Yes to OWS

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

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…

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.

Barbaric end to a brutal dictator

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?

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

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.

some people do change the world

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 !!!