Ahmedabad , Government , Gujarat , Narendra Modi , Society
Places to see in Ahmedabad – 1: The G Mountain near Vishala
Ahmedabad, the commercial capital and the “vibrant” hub of development has attracted thousands from different states of India. You often meet people who are new to Ahmedabad, some asking and some wondering that what are the best places to see in Ahmedabad. Give them names of all good places, Sidi Syed ni Jali, Adalaj ni Vav Kankaria Talav, Zulata Minara, X Mall, Y Mall, X Multiplex, Y Multiplex etc etc.
This is an exclusive series for the Ahmedabadis and Gujaratis who are permanent citizens of this city and state. Here is the first place everyone must see: The G Mountain near VISHALA.
The Mountain of Garbage! You must have seen places which can make you feel that how beautiful, modern and developed Ahmedabad is. But you must see some places which an also tell you that how far we are from the INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT or let’s say BALANCED DEVELOPMENT.
Let’s look at this article and this photo (Courtesy: TOI).
Here’s the original story posted by “The Difference” – a youth focused NGO
“‘Vishala Restaurant’ is a famous landmark for those who are familiar with Ahmedabad. If you continue down the same road, you see massive mountains of garbage and waste on your left.
What you do not know is that just behind that official city garbage dump site, 116 families reside in what is known as Citizens’ Colony. The place smells like rotting flesh all the time. It is here that the municipal authorities release stray (sometimes rabies-infected) dogs. Sewage water backs out from pipes and water taps release salty, yellowish water. Children here play cricket amongst dead bodies of humans and animals. Women say they have delivered children in the muddy swamp in front of their homes because they couldn’t make it to the closest hospital (which is far away) in time. The closest school is a few kilometers away and the closest college does not even grant admission forms to these children looking at their Muslim names. And the worst part is that all of these families are riot survivors from the worst affected locality of Naroda Patiya.”
Please connect with The Difference at https://www.facebook.com/thedifferencefb to be updated and to show your willingness to contribute to this cause.
Just came through these 3 Reasons for not drinking at least in Gujarat.
1. Drink and Drive
A lot of people do not care and they drink and drive. Maximum number of fatal road accidents take place when the driver is drunk. We all know about the accidents which take place, we all read those in news papers. So next time you want to give away or take away someone’s life, you surely can drink and drive.
2. Incurable
If at all you didn’t kill or didn’t get killed yourself by drunk driving, and if you have got injured, you can’t be cured until you don’t become conscious. This is a medical condition that an inebriated can’t be operated as giving anesthesia in that condition could get the patient killed.
3. It can go out of hands!
Apart from accidents, there are many cases observed in which things go out of hands with obscene public behavior. People get into the worst fights, get other injured and sometimes killed. One may end up hurting his/her own family, friends or relatives.
So with all the other reasons they (who drink) give, think twice! Do you want to see yourself in that video?
Mahendra Singh Dhoni could have avoided commenting on his captaincy. But he had a humble gesture.
“If there is someone who can do a better job, I am happy to step down!”
Today, he has left everyone scratch their head if at all they dared to think of an option. It was simply naïve to doubt his talent, capability and strength of his shoulders which has again pulled the team at the shore with the flag of victory. Such a character Dhoni has! And isn’t he STYLISH too? Respect…!
This was written two days when he did it against Australia and now he at least saved us from the defeat. I would like to paste the tweet of Rajdeep Sardesai : “Dhoni’s ability to publicly accept mistakes is rare. Makes him a true leader. Today, accepted blame for Gambhir run out!”
Ahmedabad , Children , corruption , Development , economy , Government , Gujarat , Life , Media , morality , News , Society
Indian Politics, Thank God!
For every little glitch/mistake/flaw of the ruling party/party workers/leaders – opposition asks the Government to resign and mutually remain busy in doing so. Then the elections come, again they are busy with entertaining vote bank. The condition of the political parties and the members of (mainly all other members than the first line leaders) those parties are far from their actual cause. All debates on TV is more of a boasting program about HOW SMART I AM than actually stimulating the thought process of the viewers.
Politics of India often seems, sounds directionless and found indulged into a non-ending & rarely meaningful process. While juggling people and votes here and there, some roads are built, some canals are dug, some schemes are planned or executed and with the grace of God, they benefit some portion of the population.
Sometimes it is clearly felt that “iss desh ko to bhawan hi chalata hai”.
Ask this question to Imtiyaz Ali. Promos of Rockstar created an anticipation of a rock solid movie. AR’s music pushed it further. But the actual film was a little messed. There must have been a numerous modifications in story line after starting the film, it seems. Some plots make your anxiety reach to a pick and disappoints you suddenly. Story is handled badly and forced and cheap humour doesn’t click at all.
The only thing stands out is the Rockstar – Ranbir Kapoor himself. Before the titles end, it leaves you with the pain already. Ranbir pulls off the character meticulously. He touches your heart here and there and conveys the difficulty of his on mind, pain of his own heart beautifully.
One must watch the Rockstar as they are looking to an abstract painting and try to interpret the pain being expressed all over. The feast of the 170 minute long saga of pain was the jugalbandi of Shammi Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor. Hats off to Rehman for breaking his stereotype image.
Sadda Haq does not connect well with the story or theme much but gives you goose bumps every time you listen to it, again thanks to Ranbir’s visuals. Music is very good. Nadaan Parindey exchanges the woo factor of sadda haq and leaves the last impression when you exit from the cinema’s side doors.
Rockstar is a must watch to witness the rise of a new star after the KHAN era.
Ahmedabad , Children , Government , Gujarat , India , morality , News , Society
We Do Not Need GUJCOC!
Although I witness these issues closely around us, in my state Gujarat, in India, I closely relate this to each country, each society and community. The increased violence through out the world is the biggest concern.
Could any law or could any police stop a person who decides to kill himself to kill other people? No. Gujarat government is insisting on implementing GUJCOC, a proposition of an anti-terrorism law. Mr. Modi did not have time to educate people about GUJCOC because he has been very busy in preaching for writing post cards to the Prime Minister to advocate GUJCOC. It seems, only one person would decide what “sada 5 karod ni janta” should do.
I call this person as a man with the metal chest; Lawyer Anand Yagnik has shown the excellent example how to be in complete senses regarding political happenings and policy making from which normal people are alienated. (Ahmedabad Mirror, 26 September 2008 | “Do we need GUJCOC or a collective will to respond?”) He has tried to bring in this issue in the best possible way that people can understand GUJCOC and decide themselves that is it really needed? In further, it also doesn’t seem to be a law to control terrorists as the definition of organized crime (for which GUJCOC is proposed) is quite contradictory from what terrorists do. As per the Statement of Object given by Gujarat Government, “The organized crime has been for quite some years now come up as a very serious threat boundaries and is fuelled by illegal wealth generation by contract killing, extortion, smuggling in contrabands, illegal trade in narcotics, kidnappings for ransom, collection of protection money and money laundering etc.” Give it a thought; do terrorists want to do these killings for wealth generation? Do they place bombs for extortion or is this contract killing? Poor reasons!
Now let us put some light on provisions of GUJCOC (As Anand Yagnik brought them for us):
· Every offence punishable under GUJCOC is cognizable
· No Anticipatory Bail
· Provision of bail is excessively stringent so as to keep accused behind the bars for a substantial period of time without trial
· Confession made before Superintendent of Police is admissible evidence irrespective of how much an accused is tortured
· Valid intercepted communication is also admissible evidence
· An accused can be kept in the police custody for up to 60 days
· The failure of police to charge sheet an accused does not create a technical ground for bail
· Special courts permitted to have summary trials
· Protection for witnesses
· Property of the accused on a reasonable ground liable to be forfeited
There are two affecting factors of GUJCOC. First is the Statement of Object from state government. The definition of organized crime and actual terrorist activities are quite different. Let us come back to that core issue after we get to know powers and authorities requested in GUJCOC for the police.
Each of the provisions can easily be abused by the authority and we know how much we can rely on government and police authorities!!! Keeping an accused in custody for uncertain time up to 60 days, no bail, no trial and tortured confession is evidence; it is questionable if these clauses are not violating the human rights. Apparently, they are insisting on more power over society by proposing this law. The initial picture suggests that GUJCOC is needed to target some particular people and community and making them easy targets with the name of law. Well Done! Even if it is not so, then it is an apparent threat to each citizen. Who knows if your son, your brother would be taken to custody without any reason, just on the basis of suspicion!? We may not feel secure in our home, in our own city.
Now go back to the long term concern, as a few brutal minds are spreading terror and targeting innocent lives, anytime anywhere without any glitch. Again, can hard laws stop these people? I don’t think so. This is no more a matter of crime, violence and police. It has gone far out of the reach of law and order. Have we ever realized and related these incidents with naxalism? Although unpopular, it is a modern way to fight for existence and self-respect. The actors of recent incidents claim this as a revenge of Gujarat riots of 2002. Yes, revenge itself is immoral. But how long and how much one can tolerate? Terrorism is not a monopoly of Laden anymore. This is the age of home grown groups who drive these bomb campaigns from one city to other, another characteristic of naxalism! We may not be aware of the complete truth, but we can see what is clearly apparent. We have chosen not to see and not to consider some aspects of it, but in this case ignorance is sinful. We cannot undo what has happen; we also can’t keep blaming and keep moaning about the injustice prevailed and also that how legal authorities applied its stamp on it recently. Let us forget and forgive all those people who wore knives and swords as ornaments and danced over blood of thousands.
Society starts from home and the strongest instincts get developed in a child from its own family. Family is the most important and primary institution of a person in his social life. Parents do have to pour in right values in children from the beginning. Not only skills of singing, dancing and drawing are the parameters of a better person. We have to develop better citizen because after being a student for a few years, a person lives rest of her/his life as a citizen in the social context. How strong and how determined is this citizen who would never involve in such activities? How could a bunch of people preach us and overshadow our learning of life, which we received from our parents, schools and colleges? This is what we need to learn and teach. If they preach for revenge and killings, why can’t we teach to forget and forgive? Why can’t we teach to accept others? There are endless conflicts in diverse communities, from among the countries to families. But we have to live with it, as we live in our own families.
Let us start afresh. Let us concentrate on our own selves and find out, do we contain any bit of such poison within us? If yes, you really need a treatment. Open eyes and open arms, a lot would get better. If we see it real, it is real. We have to support and be with those people and communities who are suffering the most. To blame is easier, to give a hand of courage is what does matter!
We do not implement rule of stick if our child, our brother or sister is being stubborn, violent and out of control. We always keep patience and try to nurture them.
I would like to present this as a petition and want to know and show that we really don’t need GUJCOC! Please leave your name, email address and also your comments in order to sign this petition. Also forward this if you feel it is worth preventing our state from ghost of GUJCOC.
A lady came from England and ignited Amdavadis to hit the cleanliness campaign. I shouldn’t let this hour pass without appreciating the effort from Ahmedabad Mirror and the people who gathered for the task. Bravo!
Let’s get more issues in light and let’s clean our own Ahmedabad thoroughly! Let’s clean the dust, rubbish, plastic, papers and importantly corruption and retail menaces. I am trying to buy an ink-pot and no joy from last few days. There are some cases I want to share!
Case 1
State Transport: Koba circle to Vadaj Terminus
This one is a little off the track from retail sector but it’s again about tricking the customers in a cleaner way! I was travelling from Koba circle in an ST Bus and as soon as I got on the bus, I asked for the ticket to Vadaj. Front-seated conductor released a ticket from a gadget he had for generating tickets and said, “Chhutta 7 rupiya aapo!” (Give me the change of 7 rupees!) His sentence struck me at the very moment, but I gave him Rs. 10 note believing it is a fair change I am giving and not a 100 rupees note. He said that he doesn’t have 3 rupees change.
Now, isn’t it ridiculous that they don’t have change for the passengers. It is their duty to keep enough change for the passengers because ad-hoc passengers wouldn’t carry the change always.
Case 2
Retailer: Vidhyarthi Book Depot, Stadium Five Roads
I wanted an ink pot of 60 ml. I handed over 20 rupees as the MRP was Rs. 12. Sales person said “You will have to buy a pen worth Rs. 3 because we don’t have change!”
I bailed out, “I don’t want to buy anything!”And got my money back! Why should I be obliged to buy something which I don’t need? And to keep and to give change is the responsibility of the retailer.
Case 3
Retailer: Krunal Stationers and Xerox, 6, Corporate House, Opp. Pakvan-2 , Judges Bungalow Road. Name: Shaileshbhai Shah (40027042/9428580125)
I have mentioned more details because I think everyone should know who the person is and should we really buy anything from him.
As I said, I am trying to buy an ink-pot and it hasn’t happened yet ideally. I sent my office help Vipul to get me this ink-pot. He got me this 60ml ink-pot and he paid Rs. 15. As you can see in the images, the MRP is covered with black marker and hand written price appears on the top (Rs. 15/-). I went back to the shop and asked why it is so? “Etla j laie chhie, amne posatu nathi!” That’s what Shaileshbhai had to say about this. So what is the need of putting an MRP on any product?
It was just a matter of 3 odd rupees, but it doesn’t end there. You would definitely think, what is the fuss about just a few coins? There is a lot of fuss about it, because it begins only there. There was a young guy working in the same shop and presumably he was the son of Mr. Shah. He would follow and may use better tricks than his father. I could have paid 3 rupees more and got my ink-pot but I asked for the refund and did not buy it! It is up to you to decide how much you want to allow these people to do whatever they want. There might be more serious cases but I hope this was exemplary to understand such situations.
“JAAGO GRAHAK JAAGO!”
How retailers make a fool out of you!
The world witnessed Barack Obama becoming 44th President of United States of America. Today watching pictures from that day, told me these few lines.
“It did not wait to understand, it did not take a moment to believe,
That yes, the history is being made!
Unseen collection of feelings and emoticons,
Came together on one day, at one place!
Millions of eyes shined, hearts screamed joy,
Relief exhaled and a new day of enlightened hopes!
But that tear drop rolled down on black, scruffy cheeks of that old lady,
May not dry soon as the happy moments are to stay!”
Ahmedabad , economy , Government , Gujarat , India , News , Society , Uncategorized , village
Urbanization Backfires!
The commercial capital and the city in center, Ahmedabad is getting all the glitters and revamp. Roads, junctions, buildings and public places are rejuvenated over the last few weeks following the Vibrant Gujarat’s international investors’ summit. Would it have happened for the citizens of Ahmedabad in order to provide civil services? I strongly do not think so. I buy the idea that we hide those dirty table and broken shoe rack when we invite guests at our place, but we don’t lose the priorities of our family needs. The areas of the city, which were not likely to be touched by these visitors are still in despair. No one to look at those even! Anyway, this was just to make a way to the following points.
“In the past six months, Modi has spent Rs.750 crore of State money on propaganda – equivalent to the amount Gujarat spends on social welfare and nutrition in a year.” Dionne Bunsha says in his recent article in Frontline, from the publishers of Hindu
Surat, the city of diamonds, sends out 80% of diamonds being used in jewelry in all over the world. Out of 250-300 diamonds factories with more than 2500 grinders, there are only 15 functional. We may just flip a page over a headline of a suicide but there have been 80 in last 2 months and most of them are either diamond workers or their family members. Earning a sufficient living for family is now standing in queue for relief. BECAUSE, perhaps we do not know how to live in a villages and remain in villages. There is no eligibility or courage I might have to say this, but it does at least leave me with a lot questions. The blind migration (URBANIZATION) over easy jobs without having any qualification or any special skills. Thousands left villages, left well settled farming practices and ended up in these “not forever” diamonds. I see it more as the disconnection with the soil, seeds and the dust at the cost of making those artificial beauty objects. I think, no one wants dirty and scruffy hands at the end of the day.
State Government spent 750 crore rupees to provide A-class cars, 5 star accommodations and luxurious services to the investors, and there are queues of diamond workers to get welfare relief. After the discomforting communal divide which has rooted some very downbeat feelings within thousands of hearts (I use ‘thousands’ as out of millions, I doubt that there is much sensitivity in the people of Gujarat regarding these issues.) and the huge distance between the rich and poor, it’s the intensive time of disparity between rural and urban, specially at the time of global melt-down!
“Some get roads to glide and some, a death-ride!”
There is a lot to be heard about villages and victims of our social imbalance, please read on Dionne Bunsha: http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2424/stories/20071221508312900.htm
Criticizing “Slumdog Millionaire” is a new status symbol! If you want to get heard, criticize something which is popular and successful. Perception lying behind this criticism doesn’t have profound arguments, I believe. There are a few remarks I have heard so far (even from those who have not watched the movie), “Is it fair to portray India as a country of poor and criminals?”, “Do these western countries want to display India as a third world country and they always like to see us as Third World?”, “Does the Oscar get attracted to the movies about India, where there is poverty and crime?” and finally my own question, “Is the Oscars a benchmark?”
Plenty of questions for a single British movie by a British Director but well contributed by “excellent” actors from bollywood itself, beautiful music by an award winning music director, an ace lyricist, including Indian origin British in lead role “Jamal”, Dev Patel. I have more than one reasons to feel proud. Apart from that, I think the film has served the purpose of visual media to send a message across and to penetrate some thinking into sleeping minds. I would rather consider this drift as a process for ripening some maturity over such issues. Hollywood makes hundreds of movies regarding crime, mafia, trafficking or even terrorism in North and South America. They have made movies like ‘Blood Diamond’ based on African insane situation, poverty and crime. They are extra violent and sometimes not even watchable! Although, it is not always based on reality, more often it’s a brainchild of a director or a writer. Even while making a film on a true story, film makers do take liberties to inject their imaginations. Hence, I see it as a film recorded by a foreigner when he saw something he doesn’t really know and he is quite interested in! I never missed a chance to take at least a picture in my phone camera if I found a dirty street in London. And I think this is far more artistic representation of Indian slums, the life style and the problems they face, specially in Mumbai.
Rather, I see it as a story of a wonderful kid, who plays around in dirty water where near her mother his washing clothes and who is extremely happy. It is about that sensitive kid who wants to give a roof to a little girl who is orphan and homeless, getting wet in hard rain and still he wanted to obey his elder brother not to invite anyone under their shelter. It is about an innocent kid who was exploited and was forced to beg on streets by a few villains of the society. It is about that loving kid who was discomforted and worried for not being able to take her girl on the train while escaping. It is about a guy who loves that girl for all those years when he couldn’t even see her! It is about that honest “Jamal” who learned a lot of things while serving ‘chai’ to the call center employees. It about a lover, who is ready to run away with his love of life over any odds he would have to face. It is about that ‘chaiwala’ who fortunately get a chance to take part in a game show which co-incidentally bring him all those questions where he visualizes his whole life in front of his eyes over each new question. The film is all about those filmy things, which make us laugh, which make us cry and at the end which make us smile to a happy ending.
The film is soothening to heart, where all these human elements – nature of happiness, sensitivity, innocence, love, brotherhood and most importantly the willing desire to live and accept life as it comes in spite of all odds! I did not see any big dreams in the eyes of Jamal, and neither does he pass any day dreaming hopes to those poor people. At the first point, this movie is made for us, who are having no idea about those lives. I don’t think anyone from those slums would prefer to watch SM if he/she would be having hundred bucks! They would rather watch Chandni Chowk! So there is no harm! Now, it is up to us, if we put our HANDS on noses as it is too stinky or we make them dirty for some social and physical cleaning!!!
I do not deny having need of at least little critical view for every media work, we have a real picture in front of us. Slums like the ones shown in movie, do exist in India. It is hard core reality! And it was definitely a saddening experience to see such poverty but it is making me think about “what can be done?” Otherwise, it is all a glam business that who got nominated in Oscars and who will be winning awards.
As a lady from UK, Christina challenged Ahmedabad people for city’s cleanliness and as an answer hundreds pour on the streets to clean the public roads, let’s think about sustaining these people who live in slums, giving them people a better life, better place to stay, education and employment! I know that sitting here in a chair, posting blogs is easier – but the sensitivity and basic thinking may lead you and may encourage you some day to take a step out of the box.
Ahmedabad , Government , Gujarat , India , Media , News , Society , Uncategorized
Is anyone listening them?
Seven years on after the bloodshed and burning lives, red and black, stains are still there on some hearts! For us, it could be a daily newspaper, but the red block letters reminded me of cowards of soil Gujarat. The ones who suffered call them ‘Butchers’. Is anyone listening to them at all? Several statements released, how Maya Kodnani carried out a string of operations of open firing on people and burning houses! Naroda Patiya is still in a reckless condition with a few whole hearted people, who are all living with their incomplete families. Some lost their young sons, some lost husbands or some are still waiting for their missing children.
21 February, AM Mirror – A social worker, Shahadat Malik, who has settled in Madninagar after his house in Naroda Gam was destroyed, said the victims prayed for death. “What is the use of this life? Were we born to endure such fate? Death will bring an end to our woes,” he said.
A tribute to all those victims (now more than 1000)!
Our new so called Gujarat anthem says, “Jityu hamesha Gujarat!” (courtesy: Mr Modi’s new friend TATA) I am not sure if we can say we have always won! But yes, these people’s endurance is keeping Gujarat stand still. Be it Hindu or Muslim, we haven’t shown enough tolerance being a part of the society. We have given liberal rights to our leaders to do whatever they want. We do not keep track, we do not try to understand! What are the consequences and what are the counter effects of all those activities, plans and projects executed by the Government! Modi said in his recent speeches, “Gujarat ne etlu agal lai jaie ke koi ena sudhi pohnchi pan na shake!” (Let’s take Gujarat forward, that no one can reach us!”) What are we into, a dog race? Why do we want to go ahead of everyone? From ages, we are trying to learn the lessons of togetherness and harmony! Who do we want to beat? Yes, we protect ourselves from anti-socials and criminals, but who else we want to defeat? It involves some kind of lust for success, power and numero uno! We develop our cities, state and take others with us and grow together!
Rather than celebrating Nano’s plant in Gujarat, it could be a humble gesture of accommodating something which our fellow state could not due to whatsoever reason! Actually, if it would have been the same case in Gujarat as it was in West Bengal, I really doubt we would have protested! But, one thing I am sure about is, this is going to be the punch line for the next election! This one case was a national affair and there may be transparent transactions for the plant, lands and employment. But how many of us would know about the lands allocated to Ambanis and Adanis. Ace political scientist, Pravin Sheth has also raised questions over the model of development of this Gujarat Government. The primary impact seems fruitful but the counterparts are not getting compensated well and not being taken care!
Government has been poor in after sales services, be it sustaining the developed cities like Ahmedabad, or sustaining the shine of Gujarat – diamond industry in Surat, or rehabilitating the riot victims. Many malls got opened in the city in last couple of years and now we see an apparent decline in sales, malls are empty as well as shops are closing down and recently, it has come to my knowledge for the first time that the new Reliance mall on SG Highway, Ahmedabad is closing soon! Two floors are already shut! On CG Road, Iscon arcade recently rented open space for exhibition stalls! I think it is time to realize before it is too late.
Now, a young congress man, visiting Gujarat to reach different regions and different issues of Gujarat is giving the BJP chiefs sleepless nights. They are trying everything! Yes, Rahul Gandhi is also doing it for votes and he wants to win elections in Gujarat under Congress. But, he is at work! I have seen Modi appearing for promoting Mr Advani, commenting on Rahul Gandhi that he is coming to Gujarat to learn (which is again a positive initiative, isn’t it Mr Modi?), or hailing for TATA (“my nano, my nano!” as if it his own production!) I did not hear a word about Surat and diamond workers. What is he busy with? Pushing Advani for PM position?
Mr. Modi has crores of rupees for “Summits” and “Vibrants”! I am so amazed, he asking for money from Central Government for rehabilitation of diamond workers of Surat. Also, he clinches the credit for every development and blames Center for the failure in maintaining the conditions of diamond workers. I just mentioned this a few days before in my previous post:
http://snehism.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/urbanization-backfires/
To be very honest, I believe to ‘forget and forgive’ at some extent and hence I have often tried to leave it back (can’t forget!) what Modi has done! But again to be extremely honest, it keeps coming back by his biased policies. His language sounds more arrogant, and has always taken an advantage of people’s emotions. His speech on August 24, 2002 at Bodeli near Vadodara can be read here!
http://www.hvk.org/articles/0802/180.html
In his speech he is blaming for Lyngdoh for indecent language and he himself calling him, “halia malia jamalia from dehli footpath”! What decency he is preserving?
I can go on and on this, hurting a lot of sentiments of people who love Modi blindly! Do love everyone including Modi and do make him win elections, just be aware of what is actually happening and think of the consequences before taking any decision. think, think, think!
Vandemataram!
26 February 2009, 8:45 PM
Standing near a little corner shop, off the main road and traffic, I met a human!
An ordinary (please excuse this strong word, but that only portrays the actual condition!), an ordinary man, must be in his 50s, old before age, and with an empty three wheeled pedal came to the shop and bought something. This man, who must have ridden his pedal for the whole day, must have earned merely 100-120 bucks and he has not yet reached home, and not yet reached his loaf of bread. He bought a pack or two of biscuits and for those four dogs roaming around!
I shouldn’t utter a word more…
Government , India , Media , News , Pakistan , Society , terrorism
Is Pakistan a failed country?
Just a few hours were passed after Lahore attacks and statements poured in from every corner of the world! Let us not give much importance to who said that but context which is very much important at this stage!
“I am glad that BCCI cancelled our tour to Pakistan!” – M S Dhoni
Indian captain was a little impatient to express his happiness that he would have been there instead of Sri Lankan cricketers if BCCI wouldn’t have cancelled the tour to Pakistan. It was a time to be with the Sri Lankans who still have traces of the incident in their body and mind, it was a time to condemn what has happened to the sport cricket and to be happy for those who have survived by less than a centimeter. But coming out with happiness for not being the victim, was not a very mature thinking and not a responsible statement!
“IPL should be postponed!” – Chidambaram
The statement from Mr Chidambaram was misinterpreted as it was released on the evening of Lahore attacks. Actually the Loksabha polls were clashing with the IPL and hence many diplomats wanted to move IPL after the elections. Although, it would be a step back if we postpone the IPL because of attacks. Yes, it is tragic and very serious regarding the security concerns for out-country players. But in a way it will be their success if we change the way of life. More securities and alertness would be essential but we have to keep going on! No player was killed in the incident (thank God!), but the match was called off and the team of Sri Lanka flew back to home the same day! There is a success lying behind this. Terrorists achieved to spread fear, disrupt the normal flow of life. We may need to think how not be defeated!
“Is Pakistan a failed country?” – Vinod Dua
Vinod Dua uttered a question which was in my mind a few days before! In his own program, he brings out such very crucial questions which directly points the root of the problems. He went to Pakistan as an international observer of national elections. He found that the Pakistan and Muslims go out and fight for their religion and become so called ‘Jehadis’, they do not have unity within their country even. Sindh regions vote for Sindhi party, Punjab vote for Punjabi and Frontiers vote for Frontier party! It clearly suggests that Muslims are also divided within the country!
Is Pakistan a failed country? – with regret, I would say, Yes! Pakistan has failed to retain the dignity of an independent nation. I would like to go back in the past and think about those people who hailed for the partition, what would have been their stand at this point of time. In recent years, leaders of Pakistan have remained indulged in fighting amongst for the power and money! I have a great doubt about Pakistan’s survival. Pakistan is also paying a big price for possible presence of Osama in the country. What would get them out of this mess? After the democratic government finally got deployed in the power, again Nawaz Sharif’s subtraction from the assembly has again lit the fire. Army of Pakistan is quite upset with the elimination of Sharif. A non-foreseeable consequences are awaited! Lahore attacks could be a fraction of it. It is said that the players of Sri Lanka were targeted for a kidnap!
One by one doors are closing for Pakistan! May God bless the innocent people of our brother nation! May peace come to our land!
Cyber World , India , internet , Media , morality , News , Social Networking , Society , Uncategorized
Social Networking or Socially Exposing!
Business minds know what people can fall for! They are called marketing gurus in this era of “anything is saleable with correct marketing”! Emails and chats are still thrilling for people in this time of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol- which provides cheap internet calls in all over the world) and video conferencing! We like to feel the anxiety. Social networking sites have poured in last five years and still the market is wide open to this domain, because people are blindly falling for those!
It was an amazing thing just before a few years, to see our own picture onto a computers screen. We used to shuffle drives, floppy disks and scanners to get ourselves on to that cathode ray tube! But now it’s on your finger tip to upload photos in a minute and share with the friends! All fair, until it is played fair. But the commercial ideas behind this sites have not yet come to the light. They have been sensed by the experts of the industry. Over the time it is learnt that the power of data (which can easily be transformed into organized information) is phenomenal. Hence the plethora of information being uploaded by the users can never go without being utilized at the end. And it has just stared what we call it an information age. Essential is to be cautious while being on internet as you never know where you have been tracked and observed!
Social networks are a step ahead, which lure you to enter, submit, share and send information, pictures, videos openly to the world. The kind of information social networks store create a pattern of your activities. Sites like MSN and Facebook are clearly recording your activities as we like to update ourselves on internet every hour! At first sight, it wouldn’t seem that serious, but the first disadvantage is the addiction it creates. In one case, a middle aged relative of a girl signed off from the her network and as a result the girl got into serious depression for not finding that online friend for days! This was an emotional side of it.
Technical hazards are far more serious than this. Recently, Facebook’s terms created a firestorm, as it said that social network site claims the ownership to the contents and photos even if the users delete them.
But then they strategically changed to this…
“Consumer advocacy blog The Consumerist phrased Facebook’s fresh policy as “We Can Do Anything We Want With Your Content. Forever,” pointing out that Facebook’s ToS spruce-up removed several sentences in which the company said its licenses on user content expired upon account deletion.”
Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10165190-36.html
Please do not miss to view these links,
http://www.therawfeed.com/2009/02/facebook-thinks-youre-stupid.html
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=27381690528&topic=3981
http://themcode.wordpress.com/2008/03/14/facebook-privacy-policy-youre-exposed/
Well, this is something we can even see in the corporate policies and seek legal help. But what about those threats that we cannot even imagine about. There are huge networks who forge pictures and publish them on various sites! We are among the millions who post their information and pictures on such sites so the chance of being a victim is fraction of a per cent, but we cannot deny the chance.
Just for fun, to play a prank or may be just to take a little revenge against the you by your friend, your information and photos can be misused at any extent. With the perspective of uncertain human behavior, we cannot ignore this fact. It has been observed that most of the criminal and abusive instances take place as the result of spontaneous provocation or reaction, and that instance would not be of more than 10-15 seconds! But the victim may suffer the life for that.
Now the social networkers range from 12 years old to more than 80 years old. There are millions of groups like, ‘I don’t like doughnut’ Group to ‘Vote Obama’ Group. Countless hours are being spent on social sites nowadays! Many people do have more than 4 social network profiles. One more important issue which is the prime threat is social disconnection and isolation from social communities. Youngsters like spending more time on “Online” world, and what is more interesting is, they call the real world, an “Offline” world! It was quite dreadful to hear that word. The real world associations, friends, connections are all slowly slipping away. Even in offices, employees spend their hours in front of the computer, they laugh, feel sad, feel excited, get angry – looking at the computer screen without having a word of conversation with their acquaintances. More you share and access the information, more it is likely to complicate your relations and your own nature. That is an experience learnt!
What we all need to do is, just be aware and alert to what we are doing. It is great fun to see our pictures and share those with friends on internet, but is equally hazardous as well. Use your own senses and discretion!
Happy Networking!!!
Ahmedabad , Government , Gujarat , India , morality , Society , terrorism
Calling the real institutions of the society!
The state is spilling over with internal filth and dirt when Modi is busy defending the so called anti-terrorism bill – GUJCOCA. Government again refused the bill and with the recommendation of changing some clauses in the bill mainly which were allowing the authorities to seize the properties of the suspect and tracing the calls of any suspect at any time without any explanation.
When I assume the process, I can imagine a few thoughtful people thinking over different points of the bill and discussing the pros and cons before reaching to any vital decision. But as the verdict comes out, BJP’s immature comments started coming out and the dirty politics starts over again. Mr. Modi’s ego speaks again, “I will not make any changes to the bill and foot it again to the center.”
Outrage is spreading throughout the state because of increasing overall crime rate. Yes, we cannot deny that the overall rate of crime is also increasing in the whole country. But we haven’t seen the Gujarat in this shape before. We are witnessing the incidents which we have never seen before in our own Gujarat. Police is still summing up the amount of money Ashok Jadeja has acquired from hundreds of people and each day a new rape case is coming out. Frauds, robberies and petty stealing are also riding high in daily newspapers. The crime rate is all time high in Gujarat. I do not think I need to refer to any sources because we all read and watch what happens around us. It is matter of our own sense.
Black memories of Patan gang rape case haven’t yet faded and Surat is blotted with a shameful gang rape. As I am recalling these inhuman acts, news comes out from Rajkot and Himachal Pradesh, teens raped respectively in both of this places where in the latter case the victim is a tourist from Britain. I just took a note of the rape rate in Gujarat before a few months that how it is increasing consistently. Although very complex and sensitive, undertaking the studies of increasing rapes in the social context and also other external reasons for such activities seem essential at this point of time.
Rapes, sexual harassments, making video clips – all these are new form of criminal activities of this modern time and they are getting so frequent. The victims seem to be coming out more openly than before and we can also see many reputed entities of the societies involved and alleged in cases like this. Shiney Ahuja and an MLA from west Godavari are the most recent examples of those. But still the numbers of rapes reported to the police are far lesser than the actual number.
On the other hand, ‘organized’ and gang rapes (which in turn can be called organized) have significantly got surfaced in the recent times. The definition of rape has always been powered over other elements in different cases and it remains the centre of the case in most instances. Even in Shiney Ahuja’s case victim is constantly stressing how Shiney forced, grabbed and pushed her, because all these phrases lead to the confirmation that the rape was committed. I am not sure that how accommodating is our judicial system for the crime conditions and the social context (behaviour of an individual and the reasons for that behaviour) involved in the incident. But I am sure the society should and must be interested in the detailed examination of reasons involved in such criminal occurrences.
The reason behind such study is to understand the affecting elements which trigger such instances like rapes and sexual activities. “Spot” rape – a spontaneous excitement leads an individual to lose the control over sexual urge and expressing that in verbal, gestural or physical form. As I mentioned earlier that the “organized” rapes are increasing and this kind of rapes involve raping a fairly known individual and in many cases an acquaintance or an intimate friend. “Organized” rapes means an individual or a group of people pro-actively look to satisfy their sexual urge or forcing verbal, gestural or physical abuses to a man or woman. If assessed on moral grounds, organized rapes would hold a very lower position compared to the spot rapes which only take place on an instantaneous sexual aggression. This classification may not be that important for the legal resolution of the offence but considering the long term societal balance, some profound study should take place. (There are enough reasons, anger and misery over these inhuman incidents which tell me to conduct such social studies but time, conditions and limited understanding do not YET allow me!)
There is another issue which I do not want to discuss in detail but just a note:
No political parties or diplomats came out at the time of Patan incident. But as soon as the Surat gang rape case came out and the culprits are held, VHP is coming out asking for strict action. Can you people guess? Yes, because the culprits are Muslims. It may get more sensitive as the Rajkot case contains the same attributes. Let us just don’t get carried away by all these and let us focus on the safety of women at first and then to understand, evaluate and take some meaningful actions where we can develop a society which is more cleaner and moral.
“Mothers, please teach your son that every woman must be respected as he respects his own mother!
Fathers, please provide an example to your son that how the women in any relation, mother, sister, daughter, friend or wife must be respected in every manner!
Teachers, please teach your students about the social and public behaviour towards women and any other individual in the society!
You are the INSTITUTIONs of the society!”
This article was for fun!!! And has been removed by the author as it may have hurt some sensitive nerves! Please contact the author on info@snehism.com for inquiries.
“Sach Ka Samna”, speaking the truth in a real life and facing the truth in front of millions on TV is just too much! “The Moment of Truth” – original series of American television asked finer questions than what Rajiv is asking to the contestants in Sach Ka Samna. In one of the episodes, Rajiv asked the contestant nearly all the questions regarding his relation and association between him and his wife. Does the truth of life move around physical relations only? Are those the only truths which are important in life? There are issues which exist in each individual’s life other than sexuality and partnering. From the day one, this show is facing sharp criticism. It also reached the assembly and media was told to self-regulate. Media has consistently failed to self-regulate the material and also the presentation.
According to my opinion, there could have been more interesting though funny questions could be asked. Interaction between two questions regarding the truth revealed could have come with very interesting incidents of one’s life, like Vinod Kambli revealed how he ran a few meters without clothes! People are more candid about their behaviour and actions. There used to illicit relations between male and female in ancient times as well, but there was no media to uncover stories to the outside world.
As there is not much we can do to control such television programmes, all we can do is to self-regulate. It is our choice what to watch and what not. But somehow human senses are curious about the weirdest!
A truth from my side: I too watch this show most of the times!
Ahmedabad , Cyber World , Media , morality , services , Social Networking
Online Communities – Trends and Threats!
Facebook is looking very slow these days! It could be a slight downfall as human interests change frequently! If something’s thrown quickly against FB it might click to the users and can go places!
One more reason is that compared to Indian visitors (4,063,300) there are far more users in western countries like US (83,558,820) and UK (20,247,300). And all these majority users are busier during August to Pre-December! Approaching deadlines of projects before Christmas… And hence, may get less time for hanky dolly! I have seen significant fall in status updates, useless messages like “I m cleaning my room today!” etc. Facebook is on rank 31 in best 50 sites of 2009! Guess who is on top?… Flickr.com. Twitter is way on top in this ranking compared to Facebook.
Facebook activities also are more of an imitation of friends or contacts. Well, it is all about following each other and forming a community! But still a thin line is surfacing between imitation and following. Offline (a new word for the “real world”) friends have got new place to meet and share things, Facebook! Friends, people in relation, husband & wife, mom-dad, siblings – all these relations are getting a new dimension through this online world of sharing and caring! Unknowingly, a lot is happening around those tangible comments, pictures and connections! A new sense of jealousy, rivalry, imitation and unhealthy competition is spreading. Some are competing for more friends on the list, some are jealous of their friend’s ability to exploit FB apps to show new creations and there are some who just follow the activities because their friends are doing it!
We still are not aware of the time bomb we are sitting on! These micro and macro level oscillations of emotions, rivalry and imitations are becoming the strength of the online world. The amount of information in various forms they hold, the accumulation will create a dangerous diagram of our lifestyles. Being with Google, they have your emails through GMail, your documents through Google Docs, your location and map activities through Google Maps, your schedules through Google Calendar, your sites through Google Site and many more. A common user may not realize this fact but going ahead with all these community sites and live update of your lives will take a certain level of control on your activities!
It will be a bit early to say anything more, and rather we just keep this thought in mind while embracing anything online!
More on me @ www.snehism.com
Ahmedabad , India , morality , services , Society , Uncategorized
“Retail Menaces” – 11 Nov 2008 – Gets Heard!
Case 3 – Posted On: 11 November 2009
Retailer: Krunal Stationers and Xerox, 6, Corporate House, Opp. Pakvan-2 , Judges Bungalow Road. Name: Shaileshbhai Shah (40027042/9428580125)
I have mentioned more details because I think everyone should know who the person is and should we really buy anything from him.
As I said, I am trying to buy an ink-pot and it hasn’t happened yet ideally. I sent my office help Vipul to get me this ink-pot. He got me this 60ml ink-pot and he paid Rs. 15. As you can see in the images, the MRP is covered with black marker and hand written price appears on the top (Rs. 15/-). I went back to the shop and asked why it is so? “Etla j laie chhie, amne posatu nathi!” That’s what Shaileshbhai had to say about this. So what is the need of putting an MRP on any product?
It was just a matter of 3 odd rupees, but it doesn’t end there. You would definitely think, what is the fuss about just a few coins? There is a lot of fuss about it, because it begins only there. There was a young guy working in the same shop and presumably he was the son of Mr. Shah. He would follow and may use better tricks than his father. I could have paid 3 rupees more and got my ink-pot but I asked for the refund and did not buy it! It is up to you to decide how much you want to allow these people to do whatever they want. There might be more serious cases but I hope this was exemplary to understand such situations.
“JAAGO GRAHAK JAAGO!”
Comment from a customer!
hi,
who r u? and what u want i not matter it.
But don’t make people fool. Because i bought a ink pot from krunal stationers after reading your post .shailesh bhai say me its price is 12 and i give him 100 rs note.So he return me 90rs and say when ever u come next time give 2 rs because i not have changes.
So for your private purpose and easy publicity don’t try to make people fool.So, Remove this post as soon as possible because its totally wrong
Avinash Patel
My response to it – 24 SEPTEMBER 2009
As an update I am republishing this as a new post as well! One of the customers bought the same ink pot from Krunal Stationers and mentioned that he did not have any trouble buying there and also the store keeper has been kind to him. No one would be more glad than me about this as, my purpose was to have the customers to be more aware and awake! And also the retailers follow the standard practices.
While re-reading my own post, I did sound a bit agitated and aggressive but that is what I felt at the time I had this experience! Wrong things do provoke me, and I thank God for that!
Thank You Avinash for letting me know that I got heard!
Ahmedabad , Children , economy , environment , Government , Gujarat , India , internet , Media , morality , Social Networking , Society
Know Your Neighbourhood…
21st century woke up with the dawn of extraordinary inventions and also horrendous issues within the society, environment and economy. Where does the right solution lie? INDIA has enough financial resources to empower the poor section! We do not lack infrastructure and arrangements to bring up the problems on the board!
India today, does not seem to be unable to deal with the serious issues we have! Our NGOs, our wealthy industries and businesses, the pool of young, intelligent & talented population and increasing awareness through media and technologies – these are the few of those able sources which can make a difference. Having said that, what can the individuals do?
It is more appropriate to touch upon some questions than answering them right now, because most of us may not think enough about it! Are we Mahatma? I guess, no. Are we Abraham Lincoln? Are we Dalai Lama? No, we are common people with constrained ability, access and power to the resources which does not motivate our intensions and turn our inner zeal into practice. But there is something we all have and that something we do not know. We could be no different than any great personality only if we identify our own ability though limited.
Watering the roots should make the tree grow up and high! Roots have to be very strong to survive a long life. Three major institutions of the society, family, schools-colleges and friends-family (let us call it ‘the neighbourhood’). I have to acknowledge one of my acquaintances who helped me to vocalize this word which was roaming inside of me somewhere! Families pour the substantial values, schools and colleges teach public behaviour and manners whereas what is more important is NEIGHBOURHOOD which remains with us, keeps changing us for the major part of our lives. Hence the first thing is to be aware what is happening around us and then to think of doing something about it!
How can a business/IT professional make a difference? How can an accountant who is just making his/her livelihood, help someone in day-to-day life? Apparently, these people may have least time to spare to conduct a camp, to volunteer in a public service or to join a protest against injustice. As said, there are organisations and nowadays corporate social responsibilities to do that. We all are small time people with our little ability to help others. But often we help a person who meets with an accident on a street, who needs a quick lift to somewhere, who needs a little help with their electric fuse and many other ways.
We apply our hands when we get confronted by our own swoon values or our human responsibilities. We hardly know that what our neighbours are up to! We least know about their profession, their views about others or us, their interests and sort of problems they face in public life. Technically speaking, a piece of information is always helpful! Knowing about your neighbourhood can solve a lot of issues itself. A computer professional can fix someone’s minor problem in minutes! Two neighbours have to travel long to work but their offices are so close to each other, can share a car while going to work every day – which eventually saves money and precious fuel on this earth. There can be so many other major things as well which can be worked out! So again, it is about being aware of neighbourhood and being proactive to know.
Recently, some religious issues got surfaced regarding acquiring a residence in Mumbai and also in Ahmedabad. Most people do prefer to live in equated communities and we do resist residents from other cast, religion and even language. Again, when we do not know much about our neighbours we know WRONG about them! What do we know about Muslim or Jain religion? Most of us can only give the name of their prophet and their holy book! We wouldn’t know more than this and still we have strong presumptions about their religious practices. Our most opinions are based on incomplete information and our resistive attitude. We are far too busy in blaming government and authorities. One of the recent movies, YEH MERA INDIA (YMI) did try to convey a simple and basic message which is still very deep and worth understanding. There are always good things and bad things; it is up to us what we remember. Resisting the human nature, which is more intolerant about negative things, is the foremost thing we could consider.
Knowing about your surroundings may lead you to be a little helpful to others and there is no university of social services, NGO or public bodies you have to go to. I trust our humane instinct that with some more awareness about the people next door will surely do wonders!
Amen…
Visit www.snehism.com to view the site.
Ahmedabad , Children , Discrimination , Equality , Government , Gujarat , India , Media , morality , News , Social Networking , Society , Uncategorized
I met a human… (2)
8 December 2009,
Blind People’s Association, Ahmedabad
It was truly heart rendering to meet all those enthusiastic job seekers with physical disabilities at Blind People’s Association! I was so lucky to be the part of this employment fair organized by BPA as I represented Cybersurf India where I work. The auditorium was filled with more than 300 aspirant persons with disabilities, and there were more than 10 representatives from different companies who wanted to hire these people according to their needs. Safal Group was one of these companies who have recently received an award for employing the most number of persons with disability.
Mr Bhushan Punani, Executive Director of BPA, hosted the event where they allowed all the companies to present their needs and the types of jobs they are offering. The count of jobs being offered reached to 250 jobs within a few minutes and the job seekers were thrilled to receive such offering on the day of the fair itself.
I interviewed more than 20 candidates for the computing and data processing related jobs. The amount of readiness and enthusiasm was really amazing in those candidates. Many of them could not walk and made their way into the room moving on the floor. More I was touched when I was being looked as a ray of hope for them! They thought I will give them a job and they will start sustaining a good life ahead. I wish I could employ them all in any way…
The event arranged by BPA is really appreciable and also the companies who are actively taking part and hiring the persons with disability deserve a great deal of respect. Here, in a bit different context, in the context of equality; these were all humans whom I met and I was delighted with the positive energy they had and also the companies and organizers who did put an honest effort to gather both on a platform.
One more incident which really touched me inside out and really made my belief strong that one does not have to be an intellectual or a scholar to be a good human being!
One of my good friends insisted me not to tell this to anyone, but I really want to put this here without mentioning his name…
There is a little boy of around 15-16, and he was working at his office as an office boy for Rs. 900 a month. He lost his father earlier and his mother works as domestic help in neighborhood. That boy’s willingness to work hard and learn new things got noticed by my friend. He talked to him; put him in a computer class for 6 months. He and his girlfriend collected some 4,000 rupees for the course and now after a year that boy is earning 4,500 a month. The little boy is also more encouraged to work hard, to learn more and lead a better life.
I met a human again…
Ahmedabad , Equality , Government , Gujarat , India , Media , morality , News , Society , Television
Administration is on Trial…
Again, the triggering moment was the current movement against saffron role in 2002 but from many weeks, the character of Gujaratis as countryman is giving ache! Series of events in last few days, media discussions and the actions and reactions have really caused some concerns.
The issue is more about the system and not an individual; it’s more about the citizens than the state. “Development of Gujarat” has been the premium card but is it “TESTED OK”? When talked about the development, we hear about industrial growth, foreign investments and other infrastructural implementations. Looking at other social indices like female health or education, there is a long way to go. Do we have this ability to differentiate? A multiplex show a week, a couple of dinners out every month, gathering with friends at the lounges and a long drive in a concept car – development is misinterpreted big time!
Ahmedabad has been a thriving city of Gujarat since the years when it was called “Manchester of India”. There have been waves in different industries like IT, BPOs, Share market and others where we as a city have grown significantly! Ahmedabad has observed consistent run throughout. Thousands of entrepreneurs invested their adventures and abilities into different businesses, hundreds of MBAs chose ground businesses and even NGOs to make a difference, and they invited investors from all around the world in one or the other way. Because of the current media, rather driven media which keeps throwing us the repeated news or updates which make us believe that the time has changed just now or in last few years and we have only grown in last few years.
There is a least to publish from the Government apart from foreign investments, MOUs and a few schemes which is a basic duty of the administration.
As summon is sent out to Narendra Modi, the administration system is on trial! We shouldn’t be proud of it as Gujaratis or even being Indians. The country, the victims and the moral conscience of the citizens may like to forget the past and just move on with the positive run of Gujarat Government in many areas but they are all let down with even a demand of an apology for one of the most unfortunate series of events took place in 2002. Moreover, it’s felt over these 8 years that many Gujaratis have been taking pride for not being apologetic to what has happened! “Whatever happened was good, it has brought the peace!” – Such brutal opinions keep making holes in the boat of hopes. Young Gujaratis still test the facts with their own thinking and set of beliefs, but the number is not satisfactory! Maybe Narendra Modi is apologetic to himself and maybe this wouldn’t be happening again, but the tangible exhibition of curse for all these years has left millions with the sour and biased conduct.
The approach of statesmen has been significantly careless towards the sensitive incidents, the tragic consequences being faced by the victims and hundreds of people whose lives are still in despair! The central elections have established some strong messages that the country isn’t just swayed with the saffron dance! The current administration of Gujarat conveys the detaching sense to the other states. In this case too, citizens of Gujarat do not have much of a concern even they are being called the intruders of law system or a republican state of Gujarat!
This approach brings a lot of worries. But unfortunately, no one seems to be worried at this stage!
Typical Approach of the people to present critical issues:
“So What if the trees are being burnt outside, I am happy inside my home with air conditioner!”
Is the “K” being painful for you? What normally people think of some short forms used in chats and web conversations? “K” looks highly unsophisticated shortened version of “OK”. Such a short response usually turns off the receiver of “K”.
It shows non-interest (as you don’t bother to type one more character), disrespect (as people who do not respect often try to give shortest responses) and laziness.
From the times of daily soaps from Ekta Kapoor and increasing use of chat engines, “K” has been quite painful including Rakesh Roshan’s film titles!
If you don’t mean it, don’t use it!
Ahmedabad , Children , Discrimination , economy , Equality , Gujarat , India , morality , Poverty , Society , Uncategorized
I met a human… – (3)
“Suraj!” – That’s what he said, a little kid in a dirty school uniform roaming around the tea stall at mid night, when he was asked his name! He wanted to have a bun (bread). Out of curiosity, I tried to ask him that why is he asking for food at this time? Is he still hungry?
He said, “I want bun for my younger brother, not for me.” and then I and a friend talked with him for a while. Suraj (hardly 11), whose aunt kept her name Karan and his mother calls him Arjun, wakes up at 10 in the morning. He goes to school – some hindi pathshala at 12pm and his teacher let them write alphabets or numbers. He leaves school at 4pm and goes home! His father, who also begs for sarees, shirts and other clothes and who then sells them in slums, earns for the family of 7. He doesn’t want his children to beg but Suraj’s mother takes her children out and begs with all of them till mid night!
Suraj didn’t or maybe couldn’t smile until he kept talking, he got the bun. He didn’t eat. He said this is only for my younger brother and then he left…
Ahmedabad , economy , environment , Government , Gujarat , India , services , Social Networking , Society
“Chai” – an integral edible + social substance
“teni…, char cutting!”
“are yaar, koi chai to pilao!!! Chai kab aaegi!?”
“cha na pivu to mathu dukhva lage che!”
Known Facts
Tea (Chai as we all call it) is a universal drink and more considered as a social phenomenon. In how many ways and for how many reasons tea has been drunk in all over the world! Winter, summer or monsoon, be it an early morning, or you need an afternoon kick or you just want to feel fresh in all your nerves, all we need is a little CUPPA TEA!
There are numerous types of teas being consume in different countries. Britons have it with a lot of water and a little splash of milk, or just black. Egyptians tea is made out of some flower and with a lot of sugar in it, whereas Indians have their own rich tea with full of milk and sugar.
Look at the man moving load on a pedal or a CEO sitting in a posh office, all they need is a CUPPA TEA every now and then! It is considered as an addiction as well by some class of people, but it’s more of an accepted addictive substance globally.
Meeting friends, discussing problems, having official discussions or even the fights happen over a cup of tea.
Issues
Having known all these things associated with the tea, social interlocking among people is in danger as a half cup of tea costs 5 Indian Rupees. The quantity has also gone down significantly. The road side vendors serve these teas in tiny little plastic cups and the hurting part is that immense amount of plastic is getting into the environment.
Childish Solution
In a traditional city office, on an average there will be at least 40-50 employees working and having tea twice a day which leaves them with at least 100 cups in their bins. Having the permanent ceramic cups for all the employees will be much friendlier towards the environment; it could save a horrendous amount of plastic spoiling the nature resources.
Try it!
Disaster , Equality , Floods , Government , Gujarat , India , morality , Pakistan , Society
Neglect thine ego! Insist Help!
“aakhir baap baap hota hai… aur beta beta hota hai!…”
We Indians would have felt the sense of so called superiority against our counterpart, our “child” nation (as some people call it) Pakistan when we heard such sensational film dialogues. We loved this superiority imposed and to be called the father-nation of Pakistan. We did shout, we did beat like a father. Isn’t this the time we also act like a father when our child has been hit with the most horrific disaster?
Manmohan Singh renews the aid offer of 5mn USD with a personal call to Mr. Gilani. Victim of its own egoistic political lobby and hundreds of other influential dilemmas, Pakistan is in a confused mode to make a decision. Shouldn’t that affect Indian stand to insist the aid offering to Pak. It is said that Pak is being dogmatic, but it could rather be a traditional non-controlled political structure which leaves them indecisive or rather negative about accepting help from India.
Should they or should they not?
Ahmedabad , Cyber World , Gujarat , India , internet , Media , morality , Society , Uncategorized
Do not giftanyone with dishonesty!
Fortunately, I haven’t come across many dishonest people (at least to me) and hence that could be the reason that I feel very discomforted when I get confronted with naked dishonesty! One of the recently delivered works of mine and my wonderful group has been labeled as someone else’s!
When such thing occurs from a sensible and well educated professional, it’s an utter shame! There is always a good chance and opportunity where you can show some honesty! You lose it, you ain’t going no far!
God bless them and restrain my nerves from discomfort!
A little message, “Hi, How are you?” did clear the so called (human) grudge with one of my old colleagues who used to sit just next to me! We always shared good laugh & played a lot of chess against each other on internet.
One day, we had a little tiff (not so serious) before a year and this colleague of mine went upset! I do not remember the reason even. We had a bit of argument too. We stopped entering into each other’s space and virtually stopped talking.
Neither I had any grudges for her nor she would be carrying any for me for all this time. But we simply were not talking. Today, very naturally I sent just a little “Hi” on a chat and we just laughed about the incident we had before a year, we are good now!
ONE LESS negative thought today, ONE ADDED friend in the list!
It doesn’t take much to mend our ways.
60 hours in complete solitude with even only fractional human presence within near proximity! Sounds tough but it has been manageable. A comfortable couch, a forty two inches television with Indians performing well in Nagpur (starts the day well!) and this outstanding medium of internet is helping so far in keeping the senses alive.
Weather hasn’t been very helpful this weekend but hasn’t also won over my positive stride of utilizing this super isolation, one – from the country and two – to the extreme, from any living being.
BUT, when I listen to this little two lines from the India Bulls advertisement on only Indian channel I can see here – NDTV, it just takes away any little heavy breath I might had to take.
“इस दिन… का सब से सुहाना पल…
कौनसा है, क्या कहता है…
घर………. आ…जाओ…!”
Ahmedabad , Children , Development , Discrimination , Equality , Government , Gujarat , Gujarati , India , Life , Narendra Modi , News , Society
Open Letter to Rahul Gandhi
“Rahul Gandhi compares ‘evil leader’ Narendra Modi with Mao”
Dear Rahul,
On a Sunday afternoon, I was reading this DNA news report sitting in a suburb of Cape Town, SA. I am 26, an IT professional based in Ahmedabad. It was delighting to know that you recently visited Ahmedabad for a students’ meet. I always admire your courage and openness to say the truth in black and white without confusing with any diplomacy. Knowingly or unknowingly you may have this non-resistive approach of criticizing the bad.
What really disappointed me is that you couldn’t give enough time! In my perception, the youth of the city like Ahmedabad which is the epicentre of Gujarat’s mind set being a financial capital, business hub and also the developmental show case of Gujarat. It is also an attractive destination compared to all other major cities of Gujarat for employment, studies and also for acquiring a residence. The development of Ahmedabad which might be a result of years and years of hard work of people, the newly blooming entrepreneurial activities by the young graduates and post-graduates, has been manhandled by wrong people. I would also not rule out the contribution of inter-state migration and I would like to show my gratitude to all non-Gujaratis from Gujarat and other states of India, who have come to Ahmedabad and taken part into the overall progress and development.
Having these facts in the bowl, I also feel the need that the many youngsters whom I have observed in Ahmedabad are wide-eyed with the external modern development in the city. I find them non-interested and unwilling in analysing the facts, assessing the good and bad and widen their concern towards entire Gujarat or India. I am sure you will be aware of these facts.
On the positive note, I also am hopeful that the guidance from the leaders like you can inject a lot of energy into all these youngsters and they can really be directed towards the inclusive and actual growth in entirety. Most of them have the least sensitivity for social issues and no fire to speak up against the unjust social events. This includes me as well at some extent!
Having said all this, I would urge you to visit the city, meet the students of the schools and universities. They are very talented, smart, creative and open towards the society and therefore you may have this great opportunity to guide them in the right direction for the good of Gujarat, one of the CEO driven companies of India.
With the best wishes and huge HOPES,
Sneh Bhavsar
Thackeray tells Jet Airways to use Marathi = Jethalal tells NDTV to get serious with journalism!
NDTV, Please don’t waste a camera click, 896 KB of your memory card space of your camera, 15KB of your webpage on your website, any on-air seconds on television or any single bloody resource to cover the meaningless Thackerays!!! What is this Thackeray? It is what media has made up! We don’t need to know what he tells to whom.
And yes, I had to USE my 5 minutes for this.
Conviction – a sharply neglected element in human resourcing or recruitment.
Skills, experience, achievements and recognitions – are they evident enough to conclude the presence of conviction? Conviction is subjective and not static.
Conviction is a blend of Subjective Interest and Passion for the type of work he/she is doing. Every organisation would like to ensure that all employees work with the conviction towards whatever they are doing. Conviction is non-material and has to be sensed and not tested through interviews or questions. INFORMATION sharing aids this process if used categorically.
One always has more interest in a few things than others! Majorly, conviction cannot be engineered as similar to interests. But there is always a choice to identify and select the fittest resource for required job. Some basic steps:
- Sense the interest in the type of work the resource is doing
“So how long you are working as a graphic designer? And why did you choose to design?”
- Match and share the type of work offered
“Great, we are also looking for someone who is specialized 3d modeling and flash animation!!”
- Share the information regarding prospective projects
“We have this client who makes bath tubs, basins and other ceramic bathroom accessories. We would be developing a lot of conceptual models for their new products and this involves imagination and creativity!”
- Share the CORRECT information regarding work culture and rewards
“We are normally very flexible with the work culture. But we sometimes deploy disciplinary actions to keep the organisational behaviour and activities balanced and controlled.”
Exchange of key INFORMATION will define if the recruiter and the candidate do fit with each other or not! This information sharing includes the clear denotation of the commercial benefits to be exchanged. This gives the sense of confidence and planning that each one of them can have.
Recruitment process should not be an examination for a candidate; neither the recruiter is a quiz master. A mutual discussion towards identifying the “zipping” synchronization is the key to fruitful relationship between the employee and the employer. This relation will sustain for a longer run with interactive involvement, soft stake holding, partnership, credits and ownership!
Please post your views or queries on sneh@snehism.com. Any additional input may enrich the understanding put through here.
Ahmedabad , Development , economy , Employment , Equality , Government , Gujarat , India , morality , Narendra Modi , News , Society , Uncategorized , village
Save Mahuva – Not a singular issue protest…
SAVE MAHUVA group is created on behalf of all those affected farmers from MAHUVA who are fighting to save reservoirs (Bandhara), a key natural resource for their livelihood. If we do not know, Government of Gujarat has alloted this fertile land to Nirma for building a cement plant. The farmers’ non-violent agitation against proposed Nirma Cement Plant coming up near Padhiyarka village in Mahuva taluka of Bhavnagar district has reached an important state precisely two and a half year struggle.
The agitation is led by Dr. Kanubhai Kalasria, a practising surgeon and three times Mahuva BJP MLA. Dr. Kalasaria is fighting against his own government to save Bandharas (large water bodies built by state government in order to stop salinity ingress), which plays key role to fight salinity ingress and natural resources to farmers around Bandharas. There are total four Bandharas which are linked with each others on Mahuva coast and their water capacity is 1800 MCFT. The state government allotted its land to a private party, Nirma, and the place allotted is none other than Bandharas (reservoir) itself. The government’s Rs 200-crore (Rs 2 billion) scheme to curb salinity in coastal areas was part of its environment disaster management plan.
Read more about this issue on the official website http://www.savemahuva.com/
Some more important links:
https://picasaweb.google.com/105808243064960214602/DodiyaGandhinagarPadyatra10March?authkey=Gv1sRgCOGWrKyWtZzVzAE&feat=directlink#5582659204506082578
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_140062536059937
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131707383567772
Source: www.savemahuva.com
Ahmedabad , Employment , environment , Gujarat , Human Resources , India , Life , Positivism , Social Networking , Society , Uncategorized
Hello Ladies!!!
Two ladies, everyday, come for lunch in our office canteen! They always come together, do not look at each other, do not care what one has brought for lunch, do not even talk a single word. Still, every single day they come for lunch together, sit on the same table in front of each other and they look completely aloof from each other.
Well, what could be the reason? One of the senior employees of this organization once suggested that people from same department should go for lunch together. Is this the reason? If it is, it could be the most unpleasant place to work for both of those ladies.
I thought of one another interesting possibility. They may be connected through a man, one is wife and one is sister of the same person but they don’t get along.
Any other reasons you can think of?
Keep posted
With whole lot of options to flash a new OS in my HTC HD2 from WP7 to Android froyo, the rat race is to bind the user. In none of these latest operating systems we can easily connect the phone with the PC, neither we can access the files on the phone. We can also NOT do a lot of other things which we could simply do in older and less advanced systems.
I don’t need a dual OS on my phone. I need a rather simpler access to files, contacts and synchronization with my PC.
Well, dear WP7 and so called dear Android – You have disappointed me to the core. All these personalization is the result of APPLEification of the market.
Due to this rat race, a lot of techie bloggers have some work to do.
Not even addressing you un-dear APPLE!
Ahmedabad , Development , economy , Employment , environment , Equality , Government , Gujarat , India , internet , Life , Media , morality , Narendra Modi , News , services , Social Networking , Society , Uncategorized
An Open Letter to Maruti Motors
Date: 27-05-2011
Ahmedabad
http://www.marutisuzuki.com/Maruti-joins-hands-with-the-Gujarat-Government-to-set-up-Driving-and-Technical-Training-Institute-for-Tribal-Youth.aspx
Dear MARUTI,
As a leading car manufacturer of India, we are undoubtedly proud of you and we are deeply attached with the brand and products of Maruti with the stories it has spelled over the years and years now.
With the sheer concern and with the respect towards Maruti, I would like to bring your attention to a serious matter. As it has been read in all newspapers and on your own website, Maruti is coming to Gujarat to establish an automobile training institute. Well, many congratulations! It is a very good news. Being an open-eyed citizen of Gujarat and having seen the tide of awareness in Gujarat being spread by some authentic leaders, I would like to bring your attention to a few things which you must check, verify and confirm before you land into this huge initiative:
- The present Gujarat government has been involved in a random land distribution to the industries and businesses **2 with the least concern to the owners of those lands, environmental safety and also overlooking the legitimacy of the transactions. Hence, firstly it is very important that the land acquisition taking place by Gujarat government for Maruti is legal and more importantly, moral.
- It is also important that whatever clearances and certificates Maruti receives from government or relevant departments, it is necessary to verify that it has been provided to you it all of its legalities and maturity.
- As the initiative is mentioned to be a part of Maruti’s social responsibility, it is strongly recommended that the CSR team visit and assess the land situation and people’s concern wherever the training institute is going to be located.
- The issues may range from forced land acquisition, underpaid purchasing of land, type of land (fertile lands cannot be used for industrial development) **1, employment of local people, pollution and other environmental hazards affecting the local people, the portion of water and other natural resources used by the training unit and if that affects the overall need of the local people.
If all these issues are addressed and if all the clearances from the Environment department are proven and well assessed, you are more than welcome in the throbbing land of Gujarat. Gujarat is rich with its agriculture and farmers in hundreds of villages, enriched with remarkable and beautiful natural resources in remote places in all over state. We and I am sure, you too would like to preserve these natural resources, preserve the livelihoods of people and preserve the human integrity wherever you are, or we are.
Recently, Supreme Court has rejected the clearance of environment safety for cement plant of Nirma in Mahuva, Gujarat. After two years of agitating protest of farmers and people of Mahuva, who were about to lose their livelihoods which majorly relies on the fertile lands and water resource around Mahuva. MoEF has advised SC that Nirma has to move the cement plant from their current site to save the natural resources. In the entire circus, even if we forget everything, Nirma is going to lose several crore rupees of investment because of this decision from MoEF.
Nirma tasted the sweetness when they got the clearance from environment department and also got the wetland for very good price, but at the end they suffer a huge loss. This can happen to any industrialist and any business if they do not chose the right path. One would not be able to blame government who helped them grabbing all good lands and natural resources for cheap prices. People are waking up and they are ready to act.
With all due respect to Maruti, it is the only small request of mine that please consider the nature, people and farms before presenting projected graphs of fantastic social responsibility work.
Kindest Regards
Sneh
Email: sneh@red-em.com
Phone: 9979506249
Some Links to refer:
**2 http://www.livemint.com/2011/03/16223138/A-land-policy-debate-unfolds-i.html
http://www.inewsone.com/2011/03/27/no-more-forced-land-acquisition-says-buddhadeb/38584
http://deshgujarat.com/2011/03/18/sc-orders-formation-of-8-member-committee-on-nirma-issue/
Ahmedabad , Children , Development , environment , Equality , Government , Gujarat , India , Life , News , Society , Young India
Young Brigade 2.0
Teens, youngsters, collegians… That is how we know them! They are one of us, our siblings, our cousins and our neighbors. India is a country of youngsters. A huge portion of the Indian population is aged between 0 to 40. (Source: http://www.census.gov/ipc/prod/ib-9701.pdf). With two major factors, one – majority percentage of the population and two – majority being the young population, young brigade will dominate the ‘train’ INDIA significantly.
But where do these young wagons are heading? How would they see the neighborhood, state and the country? How would they treat this expeditious growth and how would they even tackle?
This young brigade does not seem to be giving a lot of hope and they rather seem to be disappointing with their behavior and perception towards the country, state, society or even to the person sitting next to them. The respect to other is just an obligation and also limited to family and nearer ones. These youngsters are sought hardly to be respecting a waiter in the restaurant, a traffic cop at every cross road, a manual worker, a lower class individual and everyone who look inferior, poorer and more precisely unable and helpless. Here’s a fresh incident of today:
“A few college going students were having an unlimited lunch at a Pizza Parlour. They wanted to be served in second, they kept changing their orders and they were laughing at the confused waiter. One of those was talking on the phone and was threatening someone and saying that he will not pay some bucks and was also ready to beat him up. They also wanted to finish everything in the restaurant as they had unlimited lunch offer despite of the capacity of their stomach. They were rudely talking to the waiter if he did not understand what they were asking for. They were continuously laughing after the waiter. Very disappointing scenes!”
Respect to others regardless of anything, isn’t it a foremost virtue? Are the parents and teachers are proving to be failed to teach children about basic respect and behavior?
Ahmedabad , Gujarat , internet , Life , Media , morality , Narendra Modi , News , services , Social Networking , Society , Television
My Name is Khan! I don’t want to meet Mr. CM :D
“Yaar, aaj to Ready ki tickets nahi milengi! Yeh Ahmedabad hai, Modi se jyada Salman ke fans hai yahan par…”
I just hope that this remains the reality and people love Being Human instead of in-humans. 
Some office chaps talking about today’s release of READY. Salman Khan is still a hot pick when it comes to masala movies! Expected to be an entertainer this time.
Mr Modi met Amitabh Bacchan, Sunil Shetty, Ajay Devgan & many other celebrities. Why are you not meeting any of the Khans, dear common man? Bloody Biased Being!
प्यारे देशवासियो, क्या अब कुछ कहने की ज़रूरत है?
Disaster , Government , India , internet , Life , Media , morality , Mumbai , News , Pakistan , Society , Television , Television , terrorism
Mumbai Bomb Blast Incident Trail
Scene: House of an educated Indian Family
JULY 13, 19:05
wroom wroom… Finished work… Go home… Watch TV…
BOMB BLASTS IN MUMBAI…
JULY 13, 20:13
Open FACEBOOK.. THROW UP….
“We can’t fight terrorist”
“Our Government is impotent”
“Manmohan Singh should wear bangles”
“Our police is useless”
JULY 13, 20:35
Open Twitter.. Throw up again…
“We need AK47″
“We need anti-terrorism law”
“We should shoot Kasab now!”
“We should attack and destroy Pakistan”
JULY 13, 20:45
“Honey, is the dinner ready? What do we have? Oh, Enchilladas! Wow… Let’s have it”
JULY 13, 21:41
“It was a hectic day honey, had clients, had meetings!…”
“Yes, I too had to drive 10 km to find the new beauty parlour!”
JULY 13, 23:29
“Ice cream was really nice today…” “Yes, it was organic!”
“Good Night!” – “Good Night”
Ahmedabad , Discrimination , Employment , environment , Equality , Government , Gujarat , India , Life , Media , morality , Mumbai , Narendra Modi , News , Poverty , Society , Television
देशभक्ति का पुरस्कार
एक आदमी: “अरे यार, क्या जरुरत थी अपने पति को पकडवाने की? ३-४ बम फुट जाते – हम या कोई हमारे घरवालो में से कोई मर जाता ! सरकार कम से कम हर परिवार को एक-एक लाख रुपये देती. उसको क्या मिल गया? पति गया, कमाई भी गई, और २५००० रुपये दे कर सरकार भी छुट गई”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptH1AMUVro4]
One of the most tragic scenes, ever seen! It could just be called the fate from what we see. A few people roaming around and a sudden flow of water (which God knows where it came from) took away 5 people in a minute’s time.
All we need to do is pray and learn that we should never take the natural resources lightly!
Amen!
दिलो में अपनी बेताबियाँ लेकर चल रहे हो तो जिंदा हो तुम
नज़र में ख्वाबो की बिजलियाँ लेकर चल रहे हो तो जिंदा हो तुम
हवा के झोंको के जैसे आज़ाद रहना सीखो
तुम इन दरिया के जैसे लहरों में बहना सीखो
हरेक लम्हे से तुम मिलो खोले अपनी बाहें
हरेक पल एक नया समां देखे यह निगाहे
…
जो अपनी आँखों में हेरानिया लेके चलो तो तुम जिंदा हो
दिलो में अपनी बेताबियाँ लेकर चल रहे हो तो तुम जिंदा हो
Video Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wc-v06cKUA
“Sacchhhin… he is on! Put the match on!”
20 long years! Not even the CEO of hs own company may not remain on the for 20 long years. But he has. Consistently… Meticulously…!
Today, on the 2000th test match of cricket history, and on the 100th test match between the legacy cricket playing countries – INDIA and ENGLAND, Sachin Tendulkar has walked down on the lush LORD’s pitch, in the spotless weather of England, in the white test match attire – white like Egrets, looking calm, composed and treating each ball with clinical excellence.
Stage is set for the most memorable, actually one more memorable achievement for the maestro of all time! When I ask my heart it says, HE WILL and when I ask my mind, my heart intrudes and tells my mind that HE WILL!!!
He still drives the BILLION INDIANS with the same spirit. It’s just a bliss to watch him!
Ahmedabad , Children , Development , Disaster , Discrimination , economy , Employment , Equality , Government , Gujarat , Gujarati , India , internet , Life , Media , Narendra Modi , News , Television , terrorism , village , Young India
Where is the Sensitivity???
I had this usual discussion with my collegues in office, and after 4-5 years this is my observation that if you speak anything against Narendra Modi (which is actually a rational opinion about the way Gujarat is being developed), you get victimized and you might be mobbed. Well fortunately, I was not beated but I would like to share that how disappointing it is know how people think and how they see the world around them. My head is filled with so many painful questions!!!
Whoever it is about, but the mindsets of these friends have become stagnent. Has the faculty of thinking completely dried up? OMG, Why? Why can’t they think? If they do think, why can’t they understand? If they understand, why can’t the choose what is right?
Why can’t they switch off the air condition, open the drapes, open the window and look outside the window? Please look around, it’s not only them. there are millions of other people, citizens, in other cities, villages and everywhere!
All these friends of mine seem to be concerned with the roads through which they commute to their offices, the flyover they have to cross, the cinema & the mall they go to each weekend and some facilities they get in daily life. NOTHING more than that! I asked what should be the priority of the state administration?
Answer: Safety (safe from what? communal riots?), Employment (employment means 25k job for them – nothing less is good because they are getting it), Development (malls, flyovers, buildings and IT companies), Image of State (state should be attractive for the outsiders). These are not my interpretations but their explanation.
Do we have enough understanding of the social priorities? Haven’t we studied about the basic needs of humans in primary school? Haven’t our parents taught that we should be sensitive towards others too!?
Guys please… it is not about any Modi or Singh. It is about being sensitive to our counterparts.
Ahmedabad , Children , Conviction , corruption , Development , Disaster , Discrimination , economy , Employment , Equality , Government , Gujarat , India , Life , Media , morality , Narendra Modi , News , Society , Television , Television
Anna Hazare is detained… So?
Update 17/08/2011 – “With the whole writing, the comments and the discussion – I also want to extend the thought that it was not appropriate on Government’s part to arrest Anna Hazare. But as they have now corrected it and PM has also vowed to pass LokPal bill as soon as possible, what is left out of agenda of Mr Hazare? “
Anna Hazare is detained. The country hastily reacts to a cute old man showing a great courage from last few months. Who is Anna Hazare? If asked, more than 60% may get it wrong. Last night, in the first episode of Kaun Banega Karodpati – Season 5, a gentleman had no clue that who is Kisan Baburao!
Kisan Baburao Hazare, is the full name of Anna Hazare. Starting with the name, take the Lokpal, Lokayukta and even the objective behind this protest, there might be fingers in mouth while answering the meanings of these terms.
“We must change the system!” – Which system? What system? These people who say it, they won’t have an idea what system they are talking about. Anna Hazare is not fighting to end the corruption. Amazed??? I am afraid, it is true. Anna Hazare originally initiated his fight to put the Lokpal Bill in the Parliament to be debated and to conclude the laws which can tackle the corruption cases. From as simple explanation of his presented bill, it turned into an agitated throw hole for all who wanted to take an advantage of this stage. Hundreds have misused the stage Anna had set for all these months to put the bill of his choice in Parliament. But those who wanted to misuse they made out an agenda to push the government down. May they get well soon!
Now, how? Anna has been insisting upon the weapon of fasting (Anshan). Many have suggested in their comments that why a Government should resist a peaceful and non-violent protest of Anna? Well, what is a peacemaker? Does a peacemaker ever raise the tone, raise the attitude and does he/she ever threaten the stake holders who expect the peace to prevail? Anna may be a holy soul, the spotless personality, the most hard working worker or the most noble human being but he is a little far from being a sensible decision maker and solution seeker! An IIT lad is the brain behind Anna Hazare. He needed a cute face to be presented to the Indian people who always refrain and rather do not trust the young politicians much. Anna was planted to sit of fast (the first occasion when he fasted for the Lokpal bill), everything has is living drama like the Facebook story line. No one expected what is going to happen and no one really even measured this kind of response when they started. Babas and Swamis roasted their rotis and many other politicians took a chance to get published in newspapers and TV channels.
Anna kept changing his stand, attitude, statements and even the agenda. He burnt the Lokpal draft of Government as well. Again, is it a peacemaker’s act? Anna is too naïve and got it all wrong what the fasting means? We must refer to this:
Gandhi distinguished between satyagraha and passive resistance in the following letter: “I have drawn the distinction between passive resistance as understood and practiced in the West and satyagraha before I had evolved the doctrine of the latter to its full logical and spiritual extent. I often used “passive resistance” and “satyagraha” as synonymous terms: but as the doctrine of satyagraha developed, the expression “passive resistance” ceases even to be synonymous, as passive resistance has admitted of violence as in the case of suffragettes and has been universally acknowledged to be a weapon of the weak. Moreover, passive resistance does not necessarily involve complete adherence to truth under every circumstance. Therefore it is different from satyagraha in three essentials: Satyagraha is a weapon of the strong; it admits of no violence under any circumstance whatsoever; and it ever insists upon truth. I think I have now made the distinction perfectly clear.”Reference: Gandhi, M.K. “Letter to Mr. ——” 25 January 1920 (The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi vol. 19, p. 350)
Satyagraha has no place for violence. Anna’s way to insistence and threatening of fasting are forms of violence. “Give me this, or I will die (fasting)!” – is an utter violence. Fasting involves self-restrain, experiencing the gloom what others must be facing and the tone of request and plea. No eating and no drinking do not mean an Anshan (Protesting with Fast).
Not that the Indian government is the glass clean! It is also found to be over-reacting at some stages but Anna has to listen, talk, debate and understand a few more point of views. Government has 1000 more things to do than focusing on a crazy old nut who is threatening openly there and then.
There is nothing to conclude just yet, there is still more and a lot more to think and assess. One can contribute in this thinking and assessment process rather than jeopardizing the peace, order and law of the nation.
Exclusively for the dear people of Gujarat: (this space will keep udpating)
Definition of Lokayukta http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lokayukta Gujarat is still to appoint Lokayukta which is a state anti-corruption organisation and Modi is talking about cleaning out the corruption from the whole country!!! LOL
Ahmedabad , Development , Discrimination , economy , Employment , Equality , Government , Human Resources , India , internet , Life , Media , morality , Positivism , Society , Television
Anna != Gandhi
Anna does not equal to Gandhi.
Team Anna Hazare and many others are comparing this anti-corruption protest with the FREEDOM FIGHT against Britishers. Let us just think and assess. If we consider the Britishers as the ruling entity, let us consider the Government of India in the same context (mind well, there is no similarity in attitude, intensions and actions of these two). So both of the entities are the receivers of the protest.
PROTEST FOR WHAT:
| Freedom | Anti-Corruption |
| Freedom fight was the protest against Britishers who were outsiders and they were exceptionally insensible and unjust towards the people and the country. The expected outcome was FREEDOM, may be the issue of highest rank for a country and countrymen. Very serious protest! | Fight against corruption is an issue within our own country and receiving rulers are the Government of India which is also our own, a Government which is elected (and not imposed) by us. This is not the sole point to be made to justify the Government’s action. This is just a mandatory and factual assumption. The issues are very serious to but smaller than the fight of freedom. |
Freedom fight was a one point agenda and was the sole issue for which the entire nation has one voice, one belief. Fight against corruption is not the sole agenda of the country, countrymen or the Government of India to tackle and to deal with. Corruption is one of the major issues along with inflation, poverty, human rights, communal harmony, terrorism and many others. Yes, it could be a one point agenda for Anna Hazare and team as they have decided to concentrate to work in that one sole area. Appreciated! No complains for that.
So, there is a huge difference between the CAUSE of FIGHT in terms of seriousness and size.
PROTEST WHY:
| Freedom | Anti-Corruption |
| A century long battle with Britishers was not an overnight product of mere dissatisfaction of people. The chronic penetration of British rule in each corner of India was a long drawn pain. Inhuman conditions and the heights of tolerances were encountered before it burst out into a historical protest to win our own freedom. Only if we consider Gandhi’s return to India (in 1915) as an actual trigger point of Indian struggle for independence, it took 32 more years to actually get the freedom. The reason is already justified here and now but the reasons for Anna’s protest have to be drawn. | Not before the beginning of 2011, Anna Hazare took the baton of Jan LokPal Bill in his hands. On March 13, 2011, a group of Delhi Residents drove around the city in white clothes to support anti-corruption campaign and passing the Jan LokPal Bill. And the original protest of Anna (as he calls it a Satyagraha) began on April 5, 2011. Within 5 months, Anna, his team and some other people have started comparing it with the half-century long, exceptionally sacrificial struggle of freedom. Neither the objective nor the reasons are anywhere near to the freedom struggle of India. |
PROTEST HOW:
What triggered this article is the song of Jan LokPal Bill (http://soundcloud.com/avnish-avi/lokpal-song-india-against-corruption) forwarded by one my colleagues – Arpan. The actual soulful meaning of the protest was being felt while listening to this song. It reminded the way songs were written while India’s freedom struggle.
| Freedom | Anti-Corruption |
| Despite of intolerable conditions and despite of being the victims of most unjust incidents of the history, people were creative, artistic, full of heart and so much in the actual mood of protest. Most of them hardly held agony, hatred and negativity against Britishers. Rather they had a deep faith in those humans who lived within those Britishers as well. FAITH is the key when something is expected from someone. | With the least faith, bitter mind set, harsh statements, stubborn and agitated approach – this team of Anna Hazare is expecting overnight law from the bill which has been lying there from 1960. Taking an advantage of this agitation, opposition has jeopardized the Parliamentary sessions. All these may sound theoretical but Parliament is the most important place of country’s politics and it is the most important time when the sessions are held to discuss bills, issues and problems of the country. Not letting it function is not going to help anyone! |
If Government did not accept the draft of Anna, there could have been rallies in all over the country. Peaceful marches could have take place, with such beautiful songs which could wittily and sensibly bring in more and importantly fundamentally strong support to this protest. Current support to Anna has no soul. It’s a temporary, comfy and situational support. Anna negotiating the length of fast doesn’t make any sense. When in the life, did we hear about the length of fast being negotiated? This is also an entirely different debate.
There is the least similarity between the fight for freedom and fight against corruption. Comparing it with the emergency situation is also irrational. There are many other activists who are fighting for many such causes on state level, going into remote villages who also have practiced fasting, protested, blocked roads – they also have been arrested, kept in custody and released.
People not knowing the battles and struggles within their own home, want to romantically support Anna Hazare and wear ‘Topi’s. Thanks to Media and thanks to the money Anna and team is having who can stage such big events. Same size of events and protests have been taking place within Gujarat for various serious reasons including the protests against nuclear plants, unjust land distribution and natural resource protection. They don’t have 1.5 crore rupees to build a Steven Spielberg fasting stage.
Ahmedabad , corruption , economy , Employment , Equality , Government , Gujarat , Life , Media , morality , Narendra Modi , News , Society
My post card to Prime Minister
Usually Saturdays at work are less burdened! Some of the highly enthusiastic fellows were desperate to spell out their support to Anna Hazare. Perhaps because they are land brothers
Some 50-60 postcards were bought and they started printing “I SUPPORT ANNA HAZARE” and the addresses of our honorable PM Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and the honorable President Shri Pratibha Patil. People are out on street, rubbing their feet off to support Anna and here they are lazy to write the addresses with their hands. Pity!!!
Here’s my post card to Prime Minister:
My idea about fighting corruption is “Start from Self”. No protest, bill or law will be more effective.
Jai Hind!
Ahmedabad , corruption , Development , Equality , Government , Gujarat , Gujarati , Human Resources , Narendra Modi , Television
Where is Gujarat’s Lokayukta?
I visited Gujarat Government’s official site of Information Department (http://gujaratinformation.net/). I found the press release link which suggested that why Gujarat’s still doesn’t have the Lokayukta! With the open mind and anticipation that I will get to know some good reasons that why don’t we have it.
Here is the page where you can download a Microsoft Word file. You can download this word file but when you open it, here’s what you get to see:
This file is a collection of junk characters. Watch out the fonts!
Now, I tried to download another press release. It was a regular Ahmedabad daily press release.
Perfectly readable with the same fonts as the other file – Shruti.
My suggestions for such critical information publishing:
1. Each piece of information coming out of the State Information Department has to be easily searchable and readable.
2. The files for download have to be readable through free software like Adobe PDF Reader or Notepad. Microsoft Office Word may not be available to every common person as the users need license and that costly.
3. Such documents have to available in at least hindi and gujarati – two languages.
4. If any kind of text is provided in any regional language – the site must provide the supported fonts to download.
And yes, we still don’t know WHY we don’t have the Lokayukta in Gujarat!!!
Ahmedabad , corruption , Development , Disaster , Discrimination , Equality , Government , Gujarat , Gujarati , India , Media , Narendra Modi , Society , terrorism , village , Young India
Time to change the medication!
I believe Gaurang Raval could not resist his agony and he wrote is this honest open letter to CM of Gujarat:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/gaurang-raval/મુખ્યમંત્રી-શ્રી-નરેન્દ્રભાઈ-ને-ખુલ્લો-પત્ર/10150385421848203
Many believe that it has become fashionable to condemn Modi. I rather honestly feel that people who are writing such open letters and putting efforts are in pain and they are desperate to let people know in some way that please stand your ground, identify the hypocrisy and at least try to understand the truth.
I had to respond to Gaurang’s letter with my own perspective that we should try shifting our focuses.
To Gaurang,
“Gaurang’s feeling is understandable. I know that I share equal sensitivity about the points he has raised about Gulbarg and other instances of 2002. It has been 9 years now and Narendra Modi did not have to live a single sweating moment for this entire period, for what he has done in 2002 and also at many other instances. The cases are jumping from here to there, committees are appointed and dissolved, reports are generated and submitted, again cases are reopened and shut! Being a citizen of this state I don’t have much hope for justice regarding 2002 and over this period of time there are millions of things which have been manipulated, eradicated and vanished which can actually bring the truth out.
Secondly, I believe that somethings has happened a few years back and we are sad and heart torn. What now? We certainly know that Modi is a preacher and he knows the nerve of people of Gujarat. They like that Gammat Gulal and circus of this guy. They hardly think and assess. I talked about the Sabarmati waters spread in villages to one of my colleagues and he said, “e to lakhya kare”. ZERO SENSITIVITY. I totally appreciate Gaurang’s feelings and the way he has expressed. He has valid points. When I retrospect my efforts, I feel that Modi is like terrorism. He is not a person, he has injected himself in the nerves of Gujaratis very smartly and fashionably. We have to start from beginning. We have to start from the roots. I am just sharing my views and using this forum as a soundboard.
Targeting Modi and his (uncountable) misdeeds directly has made the people habitual of it and it affects neither modi nor people. It is like we keep taking pain killers and the body gets habitual and doesn’t respond to the medicine. We need to change the medicine. I would say sensitizing people and educating people for the issues rather than trying to understand and fight against modi would be rewarding at some point of time. It would have long term benefits. If I would have time and space to handle the current situation, I would forget all 2002 thing for a while, I will forget Modi’s presense completely and I will focus on people and render their mindsets by one way or the other.
May I be in that situation soon!
Amen…
Ahmedabad , Conviction , Development , Disaster , Discrimination , Gujarat , Media , Society , Television
Sadbhavana? Woh kya cheej hai?
Sadbhavana means good faith, good feeling. To establish the good faith among the people, the virtues of faith, honest, transparency and love are essential. If more than one virtues are missing, there is a least possibility of spreading good faith.
Narendra Modi has drastically failed in communicating these virtues to the people. Answers to some very important points which stood up against Modi, could have given a sense of authenticity of these virtues being present in Modi’s heart.
Is he interested in Prime Ministerial position for the election of 2014? Isn’t this an official start of an election campaign?
Why and what amount of money has been spent for this giagentic event? There is already a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) against the money spent in this event.
Does he accept the moral responsibility for any horrific events happend in Gujarat including 2002 riots? He has never been clear on this. Can he answer this without any ambiguities and without responding grossly?
Wasn’t this event for targetting the religious minority, as on each instance the representatives from different religions were highlighted including at the time of breaking fast?
If Narendra Modi would have been generous, honest, faith worthy enough then he could have clearly answered these questions in his speeches and interviews in media.
An utterly misguided event and campaign name called Sadbhavana!
Many Gujaratis will have not have a good feeling to read this but these are all questions and no statements. Can there be a minute where they can think and assess?
Recently, we were getting sandy yellowish drinking water from our Municipal (Council) Water Supply. Along with the unknown diseases it could bring, we didn’t like to drink that colored water.
A very popular way to get rid of that dirt or impurities was to use ALUM wrapped in a clothe and drown that into that drinking water for a while. Magically all the impurities started going down and started getting rested at the bottom of the pot. Amazing!!! (Will add more pictures)
What is ALUM? ALUM A colourless to white crystalline k aluminum sul- fate, KAl(SO4)2 12H2O, or [KAl(H2O)6]SO4 6H2O, occurring natu- rally as the mineral kalunite, or kalinite, and in compounding as the mineral alunite. It is also called potash alum to distinguish it from other forms. (Ref: http://www.chemical-engineering.co/2011/05/30/alum/)
A quick view on the Facebook changes —-
1. Classification of Top stories and Recent Stories – AVERAGE
Well, that funny triangle suddenly makes me feel that I am somewhere else. I am sure it would classify the stories smartly but it is killing the purpose to surf through unexpected updates, photoes and events happening around and far!!!
2. Status Update Twiiter-kinda Side Bar – AVERAGE
Again, classifying the statuses in this fashion will kill the purpose of curiosity and anxiety of surfing the WALL.
3. Taking away the live Status box – POOR
The most convinient feature of posting the status quickly is farther with one more click. Never needed this.
4. Shocking Chat Bar – POOR
Why would the screen shakes and the bar appears like this!!!?? Completely useless.
5. Profile name instead of link Profile – GOOD
You had the space, you used the space! Fine.
6. Bigger wall image – POOR
This copied feature was one of the unnecesary features of G+. You can’t anyway view the picture appropriately in that size, you anyway have to open it. Futile!!
7. Album view – new and moved to top – AVERAGE
This layout has changed the size of picture. The image is smaller but frame and user experiance is much better than that black backgrounded lightbox.
8. Classification of Friendship Type and subscription options – OKAY
Now, there is everything here! Twitter, LinkedIn, G+. Well tried. But not needed at many points. Facebook is Facebook, it needn’t need to be a Twitter and It will never need to be G+ Hold on to the simplicity and class! You’d live longer.
Yet to see the TIMELINE feature…
‘Why are heros in India born only in Bollywood and Cricket?’
(Event link: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=195880797151207)
A debate is annouced on an issue which touches millions in this country but in a cynical way! HEROs… HEROs are ideal models for the people. They connect, sensitize, touch and inspire! They make your hormones rage, they give you goose bumps. But our commercialized media gains the most from bollywood and cricket as they are the machinaries for generating insane revenues. And that very Media hammers Bollywood and Cricket in each television of the country, hour by hour, minute by minute. Dhoni completing the WC win with a full monty, this visual is presented in a way that a soldier wins the Kargil war with the last bullet he had!
Thanks to the social media (more like public driven media) which has provided the platform where we can see a story of a TAJ CHEF leaving his job and feeding the homeless! Doesn’t that touch us? It does. He is a HERO. But that video does not run 25 times a day with exciting background music and visual effects and we forget that easily. I too respect the HEROs of bollywood and cricket but not that others are lesser HEROIC to me. Sensitivity to all sections of the society, to the problems of neighborhood and to the crucial issues of our states and nation – we’ll find HEROs on each walk, on each day! I can recall some old notes of mind which I’d like to share. These are HEROs for me!
I met a Human – 1
I met a Human – 2
I met a Human – 3
He broke the sleep of the inebriated Indian fans who believe that Sachin is the GOD. He undoubtedly is! But not for the whole world. Shoaib Akhtar is just a peer cricket who works at the office where he gets to meet this peer Sachin who is really good at his work. What reason Shoaib Akhtar has not to express his honest views for a one good day at office he had!
The sentimental Indians (including the author of this article) are popular to lift someone so quickly to make him/her a God and also to pull someone down in a fraction of a moment to get him/her lost in the pages of history. It is the dignified character of Sachin Tendulkar, it is his blood wet passion for his country and the game of cricket, it is the ground-glued personality of his which has let him remained extremely respected and appreciated for such a long time. 20+ years, how can someone be so consistent and magical at what he does!!? He is a genius of cricket.
The definition of God for me is someone who connects with a remarkable number of people around the world, cultivates the faith in their hearts and makes them smile. Sachin makes a billion smile! These human factors make him a God kind. But that doesn’t entitle him to be the God of Shoaib Akhtar or of any other cricketer across the globe. How fans have reacted sounds more like the followers of Narendra Modi reacted when you speak against him.
Someone did not call him a GOD, someone said Sachin was scared, and he is the culprit. He has been asked for an apology, he has been asked to regret for what he said. Can we force someone to believe in any of the GODs?
Media churns the hype!
koi chadar samaj ke khinch na le phir se khali,
mein kafan odh ke footpath pe so jata hun…
JAGJIT SINGH PASSES AWAY…
RIP
Ahmedabad , Conviction , Development , economy , Government , Gujarat , Life , Media , morality , Society , Young India
Youth of Ahmedabad
I am simply stunned by horrific state of Ahmedabad’s youth. Least stimulated, rather very ignorant about the happenings within the city (forget the fact-finding and forget happenings around the state!). It is not about just political events, but it is about the basic awareness and knowledge about the system we live in. Unfortunately, multiplexes, restaurants and picnics – this is the life system of today’s majority of youth in Ahmedabad, as observed! Of course, these things are also part of our lives BUT that is not the only way of life. Least sensitive, least stimulated and least thoughtfully active – that is how I would beg to define the people of Ahmedabad. There are people who are aware and curious about the facts behind the issues taking place, but scarce.
Recent conversations with some known friends led this belief that the ignorance is prevailing at a dangerous extent. Many did not know how the BILL-TO-LAW system works in Government be it state or union. Many did not know who Sanjiv Bhatt is and why he has been arrested. Many do not know why the nuclear plants are being built and why we don’t need them! The list can go on.
If you find yourself fitting in above description, it is high time to open your eyes and ears, look around, think about and at least be aware.
Send your comments on feedback@snehism.com
Ahmedabad , corruption , Development , Discrimination , Gujarat , Narendra Modi , Society , Television
Only a few Questions!
Government of Gujarat does not want Supreme Court ot monitor 2002 riot cases. Why?
Government of Gujarat does not want the Lokayukta chosen by the Governer. Why?
Government of Gujarat wants the Governer to be called off by Center. Why?
Government of Gujarat want to send Sanjiv Bhatt on remand and want access to his locker. Why?
Government of Gujarat wants to open 21 year old case on Sanjiv Bhatt and they don’t have destroyed documents of 2002 riots. Why?
Government of Gujarat spies up on Haren Pandya’s wife. Why?
Government of Gujarat ransacked the protest of riot victims while the CM was on fast. Why?
Government of Gujarat wants to probe Ashish Nandy for his remarks on the people of Gujarat after 2007 elections. Why?
Government of Gujarat distributes the bonus to employees just before elections of 2012. Why?
Chief Minister of GoG conducts so called Sadbhavana Mission just before elections of 2012. Why?
There is a fake and manipulated video is being circulated on the internet saying the video of Steve Jobs’ last business meeting. The collapse of Jobs is also faked by editing the video. Here’s the fake video:
The original video which shows Steve Jobs saying the same things at the timeline 2:43. Steve Jobs looks weak and has lost weight as it is a video from recent interview. Here’s the original video:
Shame on people who are trying to make a joke out someone’s death, just to get some video hits.
When the Ahmedabadis must be lining up for the Ganthiya-Fafda-Jalebi on a pink morning of the Sunday, Gujarat was again blooded by satans. Nadeem Saiyed, an activist of RTI and important witness of Naroda Patiya incidents of 2002 was brutally killed in a broad day light.
With 389 friends in Facebook, my wall is keeping dead mum about the incident. Being away from my machine for a day I could not manage to write by I was raged for the entire day and could not ease myself. Even today, when I see there is zero presence and sensitivity towards this news, my heart is tormented.
In which world are you living people? Is the fafda-jalebi and a sunday movie only way of life for you??? And what the heck is this Modi government doing? Watching the witnesses and activists killed? OR THEY ARE KILLIN THEM ITSELF? Neither they are providing security to Sanjiv Bhatt!!!
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