Tuesday, June 30, 2009

After 17 long years Liberhan Commission report submitted to the Government

I took 17 long years to submit a report to the government. Do you wonder in which country this was happened? This happened in the same country where a case took 13 years to reach the verdict- 1993 Mumbai blasts.

Liberhan commission was created to inquire the circumstances leading to the demolition of Babri masjid, and they are asked to submit he report on march 16,1993.(but submitted only on June 30, 2009). Liberhan commision is the costliest commission in the history of India which drained 8 crore from government exchequer. This longest serving commission got 48 extentions from Government.

This is another system unique to Indian political architecture. If something happened first Local Police will register the FIR, they will enquire the case for a long term. If they found unable to find the culprit the case will be moved to Crime Branch, if they are unsuccessful the case will go in to the hands of CBI. In between a good number of years will go. Its may be God's wish that Parliment didnt created another agencey above CBI to investigate. Otherwise who knows when all these procedures will end?

The other fancy of Indian politicians is that if some major incident happens then they will create a judicial commission to investigate the matter. It will took many years to submit the report and even if it submitted, its not at all necessary for the government to impliment it.

Anyway its high time to change the speed of Indian judicial system. What is the use if the case go on for some 10 years and finally the court find that the accused is not guilty? He/She will lose their 10 years in jail waiting for the verdict. And the other thing government to focus on is its cost. The cost for running a case for many years will turn even the wealthy man to bankrupty and poor people will not even try it. Costlier and Lengthier judicial system will ot serve its purpose in the right manner. So make it cheap and short.

Sajeev

Even more states?

I don't know why people of India are always in race for highest positions in the world that too no other country wants. Like highest number of people(Now achieved second position, soon may become first one), highest birth rate, highest corruption rate(People trying very much but for this position competition is very high). Now they are in race for highest number of states.

But at the same time there is no competition in sports except in cricket, thats why the name India will appear in the last lines of Olympics medal list. No one is trying to competate with companies like Boeing, Airbus, Siemens, Nokia etc., but creating new political parties they are very good. The number of political parties in India is so high that its tip will be above the sea level even if some one put it in Challenger Deep.

Telengana (Andra Pradesh), Gorkhaland(West Bengal), Budelkhand(UP and MP), Bhojpur(UP, Bihar, Chattisgarh), Vidarbha(Maharashtra),Harit Pradesh(UP),Mithilanchal(Bihar, West Bengal, Assam), Saurashtra(Gujrat) and Coorg(Karnataka) are in race for new state status and the requests are pending before home ministry.

Most of these demands have one common thing to say. Our place is deprived of evelopment, so we want new state. But if the new state is created are they sure that development will come to their regions? ofcourse 9 new Jumbo cabinets and huge beurocratic system will be come in place for them; sure there will be development. But for common people?

It is said that before the establishment of British Raj and after the Mugal Empire broke in to pieces there was close to 600 independent states in India. And after Independence Sardar Patel tried very hard to integrate them in to Indian union. Are we going back to that situation? 600 states, 600 Jumbo cabinets and supporting beaurocracy. Any way if that came in place brute majority of state governments money will go to support the administrative machine.

If i remember rightly Marx once said that "History will repeat itself; first as a trgedy and then as a comedy". Long live democracy.

Sajeev

Monday, June 29, 2009

Maoist Insurgency - The single biggest threat to India's security

Do you think that the terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is the biggest problem for India? If your answer is yes, you are in the wrong side of number game. J&K stands at third place. In the last five years there are 4136 people died in J&K, 4324 died in North East and in the top 4405 people died in Maoist insurgency. Maoists have 22,000(approx) strong fighting force and whose presence are felt in 22 states covering 186 districts up from 51 districts in 2001. In the past 6 months alone 180 security personal and 41 paramilitary personals died. 262 rebels are also died in counter operations.

Victor Hugo said that "No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come". Do you think suddenly people from many different terrains are adopting maoists principles and decide to propagate their ideas? the answer is a big no. Look at the situation in Lalgarh, where currently the biggest counter operation against Maoists are going on. Before starting the counter operation no one from other parts of India heared about this place. If that operation didnt happened may be no one will hear it in future too.

But Lalgarh is a place in the rapidly growing India - A country which dreams to become a super power- where people hardly get enough food to eat everyday. Women hide their body with single sarees, Its better not to talk about health care facilities; Water is often undrinkable and economic development is nowhere in the vicinity.

Apart from the growing cities in different parts of India there are villages and mountain terrains where people are still leading a life which is not even thinkable for the newly borned Indian middle class and the Indian elite. Politicians will say they are trying to distribute wealth and policy makers will say it will take time to rise the people from poverty and we are working on it.

If you ask politicians about the development of these areas they will say that - we already started many initiatives and its showing results; If he/she is from a ruling party); The ruling party is doing nothing; we will do so and so if we came to power(if he/she is from an opposite party). Ofcourse which will rise a question in our mind like "without power isnt it possible to work for the benefit of the people?"

It doesnt mean that no development happened; it happens in many states and in many cities but in the glamour of newly build cities and areas many places are left behind. These places - which are left behind long ago - are equally proves to be good ground for the maoists and remember its not difficult for anyone to get funding to fight against India. Money and arms will not be a problem for them. Central governemts is also send letters, with satellite images to all state governments and narcotics cell to destroy the narcotics plantations which is also believed to be the source of money for maoits and other insurgent groups. How far it will succeed in destroying these plantations? wait and watch...

As compared to terrorism in J&K, maoist insurgency is rapidly expanding and building their own free zones in the remote tribel areas and other places of the India. Now government is taking another move to stop to the maoist insurgency with combined operations of paramilitary and State police in Lalgarh region and may be it will expanded to other parts of country. Indian army starts to train personals and Airforce is also taking part in rescuing wounded personals. Army is also seeing the possiblity of being deployed in maoist hit regions o the country.

In the due course various state governments and central government may remove the maoist insurgence from Indian mainland. But the question remains there. will they try to improve the situations in Lalgarh and regions like that?

Sajeev

Maharaja(Air India) fights for Air

Maharaja (Air India) which once dominated Indian skies is now fighting with all its means for survival. Air India is the brand owned by state run National Aviation Company of India Ltd with approximately 31000 employees and now making a loss of 15 crore/day up from 11 crore/day on last year. This will results in an annual loss of 5100 crore. Losses in 2008-09 was 4000 crore and in 2007-08 it was 2226 croore with an annual salary bill of 3000 crore.

The troubles for the airline major is due to economic crisis, flying in the unprofitable routes, human resource mismanagement etc. Air India have one of the higest number of people/ aircraft in the world. In order to justify this number airline have to expand its fleet, but GOI took one full decade to accept the strategy of expanding the fleet. In the end when the fleet is really going to expand as boing and airbus are delivering the new aircrafts to AirIndia, National carrier doesnt have any capaity to accept it.

Not only this the cabincrew recruited before 2004 work on average 50-55 hours/week where as international normsis 70 hours. Pilots flying in international sectors are paid in Dollors, stay in five star hotels when on duty, salso making some 7lacks/month. Besides this employees will get an incentive allowence that is not linked to AirIndia's productivity. Engineers in AirIndia with 15 years of Experience make 2 lack/month through their productivity is estimated to be 40% to the international norms.

Not only this national carrier is also forced to operate on such routes which is inherently loss making. Amid of all these things they are planning to expand their fleet with new aircrafts from Boeing and Airbus which will replace the old ones. But now the carrier is facing a deep financial crisis which forced them to deffer salary payment by 15 days and senior staffs are being asked to skip the salary for June in a voluntry basis. A four member commite is also set up to reduce the wage billl by 16% or 500 crore.

Just like many US companies AirIndia too asked the government to bail out the company from this crisis. Naturally government will step forward some condition for bailouts in order to perform better. Here goverment asked the company to 1. Rethink about the expansion plan, 2. Scrap the PLI scheme, 3. Cut the staff strength. Management already said that they will not cut the staff strength. The second option is cutting the salary which is already rejected by Air India's 6 odd unions after meeting with Chairman and MD.

Any way the management will move forward with there scheme to reduce the wage bill. Remenber that Singapore Airlines Pilots agreed to take pay cutsand non-paid leaves just because net profits are down by half(but still making profits). Air India is constantly losing market share to Jet and Kingfisher which provides premium services. Now its owns 17.4% of domestic market and 23.5% of international market.

This is the case waiting for all other state owned companies if they are not looking for new ways and better performance and above all with customer centric approch. They have examples examples to follow like LIC and Indian Railways before them to change and adopt new things. They have to learn the lesson that in this globalised world customer is the primary focous. The main reson for the existence of Air India is that there are some people to travel by air, if Air India is not treating them in a good way other airlines are there.

Sajeev

Private Companies will no loger be untouchable in Indian defence sector

After getting independence in 1947 India tried to construct a mixed economy and then it slowly move towards a socialist economy. But in the end in 1991 government forced to open up the economy. But even then the key sectors like Defence, Insurance, Retail etc remained with PSU companies. To open the defence sector government took too much time.

But in the end that too happened. Defence sector will no longer be a sacred cow. Government opened it and private players like Tata Motors, M & M, Tata Power, Godrej, L & T, Bharat Forge, Tata Power Strategic Division etc are already taking the advantage of it. Along with this government also allowed 100% investing in Manufacturing sector and 26% FDI both are subjected to licensing. Hope that this licensing factor will not become anothe licence raj.

Reserving Defence sector - which will not be affected by any economic problem as Governments all over the world are more interested in Manufacturing weapons instead of food- for Public sector already done its damage. Defence sector is the one which required a lot of investment and remain strict to its time frame. We cant develop a third generation fighter plane when all others including our neighbours developing a fifth generation fighter plane. But now in this area a lot of deals are signed and many others are in pipeline.

Tata and Sikorsky Aircraft company reaced a deal on developing a S-92 helicoptor cabin in Hyderabad. L & T and EADS reached a deal for manufacturing high end defence electronic products. L & T, Godrej and Tata Advanced Systems already set to build a unmanned Aerial Vehicle called - Drone. M & M acquired 6 acras of land in Faridabad to to build miitary application vehicles. Hero group is there to invest 500 crore in MP and in Gwalior Punj Liyod and STK are investing 200 crore. M & M already have agreements with Lockheed Martin to build a simulator and with BAE systems to build heavy artillery. Now Godrej & Boyce supplies the Vikas Engine for Rockets. L & T is building vessels for Navy and Radar systems with Bharat Electronics.

Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Rockwell Collins are also trying to invest more in Indian Defence Sector. What is the advantage of Indian companies is an Offset clause by Government which states that - All foreign companies that get a defence contract of above 300 crore from GOI(Government of India) have to bring back 30% of the contract value back to that country. And Government is to issue contracts worth over a mind blowing 1,50,000 crore. Its 30%; who can shut their eyes towards this huge amount?

But Government have to move fast at the sams time with necessary precaution in awarding projects. It should not be like Pinaka Multi Barrel rocket Launcher. where L & T and Tata Power Strategic Division got the project 20 years ago and business scope materialised only in 2002. It took 4 more years to get the order. The delays like that results only in wasting of Money and time. And when the world advances with superior technologies we will remain in stone age.

Raksha Udyog Ratna(RUR) scheme which earlier freezed due to the opposition from left is also going to see tha sunshine. According to this scheme once a company got a RUR status it will be treated on par with Public Sector Companies which operates on Defence field. The companies will also have the access to Foreign Technologies and will be able to build main systems for defence department. Besides they will get a government financial investment up to 80% for design, develop and Manufacture fighter aircrafts, tanks and warships.

As GOI is no longer depandable on Leftist parties and premier Manmohan Singh have majority in his secon term it will be very easy for the govenment to go on with the new policies and remove the last remains of Licence Raj.

Sajeev

Modernization of Chinese Navy and other Asian countries

China - The biggest country in the world by population is completely modernising its navy. People's republic of China want to transform its navy to a blue water navy - which ofcourse the dream of every country. and ofcourse posed a tough competetion for india to upgrade the navy. Chinese also busy in building naval bases in other counties and expanding thier strength, the incoming bases in Srilanka and Pakistan are wonderful example of Chinese strategy.

“The Navy will move faster in researching and building new-generation weapons to boost the ability to fight in regional sea wars under the circumstance of information technology,” Navy Commander Admiral Wu Shengli told Xinhua in an exclusive interview– one week ahead of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.In addition to ships, aircraft and torpedoes, long-range missiles with high accuracy, submarines with superb invisibility and endurance and electronic weapons and facilities are also on the Navy’s agenda.He said the Navy would have more equipment for offshore repair, high-seas dispatch, large-scale rescue and supply among others.According to Wu, the Navy will incorporate the capacity for non-war military actions to the integrated construction of the army’s power, especially emergency offshore search and rescue and anti-terrorism activities. - - Report from Chinese Defence site.

Will this rise the arms rise in Asia? No need to look elseware for an answer. Defenitly India will focus more on its naval capabilities, not only India but Japan, and other neighbours of China too will spend more and more money in defence. Vietnam already reached an agreement to acquire 6 Russian Kilo class submarines from Russia for 1.8bn$ and another 3.8bn$ for 17 SU-27 and four SU-30 multi role aircraft. Vietnam is also building 10 Russian type Molnia class missile boats more projects are coming in.

The distant Australia to allocated a military budget of more than 70bn$ for next 20 years, Japan too is not sleeping. All these forms another arms rise in asia, which will produce huge profits for arms suppliers all over the world. China wants to be achieve a naval power in Indian ocean and Chinese seas equivalent to that of US in Atlantic, Middle East and Pacific.

How India will react to these developments? Will india go for one naval base in Srilanka? After Admiral Gorshgov deal will how NewDelhi enhance its naval capabilities? Wait and watch..

Sajeev

North Korea - Missiles and Neuclear weapons

North Korea - Democratic Republic of Korea - lies in the northern half of Korean penisula in east Asia. But it is one of the country which always remains in the newspaper headlines eitther for its new missile tests, neuclear program or for the talks. The deplomacy showed by North Korea is actually a miracle; if they want to test any new missiles they wll test it, if they want talks they will do it too at their own will.

Just like any other Asian countries they too survived by countries towards which North Korea have very bad relationship the exception is China and Russia. And there is a six party talks going on to abolish the current neuclear program of North Korea. This talks may find a place for itsself in Ginnes Book of world records for the maximum number of times they joined for conference and this may be one of talks talks which always ends in success and then proved to bea failure. As North Korea will get some reson to move out of the conference, then US will become angry and then they will produce some statements, then China will come to the stage and organize the conference. This process will repeat for n number of times.

The only thing which really happens is that Norrth Korea become more and more advanced in technologies related to Missiles and Nuclear weapons. Thats why I already said they have a wonderful set of experts in deplomacy.

US will not attempt for a pre emptive strike on North Korea, nor wit will military engage in North Korea in any other ways as North Korea already have proven missile capabilities which can reach US shores. This was not the case for Afganisthan and Iraq. The othe possiblity i the cutting of the external financial funding for Korean Missile program, this will not stop the program but it will slow down the process. Economic anction will not do any effect as long as other countries are ready to fund the Missile program. The other way is to force China to pressure North Korea to abolsh the program. But pressurizing China is no an easy way; as some experts suggests one way is to allow Japan to attain neuclear capabilities if China is not ready to pressure North Korea. But will North Korea under Chinese pressure stop the program? This is one of the most difficult question to answer. May be they will. But along with unpredictable behaviour of North Korea, it is also one of the rare countries which doesnt have any problem in living isolated from international community.

So what will happen in the end? Yes you are right the marathon talks will go on for ever.

Sajeev

India's foreign policy - facts and dreams

Each and every country in this earth, have its own foreign policies influenced by its own interest. Foreign policy is about protecting its own national interests and deplomacy is the way it is protected. Foreign policies will have a continuity inspite of the change in Government but deplomacy is always dynamic. And in this interconnected world where things happening in one part of the world will affect seriously to the other part its very important to have a strong and independent foreign policy.

India - the home of civilisation; world's largest democracy and second most populous country, gone through many u turns in its history and reached in this age of globalisation. After independence India follwed a socialisticpolicy and much more associated to te socialist world. It have very good relation with China untill the Indo - China war. From the time of partition onwards India and Pakisthan doesnt have any good relationship. Nepal and India was very much close to each other but what will happen after the new role of Maoists rise as a major political party is yet to see. And things in Srilanks are not at all good, recently China replaced India as the major supplier of arms to Srilanka. Relationship with other neighbouring countries are good now. For western countries we can discuss later.

Foreign policy is the place where India have to do a lot of works; After the Pokran 2 and imposing of sanctions, India became more and more friendly to US, and is moving away from her traditional allies like Russia. India's policies became US centric. But what India gained from these relation is stll disputable - apart from the Indo - US neuclear deal which yet to finalise.

In his book 'Riot' Sashi Taroor through the character of US business man's voices says that "I will tell you what your problem in India; You have too much of history far more than you can use peacefully. So you end up wielding history like a battle axe against each other". That is what happens we are looking here and there without having a clear vision on what to do. We ask US to pressure Pakisthan to stop terrorism but what they can do, when its not possible for them to normalize the situations in Afganistan and Iran with their forces?

But look at Pakistan they gained much even if they are playing with double edged sword; Pakistan is accused of sponsoring and exporting terrorism whenever some blasts occured in India. And India started to give proofs for that, Pakistan first disagrees and then agrees and arrest people who are accused for the blasts then release them later, US coming to the scene and ask India to keep patience and then give some statements and force Pakisthan to do something. As the time passes issues lost its importance untill another blasts occures. But here comes the power of Pakisthan's power in foreign affairs; acually we have to learn some lessons from them. They negotiate US and utilise the situation to its full extend, in such a way that it help them to float their economy and at the same time maintain a good relationship with China. They have some card to play like US want them for their Afganisthan operations and China want them for protecting its interests.

India too had many advantages before we completely went in to the US camp. At that time Russia was trying to regain its position, growing trade and economic relation with China, increased participation in South East Asia gatherings. and most importantly her emerging economy.

In Nepal - which remained a traditional ally of India [India - Nepal border is the only open border in south Asia], India remained silent at the initial rise of Maoists even if it supported the monarchy. [India is the major supplier of arms to the country]. After palace massare and civil rights India played high quality deplomacy and successed in forming a government there. In the end and after elections Maoists gained majority and formed the government. But along with that China got more grounds to play and their influence increased but later in the issue of Napalese army general conflicts started again. The negotiation related to water power and other treties is stll in shelf.

In Myanmar after the crack down on Democratic marches, China increased her influence over Myanmar and they leased Coco islands[In 1994] from Myanmar and built a maritime reconnaissance and electronic intelligence station from where they can monitor Indian naval facilities and their movements across eastern Indian ocean. China also signed a gas treaty with Myanmar in 2006 created alarm in India whic is rich in natural resources. In 1998 in signed agreements for Agricultural development and technology and in 2000 India begin the salesof non lethel military sales and in 2006 militar sales too started, It is yet to see how far Indian deplomacy can soften Burma's military Junta.

As far as Japan is considered talks are going on in creating a maritime and economic corporation but how long it will take to form a complete shape is yet to see. I dont think Russia like the more than close Indo - US relation, which once was India's friend and major military partner. In Srilanka Indian deplomacy is on its worse states and China gained her influence at the expense of India. In the case of all these neighbours like Nepal, Srilanka etc India have many problems historically. As in Srilanka it cant support LTTE as it is considered as a terrorist group and which also killed the former Prime Minister of India Mr Rahiv Gandhi and at the same time it cant support the crack down on LTTE as it is also take a tool on the Tamil civilians.
In Nepal it cant support Maoists and at the same time it cant oppose them if they elected to power, as India is a democracy and have to recoginse people's verdict and at the same time, if India not supporting the governmentit will go under Chinese sphere of influence. China doesnt have these problems and whatever success they got its major gain for them. And they gained much in many countries and now building the 'strings of pearl'.

Relations with US is another case, in the times of cold war India was not a member in US group.But after Neuclear deal India become more and more agreeing and accepting US foreign policies. India using all its deplomaic efforts successfully negotiated Neuclear Deal but after that failed in effectively pressurising US to act against crack downs on terrorist establishment in Pakistan nor any permenent security counsil seat. Pakistan launched attackes to regain Swat under severe pressure from US, but according to latest reports it also released the wanted terrorists.

What India have to do in forweign policy is that Indtead of focussing on US alone, it have to establish itself as the first and formost ally for South East asian countris, and instead of being considered as a counter weight to China, India have to form its own ground. Along with that India have to excersise her full political powers and deplomatic relations in the energy sector too, where China is gaining highly. Joint ventures which happened in the past too is a very good option.

India attained major deplomatic victories in the past but in the new situation she have to form her own ground and look towards the future.

Sajeev

Through Bylakuppe, Kodagu, Kaveri Nisargadhama, Abbey falls and Omkareswara temple

It was not a sudden idea, after postponing the date and changing the locations we decide to go in this friday night. You may be wondered what i am talking here! Its
about our team's outing to Kooorg,Talakaveri, Omkareshwara temple, Kaveri Nisargadhama,Tibeten settlement In Karnataka etc. We decided to meet at BTM at 10pm
and start the tour from there. So at 9.30 I went to BTM from Electronic city in Big10(Newly introdced fleet of BMTC).
Rain is in its full momentum, seems like she is giving her blessings to our jouney. Rain always gave me a secret pleasure and moment of happiness i like like to travel in
rainy days, and viewing it in the window is a great experience; walking slowly in the rain, breating the cold air, enjoying the rain drops falling in the face all are some of the
special moments in life.
We went out of the bus at silk board and took an auto to BTM. Ford's Tempo traveller was waiting there for us, everyone came aftr sometime and we started our
odessey. Roads are busy with traffic, it seems that everyone is in an hurry to celebrate the weekends. Rain cleaned the dust from cars, roads and air. Will it clean the
human mind? Anyway traffic reduced as we move further and further away from the city. In the vehicle everyone is in full swing with songs, i was the only exception
as i dont know more than one line of any songs other than National Anthem.
It was my first journey with people from such a diverse background and culture. In train it may be more diverse but its hardly possile to know every one. But
here we have members from Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andra, Karnataka, Delhi, Bengal and Assam.
We reached our first stop at Caffe coffe day in the mid night, rain is still in her good mood. Even in the midnight it was busy with people. Everything in the menu
was new to me. So i randomly selected Irish coffee, hmm good one. after sometime we left the place and continued our Odessey.
In the early morning we reached a homstay in Madikeri [HQ of Kodagu district] where we are supposed to stay. Now everyone is waiting for sunrise, Whereever it is the
view of sunrise is always great and encouaging. If it is in any hill staton it is more beautiful.
Its also the same day in which the results of Indian General Election 2009 is going to be released. Counting will start from 8am and complete result is expecting at noon.
Fastest counting in world's largest democracy. Some seated before tv to know results. Who will win the match? Manmohan Singh or L.K Advani? As we have to leave
for breakfast and then to Talacauvery I left tv and joined in the journey to Talacauvery.
It was a nice journey, first we reach Shiva temple in the Sangam, which is a sacred place. Then we headed towards Talakaveri which is considered to be the source
of Kaveri river located in Brahmagiri hill near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Located at a height of 1276m above the sea level. Here a temple is
dedicated to Lord Agasteswara. Its after a long time i am going through so many hairpins, last time it was Wynad, one of the beautiful hill station with highly diverse
forest sections in northern Kerala. In the end we reached Talacavery, and headed toward the temple there. There is view point in the right side of the temple, but to
reach there you have to climb some hundreds of steps. But the beutiful view from above refreshed me completely. I saw some wind mills there, along with beautifully
designed greenery. In the temple there was a largepot made up of stone, some metres below; People throwing coins to that pot many landed inside and many gone
outside. People trying many times to land the coin inside the pot.
Then we came back to the town and headed towards Abbey falls. Its a waterfall with a height of some some 20- 25 metres. But there was a lt of people came to see the
falls.Many also enjoying the bath too. This falls are early named as Jesse falls in the memory of the daughter of a British officer. As everyone was so eager to view the
sunset we went back to the town. There is view point named Raja's seat, in earlier time Kings came to this place to enjoy the beauty of nature, and a small park surrounding
it. The view is indeed magnificent, clouds running over the beautiful layer of mountains with sun setting in the south. I just stood there looking into it for quite a time.
In the evening the park was filled with music from musical foutain, different songs came and so th water motion, the first session ended with "Sare jahan se accha
... Hindusthan hamara..". After that we went to dinner and then headed back to room. The first thing too see was the election results, complete results came and Congress
showed wonderful results, better than that of the most optimistic congress supporters. Manmohan singh will be the prime minister for next 5 years.
Now everyone went downstairs and joined in the party. Even if i dont know dancing and singing teammates forced me to do some something, and i joined with them. Around
12.30 i went to sleep, and eagerly waited for the next morning to come.
Today was our last day of the two day tour program, after breakfast we packed everything and went to Omkareshwara temple - a beautiful Shiva temple. There was some
marriage going on at the time we entered into the temple. After spending some time i the temple we again set in motion. Next destination was Kavery Nisargadhama
Nisargadhama is a small island formed by Kaveri river and a well known picnic spot near Kushalnagar. There is a hanging bride to enter to this 25 acre island have dear park,
bamboo grooves, boating facilities etc. First we went to pedal boats in the river, the river is deep in this side so have to take the precaution. Aftre boating we went to
one one side of river and had some water sports. In the after noon we started our journey again, this time to the Tibeten settlement in Karnataka- Bylakuppe around 84
km from Mysore. Bylakuppe is the location of "Lugsum Samdupling" and "Dikiy Larsoe" two adjecent Tibeten refugee settlements in the west of Mysore District as
well as a number of Tibeten monasteries.
Rain started again, and so waited some time in the traveller before entering in to the Budha temple. After some time rain stopped and i entered for the first time to a Budha
temple. Here i got chocolates as prasadam. We spend some time here viewing all the places. But the sad thing is the we missed the prayer, for prayer we have to reach
there at morning 7 or evening 5. After spending sometime in the near by shopping complex we headed back to Bangalore, As the time is running our w take a shortcut
and reached SH 17 again at Sreeranga patna with out touching Mysore. The next stop was at sugar city Mandya for dinner. But the main difference was that upto the time
we reach the Budha temple everyone was sining songs or doning some other entertainment activities but after reaching Budha temple the discussion turned on History
one of my favorite subject. As the time reahed goes we too turned to sleep and some time in the midnight we reached Bangalore. As its midnight i decided to stay
with one of my friend in BTM and in next morning went to my room in Electronic City. One more weekend is over.
Thanks,
Sajeev.

It was not a sudden idea, after postponing the date and changing the locations we decide to go in this friday night. You may be wondered what i am talking here! Its about our team's outing to Kooorg,Talakaveri, Omkareshwara temple, Kaveri Nisargadhama,Tibeten settlement In Karnataka etc. We decided to meet at BTM at 10pm and start the tour from there. So at 9.30 I went to BTM from Electronic city in Big10(Newly introdced fleet of BMTC).

Rain is in its full momentum, seems like she is giving her blessings to our jouney. Rain always gave me a secret pleasure and moment of happiness i like like to travel in rainy days, and viewing it in the window is a great experience; walking slowly in the rain, breating the cold air, enjoying the rain drops falling in the face all are some of the special moments in life.

We went out of the bus at silk board and took an auto to BTM. Ford's Tempo traveller was waiting there for us, everyone came aftr sometime and we started our odessey. Roads are busy with traffic, it seems that everyone is in an hurry to celebrate the weekends. Rain cleaned the dust from cars, roads and air. Will it clean the human mind? Anyway traffic reduced as we move further and further away from the city. In the vehicle everyone is in full swing with songs, i was the only exception as i dont know more than one line of any songs other than National Anthem.

It was my first journey with people from such a diverse background and culture. In train it may be more diverse but its hardly possile to know every one. But here we have members from Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andra, Karnataka, Delhi, Bengal and Assam.

We reached our first stop at Caffe coffe day in the mid night, rain is still in her good mood. Even in the midnight it was busy with people. Everything in the menu was new to me. So i randomly selected Irish coffee, hmm good one. after sometime we left the place and continued our Odessey.

In the early morning we reached a homstay in Madikeri [HQ of Kodagu district] where we are supposed to stay. Now everyone is waiting for sunrise, Whereever it is the view of sunrise is always great and encouaging. If it is in any hill staton it is more beautiful.

Its also the same day in which the results of Indian General Election 2009 is going to be released. Counting will start from 8am and complete result is expecting at noon. Fastest counting in world's largest democracy. Some seated before tv to know results. Who will win the match? Manmohan Singh or L.K Advani? As we have to leave for breakfast and then to Talacauvery I left tv and joined in the journey to Talacauvery.

Talakaveri

It was a nice journey, first we reach Shiva temple in the Sangam, which is a sacred place. Then we headed towards Talakaveri which is considered to be the source of Kaveri river located in Brahmagiri hill near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Located at a height of 1276m above the sea level. Here a temple is dedicated to Lord Agasteswara. Its after a long time i am going through so many hairpins, last time it was Wynad, one of the beautiful hill station with highly diverse forest sections in northern Kerala. In the end we reached Talacavery, and headed toward the temple there. There is view point in the right side of the temple, but to reach there you have to climb some hundreds of steps. But the beutiful view from above refreshed me completely. I saw some wind mills there, along with beautiful greenery. In the temple there was a largepot made up of stone, some metres below; People throwing coins to that pot many landed inside and many gone outside. People trying many times to land the coin inside the pot.

Then we came back to the town and headed towards Abbey falls. Its a waterfall with a height of some some 20- 25 metres. But there was a lot of people came to see the falls.Many also enjoying the bath too. This falls are early named as Jesse falls in the memory of the daughter of a British officer. As everyone was so eager to view the sunset we went back to the town. There is view point named Raja's seat, in earlier time Kings came to this place to enjoy the beauty of nature, and a small park surrounding it. The view is indeed magnificent, clouds running over the beautiful layer of mountains with sun setting in the south. I just stood there looking into it for quite a time.

In the evening the park was filled with music from musical foutain, different songs came and so th water motion, the first session ended with "Sare jahan se accha ... Hindusthan hamara..". After that we went to dinner and then headed back to room. The first thing too see was the election results, complete results came and Congress showed wonderful results, better than that of the most optimistic congress supporters. Manmohan singh will be the prime minister for next 5 years.

Now everyone went downstairs and joined in the party. Even if i dont know dancing and singing teammates forced me to do some something, and i joined with them. Around 12.30 i went to sleep, and eagerly waited for the next morning to come.

Today was our last day of the two day tour program, after breakfast we packed everything and went to Omkareshwara temple - a beautiful Shiva temple. There was some marriage going on at the time we entered into the temple. After spending some time i the temple we again set in motion. Next destination was Kavery Nisargadhama - a small island formed by Kaveri river and a well known picnic spot near Kushalnagar.

There is a hanging bride to enter to this 25 acre island have dear park, bamboo grooves, boating facilities etc. First we went to pedal boats in the river, the river is deep in this side so have to take the precaution. After boating we went to one one side of river and had some water sports. In the after noon we started our journey again, this time to the Tibeten settlement in Karnataka- Bylakuppe around 84 km from Mysore. Bylakuppe is the location of "Lugsum Samdupling" and "Dikiy Larsoe" two adjecent Tibeten refugee settlements in the west of Mysore District as well as a number of Tibeten monasteries.

Rain started again, and so waited some time in the traveller before entering in to the Budha temple. After some time rain stopped and i entered for the first time to a Budha temple. Here i got chocolates as prasadam. We spend some time here viewing all the places. But the sad thing is the we missed the prayer, for prayer we have to reach there at morning 7 or evening 5. After spending sometime in the near by shopping complex we headed back to Bangalore, As the time is running our w take a shortcut and reached SH 17 again at Sreeranga patna with out touching Mysore. The next stop was at sugar city Mandya for dinner. But the main difference was that upto the time we reach the Budha temple everyone was sining songs or doning some other entertainment activities but after reaching Budha temple the discussion turned on History one of my favorite subject. As the time reahed goes we too turned to sleep and some time in the midnight we reached Bangalore. As its midnight i decided to stay with one of my friend in BTM and in next morning went to my room in Electronic City. One more weekend is over.

Sajeev.

One Night

Its really a cool night in Elecronic city, I am just completed my shift and simply sitting in the compound. Its look like the dead image of morning. Day time fllled with sounds, people talking to each other, some discussing about their projet , others calling their parents or girl/boy friends in mobile. But in night everything different - dead silence just like a cemetry.
Its so silent that I can even hear the wonderful music of the night wind. Small creatures too joined in the band and enjoying under moon light, The music of night, its a special thing even if you are doing someting else your concentration will automatically turn towards the bauty of the night.
Some people are there; with their own interest or compelled to do so came in the night for work. I dont know what Iam doing here,in the next week i have exams, i dont even remember when i opened the book for the last time. But its became a habit now - a dangerous one, long time practice even turn bad things to be a habit.
People are going to enjoy their midnight snacks, in groups, laughing.. trees too are silent - looks like they to want some rest after standing in the day time. I didnt completed my words but before it, they agreed to giving me a fresh cool air which doesnt have the pollutunts of the Bangalore city. By the way what Iam doing here? Have to wake up in the morning... So good bye every one...
Sajeev

Its really a cool night in Elecronic city, I am just completed my shift and simply sitting in the compound. Its look like the dead image of morning. Day time fllled with sounds, people talking to each other, some discussing about their projet , others calling their parents or girl/boy friends in mobile. But in night everything different - dead silence just like a cemetry.

Its so silent that I can even hear the wonderful music of the night wind. Small creatures too joined in the band and enjoying under moon light, The music of night, its a special thing even if you are doing someting else your concentration will automatically turn towards the beauty of the night.

Some people are there; with their own interest or compelled to do so came in the night for work. I dont know what Iam doing here; in the next week i have exams. I dont even remember when i opened the book for the last time. But its became a habit now - a dangerous one, long time practice even turn bad things to be a habit.

People are going to enjoy their midnight snacks, in groups, laughing.. trees too are silent - looks like they to want some rest after standing in the day time. I didnt completed my words but before it, they agreed to giving me a fresh cool air which doesnt have the pollutunts of the Bangalore city. By the way what Iam doing here? Have to wake up in the morning... So good bye every one...

Sajeev

The Right to call back an MP

In India this is the time of General Elections, the biggest festival of democracy, and the results will determine who will rule India for the next five years. Next five years!!! not one or two. As we cant conduct election in every year - It will cost too much; and government will be unable to take any unpopular but necessary decisions in the case of yearly year election process. After all they have to satisfy the people atleast in the election year.

In private industry there is annual appraisals - how the person is doing his/her job? whether he is an asset or liability for the company. If he is an asset, then, whether he have to be promoted or not? Is he eligible for a salary hike or not? If he is a liability, then whether it is necessary to give him time to correct himself or have to fire righ now? many such decisions are taken depanding upon apprisals. It will be different for different companies.

But in the case of elections, people doesnt have a second chance. Once elected, its for five years, no matter what policies he continue. And usually they dont even have the chance to reject the candidates. There is not column in the voting mechine saying that "I vote against all candidates". The only possiblity available now is a rule called 49-o in the "Conduct of Election Rules,1969". Which state that

"Elector deciding not to vote.-If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form-17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark."

But even if the number of people who didnt recorded their vote according to 49-o is greater than that of winning candidate, the polling will not be cancelled, and the candidates will not be barred from future elections.

But how long these things should go on? If we consider the people of a constituency as share holders of a company, MP/MLA or whatever his post is an employee. If shareholder want to fire the employee due to his inaction or action against the best interests of society, then? there is no choice for the society, they have to wait for 5 years - upto the time of next election.

Atleast two more rules should be added to "Conduct of Election rules". One is for the right to vote against all candidates and the second one is the right to call back. If Russians can allow "vote against all candidates" in their election process, what is the problem with that clause in Indian General Election? If Election Commission of India can conduct election on this scale [Over 5 million election officials conducted the election over 800,000 polling stations, in 1999 General Election] the recalling process will not be a difficult one. And recalling process should be based on the solid evidence against the person and should not be based on speculations and for the sake of a reelection.

On the other side participation of people in the election process is not upto the markin 2004 General Elections only 370 million out of the 675 million eligible citizens recorded their votes; and in most cases this situation is likely to repeat. If a person is not ready to participate in the process, then how he will be eligible to criticize for each and every decisions taken by Government?

Record your vote.. Long live democracy..

Sajeev

Role of Government in Economy


What is the role of government in economy? In the form of a driver, which controls the market with its own mammoth enterprises or in the form of a joint partnership with private sector or in the form a traffic police man which simply regulates the market?

Before going to answer it we have to look into some facts, what is the role of government? It’s very natural to think that if government invest highly in market and create mammoth public sector companies, it will create huge profit and which in turn can be used to elevate people from poverty. But what happened usually is that these state run companies will not give good return, it may even end in loss. To support these enterprises government will provide huge subsidies and save it from competition from the private sector through trade barriers, taxes etc. Government may even put large amount of money to compensate for the losses of public sector.

What's the result? Instead of elevating people from poverty it simply drain more resources. And for customers; they will not have a choice, what public sector give accept it.

It’s not the job of government to invest directly in market and eliminate competition. Equal opportunities and competition is the basis, but state run companies are backed by governments, as long as government is there to back them losses will not be a problem, but in the case of private companies, they are controlled by individual, or a group of investors.

If there is a loss, it will seriously affect them- so they will work hardly for profit. Government have to support these individuals to raise their capital and have help them in reinvesting, tax incentives should be given to them if they are reinvesting the money and make further progress instead of further tax hikes. If he is investing in research and development sector then give him/her more incentives and protect their copy right and ownership in the product.

If companies are expanding it will create more opportunities which in turn will create growth. And when there is a competition in market, it will help to reduce prices and which will benefit more people. A good example of for this case is the situation of mobile telephony sector in India.

For decades public sector companies ruled the Indian telecom sector, and if you applied for a new telephone connection it will take many years to get one. After opening of market too private players- many players like Airtel, Vodafone, Idea cellular, Tata, Reliance etc came to market and now a connection request will be processed within minutes. This forced the state player BSNL to adopt new techniques to hold the customer base. In the end customer - common people- satisfied.

You can find other tragedies too. In India petrol distribution networks are controlled mainly by Public Sector companies like Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd etc. Some time ago, before this recession scenario petroleum products touched all time high, at that time government didn't raised the price substantially or reduced the price substantially, but instead they forced the state run companies to give subsidies using their own money.

This eventually turns highly profitable IOC to a low profitable one. What private companies did? They didn't have the backing of government and the difference between the prices for oil in PSU companies and Reliance run pumps where substantially high. Customers simply avoided the Private oil pumps, this forced Reliance to shut down their pumps and cause a severe financial hardship on state run companies.

Government’s job is to create equal opportunities to citizen's, educate the masses, give them starter pack- capital- to run an industry, sell the shares back to them, and simply act a regulator as to avoid financial malpractices. When government opened the telecom sector- it starts working fine, when government opened the economy in 1991 to a good extend, it too working fine.

Open the economy, allow competition give incentives to starters, and act as a regulator, invest in education and ensure equality in access to government services, the economy will grow.

Sajeev

Child Sexual abuse : The cruel face of society


"Children hallow small things. A child is a priest of the ordinary, fulfilling a sacred office that absolutely no one else can fill. The simplest gesture, the ephemeral movement, the commonest object all become precious beyond words when touched, noticed, lived by one's own dear child."
Mike Mason, The Mystery of Children (Colorado Springs: Waterbrook Press, 2001)

But for many people in this world child are not so, for them they are simply some ways to satisfy their sexual desires. They treat them like sexual toys which didn’t complain and after the use they simply ignore them. I am not saying something about the things which are happened in the Moon or Mars, but right in front of us, in the middle of our society.

It’s not started after the globalisation or something- usually people find an excuse in globalisation for whatever bad things in society - but it was here for many years. American Psychiatric Association states that "Child cannot concent to sexual activity with adults" and "An adult who engages in sexual activity with a child is performing a criminal and immoral act which never be considered normal or socially acceptable behaviour". Everyone knows it but who cares?

What is more disgusting is, 80-90% of the people who abuses the child sexually are not strangers but people acquainted with them. Yes, relatives!!! Some studies say that 30% of offenders are close relatives and 60% are other relatives or acquaintances. And it’s not a rare phenomenon, some 15-25% of women and 5-15% of men are victim of some type of sexual abuse in their childhood. Anyway numbers are not matter here. Different studies may show different results, but the fact remains the same - children are abused in our societies which are so proud about moral values!!!

The after effects of this sexual abuse will create hurricanes in child's life. It will affect their psychological, emotional, social and physical dimensions. Depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, eating disorder, poor self esteem, dissociative and anxiety disorders, general psychological distress and disorders such as somatisation, neurosis, chronic pain, sexualized behaviour, learning problems, behavioural problems etc are some problems waiting for the victim.

Now a day’s child sexual abuse is very common; offender’s advantage is the fact that kids usually don’t know about sex in that small ages, and they will usually threaten the child to hide the matter from their parents. After all, majority of the people, who abuses the kids are their relatives/acquaintances, the same people who are supposed to protect them.

In India, things are not looking good, Study on Child abuse, India 2007 says that out of 2211 child 42% of child experienced sexual abuse [48%boys and 39%girls] and in majority of the cases offenders are people known to the child. Read the report for many more mind blowing facts.

In these situations parents must make sure that their child are on the safe hands whenever they are away from the child, and teach the child how to behave on situations like that, and enable a proper communication channel between the parents and child.

What the government is doing? Making laws stricter will not solve the problem, give sexual education to children’s in school. If society can tolerate; in fact celebrate marriage and first night, then on which grounds they are opposing sexual education? If adults can sexually exploit child, then what is the problem in giving sexual education to kids, so that they can recognise under what situations they are going through, and will be able to communicate properly with parents on these issues.

Childs are the future, don’t make it past. Stop violence against children.

Sajeev

The end of Banking Secrecy [Even in Swiss Banking]

Its very common in many of the popular novels, characters had some connections with Swiss banks. Some where in the story main character or villian deposit or recover huge anounts of money or other valuables from Swiss bank accounts in highly secretive manner. Many movies followed the suit, and here in India many politician accused each other of having huge deposits in Swiss accounts, but upto now there was no way to know how much money is deposited in Swiss accounts [ofcourse without paying any taxes to the respective governments]. BUt it will not be the case hereafter - Swiss government; under tremendous pressure from other governments agreed to demolish its banking secrecy.

Banking secracy is very important in Switzerland. Article 13 of Swiss constitution states,

Right to Privacy

1. Every one has the right to privacy in their private and family life and in their home, and in relation to their mail and telecommunications

2. Everyone has the right to be protected against the misuse of their personal data

And for many years many people used these banks to hide their money, how much? no one knows, in many countries politicians and media accuse others for hiding some astronomical figures in Swiss banking accounts. It gone well for decades but in this deep economic crisis cash strapped governments from all parts wants there share; and they know that it will be a huge bonanza for their economy. And the enormous pressure from other governments finally forced the SWiss to open up. and in the end Swiss Government agreed that they will adopt the banking transperency rules of OCED [Organisation of Economic co-op and Development] which will open the Tax havens.

These tax havens are so popular, because of the fact that they will not ask for income-tax from non-citizens and their banks ask no questions about their money. It is estimated by Guardian that around 13 trillion $ is deposited in these tax havens and beyond the reach of anyone including the Government.

The motion was started from Germany's side. German Intelligence was successful in getting a CD, from an informer in a famous Swiss bank in the early 2008. It contained the information about some 1500 tax dodgers. They also offered the name of citizen's to the respective governments with out any extra charge and many accepted the offer.

Later France too joined in the motion. After that US inland revenue thretened the largest bank of Switzerland -UBS- with a law suit to disclose the name of 350 US tax dodgers and finally bank surrendered the data. By now UK too joined in the motion to unmask the tax-havens. Finally in March 14 they reached a deal with Swiss government and this makes an end to the legacy of banking secrecy of Switzerland.

But another interesting thing is that some reports states that the CD containes the name of some 150 Indian citizens. now the data releted to Indian citizens are freely available to Indian Government if they wants, but it is yet to see what will be their action on it.According to the calculations of major political parties from India - Indian's deposit alone will run into a trillion. BJP calculated the amount as $1.5trillion, and CPI(M)] calculate it as $1.4trillion. Will the government acquire the CD ? will it take any action based on it? Time will give the answer...

Any way if Guardian is correct it will be a feast for the government's across the world. $13trillion is opened for them [What is the value of US GDP? its only $14.334trillion], just like a heaven in this deep economic crisis.

Sajeev

What are the responsibilities of the State?

What are the duties of the government? Why government is elected? and how far in can influence the society? These are some questions which requires a concrete answer. According to me "Government is an elected body of representatives which have the power to create, maintain and remove laws, regulations etc across a state. "

Alexis de Tocqueville, in his Democracy In America (1835) define government as "[Administration] covers the surface of society with a network of small complicated rules, minute and uniform, through which the most original minds and the most energetic characters cannot penetrate, to rise above the crowd. The will of man is not shattered, but softened, bent, guided; men are seldom restrained from acting, such a power does not destroy, but it prevents existence; it does not tyrannize, but it compresses, extinguishes, and stupefies a people, till each nation is reduced to be nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals, of which government is the shepherd".

Government is formed or its primary duty should only be as "A regulatory board- which honestly regulates trade, providing security for the people, disaster management, enforce equality in society and as a board which will make it sure that equal oppertunity is available for all the sections of the society for education and other government services".

That means its functions only include:

1. As a regulatory boardy[should function in honest manner] in trade - and have to make sure that stake holders are not cheated.

2.A body which must make it sure that people [Humans, forest, birds and animals] are protected in the times of and internal or external aggression and at the time of natural/man made disasters.

3.It have to ensure equality in society, equality only means that all people [irrespective of caste, ethnicity, religion, wealth] should have same access to government services and education nothing else.

4. And its last responsibility is to ensure that everyone have equal access to education, why I am particularly pointing out education is that no one should be depived of education due to the shortage of money.

If it assumed or givn anymore responsibilities it should violates the rights of people in some way or other.

Ludwig Von Mises states that "Economic history is a long record of government policies that failed because they were designed with a bold disregard for the laws of economics". In most of the cases economic disasters are either due to the government's fiscal policies or due to the failures it did as a watchdog of the economic trade

I dont know why governments have made such huge public sector units. Actually what happened is that when a public sector unit is created to manufacture say computers, its violates the rights for equality of other citizen's to create another unit to manufactue computers because the PSU[public Sector Undertaking] is backed with government money [again citizen's money]and whatever loses happened it will be taken care by government itself thus it creates unequal playground. But the private firm doesnt have that advantage. This thing is valid for all public sector companies.

Its is true that these public sector companies employes a lot of people, but at the same time government provide an unequal play ground for its citizen's [who wants to run their own company]. Its appropriate for us to have large organisations which employees a large number of people but the market conditions must be equal.

Garry Wills Said that " Government is accepted as, at best a necessary evil, one we must put up with while resenting the necessessity. We want as little as possible since anything beyond that necessary minimum instantly cancels one or other liberty".

But at the same time it should not be loose in its role as a regulator. Regulator doesnt means a body which controls each and every aspects of a trade, it simply means - a body which works in such a way to make sure that no stake holders are cheated. According to Adam Smith "Civil government, so far as it is instituted for the security of property, is in reality instituted for the defense of the rich against the poor, or of those who have some property against those who have none at all".

Ronald Regan states that "Government is not the solution to our problem. Government is the problem". It controls all the things it can and in the end nothing will move on, its not government's job to run the show; but its job is that of a spectater as well as critic and judge[Only in the time when some problem arises ] too .

James madison States that "The problem to be solved is, not what form of government is perfect, but which of the forms is least imperfect".

Dont think that government is the solution for all your problem, because its not. You have to find your own answers for your problems.

Sajeev

Maruti 800 - Which brought the revolution in Indian Transportation sector - is going to be retired

Maruti 800

There was a time when Indian roads are dominated by Ambassador and Ford cars. At that time buying a car is beyond the scope of a common man because of its prices; time went on but the situation didn't improve; cars remain the monopoly of the elite.

In that time like a monsoon rain Maruti 800 hit the Indian market and redefined the meaning of transportation. People welcomed the small beautiful small car- it became the 'beetle' of India - and for more than 2 decade it continued to dominate Indian markets with more than 27 lack units sold.

This small beautiful car manufactured by Maruti Susuki India Ltd(Maruti Udyog) have 796 cc, 3 cylinder 4 stroke water cooled engine, which gives a power of 37 bhp and 38 ps and a maximum speed around 125kph.

The car becomes an iconic model not only for Maruti but also for the entire country. For many years people from different sections of the society used the car and it remained the most sold car in Indian market until Maruti Alto secured the position some years back. But now after some 25 years when India is going to Euro 4 standard Maruti 800 along with another popular model from the same manufacturer Omni is going to retire. Company declared that they are not going to upgrade the engine to obey the euro 4 standards.

It will be away from 11 cities of India in 2009 but will be available in other cities until 2016 and after then it will be completely phased out. The death of a generation which changed Indian traffic System.

Good Bye Maruti 800.... Rest in Peace....

Sajeev

Photo Courtesy: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd

Illigal Immigration and partial globalisation

History says that people came to rest of the world from Africa. We got many informations about various civilisations existed in the world through various travellers. People travelled across the world- they gone as far as they can go. But after that various nationalisms came to existance and countries formed more and more restrictions came into force. Now if someone want to visit some foreign country they he may have to take all documents he ever got in his life.

After a long time the so called globalisation came in to existence -partially. Why i say partially is because of the fact that it allowed the free movememnt of goods but there is no permit for free movement of humans- work force. If they allowed free movement of work force then the globalisation will be complete and i think it will be a great step in the eradication of poverty. What will happen is that people will move from the countries which give low wages to the countries which provide high wages and there they will work for such wages which are lowas compared to that economy but substantially higher than their home economy.

In the end wage will be tend to a average value for a particular job in all over the world. Why people gone to another place? obviously seeking a better living condition, but whats happening todays world? Usually immigrants- unskilled - do all the jobs which local people are not willing to do and that too for substantially low wages. But what they got is not that much good living condition and some times thay have to face local's agitation against them. In the case of skilled labours they usually lead a good - financially- life. And if you have money there will be many arouund you. This is the case of internal immigrants.

But whats happening in the case of a person who is going abroad seeking job? Here too qualified workers will not face much problem but now more and more countries are tightining their visa rules. But in the case of illigal immigrants the case is altogether different. They pledge everything in the hope a good future and go to the other country. But their they are unwelcomed guests their they have to face police, courts etc if caught and they may be deported back to their own country.

I read it somewhere that India is the largest exporter and importer of immigrants, actually she didnt import or export. People from India went to many other countries in the ancient times then British Rulers take many to other parts of the world. Infact Budhism is one of the great example of it. Originated in India Budhist monks travelled to south Asia and to many other parts of the world and expanded the religions base. But now people from india are moving to other parts of the world like middle east, U,S Europe, Australia etc many through legal means and many through illegal means. They may end in their destination or may became dead in the journey. How long one can travel in the cargo section of ships and planes or cross the barbed fence in the borders? In the earlier time these immigration may not taken seriously but now due to the accelerating rise of terrorism in many part of the world, recession in many countries, local people ojection etc force the government to take a strict action against the illigal immigrants.

But many these people became the toys in the hands of Prostitution and drug network. Especially womans who came to the new world expecting new jobs falls into the hands of prostitution network. Its high time for the governments to look into the matter- why their citizens move in to another country? If its due to earn more - even if they have good livilihoods in the motherland its not a problem but if its for survival then they have to work out for a solution. After all the laws and governments are for the benefit of people not vice-vera.

How long it will take the countries to move from partial globalisation - free movement of goods - to full globalisation- free movement of work force? Will it happen ever?

Sajeev

What is Happening in Pakisthan?

Pakistan- The word Pakisthan came in to existence in 1934 coined by Choudhary Rahmat Ali. It is a combination of alphabets from Panjab, Afgania(NWFP), Kashmir, Sindh, Balochisthan. Eventually Pakistan came into existence after a bloody partition in 1947.

According to Richard Symonds "at the lowest estimate, half a million people perished and twelve million became homeless". After bloody partition both India and Pakistan moved on; while India sticked to democracy Pakistan saw many Military heads as their state leaders.

But in these whole years there was one thing which didn't changed: Pakistan Army and ISI was in a position to control the entire country, but now is it all correct? All pervading Army and ISI lost the control of many parts, many tribal regions are going on their own, not only tribal regions but the beautiful valley of Swat too gone that way. Which is only some 200 km away from the capital Islamabad.

How a country with such a strong armed forces and neuclear capability came to this situtaion? Now a days there is no surety for anything in Pakistan, recent attacks in Marriat hotel, firing against Srilankan cricket team, suiside attacks and the last one in the chain is the treaty with Taliban in Swat - all clearly indicates the turmoil.

All the problems started in Pakistan with the Partition itself, Pakistan and West Pakistan was a rare combination; physically thousands of miles apart, religion was the only glue. Finally in 1971 its fall apart. The wars with India for Kashmir, 1971 war and Kargil war may raised the popularity of military in Pakistan. In the six decaded of existence as an indepndent country Pakistan experienced the changes of political control from civillian leaders to military ones and vice versa.

In the northwesern borders along with USA, Pakistan tried everything it can do to stop the take over of Afganisthan by USSR. USSR went back but the motion actually back fired in the form of chaos in Afganistan. Virtually every one speaks the language of guns, civil war followed in Afganistan.

Taliban raised to power, militiants hijacked Indian plane to khandahar. 9/11, subsequent invasion of Afganistan, the introduction of new government, raiing insurgency all added more and more dificulties to the already war torn land -Afganistan. But what actually happened was the loss of control. Neither US, new Afgan government nor Taliban, no one is in control of the entire nation. New government controls the entire country in paper. Evenif removed from power Taliban through their gurrilla warefare conitnued to be an answerless problem to US and NATO.

Pakistan got many advantage in the process, US financial support, Chinese(all whether friend) help etc. But what they lost is the control of their own nation. They used religion too much for many things which eventually backfired.

US was successful in displacing the Taliban Government from Afganisthan, but what Taliban did is that, they virtually created a new nation combaining the regions of Afganistan and Pakistan. whose borders is continuously expanding and now reached the bautiful valley of Swat. The next in line is the capital of Pakistan- Islamabad.

They are no more operated only in tribal areas but running towards the capitals of various provinces, and the race may end only after touching the borders of India in the east.

The all powerful word in Pakistan - army and ISI is unable to stop the movement and finally they ened up with a pact with the warring groups. According to which 'Sharia laws' will be followed in the region which is now under the control of Taliban. Its also in air that girls in Swat valley wont be allowed to see the entrance of schools any more, and Taliban may effectively ends the music and sports in the country. Even now not much countries are visiting Pakistan for playing sports due to security resons, attack on Srilankan cricket team created much more damage to the reputation of the country.

The pact may go on, governmet and army may lose the existing controls too. Many analysis suggests that US will attack positions deep inside in Pakistan which eventually turn the nation to total turmoil.

I wish that the future may not present such situations, I don't want to see the cradle of Harappa civilisation become a warfield forever [Harappan civilisation was very famous for its town planning concepts] and the water of Sindu turns its colour to red- blood red!!!

Sajeev

Review: The Prodigal Daughter by Jeffrey Archer

Prodigal Daughter is an excellent work by Jeffery Archer. Most of the time, in works related to business empires, politics and thrillers, women remain in the supportive role. Even if there are many woman characters in the history who excelled in these fields - their percentage remains low in literature. Through "The prodigal daughter" Archer creates a powerful woman character- Florentyna who is in the race and her target is to attain the highest post in the world - The president of United States.

This novel is more descriptive about main character's childhood which is not usually seen in many novels of this type. It also analyses the problems of immigrants in a new place. Archer is successful in the analysis of the difficulties faced by the Polish emigrants in US in the earlier days, through Abel Rosnovski's hard work and success and also thorough an incident in Florentyna's school life.

The rose of Abel along with his hotel group "Baron" ,its success and how his business affected his family life give a mirror image of the things happening in today's society. The description of total dedication to business; even in the cost of time, which have to be spend with the family, and the subsequent divorce is really an eye opener.

Author also give high importance to the mentor's role in a person's life. In the Odyssey of Florentyna's life she too have a mentor who moulds her to what she is now- Miss Tredgold. It also shows how a person with clear vision can transform other's life. Abel was extremely good in his selection of Miss Tredgold as Florentyna's governess.

In her school days Florentyna occupied every post she could attain. Archer is successful in describing how a person's ego results in his/her downfall through Florentyna's failure in her competition for School's president and incidents in the Barron hotels by her childish behavior.

But this opened her eyes and with the help of Miss Tredgold she achieved the prestigious scholarship and thus fulfilled her headmistress's longtime dream. The days of Florentyna in her college, take us back to our own college days. Archer didn't drop anything in this section. He describes everything from sports to academics and also give us something to laugh - Bella's(Florentyn's friend) two hockey matches with Harvard team.

The story slowly grow to her love marriage with her father's enemy's son - Richard and their subsequent business adventures in San Fransisco after the expulsion from both the families. The best part in the book is the description of rejoining of both families after 10 years.

Now Florentyna explorers to the new frontiers of business as the chairperson of Baron Group and the couples subsequently took over the Lister's bank. The flow of the story is quite natural and always thrilling. Author then moves Florentna to US politics and the problems she faced and her triumphs. Its always a suspense for the readers that will she attain her dream and most sought after position in US? - The first woman president of US? Florentyna's journey in the politics is not in the way of roses; she faced a lot of difficulties on the way.

But here author reveals one important thing, the money backing. Behind her there is Baron Group and Lister bank but even then she is worried about the thousands of dollars running out of her own pocket above the money supplied by the government for running offices. What will be the condition of a common senator or a legislative member?

The difficulties faced by Florentyna is not her alone. but it is same in all democratic countries where age/seniority decides everything. They got tempting offers from many corners to make things a little more flexible or to keep the mouth shut. These money[bribe] powered politics is the basic reason for the degradation of democracy in all over the world.

The percentage of money going to right people and the percentage which ends up in the hands of wrong people will be a shock for everyone. Through Florentyna, the author declares that scarcity of money is not the problem but the inefficient use of it is the actual problem.

The description of US presidential election system and primaries will give a fair idea about how the US system is working even for a non US person. Her everlasting desire, the colleagues cheating and how she overcame it will always keep us in high voltage.

Russia's movement in the South Asia and the courage shown by her, even in the time when all others are willing to give in; and her subsequent success are all capable to keep our mind in the book. The claim for others victory not only rose angry in readers mind but it will arose sympathy too.

The best part of he book is its climax, whenever we read a book we can predict its climax but here its not happened in the way we imagined even the end result is the same. In "Prodigal Daughter" Archer terminated the novel in the exact point where it has to be not a word more and not a word less.

"Prodigal Daughter" also analysis the true friendship, successful business tactics of Abel and then her daughter Florentyna and her husband Richard, integrity and dutiful William Kane, professional George, Abel's desire to do something for the country in which he born, crooked political tactics, claiming others victory, true love of Richard and Edwar towards Florentyna etc. He also describes underflows and overflows in business and politics etc.

In total this is an excellent work from Archer, which from the beginning to end will not allow as to sleep; and a must read one for business persons and politicians.

Sajeev.

Who will control Indian ocean?

Indian ocean, the biggest ocean in the face of earth after Pacific and Atlantic, named after Indian subcontinent. Now in this globalized world, when Asian economies too attaining new heights, the commercial and strategic importance of Indian ocean is in its peak. The war in Afghanistan and Iraq, a nuclear crisis in Iran, the two important oil routes all multiplied the importance of Indian ocean.

India have long coastline, not only India but Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Australia many south-east Asian countries, oil rich gulf countries along with African continent shares the coastline of India ocean.

And now countries are competing for the control of the Indian ocean. But who will gain the control? US already have a naval base in Indian ocean, Indian also in the plan of trying to her navy to a blue water navy and China is building ports after ports in the region. Chinese too want to play a big role in the Indian ocean. Their strategy is commonly known a 'string of pearls’ and are increasing their presence in the region; Gwadar port in Pakistan is a good example.

Besides the Chinese built Pakistani port "Gwadar" they have keen interest in building more and more ports in Indian Ocean. Their latest pearl in the string is under construction in "Hambantota", SriLanka. Not only in naval bases; but they are expanding their fleet strength and deploying their vessels in the pirate affected regions, far from its shores. They may be many interests;

1) First and foremost is the problems with Taiwan, they want Taiwan to be a part of mainland China by diplomacy or by force. But integration by force will create an international backlash and they fear that at this time US may go for a naval blockade on them, by cutting the important oil routes to China through Indian ocean.

2) Chinese export driven economy is highly depended on the imported oil and majority of the oil goes through Malacca straits. They fears about the security of these channel in the times of a war.

3) The growing power of US navy may create more worries to them.

4) India’s growing power and influence in the region and India’s decision to create a blue water navy.

5) India’s look east policy, Chinese may fear that the growing economic relations with ASEAN countries may be transformed into a maritime relationship.

And for increasing their sphere of influence they are creating base after base in the Indian Ocean region. Whether its in Gwadar in Pakistan or in Myanmar they are fast and moving ahead in their mission but the question remains the same, will it solve all the problems of China? I think most of them are imaginary as a naval blockade in Malacca straits have a rare possibility as it will create chaos in the economies of Japan, China and Korea and its will not do any good for anyone except of course in war.


In peace time the Gwadar port in Pakistan will be a good help for China, as well as its base in Myanmar to control its oil interests. The more and more energy hungry economy of China want consistent supply of energy. But the problem with China is that it is highly depends on middle east and Malacca straits for its oil supply.


Chinese strategists thinks that any naval blockade in these regions by other naval powers like India and US will be disastrous for China. And they also fears about building a chain of bases around them. So they are going on their maritime doctrine of "Strings of Pearls" which starts from Chinese seas to Horn of Africa. And these bases are bases are constructing with full momentum in these regions.


They think that the Gwadar port in Pakistan will be a great help for them in terms of energy at the times of war. As they can overrun a blockade in Malacca straits by their enimies. But its will not be a good option for China, because,


1) The transportation of oil from the Gwadar port to mainland China is not at all a practical option . The construction and operational cost will be very high.


2) Moreover if there is a naval blockade in the Gulf of Persia, Gwadar port will remain useless.


3) Gwadar port is a small peninsula connected to mainland Pakistan through a chicken neck, in times of war if China want to support their port then they have to build high naval power in the surrounding region- otherwise cruise missile attacks will be enough for the port to become useless - but this will force India to take counter measures.


4) The region is very far from Chinese waters, and the primary concern of Chinese strategists will be in the waters surrounding Taiwan, as the problem is yet to be solved.


5) Its almost sure that Pakisthan will not like the loss of a port and a new war front in its door, if there is a Sino - US conflict. Moreover Pakistan will not choose the post of Washington's opponent for the energy cooperation with China.


But in peace time this port will able Chinese to put an eye on the trades through the region and may be act as a catalyst for a strong army and naval base in the future. This will also enhance their relation with Pakistan.


Where India is standing?


Its said that whichever country controls the India ocean they control the south east Asia. In the ancient time Hindu mariners controlled the Indian ocean for centuries, they propagated the culture and tradition of India across Indian ocean but after the down fall of Hindu maritime supremecy in the 13th century, Indians were unable to regain its past glory. In Mugal era politics is more concentrated on continental affairs and then British came into the theatre. They built a large ocean fleet and became the prominent force.


But after independence Indian navy grown and now the talks for changing the navy to a blue water navy is going on. But how long we can find happiness in talks? Whatever China doing they are doing it with unbelievable speed. For every costal countries the majority of the trade are through seas, and for the protection of trade and prominence in the egion they have to maintain a highly equipped navy will all capabilities.


Indian navy is one of the prominent force in Indian ocean, but will it be able to enlarge its prominence? Its operations in the time of Sunami earned a lot of good will. But will it be able to create a advanced blue water navy in the face of new Chinese strategies? Will it be able to secure new naval bases abrod and attain the capabilities of a bluue water navy? Can it be able to reach and excecute operations in the far Indian ocean sides, Atlantic, Pacific and South East Asian countries? The answers will decide what will be position of India in maritime affairs in the future.

Sajeev