Yes, we have done it. The opening of the Commonwealth Games last evening was just spectacular. The dazzling ceremony must have left the viewers around the globe spell bound as it did to me. As an Indian I am even more proud today.
Till the last moment many had apprehensions but things went smoothly. Even the media reporting weeks before the opening played its role. We may say that a very negative image of the country was created but then the media acted as a watch dog and may be this triggered the organisers to act on its toes. The opening made a point that small skirmishes can not tarnish the image of the greatest democracy on the world.
The national capital is looking all decked up. Very few instances of the common man using the exclusive games lane on road are being noticed. Delhites must be complimented for this.
It is now the turn of each one of us to see that we keep the city clean, stay disciplined on the road and show it to the world that India is great.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Games - Image India
Now it is the turn of each one of us to showcase our own contribution to the success of the Commonwealth Games starting in just one week. Special lanes have been created on the roads of Delhi exclusively for the participants in these Games. And when they will travel on these roads these visitors from abroad are eagerly going to watch us. They will watch us as to how we drive, how we keep our city clean. Let us not worry as to what the authorities should do on this count. Let us ensure that we will drive properly. It will help in better traffic management. There will be less number of accidents reported next day in the newspapers. And, yes, when these foreigners will pass by they will witness a disciplined, educated citizen driving the way it should be done. On the pavements we should ensure that at least we will not litter around. Not that they will see us in the act itself but also to ensure that they see clean footpaths. In the market place many of these visitors will come to see the Indian handicrafts and enjoy the traditional food that we have to offer. Let us make their visits memorable. Yes, we will do it.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness
Now that the Commonwealth Games are just a few days away we Indian should see to it how best the image of our country is projected. We have heard a lot about what has not happened, how we have bungled on the preparations etc. However, is it not the way we do everything at home. Even in marriages at home or the inauguration of a mall our finishing work goes on till the last minute, till the time the groom has come on the gates or till the time the chief guest is about to cut the ribbon.
Recently we were witness to photos of the games village with dirty sinks, toilets etc. Do we expect the high officials to visit each of these places to see if everything is spic and span. I am not justifying their lack of responsibility or the action that these high ups should have taken, but then what we, as a common citizen are doing.
We will have to introspect as to where have we failed in teaching ourselves the virtues of healthy living in clean conditions. We come across slogans saying ‘cleanliness is next to Godliness’ at so many places. Still we do not want to realize that cleanliness can alone give each one of us good health.
Today in cities like Mumbai and Delhi we hear of thousands effected by Dengue or Malaria – all because of lack of cleanliness. And for this we just keep on blaming the authorities. What are we doing about this? Are we adding to the problem or are we helping in solving the problem?
It must be realized that the mosquito which will bite will not distinguish between rich and poor, between castes or creed. Let us vow that we will help in keeping our surroundings clean.
Recently we were witness to photos of the games village with dirty sinks, toilets etc. Do we expect the high officials to visit each of these places to see if everything is spic and span. I am not justifying their lack of responsibility or the action that these high ups should have taken, but then what we, as a common citizen are doing.
We will have to introspect as to where have we failed in teaching ourselves the virtues of healthy living in clean conditions. We come across slogans saying ‘cleanliness is next to Godliness’ at so many places. Still we do not want to realize that cleanliness can alone give each one of us good health.
Today in cities like Mumbai and Delhi we hear of thousands effected by Dengue or Malaria – all because of lack of cleanliness. And for this we just keep on blaming the authorities. What are we doing about this? Are we adding to the problem or are we helping in solving the problem?
It must be realized that the mosquito which will bite will not distinguish between rich and poor, between castes or creed. Let us vow that we will help in keeping our surroundings clean.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Education With Values
Early in the morning today I had to go for a meeting. It was time for the children to go to schools. I could see a number of students waiting at several stops for their bus to come. There were a few who were going to schools in their own vehicle being dropped by their parents or drivers. At a crossing while I was waiting for the traffic signal light to turn green I saw a young mother jump the red light to drive her child to the school. The child was big enough to understand that her mother should have stopped instead of jumping the red light. When this child grows will s/he have regards for law, will s/he listen to parents when they tell this is right and this is wrong? Give this a thought. What are we teaching our child to do? It is not only the books which gives education to the children. It is the deeds that we do all the time which is also being observed by the child.
It is rightly said that giving education only will not be enough. This education should be with ‘sanskar’ or with values. Today, most of the laws are broken by literate people and not by the illiterates.
It is rightly said that giving education only will not be enough. This education should be with ‘sanskar’ or with values. Today, most of the laws are broken by literate people and not by the illiterates.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Bottled Water
A friend of mine sent me a link to a video clip showing how indiscriminately we use bottled water. And how this effects the environment. I was really touched and started wondering aren’t we adding to this problem. We go to theatres, malls, exhibitions etc. and always carry a bottle. We even ask for bottled water in the best of restaurants. Similarly when we travel we carry bottles. Now a days even in public functions one is offered smaller packed bottles instead of the glasses used earlier. No doubt we would always like to drink good quality water to avoid getting sick. But then can an alternative be found. Yes, it can be done. We should ask the authorities to ensure that good quality filtered water is made available at the theatres, malls, exhibition halls, restaurants, railways stations, airports etc. Good efficient water purification machines can be installed. We will have to convince the people at large that the water available here is of good quality and can be consumed without risk. We should not think of short term gains and feel that this action would hit the manufacturer or the seller. Let us think of the global environment on a long term view. Today, we may be consuming millions of bottles every day. May be with this small gesture we can reduce this consumption and do our little bit for saving the environment.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Reviewing What We Teach
The Government’s move to provide free education to all children in the age group of 6 to 14 is a historic decision. It would certainly take time to get the act enacted in totality. It should be the duty of all of us to see how we can help in making this come true at the earliest. We will also have to review what we are teaching. A committee of experts should be formed to study the books that are used for teaching in schools all over the country. Recently I was helping my grandchild when his Class III examinations were going on. I was surprised to find a reference to ‘Loktantra Ki Sthapna’. Imagine a Class III student in the age of 8 learning about ‘democracy’. At another place there was a reference to ‘one anna’ – a currency that we replaced long back (in 1957 if I am correct). Either we should have a chapter telling the history of currency or use the current denominations. Imagine I had to first answer what is ‘Loktantra’ and what is ‘anna’ before helping him with his other questions.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Death on Roads
I get quite upset whenever I read a news about people dying in a road accident. Today, 22 people died when a bus fell in a river in UP in India. I am informed that more people die in road accidents in India every day then by terrorism.
Lack of training of drivers of public transport system and also of private vehicles is one of the major causes for these road accidents. Overloading in public transport is also one reason. Other reasons could be poor maintenance of vehicles and also of the roads.
We as individuals should try to do our best to see that this untimely death of many could be avoided. May be we write to the authorities, use our influence in requesting them to be a little more vigilant.
While we can not do much to stop terrorism completely the deaths on roads can surely be brought down considerably.
Lack of training of drivers of public transport system and also of private vehicles is one of the major causes for these road accidents. Overloading in public transport is also one reason. Other reasons could be poor maintenance of vehicles and also of the roads.
We as individuals should try to do our best to see that this untimely death of many could be avoided. May be we write to the authorities, use our influence in requesting them to be a little more vigilant.
While we can not do much to stop terrorism completely the deaths on roads can surely be brought down considerably.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Not Invited To Copenhagen Summit, Still I Care For The Environment
The Copenhagen meet has started and the heads of nations of 193 countries are debating on climate change. The media has been active in giving us the news and views on this.
Let these big people take major decisions on how to save this planet and negotiate as to who should share the burden of climate change, make other policies etc.
Let me and you just concentrate on as to how, we as an individual can do our bit to save the environment and make this planet livable for our children and their children. The way things are moving now it seems that unless each one of us are serious about this problem – call it global warming, call it environmental degradation or what ever, may be we will survive but surely not the next generation. (And by survival it is meant that one lives healthily for an average life span.)
What can we do, as individuals?
Each one of us can certainly help. Do not ever think that your small little effort will go waste. Who knows millions like you are doing their bit and it is only because of these small efforts that we are still alive.
Just a few ideas:
Reduce the consumption of everything: I firmly believe that we should not consume anything that is not essential. I remember being told that before buying any thing think for a moment if I can do without it. This simple equation goes for anything and everything. I know if we reduce our consumption many of our industries will cease to exist but isn’t this better than we not existing. In the long run if there is no one alive who is going to use all that is being produced.
Reuse everything that is possible: This will decrease the demand of new products, which would help in saving of the environment.
Recycle everything that can be so done: A very informative article on rag pickers has appeared which throws light as to how they help in saving our planet. They work in the most unhygienic conditions and still it is their efforts which send many items for recycling.
Opt for better quality products: We should opt for good quality products which last longer. Cheap products have to be replaced faster and ultimately one ends up spending more – extra resources going to waste.
Improve maintenance of products: I do not have figures but I am informed that astronomical amount of money is wasted because of poor maintenance, in all fields. Just one example – phenomenal amount is wasted because the iron that we use gets rusted as it is not given proper regular coating.
Adopting trees for taking its care, pooling cars, bicycling wherever possible, saving water, saving electricity, driving properly and saving fuel on the road, and many such efforts can be made by each one of us to save this planet.
And yes, you must create awareness on this wherever possible – amongst friends, family or in clubs; in seminars, workshops, etc. You know, when people find out that you are so concerned may be some become a little more careful.
I know you would also have many such ideas – share them.
Let these big people take major decisions on how to save this planet and negotiate as to who should share the burden of climate change, make other policies etc.
Let me and you just concentrate on as to how, we as an individual can do our bit to save the environment and make this planet livable for our children and their children. The way things are moving now it seems that unless each one of us are serious about this problem – call it global warming, call it environmental degradation or what ever, may be we will survive but surely not the next generation. (And by survival it is meant that one lives healthily for an average life span.)
What can we do, as individuals?
Each one of us can certainly help. Do not ever think that your small little effort will go waste. Who knows millions like you are doing their bit and it is only because of these small efforts that we are still alive.
Just a few ideas:
Reduce the consumption of everything: I firmly believe that we should not consume anything that is not essential. I remember being told that before buying any thing think for a moment if I can do without it. This simple equation goes for anything and everything. I know if we reduce our consumption many of our industries will cease to exist but isn’t this better than we not existing. In the long run if there is no one alive who is going to use all that is being produced.
Reuse everything that is possible: This will decrease the demand of new products, which would help in saving of the environment.
Recycle everything that can be so done: A very informative article on rag pickers has appeared which throws light as to how they help in saving our planet. They work in the most unhygienic conditions and still it is their efforts which send many items for recycling.
Opt for better quality products: We should opt for good quality products which last longer. Cheap products have to be replaced faster and ultimately one ends up spending more – extra resources going to waste.
Improve maintenance of products: I do not have figures but I am informed that astronomical amount of money is wasted because of poor maintenance, in all fields. Just one example – phenomenal amount is wasted because the iron that we use gets rusted as it is not given proper regular coating.
Adopting trees for taking its care, pooling cars, bicycling wherever possible, saving water, saving electricity, driving properly and saving fuel on the road, and many such efforts can be made by each one of us to save this planet.
And yes, you must create awareness on this wherever possible – amongst friends, family or in clubs; in seminars, workshops, etc. You know, when people find out that you are so concerned may be some become a little more careful.
I know you would also have many such ideas – share them.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Less Cars, More Buses
In the Indian newspapers we have been reading every day that the car sales have jumped in spite of the other factors which led to the economic slow down. A number of foreign car manufacturers in the country are faring much better in India than in other countries. However, I fail to understand how we are rejoicing in such a scenario. It will certainly give a boost to the economy, may give a little fillip to the employment scenario – but at what cost?
All the cities and towns are choked with cars. We witness traffic jams all over. The pollution level is constantly rising leading to health hazards and adding to global warming.
Should we then consider a ban on manufacture of cars and lay stress on improving our public transport system? We should produce more buses. We should even consider making the buses luxurious so that one is not tempted to travel in his/her own car. We will certainly have to build more metros and improve on the existing city transport system. Our roads will have to improve for these buses to run smoothly.
Let us not just copy the west and increase our consumption of luxury items for which our children and their children will have to pay a very heavy price.
All the cities and towns are choked with cars. We witness traffic jams all over. The pollution level is constantly rising leading to health hazards and adding to global warming.
Should we then consider a ban on manufacture of cars and lay stress on improving our public transport system? We should produce more buses. We should even consider making the buses luxurious so that one is not tempted to travel in his/her own car. We will certainly have to build more metros and improve on the existing city transport system. Our roads will have to improve for these buses to run smoothly.
Let us not just copy the west and increase our consumption of luxury items for which our children and their children will have to pay a very heavy price.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Empowerment of the poor
In the last week of October I had the opportunity of attending the Ekal International Conference in Delhi. In this meet about 15,000 volunteers of Ekal had assembled, out of which some 13,000 were from remote India. Most of them were tribal. (I may inform you that Ekal runs more than 28,000 One Teacher Schools in the Indian villages. And the aim is to reach 100,000 villages with Ekal’s work by 2013.)
In this Conference these rural volunteers had come to interact with their urban counterparts, to let them know as to what capacity building has been done because of Ekal’s work.
From the stage a few of them narrated their experiences, in front of this mammoth gathering. It was a sight to see the confidence with which they were talking, the truthfulness which could be felt. (Many were talking in Hindi but some in their mother-tongue which was later translated for the benefit of all.)
An exhibition of the different areas depicted the work being done there. Even here all the stalls were manned by the locals and one could see their empowerment through the work they were doing for their community.
If more and more people come out to help such movements to empower the marginalized persons in remote Bharat, India can soon become a super power in the real sense.
In this Conference these rural volunteers had come to interact with their urban counterparts, to let them know as to what capacity building has been done because of Ekal’s work.
From the stage a few of them narrated their experiences, in front of this mammoth gathering. It was a sight to see the confidence with which they were talking, the truthfulness which could be felt. (Many were talking in Hindi but some in their mother-tongue which was later translated for the benefit of all.)
An exhibition of the different areas depicted the work being done there. Even here all the stalls were manned by the locals and one could see their empowerment through the work they were doing for their community.
If more and more people come out to help such movements to empower the marginalized persons in remote Bharat, India can soon become a super power in the real sense.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Traffic jams and us
Yesterday, while driving back from office, I was about 200 meters away from my home when I got stuck in a pretty bad traffic jam. With no signs of an early clearance I parked my car on the side and tried to find out what had happened. It was the usual story of people loosing their patience and not adhering to basic traffic manners. People in a hurry had driven on the wrong side and obstructed the vehicles coming from the opposite direction. And when the same story was repeated by many from all four sides at the crossing the traffic chaos followed.
It was a little later that I saw a youngster helping in making some sense on the road. I joined him and for the next one and a half hour we two at one end and a few others a little distance away managed to clear the traffic. It gave me a great deal of satisfaction to provide some help but then I was quite sad too.
We, the literate ones, driving big cars do not have any patience. We feel that we are the only ones who have to reach early. We do not realize that may be there was a patient in one of the stranded vehicles who had to rush for medical aid, may be there were infants needing care at home. And one can watch this happening every day. A fraction of a second delay and we can not resist the temptation to drive in the wrong lane. Do we have any right to complain for any thing when we ourselves do such acts of omission?
Let us all be a little considerate and by small things like this we can serve the community that we live in, for the good of all of us.
It was a little later that I saw a youngster helping in making some sense on the road. I joined him and for the next one and a half hour we two at one end and a few others a little distance away managed to clear the traffic. It gave me a great deal of satisfaction to provide some help but then I was quite sad too.
We, the literate ones, driving big cars do not have any patience. We feel that we are the only ones who have to reach early. We do not realize that may be there was a patient in one of the stranded vehicles who had to rush for medical aid, may be there were infants needing care at home. And one can watch this happening every day. A fraction of a second delay and we can not resist the temptation to drive in the wrong lane. Do we have any right to complain for any thing when we ourselves do such acts of omission?
Let us all be a little considerate and by small things like this we can serve the community that we live in, for the good of all of us.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Making a Difference
The other day I was in Mumbai. Chatting with a friend, I was pleasantly surprised to know of how innovative one can become if one really wants to do something positive. He was talking about how in the school of his grand child the kids were asked to bring the electricity bills of the house. The children were told that the bills were very high and from next month this should come down. They were told of how the environment would be saved if they switched off the unnecessary light, or the fan or the Air Conditioner. This had such an effect on the child that he offered to sleep one day in his room with the AC on and one day without the AC. He will switch off an unnecessary light or fan and ask the parents to do the same. I was also informed that in that school no student can be dropped or picked up by his/her own vehicle or even a pooled vehicle. All students have to compulsorily come in the school bus. All of us should take a lesson.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Water & Power Shortage, What Are WE Doing ?
The talk of the town is scorching heat and shortage of water. We have been hearing a lot about late arrival of the monsoons, heat wave conditions in most parts of the country, the people coming on roads to protest shortage of water and power. While we all keep on reading about this, seeing this on the TV and awaiting the rain Gods to help we should ponder as to what we are doing to avoid this crisis. It is high time that each one of us should also share this responsibility and just not keep on blaming the government. Every individual's effort to save can ease the problem to a great extent. And it is not only you saving but you also propogating this idea to others, you also convincing others to do the same. Various ideas can come to save water and electicity. Each one of you can help by exchanging these ideas through various means. Just don't feel that your effort of saving a bucket full of water or a Kilowatt a day would not be able to ease this grave situation. Imaging a million people doing this - what you get is saving of a million buckets of water and a million kw of power every day. So let's start this today, now. Some ideas given below (not all original from me)
1. Switch off any lights/fans, ACs, computers that you are not using or that you can avoid.
2. While running ACs see if you can share staying in one room instead of a number of ACs running at home or office.
3. While running ACs put this on a little high temperature, say 23 degrees instead of the minimum and use a fan also to ciruclate the cool air.
4. Avoid using lifts for short climbs.
5. Use power saving CFL lights.
6. Serve water to guests in bottles and empty glasses so that they can take only the quantity they want. (You rarely use the poured water in glasses once you take back)
7. Avoid unnecessary washing of utensils and clothes. Take your decision judiciously.
8. Get your car cleaned with a bucket of water and not by piped water.
You can keep on adding to this list. I would just like to add that please have consideration for those who do not have gen sets and invertors and who do not have stored water tanks or tube wells at their home.
You must appreciate that people staying in metros and bigger towns are so very well off and with politicians taking up their cause but there are areas which do not see power for hours and hours or may be even days (though power is provided to them) and there are people who have to walk great distances to fetch their daily needs for water.
1. Switch off any lights/fans, ACs, computers that you are not using or that you can avoid.
2. While running ACs see if you can share staying in one room instead of a number of ACs running at home or office.
3. While running ACs put this on a little high temperature, say 23 degrees instead of the minimum and use a fan also to ciruclate the cool air.
4. Avoid using lifts for short climbs.
5. Use power saving CFL lights.
6. Serve water to guests in bottles and empty glasses so that they can take only the quantity they want. (You rarely use the poured water in glasses once you take back)
7. Avoid unnecessary washing of utensils and clothes. Take your decision judiciously.
8. Get your car cleaned with a bucket of water and not by piped water.
You can keep on adding to this list. I would just like to add that please have consideration for those who do not have gen sets and invertors and who do not have stored water tanks or tube wells at their home.
You must appreciate that people staying in metros and bigger towns are so very well off and with politicians taking up their cause but there are areas which do not see power for hours and hours or may be even days (though power is provided to them) and there are people who have to walk great distances to fetch their daily needs for water.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Avoiding Polythene Bags
In today's newspaper there is a news of heavy fines to be made on use of polythene bags even after a ban some six months back in Delhi. People have to be educated about this. Only a law and fine is not going to help much. And these poly bags are convenient and cheap and their use has increased so much. In this heat these poly-bags are also used to carry water by the poor people. However, it is the rich and educated who should understand the gravity of the situation more. Let us learn and teach to the others that we should avoid using poly-bags and instead use eco-friendly paper or jute bags. It is heartening to see a lot many people going to the market carrying their own bags. This is a lesson one should learn and implement. Even at home we collect our garbage every day in poly bags (though mostly used ones) and give it to the boy every morning who comes and collects this. Can we just dump the garbage by emptying our dust bin in the big bag that he brings? I will also request all readers to implement and influence others to stop using a poly cover for the invitations that we send out for marraiges or other occasions. Even without this poly cover the invitation will reach the destination. And to my media friends a request to use paper covers instead of poly covers for sending their magazines to subscribers. Simple actions can save thousands of poly bags (in different forms) daily. We should all join hands to take corrective measures to save our environment. Be selfish. This is for our own well being and for the well being of our next generation.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Vote, you must
The elections to the 15th Lok Sabha in India are to be held in April/May. And this is the opportunity for us to elect some one who can deliver. Our system may not give us the ideal leaders. Still, this is the only opportunity for each one of us.
We keep on cursing our politicians, our system but this is also a fact that many of us do not go and vote. Sitting in our drawing rooms with our friends we keep on criticizing how the ruling government has bungled things but when it comes to elect a new government we go on holidaying.
We should also look to this inaction of ours from another angle. If we do not go and vote may be our vote is being misused. When you go and vote you not only do your duty as a good citizen but also see to it that no one else votes on your behalf. After all it is your country and it is your duty also to safeguard the democracy.
May be this would not solve all our problems but then we would be satisfied that we did try to elect someone we thought can make a positive change.
VOTE, YOU MUST.
We keep on cursing our politicians, our system but this is also a fact that many of us do not go and vote. Sitting in our drawing rooms with our friends we keep on criticizing how the ruling government has bungled things but when it comes to elect a new government we go on holidaying.
We should also look to this inaction of ours from another angle. If we do not go and vote may be our vote is being misused. When you go and vote you not only do your duty as a good citizen but also see to it that no one else votes on your behalf. After all it is your country and it is your duty also to safeguard the democracy.
May be this would not solve all our problems but then we would be satisfied that we did try to elect someone we thought can make a positive change.
VOTE, YOU MUST.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Bulldozing Illegal Constructions
Whenever I see a news item on the authorities using bulldozers to bring down unauthorized structures it gets on my nerves. Not that I support such construction work but then what were we doing when it was coming up. This was not something, like the unaccounted money that could be hidden under the bed – this was something being constructed in front of every one, very visible. Yes, the authorities from several departments must have come also and found out that the construction was being done without proper clearances or extra space was being created which was not authorized. However, since their pockets must have been filled this unauthorized construction must have been overlooked. And once the work was over all forgot about it till the time some other officials decided, or got Court orders that the unauthorized construction has to be razed. And the bulldozers came.
The person who made the construction was penalized and if nothing else had to pay for the cost of the construction which now has been razed. But, rarely we hear of action being taken against the officers who overlooked this unauthorized construction. If examples could be set, I am sure, officers would not dare to allow such gross violation of rules.
Have we ever realized that after all what colossal national wastage we are upto every day. The steel, cement, labour etc. etc. all gone to waste. Once the structure is brought down all these materials can not be reused. In fact it is another problem to dispose them. From this colossal waste we could have constructed hundreds of the much required schools and hospitals for the needy.
It is high time that we all realize this and not indulge in this national wastage of our scarce resources.
The person who made the construction was penalized and if nothing else had to pay for the cost of the construction which now has been razed. But, rarely we hear of action being taken against the officers who overlooked this unauthorized construction. If examples could be set, I am sure, officers would not dare to allow such gross violation of rules.
Have we ever realized that after all what colossal national wastage we are upto every day. The steel, cement, labour etc. etc. all gone to waste. Once the structure is brought down all these materials can not be reused. In fact it is another problem to dispose them. From this colossal waste we could have constructed hundreds of the much required schools and hospitals for the needy.
It is high time that we all realize this and not indulge in this national wastage of our scarce resources.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Death on roads
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.
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.
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.
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