Dhobi Ghat

Dhobi Ghat is a movie directed by Kiran Rao, wife of Aamir khan. Not a typical Aamir Khan type movie. The secondary title of the movie “Mumbai Diaries” reveals vividly the theme of the film. The plot is not a leaf picked from the life of any single individual. But a story of Mumbai, known as Maximum City, that is churning out dreams of everyone who has made it their home. Each one of its dweller stands apart from the rest of the crowd in more than one ways. And yet the city connects one to the other in a bizarre way. This is exactly what happens to the protagonists of this flick.

Munna , a dhobi in the neighborhood meets Shai a well-educated Indian investment banker in USA who is on a visit to Mumbai. And Shai also meets up with Arun an introvert painter. Here’s another a character , Yasmin Noor, who do not make a on-screen appearance or so to say but makes a reverberating effect on Arun, the painter played by Aamir Khan. All four of them are poles apart in all aspects of their lives. What connects them to each other emotionally is love, loneliness, passion and survival.

Mumbai Diaries as the movie is called does not picturize the globalized part of the city but that face of the city which Bollywood had forgotten long time ago. There are neither sheening bungalows nor the gleaming sports cars. May be this is why it is titled Dhobi Ghat. The video tapes of Yasmin Noor are a real depiction of loneliness with no tears shed. It was completely moving. Munna , a lanky lad carries a heavy weight on his shoulder and big dream in his eyes with a heart willing to accept the paradoxes in his love for Shai. He is sure a star in the making. And shai is on the search for love that had possessed her during a one-night stand. Arun comes as a passionate painter with the hope of fixing his botched up marital life.

The movie by and large is a interesting watch. But I must say it is not entertaining but engaging though.

Penning down Success

Well, we all look forward to a change in our lives. We seek this change from the past, as we slowly tread in to the future which is far from certainty. You yearn for it whether you are displeased or contented with your present. But whatever, I don’t think its clichéd to say change is the most constant thing on earth. Yes, it is inevitable. But wouldn’t this change be a celebrated one if it could take you to a new future that you always wanted for yourself. Right now my position is such that I am on the verge of dissolving into that much sought-after change. A change from a past that was once inescapable and overflowing with monotony and the macabre of failure.

I owe this change to my success in civil service exams which has taken four grueling years of my life. They say aim for the sky so at least you’ll land on roof-top. That is exactly the kind of success I have attained at this juncture of my journey to which I bought a ticket way back at a time when I was a little boy. I do not want to drive in to you a feeling that I unwelcome this success though I was unsatisfied to see my name at the back-end of the rank list. Yes , I was placed at 700th rank out of the total selection of 875. It took me a while to realize that I have not lost it altogether. It gave me more strength when I gathered that I could make into a service which was only my fourth preference after IAS, IFS and IPS. The aura of success was slowly starting to envelop me.

This is indeed a change for me. Success, instead of failure. Though the change is not going to be a sudden one like it always is. Because I am not ushered into the new future in a blink of an eye but I am only crawling into it. The reason is I have an unfinished agenda and my destination is still to go. The journey will have to go on. Yes, I need to give the exams again to realize my long cherished ambition. Reach the sky I must. Of course, the change is sure to occur though I may have to carry the burden of my past in to the new future. But I just feel that the burden has shed some of its weight. And the change has definitely brought lot of joy into my life and the lives of my loved ones. Hey Change!! I welcome you with open arms and embrace you. And I kiss the success gently with a heart wanting more.

Yet another chance...

Well, I have taken a long leave of absence as far as IAS interview is concerned. Last time I appeared in 2007. Of course , its not an annual festival you pay visit to every year. But rather, in a more clichéd term, a life time opportunity. Here I was, at it again. My interview was dated 31st of March, 2010.

In a band o f five candidates to be interviewed by a board, I was the first to be let in. It was an hot afternoon, around 2.45. The board was Prof. Purushottam Agarwal.

Here goes the transcript:…

Entered the hall and wished everyone. There was a lady member in the panel.

Chairman: (CM) You are Guganesan?
Me: Yes Sir.
CM: You have a very interesting hobby. Watching Hollywood movies and noting down memorable dialogues. Not many people would have that hobby. Can you give me one dialogue?
Me: Yes Sir. This is from a movie called “The Bucket List” .You measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you. ( . There is instant laughter from one of the panel members. I started explaining by saying, What I learn from this is….then chairman gestured no need for that)
CM: The movie is Bucket list? Is it a new movie?
Me: Yes Sir. It was released in the year 2007.
CM: Do you watch classical movies?
Me: No Sir. I don’t watch Classical movies. I only watch movies released in 1980s and 90s. But I would include Godfather.
CM: But Godfather is not classical. It was released sometime in 70s.
Me: Yes Sir. It was released in 1972.
CM: Can you give me one dialogue from Godfather? ( He mentioned a dialogue which he felt is widely quoted and asked me to say anything other than that. But I could not quite get what he said)
Me: A man is no man when he does not spend time with his family. I learn some family values from this, sir. It is important for one to spend time with their family.
CM: Oh, You learn family values from Godfather?
Me: Yes Sir. It depends on how one takes it. It talks about how we should relate in a family. It shows relationship between father and son.
CM: (as he kept laughing) Yes it tells you how to deal with your Son-in-law. When Michael’s sister cries , he goes beats him up.
Me: Yes that is true. But it depends on how we see it.
CM: Of Course, it is very much a family value. It means you take good care of your sister.
Me: Yes sir ( and smiled at him)
CM: Now talking about family values. It is all changing now. Joint family has become nuclear family now. Personally, which one do you prefer?
Me: Sir , I prefer Nuclear family. Because I would want my Son and Daughter to grow with their grandparents and learn good values from them. (Without realizing my mistake)
CM: You mean you prefer Joint family.
Me: (realizing my mistake and got little disturbed) Sorry Sir. What I meant is Joint Family.
CM: Its ok. Be relaxed. But in a joint family you have chachas and chahis and Tau..You understand Chacha and Tau…(I nodded my head saying I Understand Hindi, Sir)You have to listen to them also. You lose your personal space. What do you think?
Me: Sir here Uncle Should know that it is not good to interfere in the personal affairs of his nephew or niece. Everyone should have some family values.
CM: You know these days you have pension schemes and retirement plans. You must have seem HDFC plan ad. I don’t know what they say in tamil. In hind it says, “ Sar utake jiyo” …raise your head and live. Father does not want to depend on son. They want to take care of themselves. What do you think?
Me: Yes sir. Those plans are for ensuring regular income in the future. But parents get old. They can not take care themselves. Children should take care of them. And it is father’s value that he should not be dependent on son. But a son should have a value that he would take good care of this parents.
CM: Talking about this issue, recently there was a law passed regarding this. Do you know that law?
Me: Yes sir. It was 2 or 3 years back. It is called Old age Protection Act.
CM: What does it say?
Me: It makes it a duty on the part of the children to take care of their parents. And parents feel that they are not being taken care of by their children, it can be legally enforced. They can deny property rights to children. Law of inheritance do not apply by default here.
CM: Why should government regulate that? It is a personal affair in a family.
Me: Yes it is a personal affair. But government has to enact such laws. The concept of geriatric care is important. Children should take care of their parents. Government has to control population. This is one such measure. Many family would have to take care of their parents. So in order to cut down expenditure they will have one child instead of two children. It is good for the country, Sir.
CM: Is there any other law that deals with such family issues? Like laws protecting women.
Me: Yes sir. We have Dowry prohibition Act and there is a recent law passed. I am not able to recollect the title of the law. It gives protection to women against members within the family.
CM: Domestic Violence Act.
Me: Yes sir. Domestic Violence Act.
CM: State is enacting so many laws. Listen to this carefully. It is a serious issue. There is an observation made by the sociologist. State would only become too powerful by enacting too many laws. What is your view?
Me: Yes it is true. But State should enact such laws to inculcate values in society. At the same time they have to balance between state’s responsibility and one’s personal affairs.
CM: Recently Supreme Court made an observation that there is one law that is being used too much. Supreme Court pulled up some police officials and there was a lady involved in a case. Are you aware of any such thing?
Me: I’m sorry Sir. I have not come across any such thing .
Chairman now pointed to the member to his left. He Started asking questions.
Member 1(M1) : So you are a chartered Accountant . From the Balance sheet, how do you judge the values of a company?
Me: We can ascertain that from the networth of the company. And if the company is listed we can also make use of EPS i.e earning per share and P/E ratio. i.e Price earnings ratio.
M1: How do you find out P/E ratio?
Me: The formula for P/E ratio is MPS divided by EPS. MPS market price can be readily available. EPS is calculated by taking profit from the P & L account and dividing it by Number of shares.
M1: Suppose you are my financial advisor. There is a company with a P/E ratio of 7 and there is a company with a P/E ratio of 20. which is a good company?
Me: The company with a P/E ratio of 20 is a good company.
M1: Are you saying a company in which I have to pay twenty times more to earn Re.1 is a good company.?
Me: No Sir. We should not see it that way. High P/E ratio indicates the confidence that investors have placed on the company. It also conveys the future growth potential of the company. Also we should not see the returns in terms of dividend alone. We should also look at the capital appreciation that the company is providing.
M1: Ok. Now suppose there is a company with a P/E ratio of 20 and another company with 40. which is a better company?
Me: Sir, company with P/E ratio of 20 is still a better company. Because very high P/E ratio also could mean that shares are overvalued. So we should balance between low P/E ratio of 7 and high ratio of 40.
M1: Suppose instead of 40 if I give you 15. Between 15 and 20, which one you will choose?
Me: In that case we will have to look into other parameters also. We should compare the growth potential of the companies.
M1:Okay now, considering one economy as a company, like they say India Inc., what are the basis which you can use to judge?
Me: Sir, the first one would be GDP, Tax-GDP ratio , Fiscal deficit, Debt-GDP ratio. These are the parameters to judge the economy.
M1: But going by you parameters, and taking USA. There is nothing good except GDP. It has got highest amount of debt and very high Fiscal deficit.
Me: I was taking from India’s point of view. But as far as USA is concerned the debt and fiscal deficit is largely due to economic recession.
M1: No no….leave this last two years. Even for the last 20-25 years USA has been having huge debt. (Chairman also joined in Supporting him and the said M1 is economist)
Me: I’m sorry I was under the impression that USA’s deficit is largely due to recession.
M1: Now in spite of so much of debt why USA is considered as the powerful economy?
Me: Sir, this is largely due to their high GDP. USA’s dollar is almost considered as the world currency. And their companies are performing well and they have their presence all over the world.
M1: Now tell me broadly what should the economy focus on ?
Me: Sir , an economy should focus on increasing its tax revenue and at the same time it should focus on the social sector needs of the economy. ( Chairman reacted to this positively)
M1: Can the economy have a very high tax rate and very low spending?
Me: No Sir. Too much of high tax rate and low spending is not good for the economy . it should balance between the two. It is very important that social sector needs are fulfilled
M1: Now consider Tata-corrus. And Bharti is buying assets in Africa. Leaving out whats in it for Tatas and Bharti, tell me what is in it for the Indian economy.
Me: Sir, it will bring in new technologies for India.
M1: What is the technology involved in mobile company and there is nothing we can learn from Africa?
Me: Sir, Mobile services are picking up. Selling mobile services needs lot of marketing strategies. We can learn marketing strategies from them.
M1: But don’t you think $10 billion is little costly for marketing strategies.
(Chairman interrupted by saying Bharti can very well send some research team to learn the marketing strategy) Other than that what else is good for the economy.
Me: (I was thinking hard) Sir, It will enhance the tax revenue for the country.
M1: Yor are also a tax expert (he said that since I was a CA). Tell me how it will increase tax revenue. Bharti is in India. The other company is Africa.
Me: Sir, Under Income tax law the taxation is based on residential status. Bharti is a Resident company. And if the African company is controlled and managed from India, it will also be considered as resident. In this case the control lies in India. So it will be taxed in India.
(Member 1 nodded to that and passed on to the next member)

Member 2: Tell me is India a oil producing company or oil recipient company?
Me: Sir, India is oil receiving company. India imports 75% of its oil requirements from abroad.
M2: Yeah, that’s what I wanted to know. Now tell me how we can reduce this dependence on foreign countries?
Me: Sir. Many Indian oil companies like ONGC are investing in oil well abroad. We should invest more in oil-rich countries. We should also focus on non-conventional energy resources like solar energy and wind energy.
M2: But non-conventional is a long term measure.
Me: Yes Sir. But India is already making progress. India has become the third largest wind energy producer.
M2: But suggest some short term measure.
Me: Sir, recently many oil companies like ONGC and others demanded RBI for Forex reserves for buying assets abroad. That is a good measure. We can follow that.
(M2 signaled that he is done. Chairman pointed to the lady member to proceed)

Member 3: Guganesan, tell me you have done your B.com, M.com and then C.A. Chartered Accountants are paid well and they are all well off. Why do you want to join civil service?
Me: Madam, I had the desire to join civil service even before I decided to do CA. It started as a childhood ambition and later I was inspired by an IAS officer. She always told me that civil service is a good career and is all about to public service and one can cater to the needs of the society. That’s why I chose civil service.
CM: What is that officer’s name?
Me: Sir, her name is Mrs. Sabitha IAS.
M3: Where is she now?
Me: She is posted as Managing Director in Tansia in Chennai.
M3: Ok. Now tell me what is in it for India , in case of Bharti buying assets in Africa?
( I had no ideas why she was asking a same question asked by Member 2)
Me: Madam, It will bring new technology and tax revenue.
M3: Tell me something other than that.
Me: Sorry Madam. I can not think of any other benefits at the moment.
M3: You are from Kanchipuram. Tell me what kanchipuram famous for.
Me: It is famous for silk sarees and temples.
M3: What is the major crop in your district?
Me: It is paddy and sugarcane.
( Now she had finished with her questions. Chairman asked the last member to continue.)

Member 4: Looking at SSI it is doing very poorly. It can not survive amidst large industries. What is your view on that?
Me: Yes Sir. That is very much true. Government has taken many measures. It has passed a MSME development act. Now government has to take steps in skill development. Many people are unemployed in rural areas. They can be trained and employed in SSI.
M4: Take partnership firms. They are charged at a very high rate of 40%. But many big companies evade tax. ( Then he mentioned something which I could not understand. Later chairman said he is talking about Direct tax code. Are you aware of that? )
Me: Yes sir. I am aware of DTC. Government is trying to bring down tax rates . In case of companies it is planning to reduce tax rate to 25% from 30 %. I think it will benefit SSI also.
M4: Government is proposing tax agricultural income. What is your view on that?
Me: Sir, presently tax on agricultural income falls in the state list. Now government planning to introduce GST which is Goods and sales tax. GST would subsume many taxes. In such case it will become possible to bring tax on agricultural income under that.
( Then Chairman takes over.)

CM: Now one last question. Tell me five freedom fighters from U.P and Bihar. Other than two Nehrus.
( I was thinking very hard. Then chairman said oh! Come on there are so many freedom fighter from the two states)
Me: I am not able to get the right names. There are too many names coming to my mind.
(After some time,)
I said…. Sir, Rani Lakshmi Bai. ( Everybody laughed)
CM: Ok. That’s one. I thought you will say someone from modern era. Someone in 1920s.
Me: ( after another few seconds of thinking) Sir, Bhagat Singh. But I am not sure about it.
CM: Though he spent most of his time in U.P he is from Punjab. So I will not include him. Ok. There is one from U.P he went on to become the President of India.
Me: (after thinking hard) I’m sorry Sir . I am not able to get the name. ( Later Chairman said he is Rajendra Prasad.)
CM: Now tell me, where did Gandhiji start his first start his mass struggle in India. In India. Not South Africa.
Me: Sir, it is Gujrat.
CM: No it is Bihar. In Champaram district. Ok. Your interview is over. You can leave.

Then I thanked the chairman and others and left the room.

Lost and Found...

Well, I’m not sure if my creativity is at its peak nor I wonder if there is anything left in me. The reason being the four large shots of signature I had tonight are really reaching my head and stopping the flow of my words. But I bet I can beat that to death and express myself, though not in a much lucid way, of the sickening ordeal I had gone through to get to where I am today. In the last three years of my life I have been a helpless witness to the devastation caused by failure which I am not yet sure if its been really beyond my control. But one thing that offers me solace is the fact that there are people, here in the field of civil service exams, who have gone through pain much beyond one’s imagination. And do not judge me here. It is not that, I have no sympathies for them. It’s just that life has been real bitch to some. Only these thoughts that help me remain grounded to the realities of life despite the random happiness that fills my life.

Oh yeah., I have just found some joy, at this moment, which can evade me anytime like a flashing light. But I earnestly pray that it does not. For, I only believe that I have already been through my share of pain. I have found the long-waited-for joy right now by having able to get through the civil service main exams. Though, its not the end. I have to appear at the interview which is only another way of elimination of nearly two-third of the people who have been selected. Ok, now putting all those pessimistic premonitions behind I have nearly a month to look forward to spending the time, in a arduous fashion, for my interview. And it is only this new found joy that is going to keep me working.

Work….work….work….

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

Life,that is...

It’s that time of the year again
Vacuum has set in, which I frown upon with disdain
Not that I cannot overcome that in defiance
But we all indulge in moments of indolence
Nor I acquit myself of this disobedience

Resentment, retreat, reticent and restraint
It’s all a repetition
Well, its that time of the year again.

Looking beyond this phase of rejection
There could be a festivity of celebration
Though no certitude.

Such a relief...

Sweat drenched my clothes
While I walked among the bunch of blokes
Prayed to god for the clouds of relief
He had a different plan or so was the belief

Days passed on with no change
While no relief in near range
People sulked and earth parched
Ponds dried and petals cried

Yet another day Sun beamed wrath
It went west as I walked on the path
Clouds turned grey all of a sudden
Soon became the earth moisture laden

An object of a curious case..

They say success taste a lot sweeter when you had trod through the bitterness of failure and stumbled upon the carpets of thorns. May be it does. But who cares. The feeling of success would last for say an hour or so or may be a week for some. What matters to me is the change in life that is going to follow. Its like suddenly you are placed at the crossroads. You are given the choice. Your life is no more the same like it was yesterday. And come to talk of it here in civil service preparation, that I am in to, its like suddenly you raised to the level of stardom. If you could place yourself in some decent rank every competitive magazines craving for lucrative chunk of their share in the business would flash your photos and interviews for the next few months. People talk about you and they’d remember you too during the stint of their preparation.

Well, I am looking forward to that change. And you want me to talk about my failure. They call it a curious case. It’s like I’ve passed through all the stages of exams and failed at all of them too. Things have gone in a backward fashion for me. Anyways, I lived this life that I am going through right now for miserably longer years. I guess you must have seen this popular T-shirt line “I was born intelligent but education ruined me”. That is a little different in my case. I’d say,” I was born healthy education ruined me”. I had done too much of sitting staring at voluminous books that my joints and all needs to be regularly exercised. And that’s what the doctor said.

You know you need a bit of luck if you want to get what you want. But I guess luck is a gift I am yet to receive. And to pep myself up, who knows may be its in transit. One question that my conscience is asking me right now is, “ Am I working towards success?”. If I had to answer here then I would say “Not all the time”. Especially after making a brief visit home for my sister’s marriage studies has marked a downward trend on the graph of my progress. The thought that I’m the next one, in fact the last one in our generation, to get married in the family should shake me up a little to work even harder. Anyways its pleasing to meet friends and to hear them say, without going in to what lies beneath, that their studies are slow too. But whatever, there are always people making it to the success list. Ultimately it is what that counts.

Well, I am just peeping out to see if success is just around the corner. Hmmm…looks like its caught in the traffic. Ha ha ha….

oops....just figured out that this is my 50th post....That goes for a toast....clinnnnkkkkkk.......

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.

Lesson for Democracy….

Who said the scourge of corruption is rampant only in public sector and mostly amongst politicians? Here’s is a case in the corporate world that shocked thousands of investors in the capital market. Satyam Computer Services Ltd , fourth largest software services company promoted by B.Ramalinga Raju, is said to have breached the trust of its investors by making a decision to invest whooping amount of Rs.6000 crores in a company in which the promoter and his family members jointly own a major stake. This is much like taking a huge sum kept under public trust and enriching the pockets of the promoters and his kith and kin. The Board of Directors of the company approved the investment decision without considering other available options. One wonders if this had been done with best of intentions. No matter how sound the decision is this was a big blow to the investor’s confidence.

Here I would like to draw to attention to the reaction that it kicked amidst investors and the analysts. Just after the controversial decision was approved by the Board and made public the investors of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) floated by the company in USA smelt the smoke in the air,. The prices of ADRs dropped owing to this very reason. Back home in India investor did not react very sharply though. But analysts and experts were outraged and up in arms against the logic of the decision. A report by Mumbai’s Dolat Capital Market Pvt Ltd called this “Satyam’s Daylight robbery”. Following this the same mood was caught on like fire by investors. As a result the Management of the company had to revert its decision. This proves that shareholder activism is alive and kicking and nothing can go wrong in a vigilant society.

This further reinforced the need for transparency in the corporate affairs and strict measures of corporate governance. Here there is a lesson that needs to be learnt and it has to be deeply pondered over.

Have we ever seen such a quick reaction to any allegations of any scams and kickback cases involving government and politicians that has very much been in our daily newspapers? Or is the functioning of the government not transparent enough? Transparency, accountability and good governance is the philosophies of every country that believes in democracy and its deep rooted values. But these are hard to come by. Not unless people of our country raise their voice in unison against wrongdoings by the government of the day. And not unless government makes its day to day affairs transparent. And not unless people realize that the money spent by government is their money too and theirs only. What we need is Citizens Activism. Their rights as citizens do not terminate in the polling booths. In fact it is only a beginning. Only this beginning would be the true beginning of the rule of the people.

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.

Vaaranam aayiram...

Finally the movie that had kept us waiting for a long time is here. Vaaranam aayiram starring Surya, Sameera Reddy, Simran, et all directed by the Kaaka kaaka fame Gautam Menon. Following Patchaikili Muthucharam belonging to genre of drama one would have expected a action filled flick from the Director who believes in making movies with a style and urbane touch. Vaaranam aayiram is a depiction of the connection between father and son. Most of the Tamil movies, especially Dhanush’s ,caricatured father as a villain in son’s life. But this one embraces every child’s unspoken belief in taking father as the first hero. Surya has given an impeccable performance in both the roles of Father and Son.

The story opens up with the father taking his last breath. On hearing this news Surya (son), while he is away on Army mission, narrates his life and his closeness with his father .But this narrative style of presenting a movie has had one disadvantage. Just for the reason that the movie has a foregone conclusion. Son finally comes to father’s funeral. And that’s the end. The director could have won over the audiences had he tried to unravel some new elements at the end. And the rescue operation that Surya heads looks patched up and disconnected though it explains that something of an urgent nature had taken the son away from seriously ill father. These are few flaws.

But ,by and large the movie touches you. It definitely does connect with some part of your life. The meeting between Surya and Sameera Reddy and the way surya courts her love is every man’s fantasy and a dream that we aspire to realize one day. It looks cute and convincing on the screen. But real life is hard all around. Love between Father Surya and mother (Simran) is aesthetically picturized . It reminds us of MGR-Saroja Devi on screen and it looks as though colour is added to those black and white pictures. But I may not call this a new idea.

Harris Jeyaraj like always for Gautam’s movies has composed music for this one too. The song “Mundhinam parthenae” and “ Nenjukkul peidhidum” would definitely steal your heart . This movie is definitely going to take Surya places. He has proved as a capable actor. His hard work and dedication is written all over the movie.

Watch this if you really the one who appreciate good cinemas.

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?

Petty Politicians...Pity People..

If there is one thing about India that amazes Western countries it is primarily India’s integrity to stay together as one nation despite its diversities in every aspect of a civilization. This becomes more sacrosanct when we come to think of it in the light of various secessionist forces acting in various countries across the world. In fact world’s history is replete with such bleed-a-nation-to-death stories. The controversial Holocaust, “Ethnic cleansing” in Bosnia , breaking up of Serbia and Montenegro, UN orchestrated separation of Kosova from Serbia, Russia backed breakaway of South Ossetia from Georgio, Clash between Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims in West Asia are some of the bloodily written pages on it. And looking at the war going on in Srilanka against LTTE one wonders if they would ever arrive at a solution. Here again there are accusation against Srilankan Army forging to wipe out Tamils in their fight against LTTE. And the story in our backyard is equally bad too casting a doubt on the virtue of our nation’s integrity.

Secularism remains an ideal thing to talk about. But the order of the day among fundamentalists is showing not a modicum of tolerance towards other religions. The act of vandalism against churches in Orissa and Karnataka performed shamelessly by the Hindu Fundamentalist and a rape of a nun is all highly condemnable. Worst thing is hundreds of people were displaced and turned into refugees in their own land. This situation was close to a civil war. The lethargic action by the governments of both the states reeks of vote bank politics.

The next evil that is gaining strength is regionalism. It has been apparent in a subtle way so far. But the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has blown up the evil to a size larger than life. The recent event involving MNS activists, of course this is not their debut act, beating up North Indians aspiring to take Railway Board Exams on the claims that Marathis are denied jobs is hooliganism that needs to be nipped in its bud. Raj Thackeray, MNS chief, following the attack addresses a gathering, “ Press your demands in such a way that they would have no alternative but to accept your demands”. He dared the government to arrest him and said “Maharashtra would burn if he gets arrested”. If he claims he is for People of Maharashtra why would he let it burn and let the people suffer. This is a utter display of what power can do. To everyone’s surprise Maharashtra government mustered courage to court his arrest.

And in another event in Tamilnadu there is widespread protest against attack on Tamils in Srilanka by its army. The State has some prominent political leaders who are known to be sympathizers of LTTE, an organization banned as terrorist organization across the world. Vaiko one among such leaders made an uncalled for statement. He said his party cadres would not hestitate to carry arms to Srilanka Tamils in their struggle for Tamil eelam. And as if adding fuel to fire his party chief warned centre not to force Tamils in the State to launch a struggle for a separate Tamilnadu. The Tamilnadu government in no less time arrested them on sedition charges.

What has become evident is that politicians who are expected to adhere to the constitutional principles are blatantly violating them. In their fight for power it is the people’s day to day life that takes the bashing. And as long as these leaders have followers that are very much likely to thrive on.

Rock On!!

Rock on-just as what the title says it thoroughly rocks you. For those who are thinking this is another film about friends much like the greatest hit Dil Chahta Hai you are in for disappointment. No doubt DCH is the greatest movie ever made on friendship in Bollywood. Though this movie directed by Abhishek Kapoor with lead role played by Farhan Akthar co-starring Arjun Rampal ,Koena purie and others is short on friendship there is lot of rocking music in it. This would indeed fit into the genre of “ Musical”

The movie opens with the touch of reality showing the diverged lives of four friends. Each one of them is class apart. This truly portrays how once celebrated and cherished friendship is pushed into oblivion in the struggle for livelihood- either in search for more riches or just to create an identity for oneself in the life of uncertainties. Debutant Farhan Akthar , the famed director of DCH, plays a role of Aditya, wealthy Investment banker who keeps pretty much to himself even at the cost of making his wife Sakshi feel like he is stranger in her life yet staying under one roof. The story moves forward as his wife finds out his past as lead vocalist in a fledgling Rock band in Mumbai. In an attempt to bring a smile back on the face of her husband Sakshi invites the other three friends played by Arjun Rampal , Purab and Luke Kenny to Aditya’s birthday party.

Later the movie switches between the four friend’s endeavor to make a music album in the past life and their dissection from music in the present life. Here the story unveils why their lives have found differnt direction. Each one of them realizes how their music created magic and they vow to resume what they had left unfinished. And then the story has an happy ending.

The debutant Farhan Akthar has not made a great impression as an actor. But he has proved himself to be a scintillating singer with his unique voice. My personal favorites are “Pichle saath Dinon Mein” and “Rock on” sung by Farhan himself. The music by Shankar-Eshaan-Loy has lot of energy and is set to create trend in Indian music. Rock music is soon to be heard and be played all around the corner. May god keep the moral policing self-styled protectors of Indian tradition off the road.

The movie Rock on though did not meet the great expectations I had it is a great feast for your ears and would definitely give you a feeling that you are in the midst of thousands of audiences swaying left-to right in a Live concert. If you really want to get yourself rocked on and take a break from the regular bollywood style movies then Rock on is for you. Go ahead and get perspired in the heat of rock music.

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.

Its not about cigars!!

Who said it’s a globalised world? Apart from people still surviving on less than a dollar a day yet be part of the country which claims to have embraced globalization there are many countries which are embittered by seclusion, in varying degrees. Cuba is one such nation not quite far but just 90 miles from USA, the solo superpower of this world. Cuba’s tussle with USA dates back to some decades back and it has remained relentlessly without acquiescing to US hegemony despite economic embargo for 47 years. It’s a different story that this pride of Cubans is at the terrible cost of their sufferings, sorrow and deprivation.

This enormous power of a tiny island nation against the mammoth comes from its charismatic leader Fidel Castro, a revolutionary who led a 9000 strong guerilla army to eject out Fulgencio Batista, the military ruler in 1959. Since then his rule over the nation for 49 years has been invincible. This 81 years old ailing leader brought the world’s eye suddenly on Cuba when he announced on Tuesday that he has stepped aside as Cuba’s president. This is clearly a victory for the octogenarian against the US which had orchestrated many assassination plots on him with the aid of CIA. Some as unimaginable as fixing bombs in cigars and under the shells of turtles when Castro was out scuba diving. This news of descent of the staunch socialist brought cheer amongst the exiled Cubans, living in Miami, waiting to return and take control of their seized properties. And many American Investors in Florida are waiting with millions of money to rebuild Cuba.

The travails of life of Cubans may or may not undergo transformation. However, the leader of the socialist nation assured its people that the revolution can still count on cadres from the old guard and others who are very young in the early stage of process. What remains to be seen is would USA be able to instill a transitional government which it has been trying hard by supplying aid to the Cuban dissidents ever since the rise of Mr. Castro. But the pride Cubans, to whom the socialist regime had offered free education and health care, may not let Cuba turn into just another colony of USA.

Heart for Art...

If there is one thing I must credit my civil service mains exams, other than the prospect of success, it must be the way it has tried to broaden my horizon. But it’s a different issue as to how far I have been swayed by such positive influences. What else could one expect to go on in the mind when you have been just confined to one creepy room with books of all sizes. The temptation to day-dream is irresistible unless you are shaken by the fear of reappearing in the exam. Well, am just pointing out the strange thoughts and bizarre aspirations I used to get during those days. When I see a painting exhibition going on in the city my mind just wants to be there gazing at unfathomable modern art with a critic’s point of view. And when I see a dance performance scheduled that evening I wonder why I hadn’t become a dancer. Or at the least being present there myself. The thoughts go on, after all, it has no limits. Ain’t it??

Ironically, things changed after exams. I no longer seem to be interested in any other things. Except the movies I watched passionately. I tirelessly pursued this pleasure of watching pictures. But my interest in dance shows took rebirth when I incidentally met some of the dancers who had come to give their performance in Chennai. And moreover the Auditorium (Music Academy) was pretty close to my house. I know that the Music academy is of very high reputation and takes only the best performers. So I finally landed watching the show.

It was my first experience to watch contemporary dance. They say it’s a collection of system and methods from modern and post modern dances. This group of dancers, part of Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, consist of graceful and electrifying youngsters who are trained in various dance form from Bharatanatyam, Kuthchipudi, Tai Chi , Ballet to Kalarippayatu martial arts. They performed a theme called “Purushartha”, etched on an Indian philosophical concept, blended with Japanese digital and sonic arts.

Throughout the show the dancers looked vibrant and their movements were observed by each one in the audiences with such an awe. The theme tried to portray the dilemmas in life through dance movements and the digital lighting at the background. Honestly speaking, there was very little I could figure out from the performance. And after the end, during the discussion with the artistes few from the audiences had the courage to ask what exactly the theme was about. But the concept maker Jayachandran Palazhy dealt with it very subtly giving the freedom to audiences to perceive the way their mind desired. In my opinion, these form of art should not remain open only to the arm-chair analysts and reviewers but also should pull the first timers and people wedded to Bollywood and Kollywood ( Stands for tamil film industry).

Nonetheless, the dance was engaging and exhilarating.

A Distant dream

Ethnic conflict in Srilanka has remained alive and kicking ever since its independence in 1948. And it came as a bitter reminder to the people of Srilanka on the eve of their 60th independence day with suicide bomb attack by the LTTE aide killing around 12 people in colombo railway station. This comes at a time when LTTE is facing setback in terms of its military power with Srilankan army closing in on their heels capturing areas which were under the control of LTTE. The history of Srilanka is replete with instances where both the srilankan army and LTTE have fought over territories to gain control over it. And the current attempt by the army is only a repetition of the same. And undoubtedly the Eelam War-4 has begun. But one wonders if there would be a solution to the conflict irrespective of who wins. India and other international community are of the view that only a political solution, not a military one, would bring peace to the island nation.

What needs to be seen is what it holds for India particularly the State of Tamilnadu whose people are connected ethnically to Tamils of Srilanka the very soul of the issue. With the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi by the LTTE and post active intervention period (1987-1990) the mindset of politicians of Tamilnadu excepting few has changed. Tamils issue in Srilanka is no longer a political issue. And the recent clamoring by the Tamilnadu’s Opposition leader Jayalalitha for the arrest of few politicians who still espouse the cause of LTTE in Srilanka vouches to this fact. However the rise in the inflow of Tamil refugees to Indian soil is imminent. This would again demand India to actively involve with srilanka . And its time that LTTE realized that creation of Tamil Eelam is only a distant dream as only a federal state with devolution of power is the immediate solution.