I was pained to read the news of more than sixty persons perishing in a road accident the other day. The bus in which they were traveling overturned and caught fire. And then I realized that everyday in the newspapers one reads of so many deaths in road accidents – not necessarily that the death toll is so high. And we read the newspapers at one place which gives news of accidents mostly of that area only, which means that if we had access to data of road accidents throughout India the figures would be astronomical. I am sure there are not so many deaths even in terror attacks, from abroad or by local naxals.
Our country which has the proud privilege of sending a space shuttle to moon, has nuclear capabilities, still cannot improve the situation on the roads is ironic.
We will have to plan for better roads, plan for implementation of road laws. We will have to ensure that vehicles do not overload, that vehicles are road-worthy. We will have to give better training to the drivers and ensure that licenses are given only if they are found fit.
The voluntary organizations should come forward to ensure safe driving habits amongst the drivers – be they from elite class who drive the modern limos or the public transport and goods carrier drivers delivering our requirements all over the country.
And yes, please, all of you who read this, ensure that you, your family, your friends do take care while driving.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Understanding today's youth
I had a wonderful experience, the other day, at a programme organised by the Marwari Yuva Manch in Delhi. At the outset let me tell you, the programme was unique. They had assembled more than a hundred youngsters - all studying in class XI from different parts of the country for a three-day workshop with various subjects – all aimed at developing the individual – to make them prepared for the life to come.
I had the opportunity to take one session and my subject was Personality Development.
In my opening remarks I had clearly said that the session has to be interactive and the participants must ask questions and interrupt me whenever they feel like.
And against my expectations the questions were many. This is what I want to share with you all. I will not go in the details of what interacted after the questions were put but you must appreciate the curiosity and the anxiety of these youngsters.
While giving them tips on how their personality could be developed I had suggested that they should choose their friends with care. And as soon as I said this a number of hands rose from the audience. The questions that came up : “How do we do this?” “In the start they are good but later we find that they are selfish?” “Even if we do not agree to one of their ideas they feel that we are no more friends?” “How do we break friendship after realizing that they should not been our friends?” “Sometimes if we want to break friendship we are blackmailed?”
On a suggestion that they should avoid arguments and control their anger, once again many had queries. Some of the questions that came up : “Many times it is unavoidable, we have to argue?” “When I know he is wrong why should I accept his version.” “The other person just does not understand what I want to say?” “I get angry very fast, what should I do?”
Another question to me was, “do you believe in God?” “At home we are told that ghosts are not there as we have not seen them. Then how come God is there. We have not seen Him.”
I have shared all this with you just to let you know on what goes in the mind of a teenager today. And this is not uncommon in most of our youth, be they from any region, any class, any creed. For the parents and the elders it is a lesson to understand them properly.
I had the opportunity to take one session and my subject was Personality Development.
In my opening remarks I had clearly said that the session has to be interactive and the participants must ask questions and interrupt me whenever they feel like.
And against my expectations the questions were many. This is what I want to share with you all. I will not go in the details of what interacted after the questions were put but you must appreciate the curiosity and the anxiety of these youngsters.
While giving them tips on how their personality could be developed I had suggested that they should choose their friends with care. And as soon as I said this a number of hands rose from the audience. The questions that came up : “How do we do this?” “In the start they are good but later we find that they are selfish?” “Even if we do not agree to one of their ideas they feel that we are no more friends?” “How do we break friendship after realizing that they should not been our friends?” “Sometimes if we want to break friendship we are blackmailed?”
On a suggestion that they should avoid arguments and control their anger, once again many had queries. Some of the questions that came up : “Many times it is unavoidable, we have to argue?” “When I know he is wrong why should I accept his version.” “The other person just does not understand what I want to say?” “I get angry very fast, what should I do?”
Another question to me was, “do you believe in God?” “At home we are told that ghosts are not there as we have not seen them. Then how come God is there. We have not seen Him.”
I have shared all this with you just to let you know on what goes in the mind of a teenager today. And this is not uncommon in most of our youth, be they from any region, any class, any creed. For the parents and the elders it is a lesson to understand them properly.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Economic Crisis - Lessons to Learn
We have been hearing of an economic crisis and that too globally. The effect, which started from USA, is felt in most of the countries. Shares have been tumbling, production figures have started declining and it is being said that the crisis is worst than the depression of 1930.
All the above I have been reading in newspapers and got a little information from the debates that I have been watching on the TV. I am no financial expert. And I do not regret it, because all these financial institutions that have gone bust, the super powerful country – weren’t all of them advised by the best brains from the best institutes of the world. And they could not forewarn or take measures to avoid this mess, then I feel I am in no way inferior to them.
In India, we have been repeatedly told by our parents and grand parents to spend only if you have the money in your pocket; avoid taking loans unless you are sure you have the means to repay; when you go to a shop to buy something think once again if you could do without this purchase; playing in the share market is nothing but gambling etc. etc..
They were no economic wizards – it was very simple to them. They felt that if a loan is not repaid it is bad for one’s prestige; if one spends beyond his means one day he will loose everything.
In most of our literature, even in children stories such preaching’s have been given often, from centuries. And still, we messed up.
It is time that we realize the values of these simple advises. This will slow down the economy but at least it will not create an economic crisis of this magnitude.
We must realize that making a fast buck in the share market or in real estate is all short term, that too very personal. We should also realize that this is making us lethargic. If we will start making money doing nothing, but investing and gambling, who will go for production of machinery, equipments, health related services and so on.
We still can do it. We can still make this world a better place to live in.
All the above I have been reading in newspapers and got a little information from the debates that I have been watching on the TV. I am no financial expert. And I do not regret it, because all these financial institutions that have gone bust, the super powerful country – weren’t all of them advised by the best brains from the best institutes of the world. And they could not forewarn or take measures to avoid this mess, then I feel I am in no way inferior to them.
In India, we have been repeatedly told by our parents and grand parents to spend only if you have the money in your pocket; avoid taking loans unless you are sure you have the means to repay; when you go to a shop to buy something think once again if you could do without this purchase; playing in the share market is nothing but gambling etc. etc..
They were no economic wizards – it was very simple to them. They felt that if a loan is not repaid it is bad for one’s prestige; if one spends beyond his means one day he will loose everything.
In most of our literature, even in children stories such preaching’s have been given often, from centuries. And still, we messed up.
It is time that we realize the values of these simple advises. This will slow down the economy but at least it will not create an economic crisis of this magnitude.
We must realize that making a fast buck in the share market or in real estate is all short term, that too very personal. We should also realize that this is making us lethargic. If we will start making money doing nothing, but investing and gambling, who will go for production of machinery, equipments, health related services and so on.
We still can do it. We can still make this world a better place to live in.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Avoidable expenditure on festivities and helping flood victims
We have had the worst of floods. Never seen before. Till now not many deaths have been reported when one compares with the devastation that has taken place. But no one knows of how many have been washed away. Of how many we will never know. And what about the thousands who are going to suffer because of hunger, because of health related problems, because of mental agony and what not.
How are we to rehabilitate the ones who have been lucky to survive?
Help has been coming from various quarters. However, what I would like to point out here is to request one and all to avoid the expenses that we do on celebrations on the occasion of the forthcoming Pujas. I know we have been waiting for a full year to make this moment the very best. Have the best of Pandals and so on. But then no one knew that such a catastrophe will strike us. And we have to rise to the occasion.
We must celebrate. We must do all our rituals. But with austerity.
Let each one of us do our best to see that whatever we can, we do to help in this hour of need.
How are we to rehabilitate the ones who have been lucky to survive?
Help has been coming from various quarters. However, what I would like to point out here is to request one and all to avoid the expenses that we do on celebrations on the occasion of the forthcoming Pujas. I know we have been waiting for a full year to make this moment the very best. Have the best of Pandals and so on. But then no one knew that such a catastrophe will strike us. And we have to rise to the occasion.
We must celebrate. We must do all our rituals. But with austerity.
Let each one of us do our best to see that whatever we can, we do to help in this hour of need.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Pot Holes on Roads
Come rains and we find our roads in bad shape. Pages after pages in the newspapers give the reports with visuals of how bad our roads have become. Imaging on the one hand we are making great strides in development on all fronts and still we have not been able to devise ways to make our roads weather proof. If we have our research scholars find out the loss we incurr because of this our eyes will open wide. Imagine the cost of making these roads, then repairing it, the cost of vehicle maintenance, the loss of fuel, the extra time consumed to cover a distance and the mental stress!
As a concerned citizen do we write to authorities about all this? Who knows your letter reaches in the right hands and an immediate action is taken. We should also send our suggestions as to how we all can help in improving this situation. Experts amongst us, who know better of how these roads should be made, who have had the experience and have the expertise should surely send in their expert views. Don't ever feel that your letter and the efforts you have put in will go waste - at least you will have the satisfaction that you have done your bit.
As a concerned citizen do we write to authorities about all this? Who knows your letter reaches in the right hands and an immediate action is taken. We should also send our suggestions as to how we all can help in improving this situation. Experts amongst us, who know better of how these roads should be made, who have had the experience and have the expertise should surely send in their expert views. Don't ever feel that your letter and the efforts you have put in will go waste - at least you will have the satisfaction that you have done your bit.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Blessings and Curses
The marraige season is on. And with this comes the chaos on roads - traffic jams, people not reaching home in time and so on.
The other day I was walking to the market in my colony. On the way a 'barat' had just come on the doors of the bride. The groom was sitting in a beautifully decorated big limousine. His car was a little away from his destination. The friends and relatives were all dancing in front of the car and not letting the groom reach the bride and put the garland, 'var mala', as fast as possible. The celebrations were going on - loud music, dancing and the fireworks.
While the marraige party was enjoying itself a number of vehicles were stuck in the jam that followed the celebrations. The road was completely blocked and traffic from both ends came to a stand still. Some, from the party, were seen trying to help but invain.
Tempers ran high and the persons sitting in the jammed vehicles were cursing the marraige party - they could not do any thing further.
Now, tell me when a marraige is taking place in the family we invite guests to shower their blessings on the newly weds and here you are getting cursed because no one took care to avoid any inconvinience being caused to the others. If only, we had been a little more careful atleast there would have been no curses, even if blessings did not come from these people.
The other day I was walking to the market in my colony. On the way a 'barat' had just come on the doors of the bride. The groom was sitting in a beautifully decorated big limousine. His car was a little away from his destination. The friends and relatives were all dancing in front of the car and not letting the groom reach the bride and put the garland, 'var mala', as fast as possible. The celebrations were going on - loud music, dancing and the fireworks.
While the marraige party was enjoying itself a number of vehicles were stuck in the jam that followed the celebrations. The road was completely blocked and traffic from both ends came to a stand still. Some, from the party, were seen trying to help but invain.
Tempers ran high and the persons sitting in the jammed vehicles were cursing the marraige party - they could not do any thing further.
Now, tell me when a marraige is taking place in the family we invite guests to shower their blessings on the newly weds and here you are getting cursed because no one took care to avoid any inconvinience being caused to the others. If only, we had been a little more careful atleast there would have been no curses, even if blessings did not come from these people.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
SOCIAL WORK TO BE HIT BY PRICE RISE
We have been hearing of price rise on all fronts. Inflation has been hitting record heights and each one of us is feeling the pinch.
All said and done I feel the biggest casualty will be the social work being carried out by so many of our NGOs. All the noble work being carried out, to ultimately help the poor and deprived section of the society, by social organisations run on donations received from philanthropists all over. This donation is certainly to be hit because of the price rise. It will not be only from the individual donors but the coporate sector is also going to trim its budget for expenses under the 'Corporate Social Responsibility' head.
It is time that the NGOs should take stock of the situation and see to it that the expenses they make are justified and their targets for helping the needy fixed as per their priority.
All said and done I feel the biggest casualty will be the social work being carried out by so many of our NGOs. All the noble work being carried out, to ultimately help the poor and deprived section of the society, by social organisations run on donations received from philanthropists all over. This donation is certainly to be hit because of the price rise. It will not be only from the individual donors but the coporate sector is also going to trim its budget for expenses under the 'Corporate Social Responsibility' head.
It is time that the NGOs should take stock of the situation and see to it that the expenses they make are justified and their targets for helping the needy fixed as per their priority.
Friday, June 20, 2008
SAVING FUEL
With the oil rates flaring to 140 Dollars a barrel we just can not afford to waste this precious commodity. And who knows this will even go still higher to may be 200 Dollars by year-end when the winter sets in and the demand increases.
The only option left is saving fuel.
When we travel we should really weigh our options - is it necessary?
I would also suggest that we should adopt better road sense while driving. The other day I was driving in a post colony of Delhi and got stuck in jam for more than 20 minutes. You know why, because a few smart ones tried to overtake from the lanes that were meant for inward drive. These few thought that they would save time by taking the easy path. However, courtesy these smart ones hundreds of travellers lost a lot of time and precious fuel. Have we ever considered that may be by this irresponsible attitude of a few some one might have missed an important appointment, or some flight, or even reached late to the hospital.
And to the authorities I would like to call upon and ask them to take note of the bad roads which hamper proper driving and add to the congestion on roads. This leads to the increase of fuel consumption. No doubt, our rich contrymen can pay for the extra fuel, cost on wear and tear of the vehicle (I am not mentioning the extra time that we have to use for traversing as we all have so much of it) but we are adding to the problem of conservation of energy.
Friends, we will really have to wake up and each one of us can contribute our bit to save this environment and make a better place to live in for the generations to come.
The only option left is saving fuel.
When we travel we should really weigh our options - is it necessary?
I would also suggest that we should adopt better road sense while driving. The other day I was driving in a post colony of Delhi and got stuck in jam for more than 20 minutes. You know why, because a few smart ones tried to overtake from the lanes that were meant for inward drive. These few thought that they would save time by taking the easy path. However, courtesy these smart ones hundreds of travellers lost a lot of time and precious fuel. Have we ever considered that may be by this irresponsible attitude of a few some one might have missed an important appointment, or some flight, or even reached late to the hospital.
And to the authorities I would like to call upon and ask them to take note of the bad roads which hamper proper driving and add to the congestion on roads. This leads to the increase of fuel consumption. No doubt, our rich contrymen can pay for the extra fuel, cost on wear and tear of the vehicle (I am not mentioning the extra time that we have to use for traversing as we all have so much of it) but we are adding to the problem of conservation of energy.
Friends, we will really have to wake up and each one of us can contribute our bit to save this environment and make a better place to live in for the generations to come.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
REDUCE CONSUMPTION, VOW ON ENVIRONMENT DAY
5th June is the Environment Day - one would find articles after articles in the newspapers as to what is happening to the environment, how we are spoiling it, how we can save it and so on.
I feel the only sure shot way to save the environment is to reduce consumption. Reduce consumption of what? Well, everything. How about using a little less water or a little less electricity or a little less fuel and taking a vow today unnecessary things will not be bought. I know what I am suggesting will not be liked by the people in the business of manufacturing or selling, I know by doing this the GDP may come down but what is more important - to see business growing or to stay alive.
How about telling your child,'do not buy this as it is not very important and you may save the environment a little?' How about the child, realising all this, saying to the parent 'Ma, Paa I can do without this?'
Share your thoughts - talk about it with family and friends. Think about the generations to come - what sort of world we want to leave for them?
I feel the only sure shot way to save the environment is to reduce consumption. Reduce consumption of what? Well, everything. How about using a little less water or a little less electricity or a little less fuel and taking a vow today unnecessary things will not be bought. I know what I am suggesting will not be liked by the people in the business of manufacturing or selling, I know by doing this the GDP may come down but what is more important - to see business growing or to stay alive.
How about telling your child,'do not buy this as it is not very important and you may save the environment a little?' How about the child, realising all this, saying to the parent 'Ma, Paa I can do without this?'
Share your thoughts - talk about it with family and friends. Think about the generations to come - what sort of world we want to leave for them?
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Improve the living conditions
According to a very recent WHO report India will be losing a whopping 54 billion US Dollars or more than two lakh crore rupees in the year 2015 due to lifestyle diseases like diabetes, stroke and cancer. And you know why – because of unhealthy workplaces.
Add to this the unhygienic conditions in which our poor live. On one hand they do not get enough to eat and whatever they get can not be guaranteed to be healthy and clean. What about the water that is being used? Earlier one could find wells and just lift some water and drink – one could just take the water from a flowing river, but no more. All this is so much contaminated. Still one is using it and getting sick – may be not immediately. No calculations can be made for the monetary loss and the life loss.
WE will have to improve the living conditions in our cities and towns particularly. Travel by a train and see the dirty living conditions along the track, particularly near the towns/cities. Have you ever given a thought as to what is the cost of health on the citizens of India because of this? We do not have a choice. Start today to cleanse this rot.No readymade solutions. However, each one of us should be concerned and realize that if we do wake up today and act we will also be affected. Let ideas be shared – who knows your idea may just click.
Add to this the unhygienic conditions in which our poor live. On one hand they do not get enough to eat and whatever they get can not be guaranteed to be healthy and clean. What about the water that is being used? Earlier one could find wells and just lift some water and drink – one could just take the water from a flowing river, but no more. All this is so much contaminated. Still one is using it and getting sick – may be not immediately. No calculations can be made for the monetary loss and the life loss.
WE will have to improve the living conditions in our cities and towns particularly. Travel by a train and see the dirty living conditions along the track, particularly near the towns/cities. Have you ever given a thought as to what is the cost of health on the citizens of India because of this? We do not have a choice. Start today to cleanse this rot.No readymade solutions. However, each one of us should be concerned and realize that if we do wake up today and act we will also be affected. Let ideas be shared – who knows your idea may just click.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Social Work is Helping Nation Building
I was sitting with a group of friends and a few ladies asked that they want to do social work but don’t know what to do. Many suggestions came, which centered around that one could join some social organization or the other. A few said that they had tried this, but did not find the work interesting, or did not like the working environment there and so on.
To me it looked as if a few were just giving excuses for not working but their were certainly a few who genuinely wanted to do some work for the society.
In developing countries, and specially in a country like ours we can do so much. (To my global viewers I may inform that I am from India.) And, it is not necessary that one has to go to some social organization to help in nation building.
At the outset, if one has a genuine intention of doing social work – this itself is a first step manifesting your contribution to nation building. Staying at home and doing your bit for saving the environment too, is a great social work. Driving with responsibility and observing traffic rules again is a great social work. Paying your taxes genuinely, observing the laws of the land, not doing any act which can harm the others – are all great social work. And by this you are doing your bit to help build the nation.
Don’t ever consider that only the soldier posted on our borders is serving the nation. All of us cannot join the army nor can become the great Mahatma Gandhi but if I am a teacher, a scientist, a businessman, an accountant, an engineer, or even a housewife and do my job properly I am serving the community and contributing to the cause of serving the nation.
To me it looked as if a few were just giving excuses for not working but their were certainly a few who genuinely wanted to do some work for the society.
In developing countries, and specially in a country like ours we can do so much. (To my global viewers I may inform that I am from India.) And, it is not necessary that one has to go to some social organization to help in nation building.
At the outset, if one has a genuine intention of doing social work – this itself is a first step manifesting your contribution to nation building. Staying at home and doing your bit for saving the environment too, is a great social work. Driving with responsibility and observing traffic rules again is a great social work. Paying your taxes genuinely, observing the laws of the land, not doing any act which can harm the others – are all great social work. And by this you are doing your bit to help build the nation.
Don’t ever consider that only the soldier posted on our borders is serving the nation. All of us cannot join the army nor can become the great Mahatma Gandhi but if I am a teacher, a scientist, a businessman, an accountant, an engineer, or even a housewife and do my job properly I am serving the community and contributing to the cause of serving the nation.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Death On Roads
Every day in the morning open the newspapers and one can find reports of deaths on the roads in India because of vehicle accidents. Though no accurate data is available but thousands surely die. Overcrowding in the buses, or the maxi-taxis add to the problem. It is high time that concentrated efforts be made not only by the Government but also by the voluntary organisations to take remedial actions. A public information campaign highlighting the different aspects of this should be undertaken.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Ban on sale of platform tickets in Delhi
I would like to drawthe attention of the Railway Minister about the plightof old people and single ladies at the New DelhiRailway station because of ban on sale of platformtickets. Before enforcing this care should have been taken about the problems being faced by extortionist style demand of the coolies. The rule says that you have to pay Rs15/- for 20 kgs but I challenge any one to find this true. If these rates are unpractical or laws that we can not enforce why should we make them. The Railway Minister or the high officials will never get an opportunity to face this tiring exercise but it takes all your energy to strike a good deal with the coolie. And now knowing that one can not accompany even if there is a small bag or two the coolies have to be given what they demand. Please, will the authorities allow people to accompany the passenger? There may be other methods to see that the rush on the platforms is minimised. Care should also be taken to have the goods piled up properly on the platforms so that the inconvinience to the passengers is minimal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)