Lift me up....

Indian economy, it appears, is recovering from the grueling financial crisis witnessed by the whole world prodding the government of the day to defuse the mayhem and chaos that accompanied it. The outcome has yielded results and has fuelled the debate about withdrawal of stimulus package. For, many economists feel its time for fiscal consolidation- an euphemism to warn ourselves of the ballooning fiscal deficit which touched a 15-year high last year. One measure that is suggested is to curtail our huge subsidy bill which no doubt fills the ballot boxes in favor of the government,

Well, when it comes to subsidy the first thing that comes to my mind is fuel subsidy though it is only a off-budget item and does not reflect in the revenue or fiscal deficit of the government. Fuel subsidy – everybody gets it. From the fuel- guzzling SUV owners, millionaire owners of the luxury cars to a moped owner who has no idea what to do with that moped that has 30km/h top speed. The point in case is the recent recommendations made by the Kirith Parekh committee on fuel pricing. Among all other things, the committee has recommended the free pricing of petrol and diesel. And not to be forgotten that the same measure has been recommended by committees formed previously.

But this time government is seriously mulling over it. Though, it definitely has kicked up a lot of smoke in the air. If this is implemented it would be an audacious reform that would make India get closer to being a truly free market economy. One reason this is hugely protested is for the apprehension that this might throw the Fuel price vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel price. This fear of inflation has been the restraint so far. In my opinion, this is only an ill-informed conclusion. Its only the existing system of subsidy will lead to generalized price rise. As government has to bear the loss of Oil marketing companies by way of borrowing it has the impact on borrowing cost for the manufacturing sector which will pass on the cost only to the consumer. But by having a free pricing RBI can have a better control over controlling inflation through its monetary measure.

And as such the free pricing would not have great impact on the spending pattern of the vehicle owners. But one thing is for sure if this is implemented fuel pricing can no more be a political decision in the future to come. Rest assured for ruling party that opposition parties would have one ammo less in the artillery.

Of course, the decision of decontrolling fuel pricing takes lot of political will and takes lot of work convincing the people of its long term benefits. Till then its just wait and watch.


Here’s good write-up on the issue by Kirit.S.parikh
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=CAP/2010/02/18&PageLabel=14&EntityId=Ar01400&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T

Nature and hope….

Sometimes I wonder if the four seasons of the nature symbolizes some kind of change in our life too. Each time there is a change in season I feel my life is being ushered in to a new phase. Though my routine may remain the same but my approach to it is definitely a lot different. No time could be better than now to talk about it. The City of Delhi is slowly creeping in to its days of bright sunshine ahead after having been a witness to mist laden plants, fog shrouded clouds and spine chilling cold. And it’s people are much relieved to get out of their woolens and happy to see the break of the day unlike those cold days when most of the people were huddled in their beds. The Park in the neighborhood, I guess, would be rejoiced to receive its once regular morning joggers and walkers who went missing for a brief time. Yeah, I am back in to my jogging shoes too. But some things haven’t changed. The sight of newspaper boys gathering up and splitting papers, School children accompanied by their mothers and a bunch of Punjabi-speaking old men with immense bon-homie amongst them at the teashop are clearly some of those unchanged things that has almost become my daily scene when I sip on the hot piping tea in the morning. It’s a great pleasure to sit and watch people beginning their day.

This end of winter has infused in me a sense of urgency reminding me to keep focused on the up coming preliminary exams in May. If there is one thing I liked about summer, despite the scorching heat, it is the energy it supplies that helps me to keep working. But winter, of course, has its own share of joy. Nature, as it may seem, brings with itself these symbolic changes of this sort to break the monotony in our life. I think it is only these changes that throw new challenges and promises that keeps us looking forward in life with a new found hope. I don’t know who said hope gives us strength. But I know that it is so right.

Stop Bleeding Us...

Everyone called the macabre of 26th November as India’s 9/11. May be. But subsequent to 9/11 USA proved to its people that it can protect its citizens at any cost. Indeed people of Afghanistan and Iraq had to pay the heavy price. But likewise can India play USA to Pakistan? There are indications that finally the UPA government is shaken our of its slumbers. Home Minister Shivraj patil whom media and people blamed for his inefficient functioning following bomb blast at various place finally put in his papers holding himself morally responsible for the attack on Mumbai. External Affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee, following the terror attack, announced that all options including military option against Pakistan are open proves that government is committed to put an end to this scourge of terrorism. Everyone is acting and talking, at last.

Mumbaikars who always showed their resilience after any disaster-both natural and manmade have come out of their homes and protested against the politicians for their divisive tactics and to unshackle them out of their complacency. Columnist Ramesh Ramanathan in Mint calls it a political awakening. Never have the citizens of our country whipped the politicians like this in public. And this is good for democracy as it reinforces the principle of accountability. But contrary to this one of the BJP leaders criticized the coming together of people as attack on democracy inflicted by ladies who wear lipstick and powder. What a death blow to gender equality and women empowerment. But I must say Politicians have show their true colors at a time like this.

Here is another instance coming from none other than Chief Minister of a State who is expected to inspire and act as role model to his council of Ministers. He remarked that if it was not Sandeep’s ( an officer in NSG who sacrificed his life while fighting terrorist) house not a dog would have visited. He was obviously infuriated by slain officer’s Father’s unwillingness to let him express his condolence by visiting the house. But such a remark is not expected of a public figure. He should not have taken it personally. Nonetheless no lid can be put upon the boiling emotions of general public. This was evident too amidst people who had gathered in Gateway of India to show their solidarity against terrorism. One of the protestors, a lady, showed a placard that read “ I would prefer a dog visiting my house than a politician”. This is indeed a political awakening.

But I wonder if all the politicians read the newspapers. If only they had been receptive to public criticism and corrected their ways India would not be made to bleed by outside forces like what we just witnessed now.

Society,Who?

Freedom, baby... is never having to say you're sorry.. This is a line from the movie The devil’s advocate. And that kind of freedom is available in abundance in our country. One has the freedom to urinate in public. Facing the wall, of course. You have all the rights to litter all across the road. And commit petty crime with impunity like breaking traffic law, smoking in a public place when its actually banned. You never have to feel or say sorry to the society at large. In fact these bunch of law breakers and nuisance creators are very much the society. He could be your neighbour, your friends and your own folks at family. But all of them hoping that someday this country would change and look spic and span. Distant dream, though. But what pains me more is the image you see on the pictures here. I captured them on one fine chilly morning at a road which used to make me feel oh god! at least this stretch of road is clean. The cause of my pain is not the dump that is lying there. It was just that it was heaped right outside the FICCI auditorium in Barakhamba road. The make-shift arrangements for the dinner the previous night in the open space of the auditorium premises was visible from outside. Yes, FICCI – Association of some of the largest companies in the country.

This happens at a time when the concept of corporate social responsibility is gaining prominence. Of course credits must be given to several Indian companies that have taken up the social cause zealously. But this kind of callousness evokes a bad image of the organization, at least in this regard. I know it is only a auditorium, run by FICCI , let out on rental basis. May be. But is it not the responsibility of the FICCI or whosoever in charge of the auditorium to refrain their users of the auditorium from causing any inconvenience to the society by committing any such act. And that is not all . On the other side of the wall along side the Tansen Marg our men folks attend to their nature’s call without any sense of guilt nor shame. This is indeed everyday sight. I wonder why such thing has been overlooked by the administration of the auditorium.

Cleanliness is one thing that needs to be taken seriously by all. Would we?

Beginning to End

Its been five months since I blogged. I can give umpteen reasons for my abstinence from this little space that belongs to me. One of them being my journey to success has been stretched a bit. And it is not that I have dispossessed the time that I should reasonably spend for things like blogging or taking a stroll across the street on a moonlit night or even a movie show. I just despised that thought of having to put down the misery of my failure. Yeah, I know that failure makes one stronger and makes one learn the lessons the harder way. But the raise from the fall is ain’t that easy. Its painful and its more than a struggle. One thing is sure the success is going to taste a lot sweeter than the sweetest thing I have ever known.

This journey has brought me to Delhi again, the place where I reached the threshold of success once. And I see lot of changes. The competition level in the exam has gone up and looks even fierce some just like the rental values here in Rajinder Nagar. The place which once had my favorite tea shop had to wind up for it couldn’t afford the daily rent. A single room which would give enough space for a cot, a table and for you to move about a little bit costs a rent of minimum five grands. I really wish if someone could take the pain of suing the House Owners here for charging such exorbitant rent.

But there are few things to cheer about. A few yards away from my room, across the shankar Road, lies another tea shop which really makes a tasty special chai. And not just that. There is a huge tree out there and under its shade I spend the few minutes of pleasant morning with a nice Chai to sip on. And there’s a park too where I go for my regular morning walk. But sad that most of the people who come there are old people fighting Arthritis and other old age related illnesses. It’s difficult for a person like me who had spent nearly the last twelve years of life in the company of lots of friends to sit in a lonesome room with no souls around to talk to. But the Library I have joined in Barakambha Road and some new friends I have made are a big relief.

Now this is just another beginning to end what I started. And I hope success is not so far.

Sab Khade Ho Jao...

Solidarity amongst citizens of a country is felt when they stand together and sing their National Anthem or while its being played. Well, all of us are taught in schools that National Anthem reflects a country’s traditions, its riches and its struggle. So far I have known, in India (of course I have never been out of India ) , National Anthem is played at the end of the formal occasions. And therefore its not unnatural that I was in for a shock when the National Anthem was played in a cinema hall before the start of the movie. They say it is quite a custom in USA. This initiative by the Satyam Cinemas, one of the multiplexes in Chennai, deserves appreciation. And many other institutions could also emulate this idea though it may have very little effect on the fundamentalists or regionalists like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, who are determined to bleed our nation to death.

One thing must be remembered is that while playing the National Anthem no disrespect is made to it. It just happened that in Satyam cinemas when the National Anthem is being played on the screen the usher outside the hall kept himself busy sending people in . The new entrants were more obsessed with finding their seats either aware or unaware of what was going on.

You might know that last year a album titled Jana Gana Mana, comprising of the National Anthem sung by various artistes like Lata Mangeskar, S P Balasubramaniam, Balamuralikrishna and others, was released with the music by A R Rehman. And it was the one that was sung by SPB got played in the cinema hall. The song had duration of more than 100 seconds, contrary to the standard 52 seconds. The government of India must make clear as to what standard, in terms of duration ,tune,etc, one should follow while singing or composing National Anthem. This would curtail the liberty that many musicians take and even certain organizations that plays National Anthem in some unheard tune.

Taare Zameen Par

Taare Zameen Par had reached us well with its trailers. And now the movie is rocking too across the country. Aamir Khan as we all know always plays for the perfection on the screen. That wonderful actor has just added another feather to his crown by directing his debut film TZP.

TZP deals with today’s parents and what they end up doing in trying to put their child on top of everything. The story revolves around a 8 years old boy Ishaan (played by Darsheel safary) who is in third standard for the second year. Yet struggling. He plays the role of a naughty boy and a lovely son to his parents and a caring lad who takes pride in his brother’s achievement. He has played his role stupendously making us laugh and making the parents and parents-to-be to think within. That’s clearly the handiwork of the Actor-cum-Director, the Amazing Khan.

As the story unfolds Director himself enters the movie doing what he is best known for. He plays the role of a teacher- the type which we wouldn’t find in our schools. He helps the child restore the self-confidence that had been shattered due to constant bickering, nagging and bullying.

TZP has a marvelous music made by the trio-Shankar Ehsaan Loy. The background music at many places simply moves you. Especially the music from the guitar makes you tap your feet. The song “ Kholo Kholo” is the final song in the movie that conjures up the spirit of the entire film.

This movie would definitely trigger your brain cells to go back to your school days. And more so if you had been to a boarding school. And this movie is truly for those who love kids. Please don’t miss it.

Here’s the official site of TZP: http://taarezameenpar.com/ (Highly recommended. It has an amazing designing)

Vroom Vroom..Pom Pom...

Chennai, the good old Madras, is brimming with the same energy as I had seen two years back. And people on the roads of chennai are still the same flouting rules if no cops around. In fact they have even become worse. Tout the economy for almost touching a two digit growth and easy-available vehicle loans. Roads are blooming with vehicles and it is utter chaos all through the day, not just during the peak hours. Motorcyclists jostling for every little space they see to glide through before the traffic signal turn red. Corporate honchos at the steering honking restlessly to crawl in. And poor pedestrians woefully sidelined in this celebration or you might see one or two running as if their house is on fire.

No doubt chennai's traffic has reached its peak and its evident for all. I was happy, when i found a house for me to stay in with my mother, at a locality i had once lived. Its road, dubbed as Chief Minister's Road, for it housed the Party chief of both DMK and AIADMK, was know to have a smooth traffic except when CM's convoy sped through at 90 kmph. This stretch of road, hardly 2-3 kms, i need to take to reach my CA institute, takes 15 minutes which once used to take just ten minutes. And its a nightmare with seven traffic signals to pass through. Almost all of them turning red before I were to cross the stopline.( The only time most of the two wheelers ,including myself, wait with patience is when the policeman stops everyone for all the girls of Stella Maris College to cross over the road. But colleges have some fixed timings, you see.)

May be these are signs that confirm the UNPF (United Nations Population Fund) report which says that world's populations is steadily moving to cities and town. Did someone say I just did that? It also says that the demographic transition is set to cross milestone in 2008, where very second person on the planet will live in urban area. Looks like the craze to live in cities is not going to relent. And that means more number of vehicles. Its high time that Tamilnadu government starts thinking and improve its public transport system. What the metro needs is not just more number of buses but sophisticated Metro trains, only which can bring a sigh of relief to the road users of Chennai. And not to forget the immense good it will do against what everyone is talking as global warming.

Looking back....

Anniversaries are part of our life. Birthdays, wedding anniversaries, business anniversaries and many other. Now here on my blog I’m going to celebrate the first anniversary of my entry in to this blogosphere. It’s a world filled with ideas and thoughts coming from people with different interest in variety of fields. I guess each one of us here would have a different perception in owning a blog. I am not really very sure what impelled me to start this blog of mine. But there are few things that I have gained and lost from this space.

Things I gained :

1. I became more conscious of the world outside and the things that happened around me. Not that I was desperate to post them here. But it gave a sense of fulfillment in life.
2. It kindled my thoughts and ideas provoking me to explore whatever creativity (please allow me to use this word) I have and got me playful with words. I even tried my hands on poem. (Wordsworth, to take note)
3. It give me a new identity ,not very much different from what I am already in real. But the fact is that I live here.
4. It got me new friends and I got myself exposed to new world of ideas and people with incredible prowess, which taught me humility without affecting the little pride I take from my contributions here.
5. It gave me a sense of belongingness in this blogosphere. Yes, I am part of this blogging revolution.
6. It got me more curious to the new technological developments. (But it’s the question of money, anyway)
7. I adopted a new hobby that was worth filling my civil service exams forms with. And it even formed part of my interview session and it helped my tread on path that I was at ease with.

Things I lost:

1. Doled out time and some money on surfing hoping to see some comments and new visitors to my blog. I have no regrets.
2. Accused of “self-advertisement”. But my argument is: aren’t blogs a form of online diary.
3. I guess there is not much I lost. So I’ll stop with this.

Anyways, thanks a lot for your gracious presence on the day of my blog-anniversary. Please do stay back for dinner :)

Venting out feelings...

What you are seeing is the image of the place where the future administrators (they call themselves IAS aspirants) of the country bask under the sun with teacups in hands. I guess you could see the teacups strewn all over the place. I learnt district collectors have the responsibility to ensure the cleanliness of their districts. Pity those districts of our country. Welcome to a nameless tea shop (they serve Samosas and bread omelets as well) in Rajinder nagar. And thanks to some unknown Moneybags who had constructed that building u see in the picture with granite laid steps. Those two shops with shutters down has always remained closed ever since I came to Delhi. Of course, once one of the shops housed a ice cream parlor last year. The only visitor it had, as far as I’ve known, was my friend Amit. I would say the time of the year the shop opened was a misfit. It was during the winter. And you know Delhi’s winter, eh? Its heartless.
Well, without drifting away let me get to the point. That place ever since then were occupied by the “Tea-Drinkers”. It’s hard for civil service aspirants to survive without tea. Pity those who don’t drink tea because to go for tea outside, while your seat cools down, is a de-stressor. Going by science, it may sound oxymoronic. But believe me it’s a real de-stressor. Oops!! Why am I dwelling on tea as if my father owns a tea estate?
Actually I am here to vent my feelings out. To bemoan the fact that people who sat in that place for tea had not a bit of urge to throw their teacups in the trash bin, which was kept just 10 meters away. And not to mention that remnants of “Manikchand” Gutka that added more color to already red granite. What pains me more is that they are all, at least most of the people who came to the shop, IAS aspirants. I don’t know, maybe they would learn their basic duties and gain responsibilities overnight once they become IAS officers.
But who do we blame for all this negligence. Blame Mr. Moneybags who never pulled up people for this act? Or “Tea-Drinkers” who littered graciously, as if giving alms to beggars? Or, the minions of the shop for not cleaning it? Or those MCD sweepers who thought it wasn’t within their jurisdiction?
Blame it on the magnificent freedom this country has given us. Would we do this when our country had law to sever hands of those who littered? Or for that matter a nominal amount of fine for the breach? It is the lack o fear and the absence of palpable consequence that has ruined us. Our country needs not just education, but value education. They need to imbibe value in to the lives of our country men.

(This post was not intended to mortify IAS aspirants nor to harbor grudges against this society. But I cry within. )

Seen through the Window

It was just another day. Life was the same for me. Nothing had changed. The same room, the same table, same old books and the same old window. But this window has a special part in my life for variety of reasons. This window overlooks almost the entire stretch of Bazar marg. A ice cream parlor, ek chai ki dhukan, a small time kiosk and a bustling street is all that I see. As I was seeing through this window, quiet and somber, a truck pulled up in front of my building with the loud screech of brakes. As it stopped I heard the clink of bottles. ”Oh, its for the nechewala daru shop” I thought to myself. And this is for the brethren of “ high spirits” my building houses a “ Wine and a Beer shop” and so reads the signboard. (In chennai signboards read just “ wines”. Strange are the ways of life)

Now all the cartons are to be unloaded- Director’s Special, Royal Challenge, Royal Stag, Bagpiper and Smirn off. The boxes looked colorful. There were three men to shoulder this task. The work began. One man stayed inside the truck to take it out and pass it on to the rest of the two, as they walked to and fro carrying the cartons. I was still seeing thru the window counting the cartons- may be its an hangover that still remains after having served as “ Articled Clerk”(a term I disliked) for the audit firm during my CA course. The truck has been almost emptied. There were only three cartons left. The man inside the truck surreptitiously opened the carton and pulled out one bottle and put an empty bottle of the same kind in its place. The other men guarded what he was doing. oops! looks like a collusion!. Finally the three cartons, minus one “full” bottle in each one of them, were also taken inside. At the back of my mind I thought about the “Replacement mechanism” which companies had. Pity them!!
This exudes that our values have become so debased that people resort to fraud and malpractices as if it is a national game. This is just a tip of the iceberg!!!

Beware of dogs!!!

It is the early hours of the morning;with its usual scenic beauties. Dewdrops are fresh on the tender leaves of saplings and grass. Sun is still sprucing up for his day out. There is a mild chillness, birds chirp and hens cackles. The air is free from the cacophony of toyotos and fords: bajajs and Hondas. Most of the people must still be on the bed half asleep with the new day to deliver on many of its promises.

At this time of the morning I see this boy walking along the roadside with a megasized polythene bag on his shoulder. Emaciated looks, sunken face, the kind of hair we see in the shampoo ads which says “before use”. Meet the ragpicker boy of rajinder nagar-my locality. I see him every morning when I go out for my morning jog. Now what about him? I always go thru a sense of admiration. You know what ,he has taught me a lesson.He picks the rags sprewn all over the streets. I always wondered where he would take it to and used to think about the penury state of his living. He must be just 12 years old but he shows no fear for those bunch of dogs that bark at him incessantly. Has he closed his ears to those deafening sound?? No. he believes in what he does. Its his duty to do what he is doing. That earns him his bread, afterall. May dogs bark at him:heavens will not fall.

Now whats the moral??many of us fear critcism but ensconce in inhibitions and bask in false praises. It is this criticism that hold us back from what we conscientiously like to do. Are we afraid of the barking sound of the dogs?? This is the lesson I learnt from him. All that one need to do is remain impervious to crticism and listen to the conscience so much so that the barkings of the dogs be overpowered.