Over the last few weeks, the state government of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Delhi are having facing a stiff opposition from religious group of introducing sex education in the school syllabi.
In order to introduce such subjects in the school, the educational department had resorted to meeting religious peer head in the state. And after discussion with them, decide to implement the course in the school. Well pragmatically looking its fine to discuss such issues with religious head, but what would have been more appropriate would be discussion with parents on a large scale.
But on the contrary they faced stiff opposition from saffron and Islamic groups, voicing theirs concern that this will lead to deterioration of moral values in the society. The need of the day is to make just not adult, but also youth realize the implication of sex problems, that has resulted in India being second in the world having HIV positive patients.
Issue that has to be discussed is not that whet er this education should be implemented in the curriculum. May be people opposing think, this will be implemented in very early class. But when we are taught basic reproduction in mammals in our 9th class, there seems to be no opposition to this. So why not have the sex education implicit part of our biology textbook chapters.
It's important to be clear what exactly going to define sex education. This will surely have nothing to do with love making, but maybe safe methods to approach them. Reasons for spread of sexually transmitted diseases and misconception about there spread.
I personally against the view that use of contraceptives for safe sex is advisable, but we forget this is like giving passport doing all hanky-panky and still get away. Nevertheless sex is an integral part of human survival, and has to be handled carefully. Well this shouldn't be viewed with moral vision, but rational look that humans can be emotionally carried away and indulge in unhealthy sex, which can lead to disastrous consequence. Cons of such action should be made aware of in such curriculum.
All sexual information that all have gathered is usually from there peer, so there is always scope of wrong ideas being circulated. Only if we are taught from a authoritative sources, not only we get rid of shyness in knowing them, but also learning the right notes.
So finally I hope that that the fundamentalist quickly cool down their ire and think sensibly, that there is not going to be moral degradation when you are being taught about sexuality in life, under scientific light.
"Modesty is never hurt through scientific approach."
02 April 2007
26 March 2007
Two Hands or One Mouth.
Just a few days ago, I happened to see program on CNN where a debate was being held with elite members on it panel, though the discussion ran from Indian politics to dismal cricket performance. The program set up my mind into non-scientific motion. The members kept comparing Indian status and performance in economics, science, politics and sports. Statistics revealed a gloomy picture of present Indian scenario.
Are we nation with largest democracy, second largest population, high ratio of female infanticide, low literacy rate and mismatch between male and female literacy rate, high corruption among the developing nations {we are rated as developing nations:CLICHE}, poor medical and sanitation facilities. A detailed statistical overview of India's status can be found in the world bank website at www.worldbank.org.in
This picture by no mean is to make our self feel dejected at the state of affairs that we live in. We are used to hear that its almost 60 years since independence, and progress looks stagnant. What have the politicians done for the people other than just filling there pockets, We complain so much about the bureaucracy,the pain of official work being done. Bribery rampant in all walks of life. Even taking your time out to ponder over the fact and grim situation surrounding it sends a shiver down the spine. Is this a future we are being handed down by our predecessor. Aren't we entitled to a better future. Is this a nation been given to us to take care of.
But as the saying goes, every dark cloud has a silver lining. We can be proud of the fact of the of the 1 billion population that exist today, more than 35% constitute a youth group between 20-35 years of age. This can be considered as the biggest boon of population explosion that we usually speak. The grim situation of over population can be looked more pragmatically as, why consider shortage of food resources for each stomach,rather you have 2 hands for each mouth to be fed. It's no doubt a big challenge in the long run to find enough resources to handle growing population, but as a matter of fact, India is the most under-utilised nation in terms of its resources. So we will in reality never be shortage on the resources, but no doubt effort has to be put to ensure people are aware of family planning.
The present scenario is to utilise the 2 hands of each individual to build up the nation, which lies in the shattered state handed down by our elders, rather turn down the beautiful opportunity that lies ahead of us in resurrecting the nation. It's time to realize the power of the youth and take up the responsibility of nation building. Even if Utopia ever existed, it wouldn't have been a genesis, it would have been built from scratch. Similarly if we want a beautiful 'INDIA' with perfection in every domain. It's time to build such a one.
"You see, not whats there, but what you Build."
Are we nation with largest democracy, second largest population, high ratio of female infanticide, low literacy rate and mismatch between male and female literacy rate, high corruption among the developing nations {we are rated as developing nations:CLICHE}, poor medical and sanitation facilities. A detailed statistical overview of India's status can be found in the world bank website at www.worldbank.org.in
This picture by no mean is to make our self feel dejected at the state of affairs that we live in. We are used to hear that its almost 60 years since independence, and progress looks stagnant. What have the politicians done for the people other than just filling there pockets, We complain so much about the bureaucracy,the pain of official work being done. Bribery rampant in all walks of life. Even taking your time out to ponder over the fact and grim situation surrounding it sends a shiver down the spine. Is this a future we are being handed down by our predecessor. Aren't we entitled to a better future. Is this a nation been given to us to take care of.
But as the saying goes, every dark cloud has a silver lining. We can be proud of the fact of the of the 1 billion population that exist today, more than 35% constitute a youth group between 20-35 years of age. This can be considered as the biggest boon of population explosion that we usually speak. The grim situation of over population can be looked more pragmatically as, why consider shortage of food resources for each stomach,rather you have 2 hands for each mouth to be fed. It's no doubt a big challenge in the long run to find enough resources to handle growing population, but as a matter of fact, India is the most under-utilised nation in terms of its resources. So we will in reality never be shortage on the resources, but no doubt effort has to be put to ensure people are aware of family planning.
The present scenario is to utilise the 2 hands of each individual to build up the nation, which lies in the shattered state handed down by our elders, rather turn down the beautiful opportunity that lies ahead of us in resurrecting the nation. It's time to realize the power of the youth and take up the responsibility of nation building. Even if Utopia ever existed, it wouldn't have been a genesis, it would have been built from scratch. Similarly if we want a beautiful 'INDIA' with perfection in every domain. It's time to build such a one.
"You see, not whats there, but what you Build."
03 March 2007
Truth alone Prevails.
Every PhD Graduates have their share of enjoyment and entertainment while being confined in there lab. And watching movies on your desktop, while experiments is running is one among them. So I took the pleasure of watching Lage raho munnabhai recently though I had already watched it in the theater( 1 day, Night show). All Indians will be aware this movie is about ruffian munna and circuit trying to retrieve the 2 inning house from the illegal occupation of Lucky Singh using Gandhigiri. The movie has its own share of funny and touching scenes.
Well what took me for a ride, after watching the movie was new definition given to what ought to be practice in daily life. Gandhigiri term was just used to lure interest of the people in the movie. But as a matter of fact what was correctly portrayed in the movie worth mentioning was the practice of truth and non-violence can achieve what might seem impossible for mere mortals. There is on going debate whet er what mahatma preached is still of any importance is this modern day, where violence and corruption has become colossal and moreover tool for daily sustenance. It seems that majority of people have accepted the fact that falsehood is the way of life, there is no harm in case we benefit from its practice. Truth seems to have been sidelined from our daily life.
But as a matter of fact truth is most noble virtue that should be practiced in our daily life. But how easy is it to put into daily practice, In fact it's the most easiest path to be followed. One never has to account for any misfortune for uttering the truth but uttering lies can bring unlimited grief. Though the effect may not seem obvious and quick, buts it's truth that alone prevails till the very end. I'm not here to preach values, but want to point out that history is full of incidents wherein individual siding with truth has always come out successful in his life. The hardship one faces is the only testimonial to the fact that siding with truth you get the inner strength to face the tribulation of life.
Non-violence doesn't mean physical violence alone, it has to do more even with thought process also. Thinking is an activity, and it non-violence in our thoughts is also as important as in our action. After all action are created twice once in our mind and then in reality. So its very important not to think to hurt anybody. Though its only we who are aware of what we can think. The liability increases even more for there is no one even to correct and point out our mistakes.
Nevertheless Gandhiji became Mahatma not because of his oratory skill, nor because he went to jail umpteen times, he leader ed countries independence struggle. But he practiced truth and non-violence till his very last breath. The problems of the world are the problems of the man. All the quick fix solution that we think of for solving today's crisis, will serve no long lasting solution. Rather self adherence to truth and non-violence alone will solve today's crisis.
Well what took me for a ride, after watching the movie was new definition given to what ought to be practice in daily life. Gandhigiri term was just used to lure interest of the people in the movie. But as a matter of fact what was correctly portrayed in the movie worth mentioning was the practice of truth and non-violence can achieve what might seem impossible for mere mortals. There is on going debate whet er what mahatma preached is still of any importance is this modern day, where violence and corruption has become colossal and moreover tool for daily sustenance. It seems that majority of people have accepted the fact that falsehood is the way of life, there is no harm in case we benefit from its practice. Truth seems to have been sidelined from our daily life.
But as a matter of fact truth is most noble virtue that should be practiced in our daily life. But how easy is it to put into daily practice, In fact it's the most easiest path to be followed. One never has to account for any misfortune for uttering the truth but uttering lies can bring unlimited grief. Though the effect may not seem obvious and quick, buts it's truth that alone prevails till the very end. I'm not here to preach values, but want to point out that history is full of incidents wherein individual siding with truth has always come out successful in his life. The hardship one faces is the only testimonial to the fact that siding with truth you get the inner strength to face the tribulation of life.
Non-violence doesn't mean physical violence alone, it has to do more even with thought process also. Thinking is an activity, and it non-violence in our thoughts is also as important as in our action. After all action are created twice once in our mind and then in reality. So its very important not to think to hurt anybody. Though its only we who are aware of what we can think. The liability increases even more for there is no one even to correct and point out our mistakes.
Nevertheless Gandhiji became Mahatma not because of his oratory skill, nor because he went to jail umpteen times, he leader ed countries independence struggle. But he practiced truth and non-violence till his very last breath. The problems of the world are the problems of the man. All the quick fix solution that we think of for solving today's crisis, will serve no long lasting solution. Rather self adherence to truth and non-violence alone will solve today's crisis.
20 February 2007
The BLAME-GAME
Well its just even 36 hours since the extremist who set the Samjhauta express on fire, resulting in immediate death of 66 passenger. The media from from both the communities already have posted on there individual newspaper saying its the handiwork of Islamic jehadis, and there our Pakistani media members are quoting that its the hand of Hindu extremist naming Shivsena as the one among the group which always wanted to avoid the railway service between Atari and Delhi. Well it just wasn't only the editorial section that slinged blame on each other's extremist outfit that was responsible for the blast. But its also the minister people of position and power are blaming irresponsibly each other. The role of media is only to report the incident, rather than quote people who just use media for there own benefit so as to hog the limelight.
But what has been observed during this incident is unlike previous year mumbai railways blast, where the blame game was very high. There has been lot of restrain shown by both the party from across the border by not unnecessarily putting blame on each other. This in fact is a clear indication of the resolve of the two nations to go ahead with peace process. Its as easy as sleeping to sit and condemn the activity of the terrorist, and this is what the media does and tries to glorify rather abhor the terrorist. Always during such crisis situation the media should take extra care not to pour abuse as this will always instigate avalanche of blame from people across the borders. Well as the the two nation tries to forget it dreadful past and walk towards path of normalization. The Politicians presently have issued very mature statement not blaming each other and thereby showing greater resolve towards peace process. Because its very important to realize that such incidents and misappropriate statement made by politicians highlighted by media sour the existing peace process cause mistrust and suspicion between nations.
So I hope the media and Politicians across the borders avoid the usual blame-game and work for the betterment of cordial relationship between the 2 neighbours.
But what has been observed during this incident is unlike previous year mumbai railways blast, where the blame game was very high. There has been lot of restrain shown by both the party from across the border by not unnecessarily putting blame on each other. This in fact is a clear indication of the resolve of the two nations to go ahead with peace process. Its as easy as sleeping to sit and condemn the activity of the terrorist, and this is what the media does and tries to glorify rather abhor the terrorist. Always during such crisis situation the media should take extra care not to pour abuse as this will always instigate avalanche of blame from people across the borders. Well as the the two nation tries to forget it dreadful past and walk towards path of normalization. The Politicians presently have issued very mature statement not blaming each other and thereby showing greater resolve towards peace process. Because its very important to realize that such incidents and misappropriate statement made by politicians highlighted by media sour the existing peace process cause mistrust and suspicion between nations.
So I hope the media and Politicians across the borders avoid the usual blame-game and work for the betterment of cordial relationship between the 2 neighbours.
13 February 2007
Change is Inevitable, But Which way ?
As years rolls, and the dates on the calendar approaches 14 feb, the moral policing by national political parties througout the countries reaches new zenith with every passing years.It seems that our few political acitivist become hyperactive only during the valentine day. By the way the effect of western culture in seeping into daily life needs no justification, which by large is the effect of globalization and communication. The cause of celebration of valentine day in India needs its own justification to those youth who are bitten by love-bugs and finds means to express there love on a day dedicated for the same.
As history suggest this day is celebrated so that lovers express there love to each other, the name arises after 2 christian martyrs named valentine. Well this information should suffice the critics that this not a frivolous event, rather has rich history associated with it. But as the critics points out that its not with the event, rather the way its celebrated in the country that they object to. Well I'm not intersted in highlighting the ways our youth sometime overshoot the normalcy limit. But Im trying to see the changes that gets into the society over a long period of time. It was not long before not many knew what valentine day was, the reason for its celebration. But slowly society became aware of it accepted in its fold. This exactly is the way the society runs, ideals and practice unknown to it before becomes easily accepted by the society. The Society is most vulnerable to any new idea and belief. And this being its strength, is also its weakest link. Well this poses a different threat altogether, because it doesn't judge the consequence of the action of accepting the new trend, which might be popular in some different society, due to its cultural and geographical status. Blindly accepting any thing that comes as offering is like wearing others spectacles, just because it looks good on him. Infact Change is the only thing that is constant, but the society should always weigh the good and bad effect it might bring with it, before accepting new ideals and practise.
Finally I would like to end on a note, that what I wrote had nothing to do with Valentine day celebration in India, I just used as a case study to highlight the how CHANGES creep into the society. But the change that brings lewdness openly is worth condemning and introspecting. Is this what we opt when we want to celebrate Valentine day in the country.
As history suggest this day is celebrated so that lovers express there love to each other, the name arises after 2 christian martyrs named valentine. Well this information should suffice the critics that this not a frivolous event, rather has rich history associated with it. But as the critics points out that its not with the event, rather the way its celebrated in the country that they object to. Well I'm not intersted in highlighting the ways our youth sometime overshoot the normalcy limit. But Im trying to see the changes that gets into the society over a long period of time. It was not long before not many knew what valentine day was, the reason for its celebration. But slowly society became aware of it accepted in its fold. This exactly is the way the society runs, ideals and practice unknown to it before becomes easily accepted by the society. The Society is most vulnerable to any new idea and belief. And this being its strength, is also its weakest link. Well this poses a different threat altogether, because it doesn't judge the consequence of the action of accepting the new trend, which might be popular in some different society, due to its cultural and geographical status. Blindly accepting any thing that comes as offering is like wearing others spectacles, just because it looks good on him. Infact Change is the only thing that is constant, but the society should always weigh the good and bad effect it might bring with it, before accepting new ideals and practise.
Finally I would like to end on a note, that what I wrote had nothing to do with Valentine day celebration in India, I just used as a case study to highlight the how CHANGES creep into the society. But the change that brings lewdness openly is worth condemning and introspecting. Is this what we opt when we want to celebrate Valentine day in the country.
05 February 2007
Mobocracy Rules.......
"Men are Cruel, but Man is KIND."--------Rabrindranath Tagore.
Over last few days there were few incidents that have caught the attention of the entire nation. Foremost was the Nithari incident, where the mob mostly consisting of lawyers(Justice provider) attacked mercilessly the main accused Mohinder singh and Satish Kohli. The nation argued over the point was it justifiable to take law into its hand when law takes into own sweet time to decide the fate of criminals. But what struck me more after analysing other situation that struck bangalore recently was the mini communal riot that triggered and shut the city virtually, luckily not much damaged was done, unlike the last riot that triggered during Rajkumar funeral, Cauvery dispute and many more which are bit vague in my mind.
Man behaves so differently when in a mob, compared to an indivdual indentity he is. Any sane person will always shun violence and advocate it to be parcel belonging to
the uncivilized clan. But it seems his phiolosophy takes a hammering the moment he becomes a part of a mob, where he loses his sanity and let forth his instinct that shames the entire mankind. The moment we are a part of a crowd, man loses his individual identity, and becomes a part of the mob phiolosophy, and every action that he does is decided by the environment around the mob and instinct running the crowd.
There are so many cases where most of the heinous crime have been not by an individual instinct but by the mob instinct. Gujrat riots had multiple such stories to tell, and let me not open the pandora's box. Have we ever asked ourselves, what happens to an individual when he becomes the part of the mob? It seem there is a coherent thought process that flows amidst the mob members which stimulates the animal instinct within us. Afterall its animals that lives in herd, not humans. This animal instinct which trigger ourself to act in most inhuman we can never imagine of.
Is there no ways can we resctrict the mob to act inhumanely, well im searching an answer for my self, and though the fact its the same sane individual man that makes up the mob. But the statement made by Tagore which I have quoted says it all, though as an individual identity we may be kind, but group of us turn cruel. Doesnt it look a bit controversial for the fact that even swelling up of good men in mob, leads to devilish consequence.
Over last few days there were few incidents that have caught the attention of the entire nation. Foremost was the Nithari incident, where the mob mostly consisting of lawyers(Justice provider) attacked mercilessly the main accused Mohinder singh and Satish Kohli. The nation argued over the point was it justifiable to take law into its hand when law takes into own sweet time to decide the fate of criminals. But what struck me more after analysing other situation that struck bangalore recently was the mini communal riot that triggered and shut the city virtually, luckily not much damaged was done, unlike the last riot that triggered during Rajkumar funeral, Cauvery dispute and many more which are bit vague in my mind.
Man behaves so differently when in a mob, compared to an indivdual indentity he is. Any sane person will always shun violence and advocate it to be parcel belonging to
the uncivilized clan. But it seems his phiolosophy takes a hammering the moment he becomes a part of a mob, where he loses his sanity and let forth his instinct that shames the entire mankind. The moment we are a part of a crowd, man loses his individual identity, and becomes a part of the mob phiolosophy, and every action that he does is decided by the environment around the mob and instinct running the crowd.
There are so many cases where most of the heinous crime have been not by an individual instinct but by the mob instinct. Gujrat riots had multiple such stories to tell, and let me not open the pandora's box. Have we ever asked ourselves, what happens to an individual when he becomes the part of the mob? It seem there is a coherent thought process that flows amidst the mob members which stimulates the animal instinct within us. Afterall its animals that lives in herd, not humans. This animal instinct which trigger ourself to act in most inhuman we can never imagine of.
Is there no ways can we resctrict the mob to act inhumanely, well im searching an answer for my self, and though the fact its the same sane individual man that makes up the mob. But the statement made by Tagore which I have quoted says it all, though as an individual identity we may be kind, but group of us turn cruel. Doesnt it look a bit controversial for the fact that even swelling up of good men in mob, leads to devilish consequence.
20 January 2007
WHO AM I
A simple question that bemuses every individual that irrespective of his nation, creed, position and gender, Who really he/she Is? Not many a time will you confront such a circumstance where you question your own self Who really you are. The reason being so obvious that caught up in between two plates of gristmill of social resposibility and family responsibility, that individual rarely has time and energy that to look out for an answer for WHO REALLY HE/SHE IS.
This by no mean is an abstract philosophy that tend to have NO bearing on individual life. A right answer to this question will eventually lead to self rectification of many vices that have crept into ones personal life. Are we just a bundle of bones, flesh and intellect that we are composed of. Infact amidst entire living species, its only human who have the ability to think and act. Where else all the remaining living species are directed by there instinct. Its only man who can discriminate and act.
We just aren't 1, but we are 3. This is by no mean is joke or trivial statement, but a hard core pervasive truth that's impregnated into our existence. One we think we are, One others think we are and One which we really are. Its just no playing with words, but entire lots of truth hidden in the above statement.
One we think we are: This corresponds to the self we are that we decide to make of our self based on our ability, our dream and the effort we put in to achieve it.
One Others think We are: This is what society perceive an individual as, its the outcome of environment in which individual is nurtured.
One we Really are: This is the hidden nature latent in every individual which has been shielded, for the fear that man posses to stick to the principles in his entire life run. The moral principles of TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, LOVE and NON-VIOLENCE which every religion preaches, but yet man fears to follow them for the lack of courage within them. Many a time we confront situation where we witness wrong happening in our very front. There are 3 response to those which comes from our 3 personality trait that we garb on ourselves. 'The one we are' responds our senses to take action that we see. 'The other think we are' this personality trait just like the audience around us makes our senses and intellect numb to situation front of us. 'The One you think U are' the response from this trait depends on the conviction that has individual whet er what he see is right/wrong and will it matter to him if he takes any prudential action. Same situation, but yet different response coming from ones intellect. This incoherency in our 3 traits is all responsible all the vices and weakness that have crept into our life.
So what really is the solution that we have, its so simple that we see learn to listen to your inner voice. Don't ever ignore the inner urge arising from your conscience. Have the strength to stick to them and implement them in your life. Else Conscience will stop speaking to you. They are like the mechanical instrument we use in our daily life the more you use them longer will they run, stop using them they will rust soon.
This by no mean is an abstract philosophy that tend to have NO bearing on individual life. A right answer to this question will eventually lead to self rectification of many vices that have crept into ones personal life. Are we just a bundle of bones, flesh and intellect that we are composed of. Infact amidst entire living species, its only human who have the ability to think and act. Where else all the remaining living species are directed by there instinct. Its only man who can discriminate and act.
We just aren't 1, but we are 3. This is by no mean is joke or trivial statement, but a hard core pervasive truth that's impregnated into our existence. One we think we are, One others think we are and One which we really are. Its just no playing with words, but entire lots of truth hidden in the above statement.
One we think we are: This corresponds to the self we are that we decide to make of our self based on our ability, our dream and the effort we put in to achieve it.
One Others think We are: This is what society perceive an individual as, its the outcome of environment in which individual is nurtured.
One we Really are: This is the hidden nature latent in every individual which has been shielded, for the fear that man posses to stick to the principles in his entire life run. The moral principles of TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, LOVE and NON-VIOLENCE which every religion preaches, but yet man fears to follow them for the lack of courage within them. Many a time we confront situation where we witness wrong happening in our very front. There are 3 response to those which comes from our 3 personality trait that we garb on ourselves. 'The one we are' responds our senses to take action that we see. 'The other think we are' this personality trait just like the audience around us makes our senses and intellect numb to situation front of us. 'The One you think U are' the response from this trait depends on the conviction that has individual whet er what he see is right/wrong and will it matter to him if he takes any prudential action. Same situation, but yet different response coming from ones intellect. This incoherency in our 3 traits is all responsible all the vices and weakness that have crept into our life.
So what really is the solution that we have, its so simple that we see learn to listen to your inner voice. Don't ever ignore the inner urge arising from your conscience. Have the strength to stick to them and implement them in your life. Else Conscience will stop speaking to you. They are like the mechanical instrument we use in our daily life the more you use them longer will they run, stop using them they will rust soon.
17 January 2007
Power that Speaks & Hurts.
It's an age old dictum that has been passed down the generation through the word of mouth that, "Silence is Golden, and Speech is Silver." This applies to all society and entire strata of position which an individual holds. But of late there seems to be mockery of the above statement.
Every word an individual utters bears a consequence based on the position which the individual holds. The consequence can be immediate if its uttered by a Man of position with power. Else the word uttered by the simple/ common man is always lost in oblivion. The reason i make such a statement is based on my observation over the past few years, where men holding prestigious position and power just utter statement that in many cases have no speck of truth embedded in it. As a result it has hurt the sentiments of large section of society and causing a furore over nations. Just to quote a few such examples which comes immediately to my mind from the incidents that occurred over the past few months, the most notable being the statement made by the Pope Benedict XVI on the concept of holy war in the Islamic society. Also the unnecessary projection of prophet cartoon in the danish newspaper 'jylland-posten'. Though both this incidents were targeted on a single society. But I'm using this incidents as a case study to point out the fact, that an unnecessary remark by men of respectable position. Just uttering few words have resulted in large scale unrest between nations and faith. Where else when such words would have been uttered by a common man, it wouldn't have caused such large calamitic consequence.
Is it words that weighs more consequence based on the individual person background, or is it power that speaks for itself. Incidents occurring around us gives a clear indication that power speaks and results in immediate consequence. But lets remember only when harsh words uttered by someone in position of power that hurts societies sentiment has resulted in uproar in the society. Clearly validating the fact that physical injury might always heal, but harsh words when uttered leaves an ugly scar behind.
But the point i would like to make is that society has today accepted falsehood and wrong utterance as a way of life. Practice of truth has become a commodity of past, and today it seems to have found shelter not in humans life rather blissfully sleeping in our moral and spiritual textbooks. Man has to realize that he has to account for every falsehood he speaks, and be calm whenever he utters truth. The point I would like to drive here is with Power comes a sense of responsibility that bears an immediate consequence for the fact that people in such position are looked upon for every act they perform and every word they utter. Its not the media to be blamed for this, but its price for being on top. Thus every casual act has to be considered with utmost care. But the general trend being that all of us have lost our sense of restrain on our speech, which has resulted in todays chaotic and hostile environment. Its not just about speaking but also speaking the truth. The society has to accept the fact that its acceptance of falsehood and non restrain on speech is the cause of todays grievous situation.
Every word an individual utters bears a consequence based on the position which the individual holds. The consequence can be immediate if its uttered by a Man of position with power. Else the word uttered by the simple/ common man is always lost in oblivion. The reason i make such a statement is based on my observation over the past few years, where men holding prestigious position and power just utter statement that in many cases have no speck of truth embedded in it. As a result it has hurt the sentiments of large section of society and causing a furore over nations. Just to quote a few such examples which comes immediately to my mind from the incidents that occurred over the past few months, the most notable being the statement made by the Pope Benedict XVI on the concept of holy war in the Islamic society. Also the unnecessary projection of prophet cartoon in the danish newspaper 'jylland-posten'. Though both this incidents were targeted on a single society. But I'm using this incidents as a case study to point out the fact, that an unnecessary remark by men of respectable position. Just uttering few words have resulted in large scale unrest between nations and faith. Where else when such words would have been uttered by a common man, it wouldn't have caused such large calamitic consequence.
Is it words that weighs more consequence based on the individual person background, or is it power that speaks for itself. Incidents occurring around us gives a clear indication that power speaks and results in immediate consequence. But lets remember only when harsh words uttered by someone in position of power that hurts societies sentiment has resulted in uproar in the society. Clearly validating the fact that physical injury might always heal, but harsh words when uttered leaves an ugly scar behind.
But the point i would like to make is that society has today accepted falsehood and wrong utterance as a way of life. Practice of truth has become a commodity of past, and today it seems to have found shelter not in humans life rather blissfully sleeping in our moral and spiritual textbooks. Man has to realize that he has to account for every falsehood he speaks, and be calm whenever he utters truth. The point I would like to drive here is with Power comes a sense of responsibility that bears an immediate consequence for the fact that people in such position are looked upon for every act they perform and every word they utter. Its not the media to be blamed for this, but its price for being on top. Thus every casual act has to be considered with utmost care. But the general trend being that all of us have lost our sense of restrain on our speech, which has resulted in todays chaotic and hostile environment. Its not just about speaking but also speaking the truth. The society has to accept the fact that its acceptance of falsehood and non restrain on speech is the cause of todays grievous situation.
14 December 2006
What Define Obscenity?
Couple of days ago, as I was reading through the newspaper a news-headline caught my attention which mentioned government has decided not to impose blanket ban on nudity which it say as, 'nudity per say is not obscene'. The government feels placing a ban on such matter would hinder the freedom of speech/expression. Moreover they feel it would be like moral policing on the society.
Question were raised what really define obscene, does nudity really amounts to publicising obscenity. What really took me by surprise was the comparison between the western society and that of our, which really have a different opinion of obscenity. Since they have a society where this is completely accepted. Above this the government raised the issue that by placing a ban on such material in news, they would be stealing the adult of there share of entertainment.
As this thoughts were slowly wading of from my mind, I suddenly recollected the President talk to the nation where he mentioned the role of media in disseminating right information to the society. And I realized the folly of government of failing to impose such a ban on media. At the onset let me highlight the concern is just not regarding moral issue when we fail to impose such a ban in media, but has a larger role to play in the development of the society.
"We get to live in a society, that we make around us." If the definition of obscenity is western countries is normal to them, to which we aren't yet comfortable living with. Why not take our time going back in history at least a century back in this countries. And try to realize when they were exposed to such idea of obscenity as we know it today it would have been not a normal situation. But the media like TV which started there earlier than in our country had it share of slowly exposing the entire society to such definition of obscenity. Slowly as the society get exposed to such ideas, it becomes an integral part of the society. Its not that Obscenity/Nudity is acceptable to any society, its just that they are so used to see/hear it on the media which they feel has become a normal situation there. If an Idea/Opinion is readily available in media, then its not alien to them, its a part of them. And that's what media had done to the Westerners by exposing them to Nudity in form of art/movies that it became an integral part of the society.
Not all citizen view Nudity from Picasso/Michelangelo eyes. Its so obvious nudity in any form when marketed in media has no other role than disintegrating moral fabric of the society. Its not that nudity is an alien concept to anyone of us, but cheap marketing it in media, will only ensure people tomorrow demand for more and get immune to obscenity. A day might in slowly come in nearby future BARING will be so accepted in the society, will be viewed just as an expression of being comfortable. And the whole event are just fuelled by the role of media by simply publicizing such cheap materials.
Its not that society seek nudity in any form as a source of entertainment, its just that since its available it doesn't mind going for it. Therein lies the entire essence. If society is happily fed with such inputs, its grows and thrives on it. Imagine if wasn't available, the society wouldn't have craved for it and I'm sure would have still lived without Nudity as se.
Question were raised what really define obscene, does nudity really amounts to publicising obscenity. What really took me by surprise was the comparison between the western society and that of our, which really have a different opinion of obscenity. Since they have a society where this is completely accepted. Above this the government raised the issue that by placing a ban on such material in news, they would be stealing the adult of there share of entertainment.
As this thoughts were slowly wading of from my mind, I suddenly recollected the President talk to the nation where he mentioned the role of media in disseminating right information to the society. And I realized the folly of government of failing to impose such a ban on media. At the onset let me highlight the concern is just not regarding moral issue when we fail to impose such a ban in media, but has a larger role to play in the development of the society.
"We get to live in a society, that we make around us." If the definition of obscenity is western countries is normal to them, to which we aren't yet comfortable living with. Why not take our time going back in history at least a century back in this countries. And try to realize when they were exposed to such idea of obscenity as we know it today it would have been not a normal situation. But the media like TV which started there earlier than in our country had it share of slowly exposing the entire society to such definition of obscenity. Slowly as the society get exposed to such ideas, it becomes an integral part of the society. Its not that Obscenity/Nudity is acceptable to any society, its just that they are so used to see/hear it on the media which they feel has become a normal situation there. If an Idea/Opinion is readily available in media, then its not alien to them, its a part of them. And that's what media had done to the Westerners by exposing them to Nudity in form of art/movies that it became an integral part of the society.
Not all citizen view Nudity from Picasso/Michelangelo eyes. Its so obvious nudity in any form when marketed in media has no other role than disintegrating moral fabric of the society. Its not that nudity is an alien concept to anyone of us, but cheap marketing it in media, will only ensure people tomorrow demand for more and get immune to obscenity. A day might in slowly come in nearby future BARING will be so accepted in the society, will be viewed just as an expression of being comfortable. And the whole event are just fuelled by the role of media by simply publicizing such cheap materials.
Its not that society seek nudity in any form as a source of entertainment, its just that since its available it doesn't mind going for it. Therein lies the entire essence. If society is happily fed with such inputs, its grows and thrives on it. Imagine if wasn't available, the society wouldn't have craved for it and I'm sure would have still lived without Nudity as se.
12 December 2006
Child Labour: Nations Ignominy
The future of any country lies in the hands and minds of growing childrens. But wherein countries like that of ours if the childs hand is involved in menial jobs fighting a race for the survival and mind engrossed in dutifully doing the job so as to avoid the wrath of the owner. Then what future beholds for the country is a question that is equally posed in front of every Indian citizen. Out of 1 billion population around 12.6 million childrens are engaged in child labour. Most of them working in the food and hospitality service sector. Most of the childrens are forced to work for long hours and unhealthy environment that breeds high possibility of infecting themselves with diseases and moreover most terrible being the issue of physical abuse especially for the female child.
Despite being actively involved in UNICEF and other international organization in order to protect the childs right, Our country still is a home for the largest child labour in the entire world. Though its very obvious thats its the poverty that drives the parent to send there childrens to unhealthy and long working condition to make there daily meets end. Though there are plethora of laws and regulation passed by the government citing cases under which environ are child allowed to work. They have classified it as Hazardous and Non-hazardous, which require skill operation obtained after proper training like that of Rock breaking in mines, packaging at Fire Crackers Industry, Glass polishing and manufacturing and many more of even which im not aware of. But the Owner mindlessly recruit them for its a cheap investment in terms of wages they will be have to be paid.
Infact untill proverty breeds in the country, there is no way we can avoid such stigma blotting the country image. But the only solution that beholds such a situation in the enforcement of COMPULSORY and FREE primary education. This will ensure that the child has more oppurtunity to spend times in confined four walls learning to build his/her future, rather picking up rags and ruin the country future. A clear example being the state Kerala which has 100% literacy rate has only 1 in 100 children involved in child labour compared to 8 in 100 with the rest of country child labour distribution. Schemes like mid-day meal will also act as a bait to ensure that the child will attend schools. Though the law has been already enforced by the government quite a year ago. But the way it has to be implemented by each state government has really been the real bottleneck as it involves a huge investment. No doubt this mammoth project can never be single handedly run by the government. And its here in this context that the Non-Government organization plays an important role by bridging the gap that government fails to cash in. There are multitudes of such organization running across the length the breadth of the country. And its my earnest request to readers of this page in case you come across any such an organization please make a sincere effort in contributing any possible way that you can.
Lets remember the best we can do for the future of the mankind is leaving a society that is free of many such ignomious traits, that haunts the world. And if that involves contributing a mere fraction of our resources and our time. I hope thats the best that we can do for a bright future.
Dil Se.
Despite being actively involved in UNICEF and other international organization in order to protect the childs right, Our country still is a home for the largest child labour in the entire world. Though its very obvious thats its the poverty that drives the parent to send there childrens to unhealthy and long working condition to make there daily meets end. Though there are plethora of laws and regulation passed by the government citing cases under which environ are child allowed to work. They have classified it as Hazardous and Non-hazardous, which require skill operation obtained after proper training like that of Rock breaking in mines, packaging at Fire Crackers Industry, Glass polishing and manufacturing and many more of even which im not aware of. But the Owner mindlessly recruit them for its a cheap investment in terms of wages they will be have to be paid.
Infact untill proverty breeds in the country, there is no way we can avoid such stigma blotting the country image. But the only solution that beholds such a situation in the enforcement of COMPULSORY and FREE primary education. This will ensure that the child has more oppurtunity to spend times in confined four walls learning to build his/her future, rather picking up rags and ruin the country future. A clear example being the state Kerala which has 100% literacy rate has only 1 in 100 children involved in child labour compared to 8 in 100 with the rest of country child labour distribution. Schemes like mid-day meal will also act as a bait to ensure that the child will attend schools. Though the law has been already enforced by the government quite a year ago. But the way it has to be implemented by each state government has really been the real bottleneck as it involves a huge investment. No doubt this mammoth project can never be single handedly run by the government. And its here in this context that the Non-Government organization plays an important role by bridging the gap that government fails to cash in. There are multitudes of such organization running across the length the breadth of the country. And its my earnest request to readers of this page in case you come across any such an organization please make a sincere effort in contributing any possible way that you can.
Lets remember the best we can do for the future of the mankind is leaving a society that is free of many such ignomious traits, that haunts the world. And if that involves contributing a mere fraction of our resources and our time. I hope thats the best that we can do for a bright future.
Dil Se.
06 December 2006
Men in Blue: Thrashed Black and Blue
Well if every Indian consider himself to be a Cricket Pundit, how can people like me atleast who play cricket, should have a say on the game that symbolises countries major religion, with sachin as there demigod.
Even before the tournament had begun there were several theories running that India has a meagre chance of even winning a single match on pitches where it find itself very vulnereable to pace attack coupled to unexpected bounce. Every batsman had a wrecked time in this tournament except for Dhoni who played unconventional shots and thus survived. With heavy blame being poured out on Chappel and the Captain Dravid for such a miserable performance (0-4), The last time we performed so miserably was against srilanka(0-3). I myself feel there is no use in blaming the captain and coach for the poor team performance. Cricket is a team game, where contribution from entire 11 players finally end to team' victory. Coach-Captain discuss strategies based on every players performance, so if all player play miserably who is to be blamed. So the question is who is to blamed. The answer is more deep-rooted if we analyse the situation more correctly. Players weren't exposed to such bouncy pitches before thus struggled. So why doesnt the BCCI, spend it large share revenues in making such bouncy pitches like the one in Perth & Durban.
Next the local cricket tournament should be more vigorous, only when players have performed consitently should they selected for the national team. eg M. Hussey scored 15,000 runs at domestic level before joining the national team, and no doubt his test and cricket averages are best to date. Even Australian key players when axed from national team have to proof themself in domestic cricket before they join the national team. Even McGrath was not exempted from such rule before he joined the team for the Ashes. We might argue if players more at domestic level, by the time they join national team they might tend to be in late 20 and ealy 30, which is also close age of reteriment for many cricketers. The question to answer is wheter we want quality players, or mediocre young players. Thats the reason we might observe over the last few years there are just few players who have retained there place in the national team. Young players might have played well in national tournament, and when they play in International matches they lose to peer pressure, and finally whiter out to another young player awaiting his chance.
The solution lies in the fact that our national cricket matches should be made more competitively, how about making foreign cricketers join the national team, Like English county cricket. Unless these issues are addresed we cant hope sachin, dravid lead the team india to glory in every match they play, with there peak performance closing in as they approach there mid 30. So untill we really change our national cricket matches to that of english and australian domestic standard. We cant rely the big guns to perform and win matches for the country.
Even before the tournament had begun there were several theories running that India has a meagre chance of even winning a single match on pitches where it find itself very vulnereable to pace attack coupled to unexpected bounce. Every batsman had a wrecked time in this tournament except for Dhoni who played unconventional shots and thus survived. With heavy blame being poured out on Chappel and the Captain Dravid for such a miserable performance (0-4), The last time we performed so miserably was against srilanka(0-3). I myself feel there is no use in blaming the captain and coach for the poor team performance. Cricket is a team game, where contribution from entire 11 players finally end to team' victory. Coach-Captain discuss strategies based on every players performance, so if all player play miserably who is to be blamed. So the question is who is to blamed. The answer is more deep-rooted if we analyse the situation more correctly. Players weren't exposed to such bouncy pitches before thus struggled. So why doesnt the BCCI, spend it large share revenues in making such bouncy pitches like the one in Perth & Durban.
Next the local cricket tournament should be more vigorous, only when players have performed consitently should they selected for the national team. eg M. Hussey scored 15,000 runs at domestic level before joining the national team, and no doubt his test and cricket averages are best to date. Even Australian key players when axed from national team have to proof themself in domestic cricket before they join the national team. Even McGrath was not exempted from such rule before he joined the team for the Ashes. We might argue if players more at domestic level, by the time they join national team they might tend to be in late 20 and ealy 30, which is also close age of reteriment for many cricketers. The question to answer is wheter we want quality players, or mediocre young players. Thats the reason we might observe over the last few years there are just few players who have retained there place in the national team. Young players might have played well in national tournament, and when they play in International matches they lose to peer pressure, and finally whiter out to another young player awaiting his chance.
The solution lies in the fact that our national cricket matches should be made more competitively, how about making foreign cricketers join the national team, Like English county cricket. Unless these issues are addresed we cant hope sachin, dravid lead the team india to glory in every match they play, with there peak performance closing in as they approach there mid 30. So untill we really change our national cricket matches to that of english and australian domestic standard. We cant rely the big guns to perform and win matches for the country.
29 November 2006
Tryst with Bright Future.
Recalling what Our Prime Minister Nehru had said on the midnight of our Independence celebration. 'Tryst with Destiny', "At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom." The present scenario in Indian BPO seems to be riding this point clear and hard to the entire world economy. Initially i was aghast as i found many of Indians student finding there way to call centre jobs, which paid them substantial revenue, worth there educational qualification. But as I tried to understand in depth the working of call centre jobs, and a bright future it holds to us, in terms of global exposure to our work environment. I immediately threw away the negative image of BPO which I initially had constructed.
As I was just reading through some articles that cropped in BBC recently, where Indian educated housewives woke up early in the morning( Its the usual case in most of the middle class family), but rather to attending to morning home chores switch on her computer, puts on her head phone and start taking Geometry tuition to american kids. Well this earns her enough for her family sustenance. Weekly 3 classes for 1 hour per kid fetches her in excess of 150 dollars per month.
This just seems to be tip of iceberg in the Outsourcing business, where majority of the middle section job in US are lost to Indian and other South Asian nations. Its just not about the menial jobs like attending to americans lost baggage at the airport terminal, nor help the morons fix there computer passwords. Or help them with there credit accounts. More sophisticated and challenging jobs are outsourced like reading medical transcription but medical practitioners, verifying clients accounts, even law firms outsource there jobs to benign law practitioners here back in India. Clearly the type of jobs that can be outsourced is limited only by the ideas germinating in the individual mind. We might argue obviously you cant outsource my requirement for the stew, but surely when you place order for your pizza, the entire order, cash transaction yours feedback which in turn will improve quality of the product can be outsourced. The power of outsourcing is derived from the easy connectivity between the continents using high bandwidth fibre optic cables, cheaply available computers and custom built software application, and moreover most important increasing English speaking Computer graduates from the country.
Is increasing BPO job opportunity a good sign for our economy, I do really feel the same. Take for example, our specialist get an opportunity to study and exercise there expertise on application which are global in there perspective, without even the need for travelling to this countries. After all what's required is the data at your finger tips, which Ur Internet provides at high speed. Rather it's a loss for the american countries, which try to outsource there job, to other part of the globe, just in order to save penny to pay there employee and time. But this in the long run will surely dent there economy as majority of the service industry related jobs are outsourced, leaving only menial supply related jobs.But no doubt the managerial position will be owned still by them. As a result the entire middle class economy for the americans will surely have run for there income. On the other hand this will help us improve upon our own middle class economy. Understanding the economical fabrics running in the BPO industry is still elementary for Physicist like me. Nevertheless I'm sure BPO do have a bright future for growing Indian graduates.
I'm not taking into account the risk related factor, such as security involvement as you come to know about Individual credits realted information. Or a Firms internal working, as this problem can be overcome with better tracking mechanism.
But for sure our TRYST with Bright Future surely seems to be at a close junction.
04 November 2006
Environmental Suicide: Global Warming.
As the world north and south leaders prepare to meet at nairobi for a next round of environmental meet. Where the impeding important issue of global warming will be seriously taken up. Despite the Kyoto protocol that was duly obliged by most of the developed and developing nation in order to cut down on green house gas emission. It was the culprit US and Australia that didn't abide the rules and norms that were accepted in the meet.
The famous economist Sir Nicholas Stern has recently published a review article suggesting global warming could have adverse effect by shrinking the world economy by 20%. But report suggest by taking appropriate action NOW we could be spending only 1% of worlds GDP. The 700 pages report shows scientific evidence of global warming and the disastrous consequence. In this line even the US vice president Al Gore came out with a documentary entitled "An Inconvenient Truth" warning regarding global warming which became a huge hit ever since was it was released on may 2006.
What has to accepted presently is that its the ruthless exploitation by the developed nations that has landed the entire mankind at the door of serious matter of global warming.Even though there are claims by few geoscientist that climate change can be attributed to cosmic radiation fluctuation coming from sun. Though no substantial proof is available from the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change(IPCC).
A bit of scientific evidence to strengthen these claims. The planet temperature is constantly changing, but the natural fluctuation is temperature is preceded with man intervention in nature's activity by large scale deforestation and increase green-house gas emission such as Carbon dioxide, Methane and Nitrous Oxide from industries. The very fact that CO2 concentration in atmosphere has increased by 30% in just 200 years. This sole is responsible for increase in earth temp by 2 degree. And with same rate of gas emission temp might increase by 6 degree by end of 2100, as a result there is going to be severe melting of ice caps in artic and Antarctic regions causing to increase sea level by 7 meters. This is sufficient to submerge most of the coastal region of most nations as well as many islands.
Most of the developed nations might have the infrastructure to handle such devastation impact, but the visibly suffered nations will be developing and the Third world countries. There are several programs initiated world-wide to drastically cut down green-house gas emission by large scale industries. But what is important to know is these industries are running engines, any attempt to disrupt there working will adversely affect global economy. But at the grass root level its important that at each individual make sincere effort to minimize the usage of electricity consumption. There was interesting activity taken by Britishers in the last month wherein by they monitored the electricity consumption over entire week, and could take remedial step to cut down on electricity that wasn't required. Well though it looks a minimal effort, its drop that fills up the entire ocean. Similar exercise could be initiated in the small offices and industries, which will go a long way in saving many units electricity, thereby reduce the need for large scale energy production.
This problem needs a lot of attention not only concerned scientist but by politician to reinforce the need the take remedial action by the respective government to take every possible action to cut down on gas emission and make it better place for us to live.
I cant resist quoting famous lines from Miachel Jackson songs, "
Make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race........"
The famous economist Sir Nicholas Stern has recently published a review article suggesting global warming could have adverse effect by shrinking the world economy by 20%. But report suggest by taking appropriate action NOW we could be spending only 1% of worlds GDP. The 700 pages report shows scientific evidence of global warming and the disastrous consequence. In this line even the US vice president Al Gore came out with a documentary entitled "An Inconvenient Truth" warning regarding global warming which became a huge hit ever since was it was released on may 2006.
What has to accepted presently is that its the ruthless exploitation by the developed nations that has landed the entire mankind at the door of serious matter of global warming.Even though there are claims by few geoscientist that climate change can be attributed to cosmic radiation fluctuation coming from sun. Though no substantial proof is available from the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change(IPCC).
A bit of scientific evidence to strengthen these claims. The planet temperature is constantly changing, but the natural fluctuation is temperature is preceded with man intervention in nature's activity by large scale deforestation and increase green-house gas emission such as Carbon dioxide, Methane and Nitrous Oxide from industries. The very fact that CO2 concentration in atmosphere has increased by 30% in just 200 years. This sole is responsible for increase in earth temp by 2 degree. And with same rate of gas emission temp might increase by 6 degree by end of 2100, as a result there is going to be severe melting of ice caps in artic and Antarctic regions causing to increase sea level by 7 meters. This is sufficient to submerge most of the coastal region of most nations as well as many islands.
Most of the developed nations might have the infrastructure to handle such devastation impact, but the visibly suffered nations will be developing and the Third world countries. There are several programs initiated world-wide to drastically cut down green-house gas emission by large scale industries. But what is important to know is these industries are running engines, any attempt to disrupt there working will adversely affect global economy. But at the grass root level its important that at each individual make sincere effort to minimize the usage of electricity consumption. There was interesting activity taken by Britishers in the last month wherein by they monitored the electricity consumption over entire week, and could take remedial step to cut down on electricity that wasn't required. Well though it looks a minimal effort, its drop that fills up the entire ocean. Similar exercise could be initiated in the small offices and industries, which will go a long way in saving many units electricity, thereby reduce the need for large scale energy production.
This problem needs a lot of attention not only concerned scientist but by politician to reinforce the need the take remedial action by the respective government to take every possible action to cut down on gas emission and make it better place for us to live.
I cant resist quoting famous lines from Miachel Jackson songs, "
Make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race........"
26 October 2006
Advertising Gimmicks.
Just as I was glued to television for the last few days, as ICC champion trophy unfurled itself with many surprises during the tournament, Not a single team has completed 50 overs. The pitch for every matches seems to be under prepared. The team entering semifinals now depends on other performance in the last matches. Bluntly speaking the tournament seems to be lacking competitiveness as well as excitement, which previous ICC tournament held.
But what really caught my attention was, Now with every company coming out with new products in the competitive market, in order to gain upperhand most of the ads they broadcasted were garnished with scientific terms. Bike company proclaims they have Quantum Core Engine. Referigerators highlights they have Green Ion technology. Air-Conditioners have Nanopore for purification, wherelse some other claim they have DNA technology embeddded in there product.
For the buyer these claims really appeals the product, with every possible chance of there sell-out. Should I say these methodology of introducing scientific vagaries in ads is like really misleading the audience. Such scientific claims looks absurd, for individual like me, who are from scientific background. Take for example, this is by no mean is to target a company. Few years ago, a well known reputed fan company came out with fan with PSPO technology, which became a buzz words in commercial ads. Any electrical engineer will tell you, PSPO stands for Peak Speed Performance Output. This is judging criteria for most of the electrical devices, and nothing more. But the comapany seems to have cashed heavily on these term and claimed heavy profit over there product.
The question is not wheter you can use such scientific claims for your product, as it's well known most of the huge companies invest in R&D for there new products, trying to churn out new gadgets and products, better compared to there previous and opponent product. But by highlighting such technical details in ads for your product, without complete information to the audience, just using such technical terms in order to lure customers buying your product. Well these company are very much within the boundaries of commercial laws. So they arent really to framed to be culprit if you end up buying there product in case you get lured by such claims.
Its left to the customers to get themselves acquianted with all the scientific claims, rather than get carried away with such claims, and end up buying up product which not match upto the claim it carried.
But what really caught my attention was, Now with every company coming out with new products in the competitive market, in order to gain upperhand most of the ads they broadcasted were garnished with scientific terms. Bike company proclaims they have Quantum Core Engine. Referigerators highlights they have Green Ion technology. Air-Conditioners have Nanopore for purification, wherelse some other claim they have DNA technology embeddded in there product.
For the buyer these claims really appeals the product, with every possible chance of there sell-out. Should I say these methodology of introducing scientific vagaries in ads is like really misleading the audience. Such scientific claims looks absurd, for individual like me, who are from scientific background. Take for example, this is by no mean is to target a company. Few years ago, a well known reputed fan company came out with fan with PSPO technology, which became a buzz words in commercial ads. Any electrical engineer will tell you, PSPO stands for Peak Speed Performance Output. This is judging criteria for most of the electrical devices, and nothing more. But the comapany seems to have cashed heavily on these term and claimed heavy profit over there product.
The question is not wheter you can use such scientific claims for your product, as it's well known most of the huge companies invest in R&D for there new products, trying to churn out new gadgets and products, better compared to there previous and opponent product. But by highlighting such technical details in ads for your product, without complete information to the audience, just using such technical terms in order to lure customers buying your product. Well these company are very much within the boundaries of commercial laws. So they arent really to framed to be culprit if you end up buying there product in case you get lured by such claims.
Its left to the customers to get themselves acquianted with all the scientific claims, rather than get carried away with such claims, and end up buying up product which not match upto the claim it carried.
16 October 2006
Nobel for a NOBLE cause.
Just as Nobel commitee announced its decision to award M Yunus and his organization Grameen Bank, "for their effort to create economic and social development from below." the nobel peace award for the year 2006. The statement says it all.The significance of the award is just not the fact its the first Bangladeshi Economist to be rewarded with the most coveted award one can dream of. But acknowledge the fact that Nobel committee has recognised that lasting Peace cannot be acheived and sustained without completely eradicating and handling Poverty from the grass root level. With no background from economics I really cant judge the impact that his pioneering idea of microcredit , translated into action from his Grameen Bank that has given millions of bangladeshi poor people a hope for better survival.
But what is well known is the idea of microcredit the brain child of Yunus was an unknown concept 3 decades ago. But today its operating succesfully in more than 100 countries. Although Yunus concept of microcredit has won him many acclaims worldover. But by providing Nobel Award its a befitting award to an individual and his institution that has worked incessesantly day in day out at the grass root level trying to eradicate poverty not by giving charity but JUST by lending money to the poor. In comparision to last year prize that was awarded to IAEA for making every effort to use Nuclear energy for peacefull purpose. Or even the earlier awards that were awarded to certain individuals who during there tenure tried to diffuse tension between hostile nations.
Its clear that sustainable peace lies in that region where poverty has no place for itself. Every other effort to bring in peace in region without addressing the issue of poverty can never claim success for itself. Just a week ago there was an article in the BBC website that punters had listed out possible contestant for the peace awards. Many of them were diplomats involved in peace mission. Some were musicians who campaigned worldover to eradicate poverty. Others were human right campaigner. While one of them were religious leader. But By providing the award to an organization that work at root level in order to bring about sustainable peace by eradicating poverty. I feel the Nobel committee has made a right decision by awarding M Yunus and Grameen Bank this year Nobel Prize for peace.
More information about the working of grameen bank can be found at http://www.grameen-info.org/.
But what is well known is the idea of microcredit the brain child of Yunus was an unknown concept 3 decades ago. But today its operating succesfully in more than 100 countries. Although Yunus concept of microcredit has won him many acclaims worldover. But by providing Nobel Award its a befitting award to an individual and his institution that has worked incessesantly day in day out at the grass root level trying to eradicate poverty not by giving charity but JUST by lending money to the poor. In comparision to last year prize that was awarded to IAEA for making every effort to use Nuclear energy for peacefull purpose. Or even the earlier awards that were awarded to certain individuals who during there tenure tried to diffuse tension between hostile nations.
Its clear that sustainable peace lies in that region where poverty has no place for itself. Every other effort to bring in peace in region without addressing the issue of poverty can never claim success for itself. Just a week ago there was an article in the BBC website that punters had listed out possible contestant for the peace awards. Many of them were diplomats involved in peace mission. Some were musicians who campaigned worldover to eradicate poverty. Others were human right campaigner. While one of them were religious leader. But By providing the award to an organization that work at root level in order to bring about sustainable peace by eradicating poverty. I feel the Nobel committee has made a right decision by awarding M Yunus and Grameen Bank this year Nobel Prize for peace.
More information about the working of grameen bank can be found at http://www.grameen-info.org/.
14 October 2006
Clemency OR Capital Punishment.
The country seem to have caught up in one more controversial issues, with people from President to victim being caught up in the ruffle. With Afzal being one of accused in taking part in dastardly act of bombing the very seat of indian democracy, which resulted in loss of nine of our soldiers trying to protect the parliament. Well this is just one of the situation where court has come up with death sentence to the accused. We had many more such victims before like Dhananjay accused for rape, then Dara singh for burning Graham staines to death.
The situation has taken up more of emotional appeal rather than logical view, for the fact that many familar social activist are taking stand in favour of Afzal to be granted clemency, for the various reason such as trial wasn't fair. On other hand people seems to be asking him to be given death punishment, this will ensure message is reached to criminal that we aren't a soft nation.
Now it took lot of my grey cell to really analyse the situation, before i could express my say. When someone accused is convicted of crime that takes a huge toll of human life. The activities that are well planned and executed by these hard hearted criminals. It's important that the state provide the harshest of punishment to these criminal, for they have no value for human life. Thus they should not be spared as they might involve themselves in many more dastardly act, taking more human lives. Look at it with different viewpoint, it cost the state to maintain them at the prisons. In my opinion i feel the criminal involved in crime such as Mass murders, Rape and Terrorism should never be spared. As they are living threat to entire mankind.
Is capital punishment the only solution to get rid of these hard hearted criminals.
Its important to confirm, wheter capital punishment is a solution to handle crime and criminals, is it a deterrent to commit an crime. Does an individual taking up crime thinks about his end, while commiting or indulging in such activities. Then how can presence of capital punishment in the law book deter him from commiting the crime. However cold hearted an individual is, that forces him to take up crime under some pressurizing situation. For one thing is for sure no one like to commit crime for he might take pleasure in commiting it. Its only environment one is bred that shapes his motives. So when an individual is accused of crime, by providing him an chance to regret his/her decision we can ensure he might come back to normal life stream. Thereby we can be sure we not only lose a life, but MAY BE get back a reformed individual. Well it seem i might be painting a bright picture hoping that all criminal accused to change, leading a normal life thereafter. But the fact is with enforcing capital punishment we highlight the fact even we have no value for human life too. Human life is precious, every effort to preserve them is a noble cause by itself.
I would like to end on the note that by providing clemency to the accused criminals doesnt suggest we are a soft nation, But by providing death penalty we showcase the fact even we are such stone hearted that we dont value a life.
The situation has taken up more of emotional appeal rather than logical view, for the fact that many familar social activist are taking stand in favour of Afzal to be granted clemency, for the various reason such as trial wasn't fair. On other hand people seems to be asking him to be given death punishment, this will ensure message is reached to criminal that we aren't a soft nation.
Now it took lot of my grey cell to really analyse the situation, before i could express my say. When someone accused is convicted of crime that takes a huge toll of human life. The activities that are well planned and executed by these hard hearted criminals. It's important that the state provide the harshest of punishment to these criminal, for they have no value for human life. Thus they should not be spared as they might involve themselves in many more dastardly act, taking more human lives. Look at it with different viewpoint, it cost the state to maintain them at the prisons. In my opinion i feel the criminal involved in crime such as Mass murders, Rape and Terrorism should never be spared. As they are living threat to entire mankind.
Is capital punishment the only solution to get rid of these hard hearted criminals.
Its important to confirm, wheter capital punishment is a solution to handle crime and criminals, is it a deterrent to commit an crime. Does an individual taking up crime thinks about his end, while commiting or indulging in such activities. Then how can presence of capital punishment in the law book deter him from commiting the crime. However cold hearted an individual is, that forces him to take up crime under some pressurizing situation. For one thing is for sure no one like to commit crime for he might take pleasure in commiting it. Its only environment one is bred that shapes his motives. So when an individual is accused of crime, by providing him an chance to regret his/her decision we can ensure he might come back to normal life stream. Thereby we can be sure we not only lose a life, but MAY BE get back a reformed individual. Well it seem i might be painting a bright picture hoping that all criminal accused to change, leading a normal life thereafter. But the fact is with enforcing capital punishment we highlight the fact even we have no value for human life too. Human life is precious, every effort to preserve them is a noble cause by itself.
I would like to end on the note that by providing clemency to the accused criminals doesnt suggest we are a soft nation, But by providing death penalty we showcase the fact even we are such stone hearted that we dont value a life.
25 September 2006
Watering the Leaves doesn't sustain the plant
On September 23 Shri Kapil Sibal, union minister for science and technology came to JNCASR to inaugrate the Nano-Lab, during which he promised large funds to set up premiere institutes in the country to enhance science learning in the country. As a matter of fact it's well known a country is said to well developed if Science and Technology is given a higher priority in it agenda. Well along with education, medical health, water supply, i personally feel that any country should also give more importance to R&D as it will strengthen nation's intellectual wealth. No doubt defence should be never be sidelined, but the amount of countries GDP that is invested back in defence seems ridiculous, despite knowing that we live in highly insecure environment. But this attitude seems to have taken prosperity out of countries vision, as the income invested in defence overlooking important issues in the countries has taken it toll, by compromising on nation's development.
Well coming back to the point, i believe the reason we lacked in science and research for such a long time ever since we became independent was lack of infrastructure, which became quite accessible only after we allowed globalization to hit the indian market. As a result we see clearly good increase in countries contribution to science. Because of the ease at which we have access to good equipment, chemical and other infrastructure after globalization. Prior to globalization india contribution to science came only from Atomic Science, Nuclear Science and Space science, but this again arouse because of the need to develop means to generate electricity, thus the dept of atomic energy became the mother institute for space technology and missile technology.
Now we have major share and contribution to Software technology around the world due to large number of graduates coming from this background, moreover the job oppurtunities in this field being highly rewarding there's large student pursuing this course. The threat looming large over indian science is the fact that there are large number of student going abroad to pursue there higher studies (MS, PhD) in US and European countries. This is no doubt a matter of pride as we are the largest expat communities in most of the foreign universities along with chinese. But lets not feel this is a BRAIN DRAIN, but lets look it as BRAIN GAIN, the foreign exchange that we earn from our NRI working abroad. The problem is when we set up more good research institutes and lab in the country, what gurantee can we have that we will be able to attract the brightest of mind into these lab, when we are losing them to foreign universities. Most of the student do return to the country after completing Phd and Post Doctral felolowship. Buts its important to really to find out how many have really turned back to pursue science back in the country. The solution to improve scienctific research in the country is just not increasing the number of research institutes and lab with state of arts, but the fact try to retain our student back in our own country to pursue there research here itself by having better wages for them, less we lose them to better pay scale jobs, or foreign universities. The other problem that need to be simultaneously tackled is enhancing the science curriculm at our school and college level, so as to ignite more mind pursuing science.
Well the problem that striking the roots of countries science and technology just does not solve with allowing better infrastructures in the country, but also has to be dealt by finacially improving the stipend of research seekers. Thus water has to really reach the roots to ensure we grow scientifically, less we lose our ignited and bright minds to foreign universities.
Well coming back to the point, i believe the reason we lacked in science and research for such a long time ever since we became independent was lack of infrastructure, which became quite accessible only after we allowed globalization to hit the indian market. As a result we see clearly good increase in countries contribution to science. Because of the ease at which we have access to good equipment, chemical and other infrastructure after globalization. Prior to globalization india contribution to science came only from Atomic Science, Nuclear Science and Space science, but this again arouse because of the need to develop means to generate electricity, thus the dept of atomic energy became the mother institute for space technology and missile technology.
Now we have major share and contribution to Software technology around the world due to large number of graduates coming from this background, moreover the job oppurtunities in this field being highly rewarding there's large student pursuing this course. The threat looming large over indian science is the fact that there are large number of student going abroad to pursue there higher studies (MS, PhD) in US and European countries. This is no doubt a matter of pride as we are the largest expat communities in most of the foreign universities along with chinese. But lets not feel this is a BRAIN DRAIN, but lets look it as BRAIN GAIN, the foreign exchange that we earn from our NRI working abroad. The problem is when we set up more good research institutes and lab in the country, what gurantee can we have that we will be able to attract the brightest of mind into these lab, when we are losing them to foreign universities. Most of the student do return to the country after completing Phd and Post Doctral felolowship. Buts its important to really to find out how many have really turned back to pursue science back in the country. The solution to improve scienctific research in the country is just not increasing the number of research institutes and lab with state of arts, but the fact try to retain our student back in our own country to pursue there research here itself by having better wages for them, less we lose them to better pay scale jobs, or foreign universities. The other problem that need to be simultaneously tackled is enhancing the science curriculm at our school and college level, so as to ignite more mind pursuing science.
Well the problem that striking the roots of countries science and technology just does not solve with allowing better infrastructures in the country, but also has to be dealt by finacially improving the stipend of research seekers. Thus water has to really reach the roots to ensure we grow scientifically, less we lose our ignited and bright minds to foreign universities.
19 September 2006
Challenging Societies Dictum.
It was late in the night when i happened to hear the song " nachati hain duniya nachane wala chaiye, aasman ko dharti pain lane wala chaiye." I was almost half way asleep, so really not aware of the lyrics sequence. But the picture i would like to paint, with this background information is society hates change. And it require the courage of an individual to break the shackles the society imposes on him. Well lets not confuse that this permit him to commit crime which society opposes.
The society is always reluctant to change, in terms of physicst speaking i would comment we all like to always stay at the position of miminum entropy ie ( least disorder). Because i always feel we hate the things changing around us, for the very fact that evolution of entire living species was so slow that every moment it looks stationary. But if were succumb to such belief, mankind would have never progressed in life. But we have made substantial progress because there was an individual who dared to break the shackles around him, not worrying about the implication about his action.
well i always believe that society first REJECT, then RESPECT and finally ACCEPT. So it's important in life to have perseverance, coz thats what pays in the long run. Coming to the topic i feel we all lack courage to do something different and are always comfortable with environment around us. But amidst us lies one individual who sees things differently and takes up the initiative to do things differently, to which we all initially disapprove, but like the sheep finally follow the sheperd. And when things go all fine, we heap praises on the individual for his extraordinary vision and action. But if he fails we criticize the individual for leading astray and not following the rules and dictum laid by the society, since rules and dictum laid by the society are for betterment for one and all. The failure is what i feel presses every individual dream into his mind, and not letting it translate into action.
But if one were to just follow his conscience( his inner voice) , which speaks the truth in every situation one confront, he will not only lead the world, but also the lead the world rightly. Chase your DREAM, even though it meant facing the rejection, criticism or maybe breaking the rules. Else be ready to follow and appreciate someones else DREAM.
Jhukti hain duniya jhukane wala chaiye, nachite hain duniya nachane wala chaiye, so choice is yours either bend,dance else make others dance.
The society is always reluctant to change, in terms of physicst speaking i would comment we all like to always stay at the position of miminum entropy ie ( least disorder). Because i always feel we hate the things changing around us, for the very fact that evolution of entire living species was so slow that every moment it looks stationary. But if were succumb to such belief, mankind would have never progressed in life. But we have made substantial progress because there was an individual who dared to break the shackles around him, not worrying about the implication about his action.
well i always believe that society first REJECT, then RESPECT and finally ACCEPT. So it's important in life to have perseverance, coz thats what pays in the long run. Coming to the topic i feel we all lack courage to do something different and are always comfortable with environment around us. But amidst us lies one individual who sees things differently and takes up the initiative to do things differently, to which we all initially disapprove, but like the sheep finally follow the sheperd. And when things go all fine, we heap praises on the individual for his extraordinary vision and action. But if he fails we criticize the individual for leading astray and not following the rules and dictum laid by the society, since rules and dictum laid by the society are for betterment for one and all. The failure is what i feel presses every individual dream into his mind, and not letting it translate into action.
But if one were to just follow his conscience( his inner voice) , which speaks the truth in every situation one confront, he will not only lead the world, but also the lead the world rightly. Chase your DREAM, even though it meant facing the rejection, criticism or maybe breaking the rules. Else be ready to follow and appreciate someones else DREAM.
Jhukti hain duniya jhukane wala chaiye, nachite hain duniya nachane wala chaiye, so choice is yours either bend,dance else make others dance.
12 September 2006
Age Poses No Restriction
Sports is a field, that test an individual endurance that only the victorious people poses in abundance. This week was quite eventfull, and will go down the annals of history for the fact that we had few individual who creates a niche for themselves in sports, where they outclasses there's oppponent who were not only competitive but also half there age.
Being an ardent fan of Formula One races, this is the last time Michael Schumacher will be racing after announcing his retirement at Monza (Italian) track. So is Martina Navratilova after claiming her mixed doubles titles at US open just as she near her 50 birthday. On the other hand here was stylish and tough Andre Agassi who also announced his retirement after losing to Benjamin Becker at the US open. Forgot to mention french midfield-striker Zinedine Zidane who retired after the world cup.
What reflect amidst these sporting personalities that they had there share of victory and loss just like any other sportsman, but it was there endurance, determination and sheer grit that made them last so long at the age where most of the sporting professionalist just enjoyed the fame and money they had previously earned. Take for example Schumi at the age of 38, still to maintain his fitness goes to gym early at 6 so as to maintain his fitness, by the way formula driving really requires great fitness to last for entire 50-60 laps during the race.
Sports & Games are the test for an individual's mental strength for his skill develop during the course of his sportinf period. But its his determination that takes him through the tough period of his game with his opponent. All the players i mentioned below are just not great players when they were young, but even at this age where there games showed no wrinkling of there performance.
Players will not be remembered for there scores, trophies, medals or record they achieved, but for those unique moments they outclassed there opponent due to the presence of sheer mental strength and grit. And playing such competitive sport at such age is just a reminder of these players mental strength and endurance.
Being an ardent fan of Formula One races, this is the last time Michael Schumacher will be racing after announcing his retirement at Monza (Italian) track. So is Martina Navratilova after claiming her mixed doubles titles at US open just as she near her 50 birthday. On the other hand here was stylish and tough Andre Agassi who also announced his retirement after losing to Benjamin Becker at the US open. Forgot to mention french midfield-striker Zinedine Zidane who retired after the world cup.
What reflect amidst these sporting personalities that they had there share of victory and loss just like any other sportsman, but it was there endurance, determination and sheer grit that made them last so long at the age where most of the sporting professionalist just enjoyed the fame and money they had previously earned. Take for example Schumi at the age of 38, still to maintain his fitness goes to gym early at 6 so as to maintain his fitness, by the way formula driving really requires great fitness to last for entire 50-60 laps during the race.
Sports & Games are the test for an individual's mental strength for his skill develop during the course of his sportinf period. But its his determination that takes him through the tough period of his game with his opponent. All the players i mentioned below are just not great players when they were young, but even at this age where there games showed no wrinkling of there performance.
Players will not be remembered for there scores, trophies, medals or record they achieved, but for those unique moments they outclassed there opponent due to the presence of sheer mental strength and grit. And playing such competitive sport at such age is just a reminder of these players mental strength and endurance.
02 September 2006
How Safe Are We?
Well i have to be very carefull, as im expressing this sentiment of mine, for im walking over the double edge sword as i see whats happening all around us. The issue i like to raise is for the Mohammedan community of our country. I start to feel how safe do they really are in our country. For just immediate after the mumbai local train blast. Our close ally(really) US president call our's PM expressing his condolence over the incident and questions what gurantee do we have for a nation consisting of more than 130 million muslims not one is linked to Al-Qaeda. For the fact the the terrorism in whole world today is slowly linked with Islamic Fundamentalism, so called Axis of Evil also lies in the region, where this community dominates. And slowly for every untoward incident occuring in our country, this community is being looked up as the cause for the entire incident. Slowly the western outlook of terrorism being associated with this community is slowly being imprinted into our psyche. Though we are aware Islamic terrorist was always linked to only kashmir valley, where the reason was political conflict and not religious conflict. But every where around the country, there are not enough evidence to point out that violence carried out is associated with islamic community, say in Assam(ULFA), Andhra pradesh(Naxalites). But it looks the view point of every average hindu indian suggest that when ever violence is inflicted onto the society, we try to search for islamic link behind them. This clearly becomes evident during police investigation this community that is targeted the most. War against terror is war against the mind. Terorism can grow only in that soil that is being under-watered and under-nourished. Lets look at the statistic of how many muslims are there in arm force, police, bureacracy, and there are also religiously backward in terms of national literacy( 5 % below national literacy). And when government tries to make a commitee to study there constitution in main frame of our society, we all accuse them of creating communalism.
So if indian muslim is not absorbed into the society, with no bias, no feeling of outsider. Then he will surely remain in the periphery of development. Allowing for no room to breed terror. So its very important that care been taken, that the western thought process of associating terrorism with islamic fundamentalism, should not be allowed to enter our psyche. So next time we see a bearded man with cap, lets not look at them with suspicious look, rather allow them to enter the main frame of our society wholeheartedly.
So if indian muslim is not absorbed into the society, with no bias, no feeling of outsider. Then he will surely remain in the periphery of development. Allowing for no room to breed terror. So its very important that care been taken, that the western thought process of associating terrorism with islamic fundamentalism, should not be allowed to enter our psyche. So next time we see a bearded man with cap, lets not look at them with suspicious look, rather allow them to enter the main frame of our society wholeheartedly.
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