shirdi as one Holy place. Now Puttaparthi is next. Hoping that 'Prem Sai' will also come in 2030, we shall have third pilgrimage on Sai in North Karnataka!. India is truly the land of Miracle Baba's.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
My emotional interactions with Mumbai.
Sorry Buddies!
Life at Mumbai is so fast that sometimes I need to pinch myself to realize that all parts of my body are together. There are high chances that one hand can leave the other, if it gets a bigger and/or better opportunity!
Today, I am relatively free. So just trying to recall past 6 months that touched me. 11-3-11 had been Black Friday with Japan and the World witnessing worst ever disaster. I too had a disaster that day. I broke something- won't discuss it much.
But two things that touched me a lot.
1. I stay in a house that is at the junction of road parting Dadar(w) with Prabhadevi. Siddhivinayak Temple is within 5 min. of walk. I take my dinner at Enclave-JSW guest house, since its only 10 min.walk from my house. So normal routine is reach home in evening. Freshen up and walk to Enclave for dinner and come back.
Prabhadevi is in Central Mumbai, and counted among poss areas of Mumbai, with many billionaires living here. Sensational example is Dipika Padukone. Somewhere I saw the banner "Rajashree Productions Ltd." also.
You can see 100's of beggers around Siddhivinayak Temple. Worst part is kids below 3 years of age also beg. I always get confused if they are begging money, or food? Also perplexed if I should give some money and promote begging, or should not give money- and become a heartless soul.?? May be I am an emotional Fool.
2. Last week, it so happened that I had some work at office, so was late for home. After taking dinner, I drove to home. At the signal of Siddhivinayak (story revolves around this Temple only!) I was waiting for the red light to turn green. Suddenly a kitten appeared from somewhere, and came near my Bike's Tyre. Traffic was stopped, so I gave it a gentle push, so that it can run to the other part of road. It did run, but went and stopped under a car. My heart stopped for a moment. I didn't realize that there developed a co-ordinate bond between her and me. And the signal become green. Suddenly all vehicles raced to cross the signal. I was watching the car and kitten like a deaf. She came out safe. I stopped my bike, and put the red indicator on. Then I signal the traffic behind me about the situation and started guiding the kitten on crossing road. Seems either it was a bad day for me, or for the kitten, she suddenly took a left turn and a speeding car from somewhere came and hit her...
Car's back wheel hit her in Head. She was crying loud, and I was motionless, helpless. With all grief, I started my bike and crossed the signal. Suddenly another car came and cross over her to end her last cry. It hit me hard within emotional heart. Whole night I was restless. It was like I could save her. Sometimes I was thinking that second car should have come earlier, or may be if hitting wasn't avoided, the 1st car should have hit her to ensure killing her completely. I was not in position to even imagine the kind of pain she might be experiencing...
Either Mumbai is ruthless, or I am useless. Or may be Mumbai doesn't need those who are of no use, or those who can not run with Mumbai. Winners are only those who runs faster than average pace of Mumbai and Mumbaikar's.
Life at Mumbai is so fast that sometimes I need to pinch myself to realize that all parts of my body are together. There are high chances that one hand can leave the other, if it gets a bigger and/or better opportunity!
Today, I am relatively free. So just trying to recall past 6 months that touched me. 11-3-11 had been Black Friday with Japan and the World witnessing worst ever disaster. I too had a disaster that day. I broke something- won't discuss it much.
But two things that touched me a lot.
1. I stay in a house that is at the junction of road parting Dadar(w) with Prabhadevi. Siddhivinayak Temple is within 5 min. of walk. I take my dinner at Enclave-JSW guest house, since its only 10 min.walk from my house. So normal routine is reach home in evening. Freshen up and walk to Enclave for dinner and come back.
Prabhadevi is in Central Mumbai, and counted among poss areas of Mumbai, with many billionaires living here. Sensational example is Dipika Padukone. Somewhere I saw the banner "Rajashree Productions Ltd." also.
You can see 100's of beggers around Siddhivinayak Temple. Worst part is kids below 3 years of age also beg. I always get confused if they are begging money, or food? Also perplexed if I should give some money and promote begging, or should not give money- and become a heartless soul.?? May be I am an emotional Fool.
2. Last week, it so happened that I had some work at office, so was late for home. After taking dinner, I drove to home. At the signal of Siddhivinayak (story revolves around this Temple only!) I was waiting for the red light to turn green. Suddenly a kitten appeared from somewhere, and came near my Bike's Tyre. Traffic was stopped, so I gave it a gentle push, so that it can run to the other part of road. It did run, but went and stopped under a car. My heart stopped for a moment. I didn't realize that there developed a co-ordinate bond between her and me. And the signal become green. Suddenly all vehicles raced to cross the signal. I was watching the car and kitten like a deaf. She came out safe. I stopped my bike, and put the red indicator on. Then I signal the traffic behind me about the situation and started guiding the kitten on crossing road. Seems either it was a bad day for me, or for the kitten, she suddenly took a left turn and a speeding car from somewhere came and hit her...
Car's back wheel hit her in Head. She was crying loud, and I was motionless, helpless. With all grief, I started my bike and crossed the signal. Suddenly another car came and cross over her to end her last cry. It hit me hard within emotional heart. Whole night I was restless. It was like I could save her. Sometimes I was thinking that second car should have come earlier, or may be if hitting wasn't avoided, the 1st car should have hit her to ensure killing her completely. I was not in position to even imagine the kind of pain she might be experiencing...
Either Mumbai is ruthless, or I am useless. Or may be Mumbai doesn't need those who are of no use, or those who can not run with Mumbai. Winners are only those who runs faster than average pace of Mumbai and Mumbaikar's.
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