tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-100051732024-03-07T10:54:51.327-08:00World is the change you makeThoughts must develop into actions.
Some spend all life thinking.
Some spend all life doing..
If 10% of Indian Youth, including both of us, can be the ones who think n do..
Vision 2020 we are ready !Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-34960692032486613482014-04-28T21:57:00.002-07:002014-04-28T21:57:38.314-07:00Politics 2014-“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">To ensure BJP supporters read this whole article, upfront i would like to say that its wrong to brush NaMo as not having done <u>anything </u>for people of Gujarat, he might have definitely done some good work. But same time don't stop his critics such as AAP etc. to highlight the gaps. It is positive criticism that helps, not to silence critics. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">This was my second time field volunteering for AAP. The difference was that last time it was Delhi State elections and this time it was Central- Lok Sabha elections. Given that this was one year old party i knew it would have Minimal resources from volunteers and money to contest across the entire country, but it's indomitable will to change the landscape of politics would remain underestimated. On reaching Delhi, this was visible,volunteers and party cadre was scattered across the country, those were in Delhi last time were now involved in building party presence in their home states.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I decided to volunteer for Rajmohan Gandhi who was candidate from East Delhi, instead of working with central team. Why him- in 2002, I was 19, when my College Principal in Goa forced me to attend Youth Conference at Initiatives of Change in Panchgani. My Principal was Catholic and back that time this organization was called Moral Re-Armament, so I thought it was some Evangelist set up to do conversion. My fees were sponsored, as I mentioned to her that I did not have money to pay for fees. It was in this youth conference I realized how as young man I was hypocritical with my values, on one-side angry with corruption in country but on other side I used to never return my college fees to parents that were refunded on merit. I had quietly opened an account in cooperative bank and hid my college fees that was refunded every semester.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In my first conference, there was a debate on Godhra riots, each group had 2 speakers one for and one against. I volunteered to speak to justify the post Godhra carnage as mechanism of retaliation, a "response". I did not realize the venom my inflammatory speech had, giving examples across world and justifying responses as critical to bring order in chaos to ensure precedent is set. The constant applause by the young audience motivated me further and I went on verbal rampage. It is very easy to spread hatred and justify it with selective incidents. Discipline at this conference is at its highest level but That night my roommate who was a volunteer did not reach the room, I was waiting to be patronized by him for the applause given. When he returned he said that volunteers were very disturbed that such inflammatory speech was given at such place. He did not say any word and wished me good night and went to sleep. From that night it took me around 2 years to realize that I was being conditioned to retaliate, to believe that Ram Mandir is more Important than the living standards of the people living in Ayodhya who don't have basic amenities. I started to question everything, i started questioning every thought that was in my mind trying to find whether it was my own independent thought. It was in this youth conference, I saw life changing experiences, two brothers who never spoke with each other for several years for Ego come together, Two individuals who hated eac</span></span><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">h others religion hug each other and ask for forgiveness, young people who inherited family businesses promising to run them ethically, students sharing how they copied in exams and broke their parents trust to larger issues. It was here, while meeting social workers, IAS officers, Army Generals, Politicians it beckoned these fundamental moral issues even reside in the highest of offices whether corporate or government and families.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">It was this habit of introspection and listening to ones inner voice that allowed many of us to progress in social and corporate world. It is for this contribution of Rajmohanji that I decided to volunteer for his campaign, a person of his stature, knowledge and capability as statesmen deserves to be in Parliament.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">On reaching East Delhi office, with one week to go, I found that most of the volunteers were completely burnt out and exhausted. Unlike last time to be based in office, I decided to be a foot soldier to campaign. Rajmohan might come across on wiki as person in his 70s, academic and professor type, but he is voracious in his campaign. He would walk for long hours, as his pursuit was to visit every place In his constituency. Given that he had contested in 1989 against Rajiv Gandhi In Amethi, he definitely had an edge to handle hostile opposition as well as perseverance. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">But I must say, that compared to Delhi state elections, those candidates were micro managers of everything and very aggressive on planning their schedule and ensuring each activity is completed and improved. perhaps that was not the working style of Rajmohan as he had phenomenal trust and belief in the capability of the key people who were the campaign manager, volunteer engagement lead, financial lead,etc.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don't want to get into details of this entire campaign, the strategy etc. after seeing others attempting similar Initiatives In Delhi. So will share an overall perspective.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Rather than being based out of head office, this campaign took me to a different India that made me realize that Urban India is very large country in itself, each area having its complex web of issues, if you try to solve one issue, it has impact on others. The majority, that is lower middle class and middle class lives in endless society buildings where each building is attached to other, with narrow roads, crumbling infrastructure, poor healthcare and govt schools, a system that separates the rich and poor right from the beginning and continues to ensure the gap widens. The voices of how these people live in such places is horrific, todays couch potato generation should try walking on these roads, which is a stream of sewage, garbage along with Kirana shops, open toilets, poultry shops, barbers, temples, mosques. everything is there in these narrow lanes, and many readers would have assumed that these are all illegal. They are illegal, because it is convenient to assume this and watch the news on British Royal couples visit to Australia. But sadly many of these places are legal residences and the system benefits by keeping the same conditions as people are ready to pay bribes to get their things done, it is the cash cow. </span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Kashmiri Pundits and Sikhs living in these societies and Muslims living in the Ghettos, are both vote banks for traditional parties whom they have been voting for last 3 decades but nothing has changed for them, they are still scrambling for basic things, very basic indeed, memories of these visits send shivers down my spine. People have to realize that there is no pill that will make you wakeup saying its developed country, there is no one person who can solve all these issues, its not Golf competition its a team work, perhaps it might take a generation of 1% population working towards making it a developed country, not just in GDP but making life livable for these people so they dont have to migrate in first place. Current set up makes everyone pass the buck, when was the last time you heard that elected MP, elected MLA, elected Councillor, lets assume all 3 from same party work for the area relentlessly as much as you work in your organization to service your client. </span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">T</span></span><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">he problems are vast like an ocean which requires to be boiled to make change. Whereas the current govt machinery and system is like a candle.Delhi just like all other cities has 2 parts to it- the facade of development and other side which is inhuman living conditions.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">While campaigning, Rajmohan frequently asked what was their local problems, how is school, where do you go for hospital etc. one of the citizens was very vocal and asked him to solve their local issues. The answer given by Rajmohan made me realize that for all these years campaign for Lok Sabha has been such fake one. He explained him in very simple manner the role difference between MP. MLA, Municipal, and how he has to work along with them to solve each problem and how it was responsibility of the voter to ensure that AAP forms government in Delhi State and MCD. Unlike giving the typical false hopes and promises, here he was trying to educate the realities of the system above all he ended it explaining him how he will address each one of his problems, It was great learning to see such grass root campaigning.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">There were few instances of decency between party supporters of BJP & Congi whom we met. the elderly were much decent compared to the young when it came to interactions. In one of the parks while campaigning, there was this group of young boys playing cricket wearing Modi Tshirts, few of them did come and wished willingly Rajmohan, Immediately the Modi chant started, Rajmohan just waved at them and smiled. The T Shirt I must say was hi-resolution just like the billboards in the metros and entire Delhi.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">In another park we had a group of men who would chant each time they passed us while we campaigned, In the same park as we were reaching parking area, a senior local MLA candidate of BJP who had contested in 2009 came and wished Rajmohan, he told him that his children had heard him speak in the society and were having great admiration. I wished today's generation saw this discussion, the sabhyata, the respect to have a conversation inspite of being from 2 different parties, compared to those who just want to chant instead of true political discussion on actual issues.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">On the day of polling, our team was visiting to see if all polling booths are having any issues etc. At one such booth we met Rajmohan, as he got down from the car, a group of BJP senior party-workers came and wished him. One of them was very vocal and upset that one of the partyworker from BJP has joined AAP and has very poor ethical credibility. As he was taking the details, the same man started becoming more vocal about other issues. I slowly went between this group, to ensure we can handle the situation, Rajmohan put his hand on this man's shoulder and told him who ever wins either your group or ours, the winner is representative of this constituency he has to work with those who voted and did not, but he is a representative of this "samaj". The temper of this man just evaporated.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">There is a different Delhi that lives in different pockets of Delhi, some near to large flyovers of Delhi and many of them as we go away from Central Delhi. In high speed driving of Delhi, many of us dont see these areas, or just lookaway. ,It is in these areas that AAP volunteers are welcomed with lot of love, joy and admiration, many telling Rajmohan that in 49 days of government they never had to pay bribe for any of their work from getting ration, birth/ death certificate, hafta by police, minimal basic free drinking water for them, cheaper electricity. One man thanked me for volunteering saying because of AAP government he did not have to pay 30k bribe. But for the media this part of grass root transformation will be brushed aside as 49 days of circus, the whole objectivity moves to the method rather than the substance.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Like always the engine of AAP runs on volunteers, who campaign hard. One such group I met on polling day, they were volunteering near polling booth, the heat was on, they were there since 4am, no food and water. on inquiring with volunteer Incharge he said it's coming, this same "aa raaha hai" syndrome in India, after 30 mins I intervened to get them water and breakfast. One has to remember that each such activity needs money, with a small budget it's only committed volunteers who work in hot sun on empty stomach because they believe In this cause, they are tired of the same song sung every election time.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">There was another IofC friend, Vipul who had returned from Harvard last year and was volunteering as well. In one of the door to door campaign, Vipul was giving flyers and telling them about Rajmohan. In few mins, we saw him picked by police, this young thin boy was sitting between two oversized cops on bike. The bike was immediately stopped by our senior volunteer, and who asked them on what charges was he being arrested? They said he did not have permission to campaign. We asked him what permission is required for less than 5 volunteers to do distribute flyers door to door.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Imagine if we had not seen the cops taking him, where would we trace him, which police station would he have been taken to? </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Senior volunteer asked the cop, what areas he is aware that we have permission to campaign for today, he checked a scribbled paper. The cop kept looking in the paper, senior volunteer asked him "Does this place where we are, show up in that list". The cops was unsure what to respond and then left. This senior volunteer is successful businessman in the Lutyens, I don't know whether the cop would have reacted in same way if it was young college volunteer. </span></span><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">In 2011 during IAC days, met a person in Mumbai who was contemplating to get constable job by paying 18 lakh bribe, wonder will such person react differently to AAP volunteer who represents fighting grass root corruption.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">This time experience was very dark in a way. last time the political adversary was Congi, and such direct conflict with BJP cadre was nominal as our entire campaign was Anti-Congress and frankly there was very little motivation in Congi camp, add to that the NaMo marketing contract was not yet awarded so its campaign had not yet fully peaked so whatever problems volunteers faced was largely from the system.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I would like to highlight 2 provocative experiences out of many. On the last day of campaigning, two of us were campaigning near Laxmi Nagar station. Two young men working at NIC stopped by, they start saying "we are not supporting any party but country".They start regular FAQs on Minority appeasement, Kashmir Referendum, There is this usual question bank NaMO supporters have, even if they have answered before, they will be asked. As I begin to answer these questions, 2 other young people joined. One of them was victim of Muslim aggression in UP, he started sharing his experiences of Muslim aggression in his village, mentioning that how 20% Hindus cannot live in Muslim dominant area, but vice versa is possible. Sharing graphic experiences of riots, He then caught my wrist which had Hindu holy threads and started saying 'you are Hindu why are you supporting AAP'. this verbal onslaught continues for 15 mins, in-spite of my attempts to respond to each one of them. now topic switch at rapid pace from why India map on AAP website has misrepresented Kashmir(it was taken from wiki),Prashant Bhushan's individual comment on Kashmir, etc. still no chance to respond, like anywhere in India, more people started joining this alteration. Meanwhile I interrupted and said that after he finishes i would be allowed to speak. Then this discussion becomes very heated, as I am still waiting for my chance to speak. Few Autowalas stop their autos, and enter the group. It is then the NAMO chanting begins and group leaves. The initial two young people are still standing there one of them adds me to his whatsapp group. more about this whatsapp later. I realized that I broke my own role of 1 minute 1 vote, by wasting crucial time in the last day of campaigning. In such situations an AAP volunteer has to remain calm and ensure that there is another volunteer aware of the situation, above all one might get 30 seconds to speak few words, so choose carefully as a wrong word, will make you be judged as Pseudo Secular, Anti Hindu, Blind Supporter of AAP, and yeah ANTI NATIONAL !</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> Like every supporter of any party, there is question bank we carry in our minds. Following are the ones I used, that worked effectively.</span></span></h3>
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<li><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">In 34 years of BJP, where it was power in center or state, how many politicians or IAS officers it has ensured that got conviction on charges of corruption, and how many of them were from Congi, is that your commitment to Cong mukth bharat.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Assume there is NAMO wave, why in its history it has given for the first time highest amount of criminal background candidates ticket for Election. East Delhi had the top performer of BJP with Mahesh Girri with 4 criminal charges in his declared affidavit. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Why party with difference is not ready to declare to public its donation given in sum of 20k and below.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">If there is no linkage, what is Vice President of Reliance (son of Gujarati soil) doing in Rajya Sabha from BJP base in Jharkhand</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Why did NaMo write to PM asking for rise in gas pricing for Reliance and not worry about the differential pricing that ONGC had for several years, why heart bleeds only for 1 private company and not even state run GSPC.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">On the same day Vipul and me were going back by metro, like always we were wearing AAP topis. One elderly man approaches in the train and standing next to us, starts provocation again, this time screaming loudly-'BJP bhrasht hai'- mocking how AAP supporters say. He then starts spitting on his hand and just going berserk. Meanwhile i am waiting for my turn to speak. i tried to calm him down to have discussion but nothing helped, other passengers said dont pay attention, If i had looked away, it would mean i did not face his point, so i waited for my turn and that never came.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">i understand that extreme supporters are there in every party, even AK had to visit the person who had slapped him to apologize for the beating he received from AAP volunteers. I recollect that 10 years ago, even i would brush aside these incidents of violence saying its small in number and one of cases, you cannot control. But now having understood the implications of hate,i wonder....</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I wonder about that NaMO supporter who as victim of Muslim aggression in his village is getting used by the same framework, there is no healing given to his wounds, he carries that hatred, infact it is fueled more within this current setup. And his actions will be brushed aside as one of incidents. This framework has different intensities-on one side Ram Sena, Bajrang Dal, VHP on other side of wavelength is RSS, BJP, each one having its own agenda and methods. but whether physical or mental violence by anyone, it is always brushed aside as one of instance, a response. Nobody cares to heal hate, as everyone benefits from it, as in Mein Kempf, its all about identifying common enemy to unite people. Yesterday it was a Temple tomorrow it could be Chinese Threat !</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I wonder whether the media realizes that its format of TV Panel talk shows, is now entering the Youth psyche where each one is trying to cut each other to make a point, nobody wants to listen to consider the other persons point. I met senior journalist who at heart is a NaMo Supporter, who was trying to criticize on twitter the smear campaign launched by BJP advocate Madhu Kiswar on Rajmohan Gandhi s running a CIA training base at Panchgani. I asked him what he thinks of todays twitter judges, he said something interesting, even if he posts anything that is remotely an independently wrong thing done, even though he is NaMo Supporter, today's twitter mafia posts "at what price did you sell yourself". His family did tell him to close the twitter account as it was too much of mental violence, he said something very profound. Social networks give a sense of anonymity, but bring the true picture of India, what it is thinking. The person sitting next to you in metro, might have a different identity as soon as he is anonymous on twitter, you get a pulse of todays thought pattern. Question in my mind is, will there be any tolerance for second opinion, do i have to give a patriotism test each time before criticizing someones or party s failures.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I wonder when all political parties come on one platform before this hatred being fueled takes lives of each other. Whose responsibility is it to heal this hate we have for each other, the politicians, the media, the college, the parents, society, NGO, whose ? </span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> In 2006, I took transfer from Chennai to Bangalore. In weekend medical camps we were conducting 2 kms from MG road, Bangalore, the epitome of Development, there is a school compound in Jogpalya. 3 schools in one compound- Kannada Medium, Tamil Medium, Urdu medium. It was lunch time I saw that students from Kannada and Tamil medium got food from ISKCON temple, but Urdu medium school had different mid day meal of watery rasam and Rice. So I inquired with Principal, she told me that ISKCON informed her that they cannot delivery food to them since Friday is holiday for Urdu Medium school and food for that day will go waste. I found this completely absurd. On closer look, my friend Ashwini showed that roof is broken, we see the compound wall behind this school is demolished by illegal construction next door, They are now putting the construction material inside this compound, there is darkness in these classrooms. I convinced Ashwini so we meet the local MLA since I was BJP supporter back then, saying such discrimination for this school was wrong and we should make the system fix this issue. The local MLA S. Raghu kept dodging us, we wrote a letter, tried to hunt him down, on knowing the issue, he conveniently escaped from another gate of his house, and do note that this MLA's house is walking distance from the same school. Finally few of our B School alumni adopted this school to do the entire reconstruction and then Rotary pitched in as well.</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Mind it, 2 kms away from MG road, imagine the endless schools, where at formative age one experiences either racial or religious discrimination. There is dangerous seed planting of dislike for each others religion from all traditional political parties or to just look away when physical or mental violence occurs. this dislike to other religion becomes visible when like minded people interact and they share instances of hatred, none take initiative to resolve them.</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">What makes me fear the most is the usage of social media, specially whatsapp which is being used for misleading agenda that is under the carpet.The NaMo supporter who added me to whatsapp group, allowed me to see the conditioning of hate that happens under the radar. It is appalling to see how content that on face value is considered credible is shared, from interviews of ex-raw officer, conspiracy theories of CIA funding AAP, telephone calls between political opponents, Muslim aggression stories to pictures of women raped and burnt in riots. In Aug 2012, before bulk sms got banned in India,, Bangalore was flooded with SMS rumour that North Eastern people have to vacate Bangalore as Muslims would be taking revenge for the riots that took place in Assam. The state establishment was not prepared for such type of panic, entire North East population rushed to stations and airport to escape racial hunt down. It is assumed that forwarding of inflammatory content is left to the audience.</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Political parties with its cash reserves are slowly acquiring TV media channels which unlike print was away from its reach. Today whether its News9x owned by relative of Congi leader Vinod Sharma, Oswal Green Tech firm owned by Father in law of Naveen Jindal's which has 14% stake in NDTV, Keyur Patel of Fuse Media's stake in India TV, Reliance known stake in Network 18 and ETV. To understand implications, lets take the example of website oneindia.com or niticentral.com, self announced news agency is used by several NaMo supporters to share as credible news right from the most wanted Maoist joining AAP to indepth research on Ford Foundation funding AAP etc, There is no validation of news done, but judgement passed about Anti National etc. Without knowing the fact the company owning these platforms are companies such as Greynium Technologies whose directors are part of the social media team of BJP. (BG Mahesh, Rajesh Jain) </span></span><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> Amidst all these media stake all of them are bombarding us with so called news, discussions are now on what people say and react to each other than actual news reporting of people. In such a world, how will news of small political parties or even voice of local people get utterance, where will independent thinking reside. After a humongous turnout for Yogendra Yadav's rally, newspaper run headline story that Black flags waving !</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Each provocation we experienced in Delhi had its own context, is it this reason why good people shy away from entering politics? its venom, its distaste, the constant judgmental society, that ridicules,that keeps calling you names for any good work one attempts to do. The day pepper spray incident happened in Lok Sabha, how many news channel showed what BJP and Congi did in Delhi Vidhan Sabha when AAP stood up to table 2 laws that it was born for. That weekend AAP had only 2 options to live with tag of Satha ka bhogi (Power Hungry) or Bhagoda (Coward who ran away from battle). If it chose the first one, it would have hurt its core supporters who voted for it. to bring these 2 laws for transparency a well orchestrated media campaign could have broken the trust that it is just another party hungry for power. But it showed it stood for its principles it came to inception. Unfortunately todays world has so much hammering of content that an independent thought is extremely difficult, I do agree the method to resign power could have been better handled. As supporter and investor in AAP it would mean compromising on the principles if it continued to be in power.</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">This election, as erstwhile supporter of BJP I have seen it breaking every moral value it stood for, though legally they are ok, but its a workaround, similar to how one petrochemical corporate has been successful in India, thriving on grey area of legality and ethics. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">On the day of voting, live telecast of speeches taking place in other constituencies, 2-3 pages of advertisement on the day of voting in every newspaper, free food & drinks (after calling ECI, they did cease this) humongous hoardings kept across the entire city inspite of moral code not to campaign,. The money spent, has set a precedent, which will make ordinary individuals difficult to contest, without corporate or black money support, this money comes with its own conditions. This marketing blitz that has been outsourced has never been seen before. this makes my belief in AAP more stronger, as its core is that it encourages voters turn into volunteers who bring in their own money and raise for candidate who is ready to fight crony capitalism, communalism and rampant corruption. A political party that takes financial help from corporates, lobbies to pay for its volunteers will find it impossible to walk away without doing favors for them, it becomes the system it wanted to fight. NaMo then just becomes packaging change for the same system in different colors.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">My biggest failure was not be able to help in campaigning</span><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> in my home state Goa, as the dates for Voting in Goa was preponed and I reached just the night before. </span> </span><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">While I walked to polling booth in Goa to cast my vote, wearing plain white Topi with no party symbol, saw Goa CM walk past by amidst journalists. His entourage some of whom are family friends were shocked to see us wearing the white topis, we had gone to cast vote for a candidate who will represent us in Lok Sabha, who is non-corrupt, takes our issues and works relentlessly for the people of Goa. While casting vote, we were troubled like in Delhi for wearing white topis by ECI officials. on telling that there is ECI notification that plain white topis are allowed, we casted our vote. On the EVM below AAP was party named Rashtriya Samajwadi Party its symbol a torch with rays coming out- similar to AAP s symbol. ECI gave them permission for Torch, but when it got printed in EVM machine, conveniently rays coming outside the torch were added. As I walked out of polling booth saw CM still interacting with media, made me wonder that wearing plain white topi is an issue but front page advertisement of NaMo with Goa CM and personal request to vote by 2 BJP candidates in Goa dailies on Polling Day is not an issue. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Its been 2 years since BJP is in power in Goa, a decade of corruption done by Congress, still everyone walking scotfree with their plush imported cars as we wonder what will change. In Goa, I met one of B-School batchmates a loyal BJP supporter, he gave an interesting perspective. He said belief of God is as strong as the belief of devotees in it and same applies to its political parties and its volunteers. He said that he was karsevak he who would spend nights in temples, ringing bells to express the devotion to build a Ram Temple, even during Ataljis s visit to Goa, he was among the few volunteers who worked in the rain to ensure all logistics was set up. Today he said Goa has IIT CM who has core values of nation building and for 2 years he has not been able to stop the package offering of drug, gambling and flesh trade. </span></span><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Situation in Goa is such that if any newspaper national or state level reports about this cheap tourism, we locals just brush aside as negative publicity. people are not ready to accept this grim reality. Its human instinct. </span><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And cause </span></span><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">of Ram Temple, </span><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">my friend stood for is now on the last page of BJP manifesto. For many in Goa, they supported BJP because it was the only option against the corrupt and nepotism Congress, now AAP is the hope, for its core values and candidates it has given tickets. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> What we must wait to see is if BJP took 5 years to move from 2 seats in Lok Sabha to 84, amidst Bofor Scam controversy, How AAP scales up at national level. More than BJP and Congress, AAP is a threat to the regional parties, who have started their own shops of money making offering solace from voters who dont believe in BJP or Congi. If AAP gets 11 seats from 3 different states OR gets 6% of votes in four States and in addition it wins 4 Lok Sabha seats, it will be national party-a title to accomplish in shortest time. This election will help AAP to build its party base across the nation to bring the decentralization laws in the next 5 to 10 years.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Those who hate AAP, will start benefiting when other parties start implementing their practices such as transparent funding, online donations, tickets to anti-corruption crusaders,, volunteers who work for free. When AAP govt will share its weekly status reports submitted by its MLAs on governance metrics, it will disrupt the model of accountability that is practiced every 5 years only in the form of voting. it will make the same haters wonder why the political parties they supported never implemented this. It is only when they try bringing these changes in the parties they support, they would realise traditional political parties have become the system.</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">After all, like any other election, this one is also about selecting Member of parliament, but the successful perception management has created an entire urban swing that believes in PM candidate whose "Vikas pill" will make India developed country, "why dont you give him a chance", but sir this election is about choosing the right representative, isnt it a representative elections and not presidential election. Let us assume for one minute, NaMo is greatest administrator in mankind, but the hardliners who are victims of furnace of hate might take his victory as victory of their ideology. Even a greatest administrator will take 24 hours to respond to riots that takes place in Dhanbad or Hubli, and like always in these riots only the poor who think of religion on a full stomach will perish, which is collateral damage for politics.</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Back in Chicago, while driving to office in jet lag state, I looked at the sunrise on Michigan river and the scenic drive along the lake and wondered on the depth of the word "Time-Zone".</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">India is indeed in a different time zone, the crab mindset of pulling each other by constantly looking at faults is entering youth mind-space at unprecedented manner, making this generation insensitive. Everyone is fueling it from all political parties, media, society, families, soap operas etc. Question remains whose responsibility it is to bring people of different opinions together, so that they can respect each other. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will"</span></span></h3>
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Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-3170383246422596562014-01-01T10:56:00.000-08:002014-02-10T20:52:06.413-08:00Aam Aadmi Party- "Nothing can stop an Idea whose Time has come"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<u>Narrative on volunteering experience</u><br />
<u><b>Love at First
Sight:<o:p></o:p></b></u></div>
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My connect with IAC was during the coincidental presence at
Ram Leela Maidan when Anna Hazare broke his fast on assurance of Indian
Parliament’s resolution to pass Jan Lokpal. I
was deeply touched with euphoria of being there and witnessing it. Back
in corporate race, months passed and I was back in Chicago realizing that all
that was played in Parliament right from tearing the bill in the floor of the
house, was just a wakeup call to our generation that we need to fix our house
in order. Though I quietly followed the Aam Aadmi Party movement online, I saw
on facebook the first meeting in Chicago in February 2013. We met at Chaitra’s
apartment, I was amazed to listen to several volunteers who came to see how
they participated in the same IAC movement inspite of being in Chicago. Chaitra
is a working mother of 2 kids, inspite of doing 2 jobs as mother and employee
for corporate she was volunteer who anchored Chicago Chapter. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPchInZ6_M_IQG5SgjRXVVOiL5MhWU7e4wLnkpi9eNFDAORDOH9VBDLmSJqCuQpc36QTklCe432t_9QaPpGYI3Ke5GNHCGWI8P2LXb538PIO-_OzQuDEr_mLhU-zt7pF-W1PogZA/s1600/ramleela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPchInZ6_M_IQG5SgjRXVVOiL5MhWU7e4wLnkpi9eNFDAORDOH9VBDLmSJqCuQpc36QTklCe432t_9QaPpGYI3Ke5GNHCGWI8P2LXb538PIO-_OzQuDEr_mLhU-zt7pF-W1PogZA/s320/ramleela.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were given the
focus set out for the NRI population in fundraising and creating support in
India as top 2 priorities. As group we decided to host the first NRI Convention
of AAP in Chicago in May 2013. With just handful of volunteers we decided to
pursue this as it would mark AAP go on international scale to get volunteers
across the group. In pursuit of this Conference our team understood each other
better and built our understanding of the values this party stood for. As build
up we had several personal interactions with leaders such as Prof. Anand Kumar
whose own personal struggle as student during Emergency and being one of the
JPs selected disciples had to face wrath of then PM’s office. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/C0JyF8U4RxQ" width="420"></iframe><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over 200 NRIs across USA travelled for it. Prof Yogendra
Yadav and Dr. Kumar Vishwas were in person and Arvind Kejriwal was on the Video
Conference.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
This was followed by
volunteer workshop who signed up during the Convention. The momentum of
volunteerism went to a new high over dinner as soon as we announced that we had
made a loss of $2700 as paid out of pocket by few Chicago volunteers, and 27
NRIs stood up to share the burden by paying $100 each. One of the participants Rashmi from Dallas,
was requested by Chicago team as host on the podium, Raghava from Houston was
managing a booth on awareness of NRI voting rights. The shy Rashmi gracefully
conducted her first ever stage session and months later she sent an email to all
saying she has decided to quit her job and move to Delhi to help the party.
Raghava also quit his job and moved to Delhi to help in the last 6 months of
struggle. Everytime we rejected donation from Indians (PIOs) who had US Passport, they would feel very helpless and tell us that this is first time they came across a political party that did not accept money from them. They would then choose to volunteer by inspiring Indians with Indian Passport to join AAP and sign for up donation program.<br />
<br />
This Convention snowballed the whole NRI movement into a different
orbit, where several city chapters were founded and each identified areas of
focus to help build the party. The beauty of this momentum, was that inspite of
any handholding of senior leader, ordinary people came together and built their
own way of contribution thru skills and competency mapping.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Fg4UgNNH864?t=1h17m" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Volunteers such
as Srikanth took the idea of Reverse BPO-where NRIs or PIOs living abroad who
have access to cheap ISD phone would make calls to India to pitch new voters
and mobilize existing volunteers. With help of few critical hands-a website was
built, phone numbers were collected by ground volunteers in Delhi and calls
started flowing. Since we did not collect any money from PIOs they could
contribute through phone programs. Volunteers then came up with ideas of adopting
a constituency for fund raising and campaign management. Chicago chapter
adopted Delhi Cantonment our candidate was Capt Surinder who had fought in
26/11 operation as NSG Commando now taking on the corrupt system and contesting
against 3 time winner. We channelized our fund raising for this Constituency
and one of our volunteers Sujatha conducted regular Sunday Skype calls to help
in the campaign management-right from arranging computers to focused call in
program. Akshay who was pursuing his PhD came up with idea to walk from Washington to New York, he was joined with Madhu and Jayesh in awareness movement named Swarajyatra in 17 days they walked 200 miles, each day meeting and staying with Indian diaspora. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Across several countries, volunteers wore the Topis and did awareness
campaigns at every Indian event, festivals to bring in more volunteers.<br />
<br />
Its
painful many times to hear judgmental statements, that AAP is funded by Khaas
Aadmis abroad. Many don’t know the struggles even we take to provide this
money. I have seen volunteers doing small to big sacrifices to save money and
donate. Whether it’s a working people choosing to walk in bitter cold to save
that $15 cab ride every day to cancelling vacation trips to India. Majority of Indians who come here for work have
still an ongoing regular struggle of liabilities and mortgage in India or US
(agreed no inflation). Sukanya, one of
our volunteers from Chicago took over the baton of being Chicago Chapter SPOC,
and she rallied volunteers, with specific goals and our scale of contribution
moved to different level. Kakoli led our Telephone program with Chicago and was
assisted with Upendra, leading by example they used to spend long hours calling
people and volunteers in India and mobilizing them further. On the last day of
campaign (late night US time), Kakoli’s house was virtual call center and she
would ensure every volunteer has coffee and food. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 296.4pt; text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Call
to Nation<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After
committing and donating my savings to Aam Aadmi Party, I moved my free time
every night to do calling programs. Every call I did I could feel the ground
reality and pain of Delhi, and how they are craving for change. I was grappling
in my mind on whether to travel to Delhi or save that money to donate to the
party. Suddenly I saw Aam Aadmi Party being attacked from multiple flanks to
deflect the core issue to speculation and falsehood stories around it being B
Team of 2 national parties, fund raising by American Funds, appeasement of
Minorities etc. I realized that best way to channelize my disgust to this muck
campaign was to put all my talent and skills to the field in Delhi. I boarded
the Air India flight from Chicago with AAM AADMI Topi and was amazed to see the
response at Chicago & Delhi airport.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b> <u>GROUND
ZERO</u> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day zero I reached AAP Connaught Place office and signed up
volunteer form. This two floor office was same office that was donated by Harjeet Singh (supporter) for rent for Rs 1
per month. In media, it was reported this was sprawling “swanky” bungalow with
lot of amenities, reality was different thing all together. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was then assigned to Buzz team which was being led by
Prithvi and Shalini. That day the meeting had 5 people. Problem statement given
was that we had to capture the hearts and minds of voters who thought their
vote will be wasted as AAP might not make huge impact, we had to create a wave
of AAP where the wind blows with feelings of victory.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After chaotic brainstorming we finalized 2 themes to choose Ek mauka aap ko vs Es Baar
chalegi jhaadu which would direct the future course. The samples once printed
it was decided unanimously that its going to be is IS Baar Chalegi Jhaadu. Now
the constraints for this program was clearly stated a) we cannot mention
anywhere candidate name as the money was borne by party and not candidate b) we
need to follow every rule set by ECI. c) Cannot disturb the candidates or their
set of volunteers as they were assigned specific tasks. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At CP office I was amazed to see the commitment of extremely
talented people who have come across the world. One Team was the Legal team-battery
of lawyers with helpline to oversee compliance of all activities from ECI point
of view and who would help volunteers beaten by police. Booth Management Team
that would scramble every day to make candidates take booth management
activities on their priority list. Online team that would manage multiple
channels of social media, website etc, many of these people quit their fancy
jobs in the plush IT companies to work crazy hours. Volunteer registration team
that worked non-stop in mapping new volunteers to new activities. There was one
family who managed the entire food for all volunteers, both wife and husband
worked selflessly making tea, lunches, dinners etc everyday with same amount of
joy and love. Inspite of regularly telling them to keep some food for
themselves, they would smile and say that volunteers need this more than us as
they have to go out and work. Play4Change was motivated group of volunteers
that traveled across Delhi with its music and songs that would inspire people
to come out to vote in big numbers.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">AAP BUZZ Campaign</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://aamaadmiparty.org/buzz">AAP BUZZ Campaign</a> started to get momentum each hour. Idea to
storm Delhi was executed through 47 locations and by 10 feeder metro stations. We
decided to have a small crew in CP office and every other feet in the field. New
campaign inventory started flowing and we operationalized our work in 6 key
teams. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Staffing Registered Volunteers who were assigned
to Buzz and training them about campaign<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Inventory Management and Refilling locations<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->c)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->BUZZ Traffic Controller-oversee all 47 locations
and prioritize volunteers and inventory refills<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->d)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Helpline- Manage all new volunteers who want to
join this campaign<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->e)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->47 Area Coordinators- who would build smaller
teams and do campaign <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->f)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Training Volunteers- briefing them on all ECI
norms, giving them do’s and don’t’s, legal helpline numbers, ECI permission
letters to distribute Topis etc. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As its said nothing can stop an Idea whose time has come. Volunteers seamlessly got staffed into these
teams, we never got time to know each other qualifications, call to fame etc.
It was just non-stop work followed by late night conference calls. Many
volunteers were new to this concept of Conference calls, so when kept on long
holds-it did not stop the meeting, the show was still on. The spirit of volunteerism was inspiring each
day in run to up elections. One volunteer Bhushan was stopped by Police for
giving topis, police first tore the letter, start beating him and then arrested
him. Another volunteer called our legal helpline and in few hours we were able
to bring him back. As he got down from the car, his face pale and as he was escorted
inside our office, volunteers looked on. Such moments only strengthen the conviction of
volunteers, volunteers decided to walk more, speak more, sing louder, sleep
less and campaign harder. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BUZZ campaign was
overnight hit, volunteers in huge numbers got connected and we would have to
order Topis and Flyers every night. The 5pm deadline was approaching so in the
last push, volunteers that day worked crazy covering great distances on foot,
forgetting about the breakfast and lunches that day as each minute was crucial
to the party. At 2 pm, we had realized
that we have no inventory left, everything was in the field, and we started
getting calls for refills. Our message was simple “Now you are Arvind, we don’t
have any refills”, helpless we vacated the office to campaign ourselves. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the evening, Yogendra Yadav predicted how the voting day
will unfold, right from all Media polls will be proven wrong to how the entire
political fraternity will not be able to comprehend what happened, all because
of the spirit of honesty and intention of this party and hardwork of volunteers
who worked not for money but for country. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NQY0SA3Wz5Y?list=PLnskt6sM1mJk5O7kfLNQd88pGqe9_JwIL" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the night approached, AAP watchdog teams were deployed in
areas where free alcohol and cash are distributed by political parties. They
installed 2000 spy cameras and connected them to internet, teams across the
globe volunteered and were assigned cameras to keep a vigil. Delhi ECI seized 26.68 crore cash and 42,000
litres of liquor that was being distributed by political parties to woo voters.<br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></b>
<b style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></b>
<b style="text-align: center;"> <u>Day of Voting</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Early morning, I was outside
Jorbaugh Polling Booth assisting a team that was helping voters know if their
name is on the voter list at that polling station. There were 3 tables-
Congress, BJP and AAP at the stipulated distance. Most of the voters came to
AAP and BJP tables, there was negligible amount of people who wanted to walk
upto Congress. Every third person who came to our table had valid voter card
but no name on the list. We instructed each one to go to Polling Booth officer
hoping he kept a record of number of such voters who were denied voting rights
for not being on the list. Meals arrived for the 2 national parties in fancy
tiffin boxes, BJP volunteers decided to move their table under shade and soon
Congresss followed, the heat was on. They did forget to remove their garbage,
so we cleaned up their garbage as they kept watching. Jorbaugh seemed like very
affluent constituency, I asked one veteran voter why the turnout was so poor in
such affluent society, she told this was the highest so far. Volunteer next to
me told me very politely there is Delhi that cares only about the fruits of the
tree and not what happens to the tree or the land.<br />
<br />
At 3 pm I decided to move to
Chandni Chowk, I wanted to see the other India for whom everyday is
struggle. In the small bylanes of Old
Delhi, I could feel the true dance of Democracy, oneside the huge queues of
voters and others side battery of seasoned party workers who would have phones
plugged in their ears, hands filled with voter list calling out their colleagues
to comb out voters who haven’t come out to vote. There were only 2 names here
Haathi and Haath. I was amazed at the way they were organized; volunteers of
AAP outside these polling booths were like trophies kept in war-room unable to
comprehend how to battle out the muscle-men. These seasoned party workers knew
the game too well; they had stop-clock on their mobile as before 5pm they had
to get everybody in the line. It reminded me of bus conductors in private buses
of Goa, who would pull people to board the bus as if it was the last bus for
their journey. The heavy police presence right infront of all this just another
element of orchestra as they looked on. At 4.59 police got into action and at
5pm they pushed away every voter who wanted to get in the line saying 5pm
everything is closed. I wondered what happens to Daily wage worker to whom the
holiday doesn’t apply, how would he cast a vote. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Another experience was elderly BJP
party worker threatening AAP Volunteer Madhusudhan outside the polling booth
that they would buy every candidate one by one even if they win. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After closure of the doors of
polling booth, it reckoned that I have not had any meal all day. After getting
a table at Karim’s outside Jamma Masjid, shared my table with Belgian student. After conversations
around my stay in Leuven, Belgium. He asked me why I was involved in a
political party; on hungry stomach told
him that “responsibility is on educated people like us to take on the system”
not sure what it was but he kept staring and said “I wish the youth in my
country thought the same”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6ZL08-702ig" width="480"></iframe></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Days of Anxiety-waiting
for results</b><br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Days of anxiety- Media flooded the news with Poll
Results-some saying AAP will get 4 seats, Media labels such as Vote Katvas,
B-Party were back. Volunteers were like soldiers back from battlefield, our
physical body was battered, amidst all the fatigue and sleep deprivation
stories all of were full of smiles and feeling of content that we did make a
difference whatever the result may be. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next day, we had meeting of all volunteers in BUZZ campaign
to know each other as we just worked and never got time to know each other. Most
of the volunteers had left Delhi and gone back to their cities and residents back to their jobs and struggle
of life. With swollen feet and feeble voices we met at South Indian restaurant- we had an entire
diaspora-there was 2 management consultants from the Big 5, an organizational
change expert, Pilot who also ran training School, Young Agra graduate looking
for job who answered helpline, Company Secretary who quit from Oman, young Kashmiri Pundit who took leave from his new job, 87 year old Technocrat
who patented File Transfer Protocol, etc.
What amazed me was that this team itself had some Khaas Aadmi who decided to
prioritize and share burden of this large movement for no self-benefit, nobody
threw any title or credentials while do any kind of work, whether lifting those
gunny bags of topis, cleaning the floor, campaigning with strangers, , counting
thousands of inventory, or even while getting beaten & threatened by our
opponents. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Contribution of NRIs- <a href="http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/03/nonresident-indians-play-major-role-in-aam-aadmi-partys-delhi-campaign/?_r=1">Article on NYT</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/493qPGxfIx8" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Results On Anniversary of Operation Python 1971</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
On Sunday, atmosphere outside CP
office was that of new India, waiting to see history written each minute. As
Kumar Vishwas announced each result from the first floor of the building,
thousands of supporters danced in frenzy, while the crowds chanted Vande
Mataram, he jokingly mentioned though this is heard at every BJP rally, but we
are more passionate. Arvind was exhausted recovering from the grueling
campaigning in which he defeated Sheila Dixit by 25,864 votes. Yogendra Yadav
shared with volunteers how the party was now changing gears for 2014 elections
to launch themselves as National Party in selected states and that we must
challenge ourselves by silencing our critics by winning in Rural India. People were singing and dancing in happiness,
some of them were asking the same media reporters whether they regretted for
putting the media ban on AAP and running campaigns of Vote Katva etc. Another interesting
sight was the same police that dragged Arvind on the streets of Delhi on Oct 22
while protesting against corruption in the schemes for Physically Challenged,
same police that leashed water cannons on volunteers protesting against
shameful rape in Dec 2012 was now providing security outside the CP office.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After all celebration outside the
party office and Arvind’s first public address highlighting how common man can
defeat the political big wigs if one fights with honesty and intention to serve
people, volunteers walked back to respective homes singing Gandhiji’s bhajans. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In spite of both BJP and Congress
copy pasting the ideas of AAP during the election campaigns-Rickshaws, Human
Billboards, Targeted Social Media, running muck-campaigns of fabricated sting
operations, lies around being funded by
Ford Foundation / CIA, fielding independent candidates with similar election
symbol as AAP etc. This 1 year old anti-corruption movement was 8 seats short
of forming government with complete majority. In few days, the largest party in Delhi, BJP which was running short of forming government by 4 seats and mentioned they did not want to form the government. In staged game of chess, both Congress and BJP said that AAP made tall promises that it couldn't deliver and should have the courage to form a government, followed by spreading rumors that they will support AAP on common program . AAP office was filled with overwhelming response of citizens that AAP should accept the challenge and form government even if it lasted few days, but ensure that it solves the burning issues of people. The Governor of Delhi invited AAP team, saying the largest party has denied to form government, and asked if AAP being second largest wanted to claim to form minority government. AAP wrote letters to both BJP and Congress Presidents mentioning their response on 18 points as per their manifesto, whether they would support AAP, only Congress responded and gave letter to Governor not AAP that they will support AAP government unconditionally. AAP had fought against the corrupt Congress which was incumbent, given the dilemma it was decided to conduct 290 public meetings (Mohalla Sabhas), Website, SMS and Helpline voting to know from people what to do. Across all mediums of survey, people of Delhi voted in favour of forming Government. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ALyF-8jf7jU" width="480"></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Learnings</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In B-School Case studies we learn about new companies that
change the business model and rules of business. Whether its amazon.com that
changed retailer model in US, Apple
& Samsung that shook market leaders Nokia & Motorolas , Gmail that made
large email boxes free. What AAP did
achieve are few things that have never been done in political history before, a)
it stopped all forms of donation after it reached Rs. 20 crore mark and put up
list of all people who gave money online. b) They induced competition that
forced BJP to change its CM candidate to relatively less-corrupt. c)
Transparency in candidate selection with google hangouts d) Each constituency
having its own manifesto with prioritization of issues and their resolution –
this forced even BJP to attempt this in several constituencies.e) Same BJP that used all tricks of the game to form governments in past when short of numbers (Jharkhand, Karnataka, UP, Mumbai BMC, Uttarakhand etc) retracted from its instinct and took a stand not to do horse trading. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not just politicians but even the third pillar Media has
lost connect with the common man. I always gave importance to News coverage and
followed news anchors as they were my messiahs who knew the pulse of India.
Sadly the real India is struggling each day and is in commute during the
primetime of news channels. Perhaps it’s the minority people like me who have
the luxury to watch television and buy newspaper to have opinions. Actual India
doesn’t care even if Media runs the stories about AAP without validating their
facts. Common people who are giving their
own hard earned money, will keep giving their own money even if every media channel
runs Dr Swamy and Digvijay’s fictional stories as perceived facts. Though critics will even discredit what I am
about to share next, I still want to say it. That I did meet several hundreds
of Physically Disabled men and women, many of them blind waiting outside Gurudwara
Bangla Saheb in Delhi to join Arvind’s yatra. To see their commitment and
belief made me wonder, how small my struggle was to be there. The joy in their
faces when Arvind walked out of his jeep to hug these people, just made me realize
that time has come that common man has lost his fear to ask questions, he is
awakened now to clean his house. No news channel will cover this spirit, as
their perception of high TRP is difference between Anna & AAP. Politicians will continue to discredit the
effort of common people putting in this struggle being surrounded by sycophants,
not realizing that Kejriwal is manifestation of this anti-corruption energy.
There are no hidden agenda, but pure selfless cause of volunteers. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Arvind Kejriwal fasted to expose corruption in Utility
bills@ Sunder Nagri in April, his condition was critical and no news channel
was covering it. In desperate efforts I had asked a Senior Editor how many days
does an activist need to be on fast to be considered as news item worth
reporting versus Bollywood n cricket. With all wisdom he responded that
volunteers who chase media let Arvind down, political revolutions are not
measured by media channel, but instead do your grounds work and then will media
will chase you.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am too small to give advice to anyone, but one request to
all those who keep criticizing AAPs and its style of working- I decided to stop
being spectator of political experiment that as per sceptics had no future and
decided to contribute by volunteering rather than see it fail or succeed from
outside. If AAP doesn’t inspire you, choose any of the political parties and
volunteer for them, rather than just passing judgmental verdicts based on media
that has political & corporate investments. All political parties need
clean people, more the merry. From a passive supporter of BJP in Goa, I
couldn’t rationalize my conscience why I had to be part of party that did not
banish likes of corrupts Yedurrapa, JMM & Madhu Khoda, Nitin Gadkari and
now an out of control hardline volunteers. In spite of an over whelming mandate given to
BJP in Goa, for first time where even
traditional Catholics voted for BJP for its honesty and so far none of the
corrupt have been put in jail nor have Lokayukta initiated cases against corruption.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wearing the Topi at the Delhi Airport, while boarding the
flight to Chicago. Right upto to the
time I took my seat –only words that I heard were “Thank you Sir, for the great
work, Thank you..” I wish they know there have been thousands of volunteers who
have sacrificed a lot, much much more than one can imagine to make Aam Aadmi
Party an idea a reality. Though everyone
will celebrate the success of this new party, one has to remember how Jayaprakash
Narayan led movement against corruption in
1977 brought a new Government, that was defeated by enemies within government, by
putting individual ego before country. The same Jai Narain who defeated Indira
Gandhi then partnered with her son to bring down Moraji Desai’s government in
which he was Health Minister, along with support of several other insiders some
of whom today are revered as top BJP leaders worked with Indira Gandhi to
topple the government. As citizen of India or Person of India origin, we have 2
options either wait and watch another movement self-destruct or join it and
ensure it doesn’t lose its principles. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
On 28 December 2013, Arvind Kejriwal rode on Metro to same Ram Leela Maidan where the whole anti-corruption movement started, the same Ram Leela Maidan that witnessed the speeches of Freedom Struggle, Emergency protests and big political rallies, at this Venue he and his team of young elected member took their oath. Coincidentally, 28 December is the day, when AO Hume formed Indian National Congress to fight against British through political discourse and same day when Dhirubhai Ambani & Ratan Tata were born against whose empires AAP team publicized corruption charges, which costed a media ban on AAP.<br />
Life does come a full circle. Jai Hind !<br />
<br />
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Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-22476671782517602162008-07-23T07:05:00.000-07:002010-03-14T23:40:33.664-07:00Grey areas of 123 Nuclear Agreement<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Nuclear_power_station.svg"><img style="text-align: right;float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 539px; height: 376px; " src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Nuclear_power_station.svg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Nuclear_power_station.svg"><br /></a><br /><p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;">I rushed home, to see what Indian elected representatives thought of the 123 Nuclear Agreements. The debate both by the party in favour and against was a complete political small talk. No one spoke section by section where the grey areas are or where there is a strong disagreement or where there are strong strengths for India.</span></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;"><br /></span></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;">It was even more surprising that respected leaders such as the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, educated stalwarts within the Lok Sabha were focusing on political issues from price rise, disunity within Parties, horse trading etc. Those in favour and against never could explain which sections in the 123 Agreement they referred to.</span></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;"><br /></span></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;">Either they assume the common public is not interested in knowing the sections of the 123 Agreement but the political implications, or they have not read the agreement. It was an opportunity for every elected representative, to come to national stage with a clear argument in favour or against based on sections of the agreement. But all failed. With half a century on, our democracy still remains in periodic infancy.</span></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;"><br /></span></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;"> </span></span></p> <span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;">For some one who has been intellectual, an independent a voice never heard, this was an opportunity to speak on large canvas, to inform the leaders and nation, what are the implications on society of this agreement. I am in search of these elected representatives. It was even more painful, for me, as I tried in my way to contribute towards a better discussion. I visited Delhi, submitted by <a href="http://navendushirali.blogspot.com/2008/03/request-for-starred-unstarred-questions.html">questions on the grey areas in this agreement to Shri Shripad Naik</a>, who hails from my constituency. Perhaps he did not get his chance to address the nation, or may be my critique on the policy was lost in tables of paper. What a wonderful opportunity to bring a perspective, for any representative, was drained. There were no discussions on basic issues such as </span></span>Nuclear Waste Management and Rehabilitation measures, Environment Protection, Sharing of Critical Information, complete physical access to IAEA, Compensation for Accidents, Monopolizing nuclear energy market, etc.<br /><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>Following are some of the Grey areas in the Articles of the 123 Nuclear Agreement:<br /><br /></b></span> <ul type="disc"><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Article 3-</span></li><ul type="disc"><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Will the information under this article between 2 countries be accessible to private Nuclear Companies?</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">The article refers to control of information by both countries which it considers as Restricted Data. What kind of data will be considered as Restricted Data? Can this Restricted Data be very relative in both countries?</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Article refers to sharing of Research Information- But what about possible IP discovered in India or US, isn't that information to be kept confidential?</span></li></ul></ul><br /><ul type="disc"><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Article 4-Nuclear Trade-</span></li><ul type="disc"><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Nuclear Trade as such is more viable and profitable to American Companies than Indian. The clause of addressing applications of nuclear companies within 2 month period ensures faster access to Indian energy market. Will the same period of 2 months be given to other nations such as France and Russia?</span></li></ul></ul><br /><ul type="disc"><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Article 5-Transfer-</span></li><ul type="disc"><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Are we ready for exchange of low enrichment uranium & technology for energy needs in return to easier access to market and critical security information?</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">If disruption of fuel occurs due to unavoidable circumstances, then both countries will jointly convene a group of friendly supplies from Russia, France and UK. Why jointly and no independence for India to establish supply channels from these nations.</span></li></ul></ul><br /><ul type="disc"><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Article 7-Storage & Retransfer- Sharing of list of facilities-</span></li><ul type="disc"><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">If Information pertaining to Nuclear Program, locations and research activities are not available to Indian Citizens under Right to Information Act 2005, then how justifiable is it, to make it available to certain departments of another country, whose citizens are not under the jurisdiction or control Indian Administration?</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Which offices private and public in both countries will hold this information?</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Agreement does not refer to trial or compensation relief for any leakage of confidential information.</span></li></ul></ul><br /><br /><ul type="disc"><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Article 11-Environmental Protection</span></li><ul type="disc"><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">There is No mention of compensation to society in case of any damage to environment or citizens. Our learning from Bhopal Gas Tragedy has to be understood by Policy makers. Where senior management of Union Carbide / Dow Chemicals are still liable for punishment, will senior management of companies and governments be held responsible for any possible further such cases.</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">If there is 2 month period for addressing grievances of companies doing business, why no time period fixed for compensation or punishment?</span></li></ul></ul> <ul><p align="justify"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">OPEN QUESTIONS</span></p></ul> <ul type="disc"><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">What percentage of energy demand in next 25 years is going to be met with Nuclear Energy? What is number of Nuclear Reactors planned by Indian Government to be established in next 25 years. A control over number of reactors is needed to maintain the balance of dependency on nuclear energy due to its high environment problems. Free market attitude will create over production pushing our natural resources to its limits.</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Present Policy doesn't cover measures to tackle Kickbacks. As India has been very susceptible and many times compromised on several areas such as licenses, health and safety etc. Policy must ensure transparency in dealings and faster trial processes with both countries such as extradition treaty, freezing bank accounts of suspects, etc.</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Since the pool of Nuclear Scientists in India is limited, same pool of scientists might be playing dual role or later be involved in nuclear defense related work. Information regarding such profiles is usually considered confidential for security purposes. Present Agreement enables disclosure of such profiles in form of meetings, exchange visits etc. to private and public offices. Where there is possibility of leakage of information again.</span></li><li><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Agreement fails to address details of Nuclear Waste Management and Rehabilitation measures. If there join commissions to establish implementation of this agreement a necessary body has to be developed whose officers will be held accountable for nuclear waste disposal, management and rehabilitation.</span></li><li>Competitive Scenario- Is the domestic Indian Nuclear companies ready for competition with US or will they be compelled to collaborate rather than compete. What is the FDI Policy for this sector from commissioning of Nuclear Plants to importers / exporters of machinery, technology and raw materials?</li></ul><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;"><span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"><span></span></span></span></span></span>Indian Sovereignty in deciding its foreign policy is debatable: <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;">As per Hyde Act,</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;"><span>1.<span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"><span> </span></span></span></span></span>SEC. 103. STATEMENTS OF POLICY.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;"> (b) W</span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:78%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:7;">ITH </span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">R</span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:78%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:7;">ESPECT TO </span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">S</span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:78%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:7;">OUTH </span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">A</span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:78%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:7;">SIA</span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">.—The following shall be the policies of the United States with respect to South Asia:</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">4) <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Secure India’s full and active participation in United States efforts to dissuade, isolate, and, if necessary, sanction and contain Iran for its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction, including a nuclear weapons capability and the capability to enrich uranium or reprocess nuclear fuel, and the means to deliver weapons of mass destruction</span></b>.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;"><span>2.<span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"><span> </span></span></span></span></span>SEC. 104. WAIVER AUTHORITY AND CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">(c) S</span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:78%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:7;">UBMISSION TO </span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">C</span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:78%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:7;">ONGRESS</span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">.—</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">(2) I</span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:78%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:7;">NFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED</span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">.—</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">(G) A description and <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">assessment of the specific measures that India has taken to fully and actively participate in United States and international efforts to dissuade, isolate, and, if necessary, sanction and contain Iran </span></b>for its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction, including a nuclear weapons capability and the capability to enrich uranium or reprocess nuclear fuel</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;"><span>3.<span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"><span> </span></span></span></span></span>SEC. 104. WAIVER AUTHORITY AND CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">(E)(i) REPORTING TO CONGRESS.—</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;"> (2) I</span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:78%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:7;">MPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE REPORT</span></span><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">.—</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">(E)(i) an assessment of whether India is fully and actively participating in United States and international</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">efforts to dissuade, isolate, and, if necessary, sanction and contain Iran for its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction, including a nuclear weapons capability (including the capability to enrich uranium or reprocess nuclear fuel), and the means to deliver weapons of mass destruction, including a description of the specific measures that India has taken in this regard; and (ii) <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">if India is not assessed to be fully and actively participating in such efforts, a description of</span></b>—</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">(I) <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">the measures the United States Government has taken to secure India’s full and active participation</span></b></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">in such efforts;</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">(II) the responses of the Government of India to such measures; and</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">(III) <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">the measures the United States Government plans to take in the coming year to secure India’s full and active participation</span></b>;</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;">B) Based on the above, following are the questions I have:</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;"><span>1.<span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"><span> </span></span></span></span></span>If US is arm twisting our foreign policy to disarm Iran. Why cannot we, as the second largest energy market, ask US to take similar steps to disarm Pakistan as for terrorists to acquire Nuclear weapons Pakistan is more vulnerable than Iran.</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;"><span>2.<span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"><span> </span></span></span></span></span>What happens to cultural ties with Iran, and days of Non Alignment Movement<span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;">? </span></span>Has the Indian Government taken into confidence the large Indian Muslim population who sympathize with Iran?<span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:NewCenturySchlbk-Roman;font-size:10;"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;"><span>3.<span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"><span> </span></span></span></span></span>Section 103, b.1 “(1) Achieve, at the earliest possible date, a moratorium on the production of fissile material for nuclear explosive purposes by India, Pakistan, and the People’s Republic of China.” I would like to know what the Indian Government’s opinion on this.</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12;"><span>4.<span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"><span> </span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Just by claiming Hyde Act is domestic law in US and not applicable to India is not the way. We must ensure that we categorically have a MoU signed by India and US, that Section of Hyde Act are not applicable to India. </span></b></p>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-77288262067730812432010-02-13T19:48:00.000-08:002010-02-13T20:10:07.524-08:00Bollywood an example of Nehru-Gandhi's India<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00routesdata/1900_1999/gandhi/gallery/bombay1946.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00routesdata/1900_1999/gandhi/gallery/bombay1946.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div>After watching the movie My Name is Khan, in the Big Cinema theater here, I was thinking of Bollywood, how its movies, brings talent and creativity of various artists irrespective of their caste or creed, an living phenomenon that shows a united and true democracy of our country, the same foundation and concept our Country was built on for, it would be unique where all are treated equally irrespective of their background,</div><div><br /></div><div>to quench my thoughts, I came across this speech of Nehru Delivered in Allahabad court in 1921-22, </div><div>some of the excerpts:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><h3 style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; font-size:13px;"><span><a href="http://www.aicc.org.in/new/nehru-statement.php">Nehru-in Allahabad court</a>-</span></h3><h3 style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; font-size:13px;"><span><br /></span></h3><h3 style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; font-size:13px;"><span>"Less than ten years ago, I returned from England after a lengthy stay there, I had passed through the usual course of public school and university. I had imbibed most of the prejudices of Harrow and Cambridge, and in my likes and dislikes I was perhaps more an Englishman than an Indian. I looked up<span style="display: inline; ">on the world almost from an Englishman's standpoint. And so I returned to India as much prejudiced in favour of England and the English as it was possible for an Indian to be."........</span></span></h3><h3 style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; font-size:13px;"><span><span style="display: inline; "><br /></span></span></h3><h3 style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; font-size:13px;"><span><span style="display: inline; ">"To-day, ten years later, I stand here in the dock charged with two offences and with a third hovering in the background-an ex-convict who has been to jail once already for a political offence, and a rebel against the present system of government in India. That is the change which the years have wrought in me. It is not necessary for me to recite the reasons for this change. Every Indian knows them; every Indian has felt them and has hung his head in shame for them. And if he has retained a spark of the old fire in him, he has taken a solemn pledge to strive unceasingly for India's freedom, so that his countrymen may never again be subjected to the miseries and humiliations that are the lot of a subject people.</span></span></h3><h3 style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; font-size:13px;"><span><span style="display: inline; "><br /></span></span></h3><h3 style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; font-size:13px;"><span><span style="display: inline; "> To-day sedition against the present government in India has become the creed of the Indian people, preach and practise disaffection against the evil which it represents has become their chief occupationI have said many hard things about the British Government. For one thing, however, I must offer it my grateful thanks. It has given us a chance of fighting in this most glorious of struggles. Surely few peoples have had such an opportunity given them. And the greater our suffereing, the more difficult the tests we have to pass, the more splendid will be the future of India. India has not survived through thousandes of years to go down now. India has not sent her noblest and best twenty five thousands of her sons, to the jail to give up the struggle. India's future is assured. Some of us, men and women of little faith, doubt and hesitate occasionally, but those who have vision can almost see the glory that will be India's. I marvel at my good fortune. </span></span></h3><h3 size="13px" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span><span style="display: inline; "><br /></span></span></h3><h3 size="13px" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span><span style="display: inline; ">To serve India in the battle of freedom is honour enough. To serve her under a leader like Mahatma Gandhi is doubly fortune. But to suffer for the dear country! What greater good fortune could befall an Indian, unless it is death or the full realisation of our gloious dream?"</span></span></h3></span></div></span>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-29835740532559064402008-03-19T10:18:00.000-07:002009-12-04T13:44:08.860-08:00Lackluster Sale of Goa<span lang="EN-US"><div><a href="http://navendushirali.blogspot.com/2008/03/goa-on-sale-article-published.html">Published Article </a></div><div><br /></div><div><span lang="EN-US">Destiny permitted me to attend Goa Property Show organized by Magicbricks.com (TIMES BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LTD) at Tivolli Gardens, Delhi on 15th & 16th March 2008. I am not sure, about the expectations of the Developers who had their stalls. As low turnout was seen on the first day with less than 300 viewers registered. Shockingly for me, most of the real estate developers were based in Delhi, NCR, one even from Kanpur. With all showing images and videos of ready to move properties and dream homes to the affluent “</span><span style="" lang="EN-US">Delhiites</span><span lang="EN-US">”. <span style=""> </span>With typical sales promises such as “When do you plan to visit Goa next, just give me a call, we will pick you up at the airport and take you to the site”</span></div></span><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-US">Some of the developers who had their stalls were Acron, Linc Property Developers, Chowgule Real Estate & Construction, Integriti Real Estate Developers, Nirvana, Nest Buildcon, Jai Bhuvan Builders and Rivera Construction, Tarika Lifestyle, Bullion Limited, Expanse India Buildcon, Geo Realtors, Gold touch Developers & Promoters, Decolive Realty Developers, Le Gardenia, Akar Creations, Property Management group, and Heritage Real Estate Developers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US">It was sad to see, that many Young Goans at these stalls <b style="">mentioning how easy it is to get a home near the sea</b>.<span style=""> </span>It was painful to see many sales representatives and developers talking & <b style="">mispronouncing almost all places in Goa</b> where they had development plans. Just made me, realize how easy it is to buy, develop and sell properties in Goa for anyone without even knowing the name of place, its culture and its people. One stall named Goodwill, run by young Goans, mentioned how they would get any kind of property from Plots facing beach or Hill side near sea. “Just send me your requirements and give me few weeks to get back with various options” were his words.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /><b style=""><span lang="EN-US">Another painful sight was the selling of plots and apartments in enchanted serene side of Goa such as</span></b><br /><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-US">Assagao by Expanse Buildcon and Delhi based Decolive,</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-US">Kanpur based Geo Realtors’s project near Nagoa Church,</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-US">Riviera Constructions “Foothills” Project and Integriti Developers’ “Aldeia Miraflor” Project in Arpora village.</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-US">Delhi based Nirvana Nest Projects in Vagator, Anjuna, Aldona, Bogmallo</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-US">Chowgule Real Estate Project “Meadows” in Paithona, Bardez. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">To balance the equation of much hyped Goa Real Estate Show, was an unnamed Goan outside the exhibition area, who was distributing pamphlets with SAVE GOA printed on them, spreading the awareness amongst the visitors / buyers to be extra cautious when anyone promises them home near the sea, as it could violate the Goan Laws of CRZMA and Town & Country Planning Act (Hill cutting). Pamphlet mentioned “Unprecedented Demand in Real Estate is killing Goa’s Natural Beauty, where once existed serene beaches is now filled with concrete cement & high walls.” Going a step further he urged them to control their aspirations and profit motive to preserve a better Goa for the next generation.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">There seems to be greater interests in the audience to know about the feelings of the locals. He mentioned that just as the Real Estate lobby, he was doing his job of listening to his inner voice of spreading the awareness of Socio-Cultural and Environment impact of these affluent projects. In apt words he quoted his friend as <b style="">“Wrong will always remain wrong, even if everyone does it. Right will always remain right, even if no one does it.”</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><b style=""><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq49pelEz6-8Vruxt4ULC1LjJmI08NV_B1nBBJbaiwMFmOBnA9Pi4Qv3k8hEncWLHLDckozyjDBiPVIr75_UjYAwBUupPjfDCH9afiNFyFAze_dvNY23W4H5PYyWjxNjLcnR7eg/s1600-h/DSC03900.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq49pelEz6-8Vruxt4ULC1LjJmI08NV_B1nBBJbaiwMFmOBnA9Pi4Qv3k8hEncWLHLDckozyjDBiPVIr75_UjYAwBUupPjfDCH9afiNFyFAze_dvNY23W4H5PYyWjxNjLcnR7eg/s400/DSC03900.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179504682049725026" border="0" /></a><br /><span lang="EN-US"><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="" lang="EN-US"><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:f> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </o:lock><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_0" spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="3.JPG" style="width: 276pt; height: 208.5pt; visibility: visible;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBineesh%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_image001.jpg" title="3"> </v:imagedata></v:shape></v:path></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-US">Image: SAVE GOA Pamphlets being distributed at exit of Exhibition Area</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><b style=""><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">There were more surprises at this event, a Delhi based real estate developer –GoldTouch had plans to start a 5 floored apartment named Ruby Residency with 70 flats in the forests of Chawdi, Canacona. The Developer softly mentioned that there was a “nominal fee” of Rs. 50,000 for Water and Electricity Connection per apartment. I was surprised with his confidence in alien state when the Director mentioned about Read to Move Apartments near Patnem Beach. <span style=""> </span>I wondered possible violations of hill cutting by projects such as Clairemont in Kadamba Plateau overlooking Mandovi in pursuit of providing “Priceless view from your apartment” starting from a crore.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Another surprise was many of brochures had the prices in Sterling Pound, I wondered how many Indians would like to use that currency. It was extremely evident that there is a greater story for selling the properties to NRIs and possibly Foreigners. Chowgule Real Estate Project “Meadows” in Paithona, Bardez also distributed CDs which started with video of Google Map showing journey from Great Britain to Paithona, Goa it seemed like a fairy tale in search of abode.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Another sad observation was the architecture of these upcoming projects. All seemed to be extremely lucrative and cost effective, a typical metro architecture. I wondered why Goa unlike some states in the world doesn’t have a set architecture pattern set, based on its unique Hindu-Portuguese Architecture much expressed in museum <b style="">Houses of Goa</b>. With no such legislation, Goa is all set to become an apartment complex filled with pigeon boxes for Indian families. With so many real estate projects in pipeline far away from the affordability standards of the large Goan Middle class, I wonder who would buy them. Question than arises as there is existing problems such as sewage, garbage disposal, malaria, pollution, traffic jams, water and electricity shortage, expensive private healthcare, drug trafficking, prostitution, foreign land mafias, etc. Will the office bearers, Panchayats and Government be held responsible for the “unprecedented” real estate splurge and its collateral damage as well as aggravation of existing problems? Do we fix the problems first and then start the real estate bandwagon.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-US">To the Change the Land Rules, What is Goan Government waiting for? Another Land Scandal, Another Foreign Mafia Expose, Another exponential crime rate with greater disparity between the rich and poor, or Another “Aam Aadmi” movement to vote the Government out. All politicians in the recent<span style=""> </span>turbulent political history of Goa are remembered for all the wrong reasons from greed to power hunger. I often dream to see Goa as the first developed state of India, I wonder where are the leaders to take Goa there. Perhaps many of them, selfishly driven with no time to introspect their cause to be remembered as martyrs of Development.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><b style=""><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Back in Bangalore, I wondered why none of the Real Estate lobby thinks of sustainable and affordable homes for the poor and deprived staying in slums of Chimbel. Perhaps it was all about profit motive and greed. On introspection, I could relate to it, as many of my breed of IT Consultants choose to work for development of Global MNCs rather than Indian Rural Sector improving Public Distribution Systems, Traffic Management Systems etc. All I hope is that this realization turns into execution.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I conclude with words ringing in my mind of the activist outside Goa Real Estate Show that <b style="">“Wrong will always remain wrong, even if everyone does it. Right will always remain right, even if no one does it.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Jai Hind, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Navendu Shirali</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">(Writer is Consultant in Bangalore)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Encl: Photos of Exhibition - Goa Real Estate Show</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Preferred Correspondence: <a href="mailto:navendu.shiralI@gmail.com"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">navendu.shirali@gmail.com</span></a></span></p>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-19349695775733693082009-10-01T19:09:00.000-07:002009-10-01T19:11:19.967-07:00Mother- Wonderful Article<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvuGZAUMZDWpVYrTEJNLh0Equ4wYnDAN9wrylkd-M_W1kHlrIIXhl-sHWCtGNTn-knGE5T1YK7JFbiMweRJtwzMoJ-5MYeqWEqSBwLzJPVVNCrDMVoJ7ETJRezXWh5rfj14OmUw/s1600-h/mother.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvuGZAUMZDWpVYrTEJNLh0Equ4wYnDAN9wrylkd-M_W1kHlrIIXhl-sHWCtGNTn-knGE5T1YK7JFbiMweRJtwzMoJ-5MYeqWEqSBwLzJPVVNCrDMVoJ7ETJRezXWh5rfj14OmUw/s400/mother.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387819326424774306" /></a>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-47908739878473535542009-08-16T19:15:00.000-07:002009-08-16T19:22:23.046-07:00GROUND ZERO PATRIOTS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tehelka.com/channels/News/2009/Aug/22/images/st2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 124px;" src="http://www.tehelka.com/channels/News/2009/Aug/22/images/st2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Source: </span><a href="http://www.tehelka.com/story_main42.asp?filename=Ne220809coverstory.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tehelka Coverpage on the eve of 62nd Indian Independence Day</span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Verdana;"><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Raise High the Roof Beams</span></span></strong></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An adivasi woman takes on India’s largest steel plant. A doctor leads thousands of farmers in their fight for a river. A young urbanite is jailed as she tries to secure rights for forest communities. As India turns 62, </span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">TEHELKA</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> profiles those who are fighting to keep its democra</span></span></p><img src="http://www.tehelka.com/channels/News/2009/Aug/22/images/st3.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 124px;" border="0" alt="" /><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">cy alive</span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">EVEN THE most cynical of generations wonder: why did giants once roam the world, when dwarves now surround us? How is it that those who built our nation found time for more than the task of waking millions, for more than the intricate clockwork of statecraft? When did they sit down long enough to forge new ways of compassion, of courage, of living? To write enormous tracts, translate the ancients? What were they, to use the easy parlance of hallucinogens, on?</span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It has been 62 years after the giants won us a country and built the political scaffolding to make it kinder, more just. But greed and cruelty are still part of our public lives. When people stand teetering on the edge, we carelessly push. When the path of least resistance runs over the homes, fields and forests of others, we charge on. It would seem like the gods have departed, leaving behind only the vulnerable and the revelers.</span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But the giants still live on in odd corners. When novelist and sociologist Susan Visvanathan visited the fishworkers of Kerala, a fisherman asked her, “Thakazhy Sivasankara Pillai made millions out of his novel [Chemeen] on the life of fisherpeople. Are you also going to do the same? I wake up at two in the morning and I get nothing.”</span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Magline and Peter Thayil, two leaders of the fishworkers’ movement are just as resistant to mythologising. Regardless of their Biblical names, the Jesus-invoking sea, the romance of it all, they are people who wake up at two in the morning and get on with their lives’ work. They protect the livelihoods of lakhs of people by ensuring that we and our trawlers don’t eat the oceans out of fish, that no one buys and sells the sea in the fine mesh of arcane contracts.</span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Elsewhere, others are jailed and assaulted for protecting what ought to belong to the commons, not shredded into toothpicks. A young doctor in Karnataka joins thousands of farmers and the urban poor in a decade-long political struggle. A woman in Assam becomes the first in her village to go to college but cannot forget the fear caused by the soldiers who roam her lands with impunity. A young man in Orissa realises that the dozens of struggles across the state need to come together and he is the one to do it. A young adivasi woman in Jharkhand comes to the same realisation. She once ran a tea-shop and is now a journalist, but like the Bhakti poet Akka Mahadevi, she must wander from village to village awakening her people to the approaching fangs of a steel empire. Another empire poisons a whole city, thousands die, and decades later a man, battles the false memories and absurd lies that seek to hide the stillseeping poison.</span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The fate that awaits these strange, sleepless beings is not — unlike in the case of the giants who built India — the crowns and sceptres of a grateful nation. We are instead more likely to be enraged. If they must be misguided, we argue, let them do it without discomfiting us, depriving us of the soft light and canned music we are used to. Inevitably we call them traitors for warring against the nation.</span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Even when we are sympathetic to their tireless work, their ambitions seem against the natural order of things — because the natural order of things are made for us — in the same way that Indians claiming the right to independence must have seemed preposterous to the British.</span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We have hard work ahead, warned Nehru in the midnight hour. Sure, most of us responded, and went off whistling and thinking of lunch. But luckily, in the place of the giants who are gone, others have sprung, prepared to sleep on railway platforms and footpaths, to have their young bodies broken from lathis, their voices hoarse from shouting — all to preserve democracy, to protect us from ourselves.</span></span></p><p style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This week TEHELKA meets some of these giants from across the nation. They — like Richard Wilbur’s prophet — are “madeyed from stating the obvious” but refuse to blink. And someday in the future someone will ask: did they really exist? Were they as tall as they seem? And we can answer, yes.</span></span></p><p align="right" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">NISHA SUSAN</span></strong></span></p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"></span></span><p></p><p style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></span></p></div>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-62805609238313349682009-08-07T13:28:00.000-07:002009-08-07T13:38:10.654-07:00Goan Political Tragicomedy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.daijiworld.com/images1/mel_280808_goa1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 365px;" src="http://www.daijiworld.com/images1/mel_280808_goa1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=25430&cid=14"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Source: Peter Alexander- 3 Aug Herald </span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px; font-family:Tahoma;font-size:13px;">It is time for the people to draw the curtain on the tragicomedy our politicians have made of governance, says PETER FERNANDES</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px; font-family:Tahoma;font-size:12px;"><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Most Goans are crazy about tiatr. Goans have enjoyed good shows for over a century, some tragic, many others depicting social evils combined with religious insight to bring change in society, and a few others purely comic. From the first-ever tiatr in history – ‘Italian Bhurgo’ by Lucasinho Ribeiro, staged in Mumbai on 17 April 1892 – until today, this form of theatre, with several acts entwined with songs backed by a live band, continues to enthrall and enlighten Goan society. Over this period, renowned artists walked the stage and made their mark in Goa and elsewhere in the world through their notable efforts to entertain our hearts and minds. We salute them with pride and gratitude. They have left us a rich legacy to emulate in order to enrich our society with good values, and to reach higher goals of sublime living. Our tiatr reflects the social, political and religious life of society; and, very often, it is a protest against the wrong in society, which is projected through the songs, comedy and drama. Contemporary artists continue the heritage today, with enthusiasm and pride, receiving little or no support from our government.</span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Incredibly, we see our politicians nowadays enacting such living drama for all to view with disdain and disgust. These public servants conduct their lives in a deplorable manner. Nonetheless, this melodrama encompasses the nature of tragicomedy. </span><a href="http://cricketnext.in.com/news/narvekar-framed-in-fake-ticket-scam/32133-13.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dayanand Narvekar</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> did not realise that the camera was on when he delivered with great audacity his unscripted discourse on corruption. This subject “Corruption” is the creation of our leaders, and, as good actors and teachers, they want to marinate our society completely. I hope Narvekar is never afflicted with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Our memories are still fresh about his unbecoming behavior, as he faced allegations of sexual harassment, cheating, forgery, corruption and misappropriation of funds. Nevertheless, we have to commend Narvekar for loudly crying out his displeasure over the treatment he received from government bureaucrats, through which he exposed the level of corruption and the plight of the common man. The present government takes pride in being a government for aam admi. This is a tragicomedy, for in reality they have woven a massive web of corruption to strangle citizens to death.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Before Narvekar lost his cabinet berth as Minister of Finance, he seemed to have been portraying a similar drama with MLAs and other ministers. Mickky Pacheo was bent on stripping Narvekar of the finance portfolio not long ago, for having treated him with similar contempt, which Narvekar abhors at the present juncture. This explains the dynamic of our government, and the reason why every MLA is vying for a ministerial berth in the ruling administration. Every minister looks out for his own interest, and the other MLAs keep constant watch to see if something might fall from the minister’s plate.<br />The people of Goa should keep in mind that our government has no vision for our Goa. Our leaders are like weathercocks – they easily change their direction according to the weather. Churchill Alemao wants to have three bridges in his constituency, since he holds the PWD portfolio. As long as he is the PWD Minister, the rest of Goa must watch and pay taxes to fulfill his selfish dreams for Navelim. How did Goa fall into the hands of such corrupt leaders? For how long will this drama unfold? And, when will Goans say, “Enough”?<br /><br /></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On the floor of the Assembly, Narvekar challenged the PWD minister for granting permits for construction along the NH17, where use of the land was frozen for the express purpose of expanding the highway. Narvekar is determined to fight over this matter, even in the courts. Churchill first denied the violation and then tried to justify it by citing the state of Kerala, which has done like projects under similar circumstances. How can the Chief Minister tolerate such action from his ministers? </span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><br /></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But I am amused and entertained by the whole business. I just want to recall, for the sake of the audience, the opening scene of this drama. Speaking at Alemao’s birthday celebrations, Narvekar told Churchill, “I may be older than you as far as experience is concerned, but I am looking at you. This is the time when the state is going down the drain. Someone has to stand up. You have the capacity, the urge and the interest to serve the people and save the state. People like me will be with you in this mission.” He further pointed out that Churchill is not just the leader of South Goa, but he is being worshipped even in the North. “Go ahead with your political ambitions, we are with you. You are like my family member,” he said. Saying that the people of Goa want Churchill to play a long innings in politics, Narvekar said that health should not be a problem for the PWD Minister, stating, “People of Goa want you, not just your knee; all your parts can be replaced for the sake of Goans.”<br /><br /></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Luizinho Faleiro, who dominated Goan politics for almost three decades, now sits on a huge booty, and is the highest taxpayer in the state of Goa. It is a mystery, and yet a tragicomedy for Goans to contemplate. How could an elected leader, with a meagre salary, amass such a huge amount of wealth? Leaders are put in office to empower the people, and to improve the lives of the citizens. On the contrary, our politicians have secured better lives for themselves alone, and have disenfranchised gullible people. This process continues, and has reached to such an extent that even MLAs cannot breathe easily now. Whatever may be Narvekar’s past, his statement in the Assembly came as a breath of fresh air. No MLA or minister in the past dared to make such a subversive statement that would shake the house to its very foundations.<br />Corruption is a structural sin which systematically destroys society. It creates a situation where people cannot do otherwise but sin. When people cry, their tears reach heaven. Our Father hears the cry of the oppressed! Without doubt, history has taught us many valuable lessons on this subject. The natural reaction of those in such a situation is to subvert the structure. People of Goa, do not brush aside or disregard the consequences of this drama played out by our politicos. </span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Before entering the election booth, reflect wisely on the detrimental results this tragicomedy has given us. Recognise, and own up to the reality, that by our foolishness over many years, Goan society has been violated with transgressions beyond number. To you, my countrymen, I say that we can counteract this widespread crime of corruption, for we know its face, and we hear its voice. No sadder lesson would there be in our history than this: that by our weakness, inaction and indifference we allowed our power as citizens to remain in the hands of public officials who would breach their positions of trust by their depravity and dishonesty. Our opposition to them is our obligation to all generations! </span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Unfortunately, we have lived under this sinful structure of corruption because we let the enemy come through the gates. No more! The power of the people shall rise up, and bring the curtain down on the tragicomedy that plays out before us. We will drive the self-serving imposters off the stage, show them the exit, and close the gates. This show must end!</span></p></span></div>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-36121051656848916862009-07-11T09:57:00.000-07:002009-07-11T10:57:44.465-07:00Against Corruption: Story of Hope with Bangalore Police<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://therealbarackobama.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/1-bribe.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 230px;" src="http://therealbarackobama.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/1-bribe.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Following is an email recieved by me, it shows that when a citizen wants to fight against a corrupt system, there will be always good civil servants who would support them.....<br /><br /><br />Mail thread:<br /><br />Dear Friends,<br /><br />When I narrated the incident below to a close friend over lunch earlier this<br />week, he suggested that I should pen this down in an email and circulate it to as many friends in Bangalore as possible. So here goes an interesting<br />experience of interacting with an IPS officer, who made me see a Glimmer of Hope, amidst the corruption that encompasses, so many of our public services ( it is about 7 - 9 mins reading time...).<br /><br />It was Friday 5th June, at about 3 pm I drove my Ford Ikon car into 80 feet road at Indira Nagar in Bangalore, wanting to reach on time for my 3.30 pm meeting with a client. As I entered the wide road I saw a posse of Traffic Constables who stopped my car on the side and asked me to produce my car documents to the Traffic Sub Inspector(SI) who was standing on the footpath. I walked upto the SI and displayed my Driving Licence, to which he told me to bring my Car Insurance certificate and also my Emission Certificate for the car. I walked back to my car and realised that I had not carried either of the documents in my car and was cursing myself for such a slip. I came back to the SI and told him that I did not have my document and what was to be done. The SI had a half smile & told me that the fine for not carrying both these documents was Rs 600/- however I could pay him Rs 300/-. I removed my wallet and told the SI that I would pay the amount and want a receipt for the same, to which he suddenly grew stern and told me that in which case the fine was Rs 1,100/-. I paid the fine of Rs 1,100/- and took the receipt, wondering why the fine had suddenly escalated just because I wanted a receipt instead of paying the Rs 300 bribe which the SI had asked.<br /><br />After my client meeting as I was driving back, I was annoyed at myself for not carrying the documents and I was angry that at an officer at an SI level was blatantly seeking a bribe. I decided that I should do something about it and as soon as I reached my Home Office, I logged on to the net and found out that the Traffic Police of Bangalore has a website, which gives details of the fines chargeable , it also provides for logging complaints and gave the email ids of the Asst Commissioner of Police for the traffic division. At about 7 pm that evening I wrote an email to the email id of the ACP, narrating the incident of the afternoon and lodging a formal complaint in the email. I also found out the website of Lok Ayukta of Karnataka and marked a cc of the same email to the email id's given on the Lok Ayukta's website. By about 7.30pm I had done the<br />needful, and I was happy with myself that what I preach in my Leadership Workshops wrt Values, I had practised to a large extent (Paying the fine instead of paying the bribe and reporting the bribe demand to the best of my ability). I thought the chapter ended there, little realising that I would be having an indeed amazing and pleasant experience on this whole incident in the hours & days to come.<br /><br />On Saturday 7th June(the next day) at about 2 pm, I logged into my Home Office and checked my email and lo behold, I had 3 emails sent to me by the ACP to who I had written the complaint email the previous day.. The first one, informed me that I had done the right thing by paying the fine and not the bribe, the second email asked to give my complaint in writing and fax it to the ACP, so that action can be taken on the SI and the 3rd email asked me to give the ACP a call<br />on his office no or his cell no, so that he could accelerate the action to be taken on the erring SI. I promptly put my complaint in a letter and sent a scanned copy through the email to the ACP.<br /><br />On Sunday, 8th June in the morning I checked my email and I had an email from the ACP stating that the erring SI had been suspended from services and that I must give the ACP a call to work out the next formalities. I called the ACP (till now I did not know the name of this ACP) who answered my call on the Sunday. During my phone conversation he introduced himself as ACP Pravin Sood, and thanked me for doing what I did wrt not paying the bribe and also escalating the matter in writing, he explained that many Bangalore citizens escalate such cases to him but then back down when asked to give the complaint in writing. He apologised to me (yes - he said "I am sorry for what you faced with this SI who harassed you, because he did not have any business stopping your to check your documents if you had not done any traffic violation") and he invited me over to Tea to his office at a time convenient to me. After I kept the phone down, I could not believe that here was a case where within 48 hours of an incident of seeking bribe, the erring office was suspended. I decided that I must meet in person ACP Pravin Sood, speaking with who for 10 minutes had changed a few paradigms in my mind about Public Services Officers. Since I was travelling the next few days, I sought time with him on 15th June at 4.30 pm at his office. I reached ACP Sood's office a little early (at 4.10 pm) and was pleasantly surprised when I was ushered into his office at 4.15 pm, he asked me to sit as he was completing a meeting with another delegation. At sharp 4.30 pm he ended his previous meeting and turned to me and spent the next 20 minutes discussing with me several aspects of Traffic Policing in Bangalore and offered me a cup of tea (Many corporate clients I visit, do not see me on time<br />and do not ask me for a cup of tea, so what ACP Sood was doing was indeed better than many corporate folks I have met!). Right through the conversation, he was courteous, frank and completely articulate on his thoughts and ideas. He reiterated that there would be no repercussions on me for giving the complaint in writing, and that I may have to make one appearance in person when the internal enquiry is done, he also offered that instead of me having to come to the Police headquarters to give the statement, he could send one of his officers to my residence to take my statement if I so wish. When I was leaving ACP Sood's office, I told him "Over the years many of my friends and cousins have urged me to migrate and settle in<br />one of the western countries, but I have consciously chosen to stay back in India by my choice - when I have interactions like the one I had with you ACP Sood, I am happy that I made the choice to stay back in India". It was an impromptu comment, straight from my heart to which ACP Sood just smiled and shook my hand.<br /><br />When I was walking out of ACP Sood's office, I felt reassured that if we have officers like ACP Pravin Sood in our country, there is a Glimmer of Hope, against corruption, provided, we as citizens have the courage to say NO to Bribes and have the inclination to report cases of Bribe (I am no major RTI or Social activist, yet I found all the info I needed on the web, sitting in my<br />Home Office). Change begins with me, I can make a difference !<br />--<br />Regards,<br />Shabbir Merchant<br />Chief Value Creator<br />Valulead Consulting<br />Bangalore<br />shabbir@...<br />________________________________Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-33318029184446921152009-04-19T10:40:00.000-07:002009-04-19T10:43:28.478-07:00Performance of Goan MPs -Published Version<a href="http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=20376&cid=14">Article Published</a> in Herald Newspaper on 17 Apr 2009.<br /><br /><a href="http://navendushirali.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-well-have-our-goan-mps-mlas.html">Unedited version</a><br /><br />Thanks all for the feedback and support, <br /><br />Jai Hind,<br />Navendu ShiraliNavendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-3344053743508531172009-04-15T06:31:00.000-07:002009-04-15T07:01:30.731-07:00How 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Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style="">Their Unstarred Questions, Debates, MPLADS, and Goa’s fragile future<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><i style="">Do you remember any speech or debate raised by our 3 elected leaders in the Lok Sabha (Shri Shripad Naik, Shri Francisco Sardinha, and Shri Churchill Alemao) in the last 5 years? <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Out of 332 sittings in 14<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha, all covered by mainstream news channels, <u>any one issue or any one intellectual speech that positioned issues of Goa or India</u>? Do we remember that in the last 5 years, which had 1738 hours 45 minutes on actual sittings and 423 hours wasted due to disruptions and adjournments, not one moment did we hear or see any of our 3 leaders even positioning their intellectual capital or acumen which in a way represents us. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Otherwise flamboyant speakers in Goa, seem invisible in Delhi. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The 14<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha had several opportunities for our leaders to give direction to the future of our country, whether it is the5 Budget Sessions, Indo US Nuclear Agreement, 5 Railway Budgets, The Land Acquisition Amendment Bill, Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme, National Rural Health Mission, Sarva Shikhsa Abhiyan, etc. So many chances came and gone, Goan electoral did not position their thought leadership nor expresses our feelings and insecurities.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><u>Interesting Unstarred Questions raised by these 2 leaders:<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Out of the 332 sittings sessions in the 14<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha and <u>76,360</u> unstarred questions that can be asked (</span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >230 unstarred question asked per session)</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">, the number of unstarred questions asked by the North Goa MP Shri<span style=""> </span>Shripad Naik were <u>106</u> and South Goa MP were <u>14</u>!</b> Shri Sardinha joined the Lok Sabha in Nov 2007, but in over 2 years <u>he asked mere 14 unstarred questions</u>. Out of all the daily issues that we are suffering from at Central and State level whether it is drop in Tourism, Illegal Mining, Poor Infrastructure, Drug Trafficking, Unemployment, etc. all that we expected from our leaders is to bring these national problems on to the table. To expect them to solve these problems is a distant hope. Something that will evangelize when the new generation steps in to clean the system.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Analysis on the type of Unstarred Questions show striking difference in the 2 leaders, Shri Shripad Naik focus is purely on broad central issues and occasional questions on Goa such as trains stopping at Goa. Where as Shri Sardinha has been myopic on questions on Marmugoa, some even as microscopic on ‘when the next telephone directory is going to be released’! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I mean out of all the issues that Goa and India is trying to survive in. There emerges a Unstarred question on when the next Telephone directory is going to be published. Surprisingly there is a reason to ask as, the Telephone directory has not been published for 3 years!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><u>Debates<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">From Nov 2007, Shri Sardinha participated in <u>7 debates</u>; where as Shripad Naik participated in </span><span class="label1" style="font-size:100%;">18 debates since 2004. The least we can expect with from our leaders is to realize the opportunity and participate in debates that shape the future of country. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some interesting <b style=""><u>debate</u></b>s discussed by our 2 MPs- </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">On 30-11-2006, Shri Shripad Naik had raised the debate on dam being built by Karnataka Government on river Mandovi. He said that <a name="273*1">“The<i style=""> Government of Karnataka, without the permission of the Central Government and the Central Water Board, is diverting the water from Mahadai Basin constructing the Kalsa, Bhandara canals. Diverting 7.56 TMC of water will have negative effect on Goan day-to-day life</i></a><i style="">”.</i></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">But this debate did not go on, nor did it get the prioritization by the Center. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Why is that this Problem of diversion of Mandovi not yet addressed, why did not become a national debate followed by immediate result?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s new Goa, has adapted to this helpless system of failed governance by taking its on issues through peoples movement. So Mandovi Diversion is one more thing for the people of Goa to solve as present Goan politicians only react after peoples movement. We are grateful to the efforts of Mahadei Bachao Abhiyan and its crusaders such as Shri Rajendra Kerkar for their relentless pursuit for justice. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Only one debate worth mentioning raised by Shri Sardinha, was the issue of survey work for upgradation of National Highway No. 17. <u>Out of 7 Debates</u> raised by Shri Sardinha, one interesting debate raised was when he Reported attack on the Governor of Goa in Nagaland in Lok Sabha, he went to comment the following “<a name="4203*1"><i style="">It is not the first time that they tried to kill Mr. Jamir. They tried to kill him three-four times earlier also but up till now, the God has kept him alive. They tried to kill him in 1990, 1991 and 1999. When he went last time on 25th September, 2000, the NSCN-IN Group went to the extent of issuing a fatwa against Shri Jamir’s social interaction and his entry into Nagalan</i></a><i style="">d. The silence of the State Government and the Central Government in the matter is sending shivers up the spine of the nationalist people of this country. It is not only an attack on Shri S.C. Jamir, but it is an attack on the Constitutional position that he holds. It is therefore an attack on the Constitution of India. I would like to draw the attention of the hon. Home Minister to see that Shri Jamir is safe in this country.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Now I am surprised to see that Shri Sardinha is so deeply worried with safety of Shri Jamir, <u>as compared</u> to the safety of citizens of Goa or Indians who are being arrested, manhandled by the police when they protest illegal mining, when they raise their voices against illegal construction and injustice. Why does Shri Sardinha choose to prioritize & speak about insecurity of Shri Jamir more than the insecurity fellow Goans who vote for him? Why no debate raised on Goan sailors susceptible to Somalian pirates, SEZ, Indian Mujahedeen, Kandamahal, Drugs sold in Goa etc. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><u>MPLADS<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;" > The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) was introduced in 1993. Under this scheme a member of Lok Sabha has the choice to suggest to the Head of the District, development works to the tune of Rs. two crore per year, to be taken up in his/her constituency. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Following are the dates of installments when money has been received by these 2 constituencies.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Data here represents as per constituency.</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lYJlxjfEhbl1IN1arwtg-zisG2WjUFP1YHjEZ5-Yyz9sCR8EVek2iQaIj_USlKO9SgqLTrtXfC0-CW8qNUkeGmQBVYjOrUOrfx0nu6h-MFws48ltKKlOicxNt1PlUMznhVf7LA/s1600-h/Expenses.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 404px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lYJlxjfEhbl1IN1arwtg-zisG2WjUFP1YHjEZ5-Yyz9sCR8EVek2iQaIj_USlKO9SgqLTrtXfC0-CW8qNUkeGmQBVYjOrUOrfx0nu6h-MFws48ltKKlOicxNt1PlUMznhVf7LA/s400/Expenses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324916240896564194" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Following table shows how much money was sanctioned to our respective constituencies and how much they have used since<u> 1993:</u></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsF3kEyvyRuvaZw4kR8IOxmP1zSGeV1I-Gt-0xDPvJhI1T8OgxbB-UJBvdCsTZLJFeDluuf9UMgVIHMmIfKi8Cz9iRxyzUKoZlddpgfmrRKiIt7LDZiLIEpwW0X21shP55lSRng/s1600-h/Spent.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 451px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsF3kEyvyRuvaZw4kR8IOxmP1zSGeV1I-Gt-0xDPvJhI1T8OgxbB-UJBvdCsTZLJFeDluuf9UMgVIHMmIfKi8Cz9iRxyzUKoZlddpgfmrRKiIt7LDZiLIEpwW0X21shP55lSRng/s400/Spent.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324917013978135234" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Why has Rs. 4.29 Crores not utilized in South Goa constituency and why has Rs. 1.65 Crores not utilized in North Goa constituency?<span style=""> </span><u>Since 1993</u>, Out of the total 54.98 crores sanctioned to these 2 constituencies where has Rs. 46.06 Crores been spent? And where do they plan to spend the remaining Rs 5.94 Crores?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Due to limitation of time, I am unable to investigate where this money has been spent. I would request each of the respected leaders to kindly share with “Aam Aadmi who will be Khaas Aadmi for this 1 week”, how, when and where this money has been spent. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let’s not forget another member of Loks Sabha whom we elected in 2004. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">As per the <a href="http://www.nocriminals.org/">www.nocriminals.org</a>, a website to stop criminals getting tickets for Lok Sabha, Goa featured in the top 3 with highest percentage% of elected MPs with criminal case. Goa ranked after Daman- Diu and Jharkhand as we elected one such member of out of the 2 seats (50%). As per Liberty Institute & Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNF) initiative of Empowering India database Shri Churchill Alemao who has the following criminal cases against him:</span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="border: medium none ; border-collapse: collapse;" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="border: 1pt solid black; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">IPC Section-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">143, 144, 145, 147, 148 IPC</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Description -unlawful assembly, unlawful assembly with deadly weapon, joining and continuing unlawful assembly, Rioting, Rioting with deadly weapons</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">BJP which promises itself to be a party with a difference had 21% of its elected representative with criminal cases compared to Congress which had 18% in the 14<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha, where as JMM topped the list with 100% of its elected representatives having criminal cases. Politicians are today seasoned to pass the buck. Every time you throw these statistics against them, and they cry foul play due to victimization in politics. So far no politician has yet been sentenced. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Both the constituencies are grappling with basic issues many of them not being addressed by the “knee-jerk” governance of the state. Many of these issues were not raised by the MPs though some of them came under Union or Concurrent List. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>Some of the issues where Goa Government has shown knee jerk response:<o:p></o:p></u></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">There are 7 casinos operating, then there is people outcry then there is a raid, some licenses are questioned but legally still functional. If it was only about revenue to the Government, then it could have been raised purely through limiting to 2 licenses and keeping them for international bidding. Sometimes I wonder to what extent are we as society been stretched in the name of tourism, today its revenue from Casinos tomorrow the Government might start Legalizing Prostitution and charge service tax! </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Deep pocketed Real estate builders are given permissions to build large housing projects targeting the affluent of metros. No initiative has been taken by the 2 respected leaders in the Lok Sabha to protect or preserve the state’s “unique identity and culture”. Why our Lok Sabha leaders did not protest nor stop the Goa Real Estate exhibitions held in New Delhi & Mumbai. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Mining around periphery of forests and villages were given permission. In the grass roots of Goa, the villagers have organized to protest, many of these stories are so remote that they are not covered in mass media. The outcries resulted in another knee jerk response, several stop work notices were issued but after months of silence work resumes in these mines. What has been the stand of these 2 leaders on this in the Lok Sabha, what activities and actions have they taken in New Delhi to solve these grievances. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Tourists are drugged and raped on the beaches, international and national media make an outcry. Goa is considered no more safe this responded by another knee jerk reaction, with </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">arrests and suspensions, after a</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">few months </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">all back to business. Why was there no dedicated debate on this in the Lok Sabha? What institutions of national importance have been built or planned in Goa by these 2 leaders?</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">2008, A year of Shocking Increase in Criminal Cases</span></li></ul> <div align="center"> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="border: medium none ; border-collapse: collapse;" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr style="height: 5.85pt;"> <td style="border: 1pt solid black; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.85pt; height: 5.85pt;" valign="top" width="105"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Murders</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.05pt; height: 5.85pt;" valign="top" width="112"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">48.8 % Increase</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.5pt;"> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.85pt; height: 18.5pt;" valign="top" width="105"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Rape</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.05pt; height: 18.5pt;" valign="top" width="112"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">50% Increase</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.5pt;"> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.85pt; height: 18.5pt;" valign="top" width="105"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Theft</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.05pt; height: 18.5pt;" valign="top" width="112"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">21% Increase</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.5pt;"> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.85pt; height: 18.5pt;" valign="top" width="105"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Kidnapping</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.05pt; height: 18.5pt;" valign="top" width="112"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">116% Increase</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Eight years ago a ship abandoned on our Sinquerim coast, people make outcry, another knee jerk reaction called State Disaster but still no result. Isn’t Shipping and navigation on inland waterways, declared by Parliament by law to be national waterway, what have the 2 leaders done in Lok Sabha about this? Will some leader please dethrone this River Princess, or are we citizens of Goa to learn swimming and tug it away? </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Mass</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Protests against Special Economic Zones and IT Tech Parks as conflicting with peoples demand. But no evident agitation shown in Lok Sabha against SEZ by the 2 leaders.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Garbage management is now a everyone’s problem, garbage being dumped illegally in villages, then there is citizen outcry, Government steps in, then there is a sudden controversial fire in Sonsodo, still no visible results. State Government is still no able to deliver any clear roadmap. Why haven’t 2 leaders tried getting more funds or taken ownership of any project using schemes like JNRUM to address garbage issue of Goa?</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Poor Infrastructure and Transport System- Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited is still a loss making company. Paulo Travels and KSRTC are making more money than Kadamba. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Roads are not repaired frequently and many of them damaged due to high volume mining trucks and poor quality of road construction. People are compelled to do “Raasta Roko” like in Cancona to bring the governments focus on its issues. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Even today there no daily trains connecting Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad etc. </span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some more instances of a “Knee Jerk Governance” at our State: </span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Regional Plan is drafted by Private consultants based in Delhi and set for implementation by Goa Government, followed by people outcry and now Regional Plan is set for discussions across every panchayat. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Goan MLAs spend our tax payers’ money on lavish dinner parties, frequent flights and luxurious stays in hotels in Delhi / Mumbai. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Shri Agnelo Fernandes, the chairman of Economic Development Corporation, Shri Gurudas Gawas, chairman of Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation and</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Shri Shyam Satardekar, chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation were sent for the 10-day tour of Australia just when then they decided to plot a political coup. Organizations & Governments are globally are cutting costs but there seems to be no initiative taken by our respected leaders to cut costs of money that doesn’t belong to them. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Once upon a time, we had the best healthcare for Aam Aadmi, in the name of Medical Tourism, Healthcare for Goans has become expensive. </span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Both BJP and Congress play with the sentiments of 3 religions-Hindus, Christians and Muslims. Both the leaders have never taken any initiative for Goans Pilgrims to visit places outside India such as Vatican, Mecca, Mansarovar, Mount Kailash etc (which is a Union Subject)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sometimes I wonder whether the present state government has redefined the definition of Democracy from ‘of the people, for the people, by the people’ to “<u>Government of the miners, for the real estate, by corruption</u>”. Our role as people or citizens is just to be vigilant now that we have brought this government into power. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The present politicians like to ride our emotions reminding our religions, communalism, family centric politics etc. they create this haze around by which we forget to ask one fundamental question “Have you delivered governance?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">When we press the ballot button, we must detach from all conditioning and ask will he deliver and if not am I not responsible for voting him in. </span></p> <div style="border-style: none none solid; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none ; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;">April 23 is coming, many of young voters like me would be travelling over 600 kms to cast our vote, by travelling over 15 hours on roads that our below benchmark of other states in India. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">All this with a hope that governance will change, our leaders will change, because we as citizens are changing and evolving. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none ; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none ; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jai Hind</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none ; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Navendu Shirali</span></p> </div> Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-1164969075580787182006-12-01T02:29:00.000-08:002008-11-13T07:58:59.602-08:00Freedom Struggle or Struggle for land<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9plRC-LqZosDwg5P81JM4LmhQigJUyJFI0eEafdgAV2JZuru9yXRNkfUI2hXHSDcoJgc-J9jVNq4Gv7Nt2MAu04V7H4vgCV3qJB73V2wXFlfqQt4HJfNRtUCyR1RyAAggdh33NA/s1600-h/PaleBlueDot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9plRC-LqZosDwg5P81JM4LmhQigJUyJFI0eEafdgAV2JZuru9yXRNkfUI2hXHSDcoJgc-J9jVNq4Gv7Nt2MAu04V7H4vgCV3qJB73V2wXFlfqQt4HJfNRtUCyR1RyAAggdh33NA/s200/PaleBlueDot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099555776973659666" border="0" /></a><br /><o:p></o:p>Violence or Non Violence route to freedom, sometimes I wonder the concept of land, boundaries, where will this take us all. Indians fought for their freedom, for a century and then landed up with 2 countries divided on seeds of hatred. With no system to run the governance, illiteracy and poverty creating a system of corrupt politicians and slow bureaucrats. <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Just imagine the earth, with the concept of boundaries and motherland as a country.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In our sub-continent we have a <st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region>, a <st1:country-region st="on">Pakistan</st1:country-region>, a <st1:country-region st="on">Sri Lanka</st1:country-region>, a <st1:country-region st="on">Bangladesh</st1:country-region>, a <st1:country-region st="on">Burma</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">Nepal</st1:country-region> and a <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">China</st1:country-region></st1:place>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In India we have freedom struggle for the land of Kashmir, where we have various forms of freedom, some for free Kashmir from India and Pakistan, some for Kashmir to be merged with Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, some for merging with PoK with IoK, then there are few working on merging of Ladakh and Jammu as separate entities to be merged with India. So even if one of the above happens, there will be again struggle for freedom in Ladakh as they might not be able to relate to anyone around them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""> </span>In <st1:country-region st="on">Assam</st1:country-region> we have freedom struggle by ULFA for sovereign <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Assam</st1:place></st1:country-region>, and The National Democratic Front of Bodoland for autonomous region as Bodoland. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In Manipur, we have Peoples Liberation Army for liberating Manipur from <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place> and United National Liberation Front demanding for independent socialist state of Manipur.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If either of them successful, what will happen to all the different tribes and followers of different religions will they again identify borders for themselves and start fighting for freedom.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In Nagaland, we have National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak Mulvah and Khaplang, two divisions fighting for same cause but difference in their geographic areas for freedom. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In Tripura, we have the National Liberation Front of Tripura and All Tripura Tiger Force, again struggle for land and freedom. Tiger Force seeking expulsion of the Bengalis. So even if one of them are successful, we will see a struggle by the Bengalis here for their freedom. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In Meghalaya we have the Achik National Volunteer Council seeking to establish <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Achik</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Land</st1:placetype></st1:place>, and The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council seeking to establish freedom protecting from Achik. Again even if one of them successful, there will be another freedom struggle…</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In Mizoram, we have Hmar People's Convention-Democracy,HPC(D), seeking the freedom of Hmar and Bru National Liberation Front seeking for freedom of Reangs. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So….more freedom struggle..</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In Arunachal we have the Arunachal Dragon Force, seeking freedom of Arunachal and claimed area over other states. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Oh we also had Khalistan, followed with lot of riots and assignation of Prime Minister. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">And we have the Peoples War Group, now known as CPI (Maoist) trying to establish <b>Compact Revolutionary Zone</b> aims to establish as a continuous revolutionary base area from which to advance the people's war in India. The area runs from <st1:country-region st="on">Nepal</st1:country-region>, where Maoists are conducting the Nepalese People's War, through parts of six states in eastern <st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region>: <st1:place st="on">Bihar</st1:place>, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, and Andhra Pradesh.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So one more struggle, and once this might be achieved there will be factions in ideology and then more struggle in the name of freedom. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">And we have more struggles in <st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region>, struggle for Gondwana, seeking to create a Gondi state from parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and <st1:place st="on">Maharashtra</st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="" lang="SV">Struggle for Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu with eastern Sri Lanka, Telangana, and Vidarbha. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Now some of them want just statehood, and then emerge visionaries with a struggle for a separate nation. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Now lets take <st1:country-region st="on">Pakistan</st1:country-region>, struggle for freedom of Balawaristan, Hunza-Brooshal, Pashtunistan,<span style=""> </span>Sindhudesh and<span style=""> </span><st1:place st="on">Waziristan</st1:place>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>, we have Maoists running a parallel government. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In Myanmar, we have struggle for separate land for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arakan" title="Arakan"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Arakan</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chin_%28ethnic_group%29&action=edit" title="Chin (ethnic group)"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Chin</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kachin" title="Kachin"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kachin</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_people" title="Karen people"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Karen</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karenni" title="Karenni"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Karenni</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuki" title="Kuki"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kuki</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mon_%28ethnic_group%29" title="Mon (ethnic group)"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mon</span></a>, Rakhine people, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shan" title="Shan"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shan</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Va_people" title="Va people"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wa</span></a>, Zomi </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">More Struggles, So more boundaries, more cabinet ministers and hope that voice of common person can be heard. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Why do boundaries come, why is there struggle, at any given time there will some one not happy, is it when the mass is not happy or few.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Does it mean that 80% of people are still happy but the 20% who are not happy have enough power and will to raise their voice for separate boundaries.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Do boundaries create insecurity and create armies, and higher spending on arms rather than basic reason for establishing a country to focus on healthcare and happiness related parameters. Do boundaries create greater realization of how few our resources are, gives us the thought that greater resources available in other boundaries could help us. So we build an army and go about increasing our boundaries for more. And then you realize you have control over large boundary. Until you realize that there emerges another struggle stronger than your, to make another boundary. Is that what happened to <st1:country-region st="on">Great Britain</st1:country-region> in Pre World War 2, <st1:country-region st="on">USSR</st1:country-region> pre-melt down, or is that what going to happen to <st1:country-region st="on">China</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">USA</st1:country-region> and may be some day <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />And the last century also the mother of all struggles and creation of boundary in middle of desert by Jews all around the world coming and establishing a nation <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>. But then was a struggle for another boundary, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Palestine</st1:place></st1:city>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">What happens when such boundaries keep increasing, Zoom out of our subcontinent, to other continents, look at <st1:place st="on">Africa</st1:place>, it was once colonized by handful European countries. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">And now, do we even know the names of the countries there. Each already having atleast half dozen freedom struggles</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Where is the place heading for, struggle creates new states, and new countries. Until you realize that you are not able to succeed, so you start acquiring others freedom and then</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So basically we land up in this creation of large country and then again breakup to smaller countries, a circle never ending. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So is the question of struggle just for freedom or just boundaries, or is it about power hungry leaders or is it just unhappiness or is it all about economics. Combination I guess.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />When I think of Economics, may be, so is it fair to say, if you are state of living is good, you will not think of a separate country or for separate boundary. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">For example British left Hong Kong in 1997, as their lease had expired and the people with better standard of living compared to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region> were assured One Nation with 2 Systems. So its boundary as such dint matter until their standard of life was better.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Now if my concept of motherland is righteousness, then so is yours, and so is the all those 100 hundred struggles out there. How do I measure whose struggle is right, or whose supercedes, that is we support LTTE for separate country in <st1:country-region st="on">Sri Lanka</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tibet</st1:place></st1:country-region> as separate country, then we must support Free Kashmir. But that not right because we are giving up our land in case of <st1:place st="on">Kashmir</st1:place> and decreasing land of other greater lands known as countries. So is it just a support for the struggle of freedom, or is it for land. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So a century ago, <st1:country-region st="on">China</st1:country-region> was attacked by British because few ships carrying opium to <st1:country-region st="on">China</st1:country-region> from British East <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> was destroyed. So <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">China</st1:country-region></st1:place>, ended up being in decades to come a nation distributed geographically by different other developed nations. And today time has changed, <st1:country-region st="on">China</st1:country-region>, easily has done slow and silent hostile take over of larger parts of <st1:place st="on">Central Asia</st1:place>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;">(Tiber Struggle in India)-So If you want a freedom struggle successful it has to gain momentum and involvement of people of the land and not in exile. There has to be great amount of unhappiness through which you could promise the masses that through this struggle you could end their misery. (at some one else cost and enjoy that reign until your opponents start the struggle)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To curb any future struggles, just pamper your people with good governance, with open borders. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">May be its destiny, <span style=""> </span>that creates human minds induced to create bigger nations or smaller nations. And circle of life moves on…</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes, I wonder, when I was kid we used to play game on capitals of country, I wonder how many capitals will keep increasing as decades go by. And to think of it I wonder, when I look at the sky, that out of all the planets and stars out there, as far my knowledge is we are the only planet with life, and we then have countries with boundaries, and more struggles for newer boundaries. </p> Ironic to Say after all this,<br />Jai Hind<br />NavenduNavendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-35940028136148338592007-07-30T21:58:00.000-07:002008-11-13T07:58:58.921-08:00Quiet India MovementOn 29 July, Members of Youth Wing- Initiatives of Change had a meeting in Pune, as a product of this meeting is the following:<br /><br /><br />Source: http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=248518<br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="467"> <tbody> <tr> <td><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:100%;" ><b><span style="color: rgb(252, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >CHANNEL Y</span></b></span></td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#e7e7e7"> <td colspan="2" height="2"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogger.com/grfx/trans.gif" height="1" width="1" /></td></tr> <tr> <td height="10"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="467"> <tbody> <div class="Section1"></div></tbody></table><table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 350.25pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="467"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;font-size:12;" >Sound check</span></span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr> <tr style="height: 7.5pt;" height="10"> <td style="padding: 0in; height: 7.5pt;" height="10" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-size:8;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Vipul Shaha spearheads the message of silence on Indian roads through the Quiet India Movement that believes in the motto — Horn Not Ok Please</span></span></i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr> <tr style="height: 7.5pt;" height="10"> <td style="padding: 0in; height: 7.5pt;" height="10" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-size:8;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><a title="http://www.expressindia.com/about/feedback.html?mailto=vvdeshmukh@expressindia.com" href="http://www.expressindia.com/about/feedback.html?mailto=vvdeshmukh@expressindia.com" target="_blank"><span class="links2" title="http://www.expressindia.com/about/feedback.html?mailto=vvdeshmukh@expressindia.com"><b title="http://www.expressindia.com/about/feedback.html?mailto=vvdeshmukh@expressindia.com"><span title="http://www.expressindia.com/about/feedback.html?mailto=vvdeshmukh@expressindia.com" style="color: rgb(9, 91, 168);font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;" ><span title="http://www.expressindia.com/about/feedback.html?mailto=vvdeshmukh@expressindia.com" style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(9, 91, 168);font-size:8;" >Anuradha Mane</span></span></b></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr> <tr style="height: 7.5pt;" height="10"> <td style="padding: 0in; height: 7.5pt;" height="10" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-size:8;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Sixty-five years ago, when <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place> came alive with the Quit India Movement, Indians were fighting against the British. But this enterprising student who visited <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Britain</st1:country-region></st1:place> during a summer internship, came back with the idea of a movement against our own selves—the Quiet India Movement. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >For Vipul Shaha, a final year student of business ad<st1:personname st="on">mini</st1:personname>stration at Symbiosis, the absence of honking on the roads was an inspiration to have the same silence on Indian roads. “Excessive honking on the roads prevails across <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place> but I wanted to focus on Pune to begin with. Abroad, honking is a sign of rudeness and impatience. When we honk at traffic signals, it doesn’t really move the traffic forward. In fact, people have now become desensitised to honking,” he says. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >So, he got together with some friends and even came up with a slogan for the movement — Horn Not OK Please . Coincidentally for Shaha, an opportunity to spread the good word immediately came up in the form of the Pune-Baramati cycle rally recently organised by the Cycling Association of Maharashtra. “I sported a t-shirt with our slogan and cycled 120 kilometres hoping that people would notice the campaign and be part of it,” says Shaha, who himself has been using a bicycle to commute in the city since the last five years. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Their current group consists of ten members who come from different backgrounds such as the IT industry, law and academics. </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQBwnncwbxUCVYI1Lj2w1wELoSKCsE6pWH4-AH1_DmGYgd9M2YODPfTQLrbh_PqFjRUX99QecPON9D1imDESV8CaxcedxbaK7NfbmKg_vNfrB78AYJmrm28kZXBX3C2_SAmVz9Q/s1600-h/P1010416.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQBwnncwbxUCVYI1Lj2w1wELoSKCsE6pWH4-AH1_DmGYgd9M2YODPfTQLrbh_PqFjRUX99QecPON9D1imDESV8CaxcedxbaK7NfbmKg_vNfrB78AYJmrm28kZXBX3C2_SAmVz9Q/s200/P1010416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099565715527982642" border="0" /></a></p><p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >And the first major effort already got underway last week when the group went to Baramati (where Shaha hails from) and visited a dozen schools and spoke to 2,500 students about this campaign. “Schools, colleges and corporates are the best targets because we have seen that excessive honking has become a display of ‘cool’ attitude among young drivers,” says Chetas Desai, a BPO employee who feels that Pune’s status as a young city makes it imperative to reach out to the youngsters. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >While for Shrikant Shelat, a software engineer, the campaign is his way of giving back to society. “Sound pollution is a major problem, but it somehow never comes up in a conspicuous way. For me, addressing this issue was important. In fact, honking is a chain where if the person behind you honks too much, you honk at the person in front of you and it goes on. Imagine all the unnecessary sound pollution,” says Shelat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >And while they are hoping more and more youngsters would join the Quiet India Campaign, they also have a plan chalked out. “Firstly, we’re planning to hold talk shows on the radio and have some experts talk about the hazards of honking. Apart from that, we’re also going to approach the PMC and the RTO to help us in spreading the message,” says Shaha. More ambitious plans include observing a Quiet Pune Day where citizens will be urged to keep their hands off the horns for the day-but that’s once they mobilise enough members. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >“During the Quit India Movement, we were fighting an outside enemy. But here, we have to fight the enemy within, which should be a lot more easier,” smiles Shaha. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-53061248792305405232007-07-30T23:05:00.000-07:002008-11-13T07:58:58.732-08:00The Agents Of ChangeA Close pal of mine, Abhishek Thakore has published this article.<br />I feel its a good "IofC for Dummies"<br /><br />Source: http://www.lifepositive.com/Mind/Spiritual-travel/Life-MRA.asp<br /><p class="writer"><br /></p> <div class="articlestart"><b>Nestled in the hills of Panchgani, Maharashtra, stands Asia Plateau, the international centre of the worldwide movement called Initiatives of Change, formerly Moral Rearmament Army. Here, participants are encouraged to introspect and<br />first change themselves and then aim at global transformation<br /></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1V-qN2Vzzbhl_C7J3YKAgJfG4KK6BmfFh_MD7Cv3LKDOT3THSBT2eq3ebM_yflAcgjL5YhDezwMBR0vNcbbPPFL_X_CmUu-nTY2ttJSogoz3muDtrmj8BPJdUmh_CjqYR5okXrw/s1600-h/P1000984.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1V-qN2Vzzbhl_C7J3YKAgJfG4KK6BmfFh_MD7Cv3LKDOT3THSBT2eq3ebM_yflAcgjL5YhDezwMBR0vNcbbPPFL_X_CmUu-nTY2ttJSogoz3muDtrmj8BPJdUmh_CjqYR5okXrw/s200/P1000984.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099174074640129538" border="0" /></a><br /></div> <p class="article"><i>“Make <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/spirit/god/god.html" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> God </span></a>your guru, Let him tell you what to do, Listen, he’s calling clear and true... Take time to listen Take courage to obey, inner voice is calling,calling you...”</i><br /><br />These lines catch the essence of an increasingly popular movement of change makers—the Initiatives of Change (formerly known as Moral Re-armament Army, or MRA). This is an international network of people working for reconciliation, justice and the <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/body/healing.asp" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> healing </span></a>of history. Or more simply, it’s a group of people motivated to bring a change within society, starting with themselves.<br /><br /><b>The Beginning</b><br />The Moral Rearmament Movement was started by Frank Buchman of Philadelphia, USA, to counter society’s moral decline in the wake of World War II. Its philosophy is influenced by Buchman’s personal story of change. As an employee of an orphanage, he was embittered by the refusal of its six trustees to grant it a more generous fund.<br /><br />Eventually, he resigned and moved to the UK. There while sitting in a church he realised that the bitterness was holding him back. He immediately wrote letters of apology to the six trustees and healed his hurt.<br /><br />Says R.D. Mathur, a founder trustee who has dedicated his <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/philosophy/life/life.html" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> life </span></a>to MRA for over 50 years: “MRA aims at global transformation, beginning with the individual. We aim to re-arm people, not with weapons but with values.”<br /><br />The cornerstone of the philosophy is fourfold: Absolute Purity, Absolute Honesty, Absolute Unselfishness and Absolute Love. It challenges men to live their lives daily by these standards.<br /><br />In Buchman’s own words: “These standards are like the pole-star. No ship has ever reached the pole-star, and yet, over centuries, countless sailors have set their course with the guidance of the star. These values are ABSOLUTE. They might not be reachable in completion, but the individual has to keep striving for them.”<br /><br /><b>MRA in India </b><br />The international conference and training centre of this movement is Asia Plateau, nestled in the hills of Panchgani in Maharashtra. What in 1964 was a barren piece of land with a single silver oak tree, is today a verdant 64-acre centre of reconciliation, dialogue and introspection, supported and frequented by people from all over the world. From industrialists to social workers, from senior citizens to youth, Asia Plateau attracts all those striving for personal change.<br /><br />On October 2, 1963, a group of 70 people from different parts of the country, led by Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and famous scholar-statesman C. Rajagopalachari, marched across the nation advocating a clean, strong and united India. They covered 4,500 miles over 40 days. This was the genesis of the MRA in India. The formation of Asia Plateau followed soon after.<br /><br />Born with a bang, MRA was among the mainstream activist movements in India, with numerous youth volunteering to join in and <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/work/work/work.html" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> work </span></a>without any pay or stipend. Things changed later. “With the advent of the 1980s and the ’90s there was a wave of materialism—people had rising aspirations, and they began to move on to other jobs that would pay better and give them those comforts,” says Nabnita, a dedicated volunteer who s still with them.<br /><br />After the slowdown, the organisation today shows signs of growth once again. Slowly, more and more people are coming in contact with its ideologies. The change of name was also a brave step for the organisation.<br /><br /><b>Looking Inwards</b><br />Asia Plateau provides a near perfect environment for a sincere seeker to introspect and look within. The ideology encourages honest self-observation of the wrongs that one would like to see eliminated from society but that are present in one’s own actions, attitudes and relationships.<br /><br />The centre helps sensitise an individual to his/her own awakened sense of conscience through the practice of quiet time. This practice helps flush out the toxic <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/stress.html" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> stress </span></a>of daily <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/philosophy/life/life.html" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> life, </span></a>and <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/aids.html" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> aids </span></a>in clear thinking, offering time and space to evolve. It also encourages the habit of listening, vital for a meaningful dialogue. The experience has empowered many to change their own lives.<br /><br />Chantharasy, former Ambassador of Laos in New Delhi, has often been at Asia Plateau with his family. His is an area which has suffered much. He says: “There will not be lasting <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/ethics-and-values/peace/peace.html" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> peace </span></a>unless there is <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/ethics-and-values/peace/peace.html" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> peace </span></a>in the hearts of the people. I look to Asia Plateau to do something for the nations of Indochina. Honesty in families is the key to honesty in international affairs.”<br /><br />Om Prakash Bagaria, a businessman, had a manufacturing company in Assam. After exposure to the MRA, his attitude to the trade union leader in his factory changed. As a result, an eight-year-old dispute was settled in three days and a workers’ housing scheme was started within a month.<br /><br />Gajanan Sawant, a textile worker from Mumbai, was similarly inspired to de-silt the neglected <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/community.asp" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> community </span></a>well in his area. Later, he and his neighbours started a school for the children.<br /><br />A trade union leader for 28 years, Satya Banerjee has attended conferences here with his wife. Banerjee’s conviction is: “As I am responsible for my union, so I am responsible for my industry and my nation.” All the 3,000 workers in his union, including himself, lost their jobs when their private railway company was closed down. Due to his initiative and persistence all were relocated in the Indian Railways across the country. Banerjee was the last to find a job.<br /><br />Former British minister for economic and social affairs at the UN, A.R.K. Mackenzie, does a summing up: “It was interesting to note at the concluding session of the Panchgani Dialogue that 34 people spoke in 90 minutes, each one announcing something they are going to do, a conclusion in vivid contrast to many UN sessions where it would be common to find one delegate speaking for 90 minutes on how 34 other countries ought to act!”<br /><br />Asia Plateau has a plethora of programmes under the Effective Living and Leadership (ELL) series. An introduction to its ideology can be had at the Open House, a one-and-a-half day programme held regularly. Apart from a basic introduction to the philosophy of Initiatives for Change, the programme has some interesting sessions geared towards giving participants a feel of the place. This is done through open space forums, group discussions, songs, and talks.<br /><br />A remarkable programme conducted here is the nine-month Action for <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/philosophy/life/life.html" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> Life </span></a>(AFL), where a group of 34 people between the age groups of 19 and 72 and from different countries, travel around the world. This helps cultivate the ‘world is my family’ concept among youth. It is meant to be a learning experience, where a journey through communities leads to an inward journey.<br /><br />A national youth conference called Let’s Make a Difference is also held for youngsters in the16-25 age group from all over India. Viral Majumdar, its organiser, says: “The values of MRA have brought about a personal <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/personal-growth/transformation/transformation.html" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> transformation </span></a>in my life. I patched up with a friend after not talking to him for years. Today, I live <a href="http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/philosophy/life/life.html" class="article"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"> life </span></a>everyday by the values of MRA.” Fondly known as Viral Bhai, he is a friend to every participant in the conference.<br /><br />Asia Plateau can comfortably accommodate over 200 participants. The 64 acres contain a farm and gardens, cottages, a clinic and a post office. A 400-seat theatre facilitates world-class presentations. The dining hall provides tasty food in an ambience that makes meal times fun and meaningful.<br /><br />Managed by a paid staff of less than 40, Asia Plateau’s spick and span condition compares to the best of hotels. The participants themselves wash, cook, serve and bond over these tasks, deriving a feeling of team spirit.<br /><br />The thickly wooded centre houses over 85 different species of birds. A large part of the forest consists of trees that are a key source of ayurvedic medicine. Rainwater harvesting provides drinking water around the year, and domestic waste is recycled and used for compost and vermiculture. Hot water is provided by solar water heating, and farm water is pumped by a windmill. The centre is a living example of how a modern and complex structure can be sustainable and eco-friendly.<br /><br />There are no overt religious symbols at Asia Plateau. It encourages individuals to live according to their highest secular and religious values. It has no membership, no subscription and minimal formal organisational structure. There is a role for everybody, everywhere. To quote a former International Monetary Fund director: “This is an extraordinary place. In the last five days I spent here, I have not figured out who the boss is!”</p>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-63564590680576655752007-08-15T20:59:00.000-07:002008-11-13T07:58:58.460-08:0018 Hours with a Gandhian<span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span lang="EN-IN">On 11 August we the team of IofC-Bangalore visited <a href="http://www.fireflies.org.in/">Fireflies</a>. I reached pretty late, so I missed the introduction part. At the dinner time, our friend Aswini informed the presence of an Old Man, as Gandhian from Wardha. Somehow, as soon I heard those words Wardha, I got up and went to meet him and joined him on table where he was having dinner. I guess that’s when the KT –Knowledge Transfer started. Here our some of the excerpts: </span></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtOQ9Y4odB27ZytSLIY4vJuRkMELn81me2-SqaMEJlBS6CtCU4s61ItKGBpczCGEziI8Fpgc40F-6OlOuO3cDoEZO3E3wR6CXmPiE2mCakOHjS_c-CTNsUWefwwn7Wy3pLq89oQ/s1600-h/with+Thakur+Daa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtOQ9Y4odB27ZytSLIY4vJuRkMELn81me2-SqaMEJlBS6CtCU4s61ItKGBpczCGEziI8Fpgc40F-6OlOuO3cDoEZO3E3wR6CXmPiE2mCakOHjS_c-CTNsUWefwwn7Wy3pLq89oQ/s200/with+Thakur+Daa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099145371373690322" border="0" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span lang="EN-IN">Thakurdas Bang, a Gandhian, had joined Mahatma Gandhi when he was 25 years old. From the time of Quit India movement, assassination of Mahatma, and Jai Prakash Narayan Movement against the emergency has been some of his milestones in path of practising Gandhian way of life. Both sons of Thakurdas, Abhay Bang and Ashok Bang run NGOs in Wardha and have received International acclaim. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Bhagat Singh- </span><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Gandhi personally wrote 4 letters to Lord Irwin seeking release of Bhagat Singh, one of the letters replied by Irwin was addressed to Gandhi as “Dear Barrister Mohandas”, in which he reiterated that Bhagat Singh has expressed in court that he was no regretting for his act of violence, which on based of moral code can be forgiven but not on Legal code. To which Gandhi discussed on impacts of sentence on future generation. All three; Gandhi, Bhagat singh and Irwin, were right on their sides.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size:130%;">Jawarhalal Nehru chosen as PM- </span><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family:verdana;">It was not that Gandhi had handpicked Nehru as PM, it was more that he was the undisputed popular Leader amongst the masses and youth specially, as well was a face of </span><st1:country-region style="font-family: verdana;" st="on">India</st1:country-region><span style="font-family:verdana;"> to outer world to whom </span><st1:place style="font-family: verdana;" st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="font-family:verdana;"> was much unknown. For successful democracy most popular leader is to be chosen.</span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p style="font-family: verdana;"> </o:p><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Partition-</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Gandhi always stood with will that partition of </span><st1:place style="font-family: verdana;" st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="font-family:verdana;"> can happen only over his dead body. He explained that he would practise Satyagraha and fasting until death. In Congress Party Meeting, Gandhi was invited along with all senior leaders of Congress to discuss proposed partition of </span><st1:country-region style="font-family: verdana;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family:verdana;">. Nehru and Sardar Patel presented before them that they have given their word as consent towards Partition of India. To which Gandhi in shock asked them, as to why he wasn’t informed before this. Nehru mentioned that Gandhi was in </span><st1:city style="font-family: verdana;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Calcutta</st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family:verdana;">, and it was not possible to contact him. To which Gandhi in disturbed manner asked that in 1947, how was he not able to contact him, he could have used a messenger or anything of such crucial nature to be discussed. To which he was replied that it was assumed that Gandhi’ stand would anyways be against the Partition of India. To which Gandhi, thought in silence and said that “Mein Kuch tho rasta nikalunga” (I will find some way out). He gazed into the eyes of Nehru and in few seconds Nehru head was down in shame, and same was done to Sardar Patel and other members. In the Congress Working Committee Meeting when Gandhi asked who would join him against the Partition only 1 member supported him, that was Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan. All other seniors including Nehru and Patel were in favour of the partition. Jai Prakash Narayan along with many abstained from taking any sides. This entire details of this meeting was narrated by JP Narayan to Thakurdas.</span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Reservation-</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> There has been a lot of atrocities against communities based on caste and tribes. Reservation was required post </span><st1:place style="font-family: verdana;" st="on"><st1:city st="on">Independence</st1:city></st1:place><span style="font-family:verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">but its benefits have not yet been materialised. If reservation has to be there it must have time limits of next 5 to 10 years. </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;">How did Youth buy the idea of non-violence versus violence? Was it just the charisma of Gandhi?</span> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Non violence has been a concept far before Gandhi came. Yes, Gandhi did have charisma, but it was not accepted just because of that. Because, many decades later, </span><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">JP Narayan started a similar movement across the nation when millions of Indians protested in peaceful manner against the imposition of Emergency. Weapons were banned by the British to be available among the masses. Since it was difficult to procure arms, Non Violence as a concept to many seemed difficult but a way of achieving freedom. Non Violence shows not cowardice but courage.</span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Failure of Gandhism as mass movement Post Assassination-was it a failure of Institution building?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Who is follower of Gandhi, his sons, me, you, followers? What is Gandhi, if I drink Pepsi can I be a follower of Gandhi.</span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" >Doesn’t anti-Globalisation conflict with concept of Vasudev Kutumbak-</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Do we need products from distant places? Should we consume products of what is available near us? Where I as a consumer can go and see the quality of production, how he does it. Why do we buy goods from far? Just to reduce costs isn’t, because scales of production are cheaper in far distant lands. The concept of Swadeshi, and how it relates to the self sustaining economies. Why buy from distant place where there is control by consumer, where he is not witness to the production or creation of a product. </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size:130%;">Godse-</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">There were 7 attempts to kill Gandhi, Godse was arrested at Wardha before, and on Gandhi’s consent he was pardoned. Thakurdas was in Wardha Ashram when this event happened. Infact the Home Ministry was informed by senior person from ICS, that a possible assassination bid was being attempted and planned by some senior people in Hindu Maha Sabha.</span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Farmer suicides-</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Thakurdas asked us, why did Farmer Suicides increase Post Independence? To which some said that it, in those there might information deprivation, now we have access to rural parts of </span><st1:country-region style="font-family: verdana;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family:verdana;">. To which he talked of modern methods of cultivation which are actually degrading soil and environment, drinking water, long run losses. He reiterated that Farmers are losing methods of organic farming, towards short term benefits of in-organic farming.</span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size:130%;">Direct Retail Sourcing from Farmers-</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Thakurdas mentioned that the entire ecosystem will be abused further. They will be dictated which crops to grow, and with large scale, organizational farming, many will become unemployed. Even the middle layer of present abusers will be unemployed. To which the Youth asked as the middle layer is much worse than direct retail sourcing. To which Thakurdas replied that, today we are less sensitive to fellow humans. We don’t have feelings and compassion for other humans. If these middlemen have compassion they wouldn’t have abused the farmers.</span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">Bitasta Das, one of the young visitors said- “It was a rare occasion for me to meet a person of this stature like Sri Thakurdas Bang. After talking to him one could indeed sense the power of simplicity. I managed to catch him for a while to talk about my interest area- the North East India. On being asked about the integration of the North Eastern states during the freedom struggle, he was of the opinion that the leaders from </span><st1:country-region style="font-family: verdana;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Assam</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family:verdana;"> were ardent Gandhian. In fact the first CM of independent </span><st1:place style="font-family: verdana;" st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Assam</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Sri Gopinath Bordoloi had very close contact with Gandhiji. The new blood of </span><st1:place style="font-family: verdana;" st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Assam</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="font-family:verdana;"> showed some spark to topple the negligence from the centre but they eventually got corrupted and things are back to square one. He reaffirmed that Jay Prakash Narayan was a popular and a very influential person in the North Eastern states. The unification of these states with mainland </span><st1:country-region style="font-family: verdana;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family:verdana;"> has been mostly due to his efforts.”</span><o:p style="font-family: verdana;"></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> It was memorable day for all us, so much of high energy discussions. Thakurdas offered meeting us at 6.30 am, he was infact ready to meet us at 4 am, but since many of the youngsters were burnt out, we met 6.30 am, he was present at the meeting place well before that, just like Gandhian should be.<br /></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p>The questions he asked us, made me introspect how I have been using my youth. When I discussed with him some of my inhibitions, his personal advice and guidance was really thought provoking, and made me feel grateful towards destiny, for creating an opportunity to meet such soft spoken Gandhian, for so much time, for so much inspiration, for so much knowledge<br /></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A Gandhian, whom I shall always hold close to my memories.</span><br /></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p>Jai Hind.</o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Navendu</span><br /></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-71452750232107942292007-08-15T21:09:00.000-07:002008-11-13T07:58:58.308-08:00Message to Indians Abroad on Independence DayA message by my buddy, Sonu Arora, to all Indians abroad....<br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELtWQPuhmwEqOxDFM3NzJQiPbP8UUC7zD0vwhBPVeb1k_g-suFpiW9Au4gxh_j4jIbBmEdlLf_4fVmoleBewpAKgtbfT5M4GF7PYdnLgw-ON7EQ6Ef2WIERI7T8JS8Vv4uznKZA/s1600-h/Sonu.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELtWQPuhmwEqOxDFM3NzJQiPbP8UUC7zD0vwhBPVeb1k_g-suFpiW9Au4gxh_j4jIbBmEdlLf_4fVmoleBewpAKgtbfT5M4GF7PYdnLgw-ON7EQ6Ef2WIERI7T8JS8Vv4uznKZA/s200/Sonu.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099147785145310690" border="0" /></a><br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div> <div>is desh se bichdey huye dosto ,bhaiyo aur behano ...</div> <div>agar aap ko yaad hoga toh aaj humara swantrata diwas ..oops ..independence day </div> <div>aaj yeh bharat mata aapse kuch kehna chahti hain..</div> <div> </div> <div>'' yeh jhokha ,hawa ka desh se tere</div> <div>aaj ik sandesh laaya hain</div> <div>kabh se dekh rahi hain teri raah,</div> <div>chal...maa ne tujhe bulaya hain.</div> <div> </div> <div>1. manaa rahi hain aazadi ka jashn ,.</div> <div> maa pyar se tere aaj bhi,</div> <div> apne parivaar se bichddhey bachho ka </div> <div> is maa ko intezaar hain aaj bhi ,</div> <div> bhul naa jaana bete tujhko,</div> <div> isi maa ne dhudh pilaya hain </div> <div> kabh se dekh rahi hain teri raah </div> <div> chal ..maa ne tujhe bulaya hain </div> <div> </div> <div>2.</div> <div> dekh ke tere maa ki kamzori,</div> <div> hustey hain padosi sabhi,</div> <div> kehte hain , rahega sadha andhera yaha</div> <div> roshni yaha ki kyuki, kahi aur hain jal rahi</div> <div> umeed hain aaj bhi is maa ki aakho mein </div> <div> jisey tumne rulaaya hain</div> <div> kabh se dekh rahi hain teri raah </div> <div> chal ..maa ne tujhe bulaya hain </div> <div> </div> <div>3.</div> <div> socha tuney kabhi yeh ki</div> <div> sabh hain phir bhi mann udaas kyu hain ?</div> <div> samander mein tair raha hain </div> <div> per phir bhi ajeeb si aisi pyas kyu hain ?</div> <div> pooch bete khud se yeh ,kyuki</div> <div> aise sawalo ne aksar ,soya zameer jagaaya hain </div> <div> kabh se dekh rahi hain teri raah </div> <div> chal ..maa ne tujhe bulaya hain </div> <div> </div> <div>'' yeh jhokha ,hawa ka desh se tere</div> <div>aaj ik sandesh laaya hain</div> <div>kabh se dekh rahi hain teri raah,</div> <div>chal...maa ne tujhe bulaya hain.</div> <div> tujhe bulaya hain...</div> <div> tujhe bulaya hain</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> JAI HIND</div>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-13543598733562972272007-08-15T21:19:00.000-07:002008-11-13T07:58:58.196-08:00Message to Young Indians in IndiaMessage by my close buddy, Sonu Arora to the Youth of India on eve of Independence Day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNop1Kb95Myyu2HxxGijJRDdPR9ZxWKRYYLGFdtlSj1mAmSkPWpJ9sKnIUnDEkLeR1gp_MF9Q2gp7CbbmxeLRSL3CCn7CmKJpw9lAxZwGJ4eswu7wVx2gDs0sph4BibwAS0H4BGg/s1600-h/Sonu.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNop1Kb95Myyu2HxxGijJRDdPR9ZxWKRYYLGFdtlSj1mAmSkPWpJ9sKnIUnDEkLeR1gp_MF9Q2gp7CbbmxeLRSL3CCn7CmKJpw9lAxZwGJ4eswu7wVx2gDs0sph4BibwAS0H4BGg/s200/Sonu.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099149279793929714" border="0" /></a><br />aj phir humara swantrata diwas hain. <div>aaj bhi apne is desh mein kitne hee aise log hoge, jinke liye yeh din , bus ek aur chutti jaisa hoga . </div> <div>aaj phir ,sarkaari daftaro ki diwaro per latki huyi , shaheedo ki tasveero per se dhul jhaadi jayegi .</div> <div>aaj phir ,alag-alag t.v channel wale ,radio wale , deshbhakti ke naam per apni-apni rotiya sekhege .</div> <div>aaj phir ,kayi ministers ke writers ,ko aisi speech taiyyar karne ke liye kaha jayega ,jisey sunaaker woh logo ki deshbhakti ki bhawna ki saath aasani se khilwaadh kar sake .</div> <div> </div> <div>kitne hi navjawaan apne-apne tarike se , jaise apni-apni motor-cycles,cars per is aazadi ki khushi ko prakat karege.</div> <div> hmmm :)</div> <div> </div> <div>yeh navjawaan ,aaj phir desh bhakti ke geet sunker aaj khud ko josh se labaa-lab bhar dege ..magar .....................................................................................................................................</div> <div> </div> <div>yeh josh bilkul us murgi ki tarah hoga joh kuch feet hawa mein uddhker baitth jaati hain.</div> <div>pata nahi aisa kitne hi baar hua hain ki , koyi jawaan apne is desh ke liye kuch karne ko josh mein aa toh jata hain </div> <div>per baar-baar ubaale gaye pani ki tarah bhaap bunker is josh hawa mein kayi kho deta hain .</div> <div> </div> <div>aao , hum sabhi is aazadi ke pavitra awsar per yeh kasam khaaye ki ,hum desh ke liye kuch karne ko ,humme paida huye is jazbe ko kabhi bhi marne nahi dege </div> <div>aur apne is jeevan mein apne is aazad desh ki neev jisey mazboot banane ke liye kitne hi logo ne apna khun bahaya hain ,usey kabhi ladhkhadae nahi dege.</div> <div> </div> <div>itihaas gawah hain ,humare desh ko aazad karane ke liye najaane kitne hi log shaeed huye .yeh aazadi toh humney baahari mulk se haasil ki thi ,</div> <div>per lagta hain ki hum aaj bhi dhire-dhire ghulaam bante jaa rahe hain aur woh bhi aur kisi se nahi , balki apne hi desh ke kuch logo se (ministers ). </div> <div>yeh mutthi bhar log purey desh ke liye faisle lete hain .</div> <div>yeh faisle sirf ek hi chiz soch ker lete ki ,unke is faisle se agle election mein unki kursi surakshit bach jaaye .</div> <div> </div> <div>yaha hum sabh ko jaagne ki zaroorat hain . </div> <div>aaj agar dekha jaye toh humarey desh ki aadhey se zyaada public joh vote deti hain ,woh ya toh anpadh hoti hain ya kharidi gayi hoti hain ya jaat-paath ,aarakshit (reservations) sahuliyat paanewali hoti hain .</div> <div> </div> <div>aao hum sabh aaj ek aur kasam khaaye ki hum kum-se kum 2-5 aise log joh vote nahi daalne jaate unhe apne saath , sahi candidate ko vote dalwaane le jaye.</div> <div> </div> <div>bus anth mein yeh kahuga agar aaj ka yeh din celebrate karna hai toh , bus </div> <div>IS AAZADI KE LIYE CHUKAAYI GAYI KEEMAT KO JAANKER .</div> <div> </div> <div>JAI-HIND</div> <div> </div> sonu:Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-61473239894309618192007-08-16T23:54:00.000-07:002008-11-13T07:58:58.103-08:00Thats all we have<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h5cyDqhWPVHM8wRDk5CmI4gTRcwMX7I2zC7Wp6n1dPyTTygIXoawuOOhvsgVk2dKiOF8zkueZTDSzC9F2GiuBjGJXTCrePdyuwT232qzDKvt1vOavAG71hHfHoDw3-q4-m2Vcw/s1600-h/PaleBlueDot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h5cyDqhWPVHM8wRDk5CmI4gTRcwMX7I2zC7Wp6n1dPyTTygIXoawuOOhvsgVk2dKiOF8zkueZTDSzC9F2GiuBjGJXTCrePdyuwT232qzDKvt1vOavAG71hHfHoDw3-q4-m2Vcw/s200/PaleBlueDot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099559500710305314" border="0" /></a>On <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/February_14" title="February 14">February 14</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990" title="1990">1990</a>, The <b>Pale Blue Dot</b> is a photograph of planet <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth" title="Earth">Earth</a> made by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_1" title="Voyager 1">Voyager 1</a> from a record distance, showing it against the vastness of space. Carl Sagan gives the distance as 3.7 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_E%2B12_m" title="1 E+12 m">billion miles</a> in the book, while NASA website describes it as "more than 4 billion miles" (6.4 billion kilometres). The picture was taken using a narrow-angle camera at 32° above the ecliptic, and created using blue, green, and violet filters.<br /><br />Now to think of it, all our individual unhappiness, success, struggles, wars, politics, corruption, career, industry, poverty, fame, movies, love, relationships, hatred, greed, every emotion. When I look at this picture, Every emotion of society, and possibility of our life all seems so insignificant. I mean we are almost equal to nothing.<br />As Al Gore says, "thats all we have"....<br />To add I feel, we are already an endangered planet, almost extinct race, our life and our civilization is just a dot in the sky.Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-38815908345075021242007-08-19T21:22:00.000-07:002008-11-13T07:58:58.091-08:00Independence with dignityJoe Madiath, has been a major part of Initiatives of Change for several years. He has been instrumental in development of a strong team in Orissa. Had heard about him many times at Asia Plateau, Panchgani. And now a hard hitting article on "The Hindu". Looking forward towards meeting him in person.<br /><br />Source:http://www.hindu.com/mag/2007/08/19/stories/2007081950120500.htm<br />Article by-HARIHARAN BALAKRISHNAN <p> </p> <table bgcolor="#ffeedd" border="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td>For more than three decades, Joe Madiath has been helping villagers in Orissa empower themselves. </td></tr></tbody></table><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGm8y-VB83wgHWd9BkEF3aSOVQTj65flaKHZEn5cb8gJ_hnoY87VWUluxoVYcbxDGw6Gij_iOz4q4y8rPw0aw01RZgVrqfQyb5oSvFhipieBDWTgzatE3wBvtRJdZ2siGEv2s8g/s1600-h/2007081950120501.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGm8y-VB83wgHWd9BkEF3aSOVQTj65flaKHZEn5cb8gJ_hnoY87VWUluxoVYcbxDGw6Gij_iOz4q4y8rPw0aw01RZgVrqfQyb5oSvFhipieBDWTgzatE3wBvtRJdZ2siGEv2s8g/s200/2007081950120501.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100633723570642562" border="0" /></a><p align="justify">The devastating super cyclone of 1999 is fresh in the memory of many in Orissa, and others in India and across the world. But few remember the cyclone that ravaged Orissa, Bengal and Bangladesh in 1971. India, particularly Eastern India, had to bear the burden of 10 million refugees from the erstwhile East Pakistan. At a time when world attention was focussed on Bangladesh’s birth pangs, a great cyclone hit the same part of this globe. </p><span class="subsectionhead" style=";font-size:100%;color:red;" >Beginnings </span> <p>Joe Madiath led a group of 400 volunteers from Young Students’ Movement for Development (YSMD) to West Bengal. They worked in West Dinajpur, Malda and a few other districts but Joe soon found that, while international aid was pouring into Bengal, the devastation in Orissa was not on anyone’s radar. So he shifted base and pitched tent in Kendrapara area of Cuttack district with 40 volunteers. </p> <p>After some basic work, the group decided that providing irrigation facilities would be the best way to put the victims back on their feet. So, they formed a lift-irrigation co-operative of villagers and helped augment resources. But once the facilities were operational, the big land-owners reneged on their earlier promise to cede some of their land for common benefit. Big landlords got the maximum benefit, smaller ones got less, and the landless were left high and dry. Joe decided this was not his calling. The group handed over the irrigation points to the locals and left. </p> <p>But Joe’s heart was with the poor. He had seen the misery of have-nots at close quarters. When travelling through Orissa — in Kalahandi one day and Keonjhar the next week — one Collector spotted him and asked if he would like to do something for the tribals of Ganjam district. And Joe landed in Mohuda village to what turned out to be his life’s calling. </p><span class="subsectionhead" style=";font-size:100%;color:red;" >A dairy cooperative </span> <p>Joe visited Berhampur, Ganjam’s largest town, in response to Collector D.P. Bagchi’s call, travelled intensively and met many. Among them was Ramanath Das, President of the District Co-operative Bank. Around that time, a mahant donated 100 acres of land for a milk producers’ co-opearative. Ramanath Das asked Joe to take a part of the land on lease and develop a dairy farm. Joe went back to Chennai and Kerala and returned with five volunteers and 30 acres were taken on a 35-year lease. </p> <p>This was when I first met Joe. In 1974, some of us were involved in civic improvement of Berhampur, besides weekend health work in another village near Mohuda. </p> <p>On Sundays and holidays, scooters rolled towards the hills and we held clinics. Young doctors from MKCG Medical College volunteered, and the HOD, Paediatrics, helped with immunisation kits. Soon sisters of the newly-started Missionaries of Charity joined in. Thanks to Mother Teresa’s volunteers, there was no more scarcity of medicines. </p> <p>After a few years of dairy and horticulture work, Joe realised that milk produced in Mohuda did not benefit the local people. Tribals considered milking a cow a “sin”! All produce was going to Berhampur. </p> <p>Again, he decided this was not his calling either. Soon Joe and his group formed Gram Vikas, which was registered in 1979. </p> <p>The dairy farm, horticulture and healthcare were going on apace. Micro-finance had made a small beginning. One nationalised bank opened a branch at Mohuda. Simultaneously, the poor tribals were realising the power of a group. A massive <i>andolan</i> was launched to shake off their burden of debt and bonded labour.</p> <p>Not only were small holdings of land, but even their children, were mortgaged to the Sahukars who lent them money and supplied liberal liquor to men-folk. Women, under the leadership of Anthya Madiath, made a consistent effort to wean the men from liquor. The freshly-enacted Act against bonded labour came in handy. Before long, land came back to the rightful owners. </p><span class="subsectionhead" style=";font-size:100%;color:red;" ><br />Benefits of biogas </span> <p>Meanwhile, Joe had seen the benefits of biogas (earlier, Ramanath Das had taken him to a tea-snack joint where the fuel was produced from cow dung in a makeshift plant). The Government too was thinking on alternative energy, and offered liberal subsidy. </p> <p>So, Joe decided to provide power to the people with locally available material. Till date, Gram Vikas has installed more than 55,000 biogas plants in Orissa, one of the smallest States. </p> <p>While Gram Vikas was on its way to becoming the torch-bearer in the biogas field, Joe was visiting places, sharing and learning about empowerment and development. Much of the mortality in rural areas was related to water and hygiene. </p> <p>So, an ambitious project was started to get rid of this scourge. Clean, continuous running water for each home through taps in toilet, bathroom and kitchen was the target. Technology for building overhead storage tanks, laying pipelines and such work was the domain of government engineers. </p> <p>Joe and his team sought to demystify this. Soon the villagers, with help from a core group of trained people, dug wells, drilled borewells and put 40 ft. high tanks in place. Pumps were installed where electricity was available. In remote hamlets, where it was not, the gravity flow principle was used with ingenuity. </p> <p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbahbz8aFPWGpDWHxCu1OuBvzsnul8zUHg5eQdmZZqkDBxJF06qTdgN1qq8X-Agnf8ZcUjL6V2E3_IK28P8snsry5uK0tcdVcVTz1Oy5__jU2EyIM_d-ly6sjsLlQKbi4JMvUONQ/s1600-h/2007081950120502.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbahbz8aFPWGpDWHxCu1OuBvzsnul8zUHg5eQdmZZqkDBxJF06qTdgN1qq8X-Agnf8ZcUjL6V2E3_IK28P8snsry5uK0tcdVcVTz1Oy5__jU2EyIM_d-ly6sjsLlQKbi4JMvUONQ/s200/2007081950120502.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100635557521677970" border="0" /></a>Simultaneously, toilets and bathrooms were coming up in thousands, all built by the villagers. Gram Vikas lent a helping hand. All toilets and homes were of one type, irrespective of the owner’s caste, social or economic status. It was an “all or none” decision for the village. </p><span class="subsectionhead" style=";font-size:100%;color:red;" >Key contributions<br /></span><p>Participation and involvement are the key words in this idea of rural development. Each village has to contribute Rs.1000 to the “core fund”, each villager according to his ability. Every family also had to contribute local materials, labour and some cash. Gram Vikas gives the “social costs” in the form of cement, steel, pan and door. Village boys and girls are given free masonry training. </p> <p>What used to be bathing ponds were turned into farms for pisciculture. Fish became a source of revenue for many a village. Social pressure plays a great part in ensuring norms. </p><span class="subsectionhead" style=";font-size:100%;color:red;" >Young rebel </span> <p>A Marxist at heart, Joe’s initial protest was at age 12 when he organised youngsters in his native Kerala town to get better working conditions for workers in family farms. His father packed him off to distant West Bengal for schooling. </p> <p>Returning at 16, he was active as a student leader in college. At 21, while he was President of Loyola College, Madras, he went on a solo cycle trip across the country, right up to Sikkim. He found that poverty knew no language or caste. </p> <p>At the threshold of 60 today, Joe Madiath has set a target of reaching 1,20,000 families by 2010 for his clean water and toilet scheme. It will benefit a million people in all. He says this is achievable. Joe knows this cannot be done within the confines of Orissa State. Gram Vikas volunteers are interacting with like-minded NGOs in Jharkand, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh to take the movement forward. </p><span class="subsectionhead" style=";font-size:100%;color:red;" >Recognition </span> <p>Such sustained effort at development is recognised sooner or later. Last year, Gram Vikas won the India NGO Award and the Kyoto World Water Grand Prize at Mexico City. In February this year, Joe Madiath was voted one of the 10 recipients for the Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship. In material terms, it means three-year grants of more than $1,000,000. </p> <p>With sincerity and good management at the top, each dollar will benefit the poor and the marginalised. The world would be a better place if Madiath and Mohuda inspire some “citizens of tomorrow”. </p> <p>That would help a million poor Indians stand up with dignity. </p>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-28022870330125854592007-10-03T21:19:00.000-07:002008-11-13T07:58:57.754-08:00DMA- Being the Change<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/aswini.mohapatra/DMAAug161802/photo#5100422974722392626"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/aswini.mohapatra/DMAAug161802/photo#5100422974722392626" alt="" border="0" /></a>Over the last 1 year, our team of Initiatives of Change has been instrumental with joint initiative of IAS heads of District Municipal Administrative (DMA) , to organize Ethical Leadership based Weekend Programs.<br />In todays world, Ethics is so commonly used that perhaps it has lost its value. In this weekend residential workshops, we were able to make the hard and tough employees of DMA, bring a change towards listening to their inner voice, having self correction mechanism, vow to fight corruption and more.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqu75jSqXsRHFzRFNZPD_RrSaWpcmEDz72mMJTBTZ-tLKIZJsoGiaGS-2_VO7j6hzSPQxZWF9wsjSfsvlKncopPu4aeBw1R4k6XkAUjzLvnDRbFJnQlGvnLsfn6cmxuput8akdQ/s1600-h/P1010708.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqu75jSqXsRHFzRFNZPD_RrSaWpcmEDz72mMJTBTZ-tLKIZJsoGiaGS-2_VO7j6hzSPQxZWF9wsjSfsvlKncopPu4aeBw1R4k6XkAUjzLvnDRbFJnQlGvnLsfn6cmxuput8akdQ/s400/P1010708.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117352702351843362" border="0" /></a><br />Over the last 3 months, we have conducted 3 such workshops, over 100 employees of DMA have been trained in listening to their inner voice, the leadership training has made them more sensitive to their office members and citizens of India.<br />In their personal sharing, stories of their personal fight against favoritism and corrupt practicing is an inspiring experience. Every workshop though starts with participants cribbing about problems from political interferences to low pay, corruption at all levels, etc, initially it seems like there is no hope about the existing system.<br /><br />Just in 2 days, the atmosphere mixed with Guided Introspection, Personal Sharing, Group Activities, Leadership Sessions, Interaction with NGOs all result in powerful combination to transform the the negative attitude towards a power of positive thinking, where the same employees give inspiration of better India, a better system to work in.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>More pics at <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/aswini.mohapatra/DMAAug161802">Gallery</a><br /><br />Jai Hind<br />NavenduNavendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-62614719789071285642007-11-02T21:20:00.000-07:002008-11-13T07:58:57.577-08:00RTI Drive in Bangalore on 12-13 October<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciCFcI3XNDdlbzkXBtgX8q7sVREEaXhYD67JbjMQ44vCVY8AadSuKD-45pRhbRSPaaociSv08irVit2g9DMTzTE2db6jih7HihNYZxErYZeXPTsjmKqQs48VLj5dpVvypN7TwxA/s1600-h/1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciCFcI3XNDdlbzkXBtgX8q7sVREEaXhYD67JbjMQ44vCVY8AadSuKD-45pRhbRSPaaociSv08irVit2g9DMTzTE2db6jih7HihNYZxErYZeXPTsjmKqQs48VLj5dpVvypN7TwxA/s400/1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128465975273472530" border="0" /></a>It all started on 2nd October, all citizens believing in the power of RTI met up and brainstormed how we could celebrate the anniversary of RTI.<br /><br /><br />We all, Bangaloreans met on weekends with common thread of <span id="st" name="st" class="st">RTI</span> as a powerful tool, some weeks ago,<br /><br />Our efforts of spreading <span id="st" name="st" class="st">RTI</span> Awareness, with 2 years of its completion, has been pretty eventful so far.<br /><br />Our efforts of our hard work, are seeing positive results on Radio.<br /><ol><li>Vikram Simha on Radio Mirchi-8 am to 10 am<br /></li><li>Anil Kumar and <span id="_user_kchamaraj@gmail.com" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kathyayini Chamaraj</span> took part in a programme on <span id="st" name="st" class="st">RTI</span> on FM Rainbow from 1.00 PM to 2.00 PM called Lunch Box today</li><li>Navendu on Radio City- 10.45 to 11 am.</li></ol><br />"It has been a good start"-Aswini<br /><br />Bangalore Mirror published a special series on <span id="st" name="st" class="st">RTI</span> as well, i believe other newspapers (Times, Hindu, Herald) also had some articles with interviews of success stories.<br /><br />NDTV and CNN IBN had special stories on <span id="st" name="st" class="st">RTI</span> as well. Watch out IBN for more on the real birth of citizen journalist.<br /><br />Its been a great start, thanks to all you, we have to know build on the momentum, and try making the radio program a weekly or fortnight one, looking at the response today.<br /><br />Special thanks to Vikram Simha, Col Mathew, Kathyayini, Aswini, Dr. Ravi Rao family, Vineeta, Sameer, Shobha, supreme energy and the all of you who gave direction, motivation and support.<br /><br />Its just the beginning,<br /><br />Jai Hind<br />Navendu ShiraliNavendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-47681976357228401262007-11-14T18:36:00.000-08:002008-11-13T07:58:57.412-08:00Diwali in GoaI was in Goa for a specific reason, to meet my relatives and celebrate Diwali and Secondly to actively contribute to the protection of Goa from illegal real estate projects.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBS_D-OdnZgcWK1ceOtbmSZgVtEZ_32iZspCGIwqzgz-ZHRtRvsDSTlBXXX8Vv-1hyo4xgfL2Wze2F4gHOrEAGmlCz6rIUj5_h3GJi-QIUeQBU6LPVX6rt5oV-aSkyHWfi5lrww/s1600-h/P1010990.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBS_D-OdnZgcWK1ceOtbmSZgVtEZ_32iZspCGIwqzgz-ZHRtRvsDSTlBXXX8Vv-1hyo4xgfL2Wze2F4gHOrEAGmlCz6rIUj5_h3GJi-QIUeQBU6LPVX6rt5oV-aSkyHWfi5lrww/s400/P1010990.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137738866278190930" border="0" /></a><br />While in Goa, watched 2 movies, Sawariya and Om Shanti Om. Each film had some essence which touched me, and gave more energy for the bigger reason I was in Goa.<br /><br />In Sawariya, Ranbir Kapoor, explains how to fight unhappiness as if its a boxing match, and how every round if you dont fight back, unhappiness starts entering your mind, your family, your work.....<br /><br />In Om Shanti Om, SRK explains that any film is incomplete without an happy ending, and hence the movie is not over. And stealer was inspired words of Paul Coelho in the movie, that when you desire something pure coming from deep within the heart, the whole universe comes together for your to achieve it.<br /><br />After spending time with family, pals and movies, it was action time on 11 November, With the meeting call from Divya Iyer (CNN IBN Reporter-Delhi). I had been in touch with Divya, to cover the story of how citizens were fighting the project Aldei De Goa, a clear violation case study.<br />The concept was to build on the storyline of Citizen Journalist reporting violations of the project and struggles of citizens against Aldei De Goa.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrjdzqocF50bI6nd3sOdGb2KTAAy8zYctUU-2ZrJ-pTNDf-s-pC7ox8xjDengIJj3PDO6ICLj0Aywz1-DWx3kaqSN04XiYhQuiH-MDdTXjqbKxntJENuLRPvb3KFaJWsSHmm-bQ/s1600-h/P1020001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrjdzqocF50bI6nd3sOdGb2KTAAy8zYctUU-2ZrJ-pTNDf-s-pC7ox8xjDengIJj3PDO6ICLj0Aywz1-DWx3kaqSN04XiYhQuiH-MDdTXjqbKxntJENuLRPvb3KFaJWsSHmm-bQ/s400/P1020001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137752726137655426" border="0" /></a><br />The cameraman was Chintamani from Mumbai branch, with amazing photography skills. We first went to the through the whole story along with the activists involved. Followed by visit to the site, where I was shocked to see the sights of the massive construction under progress.<br /><br />There 3 sites in this project, one where occupancy has already started and there is a weak case of illegality. Second site is violation of CRZ norms as construction is within 100 metres of High Tide Line. And third site is violation of Illegal Hill Cutting under Sec 17 A of Town and Country Planning Act. We visited both the controversial sites and identified places where to take the video and interviews such that the stringent security would not be aware of.<br /><br />In the afternoon, we brainstormed the template for the report, which would explain how and why I got into this activism, As is Scenario, Interviews of locals and other activists, Closure.<br />But the destiny changed the template and content to great extent. Post noon I was ready with my report script, and after chai at my place, 3 of us- Divya, Chintamani and myself along with our Vehicle incharge Vincent we went to the site to take the first cut of the report.<br /><br />Divya suggested that the photoshoot must have in background some of my pals, as i would be talking about nostalgia of the beach. Much to my surprise none of my friends turned up, nevertheless destiny had its own participants. There were many locals and villagers playing cricket and soccer over the beautiful sunset which gave a wonderful natural background. I spoke about the memories of my childhood and youth and how everything is now at stake.<br /><br />Using the contacts of Albertina, we had 3 locals one of them belonging to the Panch, who spoke of the hurdles faced by the locals, the threats issued against them by the real estate lobby, she spoke with helplessness that someday they would never get to the sea due to the boom in the real estate. One local named Moti, talked of seeing Gauri Khan visiting the site and in the same week looking at Sharad Pawar. One of the elderly locals Mrs. Kamal mentioned that fisher folk were unable to access the beach and when they do visit the beach the water is not worthy of fishing as the 400 laborers use the beach for their natures call. As well as mud is dumped into the sea, making the sea water visibly muddy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvE8O_7By0ZskhUS85pcp0AMxGJqVHmhKenxxmZXgNnft4H5IpVtB2HxD1eC9at6ZODZbWeYGyJuOzfwXk4xH0TzyOf5KN7AsyjhTv0M27lcqpvUHw79FZKbeC0-8Y13TKApISg/s1600-h/P1010985.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvE8O_7By0ZskhUS85pcp0AMxGJqVHmhKenxxmZXgNnft4H5IpVtB2HxD1eC9at6ZODZbWeYGyJuOzfwXk4xH0TzyOf5KN7AsyjhTv0M27lcqpvUHw79FZKbeC0-8Y13TKApISg/s400/P1010985.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137803462586323090" border="0" /></a><br />On Sunday night, We viewed all the photoshots of the day, this acted as feedback for self improvement. The next day would start at 6am, I was told by Divya.<br /><br />12 November, would be a day difficult to forget. 7 am we were at the site 2 of Aldei De Goa, were I spoke of the violations of CRZ, explaining how the Aldei De Goa identified a loop hole in the laws and how they cooked up a story to legitimize their case, which is still in court.<br />This was followed by re interviewing on the locals-Panch, who was very much vociferous and aggressive about how they were targeted by Developers and that they would fight if the promise given are not met, with or without anyones support. It was an emotional interview for me, while i interrogated her, there were many moments when i had tears in my eyes, listening to the loss of the locals and their innocence abused.<br /><br />After risky photography which was not permitted by the security, we then moved to a place where the site 3, where illegal hill cutting had occurred was in background. I spoke of how the Town and Country Planning over the last week had legalised hill cutting by Aldei De Goa, overlooking the clear violation under Sec 17 of their own laws.<br /><br />As decided over the weekend, all activists fighting for the cause, were to meet the Chief Minister at noon after meeting the bureaucrats of Town and Country Planning Department. But to everyones surprise, the entire staff of Town and Country Planning had been called to the CMs residence. So all of us chased them. We stormed inside the residence of CM asking for justice and logic. After some argumentative discussion our demand for joint meeting with CM and bureaucrats of Town and Country Planning Department was agreed.<br /><br />Since I was wired with wireless microphone, most of the discussion was hopefully expected to be recorded. In round table meeting the CM along with Mr. Morad and Mr. Ashok Kumar from TCP and citizens such as Dr. Oscar, Patricia Pinto, Claude Alvares, Rebina, Ritu, eminent journalists etc were present.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCkqe0eFFVwcpXeYg4umUupfaKvx1PsmfpgZYSOnS2FDa0KR57Gd0yToB-lXq421z_AG2-1bNkbOz_n_1I91MxOvY5c6yQVOkWfIVcrHfM_zL24PyUQSyVWK-CGuTFzAiqnhE9A/s1600-h/P1010981.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCkqe0eFFVwcpXeYg4umUupfaKvx1PsmfpgZYSOnS2FDa0KR57Gd0yToB-lXq421z_AG2-1bNkbOz_n_1I91MxOvY5c6yQVOkWfIVcrHfM_zL24PyUQSyVWK-CGuTFzAiqnhE9A/s400/P1010981.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137818245863755954" border="0" /></a><br />The discussion started by first showing that TCP had passed 2 plans for same plot on same day.<br />Showing google images as recent as 2003, which showed no activity of construction done on site 3-where illegal hill cutting was done. Showcasing documents of site inspection done by the same staff of TCP some years ago which clearly mentioned the illegality. The discussion then became argumentative with questions as to why the police complaint had been withdrawn against Aldei de Goa. The Chief Minister was very co-operative in listening to the entire case. I requested the CM to visit the site and see personally the extent of damage of the project, i also urged him that the police which was giving security protection to the developers from the villagers, would do bias inquiry about the illegal hill cutting.<br /><br />He unanimously said that he would immediately issue an order to stop the construction on site 3.<br />We urged the bureaucrats of Town and Country Planning Department that they should do their job properly and honestly, as it would results in more such scenes. I mentioned to the CM that for the last 3-4 months, i have been asking for the files that have cleared this project (RTI) and as per TCP these files are missing. On which the CM asked Mr. Morad Ahmed about the files, to which he said they are searching. CM informed him on priority basis to get the files and submit all documents to him in a chronological order.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFF4emqZkhMu5uQcq0RpCeAmE5DBypstkyGqlCoCmn51ta9c73FRxwC9mEvUYl9NP5xjD6yliMsBV6p1waI74f9pqlrFFBY6fVAjQmBAnwFkXrnPGDj2mAJ7XrOjLlOySuYrN3A/s1600-h/P1010986.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFF4emqZkhMu5uQcq0RpCeAmE5DBypstkyGqlCoCmn51ta9c73FRxwC9mEvUYl9NP5xjD6yliMsBV6p1waI74f9pqlrFFBY6fVAjQmBAnwFkXrnPGDj2mAJ7XrOjLlOySuYrN3A/s400/P1010986.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137818976008196290" border="0" /></a><br />One of the citizens, an eminent photographer and journalist asked the CM to sack the TCP officials for their negligent work and corruption. This resulted in scuffle as TCP officials said it was a direct accusations on their integrity without evidence.<br /><br />After the decision by CM to issue the stop order on construction. We all citizens marched outside with some ray of hope that at least some of Goa would be saved.<br /><br />All of us then went to Cafe Tato, the CNN IBN team along with social activists team had a warm meal discussing about the bigger picture and hopes of the citizens for a better Goa with sustainable development.<br /><br />The last shots of story were taken on banks of Mandovi, where i talked of how fragile Goa is and my message to buyers, sellers, bureaucracy and politicians as a Citizen Journalist.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTN8FkqSqm0qARCCNn51_YrzpRXDGBKD5Z8fHnzEQiFvaNMhET5FoLw1UnTspJPAw5w_DV0eb6IfrfVwgX3P6SiW_cmfyJWoJxIg48Kl4ZAzI5jAAGKCLAFW0aKtCYF3qTMR0jQ/s1600-h/P1020011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTN8FkqSqm0qARCCNn51_YrzpRXDGBKD5Z8fHnzEQiFvaNMhET5FoLw1UnTspJPAw5w_DV0eb6IfrfVwgX3P6SiW_cmfyJWoJxIg48Kl4ZAzI5jAAGKCLAFW0aKtCYF3qTMR0jQ/s400/P1020011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137813877882015906" border="0" /></a><br />Since site 2 of Aldei de Goa is in court, any press story with pictures or content relating to CRZ Violations is considered as matter sub judice, it would not be accepted by the Court as it could change the nature of the court case. Hence, this story might be laying in the hands of the CNN IBN management and their lawyers for clearance. It might be never shown on the channel, but when i boarded the bus back for Bangalore on 12 November, with my relatives saying farewell to me, with complaints that I dont spend time with them, and every time i promise to, at that moment, to some extent i felt content with the trip to Goa.<br /><br />And i thought about the 2 masala films, and my meaning and take away from them.<br />Dad use to help me write my essays in school, and about topic on Diwali, he would dictate that Diwali is the festival when darkness representing ignorance is removed by light of education and truth.<br /><br />Jai Hind,<br />Navendu<br /><br /><br />More about this<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/navendu.shirali/AldeiDeGoa">Pics Gallery</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=111317" target="_blank">http://www.navhindtimes.com<wbr>/articles.php?Story_ID=111317</a><br /><br /><a href="http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=4133&cid=10" target="_blank">http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails<wbr>.asp?nid=4133&cid=10</a><br /><br />Transcript of the ReportNavendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-92084675730149375362007-12-04T00:39:00.000-08:002008-11-13T07:58:56.640-08:00First Appellate Order<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXPmjGhZGeooFEfqsIr_35RbGfo_NobS-aPZZBrgzy0G7kG-DExCKUHz_v9dGBxdl9F5ad5ZtmxbkC-U_vFKqo_U-2-uNEMx5jcsY5v2NJYJTdXh9_FoMJnDGDR8pn79sJFzyPQ/s1600-h/8_Order.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXPmjGhZGeooFEfqsIr_35RbGfo_NobS-aPZZBrgzy0G7kG-DExCKUHz_v9dGBxdl9F5ad5ZtmxbkC-U_vFKqo_U-2-uNEMx5jcsY5v2NJYJTdXh9_FoMJnDGDR8pn79sJFzyPQ/s400/8_Order.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140035154714608754" border="0" /></a><br /> Here is update on First Appellate HearingNavendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-68742017286626462422007-12-18T21:40:00.001-08:002008-11-13T07:58:56.444-08:00Update on RTI Application on Aldei de Goa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwHCktL1AUX7X8yxkRgP9UPRQw5dos9ditSxnxQ1Agl9GelyGvCJz8MWtUbnpnn_VvaS6UY2j-btbVRqD5aHS79sQknpTJxhRuTSrTqH7I67RfRmucpdYLva0n38Zzl99kjg1FQ/s1600-h/TCP+info.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145554904398080690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwHCktL1AUX7X8yxkRgP9UPRQw5dos9ditSxnxQ1Agl9GelyGvCJz8MWtUbnpnn_VvaS6UY2j-btbVRqD5aHS79sQknpTJxhRuTSrTqH7I67RfRmucpdYLva0n38Zzl99kjg1FQ/s400/TCP+info.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Continuation Reply from PIO giving more details on the application. </div><div><a href="http://navendushirali.blogspot.com/2007/07/rti-application-to-goa-town-country.html">Original RTI Application (click)</a></div>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10005173.post-65450886922830509892008-01-27T22:05:00.001-08:002008-11-13T07:58:56.344-08:00Horn Not OK- Please<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNI-P3mTIkr0kK7dzShS0FB-xW7710oQpipAazXQa_JPMzi7jnIpwXYL7m_jjNTgjZ8XJjWnp4DdA84RZ47fNtPDby-up492kQsR0Ai16hOkpjuhQTe0Ao5noQY1c9dZeN6i_jMw/s1600-h/DSCN4264.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNI-P3mTIkr0kK7dzShS0FB-xW7710oQpipAazXQa_JPMzi7jnIpwXYL7m_jjNTgjZ8XJjWnp4DdA84RZ47fNtPDby-up492kQsR0Ai16hOkpjuhQTe0Ao5noQY1c9dZeN6i_jMw/s400/DSCN4264.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160406130421731970" border="0" /></a><br /><span xmlns=""><p>Vipul Shaha, my friend from Initiatives of Change, has now built the Kranti of his campaign to greater boundaries.<br /></p><p>What once was a thought of reducing the abuse of horn, after his visit to UK. This though has now become into campaign across Maharashtra.<br /></p><p>One more of their rallies went off on grand scale in Baramati this 26<sup>th</sup> January. More about this by Robin….<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-size:180%;color:blue;" >Baramati—Declaration of New Freedom!</span><span xmlns=""><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqsqIZZUyR_Zsr4pK4lYFzk4-IuAd-3BJNo69uNtaeG_jYEv2sBCjFZJ5mL3LFjXnLBgpCEj8IBhSN7pLhlCtJmly7btah3HMzWQdugAqAYrE_d6Ry75_pIkj4LbwmeEx39m-Bg/s1600-h/1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqsqIZZUyR_Zsr4pK4lYFzk4-IuAd-3BJNo69uNtaeG_jYEv2sBCjFZJ5mL3LFjXnLBgpCEj8IBhSN7pLhlCtJmly7btah3HMzWQdugAqAYrE_d6Ry75_pIkj4LbwmeEx39m-Bg/s400/1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160405529126310514" border="0" /></a></p></span></p><p><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/NAVEND%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /> </p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-size:130%;">(Quiet India—Horn NOT OK Please!)</span> </span><br /> </strong></p><p><br /></p><p>--Report by Robin Redull. January 26, 2008.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Baramati in Maharashtra State Declared a Republic Day of a different kind on Saturday. It declared Freedom from HONKING OF HORN in its Quiet India initiative, HORN NOT OK PLEASE. From chief inspector of Police and Deputy Revenue officer, leading business persons and ladies, down to town boys of the Street Hawks motorcyclist's brigade, more than 80 motor bikes with over 100 people quietly and purposefully led a major rally through the town centre on a 5.0 km circuit.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">After a two minute "Quiet Time", giving the campaigners peace within, they proceeded in double file behind a large banner, and with no overtaking or honking the long serpent of motor bikes brought Baramati to a standstill, with towns people applauding and cheering, whilst others were clearly puzzled. Fellowship was enjoyed by everyone involved being aware that their Care for India efforts through the broader MRA Initiatives of Change were gradually bringing to an end the noise pollution in this thriving town.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Emblazoned with canary yellow printed tee shirts, the serpent of bikes was clearly distinguishable in the town melee. Plans are afoot to bring this campaign to Mumbai after recent successes in Pune and Solapur. The Crystal Group and Street Hawks promised to carry this message throughout India on their future tours.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ghandiji led Quit India campaign, the freedom campaign from Empire. However, Quite India campaign leader Vipul Shaha of Pandare village stated that "Quietness is of benefit to us all, and rudeness and bullying by motor cyclists and all drivers must come to an end" leading us all to freedom from unnecessary noise.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Street Hawk leader Pranav Soman, who previously had smashed his leg in a motor cycle accident, stated that "Our choice is courteousness and safety, or recklessness and death on the road". Campaign initiator Robin Redsull of UK, last week having attended a fatal accident near Pandare with Abhay Shaha late at night stated that "For one second of waiting, one man had killed his pillion passenger in less than a second. Was this a fair price to pay for impatience?"<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The campaigners thanked the entire town and its people at the rally end in Station Yard for being so patient and attending to the rally. Quiet India – HORN NOT OK PLEASE. Remember it. Do it!<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.quietindia.blogspot.com/">http://www.quietindia.blogspot.com</a><br /> </p></span>Navendu Shiralihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09127432002904871306noreply@blogger.com0