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.

Statement of the decade

When the notorious bill was tabled in the Lower House, Left parties and Akali Dal members were seen vociferously opposing it; no other dissension was ostensibly heard and the bill got cleared in the lower house by a thumping majority. But--and a big but--the said bill got collared in the Upper House, where few best advocates cum politicians of the current generation, I dare say, adorn the dais of the house. And as the said bill was discussed--rather testified and assessed--in the lower house, these aforesaid select few politicians not only questioned the authenticity of the Ordinance, the integrity and probity of the beleaguered Government but heralded the days to come and the lark, and loss of face, government will be in, when rejected or returned by the president for a reconsideration.

As was presaged ; so happened. The President, who apart from being a congressmen happens to be a 'Martinet' first--as he was a professor of economics in a West Bengal university-- and a congress-loyalist later, justifiedly questioned the reddened minister's trio for the haste and urgency of the government for the ordinance. And the feeling that coming generations will not forgive or forget such an astute martinet in failing to curb Indian politics from corruption and criminals, the octogenarian President lived up-to the expectations and his tirade on the minister's triumvirate with the volley of questionnaire conducted Congress to a more precarious and more dingy place.

 Now, the congress was really left in a lurch, and it needed a person to perform the 'Hara-Kiri' of the ordinance and oneself--like Holika-dahan in Hindu Mythology. And here came the Charismatic 'Yuvraj". With a serious and a celestial countenance he gave the statement of the decade--The Ordinance in question is a trash  and must be thrown to the dustbin(the dustbins in and around Delhi were seen rattling to honour the wishes of the 'Yuvraj' , feeling elated in stature after being mentioned by none other than the 'Yuvraj').

 The statement which not only gave sufficient nourishment to the attenuated NDA but to the media also.In a decade or so, I cant recall any rash or absurd statement from this 'heir-apparent', even on the gravest issues. He was happy cooling his heels for his expedition to the throne of thorns--the prime-minister ship of India. And he was never seen consecrating his sagacity in the media on any issue serious or light.

Although he may not be having the best of academic degrees, but he has inherited some responsibility, accountability and his this factitious belligerency-- of opening the Pandora's box -- must be analyzed in this context also. Now, when the whole India is abuzz with the news of his clemency, temerity, audacity, and treachery, very few will deny the fact that in order to save his taunted, exhausted and extenuated government's face from severe reprimand and derision by the multitude, opposition, and media, he has done this harangue bravely, heroically and assiduously. Rather has left the issue to die its natural death(the time-treatment) amid the cacophony of the opposition

Better late than never

Ostentatious clemency shown to Indians in keeping up with the mood of the judiciary and the nation although seem a little bit baffling, but then, it is rightly said that--'Better late than never'. The brouhaha over the remarks made by the imminent politician-- going against the wishes of his own party-- in giving a scape route to the tainted leaders--and many leaders of his party falling in line with the scion-- once again proves that Indian Politics is more concerned around the opportunism and sycophancy than common welfare and conscience.

But, more baffling is the demeanour of the opposition--ostensibly subdued and attenuated. It clearly indicates opposition's restlessness after being deprived of a stronger point against the ruling regime before going to the polls. It seems that the ruling regime is playing foul to the opposition. At one hand they are providing food to the poor and on the other they are depriving the opposition from psychological sustenance. This is not fair. You must provide a level playing ground to all players--at least to gleam and dream of a grand comeback to continue their fake encounters with every aspects of governance, but common concern. But again it will be against the famous cliche--the theology of politics-- that 'All is fair in love, war, and politics.

You have done nothing wrong Mr. Scion by declaring the notorious ordinance rubbish. Move ahead! and show the nation that you are here to prove your mettle and a leader par excellence in bringing about the turnaround and a fresh look to the Indian politics--not merely a heir apparent. As, you have to move miles ahead with the hands of common man with you, and leave the opposition ruing and blabbing over the loss of their strongest point; of feigned integrity. They have myriad of issues at their discretion like inflation, loot, graft and scams.After all, it is the end-result which will count and judge your righteousness in going against the mood of your party. Because, 'All is well that ends well'. And we wish to see your canoe, carrying the cornucopia of bills, to sail ahead without a hitch or glitch.

The shallowness in Indian democracy

I had heard a story that whenever a child is crying for some hurt or is recalcitrant, and you want him to forget it, give him a tight crinkle in his/her ears and he will forget the original cause of his concern and will begin crying with more ferocity on the latest infliction. Indian political scenario is somewhat similar to the aforesaid scene where the politicians are crinkling or trying to crinkle the memory of the general public to let them forget the bigger concern India faces today, by issueing nonsensical statements, and the squabbling thereafter. This act may be treated as a carefully crafted plan to deflect the attention from the main concern and mood of the nation. 

While the latest militant attack in highly volatile Jammu & Kashmir needs protest of the government, its policies and its inaptness-- in handling the issue-- to the highest degree, the politicians are busy squabbling on petty issues to prove holier-than-thou on the ordinance, RTI and other issues of miniscule values. When the morale of the forces is down and are sullen by the double-speak and double-standard of Pakistan, politicians are busy bullying each other on issues of far inferior importance than the attack.

Inflation, loot, graft, cleansing of the electoral system and plethora of more such issues are no doubt all important, but when the national security is concerned, it should take center-stage among all the issues. Politicians, cutting across party lines should come together in denouncing the Pakistan's inability in curbing the militancy and this being propagated from its soil, and suggest newer techniques of handling the neighbours.

There is still time left for the festivities these politicians are eager to celebrate, but on the stage of the democracy we are, and will, aptly see and analyse your manoeuvrings. Don't make fool of us, we can see your sham seriousness, opportunism and your thirstiness for the power. Show more generosity on India's security concern.

As, the whole world more or less is now aware of the products with 'Made in India' tag and their durability and authenticity, Indian politicians--barring few--are busy testifying to the world that they are not different from these products, as the National security--their core business, of which they are expected to give service with utmost attention--has the least importance to them--far far less from the fear of the coming under the lap of RTI, or cleansing of the electoral system.

The News entertainment Ltd.

The lampooning media, sees all and sundry events suspiciously, and sometimes extremely quixotically in perceiving any idea or event, and if once perceived, takes pain in letting the viewers believe, or be in harmony with the media's  frame of reference or point of view. And mind it! Indian media has the capability of making or creating an epic out of a tuft. The latest being the luxuriant repertoire on the differences between the BJP's PM-probable and the party's patriarch.

A nuclear family can have some differences within only two heads, but a national party can't have, because, although being 'the party with a difference', has has an another perspective--for the literature or the shibboleth purpose. Media's catechism and approach is more scurrilous than mere repertoire. There are more serious matters to be reported, which media has done successfully--with an exquisite flair-- in bringing to the notice of the viewers and the hoi-polloi both the news of miniscule significance as well as the bigger burning issues--which is a laudable effort. But, some people or groups are indulged in the digging-deep activities for, TRP's sake only. And inadvertently or willingly sensationalizing the minor issues, to attract and amuse the viewers.

But, if they are serving the viewers, let them do it--with a difference. Because, this not only is generating jobs and revenue but entertaining the viewers with a difference--in all snafu.

Amen !

Then, it is amply clear that as in the rainy season Hindus shun from eating the onions, the hoarders run into heavy losses and in Navratra the demand  again is supposed to be very low. So, they are making amends to their heavily unbalanced balance sheets. But, as after Diwali there are few festivals left, and the new crops start pouring in-rather raining ’cats and dogs’-- into the desi  markets, the the prices will become ultra-low .Thus, saving the government’s face. The Mansoon was reportedly exceptionally very good this year throughout India, barring the poor Bihar. Until then, let the onions enjoy their enhanced values and prices and go on devouring on them after Diwali, to extract all the nutrients it sustains.

The extraordinary blessings from ‘Indradev’(the God of rains) has induced the economist to declare enthusistically that  a boom in Indian economy will occur within next 2-3 months. And it is ominous to think positively that time will change and the metamorphic prices--in perfect harmony with the inflation-- will descend the hillock—the hillock which is the cynosure of all eyes at present. Till then, it is better to be ensconced in the chairs—and of-course at home along with our respective home ministers—otherwise it will be detrimental and a felony in the making. It will also increase the strength of the respective family bonds—our engagements cast their eyes slyly and enviously on this bond and urge our better halves to rue and blab on us incessantly .  And let the perpetrators of the animosity and corruption do the somersaults in their own quagmire and be mystic or sly or evil (and plethora of its synonyms) by degrees. Oh! amnesia has started wreaking havoc on my memory and is letting me forget the metaphor for the good times to come. All I can aver is-- Amen ! 

Vanity and self-esteem drives the 'Social media'

In his Noble Prize Acceptance speech, Bertrand Russell had touched on a stark reality. I urge you to go through the excerpts from that speech and indomitable philosophy……..

                             Vanity is a motive of immense potency.  Anyone who has much to do with children knows how they are constantly performing some antic, and saying,’ Look at me’.  ‘Look at me’ is one of the fundamental desires of human heart. It can take innumerable forms, from buffoonery to pursuit of posthumous fame. There was a Renaissance Italian princeling who was asked by the prieston his death-bed if he had anything to repent of. ‘yes’ he said, ‘there is one thing.  On one occasion I had a visit from the Emperor and the Pope simultaneously. I took them to top of my tower to see the view, and I neglected the opportunity to throw them both down, which would have given me immortal fame.’ History does not relate whether the priest gave him absolution.

By self-interest man has become gregarious, but in instinct he has remained to a great extent solitary; hence the need of religion and morality to reinforce self-interest. But the habit of foregoing present satisfaction for the sake of future advantages is irksome, and the passions are roused the prudent restraints of social behaviour become difficult to endure.( from A history of western philosophy).

A large proportion of human race, it is true, is obliged to work so hard in obtaining necessaries that little energy is left over for other purposes; but those whose livelihood is assured do not, on that account, cease to be active. Happiness is promoted by associations of persons with similar tastes and similar opinions.

Social intercourse may be expected to develop more and more along these lines, and it may be hoped that by these means the ‘ Loneliness’ that now afflict so many unconventional people will be gradually diminished almost to vanishing point.( from The Conquest of Happiness).

In order to be happy we require all kinds of self-esteem. We are human beings; therefore humans are the purpose of creation. We are Indians; therefore India is God’s own country. We are male; therefore women are unreasonable; or female; and therefore men are brutes. We are Easterners; and therefore the West is wild and woolly; or Westerners, and therefore the East is effete. We work with our brains; and therefore it is the educated class that are important; or we work with our hands; therefore manual labour alone gives dignity. Finally, and above all, we each have one merit which is entirely unique: we are our-self. With these comforting reflections we go out to do battle with the world; without them our courage might fail.( from ‘Unpopular Essays’).

The gist of quoting the legendary writer and philosopher and professor, from his various writings, can be summed up from his definition of ‘Good life’ in a single phrase: ‘the good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge'. But, Alas! Most of us stand deprived by the one or the other, and very few boast and condescend by their combo effect. The social media is also being used to pursue some interests lately; marketing, campaigning, spreading malignancy and hatred to name a few, but then, it is a ramification of the concept of 'Exploitation of the resources' to the fullest.

Media should shun the extreme obnoxiousness

Betimes in the morning, all the news channels—with few exceptions—broadcast the preaching’s of some ‘Baba’ or God-man and in the afternoon they telecast the sensational revelations about them. What a contrast? Ethos of broadcasting transform into pathos of business first and in bathos later. In the morning it is business, but, in the evening it is their earnest and honest responsibility towards the nation, its people and its constitution. What a exquisite goof up of the business! Please stop airing their teachings first, and then tear them apart. That will be a genuine way. This double standards attracts derision of the highest degree, and the airing of these types of programs (rather pogrom of the sentiments) should be and must be stopped first.

            These channels manage some sullen ex-employees of the God-man. Each with a lot of secrets to spill out.  And amazingly, they all are not kids, not even adolescents but in their 40’s or 60’s. And all have parted from the God-man for reasons only known to them. But, were cowardice and fearful to the extent that they were in oblivion and hiding for more than a decade. But all of a sudden they have got all the might and guts and boldness and fearlessness to tell the truth to all Indians-- and are seen daily stereotypically quarreling with proponents of the God-man or religion. In my view they were the abettors of the crime, India is agog with now-a-days. And are liable to receive the harshest punishment Indian judiciary have. For, they may have checked the propagation of the rampage or molestation of the God-man had done on many innocent devotees, by their timely revelations. But, they did not. There were many means of the disclosures available, but they partook none. And I’m dead sure that  they didn’t parted ways with the God-man for good’s sake, but after failing to materialise the suitable price of keeping the secrets and misdemeanours of the God-man, they parted ways  and have come back only to take revenge on the fallen self-acclaimed incarnation of the Lord Krishna.  

Whatever be the outcome, the truth must prevail and should be welcomed by one and all. But, these channels also attract some punishment for playing double standards, both with the business ethics and the sentiments of people. So, some legal actions must be taken against them and the sullen beasts. I hope that this view of mine is taken by someone in good esteem, or, the court takes cognisance and files a case against these news channels itself--for abetting the crime by airing the convicts or under-trials and their pretenses.