what if a much of a which of a wind

Shame on Organizers of London Olympics

2012-01-26T23:16:00.005+14:00

Meredith Alexandert (who happens to be ethics commissioner) quits in protestagainst Dow Chemical being part of London Olympics.

This is what she had to say “I don't want to be party to a defence of DowChemicals, the company responsible for one of the worst corporate human rightsviolations in my generation. It is appalling that 27 years on, the site hasstill not been cleaned up and thousands upon thousands of people are stillsuffering”.

“I believe people should be free to enjoy London 2012 without this toxiclegacy on their conscience”

The very intriguing case of “Why Salman Rushdie is in focus all of a sudden?” ( attention seekers day out)

2012-01-21T22:52:00.006+14:00

Every person has the eternal right to express themselves whether that is through speech, writing or any form of expression or even non expression. In different contexts these maybe classified as creative or non creative, productive or non productive. It is what defines the humanity: the freedom to express emotions, thoughts, ideas....To locate ideas of expression on certain section in this case writers\artists is narrowing\biasing the idea. If the person on the street has to take responsibility of what he\she speaks (which is an expression of freedom) then a writer is no different. A writer doesn’t have any special right. There are some beautiful people who write some amazing things that open our senses to new possibility, to new vision, a connection to surrounding... Invariably there is compassion and consideration to the context.

That doesn’t mean one cannot express darker side of life or even sheer nonsense. Any person (that may include writer as much as a shopkeeper) has every right to express. But with expressing comes responsibility. Salman Rushdie is a writer whom most people have heard about but very few have read. Ideally a writer’s writing should be discussed than the writer. But i guess we live in a world where writers crave for attention and Salman Rushdie is not at all an exception. Indeed our man is found walloping in exceptionally trivial on a regular basis. He is a celebrity that Indian media would love to appropriate. It ofcourse helps the case that he also happens to be very much appreciated in west. It adds to what they say ‘gravitas’ to the case for ‘freedom’ as it gives an international angle.

This blogger happens to be few who have read 3 or 4 of Rushdie’s books. Most of his writings are fun to read but some tirelessly looped. I need to add here that i find it extremely difficult to read thick books, one main reason is i really cannot keep the book down unless i finish it. That severely plays into my routine and upset my schedule. Indeed like writing reading may also need more than interest to sustain, it can be a luxury. Thick books happened to me because i generally finished my money a week before the next salary so for about a week i was stuck in my room. This was quite a regular feature during 1997-99. I am not complaining i read some marvellous writers from Dostovosky to Rohinton Mistry (it wouldn’t be out of place to compare Mistry with Rushdie, as people and the way they choose to respond to situations).

One wonders what is the reason for rather sudden and uncalled for protest against Salman Rushdie now. Considering that he has been freely visiting the country without much problem all these years. What has happened now? It really is intriguing; this looks like a clear case of manipulation. First i thought it’s about ‘Literary fest’ exaggeration. Has it got to do with the election in UP? I seriously doubt. I am thinking and thinking presto it’s the Crude woman again!! Smarting in the sidelines plotting for bigger lick has been raison de entre for these people. Some search in the net reveals that a movie is to be released (it’s based on the book by Rushdie). Now this is where crude woman and her PR is working overtime. Crude woman as wonderful Indian Muslim brand is rarely outdated, there never is such a thing called great opportunity. This manipulation is worth it. The messier it gets better for them, indeed if Rushdie is killed “suhaanallah” what a lucky break. So why are they (they meaning ZK Bose and Crude woman) not to be seen with protesting chatterbox?!!! “lohaa abhi garam nahi hai” says ZK Bose. “pahunche hue log semi final nahi kelthe. Hum log seedha final kelthe hai” says Crude Woman. It’s clear they expect this protest to take vicious turn as they release the movie (which i am told finds no takers and staring rather bleakly at pretentious film festival route to manufactured acclaim and eventual home video nightmare). Crude Woman has lot to gain if turns ugly. The wonderful Indian muslim (and that too a woman) is amazing opening, never mind whether people suffer (indeed Rushdie is another murga readied for biryani). More than a year back ZK Bose was asking people for calm before Babri verdict...it got me really concerned since when these people ask you for calm you need to be careful, later i gathered our man was positioning for Rajya sabha).

A writer or an artist is no different from common people. Indeed every life is equally creative or less creative. The fact that if a person writes therefore they have more right on freedom, may work in west, but in Indian context it smacks of arrogance. Indian narration points -rather firmly- to neo Brahmin construct. If a common person has no right (frankly in Indian context the fellow never really had any right) to spite against any person or community without a contested rationale or a context then what right has a fiction writer to blatantly abuse, in this case irrationally out of context, a non fictional reality. I don’t think that is magical realism.

This blogger is fully aware of dangers of fundamentalist forces, the fringe elements that constantly seek to diminish our world. Freedom of expression is a significant aspect that defines civilized society, as much as responsible behaviour. As much as i am aware that events like Formula One is a blatant mockery on common people’s sensibilities, it diminishes our sensitivity to surrounding. Hoopla about ‘freedom of expression’ cannot hide crude class biases.

A scribble from my pad...

Blessing

A damselfly’s connection with infinite

is difficult to hide

endowed with subtlest blessing

disclosed in hasty presences.

They have stopped making people like Homai Vyarawalla

2012-01-17T03:31:00.001+14:00

Needone say more?

HomaiVyarawala was an amazing woman who photo documented (many pictures have iconic status) since 1947. This blogger had the good fortune to see a documentaryon her many years back, as also photo exhibition on her in NGMA Bangalore abouta year back.

Cycling from Chennai to Pudducherry through spellbinding ECR

2012-01-15T03:38:00.001+14:00

This blog was posted in Feb 2011.

It was a month before the Tsunami that i travelled from Chennai to Pudducherry through ECR (East Coast Road) on a bus. ECR wasn’t fully done those days and there were lots of potholes and so on but the sights through the trip was mesmerising. It was then i had decided that this is one route that needs to be cycled. But all these years i was stuck with one thing or other, also consider that window time available is December last week to February first week since till mid of December East coast is lashed by North-west monsoon, though i love to cycle in rain but prefer smaller cycle friendly roads, there are hospitable roads that run parallel to highway along the West coast that i happen to cycle few years back. After February Tamil Nadu tends to be quite hot, summers are quite vicious around here. ECR is now one of the best roads to travel, what an amazing experience. If i had few lakhs of rupees to spare i would be on road all the time, indeed i was quite keen to cycle up to Tuticorin (Tutikudi), i would be bankrupt if i tried now. Cycling is not about going from one place to another it is about experiencing the places at every step. I study the places before i venture so as to not to miss anything around. If i find the place interesting i stop over for an hour or so and if it needs more time i stay overnight. This time around i was carrying the camera and took some pics, not many though cameras can be intrusive sometimes. Last time around i bought fancy geared cycle this time it was second hand a rather rickety cycle that even got punctured- fortunately the repair shop was a Km away. It was physically quite demanding but when sights are wondrous you forget the body!! I searched through satellite pictures of the routes beforehand, some of the stretches were quite isolated that got me concerned but then there aren’t many options when you put your mind into something. Either you go ahead or you drop out.

So after a night journey on Special train from Bangalore i was in Chennai early morning, thankfully i got the upper seat and so could stretch myself for a nice little nap. Frankly i shouldn’t be thanking anyone i was determined to get a space to sleep, so as the train slowed down i jumped in pushing few hapless but equally aggressive people, mostly these circumstance put me off and i tend to give space for others but tonight i was insistent, even elbowed an elderly man who gave a low scream. It made me cringe, for a moment i thought of relenting but the reflection of sitting through the night propelled me. The train was already two hours late when it started-some special train this one i thought and was asleep.

Chennai was tough on me many years back but i have nothing against the city, excessively sultry but generally been a nice place that is culturally active and intellectually stimulating as also some awesome restaurants that offer multicolour chutneys!. I had joined NIS (National Institute of Sales that was run by NIIT), and worked as a salesman in varied kinds of places, mostly with disastrous consequences particularly for the employers. Though jobs weren’t my concern as much the travelling i enjoyed so i can say with much authority that Chennai has changed for better. If this is what development can bring then Chennai as a city can be proud of itself, good roads with pedestrian arcade, well maintained parks so on unlike say Bangalore-where development is leading to disaster.

After relaxing for a day i was out to buy the cycle, quite sure i will be in disadvantageous position while i bargain since big shops aren’t much keen to sell the second hands, mostly they don’t keep. I found this fellow who had a cycle shop-not exactly a shop but he sat on the footpath repairing cycle. The moment he heard that i was looking for second hand cheap cycle his face brightened he dropped whatever he was doing, the change my innocuous query brought in him puzzled me. He had bulging eyes that he used to dramatic effect; his exaggerated mannerism made me smile. He would slowly raise his head and look at me from one corner of his eyes “o apidiyaa puducherry thaan poren ahaa” as if trying to grasp as clearly as possible although it was quite a simple matter. He took me to a cycle shop and told me to wait by winking his eye and rotating his head. He spoke with a mechanic occasionally pointing towards me. I too joined them and found my acquaintance insisting with much agitation that my case should be considered and that a second hand cycle has to be found. “Poor fellow going to puducherry in cycle” the way he referred to me as “paavam saar” was embarrassing to say the least. I thought of clarifying that the reason for going to Puducherry on cycle wasn’t monetary, there is a gross error in the way i am being portrayed. In the meantime it was decided that the cycle could be had for 1000R. It was an old rusted cycle but sturdy enough to endure the journey.

Chennai to Puducherry is about 160Kms relatively less challenging unlike 400Kms+ i travelled about a decade back. I thought of putting a banner on my rucksack “Save Trees Save Forest” so that people could read, indeed trees are our concern also this year happens to be International Year for Forests. Cheers to that!!

I am dividing my trip into three stages:

Stage I: from the Banyan Tree at Theosophical SocietyI was up and hit the street at about six since hotels weren’t open i had some bananas and dates. Put my lucky charm in the front pocket-a small greenish yellow stone i picked up from himalayas many years back, indeed i have few more charms that i keep changing as i fancy this one is my fvaourite. It must have been here for billions of years and maybe under sea to get such fine polish, just incredible. If stones could tell their story!!. Anyway i feel safe when i carry it, it must have traveled thousands of Kms with me. Within minutes i was at Marina beach, how beautifully they have done the place, most pleasing sight. I used to come here quite often to see the sunrise. Watching the sun rise through the ocean is quite an amazing experience that i always cherish, it is exhilarating to see the sky, clouds and ocean lit in bright colours. Along Kerala you get to see sunset that makes one contemplative. Does these impacts the way society evolve? It is not right to generalise but to a large extend Keralites and Tamilians differ on these very lines. Spend some time watching the sunrise. Wasn’t it Tennyson who wrote...

'And the ear of man cannot hear, and the eye of man cannot see,

But if we could see and hear, this vision-were it not He?'

Soon i was back to realities of life. Drank a large tender coconut, it is the best drink in the world and i can never get tired of this nectar. The woman had said 15R but changed it to 20R saying the coconut i chose was of larger size, this arbitrariness made me furious, a brief thought of clawing her face flashed in my mind but a glance at her nails and a rather vicious vice versa possibility dissuaded me to pursue the line of thought. Though i had the map but my plans were simple: stick to the beach as far as possible. Very soon it backfired i was stuck at dead end of Adyar Creek. Decided to have a quick breakfast at the nearest joint. Pongal may look unappealing but it is a terrific breakfast, it varies significantly from hotel to hotel, i prefer the one that is fluidy with lots of peppercorns. As a habit the breakfast went with newspaper and hot coffee-i am so very like traditional elderly from small towns of Kerala!. Five minutes is all i have for newspaper these days-pages were full of issues of corruption and so on. Make it a point to return the newspaper to vendor. Indeed i suggest everyone to do this or even have a deal with the vendor.

Theosophical society is open to public from 8.30 and i was at the gate in time, the guard though informed that it will take some time “so roam around and come back in half an hour” but i wasn’t in a mood to relent and told him rather loudly that time mentioned is 8.30. He gave in rather meekly. I have visited this place many years ago when i was ‘working’ in Chennai, don’t recall the exact reason or chain of events that led me here. Most likely i was roaming around the place and just got in. Since then i have read much about Theosophical society and the enigmatic Annie Besant (please visit iseeebirds.blogspot.com to read more on Annie Besant and Theosophists). I love the banyan tree here, it is supposed to be one of the largest in the world. Sat there for few minutes. Chennai should be take pride that Theosophical society apart from its egalitarian views that has influenced some remarkable people has been able to create an oasis of green in the midst of bustling metropolis. It is a pleasant place to walk around. They have created life size models of places of worship of different religions as also planks that mark different countries in the world. It is an oasis of peace, you really can feel it. Theosophical society was created in New York 1875 later it moved to Adyar India. Theosophy is the wisdom underlying all religions when they are stripped of accretions and superstitions. It teaching is meant to unfold latent spiritual nature in human being, without dependence or fear. The society’s objective being 1) To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or colour. 2)To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy, and science. 3)To investigate the unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in man.

I was back on the highway and after much twists and turns was cruising the ECR, it was a bright busy day and people were found rushing to places of work, schools, colleges and so on. And here was i...it made me laugh. At a traffic junction the young fellow on a brand new bike wore a bright colored Tshirt that declared ‘God is a Designer’ and was found speaking loudly to no one, before i could pass a judgment on his mental health i realized he was speaking through his handless phone. Few Kms ahead traffic became sparse, Injambakkam is about 9Km from Adyar and here towards the beach is located Cholamandal- the Artist Village.

Cholamandal : A tranquil place steeped in history Cholamandal – credited for Madras Movement of Art which ushered in modernism in South India- is a self supporting artist village that was conceived by iconic artist KCS Panicker (1911-1977) way back in 1966. Group of artists bought land and set up the village, they built everything including their houses, studios, gallery, theatre, workshop on their own. Named after Cholas who ruled along this region and were patrons of art artists live here as a community and pool together their skills and resources. They opted to live away from the city not to alienate themselves from society. They worked part time for two or three hours a day wherein the artists could freely extend their art into craft, and thus could devote more time for contemplation and sustained creative involvements. There is a gallery where the works of Madras Movement is displayed, i immensely liked “Bashir with gramophone” by Namboothri (Bashir really was quite a character!). I met Mr Senathipathi, President of the Cholamandal association, chatted with him for few minutes and roamed around the place. Later had a bowl of salad and sherbet at ‘Shiraz’-a Medittaranean Persian restaurant located within the village, scalded my wallet on that one!

It was already noon and sun had become merciless but i had long way to go my destination for the day was Kovalam (Covelong) that was about 15Km further. After passing through MGM Dizeee world that had some attraction for usual crowd that didn’t excite me i was seeing large number of advertisement for beach front homes mostly anglicised names. At Muthukadu is located Dakshinachitra-a non profit project of the Madras Craft Foundation for the promotion and preservation of the cultures of the diverse people of India with emphasis on Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka- is what the brochure says. I happily agree to that. Dakshinachitra is an amazing place to be in and i strongly recommend to everyone passing through ECR to spend some time here. They have done it brilliantly, there is whole lot of activity going on here, they have transplanted entire houses from different south Indian region to give us understanding of different communities and so on. It was what existed through the ages till early 20th century. Modernity has standardised the way we construct homes but peek into the past is enlightening. I was fascinated by different models of kerala houses; it was like entering into familiar surroundings and was expecting someone from past to tap from behind and say “where have you been dear, never thought about us did you?” for few moments i was extremely nostalgic but shrugged myself out of it. Lunch was quite tasty. I bought some souvenirs also a recipe book, the moment i saw it i had to buy “A healthy Tastes of Indian Culture: Cooking with Yoghurt” (Viji Vardarajan). The book has won some international awards. Pachadis are always my favourite when it comes to vendakka pachadi there is no full stop!. Though i have doubts whether Pachadis are same as Raitas or these are “salads” (never), if pachadis are kootan (side dish) then how is that salad?. But must say Mrs.Vardarajan has done a remarkable job in bringing out this book. I didn’t know that curd is used making Rava idli. Somehow i never could understand the difference between yoghurt and curd, don’t know why people come out with different names already there is so much confusions in getting the English names right! Like for instance brinjal is being referred to as eggplant, in the beginning i was wondering what exactly it is or that eggs have started growing on plants. Why can’t brinjal be brinjal for godsake? Think of onions and who would say it is shallot- sounds like a character straight out of Shakespeare, well that’s what they call small onions. Onion already is replete with names pyaz, kantha, ulli, savola...and now shallot. There should be one name for each item in a language, a rule that should be strictly adhered to. Geez.

Kovalam is a fishing hamlet that has a prominent Mosque, and every street seems to have few mosques and temples, also a church. People seem to have gone religiously crazy around here, they though looked contented and healthier lot. For a small town the room rents were quite steep (500Rs), lots of people seem to visit the mosque. The room even had a LCD TV (that’s first time for me), incidentally there weren’t any News channels and found myself staring at DD News after at least two decade!. Only respite being there weren’t any obnoxious ads. I am not into New Year resolutions but yes have decided to reduce drastically my TV watching, it is quite addictive and really except for rare programs –that has become repetitive- it isn’t worth the time. Saw India-South Africa one day match for half an hour. Since everything has become so professional that translates to cheap way of making money in Indian context, i suggest the audience also to become professionals. Professional audience who should be able to decipher what is real what is good for them. As much as cricketer can create brand for themselves at the expense of gullibility of audience- the sacred market model- the audience need to understand what is being served as sport is no longer one. If absurd sums of money are offered to mediocre players then it is with the expectation that we buy what they endorse or be loyal to what they peddle under emotional guise. It is a small trick we should have the capacity to see through. Anyway cricket is a quite a boring (exciting at rare instances) market friendly game, it is dangerous as it has the capacity to grow onto you and unfortunately has caught the imagination of lots of hapless Indians. I think we have reached a stage wherein children should be cautioned against falling for it, these can be lifelong affliction that will waste your time that could be used much productively. Go out dude go cycling go somewhere, read something do something, don’t just sit in front of TV. And yes there isn’t anything patriotic about cricket it is a construct on a ridiculous premise, indeed the whole idea of patriotism is rather restrictive. Cricket was once a quaint game that i used to catch up once in a while but last few years i have been sucked into the lure of entertainment that really isn’t, time to extricate myself. Though i would suggest few matches a while but beware of the marketing machine out to grab your attention and money, indeed they rudely intrude the game, it’s sickening. World has unfortunately become quite crude and in the marketing game that defines capitalism audience are suckers-happy suckers, one might add- professional audience is an anti thesis that is due. With world cup around (frankly there isn’t much of a world in there) time for GDP and Sensex to hit the roof!!

Very soon i was deep in sleep, gode bech ke so gaya (btw if i had horses i really wouldn’t sell!!).

Phase II: Along the Coromandel Coast

My next day was expected to be rather relaxed since my destination-Mamallapuram was about 20Km, not very far if you are travelling in a vehicle but on a cycle with the speed i was maintaining it would be about one and half hour -which really wasn’t much but with stopovers and so on it could be 2-3hours. I had plans to anchor in Mamallapuram for few days. Early morning i went to Kovalam (famously also referred to as Covelong) beach, these beaches are famous for luxury hotels but the area i was staying was the poorer part. Fishermen were quite active, many landing with their catch others readying to venture into the seas. It was terrifying to see the ‘boats’ which was nothing but planks of wood tied together, detachable motor-propellers could be seen in few. So much risk they have to take and still the catch isn’t that big. Of all the jobs in the world marginal fishermen’s occupation is most arduous. I have seen them from close quarters when i was a kid, it is undoubtedly a tough life.

Coromandel Coast that derives from the Cholas has its own significance, it is from here that Cholas extended their reign to east Asia. Later during 18th and 19th century Coromandel Coast witnessed power struggles between colonial European powers like Britain, Portuguese, French, Dutch and Danes, you could see the vestiges here and there. These coasts are also home to extensive mangrove forests along the coasts, river deltas and lakes. These are evergreen forest region that are hosts to variety of migrating avian species.

Since there weren’t proper eateries i decided to postpone the breakfast and started my journey at about 8.00, the intention being to reach the Madras Crocodile Bank-which opens at 8.30- located at about 5Km in a leisurely pace and spend few hours exploring the place. It was another bright charming morning, along the way i could get the glimpse of shimmering ocean “exhilaration is inland soul going to the sea” (Dickenson) even cycling along the sea is no less exhilarating. Casuarinas lined the route and morning chill on a sunny day added to the charm. I stopped and sat for few minutes to immerse myself in the surrounding...

Crocodile Bank was on the left side of the road along the sea, it is hard to miss as there are barriers kept on the road-i guess to prevent speeding vehicles- as also few shops. I thought of having the breakfast from a tea shop across the road. Within few minutes i had gulped four idlis and coffee (for about 20R), in the meanwhile there was an argument at the counter. The woman who ran the shop insisted that the fellow have had his coffee, the fellow who looked quite sleepy (or was he drunk?) countered with surprising vigour. The woman in turn stared at a man who was seen packing idlis (presumably he was her husband since she referred to him as ‘yengo’, a term commonly used around here), as opposed to the woman the man seem disinclined to speak. He seemed like i-will-tolerate-everything-silently kind of a guy. She seem to blame him for the impasse, for not keeping eye on things. She mildly admonished him but as she reached the kitchen-located inside-her voice grew rather bold. Meanwhile the man caught me staring at him, he winked.

Crocodile Park turned out to be surprisingly small and congested place. I was expecting it to be much bigger and spread across few acres. There are 14 species of crocodiles found in here, frankly i never knew there are so many species in the first place, indeed there are total of 22! Of course i knew about Gharials- a gentler species of crocodiles found in Ganges, but to see the chart of 22species spread across the world was rather amazing. In India i gather there are only 3species, the ‘muggers’ being common- there are hundreds of them in the park. Most species weren’t much visible maybe since it wasn’t hot enough for them to come out for sun.

Madras Crocodile Bank was conceptualised by Romulus Whitaker one of the most eminent conservationist of our times. Known as the ‘Snake Man’ of India, Whitaker is a scientist, conservationist and a renowned herpetologist. An American by birth, whose family re-located to India when he was seven, his childhood fascination with reptiles shaped his destiny. My earliest recollection of him is on the cover of a book with a hooded cobra, both staring intently at each other (this pic herein looks recent). Whitaker also founded the Madras Snake Park and The Andaman and Nicobar Environment Trust. He is actively involved in Agumbe Rainforest Research Station which is an extensive habitat of the King Cobra. The primary objective of Agumbe is to study and conserve the rainforests of South India utilizing the King Cobra as the flagship species, and around which it is hoped to have the habitat declared as a sanctuary. In 2005 he was a winner of a Whitley Award for outstanding leadership in nature conservation and prestigious Rolex award 2008. Whitaker has been involved in the publishing of over 100 technical papers. He is also a noted wildlife documentary filmmaker and author. Phew what a guy!! And yes i saw that documentary ‘King Cobra’ on TV it was well made (maybe i am wrong but the groovy background song... was it needed?), also one on Agumbe about cannibalism in King Cobras though quite gruesome was interesting. Sometime back i had plans to go to Agumbe but it didn’t work out.

A sign in the premise says “To know the most dangerous animal in the world just open the door” it opens to a mirror and you look onto yourself! I like that one and took my picture, a European lady seeing this squealed in laughter “most dangerous” i said pointing to myself. “Sure sure” she said. Later went to an enclosure where they showed ‘milking poison from snake’. Since i was the first one to be in, there wasn’t anyone around, in a shallow pit where i presumed the demonstration will be done, rows of ominous looking earthen pots were kept with their lids closed. A fellow came in from houses across the fence. I asked him whether he was an irula and what could be the cost of going to the village and seeing the snake catching and so on. He told me that all the people working here are irulas. Indeed it was one of the pioneering thoughts of Whitaker to engage local communities, to harness the traditional skills of the Irulas positively, accord a dignity to their indigenous knowledge and to provide them with a means of social and economic upliftment. Irulas are one of the poorest tribes who sustain themselves by catching snakes and rats (fumigation technique led to high level of lungs and heart problem, recently new equipments are being used that reduced these incidences). They are negrito race and are found mainly in the Tamil nadu region. In 1978 the Irulas along with Romulus Whitaker sought the help of the Department of Industries and Commerce to start a self employment scheme using their traditional knowledge. Thus was born the Irulas Snake-Catchers Industrial Cooperative Society. Snake handling facility was constructed at the Croc Bank to maintain snakes for venom extraction and to market the venom to various laboratories around India. In addition, Irulas traditional skills together with their knowledge of indigenous wildlife were promoted as valuable resources for naturalists and government agencies involved in wildlife work. There is a shop run by Irulas but that seemed to closed.

Irulas have adapted quite well their snake catching skills (that was once used for its skin) to milking the venom for medicinal purpose. Two men got busy to explain about snakes and later they milked common krait as a demonstration for the audience (by now a small crowd had gathered), one of the scariest things i have seen. They showed us four species that account for maximum deaths in India: Indian cobra, Russells viper, common krait and saw scaled viper. The hissings left quite an impression, late into the night as i went to the toilet (one thing about cheap hotels is that light rarely work, even if does they put zero watt bulb. It always surprises me!!) i thought i heard one and scampered back to my bed! Venom is extracted from each snake once a week for four weeks. Snakes are then released at Reserve Forests nearby. A kid of about 6 or 7 pointed to the snake skin that lay at the corner and said “the snake has molted”. For a kid of that age to use a rather technical term correctly was quite a pleasant surprise. She pointed it to her father-a stern looking man who was busy capturing the snake in his video, he didn’t listen to her. You are going to have a tough life kid as long this fool is around.
There is a plaque in memory of J Vijaya-a young naturalist. It quotes lines from Green Herbs (tried to find who or what this was in the Net, just couldn’t...intriguing name) that was quite beautiful

May quit the tiresome sea and dwell on the shore
If not a shelter on the soil at least
To drink wild-water and pluck

I thought of buying something from the souvenir shop, very soon picked up an argument with the lady there. Well i preferred grey coloured Tshirt with a brown color croc pecked by green colored bird (surely i am not asking for too much here!), they had it in red and yellow (geez what choice of colours...i had an argument at Cholamandalam too they had black Tshirts, one should consider climatic conditions or atleast give choices. Surely that is craft!!). Five lakh visitors visit Croc park annually so when you sell please see that some care has gone into it. I loved the miniature Croc on black stone, bought one and would recommend it to anyone visiting.

I was out of Croc Park at about eleven, sun was already smouldering the highway. At two or three Km distance further there was a big banner advertising show by Sea Lions, i haven’t seen these creatures before except on TV so decided to drop in but the show was scheduled at 1.30, quite an odd timing and i wondered who would make it at the middle of nowhere. In the meantime the fellow explained to me about ‘tricks by sea lions’ i hope it is legal and animal rights are not violated. All the while two short people (‘little people’ is politically correct) in mask surrounded me, they were part of the publicity for the show and waved at passerby who were too surprised to react. They had a permanent expression of ‘astound’, indication probably of what to expect from the show. Two masked people with fixed expression around made me claustrophobic, i pedaled away as fast i could.

I saw a sight marked by Archaeology Survey of India, and so walked to the beach. It looked like an elephant, part of some Pallava sculpture. Next to it was Tiger caves. It is beautifully maintained with green lawns and trees, most pleasing. I stretched myself under the tree shade, the cool post monsoon breeze from the ocean made it pleasant. A huge rock was cut into temple with shapes of tigers around. Whoever did it took hell lot of time and effort, and more than thousand years back he must have had rudimentary equipment, the fellow must have chiselled all his life.

As a lay down my thought went to the literature i was reading from Theosophical society the night before, about Annie Besant and so on. As much i like their intent and activities i am quite seriously put off by the talks on reincarnation and so on (i guess they could downplay it, it is rather spooky), i absolutely like to keep these matter in the realm of fiction, i love movies about reincarnations particularly Hindi one’s about snakes (there one in which Sunil Dutt acted, then Sridevi and so on), it is always great fun, not to mention Ramsay horror ‘classics’ that i always have time for. These mumbo jumbo about Karma-reincarnations- is elitist conception that is self justifying, they package it to west as exotic. Not denying that at deeper level it sought to unite all forms of life, as also being responsible for one's actions. It emphasis that each action is significant that can reverberate across time and space, was quite remarkable (ideas, thoughts and actions of great souls have lived through ages again and again while we read, discuss, think these...isn’t that enough evidence on karma-reincarnation? What more evidence you need? Unfortunately people take it rather literally). These thoughts have created nature of ethics and morality in our society. Must add ideas of reincarnations have percolated into common people and most do believe in them (there are instances i have read that are astounding on these matters). At a functional level these do help them to negotiate life, face calamities with calmer bearings but manipulations by elite is where the problem is, they cheapen it to crude forms of distinctions and so misery. Overall it got reduced to fatalism and caste.

Why is that everything-even the most beautiful- find crudest of expressions in Indian society is more a reflection of nature of elite. So what we have is few brilliants surrounded by overwhelming mediocre trying suck into it, there seem to be a system and pecking order in these too. Indeed they are always in vantage position to see who is emerging from where to capitalise, market has only institutionalised it-it has provided space for manipulations. Look at the socio-political elite, look at the way market find its expression, look how technology gets misused [Radia tapes are nothing, Crude woman’s life is also a minor glimpse. Sorry if i am digressing but discussing Crude woman only helps in understanding the situation, it gives insight to broader issues. This blogger even have doubts on authenticity of National awards, it’s about fixing the jury: very soon our friendly choreographer will find his way into jury at the most opportune moment!... since if you lack popularity route then get close to government and try to get control on ‘culture’ dole, create sphere of influence, manipulate. If Radia & Co where keen on who should become Telecom Minister then it is quite clear that the section that sucks in the name of Art and Culture must have worked on who should be I&B Minister] nothing but bunch of self serving scoundrels. The reason why everything is kept subjective by political elite is a clear indication of influence of manipulators. It has really eaten into the system.

A stray thought: I wonder why wonderful people like Whitaker never considered for Padma awards, i guess he need to contact some fixers in Delhi or maybe, and rightly so, like most remarkable people i have read and come across aren’t bothered about these awards. They are not into pecking order nor have time for manipulations. But it is a question mark on the competence of the people who give these awards.

I had slept for half an hour or so, found myself burning under the sun, the shade had shifted. A dog snoozed few feet away from me, he doesn’t seem to mind my presence after a short glance went back to his dream world. I try to wake him with an offer of imaginary food but he refuse to condescend. Soon i was heading to Mamallapuram, i saw stone statues and workers busy working on them as approached the town. Stopped at one place and the fellow explained that the form of statues he was sculpting- is referred to as karakku style, wherein the emphasis was on flow-the waves, the creepers. The pic is that of one from a typical shop i was passing by.

Mamallapuram beckons

By noon i was at Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram. A temple town famous for rock temples that were created by Pallava Dynasty who ruled this region around 7th century. Pallavas were mighty rulers and this region used to be an important port. Incidentally Bodhidharma the founder of Chan Buddhism which later became Zen Buddhism in Japan was most likely a Pallava prince.

I was looking for cheaper accommodation; the fellow quoted a higher price. I told him “that price is meant for people who carry dollar, you tell me the Indian price. I am not a rich man”. Well when it comes to money i am very straight in dealing, never be ambiguous on these matters is my policy. The man who was showing some respect shifted his attitude towards me, he turned condescending even mocking “ayo cyclil thaan vandriku”. I kept a straight face, he realised it’s not working. Instead of showing me the top floor rooms which were mostly occupied by foreigners, he took me to ground floor rooms that were dark and damp. Most rooms seemed to be occupied by couples looking for “quickie”, it is likely the fellow charged the room on hourly basis (atleast that’s what i eavesdropped). I absolutely have no problems with these but for godsake why put used condoms under the bedding (it sickens me). I generally carry my bedsheets and pillow cover-and a bottle of dettol, so i am quite equipped to handle these. Also carry mosquito mats, must say mosquitoes of Tamil Nadu are persistent lot that have even worked out the secret of repellents-it seems to have no effect. They were happily buzzing around my ears all through night, adeptly avoiding my attempts to smash them. The more I missed more I ended up slapping myself, once i was even startled out of sleep, for a moment i thought i was at school getting another tight one from the woman who called herself teacher and i staring at her navel all through the ordeal. Mosquitoes have made a nut of atleast one more man; it was reported in the news that a burglar was caught. Now you might think what is new about this? Well our man apart from stealing money and jewellery from the houses had a penchant for mosquito repellent. The fellow stole mosquito mats along with valuables from whichever house he burgled!! That was his undoing it made the job of cops relatively easy as he was linked to all the crimes where repellents went missing, he confessed. I am reminded of a scene from Rajnikant movie ‘Endhiran’ where mosquitoes were asked to apologise, it is no laughing matter.

Since it was happy mix of festive and foreign tourist season there were cultural programs organised, dancers from all over the country performed on the stage that was aesthetically done with rock carving of Arjuna’s penance as back ground. Saw this blond woman who i thought was enjoying the dance and song that she hit her thighs often, soon realised she was trying to keep the mosquitoes away. Geez it’s the mosquitoes again. Went for fish curry rice dinner, the restaurant turned out to be run by malayalee. Few foreigners turned up and explained that they want to see real Indian food, the one that was not served at posh hotel they were staying (it is called “experience”). The malayalee added many yah yahs while he spoke, the foreigners looked at the menu keenly and left without eating. The malayalee fellow was understandably furious and told another of his countryman “evidunna vanada evirekke. Chettagallu”. The other fellow said mockingly maybe they eat pig. When malayalees speak i find it difficult to keep quiet. I informed them that pig is referred to as ham. “Haammo” he laughed loudly, i found him still smiling as i was leaving.

Early next morning much before the sunrise i was at the rock temple, i wanted to take the picture of the temple with rising sun as background, after initial threat of clouds the pictures came out quite well. These temples were redone after it was damaged in cyclone decades back. Later cycled around the place and went to other temples. Many of the carvings are exquisite. The pair of antelopes at Arjuna’s penance impressed Mrs Indira Gandhi so much that it was put on currency notes, they are incredibly beautiful. What makes it charming is the way the creature is rubbing its nose, it is almost alive. The artisans were not only talented but had their sense of humour intact. On the bottom corner a replica of the way Arjuna was doing his penance was recreated except that this time instead of Arjuna it was full bellied cat surrounded by gullible rats. Beware of false saints being the message. The baby elephants are so very delicate. At one corner a saint was giving sermons to headless students, a woman asked the guide what happened to the heads. The fellow said it was ‘destroyed by Muslims’. I was shocked to hear this, the man was giving wrong information, that is not how it is. Atleast from what i know the saint cursed the students for their ignorance and wayward ways which as the story goes exploded their heads. There should be strict training for guides, unauthorised ones shouldn’t be allowed.

All these created on a rock was most amazing, what made it remarkable was the delicate and deft handling needed since if you give one wrong chisel everything could go wrong. Surely these artists spend their lifetime creating these beauties. These sculptors and temples are considered as early form of Dravidian art that was to blossom to its peak during the later Cholas. By noon i was observing Mahishasura mardana. A boy in late teens saw the bull headed human and said it is a matador, his elder brother said in an American accent “no man it’s a greek god”. Their parent laughed and his mother clarified in what sounded like alien Tamil “what da what you are talking these are Hindu gods. This is narasimha avatar da”. Their father was seen hugging and clutching the boys. It seemed like small happy family out for quality time. Happy family all right but their dimwit conversation got hold of me. I said rather loudly staring at the sculpt that it is mahishasura, “Narasimha means nara that is man, simha that is lion and i don’t see any lion here”. I couldn’t control my sarcasm, it came out of irritation, the family went silent and observed me keenly. I looked away and saw a Coucal sneaking across the bush and decided to pursue it.

Next day i was at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, there is no direct bus so you have to go to Chengalpetu (takes about an hour) and from there it is another hour, buses are not very frequent. Vedanthangal is the oldest bird sanctuary in the country, steps were taken as early as 1798- with much insistence from local community- and by 1858 it was fully established. Variety of water birds and storks could be seen on trees and bushes dotting the lake, visitors can walk about half a Km stretch, there is a watch tower with a binocular. It is difficult to take photographs though i did see lots of people carrying fancy cameras. It is a popular tourist spot for people from Chennai. Had to wait for the bus for an hour so, the boy at the shop was keen on my camera, and asked me how it works. I thought he was a precocious kid, observant and inquisitive but rarely smiled, he got me concerned that one.

Phase III : Towards Matrimandir

I started from Mamallapuram much before the sunrise, my destination was Marakkanam located at about 70Kms. intention being to cover the distance by noon and anchor for the night. Some search in the Net as also talking to people suggested possibilities of lodges at Marakkanam. Thought of going parallel to ECR along the backwaters but again ended up at a dead end, this time vowed to firmly stick to ECR from now on. Sadras had some colonial Dutch forts that I was keen to visit but somehow missed it and by the time realised it i was at Kalpakkam. Kalpakkam of course is the town that has Nuclear power plant, the fast breeder Nuclear reactor-the one that uses Thorium. Thorium is obtained from Monazite sand something that is found in abundance along the beaches of Kerala, specifically Kollam. A place i have spent some time when i was kid, I recall many decades back while i was walking along the coast of Kollam i had this black coloured sand sticking to my leg, i was told it is monazite sand from which thorium is extracted. This sand is also rich in ilmenite that contains Titanium. Much later while i was doing a project at Titanium Factory i saw these black sand being converted into talcum powder! It was an amazing experience. Incidentally studies along these coastal regions have not been able to establish any definite link between cancer and Monazite.

Track from Mamallapuram to Puducherry is quite popular among bikers and cyclists. A British couple overtook me (could make out from the accent as they wished me), they were in full cycle gear and customary helmet. The cycle must have cost a fortune, they had bags carefully balanced on back carrier. Their pedalling synchronised as if floating like a pair of cranes within moment they were out of my sight. As pleasing the sight maybe i wonder why couldn’t they use treadmill at home! I came across a shallow lake along the sea and saw some fishermen wade the knee deep water spreading their net, stopped to watch their catch. These lines from the poem The Coromandel Fishers by Sarojini Naidu (more about Sarojini Naidu at iseeebirds.blogspot.com)

Rise, brothers, rise! The wakening sky
pray to the morning light.
The wind lies asleep in the arms of the dawn
like a child that has cried all night.
Come, let us gather our nets from the shore
and set our catamarans free,
To capture leaping wealth of the tide
for we are the kings of the sea!

Watching the catch by the fishermen returning from deep sea early morning is something i always do whenever i am around the coast, to see the variety of fishes and trying to identify, indeed i used to spend hours walking around the Chinese fishing nets in Fortkochi, every time they pulled the net i would be the first few to check out the fishes. Must say the catch have dwindled quite significantly in recent times. Since Chinese fishing nets are also a tourist attraction this blogger thinks that the government should extend help to these fishermen to maintain these nets. Indeed Kochi is known for Chinese nets, a gargantuan conception that was introduced by Chinese traveller ZhengHe in fifteenth century. ZhengHe is an interesting character, he was captured by Ming invaders when he was just eleven and made into eunuch, he rose to become the trusted aid of the emperor and was appointed to lead voyages. He is believed to have died along the Malabar Coast.

Along the way i saw atleast five snakes crushed under speeding vehicles, even an owl-that really was a surprise: how did that happen? It got me thinking. My conclusion was that the unfortunate bird might have broken its wing or got immobilised in some way and landed straight on the road most likely at night. Another theory was the bird was already dead while it landed on the road since even with broken wing it would have struggled away. Sight of crows pecking the crushed mass was gruesome. The route was mostly isolated with occasional vehicles, the morning after a major festival is generally rather quieter this has been my experience all these years. And yesterday was Pongal festival, one of the most auspicious day for tamilians. Forgot to mention that just outside Mamallapuram i came across a village that proclaimed itself as “Sweety and Lovely village” in English, must be expressing their disappointment and showing that they aren’t behind compared to a nearby village that was declared as ‘tourist village’ and so foreign tourists were herded to experience the countryside. During pongal there were big celebrations specifically meant for foreigners. Some years back i happen to attend one near Madurai.

Few children waved one boy asked “what is your name?” in English, i found that question puzzling. Why would a kid like to know my name? Then tried to put myself in the kid’s shoes and presto the revelation: he was trying to work out his English (most likely he mistook me as some elite guy who generally converse in english). I would do the same at that age!! Much further I realised i had a puncture, fortunately for me a village was nearby. The repair shop also sold framed pictures of god. There were too many of them in varying size hanging the shack. The old man took his job seriously and with his thin dextrous fingers repaired it in few minutes. It seemed he was affected by hundreds of eyes staring from the frames. I accosted a man “which village was this?” though i was at an audible distance he preferred to shout back “Kuvathur”, ironic since kuv means shout!! Soon i was back on the main road, a gang of bikers sped at a very high speed later followed by thundering of dozen bullet bikes. Quite a sight that one, bullet bikes always remind me of my childhood when during army celebration a must show was acrobats on these bikes by ‘uncles from signals’, I recall a boy whose father was a member of this team, he used to be very proud and boast about his father being more powerful than hanuman! It is only when you are travelling in cycle you realise how fast these vehicles are and how marvellous these inventions. How much convenient they have made our life. The IC engines, the Carnot cycle-the PV and TS diagrams, the adiabatic compressions and isothermal expansions, i had mugged up these so many times before exams without realising their significance. It is now I realise how beautiful these theories are. What amazing conceptions, it is humbling.

I stopped to have many tender coconuts along the way and skipped the breakfast. Kanchipuram district is demarcated from Villipuram by a lake that extend to the ocean, as soon as you cross this lake the terrain changes to shrubby and hotter. It’s a region marked by sparse vegetations and isolated stretches, that it was mid noon added to the discomfort. Soon i realised i am not enjoying the ride and was getting annoyed. People do put themselves in discomforting situation voluntarily, i was thinking of stampede deaths at Shabrimala the day before. But people do it for gratification from god or later gains mine didn’t seem to be falling into any category, that got me concerned. Actions need to have justification is it not? But i guess these never occurred to me, and sometimes create uniquely difficult situations for myself. I have been in such situation many times before! As i was thinking these i saw acres and acres of land stretched on one side of the road that were filled with shallow water, it shimmered in noon sun and could make out few men at work, about half an hour later i was in their vicinity. I approached them on foot. They were making salt, there are few ways to manufacture salt this one was by drying sea water. The man (forgot his name) said that their work was similar to farmers “farmer produce vegetable we produce salt. But there is a difference farmer need rain, for us rain is catastrophe” (translated from Tamil). This one cultivation that needs harsh sun and no rain! Even now what is supposed to be winter the temperature was more than 35*C, in summer i am told it reaches about 50. My god what a tough job. Incidentally India is the third largest producer of salt, bulk of which is from Gujarat. This process of salt production is also referred to as ‘solar salt’ and is being practised from ancient times.

Marakkanam was about five Kms away, unfortunately for me there weren’t any place to stay. There is a government guest house that wasn’t open to public. I decided to cool myself and sat next to a shop and had ‘colour’-sweet carbonated drink that cost 5R. Found myself conversing with a man, as i talked to him i came to know that he too worked in salt pit. His name was Pakri and seemed to have come in terms with his harsh realities. He said he gets 180R per day. For a gruelling days work under the harsh sun this was too paltry. He said he doesn’t have any choices furthermore his expense are also less so manages it quite well. He was fascinated by my camera, and was excited about pictures of birds and could identify most of them in Tamil. That i thought was remarkable. I spent about an hour talking about odd things mostly he was keen to know what i do, he seemed to have an open mind about things. He thought keralaites are adventurous lot-well i have reservation on that. As i was leaving he told me to “travel a lot that is best thing to do”. Suddenly i realised how immensely lucky i was. There weren’t too many eateries around and those present were all closed except a small one next to the highway, hygiene was a concern but what the heck i was famished and could eat a truck. Food was really bad, couldn’t manage and decided to give up. But since people were found enjoying the food and i had already become an oddity i decided to pretend i am eating all the while dropped it to a rather excited dog under the table.

Puducherry was still about 30Kms away. I must mention that much before Marakkanam there is a small town that has moghul fort, i guess it is till here that Moghul rule extended, most likely led by Malik Kafur- a hindu convert. Someone mentioned that next to the fort there was a place to stay, so took a diversion for about three Km and found that it was a well furnished house and they only rent to actors and ‘famous people’ who come for shooting. Since i wasn’t both i cannot have it, anyway there wasn’t any need for them to mention all these the lodging was beyond my budget. But the best part was i found a small rather cozy alley surrounded by trees and shrubs. I sat under a tree for some time, and tried to take pictures of a very shy brown barbet. Further down some children were playing cricket under hot sun and it seems were short of a player, they insisted i should join. Found that extremely amusing, any other day i would have joined but this was getting bit sultry and i had to reach Puducherry or will be stranded on the highway that i realised didn’t have street lights. All through the route saw umpteen number of one room churches, being Sunday the mass was in full swing-louder the better being the motto.

Two mosques stood facing each other and the road went through it, followed by rows of double storey houses that were painted in bright colours. The toll roads exempt cycles, there was a mention of need for creating eco friendly surroundings. But must say highways aren’t traveller friendly at all, they seem meant only for fast moving vehicles. There isn’t any space for stopping; many accidents are reported as people park their vehicle on sideways or if there is a breakdown. I was watching this TV programs on car chase videos the other day (the one where cops chase over speeding or stolen vehicles and then pass it as entertainment for TV audience...it’s a cottage industry in US) and found that there is something called ‘service lane’. If not service lane atleast some space for people to park and stretch themselves. Few centuries back roads were sensitive to the needs of travellers there were trees to provide shade, sheds to relax. With increasing speeds of vehicles- that reduces surroundings as objects, highways have become impersonal. I happen to see many families stop their car to spread out for lunch and so on, wherever they could find space. Car manufactures are smarter lot but don’t know whether they have thought of introducing some design innovation to include converting the rear part into table and so on! It isn’t a funny matter many families use car (the lower end smaller ones) for travelling and picnic. Saw few middle aged men drinking liquor inside the car. I don’t believe these people, why would anyone drink and drive knowing fully well that their chance of survivalability is rather low. I do drink once in a while maybe on Saturdays that too very occasionally- a peg or two, but not very keen on these matter. I think most people don’t like these things in the first instance it’s the company you keep. I have tried all that could be tried...even drugs and found absolutely no fun, it’s quite dumb these things. Though i strongly suggest brandy with pepper in hot water for any ailment. It works miracles, don’t waste your money on doctors. Red wine and kerala Kallu (with kappa meen) top my list.

On the way i saw posters of politicians, i guess Tamil Nadu is warming up to forthcoming elections much earnestly. Mr. Chidambaram’s face in many of the posters made me smile, he looked a cross between amul baby and hema malini with ominously coloured blood red lips and an extra dose of mascara, the effect was hilarious. Don’t know how much will these influence voters!

By about five i was at Puducherry and had cycled almost 100Kms, something didn’t intend to. Auroville is like a home to me, this being tourist season i didn’t go to the ashram cottages expecting it to be full. After a quick bath went out for fish and rice curry. I need to mention here a thing or two about fish curry. For last many years i have been not exactly ‘Following Fish’ but yes Fish curry!! I have become quite an expert. Fried fish in potato gravy of Bengal, a rather pungent tasty mustard paste based fish curry of Orissa, tamarind flavoured succulent fish along Telangana, a simple coconut milk laced Mangalorean fare, spicy Kudumpulli fish curry of Travancore as also Raw mango flavoured ones of Kochi, fish moilees along kottayam, peppery Chettinadu fish curry, tomato fenugreek seeds filled kuzhambu fish curries of Chennai-a kind of thickened rasam, Goan style fish floating in thick tomato gravy.... have tasted all. Only area left is coastal Maharashtra-the Ratnagiri side. Don’t know whether coastal Gujarat is known for fish delicacies. Though i avoid fishes when i am in the interior part of the country nor prefer river fish neither fish fries but yes i do recommend Amritsari fish fry-it’s quite chatpata, as also fish fingers from carts of Pondicherry streets! And yes I also strongly recommend parsi Patra fish-steamed in green chutney, i do try to work it out in my kitchen once in a while. Fish is a serious part of my diet, and do spend a fortune. Though i prefer Pearl spot (karimeen) and Salmon, Sardine and Tuna are cheap and best. When housewives in small towns of Kerala meet they don’t ask how are you they ask what was the fish today!!

Despite strong presence of French for centuries fish curry around Puducherry has not even the trace of the much famous French culinary influence. Clearly people don’t like their food bland there are limits of accepting things and when it comes to food the lines are clear. I was reading “Following Fish” there is a mention on these lines about fish curries around the town of Tuticudi (Tuticorin) that once was a Portuguese colony “Puzzlingly, throughout the Portuguese presence on this stretch of Tamil nadu, its cuisine remained as untouched as its religion stood transformed. I came across no Portuguese influences in my meals in Tuticorin and its neighbouring villages, but, thinking, I’d missed something or simply eaten in all the wrong places, i later sought the wisdom of Jacob Aruni, a food consultant and researcher in Chennai. ‘its true, and it’s a mystery,’ Aruni said. ‘In Goa, for instance, the use of cinnamon, garlic and wine in food caught on from Portuguese. But in the coastal area around Tuticorin, they still use salt, tamarind and coconut more dominantly-the ingredients they were using even before the Portuguese arrived.’”. I think there cannot be two views on this: curry should be spicy, and is meant to blast in your mouth and open up senses. That is food and it better be that way. Europeans can take a break.

Samanth Subramanian-the author of the book, must say hardly a name i would associate with someone writing about fishes! But yes it is a well written book and I strongly suggest. Though lines like “we were not in Kansas anymore” seemed to be meant deliberately for international audience, obviously I cannot be against these but just couldn’t get the joke. I have seen enough western movies to understand “last chance saloon”, thought it was quite hilarious and apt description of toddy shops around Kumrakum, some are in middle of paddy field. There though is a correction needed: Kokum is not same Kudampuli, there is a mistake here. Even reputed recipe books tend to make this mistake, i think it is time to clear this once forever. Kudampuli or Malabar Tamarind also called Gambooge in English (Garcinia cambogia) is a small round orange like fruit that when dried becomes dark. These are used in ayurveda quite extensively. For culinary purpose except for keralites these find favor with Coorgis (where it is referred to as Kachampuli), and nowhere else as of my knowledge. While Kokum (Garcinia Indica) is obtained from a fruit tree endemic to Western Ghats, the outer cover of the fruit when dried is referred to as Kokum. They too have wide medicinal and cosmetic use. They are popular as drinks-a darkish red colored sweetened in water, also used as substitute for tamarind in Konkan –Maharashtra even Gujarat region. I guess it is also used in Rogan Josh from Kashmiri wazwan. Kokum and Kudampuli therefore are NOT same and cannot even substitute each other (ask me i made that mistake once while in delhi where getting Kudampuli was a task). They don’t look similar, the texture smell are world apart. Kokum gives a sour taste and exudes red color when put in water, while Kudampuli is acidic and much bitter gives faint brown color.

Puducherry beach is a pleasing place to be in, towards the south part of the beach the French influence is apparent and posh while the other part buzzing with life. I recommend fish curry rice at Aristos, though the service is bit tardy and chaotic the food-fish curry rice- is tasty and filling. Better would be to get it parceled since the place does get crowded, eating in relaxed ambience is what i prefer but rarely get the opportunity. It is sad to note that Indian Coffee House has closed down and moved to much smaller basement.

Next day i was up and cycling Auroville, the auroville bakery is my favourite, had raisin croissant and mug of hot coffee. Auroville is an agreeable place, started in 1968 as a settlement- a universal town, where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, politics and nationalities. Founded by Mirra Alfassa (since referred to as The Mother) as a project of Aurobindo society, the ideals endorsed by Government of India as also UNESCO. Mother gave Auroville its 4-point charter setting forth her vision of Integral living:

1. Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole. But to live in Auroville, one must be the willing servitor of the Divine Consciousness.
2. Auroville will be the place of an unending education, of constant progress, and a youth that never ages.
3. Auroville wants to be the bridge between the past and the future. Taking advantage of all discoveries from without and from within, Auroville will boldly spring towards future realisations.
4. Auroville will be a site of material and spiritual researches for a living embodiment of an actual Human Unity.

Miira Alfassa or Mother (1878-1973) was born in Paris. She came to Puducherry and founded Aurobindo ashram (Aurobindo was an interesting man, a revolutionary who turned into spiritualism...more about him in iseeebirds.blogspot.com), she was immensely respected by people around. I went to Matrimandir (Mother’s Temple), soil from 124 countries are placed in lotus shaped urn here. It is a place meant for mediation. Sat for few minutes. That officially ended my journey. Though it was meant to be from Chennai to Puducherry but somehow became Banyan tree at Theosophical society to Matrimandir at Auroville. It connected Annie Besant and Miira Alfassa, two remarkable European women who chose to settle in India. If I had cycled further towards Tutikudi i wonder what else i would have discovered...maybe some other time.
I leave with these words from The Mother that i read at the reception

A dream
There should be
somewhere on earth
a place which no nation
could claim as its own,
where all human beings
of good will who have
a sincere aspiration,
could live freely as
citizens of the world and
obey one single authority,
that of supreme truth;
a place of peace
concord and harmony...

vote for PNILT

2011-12-28T17:27:00.001-10:00

Once a 13 acre pristine lake, the Puttenahalli Lake in J.P. Nagar, Bangalore shrunk and became a marshy garbage dump due to exploitation and neglect. Starting in 2008, nearby residents campaigned to save the lake. It took them a while but they finally got the municipality (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike - BBMP) to restore the lake in 2010-11. Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust (PNLIT) was formed in June 2010 with Usha Rajagopalan (a writer), Arathi Manay (a market researcher), Prasanna K. Vynatheya (a software architect) and O.P. Ramaswamy (a chartered engineer) as the first trustees. In May 2011, PNLIT was formally given charge by the BBMP to maintain Puttenahalli Lake. This is the first instance of a citizens' Trust being given a lake for nurturing. The nurturing project is for a period of 3 years (May 2011-2014).

Please visit this url to vote

http://www.sparktherise.com/projectdetail.php?pid=5087

24x7 activism is diminishing the idea of India

2011-12-21T17:32:00.002-10:00

It’s good that pressure groups are there. It’s amazing that free media is present. It’s also interesting that debates are happening. But the demand of minute by minute coverage is taking its toll. 24x7 activism is becoming unhelpful and counterproductive. You cannot pressurise the government or the parliament on a daily basis. Unfortunately the posturing and choice of words is making positions of interest groups rigid. Also lost in the melee is the cause to contain corruption. A powerful lokpal is in nobody’s interest. The need of the hour is an effective ombudsman that complements and strengthens the function of other institutions. It’s unfortunate that instead of discussing the intricacies of the issue in a positive and constructive manner, it is reduced to warring groups; it’s become a fight of egos and protecting one’s turf. It is finally the sound bite/image for the moment that seem to matter.

its winter time

2011-12-16T21:45:00.000-10:00

I was reading about temperature dipping in north India, particularly in places like Mt Abu, the weather forecasters too were confirming that winter has set in. Even migrating birds were seen flocking the southern peninsula, but me was a skeptic I needed much firm indicators ….and then Amartya Sen landed. Geeeez it really is winter. What will us billion mortals be without these winter visits by saviors!!! Thank you sirji

Adieu to enchanting world of Mario Miranda...

2011-12-10T22:02:00.000-10:00

Why this policy kolaveri?

2011-12-08T00:50:00.007-10:00

A politician is necessarily a communicator. At this critical phase in our society’s development it is getting amply clear that our top policy makers seriously lack the skill of communication. At every step they seem to falter. Politician has to be honest in persuasion. They need to be humble. The present leaders in Congress seem to be lacking in significant ways. Economist as a PM doesn’t seem to be working, add to the fact that he is coming out as amazingly insensitive. If Congress is the main governing party in the coalition then they should take the responsibility. If Rahul Gandhi is the reason for Congress’s performance in last general election then he should stand up and take control. This backdoor thing is going horribly wrong. Rahul Gandhi needs to take the responsibility of the government; we would like him to show his caliber in responsible position rather than some ‘side show’ (if they are serious about UP, then he should have stayed there for a year or so. It seems they don’t want to expose him too much but still they want to use him). One wonders these sacrifices are for what? Manmohan Singh maybe a nice man but surely is a disastrous politician. The policy paralysis can be traced to lack of skills that is required from an astute politician. He needs to go at the earliest. Get in new people kick start policy making with honest persuasive younger leaders (one was under impression that age may not be a factor but last year or two it has become clear that generation gap is getting rather acute, nor are elder leaders carrying any nuanced truth). It’s unfortunate but people have become quite skeptic of this drama that is unfolding on daily basis. Don’t know whether Congress Party realizes this: Rahul Gandhi is losing his freshness (and hope) at an alarming rate. It’s slipping away.

DOW CHEMICALS HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH BHOPAL TRAGEDY. DOW CHEMICALS CANNOT TAKE ASSETS OF UNION CARBIDE AND NO LIABILITY. NOR CAN A COMPANY VANISH INTO THIN AIR. DOW CHEMICAL IS RESPONSIBLE. VERY MUCH RESPONSIBLE. SHAME ON OLYMPIC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE. SHAME ON UNITED KINGDOM.

I liked Dev Anand

2011-12-02T20:37:00.007-10:00

What a guy!! This is not passing of an era but eras. His movies were quite a treat. I thought he was really a superstar, and I personally was enamored by his choice of caps. The swagger and rather exaggerated (one may call it trademark) style was fun to watch. Wholesome entertainment indeed, how much I love these.

I recall reading some sarcastic comments by RK Narayan in his essays, though I liked his charming fiction work, I frankly thought his views on issues were regrettable and suffered from what I will call ‘Ram’s clan arrogance’ . Indeed ‘Guide’ is one of the better movies and it’s a tribute to greatness of Dev Anand.

Popular movies are part of collective memory, and define our society in many ways. These are important reference points. And when actors like say Amir Khan or Naseerudin Shah are ready to work without even reading the script or just be part of it, speaks of nuances and fabric that defines our society, that maybe ridiculed by west (or those who are trying to copy them…I am told it’s a new wave happening!) . This blogger thinks there is ample space for movies that doesn’t need any script!!

On a personal note: few years back I was in Kolkata, a regrettable hotel room with pathetic toilet. I had just landed in the city and raring to go out and walk around the lanes and explore the place (walking around without any specific purpose is the greatest fun, new place makes it exhilarating). It started to drizzle and I sat in the room quite upset with creeping exhaustion. While flipping TV I came across Dev Anand movie…boy wasn’t I happy.

Ban Dow Chemicals from Olympics

Its height of irresponsibility that smacks of blatant disregard for human lives in poorer societies that Dow Chemicals is being tolerated like this. This blogger finds this hypocrisy not only obnoxious but beyond comprehension. Dow Chemicals attempts to gain credibility through mega events like Olympics despite horrific 27 years for the victims is a ludicrous attempt and the bluff should be called at the earliest. International Olympic President Jacques Rogge needs to answer. British government should decide whether the London Olympics should be marred by this issue. Sport and sportsperson shouldn’t suffer for the greed of the organisers.

Dow Chemicals is a blacklisted company and shouldn’t have anything to do with sports, or for that matter with civilized world unless it takes the responsibility of Bhopal Tragedy, pay adequate compensation and clean up the place...

Shame on Dow Chemical. Shame on London Olympic organizers.

at a crucial cross road in Durban...

2011-11-28T00:24:00.000-10:00

Deja vu at Tahrir Square

2011-11-22T21:16:00.002-10:00

powerful entrenched elite try to scuttle the voice of people. Must say Egyptians are amazing people...

2011-11-10T23:49:00.001-10:00

Condolence: Bhupen Hazarika was a colossal figure, an institution into himself. Probably one of the very few people from North east who had a pan Indian appeal.

Blistering barnacles….Tintin is here!!

What a wonderful movie this one could be. I surely will be seeing this one. I recall we used to fight for tintin in the library. Wait for someone to return the book; conspire to get, hide under rack so as to read it again. Tintin is a visual treat (same holds with Astreix). Now that they have made it into a movie the expectations are high. I gather there is no Prof. Calculus in the animated version…geez what a letdown. Wonder how they will create that inimical change of expressions on Captain…as he comes out of the stupor. Then we have Snowy getting drunk, not to forget Thompson cousins. This is really quite exciting!!!

We are very glad to hear from you Mr. Markandey Katju

2011-11-04T21:28:00.020-10:00

“...all this is largely ignored by our media which turns a Nelson’s eye to the harsh economic realities facing upto 80 per cent of our people, and instead concentrates on some Potempkin villages where all is glamour and show biz. Our media is largely like Queen Marie Autoinette, who when told that the people have no bread, said that they could eat cake”

This just one of the paragraph from Justice Katju Chairman, Press Council of India.

Aren’t we so very glad to hear from him? What makes it much charming is that he holds an important position. Though this blogger wouldn’t go for generalization but yes (and that is a resounding yes) Indian media is overwhelmingly mediocre. And one Delhi based media group (HT i guess) had the temerity to pass it on to “vernacular” media. Maybe she should spend some time to watch Malayalam media, the discussion herein are far better and nuanced that probably her market blinkered eyes ever noticed. Anyway Delhi based demagogues (moon walking as celebrities) are known to have national (in most case international) aspiration. They have a strange affliction of ‘representing India’, it’s intellectual version of trade fair in pragathi maidan.

It goes without saying that Indian media in most cases (with very rare exception…and its getting rarer) is blatantly crass and self serving. They lack understanding or contexts of serious issues, its fly by night operation…I don’t want waste my time explaining but yes this blogger fully agree to what Mr. Katju has said. It’s high time these neo-brahmins are put in place. There is very urgent need for laws on privacy, slander or manufactured news. Indeed popular people themselves are fair game and news are created by small timers (likes of Crude Woman & her fixers – though high on freedom of expression, I am aware their ilk expertise in creating fake news to be in the news at others expense, its called competition. in reality these are manipulations of crony capitalism), particular in this case is Bachchan family. While on the sideline a coterie pretends as protector of culture (some amazingly mediocre people), the fact is these self appointed guardians are worst offenders and given a chance they can do severe damage, they are hanging in the sidelines for big lick, that’s all. Values are ruse.

The problem here seems to be that the Indian society’s framework of morality is rather weak. This is because the so called Brahmins were on the helm for more than 5000years and they created amazingly crude system defined by self serving logic. Morals and values were subservient to their selfishness. You will note that theoretically they had answers to almost anything and everything. Their world views were generally grand (and in some case rather valuable, I do admire some aspects of it). This grandness hid the immediate poverty of conscience and compassion (Buddhism sought to mitigate this gap). This is the framework of morality/ethics they created and perpetuated, and so the latter claimants to power/elite section tried to emulate/follow this regression (some even audacious to call it sanskritisation, it’s unfortunate …Sanskrit is a beautiful word that is misused by boys with fancy ideas on world). There are umpteen examples of kings and nobles trying to see themselves as closer to god thus gain acceptance and so on. This manipulative behavior became the reference point for social mobility.

This thousands of year old framework is what we inherited, so its very much expected that the neo-brahmanism finds its expression in modern India. Media -the new center of power (indeed many in the top of this field are actual inheritors, so no pretensions!!) is an excellent instance. The fact that they propose to consider themselves beyond any criticism or law, and as is the tradition, gang around to curse anyone who questions. They have positioned themselves as our benevolent guardian; it’s our fault to criticize them. Indeed we are told to be grateful. We are sinning against values of freedom and liberty if we question neo brahmins. It’s another of the old brahmin spin we have inherited.

Add to this the crass world of market. Where every action and inaction is justified with money. We have ready made script for Indian media. Since India has more population –meaning more lick -this becomes rather severe.

Justice Katju has a view on “introspection by media”, this blogger differs rather significantly. Whether this bunch does some introspect or not, we are not particularly bothered, but yes there should be strict laws against any transgression of people’s right and should be severely dealt. Get this straight in market driven world nobody is doing any savior’s work, these grand positioning cannot be substitute for laws that punish the guilty and those who are criminally negligent, that definitely includes media. Neo-brahmanical ploy will not work.

G20 Meet and a fairytale…

2011-11-02T20:16:00.004-10:00

There was once upon a time happy rich family who kept slaves. The slaves were told every day about how fortunate they are with so much freedom and stability in their life. The slaves could go out to see and watch. They saw the glamour and glitter, and felt blessed being in such presence. They were also given vision of fairytale future. They also learned to aspire. The slaves believed they were part of masters’ life, the more masters acquired more they felt they are developing and that their life holds much meaning. Though they worked more and created more the masters gained from their enterprise. In the meantime the masters lived an avaricious life, they partied and passed new thoughts and judgments on freedom and liberty. They also lived much beyond their means, as their lifestyle demanded such minor transgressions. So a day came when they were in serious debt. Since the slaves lives were dependent on masters’ fortune they were asked to tighten up, the slaves were to lose their salary and savings as the masters went in for austerity cut. That wasn’t enough for the masters, since their debt was too large, he called the slaves one evening after dinner and told them that they should save them. If you don’t save us you will suffer, said the masters wiping leftover food from their mouth. They asked slaves to sell their belongings so that they, the masters, can survive. Since if masters cannot survive what will happen to the slaves....

Someone may please complete the story. You could take hints and leads from speeches that will be made in Cannes!!

Yes to OWS

2011-10-30T19:47:00.004-10:00

There are billions of people around the world, like this blogger, who may not be coming out to protest against the way things are run but our heart and soul are with the protestors. We are joined against a skewed system that is self sustaining for few at the expense of hardworking and honest billions. Against people who subvert democracy and manipulate people’s voice. It's a protest against greed and irresponsible conduct of few that is bleeding the earth and people. Occupy Wall Street is a remarkable effort and this blogger is exceedingly glad that this is happening and spreading. More power to such protests.

World’s shame is now India’s

2011-10-27T23:52:00.005-10:00

It’s another of decadent western way of life (I don’t have the intention nor inclination to find out but these must have most likely originated in US of A) that was introduced to the world and now finds its way into India. They have already classified it as a sport. This disgusting event has no place in civilized society. A wasteful event that leaves a significant carbon footprint, those who enjoy these must be referred to asylum. I have seen ‘amazing videos’ wherein Americans go for events like these-one in case is where huge vehicles crush other vehicles- as part of family outing. These are crucial family value moments. Irresponsible behavior also is good for consumerism, which in turn runs the economy. Please let there be recession god!!

Car racing are big carbon conglomerate sponsored events. It’s about money. It’s blood money. It’s the money from the oil for which they are fighting and killing people. The fuel for which environment is severely threatened. It runs on the fuel that most people try hard to save every day. By organizing these events they are laughing on people. Big money has also seen to it that these ugly events are seen as respectable. Some even give it a spin of making India proud. It is also to be noticed that market sponsored ‘sports’ are moving away from common people - they are sought to be reduced as spectators. Spectators who are consumers, spectators who can never ever dream to even come anywhere near these, forget competing –the babalog are back as sportsmen! It’s not a sport it’s a joke. Its joke on sanity.

Of course Indian market media has gone in a stampede to promote this nonsense. Blatant degradation will now have to be balanced with sober words on corruption and yes ever present threat on secularism and freedom of expression, brownie point scoring issues for halo of concern. The fact is all these are connected. Ethics is not contextual and money doesn’t change it. For instance (I was reading) if Hindu right wing is protesting against Ramanajum’s Ramayana it is because it serves their purpose. It is their brownie point. As much as promoting degrading events serve the life style expectations of many in cities, the market right wing. What is sickening is that Buddha’s name is used, it’s worst than ‘Buddha is smiling’ that nuclear Brahmins invoked.

Tailpiece: a Minister who uses filthy language against a senior politician has no right to continue in the post. He should be removed at the earliest. This is a new low in Kerala politics. Very sad indeed.

The dying lakes of Bangalore…

2011-10-24T18:19:00.027-10:00

This blogger was part of a workshop “Urban Lakes and Bird Life” conducted by Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC) under the able guidance of Dr. Subramanya Sastry (popularly Subbu). We went to five lakes in the city, each a case study, exploring different aspects of threat and challenge that lake in Bangalore faces (indeed it is true and applicable for any burgeoning urban settlements across the world). Before I get into the trip -the learnings and observations, let me quote Justice Mr. N. K. Patil who headed the committee constituted by Karnataka High Court to examine the ground realities and prepare an Action Plan for preservation of lakes in the city of Bangalore…

“Bangalore is on a course of rapid expansion, transforming itself from a metro to a Mega city. During this process, the worst hit (sector) is the lakes of the region, which are put to misuse, threatening the water security, ecology and environment of the region. The estimated population of Bangalore by the year 2020 would be around 120 lakhs (12 million) and it demands a very proactive regulation, planning and execution system in place, to face the challenges of water scarcity and to keep the City habitable”

We were thirty odd people packed in two mini buses skirting around the length and breadth of the city, what began at 6.30 in the morning ended at 6pm. Must say it was an eye opener in many ways. Our first stop was Kasavanahalli Lake that is on the southern outskirt of the city. Almost a jungle but not for long as one see frantic construction around the lake. We treaded the bushy embankment (omg! it’s the same old lantanas!) keeping an eye for diversity of species, try spotting skills and gain some standing within the motley crowd, while the uninitiated (fortunate ones, I would say) utilized the occasion trying to know one another and exchange admiration for fancy cameras many brandish. I must point here to one Deepa Mohan, an active lady who was terrific with butterflies and moths. Subbu is a treasure trove, knowledge immense and passion infectious. The intention to visit this lake was to point out pre urban intervention state of lakes. Though the lake looks pristine, the bird population has come down drastically in recent times. There are signs of sewage, invading species changing the ecology of the lake. First signs are shown by foreshore plantation. The situation is acute at Bellandur Lake; the ‘lake’ is sludge of industrial waste and frothing with effluent. It stinks, covered by weeds and devoid of any life. A saddening sight indeed. When lakes are contaminated there are two major consequences

• It increases the BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), that is, amount of dissolved oxygen, and thus kills the species within the lake
• The lake turns from seasonal to perennial which brings about cataclysmic changes. It’s a death knell for resident and dependent species as their life cycle is broken

One of the biggest lakes in Bangalore is a case study of callousness on the part of policy makers. It also is a pointer to what could happen to lakes in urban areas. Kasavanahalli Lake will very soon be like Bellandur Lake is a horrible reality. There is an urgent need for policy action. Every industrial unit must have sewage treatment unit, and each housing colonies proper sewage disposal system. No one has any right to treat lakes or rivers as dumping yard. The situation is catastrophic and the repercussions are already being felt, if stringent steps are not taken against polluters then this is the end. If Thames River could be resurrected then all is not lost, we still can hope. GDP can grow but once toxic enter the water table, when diversity is lost, no more GDP will help.
Subbu mentioned BOD of Bellandur Lake is more than 500, while what is needed for water to hold life is less than 5!!. The policy makers, we are told, are looking for lakes as possible of potable water source, Subbu says “Why not they start with Bellandur?!!” Good suggestion.

Kaikondanahalli Lake was our next stop, another pristine lake that has substantial bird population, but this lake too is showing signs of sewage seepage (presence of hyacinth is one indication). There are constructions happening around the lake. This will have impact at two levels
• The catchment areas for the lake gets depleted, directly affecting the water table of the lake

• The houses that are constructed in these catchment areas will have flooding during rains, a common features these days as more and more catchment areas are converted into real estate

We were told that authorities tried to ‘develop’ Kaikondanahalli Lake, there were grand plans for boating and Children Park. Thankfully after much protest these were shelved. What is to be noted here is that Acacias (commonly Babool. By the way the word 'khaki' comes from Acacia!!... Please read Pradip Krishen’s seminal work Trees of Delhi for these interesting nuggets) are abundant across the lake and give salubrious green cover, but looks can be deceptive and therein lies another story of insensitivity. Acacia nilotica –the sturdy shrubby Indian specie, is preferred by nesting herons and storks while Acacia auriculiformis –Australian specie that grow tall and don’t support these nests. The acacias planted around the lake are Acacia auriculiformis if it were Acacia nilotica there would have been a heronry here. What a waste. Though, I must add, there is a hidden danger here too. As Acacia wood have high commercial value and could be targeted as has happened, so very blatantly, in Tirunelveli recently.

These are lessons on why local species are much suited to region’s biodiversity and should be encouraged. There is a symbiotic relation that exist between different species in nature and when exotic varieties are introduced these are undermined. Atleast opinions of experts must be taken when planting trees and so on. Thankfully they have shown preference towards arjuna trees (Arjuna terminalia), that hold well under slushy conditions, unlike eucalypts (ridiculous, I say).

After lunch we had a long ride to Hebbal Lake, time to relapse. Delonix Regia (gulmohar) is in full bloom and in abundance, strange that these Madagascarian trees are now threatened species in that island. Though one may encourage local specie (and that is how it should be) I cannot help thinking what many Indian cities will look without these amazing trees. Of course Delonix like Eucalypt does monopolies water and nutrient of the vicinity. Another tree throwing its own private riot in Bangalore is African tulip, these trees though host barbets –soft wood- are nightmare for two wheeler riders, the flowers are slippery and dangerous to maneuver over. My vote for flowering tree in Bangalore will definitely go to Tree jasmine (Millingtonia Hortensis), the flowers from the canopy cascade into showers. What an enchanting sight. Haven’t really seen these beautiful trees in other cities, Bangalore is truly blessed.

Hebbal Lake presents another aspect of development related ecological concern. The lake apparently is well maintained with a garden alongside that is popular with people. Easy for the eyes it maybe but privatization of lakes is a serious threat and Hebbal presents a case for it. The fishing rights are held by private parties and that has seriously affected the avian population (the exception being Pelicans). So it is reduced to a well maintained fish farm (of economically valuable fishes, it has replaced small variety of fishes that used to feed on mosquito larvae) than a lake that supports diverse species. Further the mound in the center of lake doesn’t support bird species due to choice of trees. Plans from luxury hotel chain to develop water games were successfully resisted. Their zealousness to keep the lake clean has seen to it that all weeds are removed. The issue here is not all weeds are a threat and not all water plants are weeds, and some amounts of weeds do support species.

Puttanhalli Lake in the northern part of the city was our last stop, probably one of the smallest lakes (11acre area) but has largest concentration of avian species (I roughly estimated about 30 white ibis in a folk!!). “This is how Bangalore used to be during my childhood” Subbu reminisces. What has saved this lake and its biodiversity is that it has least human intervention and is zealously guarded. Though last few years the sewage is dumped from adjoining areas, particularly from adjacent CRPF camp -they even threaten anyone who protests against their misdeeds with dire consequences. Is this how a central force expected to behave? Indeed they should be guardians of these lakes.

Though Puttanhalli Lake too is in a precarious condition the visit taught a valuable lesson. It is possible to create lake and attract diverse species. Responsible corporate (and there are many who are concerned about degrading diversity) could make it part of CSR. Buy few acres of land, and work it out with ecologists and other experts (there some really talented people). It is possible. With that hope and on a high note we ended a wonderful day.

(photo courtesy Marrianne de Nazareth)

Barbaric end to a brutal dictator

2011-10-20T19:07:00.003-10:00

Of course he was a dictator, a megalomaniac, but the way he was dealt was barbaric. Wonder what is the difference between the fighting forces here? Who is fighting for just society? Both sides are barbaric. This doesn’t augur well at all. This looks like a long road for Libyans. Replacing one brutal force with another may seem to be beneficial for oil thirsty neo-colonial powers but it is destabilizing the region and with it the world.

The events in region are a warning in many ways. Firstly, dictators better watch out. Give way to democracy -basic rights and dignity to people. And yes if people catch you on the street unarmed they are unlikely to hug you. Saleh, Assad….and all others better watch out. These are not normal times. These are times of technology driven connectedness and transparency. Hitching on patriarchal traditions and feudal norms will not work. Secondly, the event also brings in a dangerous precedence of NATO intervention. NATO –military alliance of West, has no mandate and shouldn’t be allowed to work as machinery of UN (at least that is what is being positioned, surely this is far from the truth). NATO’s actions are illegal. The mandate of the international community is for UNPKF and not NATO. Any repeat of NATO taking over UN mandate should be thwarted.

Spooky: the above pic does have an uncanny resemblance to the picture in the blog below!!

Is keeping exotic pet part of American dream?

2011-10-19T19:55:00.007-10:00

First a nut was able to “collect exotic animals” (that puts severe pressure on conservation effort around the world, animals have a context and habitat) in a country that claims to be blessed by the none other than god, where respect for wildlife is non-existent. Then the nut let the animals free. The authorities then slaughter these hapless animals -49 animals, including 18 rare Bengal tigers. What kind of people are these? Are they humans? What kind of country is this?

So what is the learning for the Americans….well nothing much just that they will have more reasons to stock firearms and guns. All alien invasions, exotic pets gone wild –spiders, crocodiles, snakes…gods knows what, that is churned out from Hollywood apart from asserting “Americans as ultimate protectors of the world” is a victory of gun culture. Of course there are now ‘incredible animal videos’ to be made that Murdoch &Co will have to churn to the world, intervened by what car to buy and not to buy (here people are struggling to cope with inflation of food items while high end of crony capitalism is struggling to decide on which car, ads definitely seem to understand these cronies....well if you can decide by watching such nonsense surely one must be dumb. Wonder why so much money is spend on these nonsense while workers protest for better pay. Capitalism seem to favoring these dimwits. Crony Capitalism has more to do with mediators and manipulators...where some Indians truly shine). It’s a celebration of freedom of expression.

The kind of havoc Americans have played on the environment in many decades is nothing short of catastrophic (it’s the same model that is sought to be replicated across the world by the elites of the society as part of globalization). They have severely depleted the natural resources by their irresponsible lifestyle. American dream is world’s nightmare. And thank god they are in recession. Indeed the ‘development model’ is such that recession anywhere in the world is good for Nature.

God may save America but must definitely save us from Americans.

Condolence: On the death of one of the original and respected Malayalam writer Kakkanadan (George Varghese)

Protesting against a skewed system

2011-10-15T18:24:00.003-10:00

The Wall Street protest that is spreading across the world is against a system that goes against the grain of democracy. The protest is against a system that has turned exploitative. A system that is making the rich richer and poor poorer. A system that has benefited less than five percent of people while billions live on margins. These are facts that have been documented for decades now. Till recently the richer countries were cushioning these exploitation, and so the impact of these skewed system was least felt. It was pushed to poorer countries across the world. As many societies slipped into exploitation the economists called them as ‘cheap labour’. Despite the fact that they put in the same work, a worker located in developed country stand to gain many times more. With globalisation ‘cheap labour’ became natural option for ‘cost cutting’ and ‘profit’. Therefore jobs were shifted to poorer societies and therein lay the seeds of the problem. The richer society who till now were enjoying the fruits of exploitative system start to lose. Their advantage was turning into disadvantage, while the sweat shop in poorer countries went in the ruse of creating jobs. If at international level globalisation is unleashing imperialism then at national level (in countries like India) it is consolidating feudalism.

Capitalism that channelizes ideas, entrepreneurship and enterprise is how it should be, and this is what it was meant to be. Capitalism that values labour, hardwork, innovation...Alas Capitalism now thrives on manipulation and exploitation. It’s about ‘seizing the moment’ (thanks Crude Woman for the insight), it’s about nepotism and shady dealings that seems to define 'financial system'. At the core Capitalism is reduced to gambling (also referred to as ‘speculation’), greed of few who play with people’s hard earned money. And quite startlingly they don’t pay for nothing. The losses are transferred to people, and leaders around the world scramble to save the system (also called ‘deficit’). The Stock Exchange across the world epitomises these manipulations. It is in this world of manipulation and exploitation that crony capitalism thrives. Poorer societies where feudal norms are intact these system severely undermine any attempts on democracy. Capitalism has only added fillup to feudalist norms in the garb of development. It’s reduced to a sham. Exaggerated importance on Stock Exchange are fuelled by these very exploitative system to have a manipulative space, indeed they hold (blatant in many case) a threat to elected government and are used for forcing favourable policy decisions.

In India where the ‘fundamentals’ seems to be always ‘strong’, the crony capitalism has reached new high (India definitely is a case study on crony capitalism). With technology induced transparency more corruption cases are in open (a clear indication on how much loot must have happened in last many decades) but what ‘honourable’ Minister is concerned is as to how it will affect business!! Thankfully for us ordinary mortals Supreme Court ticked him off to restore some sanity. These are zombies of crony capitalism who don’t even know what they are talking about. Crony capitalism has the habit of creating self sustaining logic. In India serious issues that affect millions of people are only alibi for self serving people to create system for exploitation. It is in this context, it is not surprising that some crony capitalism driven media in India has sought (sought is the wrong word, manipulation is the apt word but I cannot keep using the same word again and again) to see Wall Street protest as agitation against price rise (incorrigibly cute).

These protests in the richer societies are significant; it is an indication of how things have reached its limit. And change could have come from West only. Countries like India have elite who are mostly direct beneficiary of crony capitalism –an extension of feudalism, they are co-opted. They have even co-opted democratic norms. This blogger sincerely hopes that these protests lead to some major systemic changes. Few people shouldn’t be allowed to play around with the lives of billions of people.

chitthi na koi sandesh jane vo kon sa desh jaha tum chale gaye

2011-10-09T20:57:00.010-10:00

There was something ethereal about Jagjit Singh's songs. Woh kagaz ki kashti happens to my (and indeed most people's) favorite song, probably one of the best songs ever. I was and will remain an ardent admirer of his songs.

Post script : too much serious stuff in last few days lets have some entertainment (at the expense of Crude Woman, of course...its not against a person per se- its about elements of crony capitalism. That we see manifested at bigger level as scams. These people are eating into the roots. If Kalmadi is in the jail why isn't ZK Bose (aka Rodent)? They also misused their power, to create clout. Didn't they?

Anna kiska murga hai?
This is what TV Channels have taken up as their next crusade. All it got them started was a rather vehement tweet from Crude Woman, who incidentally was having an intense competition in the sideline to appropriate Anna.
Wrote Crude Woman “Anna mera murga hai. Biriyani meh khaongi”
This was taken by her branding agent to instigate “debate”. In the meantime another TV channel screamed “Is the tweet war the end of the world?”. There was genuine consternation on the face of the anchor, whether it was due to the script he was reading seem tenuous.
Her competitor tweeted “Harkat-ul-chudail”.
Not to be left behind crude woman shot back “meh jaha bait jathi hoon langar wahi se shuru hotha hai. Mind it”
Just another glimpse of another day in the crude world of crony capitalism. Keep reading the space…

some people do change the world

2011-10-07T19:45:00.002-10:00

There are some people who change the world; Steve Jobs was undoubtedly one of them. What a guy!!

Like everyone else I too have my moment (tribulation to begin with) with computers. In my final days of college I was wondering what exactly I should be doing, since most people had started to speak about future and so on. I recall sitting in the college library with a piece of paper charting my future!. And I distinctly remember crossing computer from list of future involvement. I will have nothing to do with computer. This was the time when people were rushing into computer, C+ so on were quite popular. Many of classmates were hectic about Y2K, and attended training and moved to US. I just could not get it. I somehow found sitting in front of box not to my liking, and to know that Y2K was about correcting dates didn’t excite me at all. Much later computer morphed and internet became available, for once I knew the potential of this one and latched on to it as early as 1998, when internet became affordable. Since then it’s been an amazing experience. The contribution of likes of Steve Jobs in these innovations, I gather, has been phenomenal. Of course ipad, iphone etc though exceedingly significant has not really percolated to common people’s level so far. But I am sure these will eventually (I though believe mobile phones have been the most significant innovation that has reached to the lowest level and increased comfort never conceived before).

People like Steve Jobs are rare. They change the world as we know. It’s an Apple moment. They did make our life comfortable. And we are grateful to them aren’t we?

That's a Triple WoW !!!

Deeply saddened

2011-09-26T02:28:00.002-10:00

The Mahogany Tree
The noon sun, cobalt sky,
mahogany seeds spinning in dancer’s delight
where it lands
where it will sow
are matters of passing breeze
and reclining thoughts

I am shocked. This blogger expresses his heartfelt condolence on the sudden demise of Wangari Maathai. I have been following Green Belt Movement through her website (that is linked to this blog) for last many years and found her exceedingly inspiring

The wrath of nature on quaint Sikkim

2011-09-22T19:09:00.004-11:00

Sikkim truly is one of the beautiful states in India. Unfortunately on a seismic zone, and so mindless suffering and death. The scale of devastation is yet to unfold because of difficult terrain and landslide. It is saddening.

This blogger has high altitude sickness so didn’t venture towards north of Gangtok but must say wherever I traveled within this picturesque land it was worth the time. Splendorous Sikkim indeed. I use the adjective in its fullest sense and fervently hope things are back to normal and people find solace.

What has ex Chief Justice of India, ex Union Cabinet Secretary and ex Chief of Army to do with Coco Cola?

2011-09-15T20:17:00.008-11:00

Who can be against India Environment Council, it sounds good but when you know that it is created by “India Advisory Board of Coca-Cola” then there are reasons to be suspicious. Maybe this blogger is giving the impression of going all out against “soft drinks” for exploitation of natural resources. Sure it is, these are of course symbolic references, then there are liquor companies (that too come under luxury products. Drinking maybe personal choice but promotion of liquor should be illegal, even the surrogate ads). How much this not different from illegal mining? Not denying that it is good to see that private parties are taking initiatives, but the concern is why Government not taking action in protecting natural resources. Luxury product’s use of natural resources should be scrutinized and taxed heavily. It should be put in the context of basic needs of people and sustainability. Most seriously it is likely that these very MNC are using their clout to scuttle any strict law. So it is a very old wily game plan. Create a perception of goodness, use pliable people to spread aura. But when you have very senior people like ex Chief Justice of India, ex Union Cabinet Secretary and ex Chief of Army in the Board then this is a very serious matter, how much they have compromised. Why would these people be on the Board? What is their insight? Also Consider that Indian Army had serving officer suggesting us to drink this brand not too long back. Unethicality is accentuated by the fact that these were promoted by officer sportsperson wherein the product has no nutritive value, indeed its harmful affect is documented. Further, the trust and respect placed on the Army was sought to be accrued by MNCs. How much policy makers are compromising or succumbing to onslaught of MNCs is a mute question. Now this brand name is sought to be used for school…well for better brand recall catch them young! If they are so concerned about condition of schools why are they using their brand name?

It is being revealed recently that US Government officials tried pressurizing the Kerala government on opening of now closed exploitative Coca Cola plant. We all know that US government actively supports and promotes its business but when a powerful nation colludes with a MNC that is exploiting natural resource then you know why they call it neo colonial. There are too many people around the policy makers who are facilitating this loot. It is evident that it runs deep into the policy making, it is grievous.

Post script: the above ads –an earlier Coco Cola ad, states that “…babies who start drinking soda during the earlier formative period have a much higher chance of gaining acceptance in ‘fitting in’ during those awkward pre-teen and teen years…..start them on strict regimen of sodas and other sugary carbonated beverages right now….” Marvelous. Now they have gone sophisticated but the intent is same. We have Indian Army for help in 'fitting in'. Jai hind sirji!!

Bolivia celebrates 'Day of the Pedestrian'

2011-09-04T23:41:00.005-11:00

All motorized vehicles were taken off the street for a day in Bolivia. The usually congested streets were instead occupied by street artists and other performers. The president of the country even taking part in marathon. Wonderful

Gufthaguf with crude woman: I must leave this blog with an insight from Crude woman. Universally disliked and shunned Crude woman makes her presence felt in public space using TV studios with amazing dexterity. I found her going through the book on Thugs in Medieval India. A veteran in matters of manipulation, she has her own PR working for her personal halo. She explained that one has to be in a strategic position to maximise all events, whether it is celebration, death or protests. The way she justified her crassness was shocking “See look at the picture of these thugs”, she showed the illustration. Group of rough looking men were hiding at vantage position across the hill overlooking travellers. It made their job easy for a surprise attack on hapless travelling party and loot the booty. She explained that she has her PR working for her vantage space. The first step for capitalising, or shall we say seize the moment, is to exaggerate the person. Once inflated, he will fall (“outsiders are novice on matter of thuggery” she explained), so one has to be ready for suck. “Like this” and took a raspuri from the table and stuffed it onto her mouth. In matter of seconds she spat out the seed, dry and clean. All the while she tweeted using her left hand and a desultory smile (to show me how easy these things are) “let us join Anna, Anna thum marthe raho hum thumhare saath hai”. Within moments it was ‘breaking news’ in many TV channels; they flashed “Crude Woman says Join Anna”. It was an amazing feat. Exactly a minute later her competitor (its self consuming world they create, and try to suck us in) was 'breaking news' with her own one liner. She smiled “pahunche hue logon ka takkar hamesha pahunche hue logon ke saath he hotha hai”. I was told by the servant (a tall man with amazingly sad eyes) that recently crude woman had started to suffer from an affliction; she is startled from her sleep, clutching one of her ears as if it is a microphone and shouting “I want to rebut ..please let me”, and then slumps back into deep sleep. Later I came to know this has become a common occurrence in many cities wherein any member of the family was known to have visited TV studio....I guess it is time to leave this crude world but must add this one has lot of potential to be a full blown short story. Maybe i will work on it whenever i have time.

Libya's next war: freedom from foreign intervention

2011-09-01T22:17:00.003-11:00

People of Libya have done immense sacrifice and had to undergo untold hardship to remove a despot (next in the line is mass murderer of Syria) and gain freedom. This blogger like anyone else in the world is happy for Libyans (at one point there used to be lots of Keralites in Libya, I even knew about a girl who was named Libya!!). The war in Libya is far from over. After capturing Gadaffi and putting the criminals on trial the Libyan people will have to worry about the extent of foreign intervention. There is a neo colonial agenda that is a serious cause of concern. The reason why NATO has more say than UNPKF. People of Libya have a serious cause of worry.

Writes Stratfor, the geopolitics thinktank in Forbes magazine "For the United Kingdom, Libya offers a promise of energy exploitation. It is not a country with which London has a strong client-patron relationship at the moment, but one could develop if Muammar Gaddafi were removed from power. For France, Tripoli already is a significant energy exporter and arms customer. Paris' interest in intervening is also about intra-European politics … [French President Nicolas] Sarkozy has a history of using aggressive foreign relation moves to gain or maintain popularity at home."

We will have to take these views very seriously.

Defining moment all right, does it augur well?

2011-08-28T20:04:00.012-11:00

We are grateful to Anna Hazare for what he has done. He and others with their tremendous effort have put issues related to corruption at the centre stage. It is expected that an effective Lokpal (rather than strong lokpal) is created through the process of negotiation and consensus. Hopefully these don’t become Frankenstein monsters and threaten the democratic institutions itself. Indeed Lokpal is only one aspect of the issue; it isn’t an end in itself. I am glad that Anna and followers have decided to focus on electoral reforms. It is something that 'superior' parliament should have focused long time back. Do they realise how much misery their inaction has caused? Political parties seem to have got trapped in a self sustaining morass. It was necessary for an outside agency to stir things. Anna Hazare movement has done it. What is gladdening is that they have kept it at a simple level for the common people to relate to and understand, thus able to galvanize people. Which is refreshing considering these were accrued by Delhi based activist brigade, mostly fed by interest groups, that end up in get-together and seminars (I always found the menu sumptuous!!).

That the country got into this impasse is reflections of growing disconnect that elected representative have with common people. Those who are not having criminal background seem to suffer from such arrogance that they manipulate with impunity. They are chiding common sense of people. The inflated egos seem least concern to our problems, they value everything in terms of spin. The problem is small timers are masquerading as leaders, expertising in devious means. Unfortunately, in a way, they are by product of competitive democracy. Their concern seems to only score debating points with opposition. Another reason why two party system is so very dangerous, it reduces all issue into binary X vs Y- that market media loves to amplify to suit its narration. What is lost in these competing cacophonies and simplification is nuances of the issue that affect the people. What is lost in the clarion call of victory and defeat is varying views and multitude nature of society.

Corruption is a serious issue and the surging support is a reflection of common people’s angst, no less consolidated by anger at obvious attempt to manipulate by the Government. This anguish was channelized by media and Anna group. It is a rare occasion that there is a surging unanimity therefore overwhelming response. I am shocked to see how Congress Party can stoop to such cheapness, this moral bankruptcy was exploited and so Anna gained such credibility (and rightly so, the man is honest) despite elements of insular or that most people may not know what a Lokpal really include. It is sad that a Government that started with so much promise has been reduce to this. NAC is a brilliant conception and RTI is no mean achievement. This blogger believes that RTI was a watershed Act. But somewhere the manipulating elements seem to have taken the initiative. It is very likely the growing influence of the market- the PR fixers (i met Crude woman the other day, she insisted that she could have done better fixing!). They seem to have crept into higher level of policy making. It is a grievous concern.

This blogger sincerely hopes -despite my high regards for Anna, that these kinds of agitation don’t repeat. I am concerned since attempts to diminish the stature of parliament/politicians has been quite vocal among elites, in last two decades a significant section of people from lower strata are exerting their presence through ballot. The role of money in ballot has been apparent in the last elections. But the politicians will still have to go to common people for vote. They have to listen to people who are not necessarily watching TV debates. This representation however skewed cannot be undermined. It’s a collective faith of common people. If any attempts are made then we have only government to blame. The government should show genuine concern on the issues raised, and be seen as a positive presence. That is what people’s representation means. The Government should realise that art of governing is not manipulation. It is not fixer’s job. And yes it is not about creating perceptions. The market media might use terms like ‘fight for perception’ -it is a self justifying argument, but the fact is world doesn’t go round on perceptions. People’s lives are not matter of perception. If you are truthful, if your intents are clear and is meant for betterment then people will support you. The problem here is some of these ‘leaders’ are amazingly corrupt. They do manipulations and double talk to scuttle the issues that concern people. The exaggerated concern for perception arises from these. Secondly how can you work on perception? By coming in few TV channels? What a ridiculous understanding. Truly India shining. They seem to think if they engage few debating clubs they can solve problems of a billion people. It never happened that way and it never will.

Only market –as seen by ads, works through manipulations and by creating perception. India is not thankfully America, this not how things should work. Market (indeed market media) should have very limited role. Their exaggerated presence is a serious concern. There is a nexus that is detrimental to common people. I strongly suggest that there should be a core groups that handle mass media, that has focus and strategy (apart from the spokesperson) it is not the job of Cabinet minister to give exclusives. It is a travesty and waste of valuable time and money. It is a form of corruption.

It need also be understood that common people (indeed people like Anna) come from a space that carry idioms and context that is existent for thousands of years. In the debating club and media groups based in cities (particularly Delhi where the stampede is acute) they have carved out turfs for daily wages. The ideas and linchpins they create for defining secularism, freedom...etc vary quite significantly from common people. To take an example you go down to any small town in North India it is very likely you will be greeted with a “ram ram”, back in activist stampede of Delhi you could be classified as fundamentalist (RSS, mind it!) and condemned forever. In the meantime fabindia crowd score brownie points against each other. The so called human right activists based in Delhi (who i am sure are fed by powerful people, and also carrot for position and foreign tours) seem vicious set of the lot. It is understandable when you have so much to lick with so little effort (it boils down to shouting). It is so easy to speak for a billion people sitting in Delhi-Mumbai studio and accrue as much. Amazing, the fight against corruption. Since debating is now almost a game may i suggest the need for dope test, some of these speakers surely seem to be on steroids.

Anna Hazare is an excellent outcome but sooner or later the market media will find the going difficult. Already the discussions are interceded by glimpses of Formula One car race (that i am told is going to be ‘India is proud’ moment). How is that not corruption, forget corruption these are unethical. Market media has its own reason to create synergy against political class, in this case they have done a great job and Anna is a believable mask. But the way Indian media deals with issues in itself matter of scrutiny. You will have to see debates in foreign channels like say BBC to know how mediocre and frivolous Indian media is. Their penchant for small timers from movies and adworld (there are exception, like say Prasoon Joshi) in serious discussions reduce it to farce. There is rarely any much insight; “rebuttal” is a popular word. It’s disgusting.

The problem here is Anna is too real and a committed person (there though is a streak of avuncular patriarchy – not a major problem), he in a way epitomizes understandings of substantial section of society. Anna is made of studier material and is unlikely to compromise on his values. His outlook towards consumerism and worldview arising out of it –the one that market thrives on, will definitely clash with quaint world media has created. Anna is a mask that market media is trying to get their moral halo. For the time being it seems to be working.

You have made your point Mr Hazare

2011-08-23T19:53:00.003-11:00

Anna Hazare has made his point well and clear, and yes we are grateful to him for bringing the issue of corruption into forefront of the policy conscious. The way things are moving is grave cause of concern. This kind of unilateral posturing is dangerous, Anna cannot dictate terms however well intentioned. His methods are now definitely in the realm of undemocratic. He must look for inclusive –conciliatory, stance from here on. These statements against political class and democratic institutions are crossing the line. An effective Lokpal (rather than a strong lokpal) is the need of the hour apart from other institutional checks and balances.

In the meantime the Union government’s performance on the issue of corruption has been regrettable to say the least. There is an increasing trust deficit. Manmohan Singh will have to go. The writing is there on the wall for some time now. This blogger hopes fresh/honest new faces are elevated into policy making at the earliest. And yes Rahul Gandhi cannot shirk responsibility any longer; he is being irresponsible if he does. The support for Anna Hazare is much more than lokpal, its the general anger/frustration among significant section of population on various issues. Further those who may not support these agitations too are not satisfied by the competence of the present government. It’s time for some significant changes otherwise this government is going down murky road of history.

Remembering Rajiv Gandhi

2011-08-19T21:24:00.004-11:00

One of the assignment as a copywriter that was rejected -they eventually chose another copy, i though liked this one as much as i liked Rajiv Gandhi

Cartoon time!!

2011-08-17T19:15:00.002-11:00

criminality, pure and simple

2011-08-16T18:07:00.005-11:00

The Anna saga: Indian government seems to be working with a manipulator’s (fixer would right word) mindset. In the meantime is it arrogance or stupidity or combination of both? Some leaders are blaming the media, indeed they themselves are the one who gave ‘exclusive interviews’ and nurtured these “few thousand people in front of the camera”, at the expense of billion people. Well as they say the chickens have come home to roost.
The issue of corruption is firmly on the center stage, and hopefully some stringent steps/ laws are created for systemic changes, are gladdening outcome. Of course Parliament is important, but elections in last few decades or so have amply proved the hold of money. Many MPs/MLAs have criminal background is also a well known fact, many other serve for Corporate interest. The reason why non political figures are given so much trust by people, refreshing though it is but matter of concern. But not as much grave as the extraneous influence in policy making.
Why the Government is not serious about electoral reforms, or for that matter all these archaic laws that has been existing for centuries? Despite recommendations by Commission after Commission why the government doesn't seem to be interested in rectifying? Clearly it is helping certain section of society. And very clearly political parties (particularly at the national level) have entrenched elements that thrive on status quo. They have been sucking on common people. Anna-whatever reservation one may have on the modus- is no doubt a good start.

There were actors and then there was Shammi Kapoor !!

2011-08-15T20:17:00.000-11:00

The hunger strike

2011-08-12T23:46:00.009-11:00

What Anna Hazare is doing is his right, a right of every citizen in this country to protest peacefully. Hunger strike is the most peaceful way to protest, indeed an effective weapon. Pressure groups have the right to initiate, sustain and demand actions in a democratic way. As much as the union cabinet has the right to recommend what it deems necessary to the Parliament for discussion and further framing of law. It cannot prevent peaceful protests by citizens. That is how democracy functions. Any attempts otherwise is unconstitutional. It is in this space of contesting opinions compromises are reached. If Anna Hazare’s protest is popular then it is a reflection of the sentiments of a significant section of society. Of course government can choose to ignore. Whatever the case next few days is going to be quite interesting. Good for Indian democracy, let’s hope so.

The hunger artist

Kafka has always been my favorite writer, he is just incredible –indeed an inspiration. I have read all of his short stories many many times. It has nothing to do with Anna Hazare protest but i am reminded of the amazing short story The Hunger Artist -a dark comical story that is a must read. I post here part of it… enjoy reading enchanting Kafka. And yes this should be enough motivation for the readers of this blog to grab all the stories of Kafka at the earliest !!

…For he was also so skeletal out of dissatisfaction with himself, because he alone knew something that even initiates didn’t know—how easy it was to fast. It was the easiest thing in the world. About this he did not remain silent, but people did not believe him. At best they thought he was being modest. Most of them, however, believed he was a publicity seeker or a total swindler, for whom, at all events, fasting was easy, because he understood how to make it easy, and then still had the nerve to half admit it. He had to accept all that. Over the years he had become accustomed to it. But this dissatisfaction kept gnawing at his insides all the time and never yet—and this one had to say to his credit—had he left the cage of his own free will after any period of fasting. The impresario had set the maximum length of time for the fast at forty days—he would never allow the fasting go on beyond that point, not even in the cosmopolitan cities. And, in fact, he had a good reason. Experience had shown that for about forty days one could increasingly whip up a city’s interest by gradually increasing advertising, but that then the public turned away—one could demonstrate a significant decline in popularity. In this respect, there were, of course, small differences among different towns and among different countries, but as a rule it was true that forty days was the maximum length of time. So then on the fortieth day the door of the cage—which was covered with flowers—was opened, an enthusiastic audience filled the amphitheatre, a military band played, two doctors entered the cage, in order to take the necessary measurements of the hunger artist, the results were announced to the auditorium through a megaphone, and finally two young ladies arrived, happy about the fact that they were the ones who had just been selected by lot, and sought to lead the hunger artist down a couple of steps out of the cage, where on a small table a carefully chosen hospital meal was laid out. And at this moment the hunger artist always fought back. Of course, he still freely laid his bony arms in the helpful outstretched hands of the ladies bending over him, but he did not want to stand up. Why stop right now after forty days? He could have kept going for even longer, for an unlimited length of time. Why stop right now, when he was in his best form, indeed, not yet even in his best fasting form? Why did people want to rob him of the fame of fasting longer, not just so that he could become the greatest hunger artist of all time, which, in fact, he probably was already, but also so that he could surpass himself in some unimaginable way, for he felt there were no limits to his capacity for fasting. Why did this crowd, which pretended to admire him so much, have so little patience with him? If he kept going and kept fasting even longer, why would they not tolerate it? Then, too, he was tired and felt good sitting in the straw. Now he was supposed to stand up straight and tall and go to eat, something which, when he merely imagined it, made him feel nauseous right away…

Market’s orphans

2011-08-11T18:22:00.007-11:00

When one sees the rioting, the impunity with which the youngsters loot around the streets of a rich country, you know there is a problem. And the problem is not about social disparity and the alienation therein that is common to all the societies across the world, the case here is definitely not about abject disparity. The reason very likely is relative disparity (need to add here that compared to societies like India they are significantly rich and enjoy better living conditions despite notions of disparities) therefore it is psychological in nature than societal, things like greed, jealousy...that market thrives on. It also breeds exaggeration, a mirage created that the youngsters in all likelihood want to grab. It’s about seizing the opportunity, context though keeps changing as the situation. Ethics are expendables. So it is not surprising that law becomes an ass to fool around. In the free market society laws are indeed looked down upon since it asks for discipline –hints of responsible behaviour. Somewhere there is an understanding that market comes closer to freedom than democracy -in some circles democracy is even seen as a hindrance as much as compassion is an unprofessional conduct. Market we are told replicate/cater to deeper human sentiments, therefore true nature.

We all want to live in a free world. Flying around like birds, flitting, chirping and doing whatever one feels like. O whatever a wonderful world that is. But one realises even in this world with all seeming of freedom lies some laws. It is called law of nature –hinged on as it is on sustenance, at a more elemental level referred to as principals of nature/physics that great scientists have spent their lifetime decoding, in the meanwhile inventions increasing our physical comfort. The problem begins when you start to define values from utilitarian context and try to find greater truth within this parameter. Then you justify irresponsible behaviour (like for instance wanton waste...i would like to give an example from mainstream market here: car racing, for instance. It is not only insulting common sense, but this juvenile affliction is a serious threat to Nature and whatever values, responsible behaviour is sought to inculcate). The distinction between need and greed is blurred and so is what is appropriate. In the market context it is an invitation to loot. In a ‘normal’ market driven world this is confined to the richer class. The system sustains the rich (in India some even have the audacity to initiate “whether crackdown on corruption harming economy”!!). Sometimes crack start to show in this economic system they call it by different names “recession” “downturn” “meltdown” so on. Herein they want us to increase our consumption, so that there is a demand, so that they can produce more and sell, and therefore the system is back to normal. It depends on how much we consume, the more the merrier. They have borrowed so much that unless gargantuan consumption they will collapse. Could you believe that? More ridiculous is, it seems, that world economy is very much dependent on consumption by Americans, otherwise it sends “jitters” around the world stock. So what i have gathered is: more the Americans consume safer the world. As Mr. Bush put it so very eloquently a decade back “go out and shop!!”.

And then there are occasions wherein there is complete break down and lumpen get justification, and the loot becomes less sophisticated and rather apparent. It makes a compelling viewing...hooded ruffians, burning shops -than board meetings of Dow Chemicals. The kids brought up in market mirage that pumps one line exaggerations and a different world all the while all the time are now abandoned on the street. Its like "you got to take care for yourself we aren't bothered". Thus market's orphans. It is a terrifying reality that creates violence as a viable option.

I am wondering, since we live in moral vacuum, do riots and looting fuel demand? Replenishment means increased demand. Does the despicable events in London actually helping the economy in the long run? The way the system works, it is very likely. Therein lies the problem.

No Aarakshan please !!

They tried the old trick and it splattered on their face. Create controversy, get publicity, capitalise, move on. I gather the promos of the Hindi movie “Aarakshan” was specifically meant to instigate and create controversy, which is normal (making sucker out of unsuspecting people is normal isn’t it?). But then this is no normal issue. The market ploy seems to have splattered on their face. They got the target audience right: the urban mall audience. So they thought they could go all out, and get away with obnoxious promos (something to do with kauva-hans...o dear birds!!). Instigate the lower strata, use them, make it emotive....and so atleast one section-target audience, will watch. Goody goody marketing strategy. Now they tell us to watch the movie before deciding!! (so cute) No dear got it wrong, even if the story has nothing to do with issue of Reservation is about Kamsin Kanya or Shabbu chudail!!. You don’t mess around like that. Issue of Reservation cannot be seen in market context, these are serious issues and cannot be trivialised, in case you want to bring it out into market medium you will have to be sensitive or face the consequences. Atleast people here haven’t really come out and broken shops like in London. So there, the market makes movie for its clients-audience, and tries to maximise by whatever means. While the politicians take their action because it satisfies their clients-voters. In this turf war market media is a charming conduit. Giving us the vision of freedom and expressions. In the meantime all out promotion is insignificant alibi. In this market zeal and commotion what is probably lost is Prakash Jha movie –the man makes some excellent movies.

The issue of freedom of expression is important and defining part of evolved society, and is indeed hinged on the ideas of ethics. Market media and controversy seeking strategy for self promotion is in itself anathema to these cherished values. What we see is a skirmish between devious and deceit for the specific aim of publicity. Good timepass.

On why Ela Bhatt is an important person of our time

2011-08-08T19:02:00.007-11:00

"SEWA organizes women who work in their homes, in the streets of cities, in the fields and villages of rural India, with no fixed employer, carving their small niche in the economy, day by day, with only their wits to guide them against incredible odds of vulnerability, invisibility, and poverty." Where Women are Leaders (Kalima Rose)

I came across this book We Are Poor but So Many, the other day and happen to read some excerpts. Ela Bhatt is one incredible person. She arguably is one of the most important people of our time (I don’t want it to reduced to woman, though there is no doubt she is significant). Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) has enabled its members to build and own assets, withstand competition, and access health care, child care, shelter, insurance, and credit. SEWA's membership of rural and urban women working in the informal economy has burgeoned from 320 women in 1973, to about 12.5 lakh women across the country as of 2009. Bhatt's vision extended the conventional idea of a trade union to an entirely unconventional terrain. Whereas most trade unions in the world are constituted of workers in medium or large-scale enterprises which are part of the organised industry, SEWA was the first union of its kind whose members were poor, self-employed women from different communities scattered across a variety of trades.

There is a talk on who should be awarded Bharat Ratna, market media will have its self serving choices. My choice (if I have one!) will no doubt be Ela Bhatt. On this year that is being celebrated as International Year of Cooperatives by United Nation it is time to celebrate and cherish contribution of Ela Bhatt. And yes i believe contribution is more important than achievements.

Post script: Since we are speaking about awards this blogger will indeed vote Ela Bhatt for Nobel Prize, it will be amazing if it happens. Others on my list from India (in Literature) include Mahashweta Devi and Arundhati Roy. Amitav Ghosh and Anita Desai are at longer odds!! Geez is this turf club or something!!! But you wouldn’t believe there are people (including this blogger) who will even bet on these. I love betting and wouldn’t mind putting my money on someone at astronomical odds, frankly there is no fun in even money bet! Hey what about the youngsters in Cairo, they created a revolution didn't they?

Celebrating Tagore

2011-08-08T00:06:00.002-11:00

A case of Tam Bram gone haywire

2011-07-28T20:21:00.005-11:00

Is there any learning for certain Mister Narasimhan Ram and family?
Pretentious and manipulative people who have positioned themselves to teach us mortals and lead us to salvation have no need for learning I guess!!
(in the meantime another fellow who goes by the name Harsh Mander -Gujarat riots has made career for lots of people -riots are cottage industry for well placed -elites working on clinches, has gone to the other extreme of the spectrum. Should such devious people have any right to be in NAC?)

Why a paradise turned to hell?

2011-07-24T20:14:00.004-11:00

….more you think about it, more it becomes surreal….or is there something the world doesn’t know? What this blogger knows about Norway (from the Net) is that it is a quaint little country with not much disparities among its population who enjoy a high standard of living. What created so much anger in this pristine and comfortable surrounding is difficult to fathom. It is shocking that a single man with enough ammunition could go around shooting 100 odd people-mostly youngsters, never even heard a thing like this before, it’s unbelievable.

In the meantime I take strong exception to the “experts” who tend to come in 24x7 TV channels. One man even reminded us, as the tragedy was unfolding in Oslo, that Islamists were targeting Norway, firstly because of involvement in Afghanistan (this stand gets the veneer of condoning in certain circle) and secondly he quite obnoxiously pointed the presence of newspaper office that published Mohamed cartoons in the vicinity of blast. Why do we need these views? Why can’t the TV channels (BBC in this case) behave more maturely?

Two questions, dho sawal, randu chodiyam, eradu prashna !!!

2011-07-21T18:59:00.008-11:00

this an earlier blog i posted some years back...was reading it other day and so thought of republishing!!

It was in my early twenties that I came across this remarkable book (most probably from the pavement of Chennai, not sure though) The Great Religions –by which men live (Floyd Ross and Tynette Hills). Published in 1956 Beacon Press

USA

it is quite an old book, the pages are so fragile that I keep it in a plastic cover. I had a fractious relation with religion in my teens, later though I did try to explore this concept and I have traveled to most sacred spots of all the religions that exist in the country. Also read about other religions and animist traditions not found in this region. I recall interacting and asking questions with people on religion and their perspective. It was an amazing experience.

This book tries to bring in the best of all religion and therefore a good reference point. The forward to the book says “it is unfair to measure any religion by its lowest expressions. All religions have their heights as well as their lowlands, and the heights are to be seen clearly in their creators, their founders and their great literature. The measure of religion is its best ideals”. This precisely the point of exploration in this blog- the followers take on religion with reference to two very simple but relevant questions. I started this a year back and could have finished it in few weeks but then earning is important- so had to break into months (geez if only I had won the jackpot at race, anyway i won enough to sponsor my tour!!), also I wasn’t only into these when traveling there are many more interesting thing to work on and observe. Years back I used to do things for my personal understanding now that I have a blog and a camera I am attempting to document these. I am always curios about what common people thought about their surroundings and events centuries ago, unfortunately there were no blogs. Few centuries from now if someone bumps into my blog and gets some understanding I will be honored. In that sense history has just began: The history of common people. Also this ‘inquiry’ is very much influenced by tradition of Greek philosophers- they started with simple questions, and Indian mystics. The intention of religion has always been for common good by enlightened people. It provides solace to people in day to day hardships and unpredictability. It is a reference point that connects individual to the infinite. It provides private space for communion with the almighty. Religion is a force that has guided millions of people throughout the centuries to goodness.

Care was taken to choose people who were ardent follower and practitioner of the religion and not those who were part of power structure or heads-that would be skewed opinion. Although I am putting their snap but I gave them anonymity by not revealing their name. Also, the locations were chosen that had a symbolic reference to the concerned religion in this country. Covering the relegions in india is like covering the world!!. Its amazing. Probably what is left is Shintoism, Taoism, Confucianism...

The two questions asked were:

What does religion mean to you?.....the answers generally had the elements of the religion the person followed. His/her perspective on best of the religion that has percolated into their understanding, and therefore attitude.

What does happiness mean to you?....in the increasingly consumerist world we live in the question is very pertinent. Surprisingly none of the response had any reference to money or material. One wonders whether market is really in sync with human nature, are we creating a schizophrenic society?. Nothing explains complete disregard to people, environment and surrounding. Also note that the western understanding of secularism is anti-religion as a reaction to atrocities and irrationality of faith. But this distancing from religion has put them in the lap of consumerism. It is therefore not a coincidence that in western context secularism goes quite easily with greed and indulgence. Also note no religion ever encourages profligacy bringing it in direct contradiction to consumerism. The attack on religion in the name of secularism needs to be seen in this context also.

Sikh at Harmandir sahib (Golden temple, Amritsar, Punjab)

What does religion mean to you?

The one that helps everyone (jisse sabka bhalla hoe). Guru Gobind Singh ji is our path. This amrith pani (the one that surrounds the Harmandir Sahib where the holy Guru Granth is kept) will spread pureness. It will help everyone. Nam japo or kirat karo (take lords name and do righteous acts)

What does happiness mean to you?

The action that helps everyone brings happiness. Sharing is happiness.

About Sikhism and golden temple: Sikhism was founded by Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, (1469-1538). At Sultanpur, he received a vision to preach the way to enlightenment and God. The word Sikh means learner. Golden temple is the most revered place of worship for Sikhs and one of the oldest Gurdwaras. Guru Granth Sahib is the holy text. The Sikhs are to have five K’s, one includes uncut Kesh-hair, making them easily recognizable with turban. Sikhs are spread throughout the world, there are some 30million followers of Sikhism.

Buddhist monk at Dharamshala (McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is compassion. If you are compassionate then you become enlightened.

What does happiness mean to you?

Well at this point I am not very happy, I cannot speak. I am getting nightmares about Tibet. I am not getting sleep.

Since most monks are not very communicative, mostly smiling at the question. Not entirely satisfied with above answers I decided to ask the questions to someone who is comfortable with probing. I found this young man, he had come from Tibet in 1997.

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is one that creates holiness that brings spiritualism in one oneself.

What does happiness mean to you?

Right thinking creates right action that produces happiness. You have to think right. (since he had left his family, friends, home, at Tibet and was uncertain about future I asked him isn’t it difficult to have that state of mind)…context of the mind changes, you have to create.

About Buddhism and Dharamshala: Buddhism is based on the teaching of Gautama Buddha (560 to 480 BC). Buddha gave the middle path- a path of moderation, separating from extremes of self indulgence and self mortification. He gave insight into the nature and cause of human suffering which was ignorance, along with steps necessary to eliminate it. These truths were then categorized into the Four Nobel Truth- the state of supreme liberation, a state of Nirvana.

Dharamshala is where there is huge presence of practicing Buddhists. Dalai Lama is most revered around the world.

Muslim at Jama Masjid (old Delhi)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion speaks truth, follow Allah follow truth. That is all I know and I do my prayers.

What does happiness mean to you?

Making other’s happy and giving alms to poor, respecting others. Create your talent (hunar) use it for betterment. Talent (hunar) is created by following usul (I guess the English translation would be rule or way or discipline). Ek usul hotha hai. Hunar usul se atha hai.

(Our man happens to be from surat Gujarat. He claims to be the best pehlwan in the town, he was also bit uneasy about being illiterate. He told me to create hunar through my pen since I was scribbling down what he was saying. Kalam se hunar paidha karo!!.....well don’t know much about that but yes I love blogging).

About Islam and Jama Masjid: Islam originated from the teaching of Prophet Mohammad in the 7th century. The word Islam means submission to God. Muslims believe that God revealed Koran to Mohammad. Jama Masjid is one the biggest and well known mosque in India build by Shah Jahan. There is much material on the Net about Islam, the bloggers may go through that.

Christian Sister at Palayur, Thrissur (Kerala)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion for me is love, doing good for society. Religion gives me contentment and strength.

What does happiness mean to you?

Happiness is about accepting oneself as we are. No comparison with other, envy creates unhappiness. Also happiness is not harming others, making others unhappy, by words and action.

About Christianity and Palayur: Christianity is based on the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians call the message of Jesus as gospel -good news. Bible is the revealed text. Christianity basically put the foundation of western civilization. Palayur Church is probably one of the oldest church in Asia, established by St. Thomas in 52AD. Christianity is one of the largest religion there are ample material in the Net.

Jew at Jew Market Ernakulam (Kerala)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is meant for humanity’s goodness. I say my prayers regularly and concentrate on my job.

What does happiness mean to you?

As Freud said (he reminds me that Freud was a Jew!!) enmity to others is cause of all unhappiness. Palestine problem is due to enmity and so are all the problems in the world.

About Judaism and Jews in Kerala: Judaism is one of the oldest religions tracing its history to more than 1000 BC. According ot jews judasim began with covenant (bond) between God and Abraham. Judaism is a religion based on principle and ethics. There is no single body or person but sacred texts (tanakh), traditions and learned rabbis. They faced lots of prosecution in the name of crusades and inquisitions. In Kerala it is believed that Jews came around 700BC some even date it to the period of King Solomon (1000BC) referred to as “black jews”, mostly found in Ernakulum market. The Pardesi Jew or “white Jew” came later during trade links of 17th and 18th century, found in Kochi. It need be noted that most have migrated to Israel.

Baha’i at Lotus Temple (Delhi)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is a way of living. It provides spiritual guidance. There are two sides of religion: Spiritual and Social. The spiritual remains eternal wherein the social changes with time. Religion is like a book and God sends messengers to add the chapters.

What does happiness mean to you?

There is a song I learned in my school (run by the Bahai faith)
Time to be happy is now
Place to be happy is here
Way to be happy is to make someone happy
To bring little heaven on earth.

About Baha’i and lotus temple: Baha’i is a very young religion founded by Bahaullah in nineteenth century. Baha’i means splendor. The Baha’i faith emphasis on spiritual unity of all humankind, they underline the unity in all religion and shun prejudices. Humanity is seen as collective evolution. Inspired by Indian tradition of reverence to Lotus the Baha’i temple was designed as a lotus in marble the nine entrance symbolizing nine major religions of the world. It is an architectural wonder.

Hindu at Haridwar (har ki pauri. Uttranchal)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is serving God. Bhagwan sarv vyapi hai (god is infinite, all knowing). Bhakti meh hi puja hai (don’t know how to translate that!!). this world moves with the devotion of pilgrims.

What does happiness mean to you?

There are two types of happiness. One is worldly- like if you pass an exam or happiness in grihasth (loosely meaning family life). Next is in serving God. The inner contentment that comes with devotion to God. Happiness is always with you.

(typical to sadhus in here he defined himself as bogi!!!. And said “ann ka datha sadha sukhi. Vastra ka datha kaml pathi. Meva misht anant sripathi”. He forced me to buy condiments-sugar, flour, butter… for him from a shop!!!).

About Hinduism and haridwar: well…well what to write about Hinduism??!!!. I am a Hindu…whatever that means!!. I do adore many things about Hinduism, most importantly the freedom, the non exclusive nature. It is a way of life. Please read more about it in the Net. Haridwar is a very sacred palace for Hindus, it means ‘gateway to God’. According to Hindus haridwar-har ki pauri to be specific, is the one of the four spots where the nectar from the cosmic churning fell. It is a sacred sight for kumbh mela. Ganges river is like a mother to Hindus.

Jain at Palitana (Bhavnagar, Gujurat)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion is a mean to control negative emotion like anger and greed. A healthy person is a person with healthy mind. A healthy body is useless if the mind is not healthy. Atma is eternal, it is more precious than body.

What does happiness mean to you?
Happiness from devotion, most happiness is momentary. Long lasting Happiness is a process that takes time for the mind to understand. Agla bhav (future state of mind) is very much determined by purv bhav (early state of mind).

About Jains and Palitana: Jainism is one of the ancient religions. True Perception, True/Right Knowledge and True/Right Conduct is the path to attain Moksha. Jains strongly believe in non violence and are strict vegetarians. Non-violence to minimizing new Karmas to get attached to the soul, every soul is considered worthy of respect as it has potential to become pure soul. Since Jains emphasized on non violence, Jains took jobs in business. They are one of the most literate communities in the country, generously contributing to educational institutions and libraries. I read in the Net that although they constitute less than a percent of Indian population they contribute 24% of the tax collected!!!.

Palitana is considered one of the most sacred pilgrim centers of Jains. There are some thousand odd temples constructed on the hill and is dedicated to the first tirthankar (guru) Adinath (rishabdeva).

Zoroastrian (or Parsi) at Udvada (Gujarat)

What does religion mean to you?

Religion gives stability and preserves virtues. Humata, Huktha and Huwarsta- good words, thoughts and deeds.

What does happiness mean to you?
Following religion gives peace of mind that is happiness. Religion gives strength in hardship and difficulty.

About Zoroastrians and Udvada: a religion that traces back to 9-10th century BC. Zoroastrian is based on the philosophy and teachings ascribed to the prophet Zarathustra. There is one universal and transcendental God, Ahura Mazda- the one Uncreated Creator to whom all worship is ultimately directed. The energy of the creator is represented in Zoroastrianism by Fire and the Sun, which are enduring, radiant, pure and life sustaining. Zoroastrians usually pray in front of some form of fire.

Udvada is the place where the oldest fire temple is located in India, it is also considered most sacred since it has highest grade “ritual fire” and is the oldest continuous burning fire in the world.

Ayo Ente Padmanabha !!

2011-07-18T23:06:00.016-11:00

This blogger has been watching the events at Sreepadmanabhaswamishetram in Thiruvanthapuram with much amusement. Unlike what some in the media want us to believe it is not really a “treasure” it is a nercha by the royal family over centuries. Apparently the royal family was aware of these valuables. This blogger doesn’t give any damn about royal families and other hereditary claims but when it comes to the Travancore royalty I am in reverence and hold them in highest regard. Their egalitarian worldview and concern for common people is one main reason for high level of social indices in particular literacy in south part of a small state called Kerala. Indeed south Kerala’s art and culture owe much to the royalty. Even the present royal family consist of sophisticated people concerned about the issues related to common people, eschewing ostentation or mistaking any grand bearing about oneself unlike most royalties across the world. They are the most humane set people worth emulating.

I recall when I was in my first year of college and visited the temple during araatu festival, venerable Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma Maharaja was carrying the sword in a procession as part of custom, I happen to be inside the temple, when maharaja passed by everybody bowed except of course yours truly. The frail maharaja (who expired an year later) gave me such a stare that I still recall with much trepidation. Later an elder explained to me about greatness of the king and so on. I also recall taking my friends (mostly Christians) to the temple on my 19th birthday, I really wanted to do something different.

Padmanabhaswamy shetram is probably one temple that I have visited the most apart from of course Guruvayur. When we were kids there was hype about the clock tower at the temple that had goats that would strike its forehead onto each other with the clock ringing the hour. The way it was told to us gave glimpse of running goats and so on. So with high expectation we were at the temple, and when the goats did a minor oscillation instead of fiercely attacking each other at the strike of the hour, boy wasn’t I disappointed?!!

Many outsiders may not know this but even the name of the capital city –Thiruvanathapuram- comes from the lord Padmanabha, he is in ananthashayanam the name traces from this. Whenever I go to Thiruvanathapuram I make it a point to have tea at a shop opposite to the temple that gives a marvelous view of the temple (similar to the one in the picture above), it is a sight I cherish.

When train accidents happen...

2011-07-11T16:54:00.012-11:00

It is terrifying to see train accidents, every time i see one i feel so very lucky and cannot help thinking for unfortunate victims. I guess this is what makes people fatalists, when things are not in control what else can one do? And then you have reports that maybe policy makers are not being competent. Railway ministry is a plum ministry, i hear. Everything said and done accidents shouldn’t happen but one has to consider comparing the number of trains and the passengers travelling (it almost is a size of a nation on the move), therefore statistically one may say that accidents rates are not very high.

I guess it was last year and i was on a train from Bhuvneshwar to Howrah and for few seconds there was this huge clattering noise as if train is going through mound of gravel. That probably was longest few seconds for all of us. Some people really got panicky; i too went into maybe-this-is-how-it-is-going-to-end kind of thought. Fortunately for us nothing happened, and everyone exchanged some nervous smile and went back to their business. Collective fear can be a terrifying moment, it takes precious time to extricate oneself and think as an individual and pretend to be unconcerned (some mistake it for courage).

What individualism means to Murdoch and what it meant to Oscar Wilde

It is to be noted that individualism does not come to the man with any sickly cant about duty, which merely means doing what other people want because they want it, or any hideous cant of self sacrifice, which is merely a survival of savage mutilation. In fact, it does not come to a man with any claims upon him at all. It comes naturally and inevitably out of man. It is the point to which all development tends. It is the differentiation to which all organisms grow. It is the perfection that is inherent in every mode of life, and towards which every mode of life quickens. And so individualism exercises no compulsion over man. On the contrary, it says to man that he should suffer no compulsion to be exercised over him. It does not try to force people to be good. It knows people are good when they are let alone. Man will develop individualism out of himself. Man is now so developing individualism. To ask whether individualism is practical is like asking whether evolution is practical. Evolution is the law of life, and there is no evolution except towards individualism. Where this tendency is not expressed, it is a case of artificially arrested growth, or of disease, or of death. Individualism will also be unselfish and unaffected...

That was a paragraph from The Soul of Man Under Socialism. In the same essay – incidentally written more than a century ago, Oscar Wilde writes something that is so very prescient “English public opinion, that is to say, tries to constrain and impede and warp the man who makes things that are beautiful in effect, and compels the journalist to retail things that are ugly, or disgusting, or revolting in fact, so that we have the most serious journalists in the world and the most indecent newspapers. It is no exaggeration to talk of compulsion. There are possibly some journalists who take a real pleasure in publishing horrible things, or who, being poor, look to scandals as forming a sort of permanent basis for an income. But there are journalists, i feel certain, men of education and cultivation, who really dislike publishing these things, who knows that it is wrong to do so, and only do it because the unhealthy conditions under which their occupation is carried on oblige them to supply the public with what the public wants, and to compete with other journalists in making that supply as full and satisfying to the gross popular appetite as possible. It is a very degrading position for anybody of educated men to be placed in, and i have no doubt that most of them feel it acutely”.

Writing in today's Guardian Newspaper Columnist George Monbiot suggests a charter for National union of Journalist . What is true here for Britain is also true for all the world

“Our primary task is to hold power to account. We will prioritise those stories and issues which expose the interests of power. We will be wary of the relationships we form with the rich and powerful, and ensure that we don't become embedded in their society. We will not curry favour with politicians, businesses or other dominant groups by withholding scrutiny of their affairs, or twisting a story to suit their interests....
We will stand up to the interests of the businesses we work for, and the advertisers which fund them. We will never take money for promulgating a particular opinion, and we will resist attempts to oblige us to adopt one...
We will recognise and understand the power we wield and how it originates. We will challenge ourselves and our perception of the world as much as we challenge other people. When we turn out to be wrong, we will say so".

This is what Press Council of India had to say "News is meant to be objective, fair and neutral – this is what sets apart such information and opinion from advertisements that are paid for by corporate entities, governments, organizations or individuals. What happens when the distinction between news and advertisements start blurring, when advertisements double up as news that have been paid for, or when “news” is published in favour of a particular politician by selling editorial spaces? In such situations, a section of the reader or the viewer can hardly distinguish between news reports and advertisements/advertorials. Marketing executives use the services of journalists – willingly or otherwise – to gain access to political personalities. So-called “rate cards” or “packages” are distributed that often include “rates” for publication of “news” items that not merely praise particular candidates but also criticize their political opponents. Candidates who do not go along with such practices on the part of media organizations may be denied coverage. Sections of the media in India have willy-nilly become participants and players in such practices that contribute to the growing use of money power in politics which undermines democratic processes and norms –while hypocritically pretending to occupy a high moral ground. This has not merely undermined democracy in India but also tarnished the country’s reputation".

Despicable

2011-07-07T17:18:00.004-11:00

if these are happening in Britain, i shudder to think what might the case in countries with huge disparities like India. Crony capitalism, nepotism and concentration of power with few sections has all the remnance of feudalism. I am quite certain that they can with ease snoop into common people's conversation at will. Yes freedom of expression is important but the context in which media works as also the realities of the society makes aspiration and dignity of common people paramount, their privacy is not a matter of profit or boardroom haggling. Freedom of expression has become a ruse for exploitation. This is neo capitalism. Murdoch is a symptom of primitive world build on sophisticated edifice.

unfortunate

2011-07-01T01:56:00.011-11:00

...its unfortunate these positive dope tests. This blogger thinks that although the issues related to cheating in sports must be dealt in all its severity but in this case leniency must be shown as these athletics were not in knowledge of their doing as it is being pointed out they didn't have any experts (read doctors/ support staff) with them so they might have committed the mistakes unknowingly. Secondly they are in the field for many years and are reputed they know the consequences of these banned substances.

Post Script: last week or so has been quite productive for me in terms of writing short stories (visit www.depalans.blogspot.com). I wrote not one but three, one more is gestating in my laptop-will take few more days. I want to dedicate these short stories. The first one "A Minor Incident" to Team Anna as also members of NAC who are doing a wonderful job for the society, while the next one "Shuklam -The rebel" to people at Taj safari...there were hiccups but i had wonderful time. Life is about memories, indeed i had wonderful time at Baanjar tola. Next one "The Matter of Keenness" to my friend Mudappa (crazy Coorgi punter). Cheers!!

Can any group have the right to arm twist the government?

2011-06-13T18:55:00.005-11:00

Consternation, bewilderment ...are the words one would reserve for experience while at some circus but the way responsible people are behaving is nothing short of a spectacle. A circus so badly managed that they end up embarrassing each other but still wait for applause from the audience. Indian democracy at its worst. Wonderful is it not?

First some facts: Corruption is a serious issue (instances are mindboggling, so is the low level of prosecution), Black money is a reality, billions are stashed abroad and much more must be within the country. There is no point in questioning the exact number, it is substantial and that cannot be denied. What is also true is that laws have been ineffective.

Despite all these hard facts subsequent governments have done precious little (one must add RTI has been a great step, i read Whislteblower bill is on the way). It seems corruption is not a concern, rightly so since it almost always favours the powerful. Corruption hits common people quite badly. So it is expected that there be a response and galvanise government into action. However unrepresentative ‘civil society’ may be and members wanting as also they may not have any ‘constitutional authority’ but people like Anna Hazare (and Baba Ramdev-whatever lacuna he has) do have substantial backing of people, and yes majority of people who may not come out to protest do want something significant to be done about corruption. The results of elections in Tamil Nadu is one of the ways people respond, but to carry this on without taking any action or systemic changes against corruption is akin to cheating people. Experience tells us same people do come back. Democracy is not solely about electing one’s representative, it is about being responsible representatives. The system doesn’t seem to be working that way, it has got reduced to winning and losing election, the interim that is referred to as governance is getting reduced to making money and influence. The growing nexus between corporate-government-market media is a source of serious concern.

The so called ‘civil society’ however well intentioned has absolutely no right to arm twist the government. They can at the best be pressure groups. And they have done a remarkable job of pressurising the government into framing the Lokpal, that was kept pending for so many years. It is now the discretion of the elected government to take what input it find necessary and present it to the parliament. During this process ‘civil society’ can express its displeasure, if any, by going for protest or hunger strike (which is the most peaceful and effective way of protest). All conducted within the law of the land.

It is unfortunate and regrettable the way Union Government has conducted itself in the past few months. It seems to be reduced to bunch of fixers, who are seen conniving. What is the problem here? Is handling Anna Hazare or Baba Ramdev or the issue they raise that challenging? Frankly is there any need for challenging or posturing? Why can’t they be frank and truthful? Why do they get reduced to placating and then calling names? Is this how the Party that people of the country of billion elected behave? I think too many manipulative people have got into the leadership position. They don’t see solutions they see opportunism. I am shocked

I must point to one person named Digvijay Singh, is this what Congress party all about? The man even went to the extent of kicking the shoe wielding ‘journalist’, even after the fellow was apprehended. He later mentions that he is foot soldier and has fought in the street. Yes truly Gandhian, so who is the goon who is the thug? (not that Baba Ramdev has done any better, but i am more inclined to the issues).

And yes i would like to see the promise made by the government on mother tongue texts and curriculum particularly for MBBS, activated at the earliest. The shortage of doctors in villages is shocking to say the least. Why haven’t they realised this six decades back or is it that like some buffoons who think ‘English is merit’ they allowed millions of people to suffer and die due to lack of medical care. Indeed India’s record on these matters is abysmal. If only mother tongue medium medical colleges were functioning things wouldn’t have been this bad. Look at the shocking statistics of MMR, U5MR, malnutrition...condition of PHCs. Are Rozgar yojanas meant only to make roads? And why public health centres less important than roads?

The Great Indian Bustard is now Critically Endangered

2011-06-10T17:01:00.002-11:00

Excerpt from IUCN release...

One of the world’s largest species of bird is on the brink of extinction according to the 2011 IUCN Red List of Threatened Speciesfor birds, just released by BirdLife International, an IUCN Red List partner.

The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) has been uplisted to Critically Endangered, the highest level of threat. Hunting, disturbance, habitat loss and fragmentation have all conspired to reduce this magnificent species to perhaps as few as 250 individuals.

Standing a metre in height and weighing in at nearly 15 kg, the Great Indian Bustard was once widespread across the grasslands of India and Pakistan but is now restricted to small and isolated fragments of remaining habitat.

“In an ever more crowded world, species that need lots of space, such as the Great Indian Bustard, are losing out. However, we are the ones who lose in the long run, as the services that nature provides us start to disappear,” said Dr Leon Bennun, BirdLife’s Director of Science and Policy.

This year’s update brings the total number of threatened bird species to 1,253, an alarming 13% of the world total.

“In the space of a year another 13 bird species have moved into the threatened categories”, said Jean-Christophe Vié, Deputy Director, IUCN Global Species Programme. “This is a disturbing trend; however the figure would be much worse if conservation initiatives were not in place. The information collected by the BirdLife partnership is crucial in helping us to continue improving conservation efforts. This is now more important than ever as the biodiversity crisis is already affecting our wellbeing and will continue to do so unless we do more to stop it.”

“Birds provide a window on the rest of nature. They are very useful indicators of ecosystem health: if they are faring badly, then so is wildlife more generally,” said Dr Stuart Butchart, BirdLife’s Global Research and Indicators Coordinator. “The changes we have documented in this year’s update will feed into the Red List Index for birds, a measure of trends in the state of the planet used by the world governments, global businesses and the United Nations, among others”.

condolence...

2011-06-09T02:05:00.002-11:00

cartoon time!!

2011-06-06T22:01:00.001-11:00

By the way for the Government that sends...

2011-06-03T17:44:00.009-11:00

four cabinet minister (and also the cabinet secretary, in case one missed) to receive Baba Ramdev (though this blogger support the cause i find it shocking the business of receiving at the airport) there is someone called Irom Sharmila who has been fasting for more than 10 years now what has the government done. Or is that it is concerned with what is shown in TV or what happens in Delhi. Why is the government seen not proactive on serious issues? These are something that has been on the table for many years now, it is a shame that a democratically elected government (or is it a farce) finds itself in such a situation that it is reduced to placating. Though i would agree that Baba Ramdev is much more than what is manufactured for TV, of course there is also a serious concern on communal angle to the agitation. However to say that saffron represent communal is something i always find quite unpalatable. It is a manufacture of ‘intelligentsia’ around the power circles, who to cover up their lack of understanding look for easy references. Saffron might have been hijacked by communal elements for narrow reason doesn’t give anyone any right to equate saffron attire with communal, i object to it quite strongly. When people go old atleast in places like Kerala, i have seen they get religious and so choose saffron, also i recall when there is a vow to be taken before going to religious places (like say sabrimala) people wear saffron/black cloths. Even this blogger used to, and so did many whom i knew. That didn’t make them communal. Saffron has much deeper and valued meaning than what it is being reduced by competing forces. Common people’s reference to saffron is not what is sought to be seen by intellectuals, it is an agenda based reference that seeks to alienate. I am not for a moment undermining the threat of communal forces or the narrow worldviews. But there is a consistent effort by the western oriented media -mostly run by people who generally have no connection with reality except maybe the market, to alienate and to instigate. It serves their purpose quite perfectly, a divisive agenda or a society wherein there is constant tension between communities is where these people thrive, tragedy brings more audience. Also it helps in their discussion –which has become a raison de entre for many who are articulate with their tongue, they have their cause to shout in controlled space (i don’t know if there weren’t any slum children what would likes of crude women do!), there are regulars for each cause. With market working the perks are higher, and as it looks the government too is tuned into TV channels.

The other day i was watching this program by Karan Thapar (though i don’t prefer these people he for one does it well. Probably the best in the business), it was a scene wherein the Delhi elites were seen closing ranks against common enemy. Each one of the participant came with their own personal halo- quite common these days, and were found taking high (and higher) moral grounds, a man who was with HT (i recall BG Varghese from my Narmada days, he is quite respected figure though i did differ him those days) said with a rather heavy heart “How many Ramdev does it take to become a Gandhi?”. Well said, and yes “How many journalists does it take to become the editor of HT!!” Well i have the answer “none!!”...with plagiarism and Radias HT editors are hot property...just goes to show from this simple example that even senior journalists are on payroll, same could be true for TV channels. Coming back to Karan Thapar, though the discussion was quite nuanced, as is the case when editors, ex editors and intellectuals meet, the fact remains they too work in their ‘ridiculous’ (a word and its synonyms were frequently used in the discussion) framework. Though the panel seem quite concerned by the thought of “where the money is coming for Ramdev, what is his source” rightly so and yes please try to find out. But i can tell with certainty where Mister Thapar (and his esteemed guests) is getting his money from. Right in the middle of the discussions they went for ‘break’, and it is informed with much care that the program was sponsored by “community matrimonial”- a primitive conception “trying to capitalise market opportunity”. So clearly Thapar and his urbane intelligentsia coterie create their nuanced worldview and quaint exchange sponsored by trash!!. I was reading April Bernard (and posted her poem in my other blog) there is this line “not enough left in my mouth to spit”. I would suggest these people that instead of discussing how about spitting each other. If it is metaphorically appropriate why don’t take it literally.

This for all TV channels: everything works in context, clearly the Channels cannot expect to earn from regressive/dubious source and still claim to be on high moral grounds. Evidently they have failed quite miserably in their judgment. The fact that they are promoting dubious products/ archaic mindset on the one hand and broad mind talks on the other is what is referred to as hypocrisy. They could have refused they didn’t and that is what is called corruption. Any doubts? It is grievous because they were expected to be discerning, since they are holding huge responsibility. Ethical bankruptcy is accentuated by the fact that unlike common people they do have choices. They exercised their choice and favoured easy money. Must say Karan Thapar does speak well, it’s a pity though.

Shocking The other day i found the mall nearby selling ‘European cucumber’, i have never seen this cucumber before. I wonder how suddenly it has made its appearance in Bangalore (if it is in Bangalore i can safely assume it must be there across the country). So i am thinking then i see these cucumbers being dumped into garbage in tonnes all across Europe because of deadly strain Ecoli infection that killed many people. So i am thinking if it is dumped in Europe how is the same thing being sold here. Then i am thinking some Indian entrepreneur had this bright idea (wonder why Koreans don’t think this way) “kyonji why dumpji when you can sell, here we sell sand as cement. So why dumpji” ( i am told he even calls his wife dumpy!). So the mall decided to display it prominently being ‘customer friendly’. But then i am thinking if this is a health risk shouldn’t the public be atleast be aware of it. “Sirji tussi bhi na too much ho”.

The real deal

2011-06-01T23:49:00.015-11:00

This blogger has been following Baba Ramdev for some time now, and though would differ on some of his views- views that tend to subjugate personal choices. But i do perfectly understand where these come from and know very well these are also rooted in the psyche of people that needs education and time to change, particularly when it comes to contentious issues like say homosexuality (Osho’s view on these matters is much nuanced and thought provoking). Nevertheless it need be pointed out that there has always been space for sections in Indian society be at informal level-what is being classified as hypocrisy by small timers is actually a way of tolerance. Unlike other more organised societies where these sections (and many more) where severely dealt, there was nothing to crusade for. For a rather ‘backward’ society where people live in tremendous disparities there are problems no doubt. Sometimes these responses could be backlash of market driven change that is sought through vulgarism and a vicious form of self aggrandisement. But this blogger will say with much certainty that unlike market sponsored activists (as also so called intelligentsia, who stampede news channel) Baba Ramdev is no hypocrite. And yes even if he has political ambitions this blogger has no problem, that is his choice and we should learn to respect however unpalatable it maybe it is for city based sophisticates. One fellow in English News channel (wonder why there are so very less number of English news channel...what kind of corruption is that?!) who also happens to be an editor of English magazine had the audacity to advice Baba Ramdev to stick to his yoga. Amazingly Talibanish one must say, i don’t know if anyone has ever suggested that a fellow who was once editing soft porn should even be taken seriously! Learn to respect diversity even though it may not go with your scotch or all your pretentious borrowed sophistication. Time for self appointed moral guardians to do some introspection.

This blogger also doesn’t agree that Baba Ramdev shouldn’t run or not run business, it his choice as long as things are legal. No one has any right to tell what other should or shouldn’t do. There has also been accusation of him being associated with far right (read RSS). This is another ploy to scuttle the issue. Taking the issue head on let me point out that RSS is a legal organisation and if the power that be thinks that this is a problem then ban it. Further the cumulative nature of Hindu society is such that it rarely favours extreme views or actions, unless of course there is sufficient provocation and manipulations by vested interests. This blogger would like to focus on effective law and order machinery rather than the perception created by vested interests (market media included). Indeed this blogger thinks that this whole drama of secularism has provided an easy exit for the most corrupt. For Crude woman & Co (just taking an example that has high symbolism value) this has been a space for promoting themselves, about nepotism, of course market does provide the modernism angle, the reason why you will find them stampeding in market sponsored moral high grounds. The same reason you will not find them in Baba Ramdev rally, there is a market driven class snob here that see references of common people as wanting. The reason why English news media will smirk, while millions of people in this country will rally behind Baba Ramdev. It is also shocking that Opposition political parties are lacking any articulation when the common people want them the most, the reason why likes of Baba Ramdev and Anna Hazare become viable option for people.

Baring some contentious points (mentioned earlier) this blogger strongly thinks that Baba Ramdev is raising some very relevant and serious issues, though there might be bit rustiness in the way these are articulated but this blogger believes that through the platform of fighting corruption/black money Baba Ramdev is also attempting to raise the self esteem of common people, whether through the issue of language or other culture pointers (that has been seriously undermined by market, there shouldn’t be any doubt that market works in cruder framework). His secularism doesn’t come through tutored English media; his understandings are something shared by common people that has been the foundation of Indian society in general. There are of course problems but Baba Ramdev is a genuine attempt on systemic change, this blogger wishes him all the luck.

Kerala’s tryst with June 1st

May 31st Place Kerala: sultry lazy day, time to walk the street or stretch on the beach,
June 1st Place Kerala: chaos of the colossal magnitude!!

Now you might wonder what happened in 24hours. It is a miracle that the monsoon keeps its date with Kerala almost always with clockwork precision. O how i miss the days on the beach watching the approaching rain (Alexander Frater’s Chasing the Monsoon has wonderful description of the festive occasion) it is an experience very difficult to express, and i would invariably end up on the beach on a rainy day. It used to be one of my must things to do those days. Quite funnily the onset of monsoon coincides with opening of schools. It’s unbelievable, the chaos with frantic parents, crying children in hopelessly crumpled new cloths, screeching autos, overcrowded buses...as if an animal spirit has entered the lethargy and Kerala in its unaccustomed frenzy ends up stampeding itself, it is on a standstill, clogged in traffic jams just about the time when action had begun. You just couldn’t help feeling sorry for the kids (indeed Jayshree Mishra’s Ancient Promise brings out this one). So enter the children into hallowed place of learning. Could have been pleasant! But then you wouldn’t experience the June 1st chaos of Kerala.

Germany decides to shut down Nuclear Power Plants

2011-05-30T17:22:00.003-11:00

Till recently this blogger too used to think that Nuclear energy is relatively safe and efficient. With carbon emission preoccupying our mind the dangers of radioactive radiation and the safety concerns of Nuclear power plant were undermined. Until Fukushima happened. Clearly the radioactive risk is significant. And unlike Chernobyl that was an accident caused by negligence Fukushima’s cause is natural that makes nuclear power plants extremely vulnerable. Despite what nuclear scientists may profess (it is difficult to be neutral here since it is an industry now with competing forces that may not like the truth) the fact is that there isn’t any technology that can neutralise radioactivity. Germany’s decision to shut down its Nuclear Power plants (by 2022) is quite significant since nuclear energy contributes to about quarter of its energy needs. This a lesson for those who seek to see nuclear energy as energy of future. Clearly any source of energy has to be sustainable in the long run, and radioactivity is as much damaging (if not more) as increasing carbon footprint. Angela Merkel said it is a "transformation towards efficient and renewable energies, with all the opportunities that it has, for exports, development, new technologies and jobs”

It is astounding that sustainable source of energy is not given as much importance as was needed till recently, i guess with the world reaching the tipping point (or have we already crossed it) the addiction with hydrocarbons will have to give way to renewable sources. Sun seems to be the answer, not only taping and storing sunlight but the fusion reaction. When i was studying in school there was lots of excitement about nuclear fusion (“to light the whole city with a glass of water”) and superconductivity. Wonder what happened to these?

The world watches brutal repression of people in Syria and Yemen...

2011-05-26T01:02:00.004-11:00

The way the regimes in Syria and Yemen have reacted to aspirations of people is shocking to say the least. People in these countries just want to live in dignity, for long rulers in these countries have treated common people with appalling impudence. And when they have come out in the street protesting (must add in remarkable restraint), the regime have chosen to show its contempt through brutal violence. Everyday people are being shot dead, they are massacring at random. It is shocking that international community has not initiated action against these brutal regimes. The UNSC has been blocked by China and Russia, in what seems like a reaction that goes back to cold war period. They seem to be playing to the power structure needs than the aspirations of common people.

Hopefully people of these countries as also other countries specifically countries like Egypt and Tunisia should know what role China and Russia are playing. People around the world should note these responses and decide. China might be economically powerful but if it doesn’t learn to respect and give dignity to people then people around the world should force their governments from dealing with countries like China, at personal level we can even stop buying Chinese products and services. Human rights are not subjective things that are to be decided by few people, this blogger doesn’t understand how an undemocratic authoritarian China is given a veto right in UN. It is also not a coincidence that China has warm relations with repressive regimes around the world (start with Burma and NKorea). This blogger expresses serious concern on the well being of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei as also others who fight for justice. As Confucius once said “Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles”. I have great respect for Chinese people and civilisation (and have written about it in the earlier blogs) but the rulers in China are letting its people down. The world waits for Chinese spring. O what a day that will be!!