Friday, October 26, 2012
Where Have We Failed
Reading and watching the news, now a days, gives the impression that in India we have only scams and corruption, rapes and murders. Our nation which has one of the oldest cultures on this earth has fallen so low.
Even in our day to day life we see people who are not at all concerned of some one else. We see persons driving (even the costly limousines) breaking traffic rules, we see people violently reacting even for a very minor incident, we have become so self centered that by hook or by crook I have to be number one even if it is at the cost of a more deserving person. We talk of the degrading moral values constantly going south. When we go to our old school we often hear some one quipping that ‘when I was there the school was excellent, but not today’. Our teachers or the ‘dharam gurus’ or the politicians are not respected and they are not good to lead.
However, have we ever pondered as to why has this all happened. Even centuries ago we read of corrupt and bad characters but then in numbers they were a very small fraction of the total population and today it seems that it is just the opposite - a very small fraction of the total population are the ideal honest persons.
I feel that we have been failed by our dharam gurus, political gurus and the gurus in our educational institutions in the last few decades. We talk of sanskars coming from the family and if this is the state of affairs I am sure you would agree we have been failed here too.
It is time that all right thinking people take concrete steps to find a solution to this malaise or else we will be doomed to a point of no return.
We have to address as to what values we are giving in our education to the children and the youngster. Most of the above mentioned wrong doing is done by a literate person. Then it can certainly be said that education without values is of no value.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Layman’s Idea to Fight Inflation
The nation is struggling with high prices and the common man is suffering beyond limits. The depreciating value of Rupee has added to the problems and the government has been forced to increase the price of petrol which once again will add to the price rise. One does not know as to how much more s/he will have to pay for a kilo of potato or onion – the very basic necessity, in the subzi mandi when the visit is made next day.
The experiments and the solutions being offered by the experts, who are all specially trained for the purpose, with degrees from the best international institutes, are yet to offer some solutions which can ease the situation. From months or from years now we are seeing an endless inflationary pressure mounting.
As a layman I want to offer some solutions – for what ever its worth. May be, the common man’s idea can work, not necessarily mine.
The first of these is that the salaries of persons in the very high bracket, say those getting in five figures, should be sacrificed a little. If one has less it will give a lesson of spending judiciously and will surely lead to reduction in the cost of any product. Examples can be cited of say the consumer goods or the oil companies where the salary of seniors is astronomical. And why only two such examples? This will be a universal truth. In fact we keep on increasing the salary to fight inflation, which ultimately results in more inflation. Some day we will have to take difficult, unpopular decisions. Our cost of any product, in totality, will have to be cut to sell it cheaper.
The second idea would be to provide social security to every citizen resulting in less corruption and reduction in costs will therefore arise. If a person is provided the guarantee that in the difficult days, when s/he is ill or does not have money for basic needs, the country will provide the bare minimum, I feel that with this effort corruption can come down considerably. Today one is tempted to secure oneself, even if unfair means are to be used. And, once again, this will result in reduction of cost of every product.
Stop unnecessary expenditure, would be my third idea. In one’s household or in the business – big or small, in the private or the public sector, if we can stop wastage of the precious available funds this would necessarily result in declining cost of any product leading to easing on the inflation front. Recent example of concerns expressed by even senior cabinet ministers is the case of oil companies. If the cost of administration here can be brought down the prices of petroleum products can dive south and give the much needed relief to the common person.
The fourth suggestion and the last one for the time being, is to acquire all the money of various scams and put this in the national kitty and reduce the taxes – be it the service tax, be it the excise duty or the import duty – or others. This will also reduce the cost of products and therefore sell cheaper.
Some may say that the ideas given are not for development – and our GDP will not increase with such measures – we should think of progressive ideas to bring the GDP in double figures and everything would be on right track. However, I do not agree with this school of thought. In a nation like ours it is the common person’s cost of living which really matters not the GDP figures.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Celebrate Environment Day Every Day
Today we all are celebrating the World Environment Day. However, we should observe this every day and not only on the 5th June. Today the newspapers have numerous stories on the subject and are doing a massive awareness drive. Many ideas have been talked of which would certainly help in making this world a little better to live in.
Have we ever realized that the richer we become the more we contribute to the deterioration of the environment. The money that we have makes us buy luxury too, which is not good for the environment. More cars, more travel, more air conditioners, more clothes, well more everything – all adding up to more deterioration of the environment resulting in less life time for enjoying all this. Consuming less can help our environment.
Another angle – we usually do not make good quality products which can last for long. Instead we compromise on the quality feeling that the consumer will buy again for replacement creating more market for the product. This tendency also creates problem for the environment – more raw material needed and even the disposal of the waste creates environmental problems. Quality products can help our environment.
Similarly at our home we often remake our rooms or the furniture. This should be done only when absolutely necessary. Here again, the raw material needed and the waste disposal creates environmental problems. One can see this happening even on roads daily – unnecessary replacement of side walks etc. drains the exchequer and creates all sorts of environmental problems.
One would say that this anti-consumerism will affect the industry or will affect the employment scenario. But to live a healthy long life some sacrifices will have to be made. And we are capable enough to create other employment opportunities.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Well Done Boys - 355 Lives Saved
In a daily newspaper today I read news of how five boys enjoying on the terrace during the night in Delhi saved some 355 people on a flight from perishing. These boys had the habit of watching the planes and identifying as to which airlines flight is it. On Saturday (16th July)late night at about 1.45 they saw sparks coming out of the right engine of an aircraft. Sensing trouble they immediately called 100, who immediately called the Air Traffic Control. The plane was asked to fly back and landed under emergency conditions, safely at the Delhi airport. It was later found out that this was flight AI-101 from Delhi to New York. But for the timely call from these youngsters the passengers and crew would not have survived.
All of us should take a lesson from this episode. Keep our antennas open all the time and take appropriate action timely. Many a tragedies could be avoided if we are careful and watchful. The news says that the Police department will honour these boys soon. May be each one on this flight thank these young men individually.
All of us should take a lesson from this episode. Keep our antennas open all the time and take appropriate action timely. Many a tragedies could be avoided if we are careful and watchful. The news says that the Police department will honour these boys soon. May be each one on this flight thank these young men individually.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Preventive Health Care
Recently the Government of India has announced a scheme for health insurance to the unorganized domestic workforce. This is a welcome step. However, we should lay stress on preventive health care and make a special drive to keep our cities and towns clean. The municipal corporations and each one of us will have to take more care to keep the environment clean. The filth seen all around does harm the health of every individual and the poor are affected more as they, unfortunately, have to live in such an environment. If we can make cleaner living environment I am confident a lot many people will not get sick and save crores of Rupees, besides living a healthy life. If the citizen of our country is healthy s/he will help in the progress of our beloved country.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Attitude Towards Work
Some time after the March 11, 2011 devastative earthquake, I saw a photograph in one of the Delhi newspapers showing a photograph of a Highway in Naka, Japan completely ravaged. This photograph was taken on the 17th March and besides this photograph there was another one taken on the 23rd March. This photograph was of the rebuilt road, as good as new, with no debris around at all – in a matter of six days.
We can also do this. However, we have to change our attitude towards work. In most of the cities, including the capital city of New Delhi, you see roads being dug up for some reason or the other. And it takes weeks or months to repair this. This happens because of our casual approach.
We must realize that the dug up areas have dumps of earth all around. In this dry weather this mingles with the air, because of wind or passing vehicles. We breathe this contaminated air day in and day out causing major health problems.
Delaying the repair causes financial loss, fuel loss because of traffic jams, vehicle’s wear and tear, time loss and so on.
Now, if we just changed our attitude and the concerned persons saw to it that the repair would be done fast the country would save a lot. We, as a common citizen, should bring such issues to the notice of authorities and help in getting things improved.
We can also do this. However, we have to change our attitude towards work. In most of the cities, including the capital city of New Delhi, you see roads being dug up for some reason or the other. And it takes weeks or months to repair this. This happens because of our casual approach.
We must realize that the dug up areas have dumps of earth all around. In this dry weather this mingles with the air, because of wind or passing vehicles. We breathe this contaminated air day in and day out causing major health problems.
Delaying the repair causes financial loss, fuel loss because of traffic jams, vehicle’s wear and tear, time loss and so on.
Now, if we just changed our attitude and the concerned persons saw to it that the repair would be done fast the country would save a lot. We, as a common citizen, should bring such issues to the notice of authorities and help in getting things improved.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Education in Rural India
I am actively associated with Ekal Vidyalaya Movement, which runs One Teacher Schools in more than 35,000 villages all across the country helping more than 10.5 lac children in remote Bharat. (You can visit www.ekal.org to know more).
Recently I, as the President of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India, had the opportunity of taking Rodney Clark, a GM at Microsoft, USA to a few villages in Rajasthan to show him what Ekal is doing. I am happy to give below the report sent by Rodney on Ekal's work.
I hope you will enjoy reading this.
Rodney Clark, GM, MICROSOFT, narrates his experience of Ekal Vanyatra
It’s been more than 2 weeks since my feet touched the soil in the Village of Todi. A small remote village in the state of Rajasthan, India. We pulled into the village @ close to 3 PM on a dirt road, almost never traveled by car. I was in the back seat and when my door opened, my nose was filled with dust and the faint smell of mustard (from the crops growing around the villages). There was a lot of commotion and not understanding the Hindi language I couldn’t make out exactly what was happening. I could hear the loud banging of a bass and snare drum, I could see people scurrying but that was it. Within seconds, I was immediately surrounded by more than 30 villagers… By the time I could take everything in, I had been presented with 4 garland strands of flowers around my neck. I had one of the village women place the Tilak (ritual mark on the forehead that is viewed as a sign blessing, greeting) on my forehead, and my head had been wrapped in a decorative red cotton turban.
The day started with a meeting in my Hotel lobby in Delhi with Sri Vijay Maroo. Sri Maroo is the Managing Director of the Ranchi Express Group (a media outlet) and also President of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India. Ekal Vidyalaya a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing education and development in rural India. The goal of Ekal is to help eradicate illiteracy in rural and tribal India by 2015. Sri Maroo was accompanied by Sri Vijay Sethi a retired government official and a member of the Ekal executive Committee and Anush Kumar an Ekal employee who had just moved up from Southern India to dedicate more time to the cause. I had come to learn of Ekal and meet my new friends through fellow Microsoft Employee, Vasavi Epari. In October 2009, during Microsoft’s Annual Giving Campaign Vasavi shared with me the mission on Ekal Vidyalaya. As a supporter of early childhood education I was immediately curious on the impact that a cause such as Ekal could have in a country as Large as India. Vasavi later introduced me to Sri Subhash Gupta, president of the US Ekal chapter. I had the privilege of sitting with Sri Gupta where he talked about the work and goals of Ekal in supporting Education and development. I was impressed with the mission and on the spot committed to visiting an Ekal school on my next trip to India.
We left the hotel in Delhi slightly after 9 AM. Together we drove 3.5 hours (about 200K) South to the town of Alwar. Alwar is roughly 500K people and home to many of the Ekal regional volunteers for the state of Rajasthan. In route to Alwar, I started to get a better sense of life within India, outside of a big city. As a maturing global economy and market, India is still made up of thousands of small, rural towns and villages. These small towns rely heavily on farming and local trade to keep pace. I was able to see commerce in motion – the buying and trading of goods, workers transporting heavy loads and goods on camel pulled carts and buggys. To my surprise, I even saw an elephant being used for transport and removal of contraction debris. Sri Maroo was a gracious host. Along the route we talked Ekal Vision and we talked about the overall state of Education within India. As the conversation progressed I was able to slip in a few innocent questions about the sites and life in rural India (he could tell without asking that I was taken with the Camel buggies). Mainly however I kept silent and tried to take in as much of the countryside as I could.
We were greeted on the Alwar City limits by a team of local Ekal Volunteers. We were presented with flower garland around our necks and then preceded to the home of Sri Rajesh Bansal. Sri Bansal’s family had prepared a traditional Indian lunch. I learned quickly that the very basic rules of hospitality applied in Sri Bansal’s house – the more that I ate, the more that showed up on my plate. Thank you Sri Bansal! You have a wonderful family and I was honoured to be a guest in your home!
After lunch the Ekal team had a small conversation to confirm our plan and we were on Vanayatra (a Hindi saying for “with Forest” or “outside”) - off to the first village of Todi about 70Km and more than 90 min drive from Alwar. Considering I was the first to be fitted with a turban, I had a chance to watch the other distinguished guests receive their proper greeting. The welcome processional – with the endless bass and snare drum carried on for about 5 minutes. It took us to the heart of the village. Taking in as much as I could, I was surprised to see the cement buildings and structures. Some that I would describe as houses and some I would describe as multi-purpose shelters (possibly large multi family living spaces). The buildings were delightfully colored, mixing in an occasional blue, or pink or orange, as well as a mix of natural cement gray. At the center of the village was a small courtyard. This was also where they conducted classes and school for the children. The school floor was a raised cement platform adjacent to a fixed cement structure. And just like Sri Gupta referenced in our initial meeting, the school was indeed underneath the shade of the largest tree in the village. Once at the school, my attention turned to the children of Todi. Approximately 50 kids in the school ages 4-13 sat in 4 very organized rows. About 1/3 of the students were young girls. You could clearly see that this was not a normal school day. There was definitely some formality involved because of Sri Maroo’s status and I would imagine because of my presence as well. Sri Maroo was introduced, followed by myself and then the rest of the volunteers who had accompanied us on the trip.
The kids did their welcome prayer and then the teacher began to lead the students in a lesson on math (counting) and then into some basic sounds and reading. The kids recited many of the lessons repeating after a lead student or the teacher. A few kids were called to the chalk board to solve math problems – from simple addition to complex multiplication. Each kid that stood up appeared more confident than the next. During the demonstration Sri Maroo took some time to show and explain the curriculum and books that Ekal provided to the schools. The books looked like a traditional school / study book for basic math and reading. Sri Maroo also walked me through how Ekal tracked progress of the students. From attendance to simple progress reporting on key life lessons and skills. A simple hand written log / report that each Ekal teacher is required to fill out daily and submit to the regional team on a monthly basis. I was tempted to talk technology as an enabler but resisted in the moment.
Watching the kids interact and seeing them in this learning environment, there is no doubt to me that the efforts of Ekal are making a difference for the kids and for the Villages that are a part of their curriculum. In many of these villages, families rely on their children as wage earners and providers. The attendance records reflected that school and education has high value. I was pleased to hear the dialog between Ekal executives and Villagers encouraging the kids to also attend Government run schools in their areas. In the village of Todi, at least 1/3 by show of hands when asked, also attend a government run school in addition to Ekal.
My experience in Todi was repeated 2 more times. The next village of Barankabas , a village of 300 people who are working hard on educating the kids, and also working diligently to progress their organic farming methods – one of the key outcomes that Ekal is promoting in the various villages. In Barankabas I was honored with the privilege participating in the school session with the lighting of a candle that is lit traditionally to bring blessings over the lesson and gathering for the day. The lesson plan and curriculum demonstration was similar to Todi. This school had about 30 kids in the 4-11 yr range. Girls made up about 40%. The teacher in this school was quite young, maybe only 16 himself. The model calls for a teacher to come directly from the village in which they are serving. In this case, it was clear that this young man, while instructing the kids, was also learning how to become a leader in his own right.
Our last stop was the village of Banjara Basti. This particular village was population 100 and filled with transient and nomadic parents who move around often in search of better land and better living. The kids in this village were more curious than confident. It was evident in just the short amount of time that we were there that Ekal School was the only structured education that these kids might ever see, and potentially the only structure that these families see on a regular basis. Looking back, I wish we could have spent more time in Banjara Basti to get a better sense of the many ways that Ekal was supporting the village.
Prior to this experience, I connected Village to the notion of “poor”, “struggling” or “underprivileged”. While the villages may not have all the amenities of a large or developing city, they are rich with many things that are often times overlooked or undervalued in these more developed cities;
They are rich with Happiness – everywhere we went and every place we visited I saw smiles on the faces of the children, of the Village citizens, of the elders. They are rich with Respect – for elders, for their visitors for their teachers – whom themselves each come from the villages in which they teach.
They are rich in confidence – The kids greeted and talked with adults in a confident yet respectful tone. There were all mature beyond their years. They are rich in Hospitality – I felt welcomed in every village that we visited. The welcome processionals, which of course were flattering, each went out of their way to ensure that their guests were comfortable.
They are rich with Beauty – Beauty in many ways. The setting and surrounding within each village, the buildings and shelters, The play, the smiles, the people, the respect, all beautiful!
The simple lifestyle has brought about simple necessities. Education, health and well-being are clearly simple necessities. I was proud that at least for 1 day that I was living a part of the Ekal mission.
The day was over and we started our drive back toward Alwar. With the sun setting I had a last chance to take in a few sites; goat herders making their last trek of the day, wild peacocks flying in the mustard fields and countryside. It was a great time for reflection.
We made a stop in Alwar where we had a recap over toast and tea with the group of volunteers that had made the trek with us. While not fluent in Hindi, it was clear that all felt that the day was a success and a great experience. I was asked to share my thoughts and observations and had this to say;
That I was truly humbled by each and every volunteer who has chosen to give time to Ekal and promoting Education and healthy living in these remote villages. I was truly honored to accompany them on a visit. I was overwhelmed by the level of hospitality and that I was grateful to see and experience life in a small village. More importantly I was impressed with how the elders have embraced education and understand its positive impact on the kids. A great experience that I am thankful to have had. The drive back to Delhi was a little longer than anticipated – I also learned about mid-night traffic jams !!
Thanks again everyone who made this trip and experience a reality for me. I will cherish my experiences for a long time to come.
Rodney Clark
Recently I, as the President of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India, had the opportunity of taking Rodney Clark, a GM at Microsoft, USA to a few villages in Rajasthan to show him what Ekal is doing. I am happy to give below the report sent by Rodney on Ekal's work.
I hope you will enjoy reading this.
Rodney Clark, GM, MICROSOFT, narrates his experience of Ekal Vanyatra
It’s been more than 2 weeks since my feet touched the soil in the Village of Todi. A small remote village in the state of Rajasthan, India. We pulled into the village @ close to 3 PM on a dirt road, almost never traveled by car. I was in the back seat and when my door opened, my nose was filled with dust and the faint smell of mustard (from the crops growing around the villages). There was a lot of commotion and not understanding the Hindi language I couldn’t make out exactly what was happening. I could hear the loud banging of a bass and snare drum, I could see people scurrying but that was it. Within seconds, I was immediately surrounded by more than 30 villagers… By the time I could take everything in, I had been presented with 4 garland strands of flowers around my neck. I had one of the village women place the Tilak (ritual mark on the forehead that is viewed as a sign blessing, greeting) on my forehead, and my head had been wrapped in a decorative red cotton turban.
The day started with a meeting in my Hotel lobby in Delhi with Sri Vijay Maroo. Sri Maroo is the Managing Director of the Ranchi Express Group (a media outlet) and also President of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India. Ekal Vidyalaya a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing education and development in rural India. The goal of Ekal is to help eradicate illiteracy in rural and tribal India by 2015. Sri Maroo was accompanied by Sri Vijay Sethi a retired government official and a member of the Ekal executive Committee and Anush Kumar an Ekal employee who had just moved up from Southern India to dedicate more time to the cause. I had come to learn of Ekal and meet my new friends through fellow Microsoft Employee, Vasavi Epari. In October 2009, during Microsoft’s Annual Giving Campaign Vasavi shared with me the mission on Ekal Vidyalaya. As a supporter of early childhood education I was immediately curious on the impact that a cause such as Ekal could have in a country as Large as India. Vasavi later introduced me to Sri Subhash Gupta, president of the US Ekal chapter. I had the privilege of sitting with Sri Gupta where he talked about the work and goals of Ekal in supporting Education and development. I was impressed with the mission and on the spot committed to visiting an Ekal school on my next trip to India.
We left the hotel in Delhi slightly after 9 AM. Together we drove 3.5 hours (about 200K) South to the town of Alwar. Alwar is roughly 500K people and home to many of the Ekal regional volunteers for the state of Rajasthan. In route to Alwar, I started to get a better sense of life within India, outside of a big city. As a maturing global economy and market, India is still made up of thousands of small, rural towns and villages. These small towns rely heavily on farming and local trade to keep pace. I was able to see commerce in motion – the buying and trading of goods, workers transporting heavy loads and goods on camel pulled carts and buggys. To my surprise, I even saw an elephant being used for transport and removal of contraction debris. Sri Maroo was a gracious host. Along the route we talked Ekal Vision and we talked about the overall state of Education within India. As the conversation progressed I was able to slip in a few innocent questions about the sites and life in rural India (he could tell without asking that I was taken with the Camel buggies). Mainly however I kept silent and tried to take in as much of the countryside as I could.
We were greeted on the Alwar City limits by a team of local Ekal Volunteers. We were presented with flower garland around our necks and then preceded to the home of Sri Rajesh Bansal. Sri Bansal’s family had prepared a traditional Indian lunch. I learned quickly that the very basic rules of hospitality applied in Sri Bansal’s house – the more that I ate, the more that showed up on my plate. Thank you Sri Bansal! You have a wonderful family and I was honoured to be a guest in your home!
After lunch the Ekal team had a small conversation to confirm our plan and we were on Vanayatra (a Hindi saying for “with Forest” or “outside”) - off to the first village of Todi about 70Km and more than 90 min drive from Alwar. Considering I was the first to be fitted with a turban, I had a chance to watch the other distinguished guests receive their proper greeting. The welcome processional – with the endless bass and snare drum carried on for about 5 minutes. It took us to the heart of the village. Taking in as much as I could, I was surprised to see the cement buildings and structures. Some that I would describe as houses and some I would describe as multi-purpose shelters (possibly large multi family living spaces). The buildings were delightfully colored, mixing in an occasional blue, or pink or orange, as well as a mix of natural cement gray. At the center of the village was a small courtyard. This was also where they conducted classes and school for the children. The school floor was a raised cement platform adjacent to a fixed cement structure. And just like Sri Gupta referenced in our initial meeting, the school was indeed underneath the shade of the largest tree in the village. Once at the school, my attention turned to the children of Todi. Approximately 50 kids in the school ages 4-13 sat in 4 very organized rows. About 1/3 of the students were young girls. You could clearly see that this was not a normal school day. There was definitely some formality involved because of Sri Maroo’s status and I would imagine because of my presence as well. Sri Maroo was introduced, followed by myself and then the rest of the volunteers who had accompanied us on the trip.
The kids did their welcome prayer and then the teacher began to lead the students in a lesson on math (counting) and then into some basic sounds and reading. The kids recited many of the lessons repeating after a lead student or the teacher. A few kids were called to the chalk board to solve math problems – from simple addition to complex multiplication. Each kid that stood up appeared more confident than the next. During the demonstration Sri Maroo took some time to show and explain the curriculum and books that Ekal provided to the schools. The books looked like a traditional school / study book for basic math and reading. Sri Maroo also walked me through how Ekal tracked progress of the students. From attendance to simple progress reporting on key life lessons and skills. A simple hand written log / report that each Ekal teacher is required to fill out daily and submit to the regional team on a monthly basis. I was tempted to talk technology as an enabler but resisted in the moment.
Watching the kids interact and seeing them in this learning environment, there is no doubt to me that the efforts of Ekal are making a difference for the kids and for the Villages that are a part of their curriculum. In many of these villages, families rely on their children as wage earners and providers. The attendance records reflected that school and education has high value. I was pleased to hear the dialog between Ekal executives and Villagers encouraging the kids to also attend Government run schools in their areas. In the village of Todi, at least 1/3 by show of hands when asked, also attend a government run school in addition to Ekal.
My experience in Todi was repeated 2 more times. The next village of Barankabas , a village of 300 people who are working hard on educating the kids, and also working diligently to progress their organic farming methods – one of the key outcomes that Ekal is promoting in the various villages. In Barankabas I was honored with the privilege participating in the school session with the lighting of a candle that is lit traditionally to bring blessings over the lesson and gathering for the day. The lesson plan and curriculum demonstration was similar to Todi. This school had about 30 kids in the 4-11 yr range. Girls made up about 40%. The teacher in this school was quite young, maybe only 16 himself. The model calls for a teacher to come directly from the village in which they are serving. In this case, it was clear that this young man, while instructing the kids, was also learning how to become a leader in his own right.
Our last stop was the village of Banjara Basti. This particular village was population 100 and filled with transient and nomadic parents who move around often in search of better land and better living. The kids in this village were more curious than confident. It was evident in just the short amount of time that we were there that Ekal School was the only structured education that these kids might ever see, and potentially the only structure that these families see on a regular basis. Looking back, I wish we could have spent more time in Banjara Basti to get a better sense of the many ways that Ekal was supporting the village.
Prior to this experience, I connected Village to the notion of “poor”, “struggling” or “underprivileged”. While the villages may not have all the amenities of a large or developing city, they are rich with many things that are often times overlooked or undervalued in these more developed cities;
They are rich with Happiness – everywhere we went and every place we visited I saw smiles on the faces of the children, of the Village citizens, of the elders. They are rich with Respect – for elders, for their visitors for their teachers – whom themselves each come from the villages in which they teach.
They are rich in confidence – The kids greeted and talked with adults in a confident yet respectful tone. There were all mature beyond their years. They are rich in Hospitality – I felt welcomed in every village that we visited. The welcome processionals, which of course were flattering, each went out of their way to ensure that their guests were comfortable.
They are rich with Beauty – Beauty in many ways. The setting and surrounding within each village, the buildings and shelters, The play, the smiles, the people, the respect, all beautiful!
The simple lifestyle has brought about simple necessities. Education, health and well-being are clearly simple necessities. I was proud that at least for 1 day that I was living a part of the Ekal mission.
The day was over and we started our drive back toward Alwar. With the sun setting I had a last chance to take in a few sites; goat herders making their last trek of the day, wild peacocks flying in the mustard fields and countryside. It was a great time for reflection.
We made a stop in Alwar where we had a recap over toast and tea with the group of volunteers that had made the trek with us. While not fluent in Hindi, it was clear that all felt that the day was a success and a great experience. I was asked to share my thoughts and observations and had this to say;
That I was truly humbled by each and every volunteer who has chosen to give time to Ekal and promoting Education and healthy living in these remote villages. I was truly honored to accompany them on a visit. I was overwhelmed by the level of hospitality and that I was grateful to see and experience life in a small village. More importantly I was impressed with how the elders have embraced education and understand its positive impact on the kids. A great experience that I am thankful to have had. The drive back to Delhi was a little longer than anticipated – I also learned about mid-night traffic jams !!
Thanks again everyone who made this trip and experience a reality for me. I will cherish my experiences for a long time to come.
Rodney Clark
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Don't pull down Adarsh - the tainted multi-storey bldg in Mumbai
Read the news of the Environment Ministry giving orders to demoish the tainted multi-storey Adarsh building in Mumbai. Now, precious national wealth has been used - be it the cement, steel, labour etc. Why don't we make this a national monument and use it for education of the poor living nearby? Specialised courses should be made where the needy children are given education with values so that they do not indulge in corruption when they grow up. Specialised courses should be made where the needy children are given education which will not only give them a degree but also skills for an opportunity to earn.
The building should not be demolished and precious national wealth wasted. Disposing of the waste will be another big problem. Use this for the needy and let this building stand to remind us how we flouted all rules to see this coming up, how we kept our eyes closed while this was being constructed.
The building should not be demolished and precious national wealth wasted. Disposing of the waste will be another big problem. Use this for the needy and let this building stand to remind us how we flouted all rules to see this coming up, how we kept our eyes closed while this was being constructed.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Should we really rejoice?
Today’s newspapers had a headline on its business pages saying that the sales of a car maker jumped 17% in December 2010. Another headline today was that 20 new models to hit road in 2011. Now, I am wondering if we really should rejoice over these news items.
As it is our roads are choked with traffic. And this situation is not only in the metro cities but all the state capitals and even in smaller towns. These traffic snarls have led to the environmental deterioration, have led to road rages; we have been reading news of fights over parking space and to top all this we have seen deaths on roads, because of accidents, rising every day.
Can one imagine the toll these vehicles are taking on the health of each one of us. The exhaust from the vehicles is not the only culprit. What about the mental tension one has while driving today?
Yes, our economy is rising with more vehicles being produced, with more people getting jobs but all this at what cost?
I am of the opinion that we should produce more public transport vehicles – be it the buses or the metro trains. Better public transport for the people will surely help in reducing the number of vehicles on city roads.
As it is our roads are choked with traffic. And this situation is not only in the metro cities but all the state capitals and even in smaller towns. These traffic snarls have led to the environmental deterioration, have led to road rages; we have been reading news of fights over parking space and to top all this we have seen deaths on roads, because of accidents, rising every day.
Can one imagine the toll these vehicles are taking on the health of each one of us. The exhaust from the vehicles is not the only culprit. What about the mental tension one has while driving today?
Yes, our economy is rising with more vehicles being produced, with more people getting jobs but all this at what cost?
I am of the opinion that we should produce more public transport vehicles – be it the buses or the metro trains. Better public transport for the people will surely help in reducing the number of vehicles on city roads.
Friday, October 29, 2010
National Resources For Constructive Use
We have been regularly reading in the newspapers or watching on TV of news informing us of the demolition drive against illegal constructions or news regarding how influential persons have made constructions beyond the allowed coverage area. I am not a statistician or I would have said that so many schools or so many hospitals could have been built from the so many demolitions done in Delhi alone in the last one year. This goes on not only in Delhi but blatantly throughout the country. The basic issue is that this is not some black money which has been kept hidden or parked abroad. This is something which is visible. We have just overlooked it. We should wake up to this. The persons supposed to look after all this have been seeing the construction going on and in fact allowing it, though illegally. We must realize that it is our labour, our cement and steel which has been turned into rubbles. The country has lost so much. And, yes, we could have constructed a number of schools and hospitals for the needy from this cement and steel and labour.
Monday, October 04, 2010
India Has Done It
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.
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.
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.
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