Pride comes before a fall

They were hand in glove not long ago, but now they don't see eye to eye. Both were jewels in the arm of NDA; and NDA boastfully acknowledged their astuteness on several platform for their good governance in their respective states: Bihar and Gujrat. Yes, I'm talking about Mr. Narendra Modi, the Gujrat Chief-Minister--the man who scripted a turn around of Gujrat on all fronts--and Mr. Nitish Kumar,the Bihar Chief Minister who also brought Bihar from its worst state of mis-management to a decent level of governance.

But their camaraderie took its worst shape after the former was anointed as the next PM-- in the event of NDA forming the next government at the center--anyhow. It was the end of road for the later, as he may have had dreams of making it to the coveted chair.

In his heyday in NDA, Nitish Kumar has let his presence felt a number of times and successfully averted Narendra Modi's from holding rallies in his state. But, after they parted ways, the water turned murkier day by day. Initially it was a dulcet toned criticism, then castigating, and now little short of abusing. Then it is rightly said that every thing is fair in Love, War... and politics.

But, the latest serial blasts in Gandhi Maidan, Patna, before and in between the rally has proved that all that glisters is not gold. There were claims of good governance in Bihar. But, is not the claim of good governance falsified by this event and the failure of the intelligence wing in averting this?

The intelligence agencies were licking their wounds after their failure in cracking down the mystery of Bodhi-temple serial blasts, and now this new episode--by the same group of nomads-- have aggravated their worries by degrees. There were IB's inputs about the threat, but the input fell on deaf ears it seems, which is highly deplorable.

Fresh reports of Nitish Kumar's defense--he looked as wet as a drowned rat after the blasts-- of his government has stared coming now. And he is  boisterously counter-attacking his adversaries now.

 But my advice to him is--actions speak louder than words sir, so please take some corrective actions, before the domino effect of the recent incidents brings your road to a dead end in the coming elections. As, the people who were proud of you not long ago, have started suspecting you and your plans. Your reluctance in taking action against the perpetrators is more disturbing. They will support you in the coming elections, is a quixotic project and you will only rue the missed chances of taking the right moves at the right time very soon.

The courage of the leaders attending the rally amidst the blasts is exemplary and worth applaud; had they given in to the looming menace,or the mayhem, the sprawling ground may have plunged into chaos and many more may have lost their lives.

The political scenario in the country seems extremely bleak, as for political gains, the parties are reported to have abetted rioters. And now parties are keeping the national security at stake for petty political gains.Its high time they realise their responsibilities and take actions not only for the safety of the current lot but for the coming generations also. I hope Mr. Nitish along with the abettors, will hear from somewhere about their fall and start mending their ways without loss of time.

Stuff and nonsense !

As it turns out, as and when the scion blabs on any subject, the opposition wastes no time in making a bee-line of it.

This time he has stirred the Hornet's nest by letting the cat out of the bag. The intelligence report of the nexus between ISI and few persons involved in inciting the communal riots must have been shared on some other platform, not in public. But, he is here to spoil the ... and so, has provided food for thought for the opposition, or has set the cat among pigeons for the opposition. And the lunatic fringe is as usually in their elements. Is it a election campaign or a catastrophe in the offing for the ruling party?

The others in party-line furtively trying to adjudicate the top dog's statement is like a cock and bull story... . And the gutter press is not far behind in junketing on this opportunity--a blessing in disguise for them. The ruling regime is moving on a thin ice and statements such as this is only enhancing their agony of a complete white-wash in the coming elections.

Let's hope that the support, Mr Narendra Modi is garnering in public and media does not turns out to be a passing fancy.

When there are several issues of more importance to give one's ear and head to, this rat race only signifies the shallowness of the leaders of our age. And the ruling government has to find the missing link, to rule the roost again--not the shallow blabbers, who need the cover-fire to save the face.

 It was a time to deliver a nasty blow to the culprits of the carnage--of the communal riots-- thus gaining some lost grounds--due to graft, kickbacks and loot of the public coffers--but, sorry to say, they are indulging themselves in these loose talks.

 By the turn of the events, it seems crystal clear that this time also, the voters will seemingly have only a Hobson's choice; in selecting and expecting a good government. It is like-- out of the frying-pan into the fire--for them. Let's see, what is there in the future's wombs and the hope of the taming of the inflation-monstor does turn out to be a quixotic project.

Meanwhile, it has started raining cats and dogs in my city and the inhabitants living in the low lying areas are out of their skins, as yet another  floods, looms large on them. And I've other's fish to fry.

Celebrating the dirtiness with elan

He is the cleanest politician of his generation; People say that that is the beauty of his personality. Having had the dingy 'Files' cleaned; he has testified this impeccable perception of his image. Ask the investigating agencies ! if doubts have crept in in your mind; as they still are groping in the dark, to unearth the corruption 'Dossier'.

And 'Surf Excel' is said to be inspired and imbued by this patented cleanliness; therefore, they have embarked on the ' Daag Achhe hain' campaign.

So, propagating this dirtiness, I propose that there should be a 'Corruption Day'; like the other days celebrated in the year. And the top ten corrupt countries of the world should declare such a day; to let their people celebrate this renewed dirtiness with ardour. Declaring a week of corruption will inspire millions of right minded people--as the religious books condescend--to pursue this path of virtue--the 'Left' one with still better style.

The teachings of the religious books and the folklores, it seems, is only to fool the gentle folk. Why they should not pursue the path of corruption and financially secure the coming generation?--is a question. When all the corrupts are living a lucullan life; are celebrating every second of their existence; are indulged not only in mental corruption but physical also: why then simple, common man should live a hermetic life ? I'll love any comment on this point.

''Treasure Hunt'' drama to divert attention

Drama has the capability to attract a great audience. And if properly advertised, its magnetism increases manifold. 'Shakespeare' and 'Kalidasa' are well known dramatists in India; the former in English, and the later in Sanskrit . There are many more in these two language; and even much more in other language. But very few in the two languages said afore have scaled the popularisation mountain, scaled by these two. They both have numerous plays in their name; of course, in their respective languages. The caption, or heading or title of the plays played--and it plays even today-- a crucial role in attracting a large audience.

      A grand drama written by a Sadhu--directed by Archaeological Survey of India(ASI), produced by the government of India and heavily advertised by Indian media-- is underway at Unnav, Uttar Pradesh; the said Sadhu had had dreams of a treasure--1000 tons of gold--in the premises of a temple . And the kind of overwhelming attention it had received in India is not as astonishing  as the capriciousness shown by the ASI and the government. 

       It is said that the King of Unnav--Late Raja Rao Ram Baksh Singh--took the taxes in form of gold, and to rescue the gold being taken away from India(by the British India Company) he hided the gold in the said temple premises. The plot is fabulous and has the capacity to attract the takers.

      The media onslaught on the ruling regime's mis-deeds was enough to give the incumbent government sleepless nights, as insomnia was visible on the faces of several leaders, when the fate of the Food Security Bill was discussed in Parliament. But the uneasiness felt by the ruling party has been increased manifold by the various authentic survey reports lately, which projected an ominous--and a decisive one-- lead by the opposition. 

      In order to tackle this media attention, and the opposition's demand for PM's head in the 'Coalgate' scandal and other issues where the government is under fire by all rank and file--most importantly due to  'Inflation'; the government needed some time to erase the footprints of corruption, and so had designed this 'Treasure Hunt'. The government has plotted--rather connived-- with ASI to give the chimerical dreams of a Sadhu a go; thus diverting the general attention and purchasing some more time(the hunt is expected to last a month or so) to maneuver affairs and prepare few new ones to give them the 'Edge', before the semi-final clash in five states, mostly ruled by the opposition.

         What cost  India and Co. will have to pay to the European Union and USA in violating the agreement of proper pricing of the food-grains will remain under the carpet; in getting the much touted  'Edge' over the opposition--in form of FDI-- India has flouted this agreement with EU and USA,  and they will exploit India up to the hilt for their hidden gains.

     Whatever may be the outcome--and its aftermath--of the treasure hunt underway, one thing is certain that this government is desperate enough to regain the lost confidence of the masses and the seats in the Parliament. After all, the opposition, if managed the magic number(272) to form the government anyhow, will certainly try to expedite the investigations in all the reported cases of graft and loot, and bring the culprits to book sooner than later. And this is the main concern for the ruling regime. And in order to regain the lost ground they are willing to go to any extent.

      Whether this 'Treasure Hunt' drama is making a mockery of Indians in the world is of no concern to the government. What they are concerned about is--divert the public attention anyhow. The literate class is aware of this, but the stories of miracles are replete in Indian mythology, and so are intently following the juicy story of the 'Hunt' to thwart the pain of parabolic rise in inflation. 

The asteroid which exploded in Russia recently was abundant in precious metals and the myriad of such asteroids in the Solar system are replete with rare and precious earth metals and are dying fast to enter the earth's atmosphere to shower on this planet the precious metals it possesses; some for the scientists; some for the government agencies; some for the masses. Meanwhile, the man tipped to be the next PM of India has reportedly had dreams of taking the oath on the moon and Mars.

   

Frittering the technological gains

India was beaming with confidence, of its successful tryst with destiny a day after 'Phailin' passed off India's coast, unleashing lesser mayhem than expected, and its technology minister was seen boastfully taking credit and patting his own shoulders for MET department's accurate predictions two days after the cyclone Phailin's landfall in the coastal region. He should have waited and traced the monstrous wind's advancements in interior parts of India a little more and would have worked hard to minimize the peripheral effects of the Cyclone Phailin.

Aided by technology, we bravely withstood the inevitable face-off with the tormenting winds at the place of its landfall, but we lost our attention to follow its progress afterwards. Had we paid heed to the MET department's other warnings, we may have prepared ourselves for any exigency. But, ruefully Phailin gave its maximum blow in an acclaimed insurgent state, led by an another technocrat, who is more concerned with NAMO tornado than the above said cyclone.

The government in Bihar should take responsibility, in its failure in rescuing the lives lost due to heavy rains resulting from the cyclonic--and the much acclaimed government in Madhya Pradesh is also not far behind from its former ally in dereliction of its duty. Sadly, we collared the monster bravely, but it wrecked havoc with its tails and thus frittered away the India's initial technological advantage.

Media minimizes the effects of the nature's fury.

MET department’s timely and acurate warning, swift exigency preparedness, wide media coverage, efficient evacuation--in short, it was a well-timed mass awareness protocol through all modes of communication-- which resulted in  thwarting and minimizing the effects of a menacing catastrophe—the nature’s fury named 'Phailin'-- with a minimal impact on life but on property, after its landfall near Gopalpur and Srikakulam. Isn't it an effective use of technology advancements(TV, Internet& Mobiles) for the welfare of and by the mankind?--very few will doubt the accurateness of the Supercomputers and the Doppler radars.

Although it had left trails of destruction, the government agencies will face a daunting task in restoring the amenities and lives to normalcy.

Thank God ! it slowed down amazingly with mayhem lesser in degrees than anticipated, but, it will take time to heal the scars made due to this tempest aided by the severe torrential rains. And although many see it as a dreaded Dussera gift by the God of rains—the Indradev--I think it as a blessing in disguise to the people at the epicentre by Maa Durga, for having escaped unhurt of the Nature’s fury due to seasonable awareness. As Phailin bows to the Devi in reverence and slows down its ferocity, my mind starts venturing with utmost veneration to Maa Durga. Jai Mata Di !

Thank you Sachin !

Inspired and mesmerised by the melodious composition of Sachin Dev Berman in Bollywood films, Late Shree Ramesh Tendulkar  named his younger son as Sachin, but a very little he may have thought, that his son will transfix, entertain and inspire more fans than the maestro, and ultimately eclipse the inspiration of his name--thankfully in an another field. Amazingly, the second Sachin has not only matched, but  has  surpassed in composing more musical scores—and more entertaining vistas—although in another arena, on a number of fields, on a number of occasions, and with an another instrument—the willow. As the Bollywood is replete with the heart-touching scores of the former, so is cricket accentuated by the other. And both forced their fans dance to their tunes and erupt in exultation, overawed by the shear command of their respective instruments.

    Your divine elegance, brilliance, class, nicety, humbleness, simplicity, exquisite shots, squeaky voice, divine smile, celestial eyes and the radiance which you exuded will come to an end --a much awaited one—when you will appear for the last time at Wankhede—your own orchard--and let the curtains down, on an awfully long and consistent career,  studded with tremendous  records and a terrific respect worldview.

The prodigy—the little master-- will remain live in the remembrances of the fans and the cricket-archives for ever, ever, and ever, with his inimitable style, vivid display of his genius a number of times, his gamut of exquisite shots, indomitable commitment and his unparalleled passion for the game and his country and his celestial 'century of centuries'.

The phenomenon called Sachin Tendulkar and Ratan Tata happened to India at a time synced with India's partaking in the vibrant zone carved out by the ASEAN power houses with aplomb at the outset of 1990's in the name of economic liberalisation.  

As the history reckons, Sachin made centuries against every cricket playing country, both in India and abroad--a unique feet which testifies his class and genius. Be it India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Down-under, the Caribbean  or the Imperial England, he enthralled the viewers all-over and carved out vistas even out of the Arabian safari. There was no contemporary bowler who posed a threat to him, rather he is credited with making the cricketing lives short of many bowlers.

 The moment his conversation with Rajeev Shukla(the BCCI official), on his wishes to retire from the last genre of cricket left to bid adieu--and the oldest form-- having already bade adieu to other formats--leaked on news channels, the sporting fraternity went frenzy along with the news channels world over. And it got a wider coverage in the world televisions--more widely than any tsunami or catastrophe to have wrecked havoc on earth recently.

Sachin, with you, millions of  your fans—and of-course of your generation-- may say good bye to the live cricket, as the charisma changes hands and lands swiftly on the shoulders of Dhonis, Kohlis and other players of the world.

At the time when the television’s popularisation and the technology revolution at the advent of Internet was still nascent,  you came, mesmerised, entertained and attenuated the pains of losing the prodigy—the other prolific little master— just a couple of years afore-- like a messiah. Away from being the stereotypes, or with the monotonicity of specialization in cricket, you brought with yourself, the amalgamation of Richards, Gavaskar and Boycott. The cricket took a defining shape after you burst on the screens of world cricket, and many of us still cherish the juvenile tearing the likes of Abdul Kadir , Imran Khan and Waquar Yunis episode way back in 1989. It was an ominous declaration to the world cricket that a new avatar has arrived.

The ferocity with which you tore apart the quickies of your age, the coolness with which you handled the medium pacers and the master craftsmanship with which you handled and played the spinners—with all types of shots in the cricket books along with few ingenious ones(the scoop and paddles)--at his ease, is exemplary.

You not only withstood the several pressure cooker like situations, but also saw your team dancing to the tunes of samba or bhangra or whatever, on a number of occasions, after snatching a win from the jaws of defeat. Your dancing down the pitch in pelting and belting Shane Warne several times over the ropes, and the prolific leggie having dreaded dreams of his assault in the Arabian safari afterwards, is now history.

Very few batsmen in the world cricket have commanded the respect that you enjoyed, as in you every cricket playing country saw the glimpses of their past or present heroes.  And still very few were able to scale the tedious heights፣ to reside in the citadel of excellence; you now proudly ensconce, and will reside there for ever.

With the colossal burden of ‘Great expectations’--every time you stepped into the field--of your fans, for nearly a quarter of a century--with a plethora of records to his name-- will remain unparalleled for years to come. And history will remain witness to his greatness, commitment, Integrity and allegiance to your nation for years and years to come.

In November, not only Tendulkar, but a generation will retire from the world cricket. It was your commitment, integrity, simplicity and an 'Steelium' image which not only created havoc in the opposition camp, but exuded confidence in your own camp and your followers as well. World will witness more players trying to mould themselves in your shoes in the coming years, but very few people will enjoy the warmth, and reverence you have earned over the years. Be it Michael Schumacher  or Federar or McEnroe or Maradona or other greats of other sports, but the coming generation will hardly believe that such a sportsman, with such a huge respect in sporting fraternity has walked on earth.

Now, as the pundits will draw parallels between your cosiness with your son Arjun(Sachinda enjoyed the same cosiness with his son Rahul Dev Burman), I simply wish and say--Thank you Sachin!, for letting us believe in our dreams of winning, with your prolonged entertainment to all of us, and inspiring the newer generations for taking on this game in stride and excel. May God bestow you the best of health, to cherish the moments you have created and earned and for few more such requisite moments which have eluded you and your family for four and twenty years or so. But Sachin, you missed them to make your dreams come true and your stoic engagements in the game took away from you the other facets of life. And being an inspiration for several generations to come, is the reward for all your honest efforts--more important than the plethora of saga and records you have nicely composed with the blade--'the bat'-- and have carved a permanent niche in the citadel of cricket.

Janus-faced government and its schemes stand disrobed

 Jharkhand is one of the few states where the government is functioning under the aegis of the party whose government is at the center. Three-four months before, it was a BJP led alliance functioning in the state and under the 'Antyodya project' they were distributing food-grains at a very miniscule rate--nearly free to the poor. But, I came to know about the double-dealings of the government at the center lately.

After the coup in the state, the above said project has been put on hold, not by the government, but by the owners of the distribution stores in East Singhbhum district. Now the poor are being given the money instead of the food-grains--with a derisive laugh both on the effectiveness of the opportunistic feigning government and the pathetic plight of the poor--with a receiving sign on the register, willingly or unwillingly.

The distribution center owners are acquainted of the chink--the loophole--the lacunae-- in the system very well, as there is no way the authenticity of the fake signatures will be checked, neither the effectiveness of the program. And when the the current regime is busy with the maneuvers, to remain in power, they have a very little time left, to superintend these matters or projects. Whatever be the outcome of the next general election, one thing is clearer than crystal that loot, graft and corruption has now infused deep down into the bloods and serum in most of the people in the service sector, and are there to remain ad-infinitum, until an effectual vaccination of this disease is worked out. 

This is the fate of the one of the highly acclaimed--touted as the game changer in the coming elections--government's project. How much edge these pet-projects(read Food Security Bill) are going to provide to the incumbent government is not beyond comprehension. But, it is ironic that despite so many mayhem in nearly every facet of the governance, the government has managed to stay in power. The opposition must take the blame of every misdeed of the current government, having had failed in arousing the urgency to the masses of an ineluctable change, or, apprising them about the exploits and ineptitude of the current government in each and every field. 

The effective and optimum use of the mass-media--the INTERNET--will no doubt provide them the opportunity to awaken the literate class, but the actual game changers--the poor and illiterates--will remain hypnotised, mesmerised and transfixed by the chimerical projects and the obscure schemes of the current government.

And for doing this, the BJP is on the right path of awakening the common-man through the state-wise programs by its Prime-minister in waiting. But--and really a big BUT-- until BJP's honest concerted efforts drills-down to the grass-root level, their wish of toppling the ineffective government--and rescuing India from the manacles of 'Corruption'--will remain a distant--far distant--a terrestrial and celestial sort of Dream. And dreaming-- rather day-dreaming--remains uncensored in this cosmos till date.

Judiciary manacles chicanery

Although India woefully ranks amongst the top ten of the most corrupt countries in the world, the verdicts like this--the latest conviction of the panjandrum--will certainly retard the Indian ascent to the pinnacle of the most corrupt countries list--unless the persons preparing the list fell prey to the Satan, for 'He finds some mischief still, for idle hands to do'.

The unwillingness in ordering  an investigation by a competent authority, the pretence of being a messiah, the annihilation of the social harmony, the hyperbolic rise in his fortune, earnestly endevouring to change the course of natural justice for more than a decade, making mockery of the theory of a republic and democracy in a state where republic and democracy find their aborigines, the unsuccessfully venturing in cricketing grounds, the servility to the ruling regime by maximum possible degrees, hiring the most celebrated lawyer, the continued vehemence on some specific caste, pretended simple but convivial lifestyle, the last moment effort to hinder and prolong the natural course of justice to emerge unscathed, finally gave in meekly to the impeccable long hands of the 'Law', but not before proving the adage--'Justice delayed is justice denied'.

The verdict pronounces to the world, that those accountable and responsible should either execute their responsibilities without laxity, or, lay their fate under the hammer, if detected and brought to the cognizance of the Law before their journey to the Heavenly abode.

The apex court's refusal in accepting clemency and transferring the case, is exemplary and laudable to the highest degree. More important is the impact, this verdicts will render, to the masses and their decaying confidence in the Indian judicial system. And it will be a lesson augmented with a caveat to those who sue politics not for social service, but for a change of fortune, by exploiting the system and its chinks to the maximum, thus making mockery of democratic system.