Ethical Governance Workshop

The participants and Catalysts (Faculty and IofC members)

The team of Intiatives of Change, Bangalore conducted Ethical Governance Workshop for Officers of Secretariat, Vidhan Soudha was a grand success. Some of the moments of the workshop are briefly highlighted in these images.

Towards the completion of the workshop, every participant in their group, presented change and initiatives they will take.

Leni Mathew Group

Dr. Ravindra Rao's Group

Mrs. Chitra's Group





















Dr. Amit' Group

Skit Presented by Employees of Secratariat, a day at Office before the Workshop and a day at Office after Workshop. This skit is a beacon of hope that much can change in Government Offices. (Picture showing one of the Government Officers acting as enraged citizen fighting for his rights)



















More pictures


Aswini Mohapatra's famous skit of "If not NOW, then WHEN"
A skit, that sends powerful message of Stand, Arise, and Fight, an message to empower every Government Officer to start the change from now.


















Special thanks to Chief Coordinator- Dilip Patel for anchoring the entire workshop and making it a grand success.

In his own words Dilip summaries the workshop as
" Dear all,

A big thank you to all in making the just concluded w/s with the staff of the Secretariat, GOK a big success.

Ravi for being available throughout, and setting the tone of the inner development along with the inimitable Amit. The session on relationships created a good discussion amongst the participations beyond the classroom!

Amit was superb in every thing he did- be it the songs (solo, and with Ravi as well as in chorus with others), or the sessions on 'unmasking', 'from here to there', and sharing the stories of rural school and turning around of the hospital as the project born out of QT triggers etc They were all indeed invaluable.

Deepak Mullick, as usual, cast his magic through the session on 'ethical governance' and 'honesty', replete with his stories of giving back many fold to his University, his parents, and later charting the path of honesty and growth in the corporate world.

Sarosh, with his slightly altered presentation on Leadership, Love and Fear etc created a deep impression on the participants. some continuing discussion wit Sarosh at the lunch table was the testimony.

Leni's trust dances, and the appreciative inquiry did the expected magic by creating impact about importance of trust in relationships, and team building, and making each and every participant aware of their own potentials, values and talents which had worked for them under adverse conditions.

Pravir's presentation on 'building bridges' was amazing. Personal contemporary stories of apology and restitution in family, work place and the social environments with documentary evidences presented did an exemplary job. Pravir was never in such elements before! Keep it up Pravir, kudos to you.

Prof. RR came in as a fresh breeze, and swept away every one with the facts and figures about the environmental issues. His presentation compelled us to think that no future programs will be complete without the session on environmental concerns. Thank you, sir, for sparing your valuable time. It was truly an eye opener experience for many.

Aswini , Navendu and Arjun handled the post dinner programs with zeal and maturity. They earned the admiration and respect from the 'younger' lot. Decision by a few of the participants to send their children/friends to up coming youth conference at Asia Plateau was a testimony enough. Cheers to you guys.

Lakshmi brought a new talent in the form of Prabha who invoked the Gods with her melodious voice, apart from participating with full enthusiasm. Apart from this, Lakshmi and the other senior facilitators handled the family group meetings with maturity and wisdom.

Saju and Suresh managed the entire admin in front, and behind the scenes effectively. I must thank Jija too here for rendering the silent services.

So, thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It was a great team effort."

Baramati Youth Conference & Bangalore-Ethical Governance Workshop

From 28th Feb to March 2^nd, our Youth team from Initiatives of Change led by Viral Mazumdar conducted a Youth Conference in Baramati for over 180 students.

It was my misfortune for not being able to participate in this Conference, due to unavoidable roadblocks. Nevertheless, the response of the conference was "terrific" as per Vipul with students developing a strong bond with our Youth Team. It was emotional separation at the end of the conference.

Our close aide, Aswini Mohapatra, from Bangalore participated with full gusto and had immediate fellowship. I am awaiting a detailed report on this from Vipul Shaha. I hope the young leaders emerging from Baramati attend the much admired annual Youth Conference at Panchgani in June 1^st week.

Meanwhile in Bangalore, our team had a final meeting for the Ethical Governance Workshop to be conducted this week from March 4th- March 7th for 30 respected Officers from Secretariat, Karnataka Government Bangalore. This time the chief coordinator for the workshop is Mr. Dilip Patel.

Following are Dilip's words about the workshop-"'Ethical governance of the self, by the self and for the self in relationship with the self, family, work place and the society/nation at large. The program is designed with the intentions of creating learning environment to enable the participants to have insights into their behaviors, and the implications there of in the family, work and social setups. Behaviors stem from values and beliefs we hold. Some of them may not be even known to us consciously. The program will present several mirrors to the participants to 'see' the values and beliefs they hold. The important values that influence our behavior in respect of our relationships, and leaderships in context with the family and work/social settings that are likely to emerge through the process works of the program are love, fear, honesty, trust, greed, jealousy, selfishness etc. The drivers to these values would be individual's perceived pursuits for happiness, success and longevity. Various faculty members from amongst you all will bring out one or the other aspects of these values. The essence of Initiative of Change, viz. quiet time (introspection, inner voice ) , apology and restitution, measuring one's purity, love, honesty and unselfishness against the absolute standards will be offered, together with the stories of personal change by the faculties as the powerful tools to carry home for their regular use.

The end results aimed at are to induce a resolution of initiating a personal change in their behaviors towards truly becoming a healthier, happier and more successful member of the family, community and the country in an inclusive manner. Be the change you desire to see in others is the motto."

Our team of Initiatives of Change in Bangalore has conducted similar workshops for over 90 Government Officers of District Municipal Administration. With a prayer in heart and confidence we are approaching this workshop.

Next Step from Study of 123 Agreement

Once these questions i have raised are refined. I would have to approach the Member of Parliament Goa or Bangalore to ask these as starred questions in parliament.
The answers would help me as a citizen decide my viewpoint and empower the trust in the Government of India that it has taken holistic view while approaching this agreement.

Indo-US Nuclear 123 Agreement

After much procrastination, I decided to read complete details of all laws governing the India –US Nuclear Energy Cooperation. I was confused on what my personal stand is. For which I decided to do my independent study.

Please find copy of the Agreement For Co-operation between the Government of India and United States of America concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear energy.

After going through this document, as a common citizen with my present knowledge, understanding and maturity following are some of my views and questions. (This might change over period of time with more information)

We as a country have to consensus on 3 objectives before we get into this agreement

1. Strategic Alliance-The clear objective that has to be discussed with nation at large is, Is India a threat to US as much as what US Can be threat to India? If US is considered as threat, by consensus, than we must not choose to go ahead with deal for sharing information to such depths.If consensus considers relationship as Ally, then information sharing is good.
   
2. Energy Vision- India has a major energy crisis on cards due to the ever growing Industrialization, exponential demand and regular power cuts in Rural India. Hence, a clear energy gap. As of present, Nuclear Energy is one of the best options to meet this demand or address crisis in the fastest and largest way. As large scale Energy is created in fastest time. But what are the threats we are presently having in India. We have over hundreds of Terrorist Organizations already against India, from Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, to Naxalites. With establishing of several nuclear reactors across India, do we invest more in their security to avert possible long term damage to our fragile environment. Why have developed economies in Europe, moving away from Nuclear Energy to alternative energy such Wind, Tidal etc. Is there some negative experience they have about Nuclear Energy? Since its just one planet we will be using Nuclear Energy, and then dumping nuclear waste on this same sensitive planet or country. Isn't this man-made technology creating more damage compared to existing methods of non polluted power generation? If the present Nuclear Energy vision of present governments backfires in future causing irreparable damage to society and environment, then will these 2 governments be held responsible and subject to prosecution. Does Nuclear Energy Vision contradict global movements on Climate Change?
   
3. 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
   

   
   

The Agreement has its positives and negatives for both countries. Positives for India refers to assistance of technology, management expertise in enrichment, research tie-ups, lifecycle support, IAEA as referee, easier exchange of experts, transparency, greater trust between 2 countries making stronger alliance and policies enabling faster execution of projects to meet the energy demand .

Coming to the Grey areas in the Articles of the Agreement:

Article 3-

• Will the information under this article between 2 countries be accessible to private Nuclear Companies?
  
• 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?
  
• 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?
  

Article 4-Nuclear Trade-

• 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?
  

Article 5-Transfer-

• Are we ready for exchange of low enrichment uranium & technology for energy needs in return to easier access to market and critical security information?
  
• 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.
  

Article 7-Storage & Retransfer- Sharing of list of facilities-

• 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?
  
• Which offices private and public in both countries will hold this information?
  
• Agreement does not refer to trial or compensation relief for any leakage of confidential information.
  
• With US having strategic alliance with Pakistan, is there possible sharing of sensitive information to our historically violent brother.
  
• Will US be compelled by Pakistan to offer complimentary arms support and technology, creating another arms race in Indian Sub-Continent?
  

Article 10-Access to IAEA on all Inventories-

• US have only one visible balancing power that is Russia. Where as India has Pakistan and China. Will such information made to IAEA be considered sensitive to India though it might refer to Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy?
  

Article 11-Environmental Protection

• 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.
  
• If there is 2 month period for addressing grievances of companies doing business, why no time period fixed for compensation or punishment?
  

Article 14- Termination & Cessation of Agreement

• Agreement applies for a period of 40 years, with one year advance notice for termination and possible withdrawal of technology, raw materials and end products.
  
• If India develops its Research Strength in next 20-40 years, is it in strategic benefit to choose to share research information. Similarly is it benefit to US to do the same?
  

Some other questions un-answered are:

• 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.
  
• Present Policy doesn't cover measures to tackle Kickbacks. As India has been very suspetible 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.
  
• 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.
  
• 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.
  

On December 18, 2006, President Bush signed into law The Henry J. Hyde U.S.-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act of 2006. There is a strong inter-relationship between this Hyde Act and 123 Agreement. For which I will start my independent study on this as well. We have to study whether Hyde Act has greater powers over the 123 Agreement.

My personal view is that the policy needs more discussion and consensus. Also we need an independent study has to be done as to why the Republicans are so aggressively pushing India to sign the deal. Is it pressure of American Nuclear Industry for faster access to Indian Markets?

A good analogy I see is that of best practices from Retail Giant Wal-Mart. To get better supplies, Wal-Mart procures its resources from multi-vendors across the globe. With its sheer volume demand it commands and dictates price and disclaimers in agreement to suit its cost structure when it comes to procurement.

India is the largest market of Energy after China. This demand allows India to be a position of authority to build its Alliance with various countries to get the best package (raw materials+ technology+ expertise+ research+ management skills+ funds….). India must exercise this opportunity to get the best deal from best at the best price.

I think its time for India to learn about its Nuclear Alliance from Wal-Mart.

Jai Hind,

Navendu Shirali

More questions on this Agreement to read are by:

Brahma Chellaney, Professor of Strategic Studies at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, is the author, among others, of “Nuclear Proliferation: The U.S.-India Conflict."

Future of Tourism in Goa

Yesterday over lunch, in discussion with my mentor and good friend Naveen Malhotra, talked about creating Schools for Tourist Guides. He talked for few minutes about its feasibility and value proposition. And to think of it, its one of the most amazing institutions that can be created in Goa.

Here are some existing institutes across the world

Training and Diplomas in Montreal and Quebec City

Institute recognised for Training in Montreal

Tourist Guide Training in Puerto Rico

Scottish Educational system for Tourist Guides by Rosalind Newlands

The US Educational system for Tourist Guides by Vicky Schwartz

New Orleans, Louisiana - Educational system for Tourist Guides by Bobbie Gattuso

Greek Educational system for Tourist Guides by Efi Kalamboukidou

Icelandic Educational System for Tourist Guides by Stefan Helgi Valsson

http://wftga.org/page.asp?id=110

So how can this function:

Most students will working during the day and classes can be given during the night or weekends. Hostel facility along with student fees can be covered a Student Loan fund that the government needs to create. A basic allowance also can be thought of. These students can choose to specialize in different forms of knowledge areas such as History, Architecture, etc. and post graduation degree at India level. Next is to create job opportunities for these students.

Such guides can be great value to Five Star Hotels, Travel Operators such as Sita etc. The institute can tie-up with Language Institutions such as Alliance Francisse and Max Muller for French, German, Spanish etc. Where students can be offered to be multilingual . By which they can be deployed in foreign countries for creating tourism awareness and be the single point of contact for tourists visiting from that respective city.

So how do we increase myriad footprint of high value of tourists? One of them is to start Town twinning / Sister Cities which is a concept whereby towns or cities in geographically and politically distinct areas are paired, with the goal of fostering human contact and cultural link. Goa must identify cities and towns across the globe where there are such fitments and focus on the top 20 countries with high HNI. These tourist guides should be placed in Cultural Offices there to spread the message of Goa along with arts forms and handicrafts of Goa. The cultural centers opened there is a place where locals can look at Indian Movies, Indian culture, taste Indian and Goan food, along with travel desk offering travel arrangements. The same facility must be reciprocated in Goa to these countries to establish their cultural centers. Jai

Jai hind

Navendu

Primetime given to Om Shanti Om versus Death of Legend

To: feedback@ndtv.com, editor@ibnlive.com

Dear Editors,

I was watching both your channels simultaneously on my DTH on Feb 8 at
prime time 9pm.
I was shocked to see, that the leading 2 news channels choose to
prioritize an exclusive story on the premiere of Om Shanti Om in
Berlin. Both your channels showcased 7 second photo clippings
commerating demise of Baba Amte.

Is that all you could do? If your are unbiased news agent why
sensationalize premiere of an entertainment movie?

My room mates asked me who is Baba Amte? Your urban target audience,
remains ignorant.
I felt ashamed that least any news channel could do, was to inspire
the youth of today by showcasing stories of an heroic social activist,
like Baba Amte, who transformed the lives of lakhs of Indians,
suffering from Leprosy and disability.

I realize that such stories might not get your "assumed" TRP, but with
this assumption, we might land up with a generation of citizens
discussing about movies and cricket.

Jai Hind
Navendu Shirali

Baba Amte, 93, Dies

Baba Amte, a follower of Gandhi whose dedication to helping the lepers of India brought him the Templeton Prize and many other international awards, died on Feb. 9 at his shelter for leprosy patients in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. He was 93. The cause was age-related ailments, said his eldest son, Dr. Vikas Amte.

Mr. Amte, who was trained as a lawyer, turned from an early life of hunting, playing sports, driving fancy cars and writing film reviews to working with the poor of his country, but his direction was irrevocably determined by an encounter with a destitute leper. After that, he gave up his father's huge estate and dedicated himself to the service of lepers. To the end of his life, he worked, marched and protested for better treatment for them and the rest of India's least powerful.

Murlidhar Devidas Amte — later known by the honorific "baba" — was born on Dec. 24, 1914, in Hingaighat in Maharashtra, the eldest son of an affluent Brahmin landlord. His life was privileged, but even in his youth, Mr. Amte rebelled against injustice and discrimination on the basis of birth, caste and creed. Despite his parents' disapproval, he often ate with servants and played with lower-caste children.

After earning a bachelor's degree, Mr. Amte went to law school at the request of his father, who gave him a sports car with panther-skin seat covers. He graduated in 1936.Mr. Amte was inspired by the ideas of Marx and Mao, John Ruskin and the anarchist Pyotr Kropotkin. Drawn to the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore because of his poetry and music, Mr. Amte visited Mr. Tagore at his ashram in Calcutta.

But he was definitively influenced by Gandhi's ideals of simplicity and truth and his fight against injustice. He spent time at Gandhi's ashram in Sevagram, took part in his movement to get the British to leave India in 1942 and organized lawyers to defend the movement's jailed leaders. He was also arrested and imprisoned. Seeing grim poverty in and around his father's large estate, he gave up his lucrative law practice in his early 30s and began working with untouchable sweepers and night soil carriers. He let his hair and fingernails grow and took a vow of celibacy.

That vow ended one day when he saw Indu Ghuleshastri quietly slip away from her sister's wedding festivities to help an elderly maid wash clothes. "I told her parents that I was the suitable groom for her," he said. The two married in 1946. Besides his son Vikas and his wife, he is survived by another son, Prakash, and a daughter, Sheetal.

Mr. Amte and Indu, renamed Sadhna after their marriage, set up a labor ashram near Warora. In 1947, they were joined by a poor Brahmin family who knew something about agriculture, a shoemaker, an umbrella repairer and a few untouchable families. Mr. Amte even worked for about a year as a scavenger, carrying away baskets of human waste.

One rainy night on his way home, he saw a leper named Tulshiram lying naked by the road. Horrified by the sight of his fingerless and maggot-ridden body and fearing infection, Mr. Amte at first ran home, but he returned when his conscience got the better of him, fed the man with his own hands and gave him shelter for the short remainder of his life.

After that, Mr. Amte read voraciously about leprosy and worked at the Warora leprosy clinic. He took a course on leprosy at the Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine in 1949 and even let his body be used for an unsuccessful experiment in growing leprosy germs.

In 1951, he established his own commune for lepers, called Anandvan, on rocky land in Maharashtra State that was covered with scrubby vegetation and infested with scorpions and snakes. The nearest well was more than a mile away. With help from his wife, their young sons, six leprosy patients and a lame cow and a dog, he turned the barren place into a thick forest.

Later, 50 young volunteers from dozens of countries would work for three-month stints at Anandvan, which became the nerve center of Mr. Amte's relentless crusade. His goal was to help leprosy patients become self-confident and capable of cooperative and creative leadership. By the 1950s, with a newly discovered sulfone drug for leprosy available, he began treating patients in more than 60 villages around Warora.

Despite having a back ailment later in his life, Mr. Amte took part in long protest marches for causes including environmentalism, religious tolerance, peace and justice. He was a supporter of India's indigenous tribes and opposed the construction of a "super dam" project on one of India's largest rivers; it eventually destroyed many villages.

To the end of his life, he emulated Gandhi in wearing homespun and living a simple life while working for village industry and the empowerment of ordinary people. In addition to the Templeton Prize, which he won in 1990, his awards included the 1988 United Nations Human Rights Prize.

HARESH PANDYA

SOURCE : New York Times

Open letter to Gandhiji on his 60th death anniversary by RSS Karyakarta

By Ravindra RP
On the Mahatma's 60th death anniversary, a former member of the right-wing RSS writes about his early indoctrination against Mahatma Gandhi and his eventual realisation of Gandhi's relevance in modern-day India

Dear Bapu,

It's strange that I should be writing a letter to you. Since childhood, I have had nothing but anger and hatred for you. Had I written a letter then, I would have simply abused you (of course, I would have been smart enough not to sign it). I don't know how over a period of time these feelings were transformed. In fact, I am writing this letter precisely to understand how.

I remember I must have been in the sixth or seventh standard. I was a regular swayamsewak of the Rashtriya Swayamdewak Sangh (RSS). My aim in life was to be its full-time worker. At that impressionable age, a hatred for Gandhi and for Muslims was imprinted on my mind. Nowadays, I wonder whether most Maharashtrian Brahmins carry within them a gene for Gandhi- Muslim hatred. More likely it is a virus, not a gene; how else can one explain its rapid proliferation in the likes of Narendra Modi and Vinay Katiyar?

In the shakha, we boys learnt many things while playing games. One was to run around a widening circle in one breath, chanting "Hinduncha Hindustan" -- Hindustan for the Hindus -- (automatically we used to hum "Pakistan for the Katelas"). Cool evenings and moonlight picnics were invariably linked with the "Bauddhiks" when we listened to horrific tales of Partition, of atrocities committed on Hindus, of the rebellion of the Moplas (yet another bloody tale of Hindu massacre). Our blood literally boiled, letting out fumes of hatred. That was the time I was introduced to the thoughts of Veer Savarkar and I started asking, "How can freedom be won without a war?"

In the 1960s, Bapu, your official heirs were the devious Congressmen and the Sarvodaya workers trapped in rituals like spinning. I was thoroughly convinced (of course without any study) that our freedom was won mainly through the sacrifices of armed revolutionaries, while Gandhi and the Congress ran away with all the credit. The biographies of Savarkar, Bhagat Singh and Netaji Bose were so thrilling. (I genuinely believed that all of them were de facto danda -carrying Swayamsevaks, or at least very close relatives of the RSS Parivar!) As against this, your biography was very insipid. (It was only after Attenborough's Gandhi that I realised the beauty and bravery in non-violence, but that was much later.) I read Shatruchya Shibirat (Inside theEenemy Camp), Savarkar's autobiographical account of his trip to England, and concurred with Savarkar that in order to be brave and strong like the English, we too should start eating meat. That was the time when at home we were forbidden even to utter "E for Egg".)

And you, what a contrast! Repenting that you ever tried "imitating an English gentleman". So feeble and weepy! Your language was too simple. When I read your lesson in our English textbook, I found you opposed to science, obsessed with spinning and prohibition. To me, Gandhism meant spinning wheels, loincloths, sheep's milk -- no wonder their caricatures tickled the funny bone of ALL Maharashtrians (that's what we thought at the time -- WE means ALL). My stubbornness grew with age. Most of 'us' had no property, farms or mansions. But we were brought up on tales of how we had lost everything in the 1948 anti-Brahmin riots. This feeling of being wronged, targeted, was passed on to our generation. However, the elder generation around us held you in high esteem; nobody criticised you openly. But hiding the banned books of Nathuram and Gopal Godse, passing them on to others and discussing them in hushed tones was common -- it was thrilling and deeply satisfying, almost like performing a religious ritual.

Later I spent a year in Pune and six years in Nagpur for my college education. That was the time I was really growing -- physically as well as intellectually. I was a voracious reader. In the inspiring '70s, change was in the very air I breathed. I was reading not only RSS literature, but also about Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. My dalit friends drew me to the fountainhead of dalit literature. Thus, paradoxically, in the very strongholds of the RSS, I not only outgrew it, but also became its staunch opponent. Later, I travelled a long road – the Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) movement, Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Vahini (JP's youth organisation), feminism, the people's science movement…And I graduated to becoming a "progressive".

But this process hardly altered my opinion of you. There were flashes of disturbing exception -- there was JP, candidly describing his voyage from Marxism, socialism and finally reaching your path. He asked, "But where is the 'incentive to goodness' in any ideology? What inspires a person to transcend selfish motives and do anything good for others, for society?" Acharya Dada Dharmadhikari, the leading commentator on 'Total revolution', asked a pertinent question -- "It's natural and just for members of any oppressed group -- dalits, women, toilers -- to struggle for their liberation by rebelling against the system that oppresses them; it is absolutely essential too, but is it sufficient to bring about a fundamental change in society? Who will struggle for the liberation of the entire humankind? In a complex society wherein each one is a part of the oppressive structure, how can we develop 'revolutionary consciousness', transcending mere class/caste consciousness?"

These questions did disturb me, but only temporarily. I was young, haunted by the spirit of 'progressivism', afraid of being branded a 'Savodayi'. Bapu, for us you were an 'outcaste'. For some, you were actually their 'Enemy Number One'. (For progressive people like us, the numbering and sequencing of our enemy list has always been a problem; basically weak in maths, you see.) These numbers kept changing -- sometimes it was you, at times the Congress, quite often the dissidents (from Socialists to Maoists, their number was ever growing.) It is funny, but we never felt the need to consider the RSS our Enemy Number One and really fight it.

We were talking of our relationship. Let us be clear. Your use of the term 'Harijan', your efforts at eradicating 'untouchability', your appeal to high-caste Hindus to take over 'dirty jobs' like scavenging in a spirit of atonement -- for several dalits, all this stinks of high-caste egotism. Congress's opposition to Dr B R Ambedkar and its manipulation of dalits in parliamentary politics are also being blamed on you.

As usual, you are the favourite whipping boy for all the evils in this country. You are the Father of the Nation, a nation that, in fact, does not exist. Hence, no one is offended when you are attacked, because you have no children. For the Marxists, you have always been a stooge of the national capitalists. They won't forgive you because you stood between them and the revolution they intended to bring about. Many feminists don't even mention you -- you were a man, an Indian, a traditionalist, who advocated Brahmacharya (abstinence/celibacy) rather than contraception. Your ideal of RamRajya is obviously unacceptable to the heirs of Shambuka, Sita, Marx and Lenin. Nothing wrong with that, except that this opposition blurred the fact that your Ram was diametrically opposite to the 'Jai Shree Ram' of the Sangh Parivar and would never do injustice to anyone. You were an old hat, Bapuji, while all of us were 'modern'; that was the only thing we agreed upon. We were votaries of modernism. We were convinced that all the problems of our times could be solved through planned development, the spread of modern education, progressive legislation and constitutional provisions like reservations and adoption of secularism by all.

We would have jolly well spent our lives fighting each other, cursing you, and spinning the yarn of 'intellectual' discussions. But then, like a bolt from the blue, the Soviet Union was splintered, the socialist dream soured, and the Babri Masjid was destroyed, and we suddenly woke from our slumber. I won't say that all of us were brought to our senses at the same time. How can we call ourselves progressive if we become aware of all our historical blunders at the same time? But then we woke up to the fact that we had all become redundant. "The caravan had driven past us and we were left staring at the cloud of dust it raised!" Though some of us rushed to seek a space in the Rath Yatra, others were disenchanted and went in search of eternal truth and inner peace. The remaining are still busy fighting one another, yet thinking seriously about what went wrong. Bapuji, I am ashamed to admit, many of us are slowly inching towards you.

It's not an easy process, we must admit. Where is your votebank, Bapu? Hindu fanatics killed you for being pro-Muslim, but Muslims are hardly aware of what you did (for them, for this nation and for upholding humanism). You considered eradication of untouchability as important as the freedom struggle, but for the dalits, you are the kingpin of the Brahiminical power structure (more dangerous than the RSS). Your agenda of revival of village industries brought productive castes of weavers, potters, oilsmiths (the OBCS in today's jargon) into the mainstream of production processes. You were instrumental in bringing about the change in leadership from the upper castes to the Bahujans during the freedom struggle and paved the way for the democratisation of the Indian polity; but the votaries of Mandal are blissfully unaware of this contribution. The Congress party and the so-called Gandhians buried you in statues and turned you into a pygmy, to suit their size. Today, you have no one to carry forward your heritage with pride. The whole business of being the father of an ungrateful nation has been totally loss-making. What sort of Bania are you?

Well, you aren't that unpopular either. Many of your favourite concepts, freed from ideological clutches and after a suitable makeover, have now become 'class symbols'. Khadi is now seen more on the bodies of models walking down the ramp than on activists. Nature cure has become a rage for the elite crowd queuing up for saunas and weightloss programmes. The rich, while shopping in food malls, always prefer organic food. We will all start drinking sheep's milk once its nourishing value is established by American scientists!

But in all this maddening chaos, you have become much more relevant. The overfilled and bursting megacities, drained-out villages, the growing number of farmer suicides, the lavish malls built on the tombs of textile mills, school children exhausted by the burden of schoolbags, Narmada, Singur, Nandigram, Kalinganagar, Khairlanji; people, media, judiciary, bureaucracy, political leaders and workers -- everyone incapable of rising above their narrow caste/class/other vested interests; our horizons fragmented by narrow domestic walls -- Bapu, we need your all-embracing, integral vision encompassing the wholeness of life. Your skill in discovering the hidden strengths of thousands of activists, strengthening their wings, widening their horizons and weaving them together -- we need them today.

We don't want your glasses, Bapu. We are already like the blind men probing the shape of an elephant. After wearing your glasses, we shall end up with egoistic confirmation of our individual discoveries of parts being the whole. Moreover, in the past six decades, we have travelled so much of a distance in a direction the reverse of your Hind Swaraj that it would add to our confusion. Today's problems need today's solutions. Hence, we ask not for your glasses, but your clear, loving, whole vision. We need your support to break through the fallacies of development vs environment, constructive work vs struggle, synthesis vs analysis, creation vs distribution of wealth; to be unforgiving to our own selves, and accommodating of others; to explore wider mass support (beyond funding agencies). Not just a handful of (former and present-day) activists dreaming of a more humane world, but all of us feeling suffocated in this unipolar world seek you.

Why do all the bright and inspiring victories in the struggle for equity and humanity get transformed into ultimate defeats -- India, China, USSR, Vietnam, South Africa; all those saddened by this realisation seek solace in you. The young American peacenik who threw herself before the invading Israeli tanks in Palestine chanted your name before embracing death. You have survived the bullets of Nathuram Godse and the innumerable deaths inflicted by your followers. You live, not only in books, museums and statues, but in our minds as well. You are getting younger day by day, year by year. Hence, let me say "Long Live Bapuji!"

(Translated by the author, the original article appeared in a slightly different form in the Marathi daily Loksatta on October 2, 2007)

Are we missing the Bus?

Saturday and Sunday are business holidays for the employees of IT & ITES Industry.

600 kms from Bangalore, so called Silicon Valley of India is Goa, a suitable destination for a weekend escape. With few flights at odd hours and irregular train arrivals, Bus is the most used form for these domestic tourists and Goans working in Bangalore. There are no official data available about the number of Goans working in Bangalore, but there are thousands working here as per many social networking websites

During peak seasons such as Christmas, Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi, all possible transportation means are flooded. Private buses sub contract new buses, trains add more compartments, Flights hike prices. Now let us look at some facts:

Transport Name	No of Buses	Average Price
KSRTC Non AC- RAJAHAMSA EXECUTIVE	1	450 Rs
KSRTC AC VOLVO	2 (+ 1 During Season)	748 Rs
Paulo Non AC	3(+ 1 During Season)	450 Rs
Paulo AC Volvo	1(+ 1 During Season)	800 Rs
Seabird	1(+ 1 During Season)	500 Rs
Raj Travels	1	830 Rs
	Total Buses=9 (+4 During Season)	630 Rs.

Even Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) during the peak season prioritizes its capacity and hikes the price to almost Rs.1000. To add to the competition, KSRTC has an online internet booking website and all private buses are available for online booking as well on www.redbus.in .

How much money does the Home State make out of this?

So every day there at least 9 buses running and during season over 13 buses. One thing that remains unchanged during this gold rush is the approach of KADAMBA TRANSPORT CORPORATION LIMITED on this route. Forget about online booking, it doesn't even have a website. Forget about website, total buses during peak season on this route go over 12, any guesses on how many buses KADAMBA TRANSPORT CORPORATION LIMITED runs on this route…? Shockingly one, yes one and that too is a Non AC Bus taking grueling 16 hours. The KSRTC bus which leaves after an hour from Bangalore overtakes Kadamba even before getting out of Bangalore. It doesn't even have Volvo Bus running on this route unlike its counter part KSRTC.

Now perhaps after reading this article someone in Ministry of Road & Transport or KADAMBA TRANSPORT CORPORATION LIMITED might realize the business potential or opportunity cost. Perhaps it might add to their demand of additional buses. But that's not the point I am trying to make. Ministry of Road & Transport & KADAMBA TRANSPORT CORPORATION LIMITED need to be more proactive in its planning and execution. It has to realize that majority tourists come to Goa by road and it should maximize its revenue which it loses to private and other efficient state transports such as KSRTC. Other State Transports run into loss because there few high traffic routes, where as Ministry of Road & Transport & KADAMBA TRANSPORT CORPORATION LIMITED need to cash in.

They have to really introspect, and move towards agility and adaptation to competition, opportunity costs and calculate loss of revenue by running sub standardized buses, old technology and old processes. Kadamba name belongs to an empire that remains in history of India, as an age of efficient governance and satisfied citizens lived. It's a prestigious and visionary brand name which needs the desired sanctity. Are the present Minister, Bureaucrats, stake holders doing justice to this prestigious brand name Kadamba, if not it must be renamed to Siesta Travels?

I might be taking a random example of one particular route. But with my travelling experience Inter & Intra State, this complacency of Ministry of Road & Transport & KADAMBA TRANSPORT CORPORATION LIMITED can be extrapolated. If KSRTC can be profitable, competitive and bring value to its commuters by offering value added services, then why can't Kadamba?

Goa can be the first developed state of India by 2015. And one of the key drivers is better infrastructure and transport facilities. As we are on international circuit, we must have better roads and we can strive neighboring states to improve their road conditions such as Dharwad Mollem road, so called National Highway still a mud road for over a decade. With no contractor assigned as per the NHAI website.

What do we offer fellow Goans or tourists when they reach a Bus Stand or Railway Station-do we have prepaid autos? Shouldn't citizens charge a fair price for service? Isn't haggling a form of corruption? Are the public service providers creating a competitive scenario for better service? Even BSNL is doing a good job, by forcing its telecom competitors to provide better value. The role of TRAI in policy making and execution is remarkable. Why cant Goa achieve this, do we lack the intellect or the will to change?

Even in 2008, the entire rural side of Goa, remains in contact with irregular bus service. If an human being, forget from which state or nationality or religion he belongs to, had to catch a train or reach home at late hours of night, why do fellow Goans who run autos and taxis behave like crocodiles awaiting their prey. Its sometimes such an irony to see our society which is so deeply routed religiously on days of worship. But no practicing the religion when it comes to business or work in private or public sector. I am compelled to generalize, as even a drop of curd in milk turns it sour.

After all life is one chance, and many of us waste this chance by joining the pursuit to make more and more money…hence I think we are missing the bus!

Horn Not OK- Please

Vipul Shaha, my friend from Initiatives of Change, has now built the Kranti of his campaign to greater boundaries.

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.

One more of their rallies went off on grand scale in Baramati this 26^th January. More about this by Robin….

Baramati—Declaration of New Freedom!

(Quiet India—Horn NOT OK Please!)

--Report by Robin Redull. January 26, 2008.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?"

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!

http://www.quietindia.blogspot.com

Update on RTI Application on Aldei de Goa

Continuation Reply from PIO giving more details on the application.

Original RTI Application (click)

First Appellate Order

Here is update on First Appellate Hearing

Diwali in Goa

I 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.

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.

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.....

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.

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.
The concept was to build on the storyline of Citizen Journalist reporting violations of the project and struggles of citizens against Aldei De Goa.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

The discussion started by first showing that TCP had passed 2 plans for same plot on same day.
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.

He unanimously said that he would immediately issue an order to stop the construction on site 3.
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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

And i thought about the 2 masala films, and my meaning and take away from them.
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.

Jai Hind,
Navendu


More about this
Pics Gallery

http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=111317

http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=4133&cid=10

Transcript of the Report

Death of Regional Langauge

With increased literacy and spoken English, large population of India has started to think in English. The language you think in, perhaps has a major influence on the culture, aspirations and dreams. The fundamental reason why English is preferred in India, is due to the colonial lineage followed by the economic prosperity the language brings in form of jobs. The recent phenomenon is the Accent, which brings BPO jobs from UK and US.

So what happens to our regional languages? Do they die?

I think its time to market languages. The reason why English is accepted is because it brings employment, helps in meeting the physiological needs such as food, shelter, clothing etc.

So where can regional language compete? I feel its no point for Regional Languages trying to compete on the plane of Physiological needs. Regional languages must carve out a habitat for itself in the field of emotional and self actualization levels.

Let us look at how we communicate in our relationships, parent-child, husband-wife, siblings...
We start to communicate in our regional language but then start accepting English as the medium of written communication but prefer using regional language just at a speaking medium. Now if there is strong shift to eradicate the written communication in relationships from English to Regional language, then perhaps these languages might stand the test of time.

So how do we achieve this, perhaps it starts with the masses accepting the simplest fact that love must and always be expressed in regional language. This can be achieved with constant brainwashing in movies, soap operas where all written communication is shown Regional Language. Next shift is the parents writing letters to their child in Regional Language, wishes being conveyed from birthday to wedding anniversary in Regional Language.

Mass Publication of Linguistic Research from evolution of India with conclusion that Regional Language are the best medium to express complex Feelings and Emotions.

Ancient Languages must carve out an aggressive roadmap for propagating their existence in the field of self actualization. For Hindus, on their journey of self actualization must see Sanskrit and Paali as the closest medium to reach their destination. For Muslims it can be Urdu, Similarly Punjabi for Sikhs. With constant push by Religious Heads exercising that real meaning of scriptures and religion is understood only in ancient languages.

From many years, I believe that India must have a strong Inter-State student exchange program, where in formative years, the child is exposed to different India, learns more languages, more cultures and becomes more secular and understands the true spirit of India.

Similarly central government must carve out policies creating a competitive environment between states to ensure literature study. The only threat I see, is, by the day when Internet and computer reaches every home, Many Indian languages might just be spoken and with no written use.
Hence emerges greater dependence on Technology which shall enable people to express their feelings, the shift has to be from QWERTY keyboard to online keyboards for regional language.

One of the good initiatives from Ministry of Communications and Information Technology-The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC),, is iLEAP Indian Language processor, but I believe this software must be clubbed with Microsoft Office and given to every computer in India.

The survival of Regional Languages now depends on the initiatives taken by its users.

Jai Hind,
Navendu

RTI Drive in Bangalore on 12-13 October

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.


We all, Bangaloreans met on weekends with common thread of RTI as a powerful tool, some weeks ago,

Our efforts of spreading RTI Awareness, with 2 years of its completion, has been pretty eventful so far.

Our efforts of our hard work, are seeing positive results on Radio.

1. Vikram Simha on Radio Mirchi-8 am to 10 am
   
2. Anil Kumar and Kathyayini Chamaraj took part in a programme on RTI on FM Rainbow from 1.00 PM to 2.00 PM called Lunch Box today
3. Navendu on Radio City- 10.45 to 11 am.

"It has been a good start"-Aswini

Bangalore Mirror published a special series on RTI as well, i believe other newspapers (Times, Hindu, Herald) also had some articles with interviews of success stories.

NDTV and CNN IBN had special stories on RTI as well. Watch out IBN for more on the real birth of citizen journalist.

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.

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.

Its just the beginning,

Jai Hind
Navendu Shirali

RTI Awareness on Radio

The fruits on the converge of Bangalore citizens coming together for spreading the message of RTI beared today.

Radio Awareness was done by

1. Vikram Simha on Radio Mirchi-8 am to 10 am
   
2. Anil Kumar and Kathyayini Chamaraj took part in a programme on RTI on FM Rainbow from 1.00 PM to 2.00 PM called Lunch Box today
3. Navendu on Radio City- 10.45 to 11 am.

The message by me was crisp and simple.

On 12 October 2005, 2 years ago, The Right to Information (RTI) Act was institutionalized, RTI is an ac that is powerful enough to revolutionize governance with more transparency.

Many sensitive citizens crib about the traffic system, bad roads, power cuts, bad infrastructure, rising pollution etc. But never convert these feelings into actions by questioning the government system. Every one of you has a question to ask the government about its mismanagement.

In pursuit of asking questions, the government department becomes more accountable and takes action much faster.

For example: You see a mud road in the Bangalore with no sign of development, you can apply for RTI asking when this road will be developed, witness the tendering process, be part of the inspection team once the road is being made. For making the system better, we have to better citizens first. If there is a traffic police absent at a major junction, you can now ask for his attendance register using RTI.

Because of RTI act, there is now a transition from a secretive system of governance to one of openness, where citizens can demand access to information held by the government. Using RTI, there has been growing number of successful stories where people have actively taken up the charge to fight corruption and injustice.

Laxmi Hariharan, who stays near Magadi Road, missed her convocation as well as her degree, for 9 years she was moving from one desk to another asking for her degree. She applied for RTI application asking where her degree is, in 17 days she was given her degree.

In Belgaum, poor slum dwellers used the RTI Law to see what stocks had come to their local shop and how these have been distributed. They demanded to see the records of receipt, sale and distribution of their items. After reluctance the shop owners disclosed the information. The stock books are now regularly available for inspection.

Every citizen has the right to know how the government is spending the tax payers money. Without people questioning how money is being spent, there is always a temptation for the government to misuse it. In Maharashtra, retired General Sudhir Jathar used RTI Act to access log books of cars being used for official purposes. He found that the cars were used to visit tourist resorts at Nasik, Shirdi, Lonavala and Khandala. The log book also showed that an official was present at two places at the same time.

As I said, For making the system better, we have to better citizens first.

Remember AS I AM, SO IS MY NATION

Jai Hind

Special thanks to Radio Mirchi- Bijoy and Vineeta to arrange for this. Radio City-Vasanti and Preeti.
Looking at the response of callers, i believe and hope this becomes a weekly event.

Sachin on Power of Mind

THE POWER OF THE MIND

"And then, suddenly, it was all happening. The centuries in my Ranji, Duleep
and Irani debuts took me to Pakistan and a whole different world. Pakistan
was a unique experience, one in retrospect, I was too young to fully fathom
at 16. I was just so excited to be part of the Indian team. But even then,
cricket-wise, I was very focussed on being there, knowing that once I was
there, I had to stay there. This is where my years of preparation and early
training in visualisation, a concept introduced to me by my brother, helped
infinitely. It wasn't something that I was formally trained or told about
specifically but even during school games, I used to prepare by letting my
imagination take over. I would imagine situations, plan out things, try and
get into the opposition's head. Somewhere, in those early years, I had
begun training my subconscious mind. I've always believed in the power of
the mind, it goes way beyond imagination, in its ability to push itself
beyond what you might think is its limit, in its ability to readjust,
realign and refocus. It is something incredible, the mind, and if you
focus, there is no limit to one's imagination and what the mind can
accomplish. I've tried to bring that power of the mind to my game. For
instance, when I walk into the middle, it is my fourth or fifth walk, as I
have already done so several times in my head. It gives one an edge"

DMA- Being the Change

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.

More pics at Gallery

Jai Hind
Navendu