Well, the competition is getting more than immense – probably greater than the wild imagination power of the South Africans also। To see such highly competitive nature of a domestic tournament can be sometimes odd and unthinkable to most of the world, of course except India, where the game is given the status of probably next to God!!! The attitude and passion of the cricketers, not only Indians but also the foreign recruits, was that they are not at all willing to leave one inch of land to their opponents – probably not to the man who captain him at international level. To see Fidel Edwards hurling a delivery at over 140 km/hr to his captain Chris Gayle’s ribs was heart warming. It also makes your day when you see Sanath Jayasuriya rattle the mystery spinner from his own country itself – Ajantha Mendis. This uniqueness and unexpected things are the USP of the big brand – Indian Premier League.
Now, everyone is concerned about making an eleven which would destroy any attack based on the performances of the players in the competition so far। These sorts of ideas always attract me as I always did that after every World Cup – no matter whether it is a Soccer or Cricket WC. We are at the middle of IPL 2 and this gives me a chance to discuss my eleven errrrr….twelve… with all of you net savvy people. First of all, take into consideration that this team is based on the performances of players till May first and also depending upon the nature of the pitches which is assisting the spinners a great deal.
Therefore my team will consist of players named:
Mathew Hayden, Sachin Tendulkar [c], Suresh Raina, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Yusuf Pathan, Adam Gilcrist [wk & vc], Irfan Pathan, Daniel Vettori, Pragyan Ojha, Yusuf Abdulla, Lasith Malinga and JP Duminy [12th man]।
Some of the players gave me a real headache in order to choose the twelve। But considering the format of the game and nature of the pitches, I think this can probably has the greatest potential to beat the best in the business. For the openers’ slot, Herschelle Gibbs and Chris Gayle were also deserving contenders. But Sachin’s ability to play according to situations and Hayden’s consistency scored over the two left outs. AB de Villiers and Kumara Sangakara seriously challenged the deeds of Dilshan and Raina. However, Sangakara’s lack of ability to change gear while batting second so far in the tournament and South Africa’s blue eyed boy – AB’s not so good show after his mesmerizing century betrayed them. Yusuf Pathan and Adam Gilcrist were obvious choices because of their thrilling and destructive endeavors in every match they played. Yuvraj Singh though came close to Yusuf Pathan but misses out on consistency and generating the famous fear factor among opponents that Yusuf easily create.
Among the all-rounder, their were not many to challenge the younger of the Pathan brothers and his lusty hitting with the bat, no matter in which number he comes in, made the decision an easy one at the end। The pitches are exploited best by spinners so far as they are on the slower side. Therefore, in my team, there has to be two spinners. Daniel Vettori did live up to his reputation of being the most successful spinner in the shortest version of the game and nobody can doubt his batting ability as he posses three test centuries. Pragyan Ojha is probably the most improved bowler in this competition and such was his charisma the he beat some of the greats of the game like Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, Muthaiya Muralidharan and Harbhajan Singh to grab that place. It was also pity that talents such as Amit Mishra and Piyush Chawla miss the list. In the pace department, there were also quite a few challengers like Fidel Edwards, RP Singh, Dirk Nannes, Zaheer Khan, Kamran Khan and Lakshmipathy Balaji for two berths. But at the end, Lasith Malinga and Yusuf Abdulla stole the honors. In my opinion, Malinga’s daring efforts at the end of the innings and Yusuf Abdulla’s wicket taking ability at any point of the game raced them ahead of others. JP Duminy’s all-round skills in batting, spinning the bowl and fielding earned him the 12th man’s cap.
I hope the team would perform well and does not get a coach like John Buchanan to destroy all its potential!!! There are also some who disappointed every one in this tournament so far। I take this opportunity to draft an eleven as “Most Awful Players of IPL 2”:
Brendon McCullum [c & wk], Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Kevin Pietersen [vc], Ross Taylor, Andrew Flintoff, Albie Morkel, Dale Steyn, Manpreet Gony, Ajit Agarkar, Ajantha Mendis and Jesse Ryder [12th man]. Some of the players like VVS Laxman, Graeme Smith, Joginder Sharma, Robin Uthappa, Swapnil Asnodkar and Shikhar Dhawan missed the list narrowly! Hope they don’t to include in that list also… John Buchanan will coach the team with all his support stuff which would be longer than the number of the players in the team!!! And Shah-Rukh Khan will take all the credits of the results of the team as the sole owner of the team. Thank You…
Friday, May 1, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Should India Join US In Its Af-Pak Policy?
Recently PM Manmohan Singh showed a positive interest in joining the war with the United States against the evil forces of Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, some will still question the decision and argue that in India, there is no dearth of problems. We ourselves need money to fight our own terrorism problems, to limit corruption, to negate the ever increasing bad affects of poor infrastructure, lack of education, immense hunger and many more. In such condition, if India does not involve itself in destroying other countries' terrorists, it will be better for the nation only.
However, I certainly do not agree with all these arguments as, if evil forces come to the power in our neighboring countries, then India will suffer its maximum wrath. The growth of terrorism in these countries will destroy the peace in India also. I particularly can’t help except lauding our PM hearing his one reason, “A strong, prosperous and democratic Pakistan is in India’s interest”. It is such a true line. If everything goes right with Pakistan and there are no terrorist activities, then India’s defense budget may decrease and Govt. can channelise that amount to other fields like food, infrastructure, education, health, etc. Otherwise, day by day, the budget will increase as it is happening traditionally till date. The other very important concern is the power of terrorists in Pakistan and Afghanistan. If they grow and became such a monster that they can avail these two countries’ nuclear weapons, then what will be the future of India? The terrorists have no moral value and no fear of the other world unlike every nation’s governments. Therefore, they can easily access and employ nuclear power to destroy any country and after that, they don’t have to answer anyone also. And mind you...they are very much capable of doing so.
Therefore, in my opinion, it’s high time that India should also join forces with the US to take part in its Af-Pak policy as in the future, India will be its main beneficiary. And one should destroy the problem in early stages itself as it is comparatively much easier to eradicate it by roots.
However, I certainly do not agree with all these arguments as, if evil forces come to the power in our neighboring countries, then India will suffer its maximum wrath. The growth of terrorism in these countries will destroy the peace in India also. I particularly can’t help except lauding our PM hearing his one reason, “A strong, prosperous and democratic Pakistan is in India’s interest”. It is such a true line. If everything goes right with Pakistan and there are no terrorist activities, then India’s defense budget may decrease and Govt. can channelise that amount to other fields like food, infrastructure, education, health, etc. Otherwise, day by day, the budget will increase as it is happening traditionally till date. The other very important concern is the power of terrorists in Pakistan and Afghanistan. If they grow and became such a monster that they can avail these two countries’ nuclear weapons, then what will be the future of India? The terrorists have no moral value and no fear of the other world unlike every nation’s governments. Therefore, they can easily access and employ nuclear power to destroy any country and after that, they don’t have to answer anyone also. And mind you...they are very much capable of doing so.
Therefore, in my opinion, it’s high time that India should also join forces with the US to take part in its Af-Pak policy as in the future, India will be its main beneficiary. And one should destroy the problem in early stages itself as it is comparatively much easier to eradicate it by roots.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Is There Any Justification of Providing Legal Help to Terrorists Like Kasab?
Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab is convicted of Mumbai terror attack on 26/11 and is to be charged under 166 separate counts of murder along with the two other accused Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed. Is there any need of showing him mercy and giving him some more days to live?
I certainly agree with Shiv Sena chief Mr. Bal Thackeray that there is no need to delay the proceeding as a terrorist like him does not deserve any leniency. He had killed scores of innocent and in doing so; we are showing disrespect to those guiltless murdered people. Mr. Thackeray is also 100 percent right when he questioned, “Kasab's mother, who is coming to visit his son in prison, would now be given treatment as if she was a veermata”. Everybody knows that he had done the crime. There is enough evidence including the video tapes. Then why is there a delay? We should not wait till the time Kasab’s terrorist friends do another Kandahar and free him. In this process, every labor of every Indian soldier is wasted, excluding all the money that is spent on his stay, proceedings and so on. These are the money of common people and no one has the right to waste it like that, not the government also. Just think how much labor, time and finance were squandered when Mumbai police filed a voluminous charge sheet of over 11,000 pages and also how much resources were wasted to decide on a lawyer for him. This, if we invested in other development works, could make India a few inch better places to live.
This person does not deserve a single day’s life as it will eventually harm India only as in the case of recent blunder by government babus where a "clerical error" on the part of the Mumbai cops was responsible for what was then being used by Islamabad to support its claim that it was actually India which was delaying the investigations into the attacks. This incident only brought down the image and reputation of the whole nation. As long as Kasab is alive, these kinds of things might happen in future also.
I simply don’t understand the reason behind the delay of Kasab’s hanging. His sins are proved and he himself admitted those. So why the holdup? Because our law say that we should give enough chance to the convicts to express their thoughts that we are giving Kasab the largesse? Then we are wrong and the law should be changed with immediate effect so that in case of such criminals and terrorists, the proceedings could be make quick. And there is also a public demand to hang Kasab near India gate and in my opinion, that also can be done as we, then, will set an example of what will happen to the culprits who would dare to raise their evil fingers to the country. Jai Hind…
I certainly agree with Shiv Sena chief Mr. Bal Thackeray that there is no need to delay the proceeding as a terrorist like him does not deserve any leniency. He had killed scores of innocent and in doing so; we are showing disrespect to those guiltless murdered people. Mr. Thackeray is also 100 percent right when he questioned, “Kasab's mother, who is coming to visit his son in prison, would now be given treatment as if she was a veermata”. Everybody knows that he had done the crime. There is enough evidence including the video tapes. Then why is there a delay? We should not wait till the time Kasab’s terrorist friends do another Kandahar and free him. In this process, every labor of every Indian soldier is wasted, excluding all the money that is spent on his stay, proceedings and so on. These are the money of common people and no one has the right to waste it like that, not the government also. Just think how much labor, time and finance were squandered when Mumbai police filed a voluminous charge sheet of over 11,000 pages and also how much resources were wasted to decide on a lawyer for him. This, if we invested in other development works, could make India a few inch better places to live.
This person does not deserve a single day’s life as it will eventually harm India only as in the case of recent blunder by government babus where a "clerical error" on the part of the Mumbai cops was responsible for what was then being used by Islamabad to support its claim that it was actually India which was delaying the investigations into the attacks. This incident only brought down the image and reputation of the whole nation. As long as Kasab is alive, these kinds of things might happen in future also.
I simply don’t understand the reason behind the delay of Kasab’s hanging. His sins are proved and he himself admitted those. So why the holdup? Because our law say that we should give enough chance to the convicts to express their thoughts that we are giving Kasab the largesse? Then we are wrong and the law should be changed with immediate effect so that in case of such criminals and terrorists, the proceedings could be make quick. And there is also a public demand to hang Kasab near India gate and in my opinion, that also can be done as we, then, will set an example of what will happen to the culprits who would dare to raise their evil fingers to the country. Jai Hind…
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Are Politicians Fulfilling Promises After Election
BJP’s poll manifesto for 2009 election spawn a serious question in my mind that would they satisfy all the promises? Well, they have assured people a lot and fulfilling the promises, such as raising the tax-free limit to INR 3 lakh a year (higher for women and senior citizens), availability of 35 kg rice or wheat at INR 2 per kg for Below Poverty Line [BPL] families per month, rebuilding of Ram temple at Ayodhya, opportunity of religious tourism, abrogation of Article 370 giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir, starting of pension scheme for farmer, Improvement of law and order in Orissa, New housing policies for Chandigarh, Free mobiles to poor, broadband to all for INR 200 and one crore free laptops with open source softwares, would be a Herculean task in today’s global recession and in the midst of numerous other tribulations. Did not they, political parties, think before committing? It was NDA today, may be UPA or any others’ turn tomorrow. All are same and promises the moon before the polling dates.
However do they abide by their words? If not, should not they be jailed or sued for not satisfying their promises once the election gets over and they are elected?
According to me, the answer should bring a positive reaction from every possible quarter, except from the corrupted politicians only. They kindle a hope in people’s mind that whatever the sorrow and difficulties they are facing would be abolished if they get into power. People, in order to reduce their woes, also support them. However, at the end of the day, the same politicians after winning the polls don’t even recognize the same people to whom they went begging for vote collection before the election!
The politicians show a ray of hope to common men and within a period of few months, take away every inch of expectations brutally. They maliciously murder all the hopes of a common man. When one businessman contracts with another, he has to abide by all the regulations and fulfill all his obligations mentioned in the agreement paper as he has approved it beforehand. If not, the other party can legally claim compensation in any form such as monetary or physically. Here also, same justice should be handed over. So what if the politicians do not enter into any legal or written commitment? They engage the whole media and in front of lakhs of citizens, take oath to satisfy all their promises. These should be taken into notice also as these are important evidence, depending upon whom, the court can give punishment to the accused politicians. These instances should be established and then only, the politicians will think twice before promising something which they also know is impossible for them to provide. Then the play of fooling around the innocent Indian citizens could be stopped. The precedence should be set and as soon as possible...
However do they abide by their words? If not, should not they be jailed or sued for not satisfying their promises once the election gets over and they are elected?
According to me, the answer should bring a positive reaction from every possible quarter, except from the corrupted politicians only. They kindle a hope in people’s mind that whatever the sorrow and difficulties they are facing would be abolished if they get into power. People, in order to reduce their woes, also support them. However, at the end of the day, the same politicians after winning the polls don’t even recognize the same people to whom they went begging for vote collection before the election!
The politicians show a ray of hope to common men and within a period of few months, take away every inch of expectations brutally. They maliciously murder all the hopes of a common man. When one businessman contracts with another, he has to abide by all the regulations and fulfill all his obligations mentioned in the agreement paper as he has approved it beforehand. If not, the other party can legally claim compensation in any form such as monetary or physically. Here also, same justice should be handed over. So what if the politicians do not enter into any legal or written commitment? They engage the whole media and in front of lakhs of citizens, take oath to satisfy all their promises. These should be taken into notice also as these are important evidence, depending upon whom, the court can give punishment to the accused politicians. These instances should be established and then only, the politicians will think twice before promising something which they also know is impossible for them to provide. Then the play of fooling around the innocent Indian citizens could be stopped. The precedence should be set and as soon as possible...
IPL2: KKR or it should be SRK or may be BRK?
That means...Kolkata Knight Riders [KKR] or Shahrukh’s Riders of Knights [SRK] or Buchanan’s Knight Riders [BRK]?
On March 25th KKR coach John Buchanan announced that the Knight Riders will not have only one captain, but as many as 4-5, excluding the assistant coach who will be deciding on the batting order for every match of the IPL 2, which is due to be held in South Africa. The captaincy candidates are New Zealand vice-captain Brandon McCullam, newly appointed West Indies captain Chris Gyale, Aussie rejected 34 year old Brad Hodge, Bengal captain Laxmi Ratan Shukla and India’s most successful captain ever – Mr. Saurav Ganguly.
In my sense, it will be absolute blunder. This cricketing world never ever listened something weird of that sort. Some will beg to differ with me as none could think of T20 cricket also few years ago, but it is a reality and a success today. However, I must say that making a tournament and changing the concept of the most powerful man in cricket is two different thing altogether. In my opinion, 3-4 captains at a time in a team is a policy that will create rift among the players. One can distribute the work among individuals like Indian team is doing. For instance, in case of bowling, Zaheer Khan is showing the way. But, the definitive decision should be taken by the captain only. Otherwise it has all the ingredients to backfire. Consider this example, in a certain case, where 15 runs are needed from one last over, one captain may think that a spinner who is bowling well in the match so far should be given the task of contending, whereas another captain may believe that it is relatively easy to score of a spinner and thus a proven fast bowler who can bowl Yorkers at 140-150 km/hr should be given the opportunity. There generates a rift, confusion and a wish to be noticed among all the other captains which can cause hindrances in team spirit.
Buchanan is saying that he can also assign different chief captains for different games. What purpose will this serve? Suppose, if McCullam has done well in a game, he may well be replaced by Shukla, who only played a game or two in international level. This can result into an uncertain captain’s mind on field and a crack in team unity. As a captain, one can prefer a certain player over another and that player can do well in that game also. In the next game, when another takes over the captaincy, he may well not committed to give his 100% as he may well be indebted to his earlier captain who gave him the chance! Also the KKR assistant coach, Murphy, who will decide on the batting order has never played international cricket! Coaching is one thing and strategy and decision making is another. Mr. John Buchanan needs to understand this.
In a way, Buchanan is questioning the credentials of India’s most successful captain ever by this 4-5 captain formula. He is comparing Ganguly with Gayle who is appointed less than a year ago, Hodge who has zero experience in international cricket captaincy, McCullam who has next to zero experience and Shukla who has the Bengal captaincy for two years only! This is absolute rubbish on Buchanan’s part. When one compare the two, it reveals that Ganguly had won India matches with new, young and inexperienced players over the years and he did that in a time when Indian cricket was going through its worst crisis of match fixing and renovation. On the other hand, Buchanan won matches with players like Hayden, Langer, Ponting, Waugh, Hussey, McGrath, Warne, Gillespie, McGill, Lee and Gilchrist who are all legends of the game. Anyone can win match with even half of them in the side and Buchanan also faced humiliation in 2005 Ashes in the hands of a depleted English side!
It is absolutely a mortification that Buchanan is doing with Saurav Ganguly who single handedly won KKR at least 3 matches last time. Last year KKR won 6 or 7 matches with overseas players like Taibu, Butt, Hafeez playing with Indian players like Aakash Chopra, Murali Karthik at one time. Gyale, Hodge, Ponting, Akhtar, McCullam were all absent. To win matches with such a team was a Herculean task and KKR did exactly that under Saurav Ganguly. 3 matches he won by scoring two 80 odd runs and in one, taking three wickets. Therefore, his performance was not bad and with that, captaincy also. So, why Buchanan is experimenting with the captaincy now? Above all, IPL is a grand platform and is no place to experiment. If at all Buchanan wants to test, he can go back to Australia and may well implement all his strategies with an under 15 or under 17 team of Tasmania. But, not with KKR in such a high profile extravaganza and that too before 3 weeks of the tournament!
Why am I addressing this team as SRK or BRK, and not KKR is that when you do humiliation to the favorite son of the state in such a way, you don’t deserve to include that state’s name in it. I doubt, if Buchanan and Shahrukh sticks with this, whether they will be able to fill 1/100th of the Eden Gardens in IPL 3. Saurav is the flag bearer of Kolkata in cricket and without Him; there can not be a Kolkatan team. Therefore, Kolkata can boycott this team forever and then Shahrukh will have to change the name of this team to may be SRK [Shahrukh’s Riders of Knight] or BKR [Buchanan’s Knight Riders].....
On March 25th KKR coach John Buchanan announced that the Knight Riders will not have only one captain, but as many as 4-5, excluding the assistant coach who will be deciding on the batting order for every match of the IPL 2, which is due to be held in South Africa. The captaincy candidates are New Zealand vice-captain Brandon McCullam, newly appointed West Indies captain Chris Gyale, Aussie rejected 34 year old Brad Hodge, Bengal captain Laxmi Ratan Shukla and India’s most successful captain ever – Mr. Saurav Ganguly.
In my sense, it will be absolute blunder. This cricketing world never ever listened something weird of that sort. Some will beg to differ with me as none could think of T20 cricket also few years ago, but it is a reality and a success today. However, I must say that making a tournament and changing the concept of the most powerful man in cricket is two different thing altogether. In my opinion, 3-4 captains at a time in a team is a policy that will create rift among the players. One can distribute the work among individuals like Indian team is doing. For instance, in case of bowling, Zaheer Khan is showing the way. But, the definitive decision should be taken by the captain only. Otherwise it has all the ingredients to backfire. Consider this example, in a certain case, where 15 runs are needed from one last over, one captain may think that a spinner who is bowling well in the match so far should be given the task of contending, whereas another captain may believe that it is relatively easy to score of a spinner and thus a proven fast bowler who can bowl Yorkers at 140-150 km/hr should be given the opportunity. There generates a rift, confusion and a wish to be noticed among all the other captains which can cause hindrances in team spirit.
Buchanan is saying that he can also assign different chief captains for different games. What purpose will this serve? Suppose, if McCullam has done well in a game, he may well be replaced by Shukla, who only played a game or two in international level. This can result into an uncertain captain’s mind on field and a crack in team unity. As a captain, one can prefer a certain player over another and that player can do well in that game also. In the next game, when another takes over the captaincy, he may well not committed to give his 100% as he may well be indebted to his earlier captain who gave him the chance! Also the KKR assistant coach, Murphy, who will decide on the batting order has never played international cricket! Coaching is one thing and strategy and decision making is another. Mr. John Buchanan needs to understand this.
In a way, Buchanan is questioning the credentials of India’s most successful captain ever by this 4-5 captain formula. He is comparing Ganguly with Gayle who is appointed less than a year ago, Hodge who has zero experience in international cricket captaincy, McCullam who has next to zero experience and Shukla who has the Bengal captaincy for two years only! This is absolute rubbish on Buchanan’s part. When one compare the two, it reveals that Ganguly had won India matches with new, young and inexperienced players over the years and he did that in a time when Indian cricket was going through its worst crisis of match fixing and renovation. On the other hand, Buchanan won matches with players like Hayden, Langer, Ponting, Waugh, Hussey, McGrath, Warne, Gillespie, McGill, Lee and Gilchrist who are all legends of the game. Anyone can win match with even half of them in the side and Buchanan also faced humiliation in 2005 Ashes in the hands of a depleted English side!
It is absolutely a mortification that Buchanan is doing with Saurav Ganguly who single handedly won KKR at least 3 matches last time. Last year KKR won 6 or 7 matches with overseas players like Taibu, Butt, Hafeez playing with Indian players like Aakash Chopra, Murali Karthik at one time. Gyale, Hodge, Ponting, Akhtar, McCullam were all absent. To win matches with such a team was a Herculean task and KKR did exactly that under Saurav Ganguly. 3 matches he won by scoring two 80 odd runs and in one, taking three wickets. Therefore, his performance was not bad and with that, captaincy also. So, why Buchanan is experimenting with the captaincy now? Above all, IPL is a grand platform and is no place to experiment. If at all Buchanan wants to test, he can go back to Australia and may well implement all his strategies with an under 15 or under 17 team of Tasmania. But, not with KKR in such a high profile extravaganza and that too before 3 weeks of the tournament!
Why am I addressing this team as SRK or BRK, and not KKR is that when you do humiliation to the favorite son of the state in such a way, you don’t deserve to include that state’s name in it. I doubt, if Buchanan and Shahrukh sticks with this, whether they will be able to fill 1/100th of the Eden Gardens in IPL 3. Saurav is the flag bearer of Kolkata in cricket and without Him; there can not be a Kolkatan team. Therefore, Kolkata can boycott this team forever and then Shahrukh will have to change the name of this team to may be SRK [Shahrukh’s Riders of Knight] or BKR [Buchanan’s Knight Riders].....
Do Miss India Winners Fulfill Their Promises?
Every year, three of the God's previeliged beauties in India get to wear three crowns of Miss India Universe, World and Earth which instantly give them an international exposure and a sense of resposibility to shine their beloved country's name on world map. They are now entitled to enjoy the euphoria of tabloids, broadsheets, news agencies, multinational networks and a tax free life! However before that, they make some promises of what they will do with their new star status and money, which they will enjoy after winning the prestigeous crown. Many exposes many loopholes in our society and wish to work in that direction. For instance, Lara Dutta after winning the coveted title in 2000, promised to do more for the betterment of the society. Ami Vashi, the Miss India World of 2003, promised to generate funds and channelise them for the betterment of the downtrodden. Likewise, every year the winners promise a lot to work for society at large.
However, after winning the title, they seem to forget all their promises. 1994 Miss India World winner and prominent bollywood actress, Aiswary Rai Bachhan, was very much criticised as she was not keeping the virtuous promises she had made after winning. Normally this only happens. Contestents, after being a celebrity overnight, forget all their previous commitments and their only concentration remains gathering enough contacts to get a foothold in Hindi Film industry. They are also right in doing as as the title offers them a good platform to be noticed and producers also tend to earn on Miss Indias' instant popularity as the success of Juhi Chawla, Aiswarya Rai Bachhan, Sushmita Sen, Lara Dutta, Priyanka Chopra, Diya Mirza, Gul Panag, Tanusree Dutta and many others' suggest over the years. Everyone thinks of themselves only and the big claims such as social concern take a backseat.
I am not saying that nobody fulfills their commitment or works towards the cause. But only exceptions, these days, aim that. Otherwise, how many of us remember a certain Aiswarya Rai Bachhan for her social deeds? We know her because of her beauty or acting talent or Bachhan family member or the numerous controversies surrounding her. Where are the social welfare talks in that list? Can anyone please help me in finding that? Not everyone can be like Sushmita Sen, who partially fulfilled her promise of working towards society by adopting a child named Reene, though she was a single mother.
But, do we really expect a beauty pageant winner to wave away our troubles like some fairy Godmother? Certainly we should not. They are also human being. They also came to contest in order to gain name, fame and secure their future by making money - what they get in a very early age. In that age, it should not be expected from them also. However, having said that, this can not justify the absence of a single welfare deed in their whole life. If that is the way to do things, then one should not make tall claims in public at first place and give them a false hope in the process - all in order to win a contest. Jury members, Sponsors, show coordinators and organisers are also responsible in this regard as they should know their actual plan beforehand and how they are going to make it into reality. If they can't do this, then the claims also should not be made at all. I mean what is the use of saying something in front of the whole country which every single citizen knows that will not take place ever...
However, after winning the title, they seem to forget all their promises. 1994 Miss India World winner and prominent bollywood actress, Aiswary Rai Bachhan, was very much criticised as she was not keeping the virtuous promises she had made after winning. Normally this only happens. Contestents, after being a celebrity overnight, forget all their previous commitments and their only concentration remains gathering enough contacts to get a foothold in Hindi Film industry. They are also right in doing as as the title offers them a good platform to be noticed and producers also tend to earn on Miss Indias' instant popularity as the success of Juhi Chawla, Aiswarya Rai Bachhan, Sushmita Sen, Lara Dutta, Priyanka Chopra, Diya Mirza, Gul Panag, Tanusree Dutta and many others' suggest over the years. Everyone thinks of themselves only and the big claims such as social concern take a backseat.
I am not saying that nobody fulfills their commitment or works towards the cause. But only exceptions, these days, aim that. Otherwise, how many of us remember a certain Aiswarya Rai Bachhan for her social deeds? We know her because of her beauty or acting talent or Bachhan family member or the numerous controversies surrounding her. Where are the social welfare talks in that list? Can anyone please help me in finding that? Not everyone can be like Sushmita Sen, who partially fulfilled her promise of working towards society by adopting a child named Reene, though she was a single mother.
But, do we really expect a beauty pageant winner to wave away our troubles like some fairy Godmother? Certainly we should not. They are also human being. They also came to contest in order to gain name, fame and secure their future by making money - what they get in a very early age. In that age, it should not be expected from them also. However, having said that, this can not justify the absence of a single welfare deed in their whole life. If that is the way to do things, then one should not make tall claims in public at first place and give them a false hope in the process - all in order to win a contest. Jury members, Sponsors, show coordinators and organisers are also responsible in this regard as they should know their actual plan beforehand and how they are going to make it into reality. If they can't do this, then the claims also should not be made at all. I mean what is the use of saying something in front of the whole country which every single citizen knows that will not take place ever...
Tata Nano: Why Every One Seems To Be Against It?
Many have said many things about Tata's Nano car – the people's car priced at INR 1,12,734 only which was almost unimaginable a decade or half ago also. Among the questions raised by critics was that the Nano will raise traffic jam, pollution and also harm the cause of safety of drivers or the commuters.
However, in my opinion, it is a sheer blessing in many senses. An idea that may well proved to be a hit among the huge middle class of India. They can now satisfy their dream of having a car and that too within 1.5 lacs Indian rupees! And remember the EMI will also lessen which will create a sigh of relief in this global economic slowdown. Leave that also. One is talking about congestion in the roads? Don’t we have already crowded roads? What in that regard? Did anyone tell a certain Hyndai or Maruti not to sell their products in the crowded cities? So, why these sort of questions are raised in the case of Tata Nano only? Now coming to the issue of pollution…do not we have two wheelers and three wheelers in abundance at road now? Nano will certainly reduce the quantity of two and three wheelers. Young generation will certainly prefer to have a car, instead of a bike which can carry only two. Their parents also influence the decision as Nano can accommodate four seats comfortably.
So, why everyone is blaming Nano for everything? First, many two-three-four wheelers would have to reduce their prices to compete in the market and in worst cases, may well shut their business. Certainly, these are very powerful men and can, at abundance, give comments and raise such concerns so that Nano is harmed. At first, many global four wheeler brands’ CEOs commented that this idea is not realistic and not possible at all. Now that Mr. Ratan Tata made them bite the dust, they enough reason to feel inferior which may not be acceptable to them.
Otherwise, why one can do so as Tata Nano is advanced in various ways, not by only price, in comparison with its potential rivals like Maruti 800, Alto and Santro. Nano’s two models “Nano CX” and “Nano LX” both have air conditioner whereas models like Maruti 800 Std. and Alto Std. do not have. It has heater which is lacking in both the Maruti models –Maruti 800 Std and Maruti 800 AC. Only Santro GLS can compete with Nano in the fields of Front Power Windows, Central Locking and Body Colored Bumpers. Even GLS does not have Digital Fuel Gauge, Tubeless Tyres, Body Colored Door Handles & ORVM and Front & Rear Fog Lamps which are the special features of Nano. In the engine also Nano is not far behind as it has a 624cc engine in comparison with Maruti 800 and Alto which have 796 cc each.
Therefore, if everything is ok with Nano, why can not one accept it? Japanese Telecommunication market is one of the very advanced industries in the world and that is because, all the players did not stop as modifying or duplicating others’ discoveries. Instead they went ahead and invented the advanced version with unique features to grab the market. The moral of the story is instead of blaming Nano, others should see the positive part of it and those, who are in competition with it, should try to emulate him with their version – that too a distinctive one. That will be true progress in my opinion.
However, in my opinion, it is a sheer blessing in many senses. An idea that may well proved to be a hit among the huge middle class of India. They can now satisfy their dream of having a car and that too within 1.5 lacs Indian rupees! And remember the EMI will also lessen which will create a sigh of relief in this global economic slowdown. Leave that also. One is talking about congestion in the roads? Don’t we have already crowded roads? What in that regard? Did anyone tell a certain Hyndai or Maruti not to sell their products in the crowded cities? So, why these sort of questions are raised in the case of Tata Nano only? Now coming to the issue of pollution…do not we have two wheelers and three wheelers in abundance at road now? Nano will certainly reduce the quantity of two and three wheelers. Young generation will certainly prefer to have a car, instead of a bike which can carry only two. Their parents also influence the decision as Nano can accommodate four seats comfortably.
So, why everyone is blaming Nano for everything? First, many two-three-four wheelers would have to reduce their prices to compete in the market and in worst cases, may well shut their business. Certainly, these are very powerful men and can, at abundance, give comments and raise such concerns so that Nano is harmed. At first, many global four wheeler brands’ CEOs commented that this idea is not realistic and not possible at all. Now that Mr. Ratan Tata made them bite the dust, they enough reason to feel inferior which may not be acceptable to them.
Otherwise, why one can do so as Tata Nano is advanced in various ways, not by only price, in comparison with its potential rivals like Maruti 800, Alto and Santro. Nano’s two models “Nano CX” and “Nano LX” both have air conditioner whereas models like Maruti 800 Std. and Alto Std. do not have. It has heater which is lacking in both the Maruti models –Maruti 800 Std and Maruti 800 AC. Only Santro GLS can compete with Nano in the fields of Front Power Windows, Central Locking and Body Colored Bumpers. Even GLS does not have Digital Fuel Gauge, Tubeless Tyres, Body Colored Door Handles & ORVM and Front & Rear Fog Lamps which are the special features of Nano. In the engine also Nano is not far behind as it has a 624cc engine in comparison with Maruti 800 and Alto which have 796 cc each.
Therefore, if everything is ok with Nano, why can not one accept it? Japanese Telecommunication market is one of the very advanced industries in the world and that is because, all the players did not stop as modifying or duplicating others’ discoveries. Instead they went ahead and invented the advanced version with unique features to grab the market. The moral of the story is instead of blaming Nano, others should see the positive part of it and those, who are in competition with it, should try to emulate him with their version – that too a distinctive one. That will be true progress in my opinion.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
An Improbable Australian Win in South Africa: What Made The Difference?
Australia took sweet revenge against South Africa by winning both the Tests in the three match series by whopping margins of 162 and 175 runs so far. It was called ‘revenge’ as South Africa became a threat to Australia’s number one tag by defeating Australia in the Aussie’s home soil in December, 2008 with a margin of 2-1. After winning the first two Tests by 6 and 9 wickets respectively, South Africa lost the last one, only five minutes from time, despite a courageous and painful batting effort by their injured captain, Graeme Smith, who was bowled by Mitchell Johnson to mark Australia’s solitary win in that series.
After that, when Australia came to the African continent, nobody gave a chance to them. They had a new, inexperienced side and their bowling attack was led by a player who had only 18 Test match experience in his kitty. Other main bowlers like PM Siddle, BW Hilfenhaus and DE Bollinger did not have a total experience of ten Tests also. Their premier spinner was yet to make his debut at 36 and to make the matter worse, was also injured. They had to contend with the spin of debutant MJ North, MJ Clarke and Simon Katich who all are part timers. Coming to the batting, opener Phil Hughes was young and would make his debut in this high profile series. There was also a difference in opinion regarding his selection in the team as many believed that more experienced Phil Jacques should have been selected instead of Hughes. Another debutant, MJ North had to perform in the crucial no.6 slot which saw many great innings by Andrew Symonds. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was also inexperienced in Test arena and there was enough doubt about the capabilities of all-rounder AB McDonald, who would only be playing his second Test. In brief, it was a fresh side missing the services of some of its legends’ [like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilcrist, Mathew Hayden, Stuart McGill, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds, Stuart Clark and Shane Watson] due to either retirement or injury.
So, what really changed the direction of the wheel to 360 degree in just about two months time as now South Africa found themselves in the same place where Australia was in January, 2009? They are trailing the series by 0-2 and facing a whitewash! The main change was in the mentality of the new Australian players like Phil Hughes, MJ North, AB McDonald, PM Siddle, BW Hilfenhaus and above all, the dynamic Mitchell Johnson. In Australia, the top ranked team lacked the determination whereas it was most in South Africa this time and above all, it was seen the most in the new players itself. They fear none, leave alone staying in awe Apart from MJ Clarke [393 runs from 6 innings], Simon Katich [297 runs from 6 innings], Rickey Ponting [285 runs from 6 innings] and Mitchell Johnson [17 wickets and 97 runs from 3 innings], this strength of mind was missing in other players in 2008 series. Not many Aussies were featuring in the top5 of most run scorer and most wicket taker list at that time.
However, this time around, the whole scenario has revolutionized dramatically as the Australian debutants and relatively newcomers rise to the challenges. Till the second test, Phil Hughes claimed the top run getter spot with 350 runs from 4 innings with an average of 87.50 and another debutant MJ North captured the number five slot with 160 runs from 4 innings. Rickey Ponting continued to lead from the front, coming next to only Hughes through his blistering performance of 198 runs from 4 innings with an average of 49.50. Simon Katich [Avg. 37.75] and Brad Haddin [Avg. 35.00] completed the five Australian names in the Top8 list of most run scorers till now. Among the bowlers, Mitchell Johnson with 12 wickets and PM Siddle with 11 wickets emulated 2008 series’ highest wicket taker DW Steyn who came to third with barely 9 wickets from 2 Tests. Last year’s scenario of only two Aussie names in Top8 bowlers list in terms of wicket taking capability was totally changed this time as AB McDonald and BW Hilfenhaus reduced South Africans participation in the Top8 to four only till the second Test.
Last series performers like MJ Clarke and MEK Hussey are disappointments till now as a certain Mitchell Johnson also scored more runs and that too with a better average. Australian number one bowler Brett Lee was overshadowed by the pace of Johnson this time and certain BW Hilfenhaus carried the good work used to done by Stuart Clark. PM Siddle came as a surprise package though with an 18.45 bowling average which was better than even Johnson’s 21.00. The grit and attitude of new Australian players brought a fresh air and gave a new direction to the team. Proper team selection also contributed as Australia knew that they have to bat long in order to negate the mounting scare poised by three pronged fiery South African pace attack of Steyn, Ntini and Morne Morkel, excluding the accurate Jack Kallis. Therefore, they played all-rounder AB McDonald at number eight and the number nine was Johnson, who hit a devastating 96 not out, only to change the complexion of the game. The players did whatever was assigned to them efficiently and effectively enough to leave South Africa wondering.
Complacency on the part of South Africans can be another reason in the rise of Aussies and the downfall of Africans in the series so far. Neither their main bowlers like Steyn, Ntini or Morkel were effective enough nor the supporting bowlers like Jack Kallis, Paul Harris and JP Duminy in comparison with Hilfenhaus, McDonald, North or a certain Katich. Coming to batting, excluding AB de Villiers [Avg. 64.66], Kallis [46.75] and to certain extent JP Duminy [45.33], nobody came near to the Top8 list of highest run getters. GC Smith, ND McKenzie, HM Amla and MV Boucher had a disastrous series till now with average of 35.50, 33.88, 25.25 and 12.50 respectively. Smith was number two run scorer in Australia with 65.72 and Amla scored his 259 runs at 51.80. Even JP Duminy’s score of 246 runs at 61.50 was way above his relatively poor performance in home. McKenzie and Boucher were failures in the previous Australian series also which denotes selection failure on part of South Africans as a more deserving Ashwell Prince was ignored.
Therefore, one can say that complacency and failure in team selection on part of South Africa combined with new Aussie players’ grit, attitude, fearlessness and team selection led to an implausible Aussie victory over the Proteas.
After that, when Australia came to the African continent, nobody gave a chance to them. They had a new, inexperienced side and their bowling attack was led by a player who had only 18 Test match experience in his kitty. Other main bowlers like PM Siddle, BW Hilfenhaus and DE Bollinger did not have a total experience of ten Tests also. Their premier spinner was yet to make his debut at 36 and to make the matter worse, was also injured. They had to contend with the spin of debutant MJ North, MJ Clarke and Simon Katich who all are part timers. Coming to the batting, opener Phil Hughes was young and would make his debut in this high profile series. There was also a difference in opinion regarding his selection in the team as many believed that more experienced Phil Jacques should have been selected instead of Hughes. Another debutant, MJ North had to perform in the crucial no.6 slot which saw many great innings by Andrew Symonds. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was also inexperienced in Test arena and there was enough doubt about the capabilities of all-rounder AB McDonald, who would only be playing his second Test. In brief, it was a fresh side missing the services of some of its legends’ [like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilcrist, Mathew Hayden, Stuart McGill, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds, Stuart Clark and Shane Watson] due to either retirement or injury.
So, what really changed the direction of the wheel to 360 degree in just about two months time as now South Africa found themselves in the same place where Australia was in January, 2009? They are trailing the series by 0-2 and facing a whitewash! The main change was in the mentality of the new Australian players like Phil Hughes, MJ North, AB McDonald, PM Siddle, BW Hilfenhaus and above all, the dynamic Mitchell Johnson. In Australia, the top ranked team lacked the determination whereas it was most in South Africa this time and above all, it was seen the most in the new players itself. They fear none, leave alone staying in awe Apart from MJ Clarke [393 runs from 6 innings], Simon Katich [297 runs from 6 innings], Rickey Ponting [285 runs from 6 innings] and Mitchell Johnson [17 wickets and 97 runs from 3 innings], this strength of mind was missing in other players in 2008 series. Not many Aussies were featuring in the top5 of most run scorer and most wicket taker list at that time.
However, this time around, the whole scenario has revolutionized dramatically as the Australian debutants and relatively newcomers rise to the challenges. Till the second test, Phil Hughes claimed the top run getter spot with 350 runs from 4 innings with an average of 87.50 and another debutant MJ North captured the number five slot with 160 runs from 4 innings. Rickey Ponting continued to lead from the front, coming next to only Hughes through his blistering performance of 198 runs from 4 innings with an average of 49.50. Simon Katich [Avg. 37.75] and Brad Haddin [Avg. 35.00] completed the five Australian names in the Top8 list of most run scorers till now. Among the bowlers, Mitchell Johnson with 12 wickets and PM Siddle with 11 wickets emulated 2008 series’ highest wicket taker DW Steyn who came to third with barely 9 wickets from 2 Tests. Last year’s scenario of only two Aussie names in Top8 bowlers list in terms of wicket taking capability was totally changed this time as AB McDonald and BW Hilfenhaus reduced South Africans participation in the Top8 to four only till the second Test.
Last series performers like MJ Clarke and MEK Hussey are disappointments till now as a certain Mitchell Johnson also scored more runs and that too with a better average. Australian number one bowler Brett Lee was overshadowed by the pace of Johnson this time and certain BW Hilfenhaus carried the good work used to done by Stuart Clark. PM Siddle came as a surprise package though with an 18.45 bowling average which was better than even Johnson’s 21.00. The grit and attitude of new Australian players brought a fresh air and gave a new direction to the team. Proper team selection also contributed as Australia knew that they have to bat long in order to negate the mounting scare poised by three pronged fiery South African pace attack of Steyn, Ntini and Morne Morkel, excluding the accurate Jack Kallis. Therefore, they played all-rounder AB McDonald at number eight and the number nine was Johnson, who hit a devastating 96 not out, only to change the complexion of the game. The players did whatever was assigned to them efficiently and effectively enough to leave South Africa wondering.
Complacency on the part of South Africans can be another reason in the rise of Aussies and the downfall of Africans in the series so far. Neither their main bowlers like Steyn, Ntini or Morkel were effective enough nor the supporting bowlers like Jack Kallis, Paul Harris and JP Duminy in comparison with Hilfenhaus, McDonald, North or a certain Katich. Coming to batting, excluding AB de Villiers [Avg. 64.66], Kallis [46.75] and to certain extent JP Duminy [45.33], nobody came near to the Top8 list of highest run getters. GC Smith, ND McKenzie, HM Amla and MV Boucher had a disastrous series till now with average of 35.50, 33.88, 25.25 and 12.50 respectively. Smith was number two run scorer in Australia with 65.72 and Amla scored his 259 runs at 51.80. Even JP Duminy’s score of 246 runs at 61.50 was way above his relatively poor performance in home. McKenzie and Boucher were failures in the previous Australian series also which denotes selection failure on part of South Africans as a more deserving Ashwell Prince was ignored.
Therefore, one can say that complacency and failure in team selection on part of South Africa combined with new Aussie players’ grit, attitude, fearlessness and team selection led to an implausible Aussie victory over the Proteas.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Repercussion of Prematurely Solved Mystery of Roadies: Publicity Stunt or Leakage?
A few days earlier a website reported that Sufi Malhotra had won MTV Roadies 6.0 – Hell Down Under that is completed in India and Australia. The website also stated that Sufi, after voted out in first vote out, came back in Australia and won the coveted TV show, which is also India’s first reality show. However, till today i.e. March 12th 2009, only Sufi’s comeback episode was shown in the small screen. Till date, there are seven more contestants waiting to lay their hands on the winner title. Therefore, how can one claim that Sufi is the winner?
One argument is that many of the shows, like Roadies, are shoot way in advance as in these programs, public do not have to vote like other reality shows like Indian Idol or Nach Balliye. Contenders are eradicated by the participators’ votes itself. Thus, the Roadies schedule allows loopholes that can be used by miscreants, who in order to garner some quick money, can reveal some crucial detail of the show. However, such kind of misdeeds can be a strong reason for the evaporation of certain followers’ interest in the program as they will now know that their favorite contestant will not win it and someone they hate from the first day may well be the king of their beloved show. These sorts of news also seem to eradicate the whole mystery content of the program as you now know what will happen. At least you can now guess. However before that, although one could guess, but one always had a slim doubt in his/her mind about one factor – the famous entries of Raghu, the producer of Roadies and his ‘game reversing’ strategies and tactics. That is the charm of Roadies which will be missing now if those reports are true that Sufi already won the sixth version of Roadies – Hell Down Under.
However, on the other hand, this can be a publicity stunt also as the news has the potential to generate more interest in the show and create a controversy. If you craft a hullabaloo, it keeps in publics’ mind for few days, but in those few days also, one can generate leaps and bound curiosity and fame about oneself that can change many fortunes. It is a well known fact now in India that ‘whatever shows more does sell’. Many of the entertainment celebrities, now days, fashion controversy in order to stay in the minds of their audiences. Thus by this revelation, Roadies can generate more popularity. At the same time, you throw some confusion with the news and that will be a perfect recipe for the success of the show as then public will be perplexed, puzzled and more importantly, will be more than ever attracted to the show. As the audience will be more concerned with the appropriateness of the news, they themselves will want to find it out by themselves only – by watching the show. That can also lead to soaring of the TRP ratings.
This may well be a result of leakage also. However, if leakage happened and if some miscreants are responsible for it, it can be of a serious concern as the news have enough material to destroy the certain quarters’ public interest of the show and that should not happen. Thus, there should be standard law to deal with such kind of incidents or crimes, if one can name it so. More and more concern should be given to the copyrights issue as in Indian entertainment industry; this subject is not given so much importance what is given in developed countries like US or UK, though the awareness is on the rise.
One argument is that many of the shows, like Roadies, are shoot way in advance as in these programs, public do not have to vote like other reality shows like Indian Idol or Nach Balliye. Contenders are eradicated by the participators’ votes itself. Thus, the Roadies schedule allows loopholes that can be used by miscreants, who in order to garner some quick money, can reveal some crucial detail of the show. However, such kind of misdeeds can be a strong reason for the evaporation of certain followers’ interest in the program as they will now know that their favorite contestant will not win it and someone they hate from the first day may well be the king of their beloved show. These sorts of news also seem to eradicate the whole mystery content of the program as you now know what will happen. At least you can now guess. However before that, although one could guess, but one always had a slim doubt in his/her mind about one factor – the famous entries of Raghu, the producer of Roadies and his ‘game reversing’ strategies and tactics. That is the charm of Roadies which will be missing now if those reports are true that Sufi already won the sixth version of Roadies – Hell Down Under.
However, on the other hand, this can be a publicity stunt also as the news has the potential to generate more interest in the show and create a controversy. If you craft a hullabaloo, it keeps in publics’ mind for few days, but in those few days also, one can generate leaps and bound curiosity and fame about oneself that can change many fortunes. It is a well known fact now in India that ‘whatever shows more does sell’. Many of the entertainment celebrities, now days, fashion controversy in order to stay in the minds of their audiences. Thus by this revelation, Roadies can generate more popularity. At the same time, you throw some confusion with the news and that will be a perfect recipe for the success of the show as then public will be perplexed, puzzled and more importantly, will be more than ever attracted to the show. As the audience will be more concerned with the appropriateness of the news, they themselves will want to find it out by themselves only – by watching the show. That can also lead to soaring of the TRP ratings.
This may well be a result of leakage also. However, if leakage happened and if some miscreants are responsible for it, it can be of a serious concern as the news have enough material to destroy the certain quarters’ public interest of the show and that should not happen. Thus, there should be standard law to deal with such kind of incidents or crimes, if one can name it so. More and more concern should be given to the copyrights issue as in Indian entertainment industry; this subject is not given so much importance what is given in developed countries like US or UK, though the awareness is on the rise.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Global Phenomenon : Terrorism - Benefits Whom?
“Any power must be an enemy of mankind which enslaves the individual by terror or force, whether it arises under a facets government or communist flag. All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded to the individual.”- Albert Einstein.
Terrorism is defined by many as the use of terror through violent and destructive activities by a group of people in order to make a country’s Government or a population granting their demands. The persons who spread terror are invariably called terrorists. They walk in the path of violence and disguise through deliberately targeting the non-combatants and also in the process, generating a Psychological impact of fear in the minds of people. They destroy human life, peace and not to mention, the invaluable property. Whether it is 9/11 attacks on the United States or 26/11 mayhem on Mumbai or the very recent 3/3 attack on Sri Lankan Cricketers in Lahore, Pakistan, each led to massacre of peace, life and property consequently.
However, what is the use of it? What are the consequences? After the Mumbai attack, in the following interim budget on February 16th, 2009, India increased its defense budget by 34% to INR 1,14,703 crore from INR 86,879 crore. The amount is approximately between 2-3% of its GDP! Reasoned Mr. Pranab Mukherjee that "Mumbai attacks have given a new dimension to cross-border terrorism. In this context, I propose to raise defense allocation to Rs.1,41,703 crore". They are stressing on buying more fighter planes or weapons as a result of the terrorism threat generated by the terrorists from the different quarters of their neighboring countries. The fact that India is devoting much more money in research for upgraded, efficient and more effective weapons year by year is a direct result of its perception that it can be hurt by its neighboring nations any day, any time. This perception may be right, may not be, but one thing is guaranteed that it always remains as a threat.
Having said that, the amount India spend in defense and border issues could easily be invested in solving inter-country problems like education, hunger, food, employment, etc. That would lead the country to the path of prosperity. However, another of India's neighboring the countries –Pakistan, with India, are traditionally busy solving their border issues, ignoring more intimidating internal dilemmas. If they come to a common conformity, then that amount will be no longer needed to deploy in defense and may well be diverted to projects that would make their respective countries more beautiful, more literate, more sought after tourist destination and also self reliant in terms of food, employment, energy, etc.
Rather we invest a huge amount of money and manpower to solve conflicts and thus, lagging way behind others. INR 1,14,703 crore is not a small amount itself and imagine the fact that how many more educated or employed we would have got if we could be able to invest this amount in their development work. This, in fact, will escort a country to affluence, not the spending in defense or borders related exertions. Considering the new technologically innovative and more powerful weapons both the countries purchase nowadays, what is the need of them if one knows that his surroundings are perfectly all right and all are his allies? Remember, the Jawans from both the countries also do not like sitting in borders and involving in blood bath. They have to do it for their love for motherland and to do their duties of protecting common citizens. Given an option and surety that if they leave the crossing line, nothing will happen to the nation, I am sure that they will also prefer doing something meaningful in life that would take their respective countries to greater heights.
Therefore, one should look into this matter vigilantly and also be concerned of the fact that by concentrating on our gains or would be gains in near future in defense, how much we are loosing now, how much we are pushing the country backwards now.
Terrorism is defined by many as the use of terror through violent and destructive activities by a group of people in order to make a country’s Government or a population granting their demands. The persons who spread terror are invariably called terrorists. They walk in the path of violence and disguise through deliberately targeting the non-combatants and also in the process, generating a Psychological impact of fear in the minds of people. They destroy human life, peace and not to mention, the invaluable property. Whether it is 9/11 attacks on the United States or 26/11 mayhem on Mumbai or the very recent 3/3 attack on Sri Lankan Cricketers in Lahore, Pakistan, each led to massacre of peace, life and property consequently.
However, what is the use of it? What are the consequences? After the Mumbai attack, in the following interim budget on February 16th, 2009, India increased its defense budget by 34% to INR 1,14,703 crore from INR 86,879 crore. The amount is approximately between 2-3% of its GDP! Reasoned Mr. Pranab Mukherjee that "Mumbai attacks have given a new dimension to cross-border terrorism. In this context, I propose to raise defense allocation to Rs.1,41,703 crore". They are stressing on buying more fighter planes or weapons as a result of the terrorism threat generated by the terrorists from the different quarters of their neighboring countries. The fact that India is devoting much more money in research for upgraded, efficient and more effective weapons year by year is a direct result of its perception that it can be hurt by its neighboring nations any day, any time. This perception may be right, may not be, but one thing is guaranteed that it always remains as a threat.
Having said that, the amount India spend in defense and border issues could easily be invested in solving inter-country problems like education, hunger, food, employment, etc. That would lead the country to the path of prosperity. However, another of India's neighboring the countries –Pakistan, with India, are traditionally busy solving their border issues, ignoring more intimidating internal dilemmas. If they come to a common conformity, then that amount will be no longer needed to deploy in defense and may well be diverted to projects that would make their respective countries more beautiful, more literate, more sought after tourist destination and also self reliant in terms of food, employment, energy, etc.
Rather we invest a huge amount of money and manpower to solve conflicts and thus, lagging way behind others. INR 1,14,703 crore is not a small amount itself and imagine the fact that how many more educated or employed we would have got if we could be able to invest this amount in their development work. This, in fact, will escort a country to affluence, not the spending in defense or borders related exertions. Considering the new technologically innovative and more powerful weapons both the countries purchase nowadays, what is the need of them if one knows that his surroundings are perfectly all right and all are his allies? Remember, the Jawans from both the countries also do not like sitting in borders and involving in blood bath. They have to do it for their love for motherland and to do their duties of protecting common citizens. Given an option and surety that if they leave the crossing line, nothing will happen to the nation, I am sure that they will also prefer doing something meaningful in life that would take their respective countries to greater heights.
Therefore, one should look into this matter vigilantly and also be concerned of the fact that by concentrating on our gains or would be gains in near future in defense, how much we are loosing now, how much we are pushing the country backwards now.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Sachin at Madame Tussaud:Really a reason to Cheer?
Sachin tendulkar, the great Indian Cricket batsman, is all set to enter the premises of internationally acclaimed wax museum Madame Tussauds in London after his Indian counterparts like the great Amitabh Bachhan, Shah-Rukh Khan, Aiswarya Rai Bachhan, Salman Khan and Kapil Dev. He will accompany legendary cricketrs like Viv Richards, Shane Warne and Brian Lara in the form of a wax figure and also join in the ranks of renowned World sportsmen like Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Tiger Woods, Mohammed Ali, etc.
However, is this really a great honour and calls for a celebration for every Indian?
In my opinion, the answer is a big 'NO'. First of all, Madame Tussauds, established by Marie Tussaud is only a museum. The selection of the celebrities is faulty as i can't understand the omission of world known great players like Maradona. On the other hand, it has relatively new and comparatively unproven British players' wax figures like Wayne Rooney! Again on one hand, it celebrated the success of Arsène Wenger, who is the manager of Arsenal from 1996 with 57% winning percentage and on the other, they omitted Sir Alex Ferguson who is with Manchester United from 1986 till now with over 58% winning percentage! One also fails to understand the selection of Micheal Owen instead of several time FIFA player of the year winner Christiano Ronaldo or a certain Ronaldo of Brazil. Therefore, I consider the system as a faulty one which only considers the popularity, not the greatness. Otherwise, how relatively less talented and comparatively unproven British players get the nod ahead of some greats in that particular sport only?
The answer is simple. The museum invests and makes money in the name of tourism, fee and auction, which is a very big industry in developed countries like UK. They just try to earn some big bucks by selling the name of the celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar as the Indians living in UK or Europe or the travellers to Britain certainly will go to the museum to see their heroes’ sculpture. In lieu, they pay money as royalty to the celebrities. By doing this, they ensure a continuous life long income for the museum.
Therefore, this is a business and nothing distantly related to Sachin's greatness or Sachin being honoured by the UK people. We, as Indians, tend to be very much happy by a little appraisal from the white people. But, do not make a mistake here as the authorities of Madame Tussauds are only doing business. Otherwise, if they really want to honor great people, then why on the earth they did not cement a place for global legends like Don Bradman, Diego Armando Maradona, Pete Sampras, Vishwanathan Anand or a certain Gary Kasparov till date? Their business strategy is like consider the people who have the maximum fan following in their respective countries and consequently, in the World also. Count on their talent and name, as their fans would come to know about the Madame Tussauds and when they visit UK, they will definitely make a trip to the museum which would generate money for the museum. This also helps the museum to garner free publicity all over the world. The decision to choose a talent from which part of the World do matter also, i guess. As Indian team is booming, they choose Sachin - the great Indian sportsman ever. All because of Business through selling his image!
Friends, I am not against the Madame Tussauds or Britain. I only protest the evil mentality of Indians who tend to be influenced by these sorts of clever tactics of people and consider this as a honor for the whole country, without knowing the full story as happened in the case of 8 Oscar winning British Movie 'Slumdog Milleniere' recently.
However, is this really a great honour and calls for a celebration for every Indian?
In my opinion, the answer is a big 'NO'. First of all, Madame Tussauds, established by Marie Tussaud is only a museum. The selection of the celebrities is faulty as i can't understand the omission of world known great players like Maradona. On the other hand, it has relatively new and comparatively unproven British players' wax figures like Wayne Rooney! Again on one hand, it celebrated the success of Arsène Wenger, who is the manager of Arsenal from 1996 with 57% winning percentage and on the other, they omitted Sir Alex Ferguson who is with Manchester United from 1986 till now with over 58% winning percentage! One also fails to understand the selection of Micheal Owen instead of several time FIFA player of the year winner Christiano Ronaldo or a certain Ronaldo of Brazil. Therefore, I consider the system as a faulty one which only considers the popularity, not the greatness. Otherwise, how relatively less talented and comparatively unproven British players get the nod ahead of some greats in that particular sport only?
The answer is simple. The museum invests and makes money in the name of tourism, fee and auction, which is a very big industry in developed countries like UK. They just try to earn some big bucks by selling the name of the celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar as the Indians living in UK or Europe or the travellers to Britain certainly will go to the museum to see their heroes’ sculpture. In lieu, they pay money as royalty to the celebrities. By doing this, they ensure a continuous life long income for the museum.
Therefore, this is a business and nothing distantly related to Sachin's greatness or Sachin being honoured by the UK people. We, as Indians, tend to be very much happy by a little appraisal from the white people. But, do not make a mistake here as the authorities of Madame Tussauds are only doing business. Otherwise, if they really want to honor great people, then why on the earth they did not cement a place for global legends like Don Bradman, Diego Armando Maradona, Pete Sampras, Vishwanathan Anand or a certain Gary Kasparov till date? Their business strategy is like consider the people who have the maximum fan following in their respective countries and consequently, in the World also. Count on their talent and name, as their fans would come to know about the Madame Tussauds and when they visit UK, they will definitely make a trip to the museum which would generate money for the museum. This also helps the museum to garner free publicity all over the world. The decision to choose a talent from which part of the World do matter also, i guess. As Indian team is booming, they choose Sachin - the great Indian sportsman ever. All because of Business through selling his image!
Friends, I am not against the Madame Tussauds or Britain. I only protest the evil mentality of Indians who tend to be influenced by these sorts of clever tactics of people and consider this as a honor for the whole country, without knowing the full story as happened in the case of 8 Oscar winning British Movie 'Slumdog Milleniere' recently.
Is Clean Environment a Dead Issue Today?
Environment is a broad terminology that encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally on Earth or some region thereof. It is the atmosphere where we live, operate and do our daily activities. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep it clean. However, many of our corporate houses are not of the same opinion and historically, causing destruction through their evil deeds to our environment in the form of air, water, sound, or soil pollution in order to enrich their pockets. Therefore, every one of us as the responsible citizens of the planet should initiate the revolution against those offenders, so that our future generations would not blame us for their misfortunes. The gas emissions form factories, chemicals that pollute water, high sounds that cause noise pollution and many other different hazardous objects that result into soil pollution are our main opponents whom we have to destroy sooner or later. While discussing that we may form an image that this is mainly a concern for developing or under-developed countries as they lack proper knowledge as what can cause what. However, the fact tells a completely different story.
Consider the instance of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) – world’s largest producer of agricultural products and also ethanol, the alternative source of renewable biofuel energy. There are historically protests against the use of ethanol that is made from corn as it raises the rate of hazardous gas emissions in the environment, make potable water scarce, and hike food prices all over the world limiting agricultural land to name a few. Despite all that, the first nation of the world, United States (US) is traditionally supporting ADM, that too right from President Cartel era in 1978. They always give subsidies in the name of corporate welfare whenever ADM find the road difficult and made the competitor Brazilian import sugarcane made ethanol expensive through duties. They do everything on the earth to support ADM in the country’s bid to be ‘Energy Independent’, diluting the effect of OPEC countries. But, in the process, they are ignoring a more important issue of ‘Clean Environment’, which has the potential to be a serious concern in near future.
Not only can US be made an example among so many. Our very own India is also found guilty in this regard when it allowed DOW Chemical Co. to re-enter India to carry out their chemical businesses. DOW is the one which was mainly responsible for the December 3rd 1984 ‘Bhopal Gas Tragedy’ which exposed more than 5,00,000 lakh people to toxic gasses killing 2,259 immediately and taking the toll to 16,000 after two weeks! Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) was the company responsible for the mayhem which was later overtook by DOW in 2001. However, Indian government again handed over the courtesy in the form of regulatory permission to the company to carry out its business. Thankfully that effort was partially destroyed by local social protests in 2008 at DOW, Pune’s main R&D center.
However, the question is why people should have to take the things in their hands all the time. Is not it the duty of government which forgot all its responsibility and treat the “Clean Environment” concern as a dead issue? The importance of this concern is beyond anyone’s guess also and can be understood only when the pollutants would destroy the ozone layer of our environment which protects us from Sun’s hazardous rays and other life taking substances. But, till now, I have to conclude that the concern for “Clean Environment” is a dead issue, keeping in mind only one exemplary instance – that of US’s role in ADM’s affluence.
Consider the instance of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) – world’s largest producer of agricultural products and also ethanol, the alternative source of renewable biofuel energy. There are historically protests against the use of ethanol that is made from corn as it raises the rate of hazardous gas emissions in the environment, make potable water scarce, and hike food prices all over the world limiting agricultural land to name a few. Despite all that, the first nation of the world, United States (US) is traditionally supporting ADM, that too right from President Cartel era in 1978. They always give subsidies in the name of corporate welfare whenever ADM find the road difficult and made the competitor Brazilian import sugarcane made ethanol expensive through duties. They do everything on the earth to support ADM in the country’s bid to be ‘Energy Independent’, diluting the effect of OPEC countries. But, in the process, they are ignoring a more important issue of ‘Clean Environment’, which has the potential to be a serious concern in near future.
Not only can US be made an example among so many. Our very own India is also found guilty in this regard when it allowed DOW Chemical Co. to re-enter India to carry out their chemical businesses. DOW is the one which was mainly responsible for the December 3rd 1984 ‘Bhopal Gas Tragedy’ which exposed more than 5,00,000 lakh people to toxic gasses killing 2,259 immediately and taking the toll to 16,000 after two weeks! Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) was the company responsible for the mayhem which was later overtook by DOW in 2001. However, Indian government again handed over the courtesy in the form of regulatory permission to the company to carry out its business. Thankfully that effort was partially destroyed by local social protests in 2008 at DOW, Pune’s main R&D center.
However, the question is why people should have to take the things in their hands all the time. Is not it the duty of government which forgot all its responsibility and treat the “Clean Environment” concern as a dead issue? The importance of this concern is beyond anyone’s guess also and can be understood only when the pollutants would destroy the ozone layer of our environment which protects us from Sun’s hazardous rays and other life taking substances. But, till now, I have to conclude that the concern for “Clean Environment” is a dead issue, keeping in mind only one exemplary instance – that of US’s role in ADM’s affluence.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
