The cricket season finds the armchair cricket expert in me in full flow. Armed with a battery of statistics and an impeccable recall of past events, the expert in me makes a devastating dissection of the merits of the opposing teams. None dare challenge my authoritative pronouncements("the ball will turn and assist the unorthodox leg spinner during the post-tea session on the fourth day")or the condition of the outfield("will slowdown the ground strokes").
A full 30 minutes before the game is due to start, I hog the TV screen, pulling my chair a mere 1 metre from the set. As the game gets underway, I lean forward and peer at the screen with my short-sighted eyes to check if the field placement is upto exacting standards. I shake my head censoriously and growl,"No,No, this won't do. Ganguly would never have set a field like this. The gully ought to be deeper, the forward short-leg finer, and the mid-on and widish mid-off ought to come closer."
Only a sharp inswinger pitched just outside the offstump and coming in line with the batsman's leg guard can get the cricket expert out of me. Or, it is Megha(my daughter in law) with an announcement,"Papa come, breakfast is ready."
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Economist or Prime Minister of India
I was somewhat stunned to read the following two statements of our Prime Minister made to the media at Cannes.
1.About rising prices.
"Though rising food prices at home were a matter of concern, but high prices were reflected in the prices of secondary and tertiary commodities like pulses, fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry, and not in primary articles like rice and wheat. Such price rises were fuelled by increasing consumption that needs to be viewed as a sign of growing prosperity."
2.About concerns regarding black money.
"I am no astrologer to predict when and how much money could be brought back to India or the quantum of funds stashed abroad. I don't know the magnitude of black money. We don't have a fool-proof mechanism to bring this money back to India."
Now what do we infer from these statements?
1.About rising prices.
"Though rising food prices at home were a matter of concern, but high prices were reflected in the prices of secondary and tertiary commodities like pulses, fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry, and not in primary articles like rice and wheat. Such price rises were fuelled by increasing consumption that needs to be viewed as a sign of growing prosperity."
2.About concerns regarding black money.
"I am no astrologer to predict when and how much money could be brought back to India or the quantum of funds stashed abroad. I don't know the magnitude of black money. We don't have a fool-proof mechanism to bring this money back to India."
Now what do we infer from these statements?
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Are we the only one?
One fish said to the another, “Do you believe in the ocean that they talk about?”
This Chinese saying illustrates how narrow our vision of the universe can be. We see the world from our limited perceptual framework. Despite an overwhelming evolution of the human race, the human mind is severely restricted by what it can perceive through the sensors. What we can hear is limited by the frequencies our ears can process---Canines can hear many higher frequencies and hence have a very different perception of the same sounds. Our sight is limited by the light frequencies our eyes can relate to; since pit vipers can sense heat from infrared rays they must construct the same world rather differently. If we had a different receiver mechanism, we would be hearing other frequencies and seeing in new ways.
With scientific knowledge, we know that many things are not what they appear to be--- the sky is not blue, only the scattering of the blue light absorbed by the atmosphere makes it appear so; the moon doesn’t rise in the night; and the house we live is not stationary, but rotates along with the earth. Essentially, we see, hear and process what we can and not what realty is.
Truth realization is not easy. Besides the difficulty, our perceptions are further clouded by our personal thoughts and emotions. A Buddhist verse says:” Is anything on earth universally and unanimously recognized as beautiful? For a lover, a beautiful woman is an object of desire, for the hermit, a distraction, for the wolf a good meal.”
What is the truth, then? Everything in the universe is made up of energy. All beings are manifestations of the same energy. This vital force breathes life into every living being and sustains every cell and organism. IT is like an enormous field of colourless and odourless energy which encompasses everything and every being that we can imagine--- all of that existing; not in isolation or in separation, but in one continuum.
What appears solid is only so because of the frequency of wavelengths that our senses are capable of perceiving. Our minds create a three-dimensional world from this continuum of free-flowing energy, comprising of electrons and neutrons. Like the fish in the Chinese saying, when we cannot see this continuum, we are limited to noticing the individual parts of the creation. As a result, the trees, the animals humans and all other objects seem disjointed from us. ‘I’ as an individual does not exist, never will—the sense of ‘I’ is merely a perception of our limited mind.
From Einstein we know that matter and energy are interchangeable; they are essentially one. Similarly the same identity ( call it God, if you wish) is in each one of us, and we are part of the same whole. This knowledge can set us free.
As we make a conscious effort to stay connected with this realization, we become better equipped to playing the roles of our life—businessman, teacher, wife, father and friend--- with tremendous happiness and inner peace. This connection lets us like an actor who plays his role on stage with great sincerity but stays conscious of the fact that he is really not the character he is playing--- and thus not overly identifies with the fortunes and misfortunes of his given role!
This Chinese saying illustrates how narrow our vision of the universe can be. We see the world from our limited perceptual framework. Despite an overwhelming evolution of the human race, the human mind is severely restricted by what it can perceive through the sensors. What we can hear is limited by the frequencies our ears can process---Canines can hear many higher frequencies and hence have a very different perception of the same sounds. Our sight is limited by the light frequencies our eyes can relate to; since pit vipers can sense heat from infrared rays they must construct the same world rather differently. If we had a different receiver mechanism, we would be hearing other frequencies and seeing in new ways.
With scientific knowledge, we know that many things are not what they appear to be--- the sky is not blue, only the scattering of the blue light absorbed by the atmosphere makes it appear so; the moon doesn’t rise in the night; and the house we live is not stationary, but rotates along with the earth. Essentially, we see, hear and process what we can and not what realty is.
Truth realization is not easy. Besides the difficulty, our perceptions are further clouded by our personal thoughts and emotions. A Buddhist verse says:” Is anything on earth universally and unanimously recognized as beautiful? For a lover, a beautiful woman is an object of desire, for the hermit, a distraction, for the wolf a good meal.”
What is the truth, then? Everything in the universe is made up of energy. All beings are manifestations of the same energy. This vital force breathes life into every living being and sustains every cell and organism. IT is like an enormous field of colourless and odourless energy which encompasses everything and every being that we can imagine--- all of that existing; not in isolation or in separation, but in one continuum.
What appears solid is only so because of the frequency of wavelengths that our senses are capable of perceiving. Our minds create a three-dimensional world from this continuum of free-flowing energy, comprising of electrons and neutrons. Like the fish in the Chinese saying, when we cannot see this continuum, we are limited to noticing the individual parts of the creation. As a result, the trees, the animals humans and all other objects seem disjointed from us. ‘I’ as an individual does not exist, never will—the sense of ‘I’ is merely a perception of our limited mind.
From Einstein we know that matter and energy are interchangeable; they are essentially one. Similarly the same identity ( call it God, if you wish) is in each one of us, and we are part of the same whole. This knowledge can set us free.
As we make a conscious effort to stay connected with this realization, we become better equipped to playing the roles of our life—businessman, teacher, wife, father and friend--- with tremendous happiness and inner peace. This connection lets us like an actor who plays his role on stage with great sincerity but stays conscious of the fact that he is really not the character he is playing--- and thus not overly identifies with the fortunes and misfortunes of his given role!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
India conquers poverty, on paper
The Planning Commission has told the Supreme Court that anyone spending more than
Rs.965 per month in urban India and Rs.781 in rural India will be deemed to be not poor. Updating the poverty line cutoff figures, the Commission says those spending in excess of Rs.32 a day in urban areas or Rs.26 a day in villages would no longer be eligible to draw benefits of government welfare schemes for those living below the poverty line.
According to the suggested new criterion, if a family of four in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore or Chennai is spending more than Rs.3860 per month on themselves, it would not be considered poor.
Is it not just a ploy to artificially depress the number of poor in India?
Rs.965 per month in urban India and Rs.781 in rural India will be deemed to be not poor. Updating the poverty line cutoff figures, the Commission says those spending in excess of Rs.32 a day in urban areas or Rs.26 a day in villages would no longer be eligible to draw benefits of government welfare schemes for those living below the poverty line.
According to the suggested new criterion, if a family of four in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore or Chennai is spending more than Rs.3860 per month on themselves, it would not be considered poor.
Is it not just a ploy to artificially depress the number of poor in India?
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
To the point
My son came home from college during vacation. As the family settled down after initial excitement, the conversation started.
“How was the journey?”
“Good.”
“How are the things going?”
“Good.”
“How is the weather there, this time of the year?”
“Good.”
“How are the Hostel facilities, the quality of food?”
“Good.”
“How are the studies going on?”
“Good.”
“Have you finalized the topic for your project work?”
“Yes.”
“What is it?”
“The role of effective communication in a successful career.”
“How was the journey?”
“Good.”
“How are the things going?”
“Good.”
“How is the weather there, this time of the year?”
“Good.”
“How are the Hostel facilities, the quality of food?”
“Good.”
“How are the studies going on?”
“Good.”
“Have you finalized the topic for your project work?”
“Yes.”
“What is it?”
“The role of effective communication in a successful career.”
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tasteless recipes
What! No stars, and you are going to sea?
Marching, and you have no music?
Travelling, and you have no book?
Worse still! No love, and you are going out to live?
Marching, and you have no music?
Travelling, and you have no book?
Worse still! No love, and you are going out to live?
Monday, June 27, 2011
The urge to karma
There was a time, many years ago, when I lived for considerable periods in a state of emotional exaltation wrapped up in the action which absorbed me. Those days of my youth seem far away now, not merely because of the passage of years but far more so because of the ocean of experience and painful thought that separates them from today. The old exuberance is much less now, the almost uncontrollable impulses have toned down, and passion and feeling are more in check. The burden of thought is often a hindrance, and in the mind where there was once certainty, doubt creeps in. Perhaps it is just age, or common temper of the day.
And yet even now, the call of action stirs strange depths within me, and often a brief tussle with thought. I want to experience again 'that lonely impulse of delight' which turns to risk and danger.
This urge of action(karma), this desire to experience life through action, has influenceed all my thought and activity.
Even my seemingly actionless life is tacked on somehow, by some process of thought and feeling,to coming or imagined action. Thus it gains for me a certain content without which it would be a vacuum in which existence would become intolerable.
And yet even now, the call of action stirs strange depths within me, and often a brief tussle with thought. I want to experience again 'that lonely impulse of delight' which turns to risk and danger.
This urge of action(karma), this desire to experience life through action, has influenceed all my thought and activity.
Even my seemingly actionless life is tacked on somehow, by some process of thought and feeling,to coming or imagined action. Thus it gains for me a certain content without which it would be a vacuum in which existence would become intolerable.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Pursuit in science
A small news item in today's newspaper is worth consideration. One Ms. Himami Anand of Bangalore, a Pre-university student, who secured 4th. rank in CET(Medical), 6th. rank in AIEEE and 477th. rank for IIT has decided to join B.Sc. at I.I.Sc. Good luck to her. Not many would have taken such a decision these days.
If C.V.Raman's life epitomizes anything, it is the difficulty of pursuing pure science in a country that is poor(intellectually). J.C.Bose lost himself first in teaching and then in culture, while Meghnad Saha drifted to social uplift and politics. Homi Bhabha was more successful, but in institution building rather than in pure science itself.
It is true that nowadays money for scientific research is more easy to come by. But money alone does not produce good science. India has not got woken up to the fact that unless there is a proper environment, organised support and nourishment, occurance of excellence on the Indian scene would continue to be infrequent.
Public attitude to excellence also must change. Rxcellence(at least in science) is not a spectacle to be paraded and treated with civic receptions, Republic day honours and the like. Rather, it must be nursed, given necessary support and left alone to grow. Also, there must be a certain amount of boldness in keeping out the charlatans and the mediocre.
If C.V.Raman's life epitomizes anything, it is the difficulty of pursuing pure science in a country that is poor(intellectually). J.C.Bose lost himself first in teaching and then in culture, while Meghnad Saha drifted to social uplift and politics. Homi Bhabha was more successful, but in institution building rather than in pure science itself.
It is true that nowadays money for scientific research is more easy to come by. But money alone does not produce good science. India has not got woken up to the fact that unless there is a proper environment, organised support and nourishment, occurance of excellence on the Indian scene would continue to be infrequent.
Public attitude to excellence also must change. Rxcellence(at least in science) is not a spectacle to be paraded and treated with civic receptions, Republic day honours and the like. Rather, it must be nursed, given necessary support and left alone to grow. Also, there must be a certain amount of boldness in keeping out the charlatans and the mediocre.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Another View
Scientists, it is said, think differently at times!
I recall the time when I saw the three-monkeys figurine for the first time. I was told that the monkey covering its eyes means "See no evil," the one covering its ears "Hear no evil" and the one covering its mouth "Speak no evil."
I studied them for a moment, then thought, "It could mean that the one with the hands over eyes is listening, the one with hands over ears is looking, and the one with hands over mouth is thinking."
I recall the time when I saw the three-monkeys figurine for the first time. I was told that the monkey covering its eyes means "See no evil," the one covering its ears "Hear no evil" and the one covering its mouth "Speak no evil."
I studied them for a moment, then thought, "It could mean that the one with the hands over eyes is listening, the one with hands over ears is looking, and the one with hands over mouth is thinking."
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Needed Good Debates
I sit in front of Television every evening to watch the debates amongst different political parties, which are arranged by various news channels. I look forward to understand their policies and perceptions on important current issues before the nation. But what do I find? I can see only the aggressive provocative rhetoric, cheap politics, accusations towards each other and a tendency to move away from the main issue.
To all the spokespersons representing their parties, who come for discussions(?), my advice is to let them know what Kahlil Gibran says? This wise man has said:-
"If you are well mannered towards those whose views are similar to yours, you may be said to exhibit a fairly good character. But, if you behave properly with those holding divergent views from you or who criticise you, then you deserve to be credited with having an excellent character."
To all the spokespersons representing their parties, who come for discussions(?), my advice is to let them know what Kahlil Gibran says? This wise man has said:-
"If you are well mannered towards those whose views are similar to yours, you may be said to exhibit a fairly good character. But, if you behave properly with those holding divergent views from you or who criticise you, then you deserve to be credited with having an excellent character."
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Expensive Proposal
It may be difficult for you to comprehend how much Rs. 100 crores is, but I can help you!
A husband gave his wife Rs.1o lakhs and told her to go and spend Rs. 1000 everyday. The wife did so. Three years later, she returned and told him that money was all over and wanted more.
He then gave her Rs. 100 crores and told her to go and spend Rs. 1000 everyday. She did not come back for 3000 years.
A husband gave his wife Rs.1o lakhs and told her to go and spend Rs. 1000 everyday. The wife did so. Three years later, she returned and told him that money was all over and wanted more.
He then gave her Rs. 100 crores and told her to go and spend Rs. 1000 everyday. She did not come back for 3000 years.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Mother Nature
5th june is celebrated as world environment day every year.
I often wonder while observing happiness of the trees. They are happy for no reason. They are not going to become kings or presidents. Nor are they going to become rich and they will never have any bank balance either! I look at the flowers and it is simply unbelievable to find them so happy for no reason.
Let us preserve this innocence forever, which is God's gift to our planet.
I often wonder while observing happiness of the trees. They are happy for no reason. They are not going to become kings or presidents. Nor are they going to become rich and they will never have any bank balance either! I look at the flowers and it is simply unbelievable to find them so happy for no reason.
Let us preserve this innocence forever, which is God's gift to our planet.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The World News
I look out of the window from the breakfast table and see the bird after the worm, the cat after the bird and the dog after the cat. It gives me a little better understanding of the morning's news.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Residency
The Nizams built palaces. Their nobles built havelis. How the British Resident Officer of those days could have remained behind? A story, which makes round with the old Hyderabadis, runs like this.
In 1798, the British Resident Officer requested the Nizam for a sanction of about 60 acres of land for building his own residence. The officer presented a sketch of the area map on a large sheet of paper. Unfamiliar with the principle of scale, the Nizam thought that this officer was asking for his whole kingdom and rejected the request. Once again, the officer prepared the same plan on a paper of the size of a visiting card. This time the Nizam sanctioned the request readily and the British officer built a magnificent mansion for himself on this land. Not only that, this Resident officer married a local Muslim lady and built a special 'Rang Mahal'(Pleasure House) for her. This Residency was considered the best British mansion in India - next only to the Governer-General's residence in Calcutta!
Now, this Residency houses the University College for Women of Osmania University.
In 1798, the British Resident Officer requested the Nizam for a sanction of about 60 acres of land for building his own residence. The officer presented a sketch of the area map on a large sheet of paper. Unfamiliar with the principle of scale, the Nizam thought that this officer was asking for his whole kingdom and rejected the request. Once again, the officer prepared the same plan on a paper of the size of a visiting card. This time the Nizam sanctioned the request readily and the British officer built a magnificent mansion for himself on this land. Not only that, this Resident officer married a local Muslim lady and built a special 'Rang Mahal'(Pleasure House) for her. This Residency was considered the best British mansion in India - next only to the Governer-General's residence in Calcutta!
Now, this Residency houses the University College for Women of Osmania University.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Sweet Nothings
There are many people to whom one has nothing to say, and that is what makes social life so tiring, because you do not dare remain speechless with social acquaintances. You must, in fact, talk a great deal without saying anything.
How difficult?
How difficult?
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Satya Sai Baba
During 1975-76, I was being drawn towards the discourses and thoughts expressed therein by Satya Sai Baba, even though completely negating the experiences of miracles and magics as described by many of his followers. It was not possible for me to believe on the claims that were described by many. Born in 1926 at Puttaparthi (A,P.) in a poor family, Satyanarayana, renounced his household at the age of 14 because, in his own words, he had a mission to accomplish and that was to spiritually develop the entire humanity and fill up everybody’s life with 4 principles-
1. There is only one religion, the religion of love.
2. There is only one language, the language of heart.
3. There is only one caste, the humanity.
4. There is only one God, and he is all pervasive.
He further said, “ I have not come to spread any particular religion or creed or movement. I have no plan to attract my disciples or devotees towards me or any specific doctrine. I have come to describe only this single belief, the same eternal principle, the path of love and responsibility. We should build a world, where myths should be destroyed, truth should prevail, governance should be based on morality and power should be acquired through character not through knowledge, inventions or money.”
I had seen him once in Hyderabad and now after reading his thoughts I planned a trip, along with my family, to Prashanti Nilayam (the name given to his Ashram at Puttaparthi).Curiosity, rather than devotion, was behind this journey. During our two days stay there we went around the campus, saw Baba and heard his discourses and bhajans. The most important feature observed here was that all the persons present, from volunteers and devotees to officials deployed on various duties had subjected themselves to self-discipline. Whether it was allotment of accommodation, running the canteen or crowd management (which included many foreigners) at the time of darshan and bhajan, everybody was humble, duty-conscious and full of courtesy. And all these qualities were spontaneous, not under any compulsion or inducement! I noticed and appreciated this type of “invisible” governance which I consider as the best form of governance.
We saw Satya Sai Institute of higher learning, super speciality hospital and the heritage museum also. That several such high quality institutions in the domain of education, medicine and basic infrastructure have been established and running successfully as a result of his affection and commitment towards humanity is nothing less than a miracle.
The very name of Satya Sai Baba produces a picture of so many dimensions in one’s mind in different parts of the world. A composer as well as melodious singer of bhajans, a world class teacher of humanity and possessing talents in many diverse fields is amazing. An incarnation of love, who makes you hear your own conscience, a confluence of all the religions in the world, the practicing philosopher of a life, where material and soul positively coordinate with each other. His life is the living testimony of so many incarnations in itself.
How can death remove such a phenomenon from this world? We may not see him physically any more, but will experience his presence everyday. And that is how God is defined.
1. There is only one religion, the religion of love.
2. There is only one language, the language of heart.
3. There is only one caste, the humanity.
4. There is only one God, and he is all pervasive.
He further said, “ I have not come to spread any particular religion or creed or movement. I have no plan to attract my disciples or devotees towards me or any specific doctrine. I have come to describe only this single belief, the same eternal principle, the path of love and responsibility. We should build a world, where myths should be destroyed, truth should prevail, governance should be based on morality and power should be acquired through character not through knowledge, inventions or money.”
I had seen him once in Hyderabad and now after reading his thoughts I planned a trip, along with my family, to Prashanti Nilayam (the name given to his Ashram at Puttaparthi).Curiosity, rather than devotion, was behind this journey. During our two days stay there we went around the campus, saw Baba and heard his discourses and bhajans. The most important feature observed here was that all the persons present, from volunteers and devotees to officials deployed on various duties had subjected themselves to self-discipline. Whether it was allotment of accommodation, running the canteen or crowd management (which included many foreigners) at the time of darshan and bhajan, everybody was humble, duty-conscious and full of courtesy. And all these qualities were spontaneous, not under any compulsion or inducement! I noticed and appreciated this type of “invisible” governance which I consider as the best form of governance.
We saw Satya Sai Institute of higher learning, super speciality hospital and the heritage museum also. That several such high quality institutions in the domain of education, medicine and basic infrastructure have been established and running successfully as a result of his affection and commitment towards humanity is nothing less than a miracle.
The very name of Satya Sai Baba produces a picture of so many dimensions in one’s mind in different parts of the world. A composer as well as melodious singer of bhajans, a world class teacher of humanity and possessing talents in many diverse fields is amazing. An incarnation of love, who makes you hear your own conscience, a confluence of all the religions in the world, the practicing philosopher of a life, where material and soul positively coordinate with each other. His life is the living testimony of so many incarnations in itself.
How can death remove such a phenomenon from this world? We may not see him physically any more, but will experience his presence everyday. And that is how God is defined.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The Modern Army
An Army recruiting officer, sent to my college to explain the benefits of an army career, enthusiastically listed the opportunities available. "We have immediate openings," he began, "in the computer field, the transport field, the communications field and the research field." Losing his place in his notes, he thought out loud,"Now, what field did I leave out?"
A friend of mine in the front row asked solicitiously,"Sir, is it battlefield?"
A friend of mine in the front row asked solicitiously,"Sir, is it battlefield?"
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Mercy on Umpire
Australian batsman Shane Watson hit 15 sixes and 15 fours during his knock of 185 runs facing just 96 balls against Bangladesh in an ODI.
A splendid knock indeed!
But in addition to bowlers, my sympathies are also towards the umpire, who had to raise both his arms upward 15 times and also swing his right arm another 15 times during Watson's inning.
He would have definitely needed some massage for his arms after the match.
A splendid knock indeed!
But in addition to bowlers, my sympathies are also towards the umpire, who had to raise both his arms upward 15 times and also swing his right arm another 15 times during Watson's inning.
He would have definitely needed some massage for his arms after the match.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Research in Cricket
Now that India is the world champion in cricket, it is suggested that a systematic scientific research is initiated into some of the live areas of interest related to this game. Either a dedicated cricket research laboratory can be setup by BCCI or the National Cricket Academy can collaborate with suitable academic institutes to study the topics of interest. Cricketers and Scientists can jointly work on these studies. The projects will have to make use of subjects like Physics,Biomechanics, Aerodynamics and Soil Science. Factors affecting batting angles/force,Spin of the ball(drift) and Pitch conditions need to be further understood.Other areas of study can be in various aspects of ball tampering and dew effect in the outfield during night. Indians have still to master the art of desired Pitch preparation and so the study of soil mixing and optimum compaction.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sounds Familiar
Going through the allegations and counter-allegations being made on cash for vote scam by the ruling and main opposition party in Parliament, I am reminded of a similar scenario in U.S.
When Richard Nixon appeared on world’s television screens in April 1974, he declared of Watergate: “The President has nothing to hide.” Privately, however, he was stricken with doubt and indecision. “He had lost track of the truth. He was, whether he realized it or not, was lying.” So writes Theodore H. White in his book, “ Breach of Faith: The fall of Richard Nixon.”
It was this deceit which destroyed Americans’ faith in Richard Nixon and which ultimately cost him the Presidency.
In one of his last recorded conversations with his confidants, he was found to be saying, “We’ll survive. Despite all the polls and politics, I think there’s still a hell of people out there, and from what I’ve seen….they want to believe, that’s the point, is’nt it?”
That was the point. They did want to believe but they could not.
When Richard Nixon appeared on world’s television screens in April 1974, he declared of Watergate: “The President has nothing to hide.” Privately, however, he was stricken with doubt and indecision. “He had lost track of the truth. He was, whether he realized it or not, was lying.” So writes Theodore H. White in his book, “ Breach of Faith: The fall of Richard Nixon.”
It was this deceit which destroyed Americans’ faith in Richard Nixon and which ultimately cost him the Presidency.
In one of his last recorded conversations with his confidants, he was found to be saying, “We’ll survive. Despite all the polls and politics, I think there’s still a hell of people out there, and from what I’ve seen….they want to believe, that’s the point, is’nt it?”
That was the point. They did want to believe but they could not.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Different parameters
The Government does not get tired of claiming that all its financial policies are focussed towards improving the lot of 'Aam Admi'(Common man).To support its claim, it is ever ready to dole out stastics like Debt/equity ratio,wholesale price index, weekly rate of inflation etc.
But Aam Admi too has got its own economic indicators to verify these claims. These are the costs at which vegetables, fuels and petrol etc. are available to him for his daily consumption.
Do they understand each other's language?
But Aam Admi too has got its own economic indicators to verify these claims. These are the costs at which vegetables, fuels and petrol etc. are available to him for his daily consumption.
Do they understand each other's language?
Monday, February 28, 2011
No shortcuts to success
Once during my childhood I wanted to see a green tree in the courtyard of our house. I thought that if I plant the seed or a small sapling, it would take a long time for it to grow into a tree. So I, with the help of my friends, dug up a green tree, transported it to the courtyard and got it planted at the selected site.
I was very happy thinking that in this way I had saved several months of time for having a full tree.
But by next morning I found that its leaves had begun to wither and then within a few days the whole tree dried up. I was disappointed. Looking at my sadness, my father explained to me the law of nature which is based on gradual development and not on sudden leaps. One who follows this law of nature will be successful, while the one who tries for shortcuts is bound to fail.
This law of nature is applicable not only for trees, it is a universal law. In every field this course is to be followed to attain lasting success. It is the root that gives life to trees and same is the need of every business, every profession and every institution to have a sound basis. There is no exception to this law of nature.
For example, education is the basis for a job, reputation is the basis of a business and infrastructure is the basis of national development. Constructing a real solid foundation requires a long period of time. One cannot have such a foundation by just taking shortcuts.
I was very happy thinking that in this way I had saved several months of time for having a full tree.
But by next morning I found that its leaves had begun to wither and then within a few days the whole tree dried up. I was disappointed. Looking at my sadness, my father explained to me the law of nature which is based on gradual development and not on sudden leaps. One who follows this law of nature will be successful, while the one who tries for shortcuts is bound to fail.
This law of nature is applicable not only for trees, it is a universal law. In every field this course is to be followed to attain lasting success. It is the root that gives life to trees and same is the need of every business, every profession and every institution to have a sound basis. There is no exception to this law of nature.
For example, education is the basis for a job, reputation is the basis of a business and infrastructure is the basis of national development. Constructing a real solid foundation requires a long period of time. One cannot have such a foundation by just taking shortcuts.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Dilli wala Daftar (A Delhi Office)
I recall the situation often faced by me during my trips from D R D L, Hyderabad, to our Headquarters, which work in a typical Delhi office ambience.
Entering the concerned department, Office Superintendent Sharma Ji could be spotted in a corner of the corridor discussing intensely the Poll prospects of the two major political parties going for next week’s bye-election. Seeing me and whispering “having come all the way from Hyderabad”, he would get himself excused from his expert analysts and rush towards me.
“ Aao ji, Jee aya nu. Kee haal hai? (Welcome Sir, How are you?)
“I am fine, How are you?”
“Flight time ta aai ?” ( Whether flight was on time?)
“Yeah, it was on time.”
“Aaj kal dhund karke kuch kya naio ja sakda.” (It is quite uncertain these days due to fog.)
By this time, we had reached his sitting place.
“ Baitho ji. Chaa mangawan ke thanda?” ( Please take the seat. Shall I get you some tea or cool drink?)
“Thank you, Just had breakfast during flight.”
“Pakka?” (Sure?)
“Yes.”
“Haan ji, Hukkam karo Hazoor.” (Yes Sir, what can I do for you?)
“About 3 weeks back, I had sent through speed-post 12 proposals for financial approvals. As per the Project PERT chart, these systems have to be procured immediately by us; otherwise the progress on all other dependant systems too will be adversely affected. Can you check up on these and give me. I am here till tomorrow afternoon.”
“Haan ji, bilkul Pakka (Yes, definitely). I will find out and keep them ready by tomorrow.”
Next day when I went to him, he was ready with the following information:-
“I have checked into the inward register. 12 proposals sent by you have been received. However, the concerned ‘Afsar’ (Officer) is on leave ‘Aajkal’ (these days) trying for the admission of his son into the KG. It is very tough these days ‘Jee’. Not like our time.
“Security Karke” (Due to security reasons), he would have locked those papers in his almirah and kept the keys with him. “Par” (but) “Bade Saab” (Head of the Department) has also gone to Russia these days for some Project meeting. He will return after 10-12 days. Actually, he is overloaded, but “Kee keeta jai?” (what to do), Chief has confidence in him only. Looks, he will definitely get promotion this time. “ Twanu nai lagda?” (Don’t you feel so?)
Then he assured me, “ Tussi fikar na karo ji, Jinni Chheti hoyega, pija devanga.”( Don’t worry Sir, I will arrange to send it to you at the earliest.) Not amused, as I was preparing to leave, he did not forget to say, “ Hor koi seva dasso, Sade layak?” (Any other service for me, please tell.)
I found him escorting me to my cab. As we shook hands, he said “Ik request see ji.Mera ik Patija haiga Hyderabad wich.B.Com keeti hoi hai te naal typing vee kar sakda hai. Je tussi Director Saab noo kehke onu casual typist rakhwa sakko, te meharbani hoyegi.” (I have a request to make. One of my nephews is in Hyderabad .He has completed B.Com and knows typing also. If you can put a word to Director for taking him as a casual typist, I would be obliged.”)
I did not know , how to respond.
Entering the concerned department, Office Superintendent Sharma Ji could be spotted in a corner of the corridor discussing intensely the Poll prospects of the two major political parties going for next week’s bye-election. Seeing me and whispering “having come all the way from Hyderabad”, he would get himself excused from his expert analysts and rush towards me.
“ Aao ji, Jee aya nu. Kee haal hai? (Welcome Sir, How are you?)
“I am fine, How are you?”
“Flight time ta aai ?” ( Whether flight was on time?)
“Yeah, it was on time.”
“Aaj kal dhund karke kuch kya naio ja sakda.” (It is quite uncertain these days due to fog.)
By this time, we had reached his sitting place.
“ Baitho ji. Chaa mangawan ke thanda?” ( Please take the seat. Shall I get you some tea or cool drink?)
“Thank you, Just had breakfast during flight.”
“Pakka?” (Sure?)
“Yes.”
“Haan ji, Hukkam karo Hazoor.” (Yes Sir, what can I do for you?)
“About 3 weeks back, I had sent through speed-post 12 proposals for financial approvals. As per the Project PERT chart, these systems have to be procured immediately by us; otherwise the progress on all other dependant systems too will be adversely affected. Can you check up on these and give me. I am here till tomorrow afternoon.”
“Haan ji, bilkul Pakka (Yes, definitely). I will find out and keep them ready by tomorrow.”
Next day when I went to him, he was ready with the following information:-
“I have checked into the inward register. 12 proposals sent by you have been received. However, the concerned ‘Afsar’ (Officer) is on leave ‘Aajkal’ (these days) trying for the admission of his son into the KG. It is very tough these days ‘Jee’. Not like our time.
“Security Karke” (Due to security reasons), he would have locked those papers in his almirah and kept the keys with him. “Par” (but) “Bade Saab” (Head of the Department) has also gone to Russia these days for some Project meeting. He will return after 10-12 days. Actually, he is overloaded, but “Kee keeta jai?” (what to do), Chief has confidence in him only. Looks, he will definitely get promotion this time. “ Twanu nai lagda?” (Don’t you feel so?)
Then he assured me, “ Tussi fikar na karo ji, Jinni Chheti hoyega, pija devanga.”( Don’t worry Sir, I will arrange to send it to you at the earliest.) Not amused, as I was preparing to leave, he did not forget to say, “ Hor koi seva dasso, Sade layak?” (Any other service for me, please tell.)
I found him escorting me to my cab. As we shook hands, he said “Ik request see ji.Mera ik Patija haiga Hyderabad wich.B.Com keeti hoi hai te naal typing vee kar sakda hai. Je tussi Director Saab noo kehke onu casual typist rakhwa sakko, te meharbani hoyegi.” (I have a request to make. One of my nephews is in Hyderabad .He has completed B.Com and knows typing also. If you can put a word to Director for taking him as a casual typist, I would be obliged.”)
I did not know , how to respond.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
It is becoming a habit
Not sticking to the laid- down time schedules is a 'taken for granted' attitude for Indians. This mentality extends from our day to day ordinary chores to working on even those projects, which are of national importance and where we have international commitments to keep. Having cut a sorry figure before the world for commonwealth games preparations, now is the turn of Eden Garden, Kolkata, in not meeting the deadline for the planned world cup ODI match. Blame games go on, but we dont seem to learn lessons to ensure that such embarassing situations are not faced so oftren.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Welcome address
I must confess that public speaking remains a big phobia for me. Delivering speeches or making presentations has never been a comfortable event for me. Given a chance, I always try to escape from this activity by searching some excuse. However, there have been unavoidable occasions when I have not been able to run away from performing this act.
My nightmare begins no sooner than the information is received that I will have to say a
“ few words” from the podium, even though it may be a brief introduction of the “ VIP” before inviting him for his “Key-note” address. Immediately the styles of Vajpayee, Obama or Amitabh Bachchan start moving before me for being considered to be adopted for the occasion. What would impress the audience most? The language (dramatics) or the substance (message)? But in spite of repeated rehearsals, normally both have failed me at the key moments. I feel a lump in my throat while informing the audience that
“Mr. so and so has been kind enough to grace this occasion in spite of his very busy schedule” It is because I know, he has been sending feelers for weeks now to organizers of the event to get this invitation.
And then as soon as I return to my place, having completed the ‘ task’ satisfactorily, I realize, Arrey! That particular point of humour, which was reserved by me all these days to be definitely spoken for providing a punch in my address simply vanished from my memory while I was at podium. But nothing can be done at this point, because by now the “big-fellow” has already started expressing his ‘pleasure’ and ‘pride’ for being able to participate in this function.
I console myself by murmuring, “ O.K.”. next time I will prepare better. I will try to convert this type of introduction into a vote of thanks!!’’
My nightmare begins no sooner than the information is received that I will have to say a
“ few words” from the podium, even though it may be a brief introduction of the “ VIP” before inviting him for his “Key-note” address. Immediately the styles of Vajpayee, Obama or Amitabh Bachchan start moving before me for being considered to be adopted for the occasion. What would impress the audience most? The language (dramatics) or the substance (message)? But in spite of repeated rehearsals, normally both have failed me at the key moments. I feel a lump in my throat while informing the audience that
“Mr. so and so has been kind enough to grace this occasion in spite of his very busy schedule” It is because I know, he has been sending feelers for weeks now to organizers of the event to get this invitation.
And then as soon as I return to my place, having completed the ‘ task’ satisfactorily, I realize, Arrey! That particular point of humour, which was reserved by me all these days to be definitely spoken for providing a punch in my address simply vanished from my memory while I was at podium. But nothing can be done at this point, because by now the “big-fellow” has already started expressing his ‘pleasure’ and ‘pride’ for being able to participate in this function.
I console myself by murmuring, “ O.K.”. next time I will prepare better. I will try to convert this type of introduction into a vote of thanks!!’’
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Five years without Shakti
It is now 5 years since Shakti left this world. We never counted years, during the time spent together, thinking time to be eternal for us. Reality appeared before us (myself and children ), rather abruptly. Accepting it was shocking and coming to terms with it is difficult even now.
But life has to move on. So, we have moved too, in her absence, with her memories, drawing solace always from the fact that she, too, would not have liked to see us sad.
We all wish you peace and happiness, wherever you are!!!
But life has to move on. So, we have moved too, in her absence, with her memories, drawing solace always from the fact that she, too, would not have liked to see us sad.
We all wish you peace and happiness, wherever you are!!!
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