NOSTALGIA
A powerful storm goes in her mind. Happy, calm, content with a sense of satisfaction as she looks back. A pleasant chill in the spine during the journey to the bylanes of past.
Archaic, insane, unworthy , below average were synonymns for the labor she put it. By sheer stoke of good fortune, the seeds sowed reaped good dividends. The taunts from peers& friends for which she used to look down upon herself, are a joke now. She remembers with profound admiration for all the petty things she did, which helped her materialize her instincts.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
18 JULY: THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF INDO- US NUCLEAR DEAL
18 JULY: THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF INDO- US NUCLEAR DEAL
As the third anniversary of the Indo United States (US) Nuclear Deal approaches near on 18 July, and the determined leaders – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Bush , want it in ‘haste’ to prove their legacy before they depart from the throne, a larger issue of feasibility of nuclear deal and the National Interest comes up.
The issue of transparency, accountability, rises up in our democratic polity as information for common people is grossly lacking pointing to uniformed debate prevailing via media management.
Firstly the political-strategic aspect of this deal needs to be seen to be understood in terms of its embedded context. It is part of a strategic framework which would be used to bring ‘Pax Americana’. This goes back to the readings of National Security Document 2002 which spells out Russia and China as enemies but mentions India as possible ally.
In terms of technology and energy, it is not that ‘big deal’ too. If the Prime Minister laments that the nation has inadequate uranium funding, then the blame for this morass goes to him, when he as the finance minister slashed the expenditure on uranium in prodigal terms. Both thermal and hydro electricity are much cheaper and safe alternative sources have been hitherto left unexplored. Further, the question of Nuclear Weapons free South Asia, which India enshrines, by its foreign policy ethos, cannot be dictated by United States.
In terms what the deal has to offer, the picture is not rosy. The reprocessing and enrichment technology is not being given. The nation’s stands that the deal would make India as a responsible nuclear power displays political irresponsibility as the very nuclear proliferation would have knock-on effects with neighbors and other nations.
The other issue of strengthening Indo-US ties via the deal seems superficial. With the rise of multilateralism as a force in World Politics, Indo-US ties have been marked by ‘closer engagement’. This growing warmth will not be reversed even if the deal is not enforced. Thus to base the entire paraphernalia of relations with United States seems to put bilateral ties on hollow terms.
The very process involved in executing the deal is complex. It seems irksome to comprehend that then why the government is ready to put government future at stake just for the deal. What the leaders in both nations fail to perceive that they cannot fashion legacy by such symbolism.
The very issue of National Interest is grossly misunderstood and understated. To dub it in sole military or nuclear arsenal terms is flawed. National Security has a much wider dimension with rise of terrorism, narcotics, natural disasters where the threats are cutting across borders. Then there are issues which seek the merit of government like Women Reservation, plight of unorganized sector in globalization, foreign investment in retail. It is high time that the present gives up its blinkered vision with sole attention on the Nuclear Deal for the integrity and sustainability of the nation.
As the third anniversary of the Indo United States (US) Nuclear Deal approaches near on 18 July, and the determined leaders – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Bush , want it in ‘haste’ to prove their legacy before they depart from the throne, a larger issue of feasibility of nuclear deal and the National Interest comes up.
The issue of transparency, accountability, rises up in our democratic polity as information for common people is grossly lacking pointing to uniformed debate prevailing via media management.
Firstly the political-strategic aspect of this deal needs to be seen to be understood in terms of its embedded context. It is part of a strategic framework which would be used to bring ‘Pax Americana’. This goes back to the readings of National Security Document 2002 which spells out Russia and China as enemies but mentions India as possible ally.
In terms of technology and energy, it is not that ‘big deal’ too. If the Prime Minister laments that the nation has inadequate uranium funding, then the blame for this morass goes to him, when he as the finance minister slashed the expenditure on uranium in prodigal terms. Both thermal and hydro electricity are much cheaper and safe alternative sources have been hitherto left unexplored. Further, the question of Nuclear Weapons free South Asia, which India enshrines, by its foreign policy ethos, cannot be dictated by United States.
In terms what the deal has to offer, the picture is not rosy. The reprocessing and enrichment technology is not being given. The nation’s stands that the deal would make India as a responsible nuclear power displays political irresponsibility as the very nuclear proliferation would have knock-on effects with neighbors and other nations.
The other issue of strengthening Indo-US ties via the deal seems superficial. With the rise of multilateralism as a force in World Politics, Indo-US ties have been marked by ‘closer engagement’. This growing warmth will not be reversed even if the deal is not enforced. Thus to base the entire paraphernalia of relations with United States seems to put bilateral ties on hollow terms.
The very process involved in executing the deal is complex. It seems irksome to comprehend that then why the government is ready to put government future at stake just for the deal. What the leaders in both nations fail to perceive that they cannot fashion legacy by such symbolism.
The very issue of National Interest is grossly misunderstood and understated. To dub it in sole military or nuclear arsenal terms is flawed. National Security has a much wider dimension with rise of terrorism, narcotics, natural disasters where the threats are cutting across borders. Then there are issues which seek the merit of government like Women Reservation, plight of unorganized sector in globalization, foreign investment in retail. It is high time that the present gives up its blinkered vision with sole attention on the Nuclear Deal for the integrity and sustainability of the nation.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
fever CSE
Having being nurtured by the schools and colleges in Delhi, the place which is the hub for all aspirants attempting to make it to Civil Services Examination (CSE) of Union Public Services Commission (UPSC), forces me to pen down my thoughts about the paraphernalia of IAS syndrome going in the city.
There are plethora of coaching institutes buzzing in the town, which claim to train you in a manner to secure you seat in this prestigious “mantle of Indian administration.” There are big claims made by publishing pictures of those who succeed to be portrayed as their future icons. It has larger goal of fetching new students each year to let their ‘shops’ continue to operate in business.
No doubt CSE has been coveted as the best future option since several generations. Yet we fail to understand that this is not the end of road. What about those suicides cases where the trauma of not making even in the last attempt, forces you to quit on your life? What about those who fail to qualify from mains to interview, from interview to final ranking? What about those who were erstwhile present in Civil Services like Aruna Roy, Harsh Mander, yet call it quit, at peak of their careers? To err is to be human. Yet in this arduously competitive marketized realm, there are no takers for it.
There needs to be mention about the prodigal fees charged by these coaching institutes, which adds to the financial burden of the aspirants, who in already under subtle psychological burden of “what if not” making it situation. Further do these coaching institutes even think of imparting values on integrity, morality, honesty, which are essential to the continuity of credibility of Civil Services as larger framework of our polity. The emphasis on sheer cramming of facts, reams being photocopied and passed on to aspirants puts question marks on ‘originality and innovation’, which is very much needed in job of Administration.
Every year as June commences, there are introductory seminars organized, where undue thought are paid as to how merely preparing for CSE, ignoring the significant aspect of ‘continuity and survivability’, the kind of challenges involved within the tenure of service. This could provide aspirants with a clear picture of whether to opt or not and the issue of ‘informed choice’ takes a backseat. This has ramifications for the service of nation.
Further if you carefully scan through the advertisements in the newspaper, you can read through the sheer image personification as CSE leading to ‘Mai-baap’ status in society points to the kind of vulnerable value system attached herewith. There is no remark as to how all subjects are theoretical, opinion-oriented and that claims of letting you score in your optional are farce, the fact being, it is a matter of your own aptitude.
. The gigantic corruption, maladministration, neglect of rule of law has done colossal damage to faith of an average Indian citizen. So here’s ending with good luck to all aspirants and asking them to re-think their parameters beyond those set by these coaching shops.
There are plethora of coaching institutes buzzing in the town, which claim to train you in a manner to secure you seat in this prestigious “mantle of Indian administration.” There are big claims made by publishing pictures of those who succeed to be portrayed as their future icons. It has larger goal of fetching new students each year to let their ‘shops’ continue to operate in business.
No doubt CSE has been coveted as the best future option since several generations. Yet we fail to understand that this is not the end of road. What about those suicides cases where the trauma of not making even in the last attempt, forces you to quit on your life? What about those who fail to qualify from mains to interview, from interview to final ranking? What about those who were erstwhile present in Civil Services like Aruna Roy, Harsh Mander, yet call it quit, at peak of their careers? To err is to be human. Yet in this arduously competitive marketized realm, there are no takers for it.
There needs to be mention about the prodigal fees charged by these coaching institutes, which adds to the financial burden of the aspirants, who in already under subtle psychological burden of “what if not” making it situation. Further do these coaching institutes even think of imparting values on integrity, morality, honesty, which are essential to the continuity of credibility of Civil Services as larger framework of our polity. The emphasis on sheer cramming of facts, reams being photocopied and passed on to aspirants puts question marks on ‘originality and innovation’, which is very much needed in job of Administration.
Every year as June commences, there are introductory seminars organized, where undue thought are paid as to how merely preparing for CSE, ignoring the significant aspect of ‘continuity and survivability’, the kind of challenges involved within the tenure of service. This could provide aspirants with a clear picture of whether to opt or not and the issue of ‘informed choice’ takes a backseat. This has ramifications for the service of nation.
Further if you carefully scan through the advertisements in the newspaper, you can read through the sheer image personification as CSE leading to ‘Mai-baap’ status in society points to the kind of vulnerable value system attached herewith. There is no remark as to how all subjects are theoretical, opinion-oriented and that claims of letting you score in your optional are farce, the fact being, it is a matter of your own aptitude.
. The gigantic corruption, maladministration, neglect of rule of law has done colossal damage to faith of an average Indian citizen. So here’s ending with good luck to all aspirants and asking them to re-think their parameters beyond those set by these coaching shops.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Being single: Empowered? ;)
The chic let writer for Harper Collins Advaita Kala, author of ‘Almost Single’ (need to mention about mutual admiration via our messages never cease!) makes a pertinent point that how being single is sense of empowerment. we have good education, we do justice to it but focusing on our carriers, how we beset the traditional ideas that ‘B.A ke baaad Biyahh!” (getting married after graduation). This single woman is ready to take on challenges, overcome all tides and devote herself to professional lives. It is a guide as to how our societal values are changing and those conservatives in society need not use their interfering yardstick to judge a single woman as mark of taboo.
On a similar note, let us add that how being single can be empowering. Nobody disputes the need to have strong professional caliber, but what about the immense choices & space & latitude you get by being single. Go discover world, experience with new men/women, each new relation has something new to teach without any bondage. Your life comes in full circle as you care for yourself and let yourself be cared by others. It is not infidelity but that you love yourself & want to spread this love. You deserve every bit of pampering. Perhaps, these bondages of being single will be much more cherished. We live in new times where you are not an out-cast if you are single. Let us amend Advaita here, as it applies equally to men & women.
The chic let writer for Harper Collins Advaita Kala, author of ‘Almost Single’ (need to mention about mutual admiration via our messages never cease!) makes a pertinent point that how being single is sense of empowerment. we have good education, we do justice to it but focusing on our carriers, how we beset the traditional ideas that ‘B.A ke baaad Biyahh!” (getting married after graduation). This single woman is ready to take on challenges, overcome all tides and devote herself to professional lives. It is a guide as to how our societal values are changing and those conservatives in society need not use their interfering yardstick to judge a single woman as mark of taboo.
On a similar note, let us add that how being single can be empowering. Nobody disputes the need to have strong professional caliber, but what about the immense choices & space & latitude you get by being single. Go discover world, experience with new men/women, each new relation has something new to teach without any bondage. Your life comes in full circle as you care for yourself and let yourself be cared by others. It is not infidelity but that you love yourself & want to spread this love. You deserve every bit of pampering. Perhaps, these bondages of being single will be much more cherished. We live in new times where you are not an out-cast if you are single. Let us amend Advaita here, as it applies equally to men & women.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
what is 26 january
What is 26 January?
Being nurtured in top institutions like DPS, St.Stephen’s, Hindu College, University of Delhi which have strong nationalist tendencies to celebrate the idea of ‘My nation being a great republic!”, I have been asked to inscribe in mind that 26january is a day when India became republic, our constitution came into being this day in 1950, and that We are a Republic because the head of State in the country is an elected one. Every year the pomp and show that accompanies this day in the parade and celebration is unsurpassed. There is colossal budget and elaborate arrangements and practices, hard work involved since 59 years of the establishment.
However, there are certain issues that beg the merit of answers. The election to the highest office is a game-play of Political realities of the day. The Presidential office is high on ceremony and symbolism.
The constitution has been often thwarted by its very safe-guarders, misuse of Article 356, controversial role of Governor, to name a few. The very nature of constitution has been debated as asymmetrical, that the States have been over-ridden by the Centre power, so it is dubbed as ‘Quasi-federal’ by K.C.Wheare. The political realities of multi-party coalition era, globalization, coalition politics, and rise of regional players, vigilant media and civil society have put onus on the need to rework the different dimensions of our constitution.
The rise of judicial activism have raised alarm over the balance of separation of power between different organs of Government, indifference to rule of law, maladministration, gigantic corruption plagues the system. Thus in this context, for the common Indian Citizen, 26 January turns out to be mere ‘holiday’. The ethos behind the celebration are given back seat. The very guardians of Indian state, as the preamble asserts in ringing declaration’ We the people’, ironically do not cherish its virtues.
There is elaborate coverage of the parade in the news, yet we fail to ask ourselves: celebration of the republic for whom? What cannot be neglected that these concerns are raised every year, yet we turn blind eye to it. We need to be proud of mighty Indian state that varies from display of Brahmaos, Sukhoi, MiGs, tableaux of different states, diplomatic establishments as depicted in the parade. Yet this feeling should not be restricted to this splendorous exhibition. The state needs to account for the trust imposed on it. Perhaps that is why despite naxalism, communalism, regionalism, linguistic politics, the state is standing tall as Hobbesian leviathan.
It is time now for this state to revert this respect and integrity of its citizens by adequate supply of public services, containing inflation, checking corruption, ensuring transparency, accountability.
I hope it is not much to ask for democratic state like ours to set as resolution for this New Year to celebrate the 60th republic day with much fervor than ever before.
Being nurtured in top institutions like DPS, St.Stephen’s, Hindu College, University of Delhi which have strong nationalist tendencies to celebrate the idea of ‘My nation being a great republic!”, I have been asked to inscribe in mind that 26january is a day when India became republic, our constitution came into being this day in 1950, and that We are a Republic because the head of State in the country is an elected one. Every year the pomp and show that accompanies this day in the parade and celebration is unsurpassed. There is colossal budget and elaborate arrangements and practices, hard work involved since 59 years of the establishment.
However, there are certain issues that beg the merit of answers. The election to the highest office is a game-play of Political realities of the day. The Presidential office is high on ceremony and symbolism.
The constitution has been often thwarted by its very safe-guarders, misuse of Article 356, controversial role of Governor, to name a few. The very nature of constitution has been debated as asymmetrical, that the States have been over-ridden by the Centre power, so it is dubbed as ‘Quasi-federal’ by K.C.Wheare. The political realities of multi-party coalition era, globalization, coalition politics, and rise of regional players, vigilant media and civil society have put onus on the need to rework the different dimensions of our constitution.
The rise of judicial activism have raised alarm over the balance of separation of power between different organs of Government, indifference to rule of law, maladministration, gigantic corruption plagues the system. Thus in this context, for the common Indian Citizen, 26 January turns out to be mere ‘holiday’. The ethos behind the celebration are given back seat. The very guardians of Indian state, as the preamble asserts in ringing declaration’ We the people’, ironically do not cherish its virtues.
There is elaborate coverage of the parade in the news, yet we fail to ask ourselves: celebration of the republic for whom? What cannot be neglected that these concerns are raised every year, yet we turn blind eye to it. We need to be proud of mighty Indian state that varies from display of Brahmaos, Sukhoi, MiGs, tableaux of different states, diplomatic establishments as depicted in the parade. Yet this feeling should not be restricted to this splendorous exhibition. The state needs to account for the trust imposed on it. Perhaps that is why despite naxalism, communalism, regionalism, linguistic politics, the state is standing tall as Hobbesian leviathan.
It is time now for this state to revert this respect and integrity of its citizens by adequate supply of public services, containing inflation, checking corruption, ensuring transparency, accountability.
I hope it is not much to ask for democratic state like ours to set as resolution for this New Year to celebrate the 60th republic day with much fervor than ever before.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
is she at fault?
A monster that she got to know accidentally. Respect, Honesty, integrity, love, decency were virtues told to be cherished by him to her. Befriending her was a means to him, to break boredom in his monotonous shady life. And the story begins henceforth.
Under the façadicious duties & obligations to honor, he took her in that “make believe”, but the reality had different in store. Chasing other women at back, lying, mild insults, and tinch of rude attitude in the dose of love all followed. Ironically, she was well educated, bold, and mature yet flowed along with the tide of stupid emotions. She was warned by near ones yet she blindly followed her faith.
Time had its own script, he called off the terms, and like a coward used insults, ignore, to quit instead of direct negotiations. Nonetheless, she never believed in wasting time and spoiling terms because things soured up in the past. Yet made efforts to stay in talking terms. Though there was no expectation of any gain (‘materialistic”, as he accused her once) in this by her, but the crude male nature never changes. He never bothered to keep her posted about his whereabouts, unless she bothered him for so. Horrendously after coming back from a vacation, he had the audacity to speak out the venom he always had in mind. Nasty, Brute, shallow nature was revealed when he replied as to how he was doing, by saying that he has been warming up his bed by paid avenues via females.
There is no scope for blame game. Splits do not define negativity. But am glad to share with you all that she has learnt lessons of life the harsh way. What others used to say about him to her, was so true. Yet this tragedy does not desist her from being good or look towards future with optimism. It will be futile to raise hue and cry for somebody who never valued her. Yet a deep seated desire persists in her. He should go through the same trauma of insults, rudeness, for-granted ness, lies, infidelity by near ones. Is she at fault in wishing so?
Under the façadicious duties & obligations to honor, he took her in that “make believe”, but the reality had different in store. Chasing other women at back, lying, mild insults, and tinch of rude attitude in the dose of love all followed. Ironically, she was well educated, bold, and mature yet flowed along with the tide of stupid emotions. She was warned by near ones yet she blindly followed her faith.
Time had its own script, he called off the terms, and like a coward used insults, ignore, to quit instead of direct negotiations. Nonetheless, she never believed in wasting time and spoiling terms because things soured up in the past. Yet made efforts to stay in talking terms. Though there was no expectation of any gain (‘materialistic”, as he accused her once) in this by her, but the crude male nature never changes. He never bothered to keep her posted about his whereabouts, unless she bothered him for so. Horrendously after coming back from a vacation, he had the audacity to speak out the venom he always had in mind. Nasty, Brute, shallow nature was revealed when he replied as to how he was doing, by saying that he has been warming up his bed by paid avenues via females.
There is no scope for blame game. Splits do not define negativity. But am glad to share with you all that she has learnt lessons of life the harsh way. What others used to say about him to her, was so true. Yet this tragedy does not desist her from being good or look towards future with optimism. It will be futile to raise hue and cry for somebody who never valued her. Yet a deep seated desire persists in her. He should go through the same trauma of insults, rudeness, for-granted ness, lies, infidelity by near ones. Is she at fault in wishing so?
Monday, November 12, 2007
do we need to tag relations?
Tepidness on face, warmth in eyes, amicable attitude, courteous gestures, soft touch. There are no barriers of caste, creed, race, religion, class. Those attempts to freak out for dinners and prolong it hop, jig, and spin, swings, whirls at dancing session. Those mornings when you wake up by calls to wish you good fortune to dare not to throw down the gauntlet in battle of life. That remembrance during noon time to show the special place you occupy. The sudden gifts outpoured on you to mark preference for you. Those hugs eschewed, kisses abstained, and few words fought shy of, promises forsweared. Attempts to understand. And enjoy life as moments flow.
It is bothersome when others come up and ask you ‘who is he/she to you?”. The amusement, delight, gratification from unsaid emotion, untold love all spills up. I beg to ask them, “Who the hell are you to poke your nose and ask us to tag our terms? We do not want to have exemplary people around us, just to earmark them to avoid taboos. It is not an anathema to move ahead with life. There is no deception as change is the law of life and time.
It is bothersome when others come up and ask you ‘who is he/she to you?”. The amusement, delight, gratification from unsaid emotion, untold love all spills up. I beg to ask them, “Who the hell are you to poke your nose and ask us to tag our terms? We do not want to have exemplary people around us, just to earmark them to avoid taboos. It is not an anathema to move ahead with life. There is no deception as change is the law of life and time.
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