Life of vellas...

For those of you, who do not know meaning of “vella”, it means a time-pass person. A person who is totally jobless and chilled in life. I call myself vella in life at this point of time (actually I was always vella only).

How did I come to write about such an absurd topic?
Yesterday I was watching TV. Star Gold was showing hera-pheri. The movie has no relation with being vella. But what was happening along with it, will make you realize that the country is full of vellas. It was Paresh Raval’s birthday yesterday. So Star Gold had asked its viewers to wish their hero through sms to 7827 (or any number like it). Bloody, a single sms to this number costs 2 Rs. Still people were continuously flooding the channel with sms. There was a scroll bar in the bottom of screen displaying all the messages. People from all parts of country, sending birthday wishes, sher-o-shairy, forwards, fan-sms (yes its age of fan-sms now, fan-mails are past thing). That too knowing it that there are really rare chances are there that Mr. Paresh will see them also. By God’s grace, even he saw them also, he wont be replying to them. So why waste so much money.

All the reality shows and talent hunts today allow their viewers to become judge and send their verdict through call or sms. There also thousands of vellas in country send their views. After all nobody gave them such an opportunity. It’s a feel good factor.

And now about vellapanti of my life.
Here is how I generally spend a day in my life.

Wake up (whenever you feel like)
Have breakfast (whatever you like)
Read newspaper (if you take TOI then just see the newspaper)
Watch TV (atleast 4 music channels will be airing Himesh Rashmiya song, three news channels will be discussing cricket, for sure)
Have lunch (again depends on you and your cook's choice)
Sleep (minimum two-three hours)
Wake up (whenever you like)
Read newspaper (if you take TOI then just see the newspaper)
Watch TV (atleast 4 music channels will be airing Himesh Rashmiya song, three news channels will be discussing cricket, for sure)
Have dinner (again depends on you and your cook's choice)
Watch TV (atleast 4 music channels will be airing Himesh Rashmiya song, three news channels will be discussing cricket, for sure)
Sleep ( till you wish)
-Thats a weekend of our life for you.
If its a working day, after breakfast its work, till around eight and then dinner. rest all same.

And the photo attached show some more proof of vellapanti in my life.
(the textures are copyright material of their creater. And I have done the art over them using copyrighted fonts)

movie magic...

Yestrday during lunch, we were discussing about movies. I was asked "hows Fanaa?" I did not have any answer as I have not seen that movie yet. They asked me "Hows the review for it?" I had only one answer I do not read reviews.

When I was in college, I used to read reviews in TOI every sunday morning. Iff TOI gave the movie 3+ stars, I would think about watching it in theatre. Otherwise we will enjoy it on my computer only.

Why did we generally rely on reviews to take t he decision to watch any movie?
I could think of some reasons:

• Money: As watching movie in theatre is big burden on pockets, we try to make sure that every movie we watch is a good value for it. Reviews can help us taking the decision.
• Time: Time is money so again to same it, we want to be sure before watching any movie.
• Interest: Sometime the movie has lot of hype. We want to know more about it and then find out why the hype. Easiest way is to read one or the other review.
• Knowledge: When I came to Bangalore, i had watched barely two or three English movies (in theatre). NOw to start with, I would read the review and then decide. For two reasons, I will have some understanding about the storyline, and also what to look for in the movie.
  

But today I rarely read any review before watching the movie. But sometimes I do read them after watching the movie. Why this kind of transition?

• Money and time: I have my money and time. We watch movie every weekend, so these two have a little say in decision to watch a movie.
• Interest: I have watched movies of various types and genre. From bad movies to good movies. Movies that cater to all kinds of crowd. So now I have got a taste. And after watchinf the trailor I can decide If a movie is going to satisfy that taste or not.
• TV and DVDs: Now we have our own TV and DVD player. All those TD&H (Tom DICK and Harry) movies, we can watch at home only. SO whenever in doybt, rent a DVD.
• Bad reviews: Once my taste for good movies was developed, I realized that mose of the reviews are partial and very distorted. Sometime they are written for comercial gain. I could not enjoy them any more. Moreover, some stupid writers, specially for TOI, mention some spolirs in the review. So its better not to read them if you have any mood to watch a movie.

To end it, I think we shuld reviews, if (and only if)

• The review is not partial.
• we can spare ourself from getting driven by it.

So enjoy... the magic of cinema...

who the hell is Shatrughan Sinha

BJP's Rajya Sabha MP and film veteran Shatrughan Sinha said on Sunday that the Aamir Khan should 'apologise' to the people of Gujarat and sort out the matter.

"As a big brother I suggest that Aamir should apologise for his comments on the Narmada issue and Gujarat. He should tender apology respecting people's sentiments," Sinha said. Read the full story here.

Big brother ???

Hello, who the hell is Shatrushan Sinha?

What have you done in your whole life, in film industry or in politics?

Shatru Bhaiya (as he is popularly known as), just realize the fact that you have done enough of this politics. Bihar has been taken over by Nitish Kumar, and if he stays there for long enough, you will not have any place there (right now also he does not have much significance, other than as a crowd puller). BJP is a sinking ship, many a rats have already abandoned it. Sooner or later even you will have to do the same. Films you have left long back, or actually they have left you long back. Its been a long time for you in politics, and you have not done anything for anyone. Just accept your worthlessness.

Let the others do the right thing.

Pappu pass ho gaya - PART 2

Till now in Pappu pass ho gaya – PART 1 you read about my journey from Pritesh Jain, to PJ and finally to pjain (people know me all the three names today). Continuing with the same let me try to put some of my thoughts about this evolution.

Opportunities: I came from a family where not many were knowledgeable about the best of opportunities available for me. I did not know about GRE or GMATE till I entered college. My mom wanted me to be a doctor, may be because she could not become one. My dad told me only one thing that “Just remember that your father is a banker, so you have to make your own living. There is no family business that you can work in.” So true, And such a simple way to say that “make sure you do something worth in life” I came to college. I came to know about many new things and opportunities. Whatever I came to know, I told my parents, they thought for some time, may be trued to find more about it then gave me the nod to do that.
Just like God, opportunities are always there, only that we can not see them all the time. Just keep the trust in yourself, in your children and keep encouraging.

Freedom of taking decision: All my decisions were taken by me only. My parents always encouraged me to take the decisions. It does not mean that they let me do whatever I wanted. I was a kid, in learning phase of life, so they reviewed all the decisions. (even today)Every time we discuss all the aspects of the decision. If they think that it is not worth or will not be useful in life, they say directly. I think again and then find that, because of their experience in life, they can sense anything much better than me. Life is the biggest teacher. But I had the freedom and confidence of parents to choose anything for me. Still today I think about them and consult them before making any decision.
Parents should teach their kids the art of wise decision making. They may not be around everytime when the kid needs to make some decision. So better teach him value of taking correct decisions in early age.

It does not end here: Opportunities come your way throughout the life. You don’t need to get discouraged when you face failure somewhere or miss one opportunity. Not many people know about one of the important even in my life. What happened was that I had an interview for internship in a MNC (for our 8^th sem project). After discussing with lot of people I made a conclusion that the MNC will not take more than two or three, so it was not worth it to stay in holidays for the interview. I went home. When I was there i came to know that they took more than 15 people for internship. I was heart-broken. I was so disgusted at my decision. I started crying after the call. My parents came to know about the full story. They just said that it’s ok now. Don’t repent. You will get many more such opportunities in future. Sometimes our decisions do go wrong. This is part of life.
Today I am working in the same MNC, and I have no regret of missing that internship. Fact is that opportunities will always come. You don’t need to take any hard decision to cover up your failure. Not even failure, just to make things look good today.

One of my cousins is writing his engineering entrance exams this year. His mom, right now, is in full mood to get him admission in any college. She says he gave him a lot of trouble studying this year (actually this guy has some medical problems and also is very childish so not very sincere in life), so she can not afford to let him take a drop-year for engineering entrance. As the results are still to come, I have not said anything to aunt. Seeing your son at home after 12^th, doing nothing ( I mean not going to college, though the guy is preparing for some exams) is not what every mom in our place imagines. So she will not be much different from other moms. But point is id she sends the guy to any ABS college today; she is just postponing the real problem. After four year the guy may be at same kind of problem again.
This guy is real good at arts (specially drawing). But still, nobody ever thought of finding opportunities in that field. Every kid is not same, so why not let him do something different which suits him. I will suggest the same to my aunt when time right time comes. Will I be able to do same with my own kids, is something only time will say.

These and some more - I shall come with another post in same series when I am done compiling everything. For now, do let me know about your views about my thoughts. If you do not have a blogger account, mail me at the_pritesh@yahoo.co.in

Pappu pass ho gaya - PART 1

Day before yesterday, results of standard XII were announced. It reminded me of the time when my results for higher secondary (equivalent of Standard XII) were announced. Let me recall the whole year of Std. XII, as it holds a really important part in ones life.

For a student, there are two important decisions to be taken in his school life.
First- after class 10^th (as to which stream to chose for further studies) and
Second- after class 12^th (as to where and which course to do for graduation).

These tow decisions define course of his (or her) life. Actually the mind has to be made before these stages only. In case of class 10^th we (might) need good percentage in class 10^th and before to opt for a particular stream. While for admission in graduate courses, we need to pass different entrance exams. So the decision needs a lot of thinking and preparation.

For me, the first decision was very easy. I was good at math and always liked mathematics. I wanted to be an engineer, more so because I hated biology. My mom had one dream that his son become doctor or IAS officer. One of her dream shattered then only. But without any hesitation I chose Math science (Math, Physics and Chemistry) as my stream in further education. My parents supported me in my decision.
(I forgot to mention that, for some time we considered the idea of me joining a reputed polytechnic college after class 10^th. But somehow neither I nor my parents were convinced enough and we dropped the idea. Thank god.)

Second decision was bit more difficult and tricky. I enjoyed my Class 11^th year. No tension about future. After the exam of 11^th I started preparation of entrance exams. I was not very sure about IIT, so I concentrated on other engineering entrance exams. My parents still did not say anything. They supported me as always. Thought I was not sure about my goals. I was just preparing for entrance exams, without any college or branch in mind. Still I prepared.
Around December and January forms of various exams came. I applied to whichever my guide suggested. Meanwhile I had given IIT and Roorki screening exams and had cleared them also. I gave the Karnataka exams and then went back to Indore to write MP PET.
Just the day before PET, my XII results were announced. I topped the Indore division in the same. It’s been a while since my school had got such a result, so they wanted to take all the advantage of it. they organized some function to honor me, some press conferences and interviews were arranged. All these, with my entrance exam just the next day. Somehow I survived all those events and gave my exams.

Results for KCET and MPPET came. I had good ranks in both of them. So now the biggest dilemma started. Where to go and what branch to opt for? My family had only one or two engineers (all others are bankers, doctors or businessmen). So we consulted those few engineers. My uncle consulted his entire friend. My dad consulted all his friends and likewise I consulted all my friends and guide. Because of my luck or otherwise I finally opted to come to Bangalore and join RVCE in Electronics and Communication engineering. I thank god for guiding me to this direction. My parents, as always, supported me. They do it today also, and will keep doing.

Today I am working in a reputed MNC, enjoying work and life. I thank God and my parents for that.

no fun for fanaa in Gujarat

Fearing attacks on theatres in the state, the Multiplex Association of Gujarat has decided not to screen Aamir Khan's forthcoming film Fanaa.

Here is one version of the controversy:

The decision comes after violent protests in cities including Ahmedabad and Vadodara, following Aamir's remarks against the Gujarat government and Chief Minister Narendra Modi a few weeks ago.

According to Manubhai S Patel, president of the Multiplex Association of Gujarat and chairman of city-based multiplex Wide Angle, some multiplexes had to stop screening Aamir's last film Rang De Basanti mid-way after an agitation against the actor over his remarks in connection with the Narmada dam intensified. "We do not want property damaged nor do we want movie buffs coming to see other movies harassed in any manner," he said, adding that there was no political interference in the decision. Read the full story here

There is another side of the picture:

As mentioned in some of the reports, Yashraj Films, Fanaa's producers, were forcing a hike in multiplex ticket rates for the film, and wanted to negotiate a better share of the profits. Things haven't been clear till now. Read the full story here.

What is the reality? Let’s try to see in more details.

While extending support to the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), Bollywood star Aamir Khan may not have imagined that his new film 'Fanaa' - meaning destroyed in love - would have to pay a price for it in Gujarat.
A month after Aamir advocated proper rehabilitation of Narmada dam, the anger of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that strongly supports the project is very evident.

'We have made it clear from the very first day that Aamir Khan must apologize to Gujaratis for his anti-Narmada comments. If he does so, we will allow the screening of his films,' said Amit Thaker, president of the youth wing of the BJP, Ahmedabad. Oh so Mr. Thakar is the leader of Gujaratis !! What the helll…
Gujarat Cinema Association president Harish Patel agreed.
'Aamir Khan, with all his ignorance on the Narmada issue, plunged into the controversy and the words he used cannot be tolerated,' he said. So Mr. Harish too is one Mr. Wannabe !!
'How can we exhibit Aamir Khan's film when he spoke against the state without knowing anything? His statement was a hindrance in the progress of our state. It was like denying the benefit of the Narmada waters to the state,' argued Manubhai Patel, president of the Multiplexes' Association in Gujarat. Check here that it’s the same Manubahai.
But most are silent over the fact that the film star only spoke about rehabilitating people displaced by the project and did not comment on the height of the dam - an issue that lies at the heart of the controversy.
When asked about that, Patel evaded a direct answer, saying: 'He should not have said anything, particularly when he didn't know anything.' What an intelligent answer !! Only Mr. Patel is authosized to say something on Narmada Issue. !!
Congress spokesperson Hasmukh Patel distanced the party from the issue: 'This is nothing but the BJP's communal colour because the film star is a Muslim. The issue is a commercial one and not political. We have nothing to do with it.'

Incidentally, youth Congress activists were part of the mob that had stalled the screening of 'Rang De Basanti' a month ago. Can people like Hasmukhk Patel be thrown out of country? They claim to be secular and still try to play such a cheap political game.
Fact remains that Aamir, by speaking for dam oustees and by criticising the Gujarat government for the Vadodara violence earlier this month, has definitely offended the ruling party, if not the people of Gujarat. And this seems to be the only reason for no release of the movie in multiplexes. Yashraj Films is trying to play safe by trying to hide the real issue coz everyone knows there is no solution to the real problem. The dictatorship in Gujrat will not change.

Prits's Choice..

Yesterday one of my friends asked me to list latest Hindi songs which should be there in your music collection. Songs, which will pep you up. I thought I will try to list them here. This is totally my personal choice, and thus there will be no Himesh Reshamiya song in the list. So all you Himesh Reshamiya fans, please go somewhere else (read as go to hell).
The songs are in no particular order.

• ‘Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai’ from Gangster - This song has been sung by K.K and Sayeed Quadri has written the beautiful lyrics. It’s a rhythmic number and has quite a catchy tune. Listen to its Euro mix in the same album. Simply superb.

• ‘Bheegi Bheegi’ from Gangster - This is sung by Bangladeshi singer, James who makes his Bollywood debut with this number. It has wonderful lyrics written by Mayur. It has a haunting and melodious tune, which will definitely remain with the listener even much after the song.

• ‘Fanaa remix’ from Fanaa - The Club Mix of Chand Sifarish by DJ Aqueel is called Fanaa For You. The English hook line repeats continually while the fillers of keyboard generated electric guitar pep up the tempo. The original song called ‘Chand Sifarish’ is also very good. It has Shaan and Kailash Kher's contrasting vocal. Well versed and rhythmic in melody, the vibrant number is an instant hit on the senses.

• ‘Mere Haath Mein’ from Fanaa – This song is the arrangement by Salim-Sulaiman and is clearly inspired by A R Rahman's style. Rendered soulfully by Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan, the romantic rhapsody takes its own sweet time to grow on the listener. Really good lyrics.

• ‘Rubaroo’ from Rang de Basanti - is sung by A R Rahman and Naresh Iyer. This number belongs to an Indi-pop genre and has heavy lyrics that require a lot of time to sink in. This situational track has a sweet'n'simple feel to it and is highly appreciated by the youth. .

• ‘Pathshala’ from Rang De Basanti – this song as A.R.Rehman written all over it. A rhythm based western number. The song, that also appears in another version as 'Paathshala – Be A Rebel' with Blaaze joining Mohamed Aslam and Naresh Iyer, is based on college, campus and hostel life with everyone being carefree about things surrounding them.

• ‘Khalabali’ from Rang De Basanti -A R Rahman, Mohamed Aslam and Nacim [who also writes Arabic lyrics] coming together behind the mike. This song is a typical example of how Rehman music works

• ‘Teri Deewani’ by Kailash Kher from his album Kailasa - When it opens with Kher’s plaintive, soulful outpouring of love, you feel it’s going to be a traditionally arranged composition, but what unfolds is an acoustic rock-anthem-like song, with strings, piano and acoustic guitars riding a loosely meandering drum beat. Simple, earthy lyrics, brilliantly written by Kher himself, with a catchy composition. Super lyrics by Kher.

• ‘Daulat Shoharat’ by kailash kher from his album Aawargi – another Kailash kher treadmark. Superb lyrics. His earthy voice makes him next best to none other than Ustad Nusret Fateh Ali Khan.

To add to the list two instrumentals:

1. Destroyed in Love [Lounge Mix] – Instrumental from Fanaa
2. Background score of Rang De Basanti – especially the opening of the movie.

it's a do or die...

Yesterday UPA government completed two years in power. They could not have asked to celebrate the anniversary – a black Monday (with sensex swinging more than 1100 points) and shadows of reservation issue.

Anti-reservation protests and bandhs continued throughout country. Government has kept its mouth shut after the initial revelation. They say that they are still thinking about the best way of finding a solution to the reservation issue. One thing government is sure of is that reservation is the only solution to uplift backward class people and others. Check one of the question by Karan Thapar and Arjun’s answer to it –

"Karan Thapar: Am I then to understand that regardless of the case that is made against reservations in terms of need, regardless of the case that has been made against reservations in terms of efficacy, regardless of the case that has been made against reservations in terms of Jawaharlal Nehru, you remain committed to extending reservations to the OBCs.

Arjun Singh: I said because that is the will of Parliament. And I think that common decisions that are taken by Parliament have to be honored."

It says all about what government is thinking about. To add to it, government made another move yesterday –

“In a move that will just serve to intensify the Center’s stand on increasing quota for backward classes, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Meira Kumar has said that the private sector will be given two years to introduce reservations voluntarily.
Kumar has said that if the private sector does not do the same within the set time limit, then the Government will be forced to bring in a law to that effect.”

So first the educational institution and now the private sector. To make it more clear, in private sector also main target is IT and other related industries.

Can IT industry do what government is asking them for?

I think answer to it will be a strict NO. They can not do so much sacrifice. Most of the income in IT is from outside India, and for those people quality and timely delivery of work is important. To assure smooth operation, IT companies can not do much sacrifice in recruiting and staffing policies. Here companies like TCS and Infosys, recruit today to fulfill requirement of 2007 and 2008, then how can they take risk with reservation. Till now their policies have been based only on quality of knowledge. Whoever satisfies the level is welcome on board. How will they be able to change it?

Can they survive in India by not implementing reservation?

Answer to this question will also be a NO. Parliament (and thus politicians) has all the powers in country. In case of reservations in educational institutions, we have seen that government and parliament is very stubborn on doing what they want to. If a law is made in case of reservation in private sector also, then IT Company will have to abide by it. So it will be either take it or leave the country. Seeing that countries like China and Brazil are growing fast in IT scene, for MNC it will not be a very big trouble. Indian IT companies will face the bigger problem. They will not belong to anywhere.

So today is the high time those all come together and try and find a better solution to all the problems. Else the poison of reservation will spread in whole body and we will die a silent death.

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One joke on reservation:

Question: What would have happened if Titanic was made in India?

Answer: Most of the rescue boats would have been reserved for SC/ST and OBCs.

Devil's Advocate - Arjun Singh

Here is the talk between Karan Thapar and Arjun Singh. Please read it full. Its a must read...

* transcripts copied from CNN IBN website

Karan Thapar: Hello and welcome to the Devil's Advocate. As the debate over the reservations for the OBCs divides the country, we ask - What are the government's real intentions? That is the critical questions that I shall put today in an exclusive interview to the Minister for Human Resource Development Arjun Singh.

Most of the people would accept that steps are necessary to help the OBCs gain greater access to higher education. The real question is - Why do you believe that reservations is the best way of doing this?

Arjun Singh: I wouldn't like to say much more on this because these are decisions that are taken not by individuals alone. And in this case, the entire Parliament of this country - almost with rare anonymity - has decided to take this decision.

Karan Thapar: Except that Parliament is not infallible. In the Emergency, when it amended the Constitution, it was clearly wrong, it had to reverse its own amendments. So, the question arises - Why does Parliament believe that the reservation is the right way of helping the OBCs?

Arjun Singh: Nobody is infallible. But Parliament is Supreme and atleast I, as a Member of Parliament, cannot but accept the supremacy of Parliament.

Karan Thapar: No doubt Parliament is supreme, but the constitutional amendment that gives you your authorities actually unenabling amendment, it is not a compulsory requirement. Secondly, the language of the amendment does not talk about reservations, the language talks about any provision by law for advancement of socially and educationally backward classes. So, you could have chosen anything other than reservations, why reservations?

Arjun Singh: Because as I said, that was the 'will and desire of the Parliament'.

Karan Thapar: Do you personally also, as Minister of Human Resource Development , believe that reservations is the right and proper way to help the OBCs?

Arjun Singh: Certainly, that is one of the most important ways to do it.

Karan Thapar: The right way?

Arjun Singh: Also the right way.

Karan Thaarp: In which case, lets ask a few basic questions; we are talking about the reservations for the OBCs in particular. Do you know what percentage of the Indian population is OBC? Mandal puts it at 52 per cent, the National Sample Survey Organisation at 32 per cent, the National Family and Health Survey at 29.8 per cent, which is the correct figure?

Arjun Singh: I think that should be decided by people who are more knowledgeable. But the point is that the OBCs form a fairly sizeable percentage of our population.

Karan Thapar: No doubt, but the reason why it is important to know 'what percentage' they form is that if you are going to have reservations for them, then you must know what percentage of the population they are, otherwise you don't know whether they are already adequately catered in higher educational institutions or not.

Arjun Singh: That is obvious - they are not.

Karan Thapar: Why is it obvious?

Arjun Singh: Obvious because it is something which we all see.

Karan Thapar: Except for the fact that the NSSO, which is a government appointed body, has actually in its research in 1999 - which is the most latest research shown - that 23.5 per cent of all university seats are already with the OBCs. And that is just 8.5 per cent less than what the NSSO believes is the OBC share of the population. So, for a difference of 8 per cent, would reservations be the right way of making up the difference?

Arjun Singh: I wouldn't like to go behind all this because, as I said, Parliament has taken a view and it has taken a decision, I am a servant of Parliament and I will only implement.

Karan Thapar: Absolutely, Parliament has taken a view, I grant it. But what people question is the simple fact - Is there a need for reservations? If you don't know what percentage of the country is OBC, and if furthermore, the NSSO is correct in pointing out that already 23.5 per cent of the college seats are with the OBC, then you don't have a case in terms of need.

Arjun Singh: College seats, I don't know.

Karan Thapar: According to the NSSO - which is a government appointed body - 23.5 per cent of the college seats are already with the OBCs.

Arjun Singh: What do you mean by college seats?

Karan Thapar: University seats, seats of higher education.

Arjun Singh: Well, I don't know I have not come across that far.

Karan Thapar: So, when critics say to you that you don't have a case for reservation in terms of need, what do you say to them?

Arjun Singh: I have said what I had to say and the point is that that is not an issue for us to now debate.

Karan Thapar: You mean the chapter is now closed?

Arjun Singh: The decision has been taken.

Karan Thapar: Regardless of whether there is a need or not, the decision is taken and it is a closed chapter.

Arjun Singh: So far as I can see, it is a closed chapter and that is why I have to implement what all Parliament has said.

Karan Thapar: Minister, it is not just in terms of 'need' that your critics question the decision to have reservation for OBCs in higher education. More importantly, they question whether reservations themselves are efficacious and can work.

For example, a study done by the IITs themselves shows that 50 per cent of the IIT seats for the SCs and STs remain vacant and for the remaining 50 per cent, 25 per cent are the candidates, who even after six years fail to get their degrees. So, clearly, in their case, reservations are not working.

Arjun Singh: I would only say that on this issue, it would not be correct to go by all these figures that have been paraded.

Karan Thapar: You mean the IIT figures themselves could be dubious?

Arjun Singh: Not dubious, but I think that is not the last word.

Karan Thapar: All right, maybe the IIT may not be the last word, let me then quote to you the report of the Parliamentary Committee on the welfare for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes - that is a Parliamentary body.

It says that looking at the Delhi University, between 1995 and 2000, just half the seats for under-graduates at the Scheduled Castes level and just one-third of the seats for under-graduates at the Scheduled Tribes level were filled. All the others went empty, unfilled. So, again, even in Delhi University, reservations are not working.

Arjun Singh: If they are not working, it does not mean that for that reason we don't need them. There must be some other reason why they are not working and that can be certainly probed and examined. But to say that for this reason, 'no reservations need to be done' is not correct.

Karan Thapar: Fifty years after the reservations were made, statistics show, according to The Hindustan Times, that overall in India, only 16 per cent of the places in higher education are occupied by SCs and STs. The quota is 22.5 per cent, which means that only two-thirds of the quota is occupied. One third is going waste, it is being denied to other people.

Arjun Singh: As I said, the kind of figures that have been brought out, in my perception, do not reflect the realities. Realities are something much more and of course, there is an element of prejudice also.

Karan Thapar: But these are figures that come from a Parliamentary Committee. It can't be prejudiced; they are your own colleagues.

Arjun Singh: Parliamentary Committee has given the figures, but as to why this has not happened, that is a different matter.

Karan Thapar: I put it to you that you don't have a case for reservations in terms of need, you don't have a case for reservations in terms of their efficacy, why then, are you insisting on extending them to the OBCs?

Arjun Singh: I don't want to use that word, but I think that your argument is basically fallicious.

Karan Thapar: But it is based on all the facts available in the public domain.

Arjun Singh: Those are facts that need to be gone into with more care. What lies behind those facts, why this has not happened, that is also a fact.

Karan Thapar: Let’s approach the issue of reservations differently in that case. Reservations mean that a lesser-qualified candidate gets preference over a more qualified candidate, solely because in this case, he or she happens to be an OBC. In other words, the upper castes are being penalised for being upper caste.

Arjun Singh: Nobody is being penalised and that is a factor that we are trying to address. I think that the prime Minister will be talking to all the political parties and will be putting forward a formula, which will see that nobody is being penalised.

Karan Thapar: I want very much to talk about that formula, but before we come to talk about how you are going to address concerns, let me point one other corollary - Reservations also gives preference and favour to caste over merit. Is that acceptable in a modern society?

Arjun Singh: I don't think the perceptions of modern society fit India entirely.

Karan Thapar: You mean India is not a modern society and therefore can't claim to be treated as one?

Arjun Singh: It is emerging as a modern society, but the parameters of a modern society do not apply to large sections of the people in this country.

Karan Thapar: Let me quote to you Jawaharlal Nehru, a man whom you personally admire enormously. On the 27th of June 1961 wrote to the Chief Ministers of the day as follows: I dislike any kind of reservations. If we go in for any kind of reservations on communal and caste basis, we will swamp the bright and able people and remain second rate or third rate. The moment we encourage the second rate, we are lost. And then he adds pointedly: This way lies not only folly, but also disaster. What do you say to Jawaharlal Nehru today?

Arjun Singh: Jawaharlal Nehru was a great man in his own right and not only me, but everyone in India accept his view.

Karan Thapar: But you are just about to ignore his advice.

Arjun Singh: No. Are you aware that it was Jawaharlal Nehru who introduced the first ammendment regarding OBCs?

Karan Thapar: Yes, and I am talking about Jawaharlal Nehru in 1961, when clearly he had changed his position, he said - I dislike any kind of reservations.

Arjun Singh: I don't think one could take Panditji's position at any point of time and then overlook what he had himself initiated.

Karan Thapar: Am I then to understand that regardless of the case that is made against reservations in terms of need, regardless of the case that has been made against reservations in terms of efficacy, regardless of the case that has been made against reservations in terms of Jawaharlal Nehru, you remain committed to extending reservations to the OBCs.

Arjun Singh: I said because that is the will of Parliament. And I think that common decisions that are taken by Parliament have to be honoured.

Karan Thapar: Let me ask you a few basic questions - If reservations are going to happen for the OBCs in higher education, what percentage of reservations are we talking about?

Arjun Singh: No, that I can't say because that has yet to be decided.

Karan Thapar: Could it be less than 27 per cent?

Arjun Singh: I can't say anything on that, I have told you in the very beginning that at this point of time it is not possible for me to.

Karan Thapar: Quite right. If you can't say, then that also means that the figure has not been decided.

Arjun Singh: The figure will be decided, it has not been decided yet.

Karan Thapar: The figure has not been decided. So, therefore the figure could be 27, but it could be less than 27 too?

Arjun Singh: I don't want to speculate on that because as I said, that is decision, which will be taken by Parliament.

Karan Thapar: Whatever the figure, one thing is certain that when the reservations for OBCs happen, the total quantum of reservations will go up in percentage terms. Will you compensate by increasing the total number of seats in colleges, universities, IITs and IIMs, so that the other students don't feel deprived.

Arjun Singh: That is one of the suggestions that has been made and is being seriously considered.

Karan Thapar: Does it find favour with you as a Minister for Human Resource Development?

Arjun Singh: Whatever suggestion comes, we are committed to examine it.

Karan Thapar: You may be committed to examine it, but do you as minister believe that that is the right way forward?

Arjun Singh: That could be one of the ways, but not the only way.

Karan Thapar: What are the other ways?

Arjun Singh: I don't know. That is for the Prime Minister and the other ministers to decide.

Karan Thapar: One way forward would be to increase the total number of seats.

Arjun Singh: Yes, definitely.

Karan Thapar: But the problem is that as the Times of India points out, we are talking of an increase of perhaps as much as 53 per cent. Given the constraints you have in terms of faculty and infrastructure, won't that order of increase dilute the quality of education?

Arjun Singh: I would only make one humble request, don't go by The Times of India and The Hindustan Times about faculty and infrastructure, because they are trying to focus on an argument which they have made.

Karan Thapar: All right, I will not go by The Times of India, let me instead go by Sukhdev Thorat, the Chairman of the UGC. He points out that today, at higher education levels - that is all universities, IITs and IIMs - there is already a 1.2 lakh vacancy number. 40 per cent of these are in teaching staff, which the IIT faculty themselves point out that they have shortages of up to 30 per cent. Given those two constraint, can you increase the number of seats?

Arjun Singh: That can be addressed and that shortage can be taken care of.

Karan Thapar: But it can't be taken care of in one swoop, it will take several years to do it.

Arjun Singh: I don't know whether it can be taken care of straightway or in stages, that is a subject to be decided.

Karan Thapar: Let me ask you bluntly, if you were to agree to compensate for reservations for OBCs by increasing the number of seats, would that increase happen at one go, or would it be staggered over a period of two-three or four year old process.

Arjun Singh: As I told you, it is an issue that I cannot comment upon at this moment because that is under examination.

Karan Thapar: So, it may happen in one go and it may happen in a series of several years.

Arjun Singh: I can't speculate on that because that is not something on which I am free to speak on today.

Karan Thapar: Will the reservation for OBCs, whatever figure your Committee decides on, will it happen in one go, or will it slowly be introduced in stages?

Arjun Singh: That also I cannot say because as I told you, all these issues are under consideration.

Karan Thapar: Which means that everything that is of germane interest to the people concerned is at the moment 'under consideration' and the government is not able to give any satisfaction to the students who are deeply concerned.

Arjun Singh: That is not the point. The government knows what to do and it will do what is needed.

Karan Thapar: But if the government knows what to do, why won't you tell me what the government wants to do?

Arjun Singh: Because unless the decision is taken, I cannot tell you.

Karan Thapar: But you can share with me as the Minister what you are thinking.

Arjun Singh: No.

Karan Thapar: So, in other words, we are manitaining a veil of secrecy and the very people who are concerned...

Arjun Singh: I am not maintaining a veil of secrecy. I am only telling you what propriety allows me to tell you.

Karan Thapar: Propriety does not allow you to share with the people who are protesting on the streets what you are thinking?

Arjun Singh: I don't think that that can happen all the time.

Karan Thapar: But there are people who feel that their lives and their futures are at stake and they are undertaking fasts until death.

Arjun Singh: It is being hyped up, I don't want to go into that.

Karan Thapar: Do you have no sympathy for them?

Arjun Singh: I have every sympathy.

Karan Thapar: But you say it is being hyped up.

Arjun Singh: Yes, it is hyped up.

Karan Thapar: So, then, what sympathy are you showing?

Arjun Singh: I am showing sympathy to them and not to those who are hyping it up.

Karan Thapar: The CPM says that if the reservations for the OBCs are to happen, then what is called the creamy layer should be excluded. How do you react to that?

Arjun Singh: The creamy layer issue has already been taken care of by the Supreme Court.

Karan Thapar: That was vis -a-vis jobs in employment, what about at the university level, should they be excluded there as well because you are suggesting that the answer is yes?

Arjun Singh: That could be possible.

Karan Thapar: It could be possible that the creamy layer is excluded from reservations for OBCs in higher education?

Arjun Singh: It could be, but I don't know whether it would happen actually.

Karan Thapar: Many people say that if reservations for OBCs in higher education happen, then the children of beneficiaries should not be entitled to claim the same benefit.

Arjun Singh: Why?

Karan Thapar: So that there is always a shrinking base and the rate doesn't proliferate.

Arjun Singh: I don't think that that is a very logical way of looking at it.

Karan Thapar: Is that not acceptable to you?

Arjun Singh: No, it is not the logical way of looking at it.

Karan Thapar: So, with the possible exception of the creamy layer exclusion, reservation for OBCs in higher education will be almost identical to the existing reservations for SC/STs?

Arjun Singh: Except for the percentage.

Karan Thapar: Except for the percentage.

Arjun Singh: Yes.

Karan Thapar: So, in every other way, they will be identical.

Arjun Singh: Yes, in every other way.

Karan Thapar: Mr Arjun Singh, on the 5th of April when you first indicated that the Government was considering reservation for OBCs in higher education, was the Prime Minister in agreement that this was the right thing to do?

Arjun Singh: I think, there is a very motivated propaganda is on this issue. Providing reservation to OBCs was in the public domain right from December 2005, when Parliament passed the enabling resolution.

Karan Thapar: Quite true. But had the Prime Minister specifically agreed on or before 5th of April to the idea?

Arjun Singh: Well, I am telling you it was already there. A whole Act was made, the Constitution was amended and the Prime Minister was fully aware of what this is going to mean. Actually, he had a meeting in which OBC leaders were called to convince them that this would give them the desired advantage. And they should, therefore, support this resolution. And at that meeting, he himself talked to them. Now, how do you say that he was unaware?

Karan Thapar: But were you at all aware that the Prime Minister might be in agreement with what was about to happen but might not wish it disclosed publicly at that point of time? Were you aware of that?

Arjun Singh: It was already there in public domain, that's what I am trying to tell you.

Karan Thapar: Then answer this to me. Why are members of the PMO telling journalists that Prime Minister was not consulted and that you jumped the gun?

Arjun Singh: Well, I don't know which member of the PMO you are talking about unless you name him.

Karan Thapar: Is there a conspiracy to make you the fall guy?

Arjun Singh: Well, I don't know whether there is one or there is not. But fall guys are not made in this way. And I am only doing what was manifestly clear to every one, was cleared by the party and the Prime Minister. There is no question of any personal agenda.

Karan Thapar: They say that, in fact, you brought up this issue to embarrass the Prime Minister.

Arjun Singh: Why should I embarrass the Prime Minister? I am with him. I am part of his team.

Karan Thapar: They say that you have a lingering, forgive the word, jealousy because Sonia Gandhi chose Manmohan Singh and not you as Prime Minister.

Arjun Singh: Well, that is canard which is below contempt. Only that person can say this who doesn't know what kind of respect and regard I hold for Sonia Gandhi. She is the leader. Whatever she decides is acceptable to me.

Karan Thapar: They also say that you brought this issue up because you felt that the Prime Minister had been eating into your portfolio. Part of it had gone to Renuka Chaudhury and, in fact, your new deputy minister Purandar Sridevi had taken over certain parts. This was your way of getting back.

Arjun Singh: No one was taking over any part. This is a decision which the Prime Minister makes as to who has to have what portfolio. And he asked Mrs Renuka Devi to take it and he cleared it with me first.

Karan Thapar: So there is no animus on your part?

Arjun Singh: Absolutely not.

Karan Thapar: They say that you did this because you resented the Prime Minister's popular image in the country, that this was your way of embroiling him in a dispute that will make him look not like a modern reformer but like an old-fashioned, family-hold politician instead.

Arjun Singh: Well, the Tammany Hall political stage is over> He is our Prime Minister and every decision he has taken is in the full consent with his Cabinet and I don't think there can be any blame on him.

Karan Thapar: One, then, last quick question. Do you think this is an issue, which is a sensitive issue, where everyone knew there would have been passions and emotions that would have aroused has been handled as effectively as it should have been?

Arjun Singh: Well, I have not done anything on it. I have not sort of what you call jumped the gun. If this is an issue, which is sensitive, everyone has to treat it that way.

Karan Thapar: But your conscience as HRD Minister is clear?

Arjun Singh: Absolutely clear.

Karan Thapar: There is nothing that you could have done to make it easier for the young students?

Arjun Singh: Well, I am prepared to do anything that can be done. And it is being attempted.

Karan Thapar: For seven weeks, they have been protesting in the hot sun. No minister has gone there to appease them, to alley their concerns, to express sympathy for them. Have politicians let the young people of India down?

Arjun Singh: Well, I myself called them. They all came in this very room.

Karan Thapar: But you are the only one.

Arjun Singh: You are accusing me only. No one else is being accused.

Karan Thapar: What about the Government of India? Has the Government of India failed to respond adequately?

Arjun Singh: From the Government of India also, the Defence Minister met them.

Karan Thapar: Only recently.

Arjun Singh: That is something because everyone was busy with the elections.

Karan Thapar: For seven weeks no one met them.

Arjun Singh: No, but we are very concerned. Certainly, all of us resent the kind of force that was used. I condemned it the very first day it happened.

Karan Thapar: All right, Mr Arjun Singh. We have reached the end of this interview. Thank you very much for speaking on the subject.

Da Vinci Code - the controversy..

The recent controversy about the release of the movie across theaters in India looks like coming to an end (may be temporary). Government and CBFS yesterday cleared for viewing. There was no cut made in the film, but it is getting released with “A” category. Also on demand from Christian groups, there will be a disclaimer in start and end of the movie (for about 15 seconds) claiming that the movie is total work of fiction.

One glitch here is that, distributor Sony Pictures releasing India, has pulled the movie out of theater yesterday. They did it, as they still have not got the CBFS certificate, and no movie can be screened in any theater without the certificate. So may be India will have to wait for another day or two before the code reveals.

Was this controversy needed? Could we have avoided it?

I think it was needed, though there can not be many justifiable reasons. And for any reason we could not have avoided it. So it is better I look at the positive side of the effect of controversy. Some of them might look like a joke but I think they all are true. Here is my take –

• The movie is facing worldwide demonstration, how could it not face any problem from Catholic groups in India. It shows that our catholic groups have the same faith as the other world.

• If it had released without any hype and controversy, half the India would not have knows about the movie and book only. Now because of really good coverage by media, every Tom Dick and Harry will be knowing about Da Vinci Code. Many of them will read the book. As of my experience, it’s a really nice book to read.

• Today good English movies are released only in big cities and may be in tier II cities. For many other cities from tier III category, English movies only mean those action packed Hollywood crap. Now after watching all the controversy, people from those cities will also tempt to see some good acting from Tom Hanks. They will realize that Hollywood is not just action.

• For people in metros also, it has created enough curiosity, so people will just flood once it comes to theaters. Good for the movie.

• Luckily it did not face any cut while in hands of CBFS. Getting an 'A' rating will not affect the collection much. And about that disclaimer, who watches it? Everybody is in process of adjusting in the confy seats of a multiplex while they show it.

• The controversy was good for people like me. I never knew that we had more than 230 representatives from catholic Christian community. I used to think only Hindus have that many divisions. :-)
  

Just one word of caution for everyone. Still there may be some troubles on the theaters while screening of movie, coz we never know mood of the crowd. So watch it with great care.
Enjoy…

Let the truth reveal..

Dasmunsi Code

First thing first – I chose this title because I liked it. Mr. Dasmunsi is not the only responsible person for the current row over release of Da Vinci Code in India.

Da Vinci Code is getting released on 19 May worldwide. Already the bestselling book by the same name by author Dan Brown has created enough controversy. There have been at least two special shows on the same on Discovery and history channels. As said in this book, going against the church is not easy. So the director and producer of the movie are facing worldwide.

As expected, in India also the release of the movie does not look so easy. Various Christian (especially Catholics) organizations have protested against the release of the movie. "The movie is a false and irrelevant portrayal of Jesus Christ. It attacks the very root of Christian faith. It maligns Christ" CBCI Deputy Secretary General Father Donald De Souza told rediff.com . According to Father De Souza, the novel and the film make "caricatures of religious persons of the Church who sacrifice their lives in the service of God and the people."

Government took the easiest way to handle the problem. On Tuesday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi announced that representatives of the Catholic Church, his ministry and the Censor Board will view the film before taking a decision on its release. Valson Phampu of the National Minorities Commission, Assistant Archbishop of Delhi Bishop Anil D'Souza and his father Donald D'souza have been invited to the screening of the film.

What else could government have done?

One option was to let the movie release. In such scenario, seeing what had happened in past, there would have been cinema bandh andolans from certain section of people, may be some violence, some loss of public and private property. So overall it does not look appropriate to risk so much just for one movie (which will be watched only by English speaking section of public living in metros or at the max tier 2 cities. Anyways these people can watch it on DVD very soon).

Other option would have been to ban the movie altogether without giving it its due chance. Then it would not have been real killing of freedom of expression. The produce and distributors would have gone to law and the matter would come back to government and censor board. So after a circular path, the situation will be the same for government.

That’s why the middle way was the best option government got. It chose that. As I am writing this entry, news is that Dasmunsi has seen the movie and he is OK with it. So the ball is in hands of those so-called leaders of churches. Let’s see what happens after that screening.

Incidentally last weekend, three leading members of the Catholic community watched the film along with members of the Censor Board in Mumbai and declared that there is nothing objectionable in the Da Vinci Code. They recommended that a disclaimer be prominently inserted at the beginning of the film, stating that it is a work of fiction and has no connection to reality. However, officials said the government wants to first establish a mechanism to satisfy representatives of the Catholic Church, only then would it allow the film to be released in India.

Only one thing losing its sense in this whole matter is Freedom of Expression. Will write about it sometime soon…

arjun's reserve it or not...

Reservation at higher education level - give me a break.
Arjun Singh and all the politicians have gone insane.
God save the country.

I think these few lines express my feelings on this issue properly.
If you are disappointed here I give you link of entries of one of my favorite blogger Rashmi Bansal. Some of her entries on this issue on her blog http://youthcurry.blogspot.com/

• Caste vs Class
• Quotas vs affirmative action
• Caste vs communtiy

it rained that night..

May-showers have started in Bangalore. I don’t know the exact meaning of April-showers but here in Bangalore may-showers seems to be a apt name. Every evening it rains for some time. Sometimes it pours, sometimes it drizzles or sometimes its just mild showers. It brings down the temperature suddenly. Night temperature has fallen to a distinct low compared to hot day’s temperature. Mornings are really pleasant these days.

That’s Bangalore. I remember seeing this kind of rains first time in 2001 when I came to give my CET exam in may. For years we enjoyed it thought the intensity and regularity decresed. But somehow it became part of Bangalore life for us. In first year our seniors told us one joke “Bangalore rains ka and Bangalore girl ka koi bharosa nahi hai, you should be always prepared”.

But is the government prepared for the rains this time? Todays headline in TOI reads “61 buildings flooded in city”. People have not forgotten the rains in October. But did we learn anything from that experience. Only after first showers this month, PWD started cleaning of garbage dumps and important big drainages. But it was too late seeing what happened yesterday. None the less, still monsoon has not reached Bangalore. Yesterday IMD (Indian meteorological department) announced that this year monsoon will be on time. It should hit Kerala on may 30^th plus or minus three days.

Its high time government wakes up and prepares to cope up with rain troubles. People be ready for another flood otherwise.

By the way "it rained that night" was the title chosen for English version of movie Astitva by Mahesh Manjarekar. The movie was never made though.

a mess called CET

It’s again that time of year when Karnataka CET makes it to the daily headlines. Actually this phase starts from around December end or January, when both the government and private colleges wake from their sound sleep and start fighting about seat sharing and other issues of admission in professional degree colleges.

I heard of KCET (as it is called in past) somewhere around December of 2000. I was preparing for my engineering entrance exams and my guide suggested me to try my luck in KCET too (as there are some really good colleges in Bangalore). I wrote it and as my destiny had written for me, I landed in Bangalore in August 2001. My whole life was changed. I finished my BE from RVCE in June 2005 and am working in a MNC in Bangalore since then.

2001 was the last time CET was held without any problem. KCET was the season of big tourism for Karnataka. All the hotels were booked long in advance. Everyone made money from it. It was a really good business season for Bangalore specially, as most of the outsiders come to Bangalore to give exams and then for counseling and then finally joining college.

2002 onwards CET started to become a mess. Supreme Court gave some ruling where private unaided colleges were allowed to take care of their admission. Many of the private colleges in Karnataka took this decision and wanted to conduct exam and admission for the seats they had to offer. Let ups try and understand why they wanted to do that.

As far as I remember these are the annual fees that were applicable for admission in engineering colleges in 2001:

• Free seats for Karnataka students – Rs 8000 and Rs 12000 (there were two categories, I don’t remember exactly how it worked)
• Payment seats for Karnataka students – Rs 44000
• Seats for Non-Karnataka students –Rs 44000

Other than these there were some seats reserved by colleges for NRI sponsored candidates (which you can also call as donation seats or MQ, the management quota). These seats were filled as early as January (CET was not even notified by then) and the fees varied depending on college and branch opted. And it could be anything in tunes of Rs 15 Lac for the whole course.

Now the seats were shared between college and CET body. Around 50 % seats were booked as free seats for Karnataka students. Around 15 % for non-Karnataka students, around 10 for Karnataka students (payment seats) and rest 15% for college to fill by MQ. If we do a basic math, it’s so clear that the colleges were losing a lot of money because of this arrangement.

Clearly conducting their own examination (and then admission) was their golden opportunity. But they faced one small problem here. only some colleges like RVCE, PESIT, BMS, MSRIT etc could attract these outsider MQ students.
For others thinking about a MQ student was distant dream. Many of the colleges, outside Bangalore never had all their seats filled during CET days also. Now on their own, filling all the seats would have been a daunting task. So they took the middle path. They form another group called COMEDK and tried to conduct their common exam and counseling. They wanted to fix their fee and other money matters on their own, and being in such a big group looked safe to them. To please the government, they offered to give them 25 % seats to be used in its own way.
This is where the state government messed up the whole thing. It kept fighting for more seats. As many of the colleges were run by bug politicians, all the times discussions were for seat sharing. It never tried to find solution for the admission policy and fee structure. After all an engineering degree in Rs 10000 annual fees is cheaper than any other place in India. Years after year, they kept fighting, when it became unavoidable, they settled for a temporary solution. That year’s problem solved and actual problem pushed to be solved (?) in next year.

Last year CET did not give any seat to outside candidates. Their explanation is that "they should serve Karnataka needs first". Such a sad thought. But seeing that many other states in north also do not allow outsiders through state-conducted exams, it can not be blames as Karnataka’s biggest crime. But face remains that, like other states in south, Karnataka has a large number of engineering and medical colleges. And all the seats can not be filled by Karnataka students alone. Bangalore gained its metro status after arrival of all the young students and professionals from around the country. Karnataka can not, on its own, keep up to education standards. It will have to allow everyone to come and contribute.

And to end with, let me say little about this year’s CET status. Government has already conducted CET for seats in government aided colleges. COMEDK will go ahead and conduct its exam later this month for seats in unaided colleges. The seat-sharing formula is still under dispute here. To add to the mess, a small group of minority based institutions have already sold forms for their own exams. Still it’s not sure if this exam will have any meaning.

God help the young guns of country (or should I say Karnataka?).

dont run Budhiya, dont run

I first heard about him just before Delhi Marathon. Four years old Budhiya Singh, or simply Budhiya wanted to participate in the marathon but due to technical reasons (the rules did not permit an under-13 runner to compete.) was not allowed to. But he made it to the headlines of the entire news channel.

In a country which never had a long distance runner, everyone thought he was the answer to the world. Too much of expectations, too soon. Moreover these expectations resulted in exploitation. Today I think, was it him who wanted to run in Delhi, or his coach (or people around him)?

He made it to the headlines again after his 65 km run to feature in Limca book of world record. He did complete the race but what happened after created waves in the media. Lots of allegations of exploitation by his coach, role of CRPF, role of Limca Book of Record people were the matter of discussion in all circles.

Budhiya had to go for a medical examination, all the doctors strictly ordered, that he should not be running these long races in such a tender age. Budhiya’s coach is in middle of a court battle with Orrisa government and many other officials. Many Human Right Organizations have taken up the issue now.

Some more to read about Budhiya here:
the story behind Buddhiya
South Asian Media net discussions

Bangalore Traffic...

It has been more than 5 4 months that I have been riding daily on Bangalore roads. My daily travel would be around 15km minimum (I am really lucky that I don’t need to travel a lot). Daily I spend around one hour riding my bike. Let me list some of the things that I really hate about riding in Bangalore

1. Bangalore roads are becoming pathetic day by day. Potholes cannot be the term for the holes we have in the mid of the road.

2. Whenever any telephone company (or water or cable supply) wants to lay cables, they are given the road for their use. They can dig it and then leave as it is.

3. There are too many one ways here. And the direction of the one ways change too often.

4. Public transportation is worst of what I have seen. Buses are not regular. Bus driver do not drive fast but they drive very dangerously. There are bus stoops made but everyone other than buses uses them. A driver has right to stop the bus wherever he wants that too in the middle of the road. They turn without proper indication.

5. Traffic lights do not always work. So the traffic regulation work comes on the shoulder of poor traffic police guy. Many of the busy junctions face this problem.

6. people do not obey traffic rules properly. Especially at the traffic lights, you can see them crossing at red. Moreover even if they stop on red, last few seconds before green; they just start the vehicle full speed without bothering about the people coming from other ways. If you don’t want to start before red light, you will hear lots of shouting horns and abusing people.

7. Traffic police strength is really less and many of them do not do their duty properly.

8. When it’s raining then you better swim back to your place. Water is al over the roads.

There are many more points to be listed. I will add them as soon as they come in my mind. For now, share your experience.

Sehwag issue and media….

Some days back Sehwag made remarks about burnout of players of Indian Cricket team due to excessive cricket being played these days. To quote him “There is too much cricket... players need a break because they (may) burnout from cricket. They need time for fitness also, time to think about their game and to recharge their batteries.”

The days that follow, saw lots of media coverage to the statement and then finally the bold (and unbecoming?) move from BCCI. The Cricket Board sought to gag players from speaking about Sourav Ganguly and the issue of player burnout by warning vice-captain Virender Sehwag from speaking on these subjects to the media.
If you have apprehensions of a burnout, take rest and do not give your opinion on Ganguly, Sehwag was bluntly told.
Days after the dashing opener had said that Ganguly, coach Greg Chappell's anathema, was "missed" by the team and that the issue of player burnout had been taken up with the Board, he was verbally warned by BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah.
"Sehwag has been warned verbally from speaking to the media on burnout and the Ganguly issue. Players cannot speak on Board policies and selection matters," Shah declared.
"If any player feels there is burnout, he can take rest. The Board cannot change its policy or itinerary for any player," Shah told further to media.

What is the real issue here? Of course excessive cricket is the hard truth for Indian Cricket these days. If 1983 (107 days) and 2002 (109 days) were India’s busiest years in cricket, 2006 is certainly not going to lag behind. Too much money is involved in this sport in the Indian continent and around the world. All the schedules are fixed in years in advance. Its really a religion in this side of the world.

What Sehwag told is not wrong. We have seen one by one almost all our top players getting injuries and then taking forced rest to recover. Sachin is away from game in his prime age. The fact that everybody is tired can not be denied. Yesterday many of the former players and even Indian Coach supported the talks of burnout of players because of excessive cricket.

What sehwag did (coming out in media) is also not his fault alone. Cricket in India is religion and media has left no opportunity, to make use of it. There are minimum 10 full time news channels (leave 100s of small time channels that also have a sports news section). These entire news channels have donated their prime time for two things: cricket discussions (post mortem) or sting operations. Now cricket is cheaper and safe option for them on any day. They have primetime shows discussing crickets. In this country everyone is cricket expert. And anyone who has even featured in a single level (even Ranji team) can become a cricket expert. They have all the rights to criticize Sachin’s stance or Rahul’s decision. As very little cricket is played today (seeing only 105 days of cricket in a year of 365 days), every other day they try to raise a new point and create a controversy out of it. Sourav ganguly controversy comes into discussion after every team selection, Indian loss and any other day. So is Chappel’s attitude. Even Dhoni’s hair style was in discussion for two three days (the saloon which gave him the style has a article on its website about the new look).

For media there should be something cooking in cricketing pot every day. Our players, most of them coming from small towns, just get carried away in all the media attention and hype. Sometimes they start speaking what media (or someone else) want them to speak. Sehwag may have done that. Or else he is really silly to have spoken out.

In all this media hype, the core issue gets lost most of the time. And I am sure this will happen this time also.

So Mr. Sehwag, I feel very sorry for you. You chose the wrong time, occasion and place to speak out.

ek joke sunaoo??

Jokes are like our wishes. They change as we grow up. Our mood changes as we grow up.

When we were kids, we laughed at all those animal jokes. Sardar jokes had not come then in our daily conversations. We laughed at each other by calling each other some animal; by making funny sounds like those carton characters we watched whole evening on Cartoon Network and telling each other about how teacher punished him/her in class for doing nothing.

In school, with each class our joke taste changed. Once I heard a term called “Class 7^th joke”. Today I know its full meaning. As we listened to more and more different jokes, our knowledge about them increased. Some of them don’t amuse us anymore. Sardar jokes come into our dictionary around this time only.

Then we went to high school. It’s high time for those naughty and adult jokes. Our hormones make us so attracted towards those sexual and dirty jokes. We shared them with our friends and thus our knowledge increased. Blonde jokes also amused us a lot. We were really improving.

We reached college. For me, it was totally a different environment here. I had heard about PJ before entering college but came to know true meaning of it in college only. PJ as some call it, I found it to be Poor Joke or sometimes Pathetic Joke. They need not be in any particular mood. Sometimes we just joke about our friends’ habits, sometimes about something that happened around us. Sometimes they were just tool to explode out our frustration. In some ways we come back to the same kind of jokes as our childhood but nastier now.

In future I don’t know what kind of jokes will amuse us. But one thing is certain. There is a limit to which we can laugh on a particular type of jokes. After one point Shekhar Suman started boring us. Laughter challenge people also could amuse for sometimes only. Then we got bored of them. We watch different standup comedian show and enjoy them. They tell us new jokes, those new racist, linguistic and colorist jokes. We have not heard them yet so they amuse us a lot. Once we heard them enough they will also lose their charm.

Last week I watched ICE-AGE-2. There was a kid sitting on my right. I realized during the movie that we too were laughing same ways. Even her mom was laughing the same way. I was so happy after the movie that there is at least something on which I will laugh throughout my life. I hope there are many more ICE-AGEs in offering.

And to end it… here is latest joke.
Q: What is the blonde doing when she holds her hands tightly over her ears?
A: Trying to hold on to a thought.