Tuesday, September 22, 2009

For them !

Not for us, for them,
for the next generation,
lets show some responsibilty,
lets think now, lets act now,
the tree we plant, will not help us,
it's for them,
it will bear fruit for them,
it will give them shade,
not for us, for them.
lets save fuel, for them,
lets save water, for them,
lets save the environment, for them.
not for us, for them.
let us evanish all the caste systems,
not just from our books of law,
but also from our hearts,
lets take the onus of changing future,
lets love our neighbour nations and teach our children the same,
lets teach the unprivilege the way to live,
to live a sophisticated and a civilized life.
lets help them.
not for us, for them
Lets, turn vegetarian,
to save the planet, for them.
For them, Lets do it.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Questioning austerity?

Austerity is as old to us (read: Indians) as our own culture, the good old ancient sadhus and gurus gave us the concept of austerity. But what exactly is 'Austerity'?
As to the Oxford dictionary austerity is severe or strict in appearance or manner and lacks comforts, luxuries and decoration.
In economics, austerity is when a national government reduces its spending, to pay back creditors. Austerity is usually required when a government's fiscal deficit spending is felt to be unsustainable. Well, being austere in Indian way means a lot more then stated above. All Dharmic religions have austerity as one of their major essence. In fact, austerity was one of the phase of education of the Raja's who used to live in an ashram abstaining from worldly pleasures.
Bhagwaan Raam had an austere 'vanvaas' for 14 years.
Bhagwaan Mahavir and Gautam Budhha had their own way of austerity.
Gandhiji gave up his clothes, one piece of home sewn loincloth, a glass of goat milk and a handful of food was all he had. He gave up his clothes, because he said once, 'to fight for them, i need to be one of them'
Now, austerity is again in news for political reasons. External affairs ministers SM Krishna and Shashi Tharoor were asked to leave the 5 star hotel. They were there because their houses were under renovation. Initiated by the populist leader Pranab Mukherjee, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul baba joined the band wagon by travelling in economy class and in train respectively.
Reason for such steps?
When questioned, the UPA spokesperson said, 'when the country is hit by drought and economic problems, we should cut back our expenses too'. Good thought MP saab, but do you think that this step will be taken in a positive note by the mass or will it be frowned upon as an another political stunt. Well, within three days, many have questioned its honesty already.
Well, austerity is a good idea politically to woo voters and even if it is a political gimmick by INC, it is better then playing on religious sentiments and promising a Ram Mandir and also better then Regionalist fundamentalist. Now, is the time to b a little less cynical and understand what is good for us and what is not.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Neither Indian, nor a sport.


The Indian media went as crazy as a loom when Force India had a podium finish. The Media banged its chest commemorating India's victory with a triumph. Well truly speaking this is really a good news.

But honestly speaking how much Indian is the Force India team actually, except the name and owner it has no connection to India. An Italian driver and a German engine. Thanks to Vijay Mallya who could have named it 'Team Kingfisher' but in stead chose the other. Having the name India doesn't make it totally Indian and we should stop bragging about it. The Indian media was full of frenzy news about the whole episode.

I like watching Formula one and I enjoy it totally but its irresistible for me to call it a non-sport, supporting our sports minister's statement that F1 is not a sport. It is one of the elitist sports ever which has it's contributions in the Global warming too.
The government cannot spend hundreds of crores to build up an international track in India because we have other sports which need an appreciation.
We cannot pursue the dream of having 'Indian grand prix ' at the cost of other sports.
F1 is not a sport even the racing legend Sir Stirling moss had said once.