GLIMPSES

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Nobel Peace Prize
Well deserved,
but.........................
GLIMPSES
2006
What it means to be .......
VAJPAYEE
The Saddam Trial
Liberation or Judicial Assassination
If Kaavya plagiarised,
who defends stock
characters?
Global Positioning System
Blurring lines
Munnabhai meets
Mr and Mrs Iyer
FEATURED ARTICLES
WORLD
03 Nobel peace prize: Well deserved, but…
CJ: Taj Hashmi
06 The Saddam Trial:
Liberation or Judicial Assasination
Shoeb Hamid, merinews
INDIA
08 Ugly faces behind the Gandhigiri mask
CJ: Vandana Chatrath Mittal
09 What it means to be Vajpayee
CJ: Inam Ul Rehman
TECHNOLOGY
10 GPS: the next big change technology
CJ: Deepak Kumar Mohanty
11 Search engines launch video war now
Asha Dey, merinews
SPORTS
12 What India does to its world champs
CJ: Dhiraj Ahuja
13 The cry of the cricket-crazy nation
CJ: Pranay Daryanani
ENTERTAINMENT
15 Winning: The Answers answers that winners give
From the editor’s desk
Dear Citizens,
What started as a dream six months back, has
metamorphosed into a reality for all to see. As I write
to you through this special issue of merinews, I feel
delighted and wish to express my gratitude for the
overwhelming support extended by all of you in
bringing merinews to where it stands today.
In short period of existence, merinews today stands
as a unique media platform with more than 1,500
registered citizen journalists spread around the globe,
hailing from diverse socio-cultural and professional
backgrounds. The citizens seamlessly slipped into the
role of a citizen journalist for merinews, while
continuing to be teachers, bankers, students,
homemakers, writers, models or even journalists in
their day-to-day lives. Merinews has come to be the
primary platform for these citizens to convey their
analysis, insights, views, experiences and
perceptions about the happenings around them.
Merinews: Glimpses 2006 is an attempt by us to put
together an a abridged edition as it appeared at
various occasions/events in the year 2006 and also a
salute to the efforts of our avid readers, contributors
and critics.
Your participation is an inspiration and your feedbacks
are the fuel for improvements.
CJ: Sanjeev Chopra
( Vipul Kant Upadhyay)
17 Blurring lines: Munnabhai meets Mr and Mrs Iyer
CJ: Neha Mishra
Editor - in - Chief
LIFESTYLE
19 Rahu Ketu transit in October 2006
CJ: Sangeeta Srivastava
FEATURED COMMENTS
22 Forever young
CJ: Vishnu Mohan
P 34
BUSINESS
23 Corporate hijacking of retail
CJ: Dharmendra Kumar
25 Stock trading: 10 deadly mistakes
Most Popular
DEBATES
P 37
CJ: Dhiraj Ahuja
POTPOURRI
27 Mirroring life in the conflict zone
TOPCJ s
P 38
TOPphoto CJ s
P 39
CJ: Shantanu Dutta
28 If Kaavya plagiarised,
who defends stock characters?
CJ: Christina Daniels
INTERVIEWS
30 I favour reforms, not Uniform Civil Code
Priya Tandon, merinews
31 Prof. Kamlesh Patel
Asha Dey, merinews
FEATURED
photos
P 40
WORL D
Nobel peace prize: Well deserved, but…
Taj Hashmi
20 October, 2006
Overnight Muhammad Yunus joined the global
luminaries' rank with the Nobel peace prize for
his work in micro-lending. Prof Taj Hashmi, who
has worked closely with him, hails the award, but
takes a hard look at the reasons behind the
choice.
I HAVE MIXED feelings about Dr Muhammad Yunus getting
this most prestigious award, the Nobel peace prize. On the
one hand, I am happy for him, but on the other, I am worried if
Dr Yunus’ immense popularity — only rivaled by Sheikh
Mujib’s in 1971 — would be fully taken advantage of by
Bangladesh. At least more than a billion people globally
read, watched and heard this image-boosting news. And, I
know the average people do not know or care to know how a
particular physicist, chemist, medical-researcher, physician,
economist, writer or a peacemaker got the prize. How many
Indians can precisely tell as to why Amartya Sen got the
prize? It is a billion-dollar question. On this token, Dr Yunus’
prize matters most to people in Bangladesh and abroad, not
what fetched this prize.
I have no problem with that. I also personally feel — as I
personally know Dr Yunus — that he is out and out an honest
man. He is not the type who would make money by his
projects. My only problem is my skepticism about microcredit as the panacea to all evils related to poverty and
backwardness.
I was a big admirer of Grameen Bank up to 1996. After
undertaking my book project to work on women and Islam in
Bangladesh in early 1996, I spent a few months in
Bangladeshi villages doing field work, examining the impact
of NGOs on the poor villagers, especially women. I also
looked into the problem of the ongoing confrontation
between NGOs and village mullahs. I interviewed a cross
section of the population, reviewed literature, both pro- and
anti-Grameen — there are tons of anti-Grameen literature,
both in print and web. And, by early 1997, I was skeptic about
micro-credit’s efficacy in eradicating poverty among the
poorest of the poor.
Later in 2001 and early 2002, I spent two months in villages
in Comilla, Sylhet and Dhaka districts, with my students as
their supervisor (anthropology and ethnography). My
students, without my prompting, told me that they found nonGrameen villagers were much better off than those who had
taken Grameen loans. Some villagers proudly asserted: “Sir,
we did not allow the Grameen to open its branch in our
village. And, as a result, we are much better off than some
neighbouring villagers, (who are indebted to Grameen) by
the grace of Allah.”
Most unfortunately, contrary to what Dr Yunus has been
telling us, the poorest of the poor simply do not or cannot get
Grameen loan, as they simply cannot service any loan at
any interest payable in 52 instalments in one year. There is
no remission, exemptions or leniency. Defaulters part with
tin sheds, utensils, goat and cattle. This came out in so many
newspapers in Bangladesh and researchers (even admirers
of Grameen) found out on the field.
My only objection to Grameen is its over-reliance on
Western donors, who give money for micro-credit, some
rural development but never on building roads and
highways, railways and power generation. If and when
Western donors give money on such projects, the bulk is
eaten by their “experts” and spent on buying their equipment
and stolen by our ministers and bureaucrats.
I have another problem with Dr Yunus. He has been telling
03
us the story of his bank. How he lent a small amount to one
poor Sufia at Jobra village in Chittagong, which she duly
returned after she sold the baskets, etc. But that loan he
gave to Sufia was interest-free and he did not ask her to
repay the loan in 52 instalments, but when she would have
the capacity to repay. Is the Grameen doing the same? No,
Grameen does not afford to pay credit to the absolute poor
(3 crore — Daily Star; Oct 17) and 6 crore (if we take the
people below the poverty line, earning less than a dollar a
day in Bangladesh). Dr Yunus admits that nothing can be
done to the poorest of the poor, who starve days together.
Even if you give them totally interest-free loan, they cannot
service the loan if you ask them to pay in instalments, from
week one. The cow a poor villager buys will take about a
year to give milk (you can’t buy a milch cow in Bangladeshi
cattle market, unless it is a distress sale during floods or
drought). So, the poorest like Sufia will have to wait for a year
to make any money from the cow to repay the loan. So, who
gets the loan? The category above the absolute poor, with
some land, some earning members — sons, husbands.
I am aware of the fact how traditional moneylenders
(mahajans) fleeced the poor in Bengal. They charged 96 per
cent to 200 per cent and even more as interest. Even now,
many Grameen borrowers are engaged in money lending
business, often men controlling the women borrower. I don’t
blame Grameen for that as it can’t fight patriarchy and
mullahcracy in the village.
Poet Rabindra Nath Tagore started a beautiful rural banking
system in the 1905 at a village called Patishar in Naogaon
district. Tagore’s bank, called Patishar Bank, was very
similar to Dr Yunus’s Grameen Bank. But the beauty of
Tagore’s bank was that it charged no interest from the
borrowers. I, however, do not mean that such interest-free
banking is ever viable on a larger-scale for long. I do believe
that Dr Yunus has a vision and that Bangladesh should
celebrate this award. But I have some problems in
reconciling with the idea that Bangladesh should allow a free
04
hand to donor agencies and overseas investors to get extra
privileges at the cost of the nation. If duty-free or tax-free
investments benefit the nation, there is no problem. However,
we cannot be that naïve in agreeing to import goods to the
detriment of our agriculture, health or ecological balance in the
long run. We must not allow multi-nationals like Monsanto to
market genetically modified seeds in Bangladesh. Donors
seldom bring prosperity to the receiving country. One may look
at the Narmada Dam project in India sponsored by the World
Bank to the detriment and destitution of more than a million
peasants in Gujarat.
It is not fair to charge around 28 per cent interest from the
“target group” or the poor borrowers (the poorest don’t get the
loan, at all), while the Grameen Bank gets that capital from
Western donors at a very low interest. Due to high cost of
servicing micro-credit the Grameen Bank has to charge high
interest. This is the hard reality. So, there is no substitute to
good accountable government for development. One may cite
Lee Kuan Yew, the father of modern Singapore, who has
written and asserted publicly that had Singapore listened to the
IMF and World Bank, by the 1990s country would at best have
been at the stage of Sri Lanka in terms of development.
Similarly Bangladesh, taking Lee Kuan Yew and Jawaharlal
Nehru, the great visionaries of our times as inspirers, should
come out of the dictates of donor agencies, including the IMF
and World Bank.
My reservations about Grameen Bank have only one objective:
Bangladesh should not let loose the demon of micro-credit at
the cost of its long-term interest. I am neither enamored by the
mega NGOs. You would be surprised to learn that how
exploitative the mega NGOs like BRAC could be for the
average Bangladeshis. How many of you know that a Nakshi
Kathar Sari you buy at Taka 12,000-plus at Aarong shops, run
by the BRAC, is a by-product of slave labour? It pays around
Taka 500 to the village woman who makes the embroidery on
the Nakshi Katha Sari. And, it takes her about a month to
complete one sari.
The Grameen Bank in the last quarter century lent money to
6.5 million Bangladeshis, mostly women, belonging to the
middle peasant or moderate poor categories of people. The
poorest of the poor do not get the loan as they simply cannot
service the loan. But we all the time hear that story from Dr
Yunus about Sufia Khatun of Jobra village in Chittagong,
who returned his small loan on time. Sufia Khatuns are not
Grameen clients any more, although this myth is very
overpowering. Now, the Grameen has served 6.5 million in
25 years. How many of them crossed the poverty line
upward, we do not know. And, how many decades will it take
to cover the rest of the poor is a tricky question. Around 40
per cent of the population live below the poverty line — 3
crore among them in absolute poverty.
A Bengali daily, Prothom Alo, (October 19, 2006) published
an interview with Dr Yunus, who was generous enough to tell
that the Nobel peace prize was meant for the people of
Bangladesh. Fair enough. One is comforted by his modesty
and love for his people. The same paper published news on
the front page about poor villagers starving for two to three
days at a time in parts of northern Bangladesh as they have
no jobs or money to sustain themselves. One wonders, if
micro-credit could help them out. Unfortunately, the answer
is “no”. The poorest, around 40 per cent of the population,
cannot get micro-credit as they cannot repay their loans in
52 instalments, as they do not have enough assets to
support themselves and service the loans at the same time.
However, there is good news that Dr Yunus might join
politics and float a political party. I am all in favour of this
move. If he resigns from Grameen and become the leader of
a political party, and picks up honest and able people from
various groups (not from Jamaat and Ershad’s Party), I see
there is a hope for the poorest. Microcredit alone cannot
eradicate poverty at every level. Since poverty is a political
problem, its solution is also a political one. If he comes to
power, builds mega power generation plants, spreads mass
education, healthcare and looks after good governance, in
another 10-15 years, there could be altogether a different
Bangladesh, developed and self-reliant. Nothing short of largescale industrialization can make the country prosperous.
If Japan and South Korea, having worse land-man ratio than
that of Bangladesh, could perform the “miracles”, Bangladesh
has no reason to lag behind for an indefinite period.
Since there are no clear-cut rules about the eligibility for the
Nobel peace prize, and since so many non-deserving people
got it in the past, we should be happy for Dr Yunus for getting
this most coveted prize. Bangladesh should take full advantage
of this prominence that this prize fetched to the nation.
Mere celebrations will not do any good in the long run. Dr
Yunus’s active participation in politics could go to the
advantage of Bangladesh as he could draw support from lots of
honest and capable people, who in the long run would build a
prosperous nation free from external and internal pressure.
For achieving this goal, Bangladesh must distance herself from
the donor-driven projects and the NGO culture. The people
must understand that neither “politics” nor “government” is a
dirty word, provided they remain clean and accountable from
global hegemons and their local agents.
Nothing will make me happier than seeing Dr Yunus
surrounded by people with nationalist fervour and zeal
believing in good governance as the only step towards
development. With his immense popularity he must not fail in
realizing the goal – sustainable development through good
governance, not through donor-driven projects or dependence
on foreign aid.
Meanwhile, the government should ensure Dr Yunus full
protection from Harkatul Jihad types of fanatics and others who
might pose a threat to his life.
05
WORL D
The Saddam trial:
Liberation or judicial assassination?
Shoeb Hamid, merinews
07 November 2006
The verdict on Sunday puts Saddam to the
gallows. What the western world and power blocs
show as liberation may be a well-planned judicial
assasination.
IN FOUR MINUTES and five seconds the Iraqi High Tribunal
shook the defiant Saddam and jurists all over the world, with
the sentence that the ousted President should be sent to the
gallows. The trial of Saddam will add a new chapter in
modern history. Books will be written and the trial will be
referred to time and again. The once invincible leader of the
secular state of Iraq will pay for all he did, his repression and
the defiance. The verdict has sent a clear message across
the world, the message that has a sure death at the opposite
end of the established power structure. It is no more about
justice, but who wins and who loses, a battle fought to
secure focused group interests and serve personal motives.
When deciphered, the verdict reads as the sustenance of
neo-imperialism.
It is very unfortunate that the trial won’t escape the New
World Information and Communication Order. Irony is that
we are but spectators and the whole show is directed by
them; the courts are but theirs, the investigation agencies
some lifeless and some moving, as being liberated of some
evil rule and tyranny. Propaganda has once again saved the
powerful and that too at a very crucial point of time. With 48
hours left for the mid term US elections, can it save the
GOP? Read the words of Bush, which he spoke when he
addressed a rally a day before: “I understand the
consequences of retreat (in Iraq). That’s why we’ll support
our troops in Iraq and that’s why we will win in Iraq.”
Middle East has a mixed reaction on the verdict. Supporters
of Saddam say that the sentence was prepared in
Washington and Tel Aviv and it is Bush and Ariel Sharon who
are victorious. “Ehud Olmert should go to gallows as well for
his crimes against humanity in Lebanon,” says one.
Doubts about the farce trial have been accumulating since
its inception. Saddam was caught on December 14, 2003 by
US troops and the court proceedings began two years later.
During this period the President barely got any chance to
defend himself. Saddam Hussein was charged for the
repression of Kurds after an alleged assassination attempt
on the President in 1982. The charges centered on the willful
killing of 148 people from Dujail, who earlier had plotted to
assassinate the President. The jury, which comprised of two
benches, with five members in each bench, found him guilty
of these charges. During the trial, the ousted President
reiterated that the executions were carried to suppress the
militant activities backed by Iran. Those executed were
are theirs, media is theirs, government is theirs. We are only
spectators. For who will question the failed mission of
America, the invasion of Iraq for Weapons of Mass
Destruction that were never there, the occupation of the
secular state, the death of 600,000 Iraqi civilians, the
demolition of hospitals and schools, a defunct democracy
that can give nothing but a civil war? Who will question the
death of innocent Vietnamese killed during the American
invasion? For who will question the brutalities inflicted on
Palestine and Lebanon? This is not liberation, but the death
of democracy.
Shiite militants and Iraq at that point of time was technically
at war with Iran, which is from 1980 to 1988.
The media played to the tunes of its masters. It is not a new
thing. They have always done so. So what is actually
portrayed is the reaction of the people who bear resentment
to Saddam’s regime. Iraq is once again shown in pictures,
Iraqi Special Tribunal was established in December 2003.
The tribunal later came to be known as the Iraqi High
Tribunal. All these happenings came into play in the
presence of the US led occupation authorities. Whereas
06
Saddam’s statue was razed to ground in a couple of
minutes, the real Saddam was brought down gradually and
in a very organised and well-planned manner. International
tribunal was refused and the trial was carried as an internal
matter. But more than once foreign interference has been
recorded. Facts show that there was a total 39 days of
testimony out of which Saddam boycotted and sometimes
was ejected in 12, three defence lawyers were
assassinated, two judges were replaced and some 9,000
Iraqis were killed during the trial period.
The prime minister of Iraq, al Maliki said: “The execution
could partially appease the victims. The martyrs of Iraq now
have a right to smile.” What is sinister is that the PM’s Islamic
Dawa Party was the one that carried the aborted
assassination attempt on Saddam in 1982. His party
members are none other than the Iranian backed militants
during Saddam’s regime.
In those four minutes and five seconds Saddam rose in
defiance, raising his index finger high in the air and crying out
the words: “Long live the people. Down with the traitors.
Allahu Akbar (God is great). Long live the people, down with
the traitors, down with the conquerors. God is great. Long
live the Iraqi people. God is great, God is great.” Saddam
raised his finger and spelled his own verdict. His supporters
will be watching his every move and will be observing the
directions that their sentenced leader gives before
departing.
The verdict leaves more questions and doubts than the final
end. Is it liberation? If it is liberation why is curfew imposed in
the state in the first place? Why is there blackout at some
places in Iraq? Why has the violence erupted within
moments of the verdict? What does the power structure
want to convey? Are Saddam Hussein and his Baath Party
being eliminated because they refuse to be at the beck and
call of America? How can anyone holding such an apex
position be sentenced to death for his misadministration and
alleged adventures of horror? How many American
presidents will go to the gallows if they are tried for similar
crimes done during their invasions? Isn’t it an act that
justifies neo-imperialism more than it does justice? Whatever
be the truth Iraq has been divided and civilian war ignited.
Rest is all but not the peace.
COMMENTS
If Mr. Hussein and two other defendants, including one of
his half-brothers are being sentenced death penalty for
ruthless repression of a small Shiite town north of
Baghdad after what was said to be an assassination
attempt against Mr. Hussein in 1982 involving the
execution of 148 men and youths from the town of Dujail,
and what the court found to have been a “widespread and
systematic” persecution of the town’s inhabitants in the
years that followed then doesn't President Bush Deserve
the same sentence for killing not hundreds but thousands
of Iraqi Civilians during their invasion in Iraq for seazure of
the Weapons of Mass Destruction - which the US
Government was so sure were present in iraq for their
dismay. Saddam Hussein may have killed 148 poeple
who tried to exceute him. But what did the Iraqi civilians
do and why did teh American President order raiding of
the Iraqi Civilians.. Should Bush also be sentenced and
given a penalty more severe than Saddam.... This is
perhaps something we will never know. The world
favours only the powerful irrespective of whether they are
right or not.
Adil,
08 November 2006
I have always been against Saddam and the kind of rule he
forced upon the people of Iraq but I still do not feel that his death
sentence is fair.He was a curse for many of his own
people,including his daughters, but this sentence has not been
passed by Iraqis and, therefore in my opinion, is not valid.If
Iraqis chose to hang him I would have no problem with that but
this court is not truly representative of Iraqis. If he is hanged it
would be a travesty of justice.And anyway Saddam killed far
fewer Iraqis than the American forces.So who is the bigger
killer?
Vandana: 09 November 2006
07
INDIA
Ugly faces behind the Gandhigiri mask
Vandana Chatrath Mittal
05 Dec, 2006
Gandhigiri is only a new talking point, signifying
nothing. In reality, there are innumerable
instances to show — from this year alone — that
the country cares two hoots about non-violence.
THE MOVIE CAME and sent into rapid circulation the
coinage that was on everyone’s lips — Gandhigiri. Many of
us got inspired, even though briefly. All of us had a good
laugh. The children got to learn a bit more about the
Mahatma and the TV channels had a feel-good story to give
amid its daily bleak chronicle of sad events. There were quiz
shows and for sometime every politician paid lip-service to
Mahatma Gandhi with renewed vigour.
That was then. Fast-forward a few months ahead. This year,
2006, is coming to an end and we are ending it on a note of
economic exuberance, but moral low. Let me run by you a
brief list of what has been happening since Lage Raho
Munnabhai’s release. A Dalit family has been brutally
murdered in Khairalnji in Maharashtra. A cover-up of sorts
also had been achieved but active protests by Dalits have
now ended in a CBI inquiry being ordered. The Dalits, too,
had to burn a few trains, tear down some infrastructure, get
one of them killed in the protests and resort to umpteen other
acts of violence before the government in the land of nonviolence took note.
A girl in Sasaram, Bihar, got married to a boy of her choice
and with her parent’s consent. But this upset the locality
hoodlums tied down the girl’s parents, poured petrol on them
and the house and set it on fire, leaving five young children
orphans in the process. A swami ran an ashram for
abandoned children, mainly girls, in Ghaziabad and was
found to be indulging in physical and sexual violence against
these girls. Many of the young girls, all under 15, gave
accounts to police and welfare organizations of the things
done to them by the swami ji. Mayawati, that self-anointed
champion of Dalits, was implicated in the Taj corridor case
and the courts refused to dismiss the case as asked for by
the CBI. Lo, magically, overnight a statue of Dr Ambedkar is
desecrated and a youth forced to give a confession, which
he later retracted. Guess what happens next! Rioting in
Kanpur erupts, but is really only half-hearted. The real target,
of course, is that sensitive area in Maharashtra, where all the
train and bus burnings took place. The violence leads to one
death and damage to public property worth crores of rupees.
08
Later, the administration is able to bring things under control but
not before Mayawati’s fan following has doubled as she voices
concern in Parliament and Assembly about the atrocities
against the Dalits. Everyone forgets to talk to her about the Taj
corridor case. Violence has served one more purpose. Lets not
forget Mamta Banerjee and her championing of the farmer’s
cause in Bengal. The farmer’s fertile land had been acquired
for setting up Tata Motors new plant. The farmers seemed
happy with the compensation, but Mamta was not. Her
followers storm and damage the Assembly and there is
violence everywhere. Then Mamta decides to go on a hunger
strike, and before starting her noble mission, she pays respect
at the Mahatma’s statue. As she bows to the worldwide symbol
of non-violence, her followers storm a Tata show room and
cause damage. Violence again.
I could go on and on with the list, but I need not. You readers, I
am sure, have your own list of the mayhem that unfolds in our
nation every day. The question is, what has gone wrong? When
I lived overseas, I was pleasantly surprised when my
daughter’s schoolteacher told her that Mahatma Gandhi was
her favorite inspirational leader. It was so heartening to know
that our Bapu had inspired and continues to inspire people
worldwide. But back home, things seem different. Led from the
forefront by our politicians, our society seems to be spiraling
down the vortex of violence at every level — domestic, political
and social. Why is it that a politician’s son has to murder a
young man simply because the young man was in a
relationship with his sister? Do we know of no other method to
air our grievances? Why are girls to be killed for dowry, for
marrying outside their castes and communities? Why must
ordinary people have to burn down half a town before their valid
grievances are heard? Why do politician’s resort to instigating
their followers to violence to attain national attention and a
mass following? I don’t have any answers but I do feel that
Gandhigiri is proving to be a fad. It seems its message has
been forgotten already. The title of the movie is turning out to be
more apt than even its maker would have thought. Lage Raho
Munnabhai …it seems like a very long haul before the
Mahatma’s message really sinks into his own countrymen.
INDIA
What it means to be Vajpayee
Inam Ul Rehman
29 December 2006
Ambivalent yet affable, once commented A G
Noorani on Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Taking hiatus
from media glare since sometime, Vajpayee’s
maverism has been there for all to see.
TWO YEARS AGO, Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to be the
cynosure of all eyes. Out of power now, with little dissertation
in media, things are falling into place. Here I must confess
that I was totally shook by his saleable rhetoric and hailed his
mediocre poetic sense. But a look at his ways particularly
after the Gujarat carnage; one gets the real Atal Bihari.
issue is, who started it?” said the affable prime minister Mr
Vajpayee, who initiated it. Even the plague, the earthquake; the
cyclonic storms have something in association with the ISI! ISI
means Pakistan. Pakistan means Muslims. Muslims mean
terror. This is what he said, “wherever there are, Muslims do not
want to live with others. Instead of living peacefully, they want to
preach and propagate their religion by creating fear and terror
in the mindsets of others.” Well-said Mr Vajpayee.
The only other prime minister who can come close to the
colourful Vajpayee is Indira Gandhi. Till he was at the helm of
affairs, he beguiled everyone with his poetic one-liners. He
was the mask of secularism to give NDA, nay BJP, all-India
nationalistic look. His regime bears testimony to his
ambivalent character, which he maintained throughout. After
the shocking defeat in the 14th Lok Sabha elections, he
rightly pointed out that Gujarat riots were responsible for the
party’s defeat. His party quickly rebuffed him for pointing
finger at their ‘laboratory’. Before the Gujarat massacre he
was concocted as ‘right man in a wrong party’. But the myth
was demystified after that. Not a close scrutiny but a general
look at his statements reveal his ideology. A product of
Sangh Parivar, Vajpayee had not acquired power on its
behalf in order to dilute its ideology or foil its programme.
While the pogrom against Muslims was going on full scale,
Vajpayee along with his deputy was busy in meeting the
deadline of VHP for shifting the carved stone to Ayodhya to
build a temple there! Strange and incongruous it seemed when
they met RSS leaders on March 15: not what their activists
were perpetuating in Gujarat but for Ayodhya issue! Conseil
des sages (Council of sages) discussed such obsolete issue.
Speaking on the January 13, 2004, to large Muslim audience
he said to Gujarati Muslims to forgive. Forgive, said he, “one
becomes greater person by forgiving.” Of course he can say
because for him the reports were all “exaggerated”. For him no
sister was molested, no mother was gang-raped and then
charred to death.
Seven weeks after the violence broke out against Muslims,
Vajpayee went to Ahmedabad (4th April), and Rajdharm Ka
Palan Kare was a famous saleable rhetoric then. It also irked
the then Chief Justice of India V.N. Khare who remarked on
the Gujarat issue: What is Raj dharma if the state cannot
protect its own people. Rather than visiting refugee camps
he visited the burnt carriage at Godhra as if it was sacred
pilgrimage. Of course it was for him, and for the BJP. And it
was an issue after Babri Masjid, which could pave way for
electoral gains. On April 2002, Vajpayee fired his first salvo
on the annulment of Muslims in Gujarat, he said, “the entire
responsibility on this issue (Gujarat) was put on me… I felt
that holding state assembly elections would be more
beneficial.” Beneficial to whom! Gujarat gave BJP
overwhelming majority. His party was quick to grasp the
situation by threatening or declaring that Gujarat experiment
will be repeated all over India. Vajpayee never uttered a
word against this hatred and willy-nilly campaign. “What
happened after the Godhra incident is reprehensible, but the
Come the result of elections 2004 and Vajpayee, the maverick,
the right man in a wrong party booms again with his uncanny
taciturn speech. Speaking to the press on June 12, he told
them, “One impact of the violence was that we lost the
elections. The BJP’s handling of Gujarat was not wrong.” Next
day he emphatically raises his voice of removing the Nero of
Gujarat. True to his image of contradicting yet standing tall.
Ambivalent yet affable. He may now rue the fact that technically
he could not be called the first non-Congress PM to complete
his tenure at the office. In this connection, A G Noorani aptly
sums up his personality. “If Hindutva alone had consumed him,
he would have been another colourless Advani. If he had
discarded it, he would have attained greatness. But Indian
politics would then have lost a complex and colourful figure. He
remains Atal Bihari Vajpayee — ideologue and conciliator, a
crafty politician who uses rhetoric to enable and mislead, one
who constantly invites criticism but is hypersensitive and finds
criticism very painful. He is not lofty; but he is not common
either.”
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TECHNOLOGY
GPS: The next big-change technology
Deepak Kumar Mohanty
31 Dec, 2006
GPS or the Global Position System is going to
revolutionize the technology driven world once
its applications become popular. In a country like
India there are great prospects for the
development and utility of this technology.
THE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES in the twentieth
century have brought revolutionary changes in our day-today lives, especially the way we communicate. Apart from
interpersonal communication, Internet and satellites have
enabled us to keep track of people, places and things, no
matter in which part of the world we are. GPS is one among
the valuable technological innovations that are now being
used for a variety of purposes, be it civilian or military. The
technology has given us new means of navigation in the new
age.
Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation system,
which was developed by the US Department of Defense for
providing accurate positioning and timing of objects on
earth. Primarily developed for military use, GPS is now one
of the most popular technologies used in mobile phones,
transportation, air navigation, mapping, land surveying,
emergency service and various other recreational activities.
Established in the year 1978, Global Positioning System
consists of 29 earth-orbiting satellites that transmit radio
signals that a GPS unit receives and determines its own
position coordinates with latitude and longitude. The system
calculates the position information and speed in real time
with utmost accuracy by following the trilateration and
triangulation methods.
In developed countries, cops use it for tracing stolen vehicle.
People also use it for getting the nearest emergency services
like fire and medical etc. As far as personal uses are
concerned, one can attach a GPS enabled tracking unit in
his/her vehicle to track its movement all the time through
Internet and tracking no matter where the person is.
This technology is also used for various recreational activities
like fishing and hiking, for storing coordinates of different
places that help in returning back to the same place again
without any difficulty. In sports like cycling, motor racing and
running, GPS devices constantly monitor routes, speed, and
location of the athletes. However in India, GPS is only known in
mobile phone industries and it’s yet to serve as a full time
tracking device.
The GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) of Russia
and Galileo (developed by European Union) are committed to
provide same and even better positioning and timing services,
which will end the monopoly of US in having the right to restrict
its services. Both the systems are going to function within the
next couple of years, which will further make the use of this
technology cheaper and easier for civilian. As far as India is
concerned, it is one of the most successful countries in satellite
development and launching technologies. It may thus play a
major role in GLONASS project which in fact will generate
unlimited opportunities in the process of satellite navigation.
Application
GPS with normal cellular network is now used frequently in
the transportation industry for better fleet management
thereby saving time and money. The automatic vehiclelocating device attached in motor vehicles updates particular
vehicle’s location, time, speed, and also send alert
messages to drivers. In case of air-navigation, its enhances
flight safety by directing the pilot to the exact airport for
landing irrespective of bad weather like fog.
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GPS is one of the most amazing technologies in the world
today that is evolving with many new applications. Now its not
difficult to track an object or lose your way provided you can
utilize the services of GPS. It may tell you the nearest hotel,
hospital, airport or a railway station in a totally strange place
just on the display of your mobile phone. This technology
covers a vast area related to navigation and is going to play a
major role in common mans life by saving time, life and money.
TECHNOLOGY
Search engines launch video war now
Asha Dey, merinews
05 June 2006
The Internet biggies like Google, Yahoo and
MSN have geared up thier serives to take on the
new entrant YouTube, which has excelled as a
video-sharing platform.
THE CONCEPT OF sharing videos online has become such
a rage these days that even the start-up web sites like
YouTube.com are giving the major players Yahoo and
Google a run for their money. YouTube allows users share
their original videos of any length online.
According to Nielsen/NetRatings, a USA-based company
that provides Internet and digital media measurement and
analysis, YouTube received around 12.51 million visitors in
April 2006 in the USA. In comparison, Yahoo Video had 2.63
million visitors in the same period.
launched MSN Originals. The company has partnered with
Reveille, a Hollywood production studio and distribution
company, and Be Jane Inc, a multimedia content producer, to
source original content for its video service web site.
Analysts believe that the success of YouTube even
prompted Yahoo and Google to revamp their video services.
Recently, Yahoo upgraded its Yahoo Video Search web site
and re-braded it as Yahoo Video, which enable users to
access not only the most popular and relevant videos on the
Internet, but also allow them to post and share their clips
online. Yahoo even let users to share video via Yahoo Mail
and Messenger.
These video services can also gain popularity in India.
Abhishek Kumar, an avid Internet user, says, ‘I use sites like
Ringo, Orkut and Frienster on a regular basis. These sites help
me in keeping my friends posted about me and vice-versa. I
regularly put my photos and other details on these sites and
remain in touch with my friends. Now that I have heard that
Yahoo has come up with a facility to share videos online, I think
it would be a useful tool for many people like me. Having the
option of sharing videos online would not only help people to
Google, a major player in the search engine industry, has
also upgraded its video service to make it easier for users to
upload videos on the web site. Although, most of its services
are offered free of cost, the company charge for premium
content it acquires from CBS and other media companies. In
fact, Google has taken a step further by launching a new
section Google Video Movie Previews that allow users to
watch trailers of newly released or forthcoming films.
The search engine MSN has also joined the bandwagon and
constantly remain in touch but it would also enable them to
share interesting clips with others.’
However, Roopa Gupta, a research analysts who keeps a vigil
on new technologies, says, ‘For such web sites to perform
stupendously in India, the Internet connection would have to be
improved drastically. The Internet connection is also
dependent on the penetration of computers in the country, so
the success of such sites would be directly prepositional to the
infrastructure upgradation.’
11
SPORTS
What India does to its world champs
Dhiraj Ahuja
14 Sep, 2006
You've heard of Arnold Schwarzenegger and
Sylvester Stallone and in all probability seen their
Terminator and Rambo hits as well.
Ever heard of ....Premchand Dogra ???
WAS IN a queue for booking rail tickets. And I did what
millions of Indians do for time pass - strike a conversation
with the one ahead of me. He was a well-built man holding a
reservation slip in a blue identity card. I couldn’t help but
notice the national emblem - the three lions with ‘Satyameva
Jayate’ written under them on his card. He was none other
than the Arjuna award winner, Padamshree Premchand
Degra, the only world champion in bodybuilding from our
country, eight-times Asian champion and nine-times
National champion.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. I was happy to chance
upon a personality but surprised as well to find him in a
queue for lesser mortals like me. “Who else will do it for me?”
he asked with a smile. I assumed that it was early for the
government to provide him with a secretary. I kept talking
about the dismal scenario in the country and how the finance
minister had remorselessly announced a cut in the sports
budget this year. He was reticent all through. I thought it was
ok for him to do so as he shares the honour of being Mr
World with the likes of Arnold.
It was his turn to hand over the slip and the identity card to
the clerk on the other side of the glass. I waited patiently. To
my surprise, the clerk almost threw the blue identity card
back at him. He was told that he wasn’t entitled to a free
travel in Rajdhani Express or Shatabdi Express and that if he
wished to avail the privilege, he will have to get the card
stamped from the head office. I expected him to answer
back but all he said was, “If not the Shatabdi, give me a ticket
for some other train.” He got his ticket booked and left the
counter in silence.
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I was the next in queue, booking tickets for my entire family
on the Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani. The tickets came at a high
price but was it more than what he had to pay in his run for
the medals? While the Railways entitle every Arjuna award
winner, the highest honour in sports, to free travel, why are
they not allowed to travel on a Shatabdi or a Rajdhani when
thousands of us can do so without ever having done the
country proud even once in our lifetime. I caught up with him
in the parking and invited him over for tea. He agreed.
“Which department are you with?” was my next question. He
had grey eyes that looked through me in a flash.
“Department? I don’t have a job,” he replied. It was my turn to
keep quiet now.
At the end, we exchanged niceties and parted ways. He left
but what could not leave me was what he had said while
sipping his tea, “It is a thankless sport and I will make sure
that my kids or for that matter anyone who happens to know
me in any which way, does not take it up ever.” I clutched the
tickets in my pocket and headed home thinking whether this
Arnold of India will ever be able to get his Arjuna Award card
stamped without having to pay some dakshina to another
clerk in the Railways.
SPORTS
The cry of the cricket-crazy nation
Pranay Daryanani
08 December 2006
The cricket-crazy nation is at its worst, with even
the men in khadi joining the “go back” mass antiChappell refrain. For the country, Chappell is the
next Simon and Ganguly the waiting saviour. A
nation gone nuts over cricket.
IT SEEMS NOT much has changed since India attained
independence – then it was a British, now it’s an Aussie. The
resemblance between then and now is that on both
occasions, Indians were desperate to show the door to one
man who they thought was responsible for hurting the Indian
pride. In 1942, when the British formed a commission under
Sir John Simon to work out the governance modalities,
Indians didn’t waste a single day to protest against the
commission, and specifically Simon, because the
commission that was constituted didn’t have a single Indian
on board. The moment he landed on the Indian soil, Simon
faced protests in various forms – black flags, burnt effigies,
blockades and the like. In 2006, the same scene repeated
itself, but on a much smaller scale. It just took two worst
Indian defeats in the history of the game to make people
come out on the roads and protest vehemently against the
laid-back attitude of the players and the experimental ways
of the coach, Greg Chappell. People in many parts of the
country came out on the streets with black flags and burnt
effigies of the coach, displaying placards saying, “Chappell,
go back”.
Greg and controversy
The Indians not only got a foreign coach last year, but also
got his friend, controversy, along with him. It seems Chappell
and controversy are best of pals since neither of them want
to leave each other. Ever since Guru Greg took over the
reigns of the Indian team, he has been embroiled in
controversies we have lost count of. To begin with, his
appointment was stormy, as many in the BCCI were
opposed to his induction. It was only on the intervention of
the then captain, Saurav Ganguly, that got Chappell in.
Having his name cleared, the next stumbling block was his
remuneration. Again, Greg and BCCI were on the
negotiating table, each threatening to walk away without an
agreement. But, even that was sorted out.
Having got the job and on his first assignment, there couldn’t
be a worst start than the one Greg had. Ganguly and Greg
reportedly had an argument in the dressing room in which
Greg suggested Ganguly to step down since he was not in
the best of form and even the team wasn’t doing too well
under him. As per the norm, dressing room conversations
are meant to be where it belongs – the dressing room. But in
an effort to score brownie points over Greg, Saurav spell the
beans and the Saurav–Greg spat was all out in the open.
What followed later is common knowledge – the most
successful Indian captain was shorn of captaincy but
somehow retained his place in the team.
The dust had not even settled when Greg got embroiled in
another strange incident. When the team was leaving the
ground and boarding a luxury bus for reaching their hotel
after playing a match at Kolkata’s Eden Garden,
mediapersons subjected Greg to some hard questioning,
mostly related to Ganguly and his sacking. Uncomfortable
with the questions and the media – and to spoil the scene
further were Ganguly-backers who were shouting proGanguly slogans – lost his temper and showed his middle
finger to the crowd outside from the window. Later, when
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media tried to get clarification from him, he retracted by
saying that he was only showing his injured finger to a
journalist who was insisting on it.
Cricket & politics: Old bond
Cricket and politicians have an uncanny bond between them
which dates back to the days of the British Raj. Even then the
Britishers would play international cricket and more often
than not, it were the Viceroys, the Generals and the Queen
who would call the shots in the game. The captain and the
Board were mere show pieces before the fun and the joy of
the governing officials. Modern-day India is not much
different from the erstwhile British Raj. Every now then we
have politicians, cutting across party lines, expressing their
views on matters relating to Indian cricket. Whether it’s about
the captain, the coach, the teams spectacular wins or its
dismal losses, our politicos are always on the fore front in
letting the media and the nation know that they are too
concerned about the health of the game.
Two consecutive losses in a bad fashion and the
newspapers were filled with quotable quotes from our
politicos, each expressing their concern over the way our
team is being trounced in the ongoing series against the
Proteas. But, this time round, they all had a specific target –
‘coach Greg Chappell’. The poor chap, who was already
vilified by the media and the people, now had another breed
of humans baying for his blood – the politicos. A few of them
demanded the immediate sacking of the coach while others
restrained themselves from going that far and were content
in criticizing the team and asking them to take their job
seriously as it was a matter of pride for the nation.
If we look at the cricketing boards of the states in our country,
most of them have politicians at their helm of affairs. And,
this is not a new trend but has been the norm since time
immemorial. To begin with, the BCCI has Sharad Pawar as
its president. He is a Union Minister, the Bihar Cricket Board
has Lalu Yadav as its president and even he happens to be a
Union Minister. Going North, the Delhi Board is headed by
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Arun Jaitley, who is a Rajya Sabha MP, the J & K Cricket
Board is headed by Farooq Abdullah, who is also a Rajya
Sabha MP and former chief minister of J&K. The list goes on.
When there are politicians from all parties raising a hue and
cry about the game, then how can our Maharashtra tiger be
left behind? It’s a known fact that Shiv Sena supremo Bal
Thackeray has always opposed India playing Pakistan on
our home soil for apparent reasons of cross-border terrorism
and Pakistan’s hostile attitude towards India. On two
occasions in the past, his Shiv Sainiks have gone ahead and
dug up the pitches. In ’91, they had dug up the Wankhede
cricket grounds’ pitch in Mumbai just before the
India–Pakistan match and again in’99, the Sainiks poured
diesel oil on the Ferozshah Kotla pitch in Delhi. The trend
has simply continued and the Shiv Sainiks are the first to
oppose whenever an India-akistan encounter is to take
place. They have even gone ahead and said that India
shouldn’t play Pakistan even at neutral venues.
Dada’s comeback
The only good that has come out of the ongoing losing spree
of the Indian side against the mighty Proteas and the muchacclaimed opposition to Guru Greg’s experimental ways is
that Saurav Ganguly aka Dada has found a berth in the
Indian side after remaining out for 10 months. The Indian
team losing badly and Dada scoring runs in the domestic
fixtures paved the way for his comeback. In the last
encounter in the Duleep Trophy game, Dada scored a
splendid 118 and took two wickets and even his start to the
new season, that is, the Ranji Trophy and his approach in the
game against Punjab has been very positive. He scored 43
in one of the innings and took two wickets in the match,
leading his Bengal side to victory in their first encounter of
the season. All Dada needs to do is play well in the remaining
five games of the season and he would secure his place in
the side. Of course, the Indian team is always ready to help
him by playing badly! It’s Dada’s day – again.
ENTERTAINMENT
Winning:
The Answers - answers that winners give
Sanjeev Chopra
11 December 2006
Jack and Suzy Welch’s Winning: The
Answers is a book which deals with 74
questions and their answers, which help
you master the art of business and also
think like a winner. A highly recommended
read.
WINNING: THE ANSWERS by Jack and Suzy Welch is a
remarkable book in the best tradition of a Socratic dialogue.
It is easy to read, extremely well-focused, incisive questions
and profound answers .It is not necessary to read it cover to
cover - you can open any page and start with any question
you feel like, you can read the Q/A’s many times over, and
still enjoy them for each is connected to the other in a certain,
yet subtle manner.
However for the sake of convenience – both of the readers,
(and the reviewers!), the 74 questions have been placed in
six sections: Global Competition, Leadership, management
principles and practices, Careers and Winning and Losing.
Global competition addresses questions on the brave new
world. Shakespeare’s ‘all the world’s a stage’ comes to the
fore as they discuss the irreversible logic of global
outsourcing, and the competitive nature of global
economies. The political economies of China, India, Russia,
Europe and Japan have been placed in perspective. The US
of course has the advantage of being perpetually young: it
accepts diversity and immigration – but both these have
been affected by 9/11 and its aftermath. But one has to
sound the note of caution - the book is about the success of
enterprises in the short to medium run, say over the next
three to five years. It does not talk about the implications of
such major phenomenon like climate change, nuclear
proliferation, terrorism and rogue states and the potential
threat from AIDS. In a way the authors are right. These are
issues in the domain of politics and are not the concern of
successful entrepreneurs while they are still winning. It is
only after they have won that they can focus beyond their
immediate frontiers.
Leadership, in the practical sense, is about being a better
boss; inspiring people and making them believe in their own
self worth and competencies and aligning their goals to those
of the organization. This is easier said than done, because
there are always conflicting interests - work and family,
competition with peers, team work and individual recognition,
overcoming resistance to change when the successful formula
is becoming an icon. Then there are questions of the
leadership mindset, values, change management, efficiency,
effectiveness and morale.
The response to these is best given in this quote: “the first
essential trait of leadership is positive energy – the capacity to
‘go-go-go’ with healthy vigour and an upbeat attitude through
times good and bad. The second is the ability to energize
others, releasing their positive energy, to take any hill. The third
trait is edge – the ability to make tough calls, to say yes or no,
not maybe. The fourth trait is the talent to execute – very
simply, get things done. Fifthly and finally, leaders have
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passions. They care deeply. They sweat; they believe.”
It is important to note here that these qualities of leadership
are not confined to business or corporate leadership alone.
Leadership plays an important role in every domain of life –
from politics to sports to church and family. There is however
one crucial difference – you cannot chose your family or your
team or even your support base in a political system, but
when hiring for your firm, or evolving their training strategy,
your options are far more flexible. Exercise them.
The third section ‘management principles and practices’ has
those practical tips and suggestions on running a business
to win, which are not covered in the Harvard Business
School case studies, with their emphasis on data and formal
strategy. This is all about getting and retaining the best
people, ensuring that the organization structure remains
lean and functional, and that a clear distinction is made
between personal and corporate goals. Successful
organizations must also rise to the challenge of accepting
that perhaps there are lessons to be learnt from the success
and failures of competitions, that while gut instinct must not
be ignored and can take you up to a point it needs to be
reinforced by empirical situation and data.
In the fourth section, we move on to the existential plane why do we work? Does man live by bread alone? How do
you perform well in life? Is motivation totally internal or do
positive strokes impact performance? And most importantly
– are you listening – not just to the loud noises that are so
clear and apparent, but also to the subtle hint, the quiet
voice, which has the soft whisper of wisdom, but not the
arrogance of certitude. My personal favourite in this section
is the conversation on mentoring. One does not have to go
by big names who just have a fleeting acquaintance with you
or your work situation. True mentoring comes only from a
person who knows you, your organization and the policy
environment in which you work, and has time and concern
both for you and your organization. And mentors are not
godfathers; they are professionally competent people who
find a value in mentorship. One must also learn to graduate
to a mentoring role. Leadership is also the ability to live not
16
just for yourself, but also encourage others in their quest for
perfection.
Many, if not most of the big names in business started out as
small, individual business enterprises. Bill Gates started out
from a garage; Dhirubhai Amabani from one petrol station;
Hero Honda from a retail outlet for cycles and so on. Many
families, who owned and controlled firms, graduate into big
league, some move into specialist niche areas, and others
take a conscious call to restrict their area of interest or
operation to suit their size and core competence. Working
for these private firms has its pros and cons – decisionmaking is direct and prompt, but many Board level decisions
are also taken because of family intrigue and politics. It is
however important to remember that working with these
firms hones your skills to become an entrepreneur yourself;
the perspective on risk taking changes and the exposure to a
range of functional skills is much higher than in a firm with
rigid hierarchies.
The last set of questions - on why business is good’ is a
nuanced defence of markets and business, and the ability of
enterprise and entrepreneurs to overcome the challenges
from technology, terrorism, corporate fraud and
overextended regulation. The best thing about business is
that it does not have to accept the Genghis Khan credo ‘It is
not sufficient that I succeed. Everything else must fail’.
Most successful entrepreneurs love to compete and regard
it as essential to make everyone more efficient. The other
important point about winning is that there are no external
measures or yardsticks to tell us if someone has won or not.
Winning is essentially about doing what you want to do, and
doing it well, and enjoying it. In the process you also enrich
the world around you to make it a win-win situation.
ENTERTAINMENT
Blurring lines:
Munnabhai meets Mr and Mrs Iyer
Neha Mishra
15 September 2006
The line dividing mainstream and parallel
cinema has blurred. “Fusion movies” is
the new buzzword with Bollywood making
its mark in the international arena by
foraying into new and unexplored vistas.
- “KITNE AADMI THE?”
- “bhagwan ke liye mujhe chhor do”
- “mere paas bangla hai, gaadi hai, tumhare paas kya
hai?”
Sounds familiar?
Every Indian movie buff has literally grownup with these
dialogues. The histrionics of Amitabh Bachchan as Vijay,
errant acts of Amjad Khan as Gabbar Singh and the chic
dance moves of Helen, all come together to make a typical
Bollywood film a heady concoction of dance, drama, action
and romance.
India being the largest film-producing country in the world
with an average of 800 films released per year, movies are
an inseparable part of every Indian. For long, Bollywood has
been instrumental in deciding the latest fashion trends - from
Starting from the time when Satyajit Ray's Pather Paanchali
was alien to the character Basanti of the film Sholay, we are
now moving into an era where an actress like Urmila
Matondkar brings Rangeela's 'Mili' closer to Pinjar's 'Puro'.
the body-hugging saris and high puffs of the 70s to the tiny
minis and cleavage-popping cholis of today - Indian movies
have come a long way.
This is a revolutionary phase where the entertainment element
of the commercial and the seriousness of the art movies have
combined to give rise to a new term - Fusion movies. But
according to Mr. Eddy Singh, an eminent filmmaker based in
Delhi, “There is nothing like an art movie or a commercial
movie. Any movie meant to do business is at the end of the day
a commercial venture.”
In this cinematic journey marked by the ever-popular hits like
Sholay and Deewar of the 70s, there was a parallel track
running with some not-so-conventional movies like
Saraansh and Arth. But with the commercial films hogging all
the limelight, these so-called art movies were sidelined.
Interestingly, now the equations have changed. While
maintaining the level of art, innovation and seriousness, a
new genre of movies has emerged that is also commercially
successful.
Although this parallel movement, which started during the 70s,
continues to this day, what differentiates the present fusion
movies from the mainstream is the presentation and treatment
of the storyline. The movies no longer rely on the mundane
latka jhatkas and the dhishum dhishum. The current crop of
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movies like Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Iqbal, Mr and Mrs
Iyer, Black and Chandni Bar have stood out from the rest
solely on the basis of their exceptional handling of distinctive
issues.
Take a look at Page 3. The movie's portrayal of the growing
Page 3 media culture, with a dash of song and drama thrown
in, managed to hit the right chord with the audience. Astitva,
on the other hand, based on the issue of female infidelity,
previously unheard of, received critical acclamation adding
new dimensions to the career of an already established
actress Tabu. Movies like Fire, Satta, Phir Milenge and My
Brother Nikhil handled subjects like AIDS, homosexuality,
women empowerment and freedom with utmost sensitivity.
These hatke movies take you to the uncommon and
unexplored vistas. Although they have faced controversy in
the past, yet they have been well received and the
controversies have only added to their popularity. This
certainly proves that the audience today is not a passive
receiver. The society has become mature and the social and
unconventional topics, which were considered a taboo by
commercial moviemakers, are now fast catching on, with big
banners and high-profile stars jumping into the fray.
The contemporary meaningful cinema, if the reference
doesn't seem an exaggeration, is a complete package of
great storyline, good music and a popular star-cast. The
filmmakers are no longer scared to think about the
'unthinkable'. They are open to experimentation and are
increasingly trudging on the path still undiscovered.
Who could have thought that Pushpak, a movie sans any
dialogue, would work! But it was a huge success and people
till date wait to come across such awesome cinema. It is,
however, true that all the offbeat movies couldn't manage to
reach similar heights. The minimalistic approach of the
directors, coupled with the understated imagery of such
movies, kept the distributors and viewers away from them.
But the problem of constrained reach and limited viewership
has become negligible today - thanks to the growing
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multiplex culture in India. With multi-screen cineplexes
coming up in the metros as well as in smaller towns, the
audience base has greatly increased. These multiplexes
provide them with a wide range of movies to choose from.
Nishi, a mass communication student, feels that the
multiplex culture has come up as a trend of showcase.
“Whether it is our dress, hair color or the mobile handset, we
get bored with one and so look for something different. It is
the same with movies…multiplex is like a showroom of
movies for the Indian audience.
The present ilk of movies is not only finding a domestic
audience but is receiving immense popularity across the
world. Think of the much talked about movie Lagaan by
Ashutosh Gowarikar and Paheli by Amol Palekar. Both took
India to the Oscars. It reminded us of the period when
Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchaali led us to the international
platform. More and more movies are following the trend. We
have movies like Water by Deepa Mehta, which still await
release in India, but have received large scale appreciation
abroad, especially during the Toronto Film Festival. Not only
are they being recognised globally but even directors and
producers from other countries are increasingly entering into
joint ventures to make such movies. These crossover films
incorporate the technology and innovation of the world with
the subtle and universal themes of India.
On the flip side, in an effort to keep pace with the current
trend, some unscrupulous directors have tried to pass off
their hackneyed plots in the disguise of art. Girlfriend, Oops!
and Snip are some such movies which have not gone down
well with the audience owing to their immature handling of
sensitive issues. The bindaas Bollywood is no longer only
about masti, glamour and entertainment. It has definitely
transcended that stage and metamorphosed itself to suit the
changing sensibilities. Indians breathe films. This evolution
has refreshed their ambience. But the journey has just
begun.
LIFESTYLE
Rahu Ketu transit in October 2006
Sangeeta Srivastava
13 October 2006
The movement of Rahu and Ketu in the
Zodiac has been keenly watched by those
who want to be forewarned. It takes place
after every year and a half. See if some of
what is given here came true in your case
in the last eighteen months.
RAHU AND KETU are the planets of Karmic retribution. The
placement of Rahu in our natal chart shows the areas in our
life that will require special attention in this lifetime. And the
Ketu placement indicates what we are carrying over from our
previous lifetime. The two are always moving in retrograde
direction and change their signs every eighteen months. On
October 12, 2006, Rahu moved from Jupiter governed
Pisces to Saturn ruled Aquarius. And as Ketu is always 180
degrees away from Rahu, it moved from Mercury ruled Virgo
to Sun ruled Leo.
The following is a general prediction based on this transit of
the nodes. This is based on your natal moon sign (Rashi)
placement. In case you are not aware of your rashi, you can
go through the effects mentioned at the beginning for each
rashi for the last Rahu Ketu transit, which must have affected
you in the past eighteen months. In any case, the specific
results are heavily dependent on the basic strength of the
natal chart and also the running mahadasha of the
individual. A strong natal chart is a blessing from the
heavens and minimises all negativity. Also, as there are
seven other planets in Vedic astrology, their placements and
transits have to be taken into account for an accurate
prediction.
By nature, the placement of Rahu transiting a particular
house will demand attention in that area of life. Rahu is a
planet of materialism and gives material gains in a particular
area. Simultaneously, it creates conditions wherein you
really cannot enjoy material gains. It essentially urges one to
turn to the higher powers to seek mental peace. Ketu, on the
other hand, will deprive a person of the benefits of the house
it is transiting and force a person to think on a higher plane. It
can result in turning the mind inwards to seek the ultimate
Rahu
Earth
Sun
Ketu
truth. In essence they are both karmic control planets, but work
differently on an individual to yield the ultimate truth.
Aries (Mesha)
Last Transit: Rahu was in the 12th house and Ketu in the 6th
house. During the past eighteen months, you might have
experienced any or all of the following: increase in expenditure
for religious purposes, foreign travel, opposition at work,
experiences where you delved into the subconscious, etc.
Current Transit: Rahu is now in the 11th and Ketu in the 5th
house. Rahu’s transit over the eleventh house will result in an
increase in income and fulfilment of long cherished desires. An
increase in social activities is very much on the cards. There
will be an all round recognition of work done. Study of spiritual
subjects is possible under the guidance of an enlightened guru.
However, children will bring some worry regarding health.
Pregnant women must be extremely cautious. Do not
speculate. Students must be very thorough in their studies
otherwise results can be disastrous.
Taurus (Vrisha)
Last Transit: Rahu was in the 11th house and Ketu in the 5th
house. During the past eighteen months, you might have
experienced any or all of the following: increased income and a
larger friend circle, unfavourable results in competitive exams,
impediments in creative pursuits, worries from children, etc.
Current Transit: Rahu is in the 10th house and Ketu in the 4th
house. Professional gains are assured after considerable hard
work. Some people might go for a change in job. Material gains
19
and favourable interaction with the masses are possible.
Help from father or higher authorities will be received that will
help you in achieving your goals. However, an excessive
involvement in profession can result in a neglect of home
and a consequent deprivation of mental peace. Further, a
decrease in home comforts and accidents are possible. If
Rahu-Ketu are well placed in the natal chart, an increase in
property or vehicles will take place. Mother’s health might
also cause concern. Students will have to work very hard.
Gemini (Mithuna)
Last Transit: Rahu was in the 10th house and Ketu in the 4th
house. During the past eighteen months, you might have
experienced increased work pressure, decrease in
domestic harmony, change in work conditions, impediments
in education, etc.
Current Transit: Rahu is in the 9th house and Ketu in the 3rd
house. Overseas travel to the west for higher
education/profession is a possibility. After initial setbacks,
fortune will favour you. Younger siblings might need
attention. Good time for sportsmen and artists. Some of you
might undertake intensive research in technical/spiritual
areas. Visits to some shrine or a place of spiritual
significance will take place. Students will fare well.
Cancer (Karka)
Last Transit: Rahu was in the 9th house and Ketu in the 3rd
house. During the past eighteen months, you might have
experienced any or all of the following: increased spiritual
activity, travel to religious places, ailments related to the ear
or arms, increased writing creativity, etc.
Current Transit: Rahu is in the 8th house and Ketu in the 2nd
house. Not a very favourable position for career. Avoid
changes. There is a possibility of getting an unexpected
legacy or held up money. However, accidents may take
place. If you are suffering from any chronic disease, extreme
care must be taken. There will be some dissatisfaction
related to your family. A shortage of money may also be
experienced. Possibility of some deep research in a serious,
technical subject is also there. School going students might
20
face some impediments.
Leo (Simha)
Last Transit: Rahu was in the 8th house and Ketu in the 2nd
house. During the past eighteen months, you might have
experienced any or all of the following: illness, troubles in the
family, unexpected legacy, impediments in regular education
etc.
Current Transit: Rahu is in the 7th house and Ketu in the 1st
house. Professionally, carefully chosen partners can help in
realising goals. However, troubles with spouse can be there.
A deep inner dissatisfaction is brewing up and could lead to
depression or reclusiveness. Students will be successful.
Virgo (Kanya)
Last Transit: Rahu was in the 7th house and Ketu in the 1st
house. During the past eighteen months, you might have
experienced self-imposed loneliness, possible head injury,
troubles in partnership of all kinds, success in competitive
exams, etc.
Current Transit: Rahu is in the 6th house and Ketu in the 12th
house. Victory over enemies is assured. Improvement in
service conditions is possible. Some incidence of
intestinal/nerve disorder can be there. Success through
occultism and spiritual pursuits may take place. Students will
be successful if they follow a disciplined routine.
Libra (Tula)
Last Transit: Rahu was in the 6th house and Ketu in the 12th
house. During the past eighteen months, you might have
experienced any or all of the following: increase in enemies
whom you defeated, peculiar health ailment possibly related
to sugar, unique spiritual pursuits etc.
Current Transit: Rahu is now in the 5th house and Ketu in the
11th. People in creative fields will excel. Your sharp intellect
and practical nature will be put to good use. However,
austere measures will be adopted and help from a spiritual
guru may be sought. Pregnant women must exercise a lot of
caution. Students will face some impediments in their
routine.
Scorpio (Vrishchika)
Caution is required for all money dealings. Be wary of frauds.
Excessive speech may harm you. Unusual unhappiness
may also pervade and hidden powers of nature will be drawn
upon to see you through. Accidents cannot be ruled out.
Last Transit: Rahu was in the 5th house and Ketu in the 11th
house. During the past eighteen months, you might have
experienced any or all of the following: increased mental
creativity, frustration regarding increase in family, loneliness,
accidents etc.
Aquarius (Kumbh)
Current Transit: Rahu is in the 4th house and Ketu in the 10th
house. There might be an increase in landed property and
vehicles, but be extra cautious before finalising any deal.
Last Transit: Rahu was in the 2nd house and Ketu in the 8th
house. During the past eighteen months, you might have
experienced any or all of the following: unhappy situations,
There will be lack of mental peace. Mother will need
attention. Rewards will not be commensurate with the hard
work put in. Heart related problems might crop up. Some
people might have to leave home for a completely new
environment. Students in scientific streams will do extremely
well.
accidents, an increase in money, and good results for school
students.
Sagittarius (Dhanu)
Last Transit: Rahu was in the 4th house and Ketu in the 10th
house. During the past eighteen months, you might have
changed your residence or experienced an increase in
material comfort, skin ailments, struggle in your profession,
etc.
Current Transit: Rahu is in the 3rd house and Ketu in the 9th
house. Success in achieving goals is assured. Some difficult
responsibilities might be assigned, which will be
successfully completed through effective communication.
There might be an increase in interest in the occult and
religious activities. However, your father’s health could
suffer. Sometimes, you might feel that the Almighty is not
being kind enough. Students should do very well by dint of
sheer determination.
Younger students will fare well.
Current Transit: Rahu is in the 1st and Ketu in the 7th house.
The native will have to increase his self-confidence in
dealing with a large number of situations that will be
challenging. Spouse may go through a rough time. New
ventures and partnerships must be avoided. Students must
not lose sight of their goals.
Pisces (Meena)
Last Transit: Rahu was in the 1st house and Ketu in the 7th
house. During the past eighteen months you might have
experienced any or all of the following: troubles of spouse or
partner, irksome situations requiring strong decisions with
you at the center-stage, loss of mental peace, etc.
Current Transit: Rahu is in the 12th and Ketu in the 6th
house. A change of residence is possible. As the 12th house
rules the sub conscious, developments may take place to
activate the same. Enemies will constantly bother you but
you will succeed after a few difficulties.
Excessive expenditure may also take place. Students will
get rewards or the efforts put in.
Capricorn (Makara)
Last Transit: Rahu was in the 3rd house and Ketu in the 9th
house. During the past eighteen months, you might have
experienced any or all of the following: father’s health
problems, victory in pursuits, interest in occultism, etc.
Current Transit: Rahu is now in the 2nd house and Ketu in
the 8th house. There might be an addition to the family.
21
LIFESTYLE
Forever young
Vishnu Mohan
06 December 2006
Old age for most is getting into a
redundancy phase, when life becomes a
burden for self and the others. But not for
everyone. And, surely not for Jean
Thomas.
FOR 70-YEAR-OLD Jean Thomas, old age doesn’t mean
slipping into the shadow, remaining sexless or rediscovering
God or finding solace in philanthropy. She refuses to
become a neglected family fossil. Always vigorous and living
life to the fullest, Jean, an armyman’s wife and mother of
three, has just trekked from Srinagar to Leh. She is an
inspiration for any old person and holds the message that life
is to be lived till the last breath.
Old age is often synonymous with bad health, helplessness
and neglect by children. But there are examples like Jean’s,
who have defied the impact of age on body to become a
robust elderly. Anybody can be like Jean. What’s needed is
pursuing a fitness regimen and having a positive attitude.
Jean was in her 40s when she first began trekking. Initially,
she trekked on and off. But later, it became her life passion.
She has trekked through most of the routes in the
Himalayas.
Jean, who lives in Meerut with her retired husband, Lt Gen
Mathew Thomas, has in the last 15 years of trekking, been
through routes in Arunachal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal,
Garhwal, Kashmir, Ladakh, Ghauladhar, Lahaul-Spiti, Base
Camp Everest and Tibet. She has done all this on her own —
no back-ups, no support. She has never once been afraid
because in the mountains she feels “there is no fear”.
Jean was inspired by Alexendra David Neil, a French
women who travelled to Tibet from Paris. An intrepid
traveller, she became the first white woman, at the age of 55,
to enter Tibet. She went on to become a lamaist nun and
wrote a book, My Journey to Lhasa. Jean calls this book her
personal Bible. Jean says, “If Alexendra could travel such a
long distance in such difficult times, surely I, too, could do
22
it.”“In India, if one crosses certain age, the mindset is such that
people feel one should live a certain way. Old age is not an end;
growing old should never be fearful. Each one of us has so
many capabilities. One should keep doing what they love. I
don’t ever see myself as old. Sure, when I see the mirror, I see
so many wrinkles, but it doesn’t bother me,” says Jean.
She has advice for the others. “Growing old is inevitable, so
why not age gracefully? All through one’s life one is only paying
attention to the body. Now is the time for soulful indulgences.
One should realize that it is the young who have to worry about
—education, career, competition, marriage, children,
prosperity and the like. There is no point envying the younger
generation. You meet Jean and you know she indeed is an
inspiration and a role model for the aged.
BUSINESS
Corporate hijacking of retail
Dharmendra Kumar
01 December 2006
The knock of Wal-Mart on Indian retail
doors has raised the ire of those who
stand for vendors, hawkers and
shopkeepers. India FDI Watch has
stepped out to hold out a warning, citing
global instances.
THERE IS A parliamentary ban on Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) in retail. Large multinational retailers like
Wal-Mart (US), TESCO (UK), Carrefour (France) and Metro
(Germany) are forbidden from opening retail stores in India.
But now these powerful companies are aggressively
lobbying with the Indian government to allow 100 per cent
FDI in retail. In anticipation of this, many Indian companies
like Reliance have announced aggressive plans to enter or
expand retailing business.
Retail is the world’s largest industry, and is controlled by a
handful of powerful corporations. These corporations from
the West have saturated home country markets and are now
looking to expand into India, where organized retail trade is
only 3 per cent and they see huge growth potentials.
These companies will operate in food retail, along with all
other retail goods. Because of the tremendous marketpower these corporations will have, devastating impacts on
the agricultural and retail sectors — the two largest
employment sectors in India — is feared. With more than 12
million small kirana stores, India has the largest number of
small businesses in the world.
India FDI Watch Campaign seeks to prevent FDI in retail in
India and the take over of corporate retail generally.
Specifically, they want to prevent the insertion of giant MNC
retailers from entering and expanding in the Indian market
unless they make satisfactory guarantees that would protect
communities; ensure the livelihoods of retailers and farmers;
guarantee fair wages and working conditions for their own
employees and source employees along with union protection
and agreements; and ensure that a significant percentage of
sourcing is derived from the Indian market.
Broad-based coalitions are currently being organizing in
Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai to oppose the entry
and expansion of foreign retailers. Coalitions are working to
build a broad-based grassroots movement by spreading
awareness among mass-based constituencies that stand to be
impacted. These constituencies are: consumer cooperative
stores, farmers groups, hawkers unions, shopkeepers
associations, traders associations and unions.
The India FDI Watch is working at the city, state and national
level to develop policy and legislative demands that will either
bar the entry of MNC retailers or ensure that local communities
and livelihoods are protected and/or enhanced.
23
Global experiences Comparison with China is often cited as
a convincing example for allowing FDI in retail. However, in
the case of China, FDI was allowed with a cap of 26 per cent
in 1992, and 10 years later with maximum limit of 49 per
cent. Only recently, that is 2004, it was made 100 per cent.
Even with the 100 per cent allowed FDI in China, there
continues to be caps on the number of permitted outlets and
the locations of these outlets. Additionally, Wal-Mart, a
vehemently anti-union company, was forced to allow a union
for the store workers.
In the United States, thousands of small and medium
businesses have closed down because of Wal-Mart. WalMart currently faces a number of workers’ violations suits.
Studies have shown that Wal-Mart drives down wages in
local communities where they operate and on average two
small stores are closed down for every one Wal-Mart store
built. More than 300 local communities have blocked the
entry of Wal-Mart in their neighborhoods. Small businesses,
labor unions and community groups have been successful
in keeping Wal-Mart out of major US cities like New York and
Los Angeles. Upon being allowed to open their first store in
the city of Chicago, Wal-Mart was ordered to pay a living
wage to their workers.
An eminent Indian parliamentarian has rightly said: "A retail
supermarket encompasses the entire chain and shrinks the
intermediaries – lowering costs and removing jobs. In a
country with no social security net, the replacement of
thousands of retailers and farmers by a single large
intermediary will shrink jobs by the millions. What option will
these millions have, except to take to the streets?”
France enacted the Raffairin’s Act in 1996 that regulated the
growth of hypermarkets larger than 300 square feet. Even in
as liberal an economy as Japan, the large-scale Retail
Location Law of 2000 stringently regulates factors such as
garbage removal, parking, noise and traffic.
24
Recently, Carrefour decided to exit Japan by selling off its
eight struggling outlets after four years.
Eight countries of Latin America, namely, Mexico, Puerto
Rico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Brazil,
Uruguay and Chile-joined together to condemn "predatory
practices’ and wrote national laws to prevent Wal-Mart from
having a high concentration of stores in their countries. In the
province of Sante Fe, Argentina lawmakers passed
legislation that no business could control ore than 30 per
cent of the market in one sector. In Malaysia, demands have
been raised that FDI should be routed through joint
ventures, with a minimum of 30 per cent of the equity held by
indigenous Malayans (Bhumiputras). In less than 10 years
of entering Mexico, Wal-Mart has gained control of over 50
per cent of the market. The government is now evaluating
laws to protect domestic businesses.
Philippines Has imposed "sourcing" and reciprocity
requirements on foreign retailers. Wal-Mart entered Puerto
Rico in 1993 and soon became the largest retailer. Over the
course of several years, approximately 130 small
businesses went bankrupt. A study showed that for every
$15.8 million of sales Wal-Mart generated, it caused one
small business to go bankrupt. As a result, six business
groups joined together to form a coalition to stop Wal-Mart
from expanding on the Island. They were joined by labour
unions and other civil society groups to successfully block
Wal-Mart’s expansion.
In Thailand, more than 60,000 small shopkeepers have
been adversely impacted since the opening of FDI in retail.
The Thai government, which once opened its doors to
MNCs, has now set up a separate fund to help local retailers.
Local laws have also been enacted such as prohibitions
from mega-retailers opening within 15 km of city centers.
BUSINESS
Stock trading: 10 deadly mistakes
Dhiraj Ahuja
29 September 2006
To err is human, but to err while trading in
stocks can be disastrous. Here's a look at
the most common, but deadly, mistakes
that should be avoided at all cost.
Here are 10 most common, but fatal mistakes that we all
tend to make while trading in stocks. These should be
avoided if we don’t want to pay through our nose. Browse
through the list and be alarmed at the ones you have been
committing or do not know about:
1. It’s no party out there trading in stocks is a serious
business. It is not something that you do merely for fun. If
you are looking for excitement, thrill and fun, then a casino is
the right place for you. Stock market is not a game of roulette
or poker that you bet your money in and wait for the wheel of
fortune to stop at your number. And just in case it doesn’t,
you groan and try to recover your losses as fast as you can
thereby losing even more money. While it is a human
tendency to crave for what one has lost, it is not the right
strategy at the stock exchange. The mantrais not to panic,
be calm and patient and wait for the next big opportunity.
Donot do anything in a hurry.
2. Ego: It should not exist in your trading dictionary
While you may be successful almost always in everything
you may venture upon, there’s no guarantee that you are
bound to fare well even in stock trading. The opposite also
holds true — someone who may have failed in most of the
things may spring a surprise when it comes to stocks. So,
ego should not be a word in your trading dictionary. If you
have an ego big enough to think that you know all and can
quadruple your money in a day without any professional
help, we wish you all the luck in the world. If you cannot
accept that what you are trading in is wrong and take eons to
exit the bad trades you are entangled in, your portfolio is
bound to touch the nadir in value terms. Whoever you may
be and wherever you may have come from — be it Harvard
or Stanford — it does not matter at the stock exchange. All
the degrees and diplomas, professional achievements, etc that
one may have do not matter when it comes to stock exchange.
3. Four-letter words are a big no Hope, wish, fear, pray — you
are not in a temple to hope, wish and pray and neither have you
been shoved into a crusher that you fear of something
unthinkable. These four-letter words spell doom for you.
Please keep away from them. Markets have their very own
system of moving up and down. No matter how much you
hope, wish, fear or pray they will behave as they have to. A
losing trade will not turn into a winning one as an answer to all
your hopes, wishes and prayers. When you are wrong, just add
another word to your vocabulary — get out (of the losing trades
that you are in).
4. Money not meant for trading, is not meant for losing
If you happen to be an inveterate gambler, we have no advice
to give. However, if you are not, please do not trade with the
money you cannot afford to lose. You should not use money
from an existing business, college or school fee, or for that
matter money borrowed from someone. If you know that the
money you have invested in stocks is not meant for it and
there’s a risk involved, you may trade out of fear and emotion
and will not apply logic. If by any chance, you are in the
25
aforementioned situation, we strongly recommend that you
stop trading until you have earned enough to set aside a
corpus or account that you can truly afford to risk without any
major financial setbacks
where one has to recover from many small losing trades, is
to ensure that the winning trades are much larger so that
they not just compensate for the loss but also post profits at
the end of the day. The normal human psychology is that
.5. Trading Plan: What on earth is that?Money does not
come by itself. One has to earn it through a well-devised plan
and by its successful execution. If you are a trader, ask
yourself these questions:- Do I have a set of rules that tell me
what to buy, when to buy and how much to buy, not just for
the next trade, but also for the next 10 trades?
- Before I enter a trade, do I know when I will take profits out
of it? Do I know when I will get out if I am wrong?
These questions form the first part of a trading plan. You
cannot be successful if you cannot answer these questions
clearly and concisely.
having faced a series of losses, big or small, one loses hold
of the winning trade as well. One should not get affected by
such fear psychosis and should give ample time and room to
profitable trades.
6. Do not count your chickens before they hatch
Of course, it is wonderful feeling to see your trade do well.
However, the success mantrais to hold your horses, for the
highly euphoric state that you are in may lead to
daydreaming and expectations. In euphoria, you may lose
track of your situation. Just because you have convinced
yourself of an eventual positive outcome, there is a chance
that you may deny yourself the reality. The simple formula is
to know exactly where and how you will reap profits once you
enter the trade and implement the strategy no matter how
profitable the stock may be at that point in time.
7. Oh, this is beyond me now! One of the most common
mistakes that we tend to make is to let things go out of our
hands and out of our control. One often tends to let the
losses grow too large. Though no one likes to take a loss,
taking a small one in time circumvents situations wherein
one is forced to take in large losses later. If you think great
traders never lose, you are wrong. They may have lost, but
they have an uncanny ability to recover quickly from a string
of losses, bounce back at the next available opportunity and
exit profitably. Every trader needs to develop a mechanism
for getting out of bad trades quickly. One needs to research
and learn to apply the best methods for placing protective
‘stop loss’ orders. The blueprint for success in situations,
26
8. Do not change your strategy unnecessarily
Have faith in your trading plan or strategy. It is normal for
markets to go high and low. Do not get perturbed easily and
change strategy during the day while the markets are still
open. It is human for all of us to react, become emotional and
express fear or greed. Barring some very visible signs that
warrant change, the key lies in planning the trading strategy
before the market opens and adhering to it religiously
irrespective of crests and troughs.
9. I should have got out of it earlier Escape plan is an
important part of the trading plan. It’s surprising that most
traders do not have a clear exit plan and are unable to get out
of a bad trade. They resort to the hope, wish and pray
method. They need to be told that markets behave as they
have to and one has to accept his/her fault. The easiest way
to keep a bad trade from turning into a real bad one is to fix a
limit before you get in. You should not hesitate to get out if
things do not work in your favour.
10. It pays to flirt; falling in love is a sin
While trading in stocks, there should be no favourites.
Getting fascinated and falling in love with a stock or two is a
sin here. If you constantly trade in your favourite stocks and
ignore other profitable trade opportunities, you are
committing a mistake. Just flirt with stocks — attachments
are a big no because such tendencies can be suicidal in
terms of trading. It may be detrimental for your financial
health. Follow this advice, avoid mistakes and become a
master trader.
POTPOURRI
Mirroring life in the conflict zone
Shantanu Dutta
30 Nov, 2006
Stories have a way of reaching out and
conveying like no other communication
forms. Temsula Ao in These Hills Called
Home poignantly tells the less apparent
story of what it’s like in Nagaland.
I HAVE ALWAYS been fascinated by literature
produced in the shadow of conflict — especially a
prolonged conflict. This impulse prompted me to pick
up for reading The Patiala Quartet, set in Punjab, 17
Tomato Tales from Kashmir, set in the Valley. I have just
finished Temsula Ao’s These Hills Called Home, set in
the villages and small towns of Nagaland. The Naga
underground movement forms the book’s backdrop.
Both Neel Kamal Puri — talking about Patiala — and
Temsula Ao — talking about pastoral life in Nagaland
— are women and in their books women are usually
the leading characters. But while Puri dwells on victims
of terrorism and insurgency, Ao is writing stories from a
war zone, where the protagonist and the antagonist
are all mixed up. Ao presents some memorable
characters — Apenyo, the beautiful child prodigy
singer raped by marauding soldiers as she sings at the
village church dedication; Soaba, the mentally
retarded child who is being brought up by the wife of a
man, whom the underground considers a turncoat and
the government a convenient hatchet man.
The story of the underground movement and those
who get sucked into it is far less simplistic than we often
see it to be reflected off our television screens. It isn’t a
simple fairly tale of good versus bad or us versus them.
In the short story, The Curfew Man, for instance, a
hapless man, who was a star basketball player in his
time, injures himself and having becoming ineligible for
any other job, becomes a government informer. He
does well for a while but then he is literally caught
between the devil and the deep sea, not knowing
where to go. One day his nemesis catches up with him
as the underground take their revenge and incapacitate
him completely leaving him useless to both those over
ground and underground.
Though the book does not make a political statement, it
does make a bold human rights statement. The army and
the other security forces are shown for what they appear
to be to the people — hardly any better than an
occupation army — raping, pillaging, destroying and
worse humiliating the people, their culture and traditions
through mass punishments and fines and the notorious
“grouping system” wherein villages were uprooted from
their traditional location and bunched together like herds,
so that the security forces could keep an easier eye on
them.
More than half a century of bloodshed has marked the
history of the Naga people who live in the troubled NorthEast India. Their struggle for an independent Nagaland
and their continuing search for identity provide the
backdrop for the stories that make up this unusual
collection.
Describing how ordinary people cope with violence, how
they negotiate power and force, how they seek and find
safe spaces and enjoyment in the midst of terror, the
author details a way of life under threat from the forces of
modernization and war. Economical and unadorned,
these stories bring alive the poignant and bewildering
experiences of a people caught in a spiral of violence. In
doing so, they speak movingly of home, country, nation,
nationality, identity and direct the reader to the urgency of
the issues that lie at their heart.
27
POTPOURRI
If Kaavya plagiarised,
who defends stock characters?
Christina Daniels
11 May 2006
Bangalore: Can Mills & Boons claim copyright over 'the tall, dark
and handsome hero'? The innocence of Kaavya Viswanathan
depends on the answer to this question.
‘She is a fraud. Harvard should be ashamed… The girl is a liar!’
(Posted by an anonymous visitor on www.UniversityChic.com)
TYPE IN THE words Harvard sophomore on Google
and hit Enter. The first link thrown up will relate to
Kaavya Viswanathan. If you have been away from the
newspapers for weeks and need to be brought up to
date, Kaavya Viswanathan first hit the headlines when
her book How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and
Got a Life won her a six-figure advance from Little,
Brown and Company. Soon after, DreamWorks studio
acquired the film rights for the book.
But, the accolades went up in smoke when allegations
surfaced that Viswanathan’s book had similarities to
Megan McCafferty’s Sloppy Firsts and Second
Helpings. The examples of the ‘questionable
passages’ first appeared in The Harvard Crimson, a
daily newspaper brought out by Harvard graduates. It
does not happen very often that an alma mater turns in
its own. But, that is another story.
Later, Crown Publishing Group, McCafferty’s
publisher, went a step further and identified 40
passages ‘that contain identical language and/or
common scene or dialogue structure from Megan
McCafferty’s first two books’.
Her alleged borrowings consist not of whole passages
(as has sometimes been quoted by the media) or even
the plot. The similarities are more absurd. They consist
of little phrases or small details about the main
characters. Their presence or absence makes no
difference to the larger work. They do not even add to
the humour quotient of Viswanathan’s novel!
The only questions that come to mind is ‘why?’ and
‘would someone actually do something so stupid?’
28
Surely, not an intelligent Harvard sophomore. Can there
be some truth then in Viswanathan’s apology where she
stated that her borrowing was unintentional?
And, herein lies the crux of the problem. Both McCafferty
and Viswanathan write chick lit. This is the fiction for
young, single, working women, usually in their twenties.
The genre was given a thrust by the success of Bridget
Jones’ Dairies. The books usually follow the misadventures of a female protagonist, with a focus on her
dismal love life. The genre is replete with types like ‘the
plain Jane who gets her man’, the dashing older man, the
loyal girl buddies, and not to mention the ugly duckling
metamorphosing into the swan. In this genre the ruckus
over Viswanathan copying from McCafferty is as silly as a
Mills & Boons author claiming their copyright over the ‘tall,
dark and handsome hero’ or the ‘virgin heroine’.
Neither of the two authors in question wrote Pulitzer
Prize–winning books. They wrote chick lit. So, there are
bound to be similarities. Chick lit draws on each other and
on popular culture. Here is where ‘unintentional’ becomes
the keyword. Let us just take one of the alleged
borrowings for analysis. Page 23, Sloppy Firsts, Megan
McCafferty: ‘He’s got dusty reddish dreads that a girl
could never run her hands through. His eyes are always
half-shut. His lips are usually curled in a semi-smile, like
he’s in on a big joke that’s being played on you but you
don’t know it yet.’ Page 48, Kaavya Viswanathan: ‘He had
too-long shaggy brown hair that fell into his eyes, which
were always half shut. His mouth was always curled into a
half smile, like he knew about some big joke that was
about to be played on you.’ This character is a type. Let
me quote from A Happy Boy by the Norweigian writer
Björnstjerne Björnson (1832-1910): ‘Her eyes were
half-closed when she did not just happen to be looking
at you, but that gave her glance an unexpected
brilliance when it came—and, as if to explain that she
meant nothing by it, she would half smile at the same
time. Her hair was rather dark than fair, but it curled in
little ringlets and came far forward at the sides—so that
together with her half-closed eyes it gave her face an
effect of mystery which it seemed one could never
quite fathom. It was impossible to tell exactly at whom
she was looking when she sat by herself or among
others.’ Similar, right? Even when it is talking of a
woman. So, can anyone claim a copyright over the boy
with half-closed eyes and roguish smile? And, can we
claim that McCafferty borrowed this idea from
Björnson? Further, the similarities are not central to
Viswanathan’s book. They are purely incidental to the
main action. Vishwanathan’s story is about an IndianAmerican teenager, A High School student. Her life
plan is HOWGIH (How Opal Will Get Into Harvard).
But, when she does not get past the early admissions
round at Harvard because she has missed out on her
social life, HOWGIH is transformed into HOWGAL
(How Opal Will Get A Life). Yes, HOWGIH and
HOWGAL, like many of the most important things in
the books, are originals.
McCafferty’s writes of Jessica in Sloppy Firsts, who
excels in high school yet is lost in a search for her
identity and longs for a boyfriend. In the course of the
action, she rants, ‘My parents suck ass. Banning me
from the phone and restricting my computer privileges
are the most tyrannical parental gestures I can think of.
Don’t they realize that Hope’s the only one who keeps
me sane? …I don’t see how things could get any
worse.’ It is the kind of line Opal would not be caught
dead with. In contrast to Jessica’s angst-ridden search
for identity, Opal is the conformist Indian-American girl
who loves her family. She would do anything to get into
Harvard, because that is what her parents want.
Opal walks the line between her Indian and American
identities to emerge as the ‘all American geek’. Of course,
as is typical of the ‘all American geek’ central character in
chick lit she will grow up to be an intelligent, confident
woman of substance. Yes, and she also has the potential
to be transformed from a wallflower into a high-school
goddess, but she will finally fall in love with the boy who
‘values her for who she is’. It is true that neither of the plots
is very original. But, the central ideas are clearly very
different.
As for the similarities that are incidental plot in terms of
structure or phrasing. Ideas need to be original, only then
can the accusation of plagiarism run true. Of the 14
instances stated by The Harvard Crimson, only about two
even remotely fall into the category. In most instances
Viswanathan had also improvised on the original. In some
cases, she has even woven these incidental elements
into her plot. Is that not craft? Further, is any literary work
merely the product of individual genius? Is it not always in
some way influenced by the works that have preceded it
and the culture that surrounds it? It is to what already
exists that an individual brings a little of oneself. So, in the
world created by Viswanathan delightful characters like
Kali, Amal and Meena also co-exist with the conventional
Jeff and Sean.
Any work if analysed threadbare will always bear the
influence of other works. If this is true even of the great
masterpieces churned out by Shakespeare, how much
more would it apply to the cliché-ridden chick lit? And,
does the whole not constitute for anything? Will we focus
only on the parts? It is time to sheath our already bloody
words. Instead, let us raise a toast to a young American
novelist. She is still to write a great novel. But, she
belongs to a tradition of young Americans who are Indian
in her origins, but American in their perspective. They
write without the consciousness of their Indian identity
that plagued the older generation. There will be others to
follow, but Viswanathan has set the ball rolling.
29
INTERVIEWS
I favour reforms, not Uniform Civil Code
Priya Tandon, merinews
17 September 2006
Dr Asghar Ali Engineer shares his views on the
Uniform Civil Code.
DR ASGHAR ALI Engineer is a well-known Islamic scholar
and theologian. He heads the two organisations, Institute of
Islamic Studies and Centre for Study of Society and
Secularism in Mumbai. He has worked for inter-religious
harmony and is the author of as many as 44 books on issues
such as Islam and communal and ethnic problems in India
and South Asia.
What is your understanding of a Uniform Civil Code?
No one in our country, our political leaders or individuals,
have ever concentrated their efforts towards defining the
Uniform Civil Code. All we know is that some common law
covering issues relating to marriage, succession and
property is called Uniform Civil Code but what these laws
would be is anyone’s guess.
Are you in favour of a Uniform Civil Code?
No. I am in favour of reforms and not the Uniform Civil Code.
My objective is to empower women and give them equal
status via due reforms in all the personal laws. This method
is more acceptable and achievable in a country marked for
an excessive plurality of religions.
Are you in favour of deletion of Article 44 from the
Constitution, which says the State shall endeavour to
secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout
the territory of India?
No. I don’t see any need to delete the article. The need is
to work on the existing laws in such a way that they don’t
go against any particular faith or religion.
Are you supportive of gender equality?
Yes, totally. In fact I am not just supportive I am actively
promoting the cause in our country.
How would you counter the view that Shariat courts are
lurching in dark because of a sagging reputation?I am
not very much in favour of Shariat courts. There are secular
courts in the country for all. Those who want to abide by the
Shariat courts can have their way. But all Muslims should not
be forced to knock the doors of Shariat Courts in case of any
issue.
Muslim women are increasingly denouncing patriarchal
30
laws that are dictated by Islam. What do you feel about it?
I don’t completely agree with what you said. It is not just Muslim
women who are flouting the laws. For that matter, women of all
communities, and in general, are trudging on newer territories. I
would also want to clarify that Quran does not dictate a
patriarchal form of society. The patriarchal interpretation of
Islam should be removed. Quran is full of right-based
discourses for women and not duty-based dictates. Quran is
also very careful with matters like talaq with specific injunctions
to a contrary effect.
Is Shariat actually sacrosanct as is generally believed to
be?
No. Shariat can be reformed.
How do Western countries like the US and Europe
function in terms of a Uniform Civil Code?
See, the situation varies from country to country. You cannot
compare India with these countries in this context. India has
a long history of personal laws and it cannot be given up
easily. The reality in India is much more complex than
Western societies which have been totally secularised.
Do you think BJP has made the UCC a Hindutva agenda?
BJP is not at all serious about the Uniform Civil Code. It has
been playing up the issue time and again for the sake of antiMuslim propaganda and not for a pro-women measure. I
believe there are two kinds of people, one, who believe in
secularity of state and stand for gender equality and secular
laws and two, who are anti-Muslim and eye political benefits
resulting from Muslim resentment.
What kind of a common civil law do you recommend for
a secular country like India?
To me it comes across as an extremely complex situation.
Unless a broad consensus is drawn among different
communities, the Uniform Civil Code can’t do much good to
the country. The multifarious castes and creeds and their
sets of beliefs or practices are bewilderingly confusing. I think
the most workable solution in the present scenario is to let
people practise their own set of laws without gender
discrimination. The thrust should remain on enforcement of
reforms that curb gender bias of any form.
POTPOURRI
Prof. Kamlesh Patel
Asha Dey, merinews
21 May 2006
He has gained international recognition for
addressing inequality in the health and
social care sectors. With his appointment to
the House of Lords he gets a larger platform
to assert his ideas.
PROF. KAMLESH PATEL is a widely recognised figure
in the field of ethnicity and mental health services in the
UK. He heads the Centre for Ethnicity and Health at the
University of Central Lancashire. Recently, he was
appointed as a non-party political member to the
House of Lords. He has helped the UK government
implement many mental health programmes for the
people of colour and ethnic minorities.
financial, and therefore political, prominence.
Do you think that your nomination is a political move,
which indirectly addresses political clout of the Indian
community in the UK, or is it purely based on your work for
ethnic minorities?
I would very much hope that my appointment is based on
the merits of the work that I have undertaken over the last
20 years or so, not only in relation to minority ethnic
communities and issues of equality and human rights, but
also my general contribution to developing policy and
practice in the areas of substance misuse, mental health,
crime and the health and social care arena.
Prof. Patel gave an exclusive interview to Asha Dey of
merinews and talked about not only his recent
achievement but also his past accomplishments. You
have mostly been associated with academic and social
work, but now with your appointment to the House of
Lords you have to participate in political process of the
UK as well.
You have also worked extensively with the people of
colour and other ethnic minorities.
How have you equipped yourself to take up this new
challenge?
How have these – that is, non-Indian ethnic minorities in
the UK – responded to your appointment?
Through my work in the areas of substance misuse
and mental health – particularly over the last 10 years –
I have been actively involved in working directly with
senior civil servants and ministers from all political
parties. I have initiated and led many policy changes
and addressed a number of legislative matters,
therefore, I have had a lot of experience of the UK
political system. I am also familiar with the work of the
House of Lords, though, I am sure, I will have a lot to
learn and am looking forward to learning and meeting
the many new challenges that will undoubtedly
surface. I am also fortunate to know some existing
peers who are very supportive and I am sure will
provide advice and guidance when needed.Of late, the
Indian community in the USA and the UK has gained
I have had many messages of congratulations from
across the country and from people of diverse ethnic and
religious backgrounds. Much of the work I have
undertaken aims to involve people across all ethnic
groups and focus on those who are most vulnerable in
society.
Have you been involved with any social work or project
with India so far?
Not directly in or with India, however, over the years I
have advised a number of researchers and officials, who
have visited the UK around issues of illegal drug use,
HIV/AIDS and service development in these areas.
Whenever a person of Indian origin is assigned an
important post in a Western country there is a lot of hype
31
about it in India.
Do you think that your appointment will make you more
important for the Indian administration or NGOs? Do
you see yourself engaging more with Indian
policymakers and health professionals now?
If my appointment can contribute and if my skills and
experiences are relevant to the further development of
any NGO or other Indian organisations I would only be
too happy to help. I have, over the years, been a
member of many NGOs, community groups and
organisations that have worked with a wide range of
South Asian communities in the UK.
Since you have addressed inequality and bias in the
health and social care field, the proponents of the
unequal system must have been unhappy with you.
How have these people responded to your new
appointment?
Racism and discrimination exist everywhere. One has
to constantly and constructively challenge and debate
these issues and sometimes rise beyond the potential
destructive effect they have on communities and
society. Throughout my personal and professional life I
have attempted to challenge those who are supporters
of an unequal and unjust system. They have remained
very quiet about my new appointment!
My feeling is that you have been working with the same
social groups as Mahatma Gandhi worked with in
South Africa. He fought for the cause of Indians, and, at
the same time, supported the people of colour in their
struggle against racism. Then, is there an influence of
Gandhian philosophy in your ideas as well? Have you
been in touch with other Gandhians, who may have
influenced your work ethics? (In case my feeling is
wrong I will like to know who or what influenced your
ideas.)
Mahatma Gandhi was undoubtedly a great man and
someone who has left a legacy for all of us to follow. I
am not sure that I have consciously been influenced by
32
the Gandhian philosophy, but it is true that the majority of
my work involves working with and fighting for the most
vulnerable people in society, so that there can be a fairer
and just society, which makes a person’s ethnicity, culture
or religious beliefs irrelevant.
After 9/11 we have seen a lot of distrust against Muslims
in the USA, and there are indications of this trend being
present in Europe as well, including the UK.
Do you think that this trend has contributed towards any
peculiarity in the mental health of the Muslims and other
minorities living in the country?
9/11, and more recently 7/7 (the bombings in London),
have had a major impact not only on Muslims but all
minority ethnic communities. I believe we have not yet
seen the full impact of these terrible atrocities. Daily direct
and indirect discrimination, fear, mistrust and unjustifiable
retribution do and will effect people’s mental health. Many
South Asian people not only in the UK but also across
Europe will be feeling anxious about these developments
and the potential repercussions. These issues combined
with the growing inequality in education, healthcare and
employment all have the potential to detrimentally impact
the mental health of our people.
Can you elaborate on a few projects that you have
undertaken based on models of community engagement
and organisational change?
I have developed two models that have had considerable
impact on the health and social care field in England. A
model for engagement with communities that enables
them to be actively involved in the design and delivery of
services that are offered to them; and a model of
organisational change that assists organisations to work
with diverse communities effectively.
Community Engagement: For many years researchers
who have little understanding of minority communities
have parachuted into areas with a view to undertake
meaningful research to assess their needs. Evidence
clearly suggests that they have not been successful in
capturing the real issues that are relevant to those
communities, for a variety of reasons. For example,
they have assumed that minority communities are a
homogenous group. They lack access to the local
people and engage only with the so called community
leaders. So, there is mistrust.
The Centre for Ethnicity and Health has successfully
developed a model of undertaking such assessments
of need by raising funds that have been given directly
to local groups and individuals and providing intensive
training and support to the local people to undertake
the ‘research’ themselves, ensuring that all these
groups which are often marginalised and not involved
in decision making about their lives and the service on
offer to them have the opportunity to be heard.
The model has been implemented across a wide
variety of minority ethnic groups and vulnerable
communities across England (some 35 different ethnic
groups and nationalities have been represented). The
programme has received over £6 million of funding
from the central government and the regional and local
agencies. These funds have been distributed to over
200 minority ethnic community groups; these groups
have recruited over 1,500 community individuals who
have been trained by the university and supported to
undertake a range of engagement activities in the
areas of substance misuse, crime, mental health,
regeneration, sexual health and education. Over
40,000 community individuals have been engaged and
consulted creating an environment where grassroots
community members are actively involved in working
with a wide range of health, social care and criminal
justice agencies to design, develop and deliver quality
services.
The on-going evaluation of the programme suggests
that over 22 per cent of those trained by the university
who previously have had little or no experience of work
in the area that they are engaged in have gained
employment as a direct result of being involved in the
programme, and many more have gone on to further and
higher education. Trust and confidence has been
developed between local agencies and communities and
new ways to commission and deliver services have been
developed. Organisational Change: It is important that
the organisations that provide services to minority ethnic
communities undertake work that enables them to
provide services that meet the needs of these
communities. For example, they need to effectively
engage, listen and consult with these communities;
collect good quality ethnic data and then analyse that
data to improve gaps in services; train existing staff in
being able to effectively engage and work with minority
ethnic groups; employ staff from the relevant minority
ethnic groups; and develop and implement policies and
practices that are culturally and religiously relevant.
I have successfully worked with a wide range of national
organisations over a number of years to implement a
systematic programme of activities that have enabled this
to happen. The work with the Royal College of
Psychiatrist in the UK is one good example of this
strategy.
Both these models have been used in a major national
government programme on the development of mental
health services for minority ethnic communities in
England: it is called Delivering Race Equality in Mental
Health Care, which is a five-year action plan for tackling
discrimination and achieving equality in services for Black
and minority ethnic patients and communities.
Have you undertaken any project based on South Asians
living in UK? If yes, could you elaborate on some such
important projects?
Throughout all my work I have tried to ensure that the
needs of all minority ethnic groups are represented. I
have however undertaken extensive work in the areas of
illegal drug use, serious organised crime and mental
health targeting South Asian communities and the
development of education, prevention and treatment
services.
33
“The same thing is with many ISP's in India but at different levels. I got a Hathway broadband
service last month. While viewing online videos on youtube.com or any other streaming videos
there used to be a lot of freezes as the video used to stop for a while for buffering and that is very
frustrating. I'm having unlimited 256kbps plan from Hathway but my friends on airtel broadband
faced no problems in streaming videos. I have read in some forums that hathway blocks some
downloading ports. Dont't know whether it is true or not.”
FEATURED
comments
Anirudha, 30 December 2006, commenting on SIFY pays for deficiency in service.
“It is an irony that technology is misused by people. To me and to many others Orkut is a platform
for reuniting with old friends. If it is not on such a platform where else should I put up my picture?
Calling what abhishek did a "prank" is shocking because what he has done is nothing short of
crime.We,the users of technology should be responsible for our actions. What we need is a set of
proper rules to check cyber crime.Its not orkut that is the "new danger". Perverse minds,
thoughtless use of technology and the surity that anyone will getaway with so called "pranks" is the
driving force behind such sad outcomes of some concept as beautiful as orkut.”
Dayeeta Das, 18 December 2006, commenting on Orkut: The new danger
"I have always been against Saddam and the kind of rule he forced upon the people of Iraq.
But I still do not feel that his death sentence is fair. He was a curse for many of his own people,
including his daughters, but this sentence has not been passed by Iraqis and, therefore, in my
opinion, is not valid. If Iraqis chose to hang him, I would have no problem with that. But this
court is not truly representative of Iraqis. If he is hanged, it would be a travesty of justice. And,
anyway Saddam killed far fewer Iraqis than the American forces. So who is the bigger killer?”
Vandana, 09 November 2006 , commenting on
The Saddam trial: Liberation or judicial assassination?
"One must realize that the definition of power can be comprehensive as well narrow one. In the
traditional sense, power can mean only one thing: 'might is right'. However, power in a broad sense
means not merely military might, political power, muscle power or economic strength. It also
includes a variety of other ingredients such as knowledge, scientific and technological
developments, developed human resources, leadership skills, ability to influence decisions of
others, popularity, attractiveness, and so on and so forth. It is not at all necessary that there should
be unanimity on all the definitions of power. However, one must take into account the criteria that
any particular magazine or selection committee is applying for enlisting anybody as powerful.
There could be various combinations and permutations of different yardsticks. Therefore, it would
be little unfair to dismiss other views just because one disagrees with them. Let us congratulate all
the winners and get inspiration from them to excel in our respective walks of life."
Kishor Dere, 21 October 2006 , commenting on Nooyi outshines Sonia, but does she
really?
“While Musharraf sounded and behaved like obedient servant, giving GW Bush Pakistani military
annual performance report on war of terrorism. The windfall is expected to be in tens of millions of
dollars. According to the publishers, this was "the biggest publicity stunt" ever pulled off by a
publisher for a forthcoming book. It is expected to be a bestseller in the US and the UK. The private
book promotion tour was arranged as an official visit to the US and 60 or so ministers (cronies)
34
enjoying luxuries on hard-earned taxes of poor Pakistani citizens. While right wing evangelists
want people to "buy the book", I would strongly advise to "burn the book". Musharraf and his book
is a slur on integrity and honour of a proud nation, because Musharraf has shown himself to be a
person who is a modern-day "Judas", willing to sell his soul to devil for few pennies.”
Dil Nawaz , 08 October 2006 , commenting on Musharraf’s memoir: Blackballed
“I think the problem is that people keep looking at the UN as if it had any self authority. The UN is
but the sum of its parts!... Moreover, I think the UN helps to promote dialogue between its members
and that is very important in itself. We shouldn't expect the UN to promote peace or Human Rights.
If you want this then you should be supporting the International Court of Justice.”
Nunes Silva 09 October 2006, commenting on Should UN be taken seriously
FEATURED
comments
“It is not only that "it is a thankless sports" but more profound is the fact that we are a thankless
people. The Media also plays a sordid role, catering only to cricket and a few other personalities.
Why does only cricket makes headlines even when the performance does not deserve any
accolades? In other poorer cousin sports, where the sportsman only perseveres on the strength of
his motivation, we leave him high and dry? The question is whether we deserve world champs?”
Manoj 17 September, 2006, commenting on What India does to its world champs
There is much truth in yr last para, Shantanu-da but rage gets us nowhere, nor does hollering.
Anyway he was speaking to the NRI kid, not u but any kid with spirit - as Wodehouse will put it should have, with courtesy & a smile( which I thought come naturally to every woman) put it across
to Yakumbe. I have been in Japan + met many over the years. A Jap may be about to shoot u,
Shantanuda but u will not know it from his behaviour. I was witness to a fellow Indian in Wash DC in
1976 who was harangued at a bus stop by a white knowledgable American lady on Indira Gandhi
having just become a dictator in India (remember the Emergency?). I let my bus go as I found
myself treated to his reply that made the lady look sheepish & sorry: "Well, Madam, what would u
like yr President to do if the USA were as free as India before Indira became a dictator as u put it?
Can yr people burn buses/trains at will, deface station names, bring the students out of
schools/colleges, bring life in DC to a standstill including hospitals/essential services, sometimes
the whole nation? We call it 'hartal'. Can yr Congressmen walk out of a sitting Congress every
other day, shout each other out & prevent work of any kind for days together? And all this without
being taken to task? Indeed, supported by many others + State Govts & possibly building up his
electorate for a sure win next time? ...." Why, that sounds like CHAOS! said the good lady, now not
indignant but amazed! "Is THAT what Mrs Gandhi wants to stop by assuming 'draconian powers"
as our media put it?" No wonder both of us had a far more pleasant companion next to us in the
third bus that came along!
S.S.Venkataramanan,11 September 2006 commenting on
India – the benevolent and munificent
“You have touched upon a relaively untouched topic with an immensely high level of sensitivity viz
a viz India`s political and strategic interests. Though the conventional media seems wake up to
highlight this issue off and on every time Bangladeshi Forces butcher our civilians and many times
our armed forces also. If we look at the recent history o incidents at Indo Bangladesh border. The
skirmishes at the border between the two border forces have left Indian armed forces rubbing
35
hands in fury with hands tied out of political indecisions or lack of a political guts to hit back and
teach these people a lesson. Being the third or fourth largets army in the world and in all
combnations and comparisions Indian armed forces over qulaify to be termed as a definite super
power compared to Bangladesh and still our government shrugs off the needs of a stringent action
in the name of strain. Well I would not call the Israeli appraoch a perfect one though at the same
time I would defintely urge the Indian government and the political leadership to learn a few things
from the Israleis who dont hesitate to even wage a war to rescue their soldiers.”
FEATURED
comments
Rahul 04 August 2006, commenting on Bangladesh new route of terror
“I am amazed at the views presented by the author of the article. I would not coment on the stats
quoted in the article, because I neither know the source nor am I aware of the methodology
employed to arrive at these results. Were dropout rates compared against social environment,
financial levels, etc. Or was it an example of a hastily arrived at conclusion. If inability to be able to
do well in a course were to be a reason to eliminate the course altogether, perhaps geography
ought to be eliminated for people like me. Also, what relevance does perhaps history, as we learnt
it in our curriculum, have for a person in marketing or finance?Primary and high-school education
is aimed at a well-rounded development of the individual while allowing for room to focus on a
specialised field of interest. The dearh of world-class sportspersons is not on account of the
curriculum but on account of the lack of facilities for the professional training and grooming of the
potentials coupled with the lack of familial support for sports as a career, selection process opacity
and politicisation of sports. There may be other reasons as well, but counting mathematics as one,
is suggestive of a faulty analytical process.”
Natasha 12 July 2006, commenting on
Is mathematics ruining sports prospects of India?
“Well written piece. We have all been suffering the agony of driving in the congested city and don't
know what more can the government do, at last in Delhi, having emptied its coffers in the run-up to
Commnwealth Games. Let's wait and see how Metro helps ease the pressure on the Delhi roads
after 2-3 years. I have my doubts if it can dcongest the city. It's a mammoth problem to which no
answer seems convincing. Of course broadening of raods is no answer. The more the roads get
wider, greater is the traffic. What's true of Delhi is true of Mumbai, Bangalore and Kokata.”
Raman Kapoor , 12 October 2006, commenting on Traffic: Hell of a drive
36
DEBATES
MOST POPULAR
Mohammad Afzal Guru should be hanged
Afzal Guru's death sentence has kicked off a debate on whether he deserves to be hanged or not.
Some believe that no mercy should be shown to a terrorist who tried to attack the very foundation
of Indian democracy. While, there are others who feel that he was denied a fair trail and is being
used as a scapegoat. Join this ongoing debate on merinews and share your stand with others.
Wal-Mart hijacks the livelihood of small and medium retailers
Its finally official after months of speculation. With Wal-Mart's entry, the Indian retail industry is
definitely feeling the pressure to answer this challenge.
Wal-Mart, the LARGEST CORPORATION in the world and even larger than the entire Indian
retail market can displace lacks of small and medium businesses, farmers, hawkers, vendors
and consumer cooperative stores. Their business model drives out competition and drives
down wages and labor standards.
Even in country like US, thousands of small and medium businesses have closed down
because of Wal-Mart's aggressive Low Price Strategy. Many workers are forced to work off the
clock without getting paid, which is why workers in over 30 states across the US sued WalMart and won!
Is Indian retail sector mature enough to face world's most powerful retail giant?
Saddam's trial is a mockery of justice
Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, was captured by US forces during a regime
change operation in 2003. After two years of his capture commenced the trial. Saddam was
found guilty of the charges, sentenced to death and finally hanged on December 30, 2006.
Saddam is notorious in the West and America as a tyrannical ruler who had commited grave
crimes against humanity. He was charged with and found guilty in the killings of 148 persons
from Dujjail and killed in 1980s. After Saddam's fall, his adversaries rose to power in Iraq.
There has been an ongoing debate over the trial and judicial process observed in Saddams
hanging. The verdict received a worldwide criticism as a government propogated assasination.
However, the United States and newly installed government have endorsed the verdict and the
hanging of the erstwhile president.
A number of concerns and questions have surfaced with Saddam's execution. Questions like
influence of the White House on the trial, absence of international tribunal, holding of the trial
during occupied period and an opportunity for his adversaries to set old scores have left some
indelible and dark marks on the whole judicial process by which death was sanctioned to the
deposed president.
37
TOPphoto CJ s
Richa Jain, 28, is an IT professional who works for a software development
Richa
Jain
company. He has got a master's degree in Computer Applications. Richa Jain
is a keen photography and likes to travel often. According to Richa, Internet
has a very powerful tool and this fact inspires him to be a Citizen Journalist.
Dipen Nandani, 28, is pursuing his MBA and works as an Asst Manager. He
Dipen
Nandani
likes to read books and watch movies. As a Citizen Journalist he feels great to
express his opinion and views and it makes him feel as a responsible citizen.
He often writes and sometimes clicks as well.
Kulvir, 25, an IT professional is interested in most of the interesting exercises.
Kulvir
Singh
He likes sketching, photography, reading for fun and driving. Kulvir finds the
content and new articles on merinews as inspiring.
Philip Davis, 45, who works as a Manager, bears an affinity for Indian tigers.
Phil
Davis
He has visited India on several occasions and often travels for projects to
ensure the conservation of this animal. Philip Davis has formed a charity
called Tiger Awareness to help the creatures.
Dharmendra Kumar, 33, is a facilitator who works at the grass root level and is
committed to community and organisational issues. He has been awarded
Dharmendra
Kumar
master's degree in Sociology and has also contributed as a freelance
researcher, journalist and documentary filmmaker. Dharmendra says that his
urge to share the concerns with the people inspires him to be a Citizen
Journalist.
38
TOPCJ s
Shantanu Dutta, 46, is a doctor with specialization in community medicine. At
Shantanu
Dutta
an early age and before opting for medicine, he wished to be a journalist but
did not receive any patronization. Today, Shantanu Dutta posts his insights
and is contended with the platform Citizen Journalism. He likes to express his
thoughts and highlight social issues.
"Inam Ul Rehman, 28, is a freelance journalist and has got a masters degree
Inam
Ul Rehman
in Mass Communication and Journalism. He often writes features, book and
film reviews for various newspapers. Inam Ul Rehman likes to write for a
universal audience and endorses impartiality in news content and coverage.
Sudipta Sengupta, 27, works in the domain of online media. After graduating
Sudipta
Sengupta
as an instrumentation engineer, Sudipta Sengupta completed his master’s
degree course in Business Management. He likes to share his thought and
that inspires him to be a Citizen Journalist.
Vishnu Mohan, 44, has a rich experience as he has worked with brands and
companies like Tata Steel, IBM, Amul and IAP Company Ltd. The travel
Vishnu
Mohan
outside India has further enriched his experiences and at present he works as
a freelance journalist. His training and professional role has taught him to
bring into light finer details, which he likes to share with other citizens. He
feels doing a good work as a Citizen Journalist.
Vandana Mittal, 45, is an Education specialist with an inclination towards
writing and stock market. Besides her master’s degree in Special Education,
Vandana
Mittal
she also has been awarded as M.Phil in English Literature. In her writing
experience she started as writing for few blogs and eventually turned a
regular contributor to merinews. She patronizes Citizen Journalism and
active participation of the citizens in the issues at large.
39
Riding for fun
CJ : Rahul Kumar
Tiger in the wild
CJ : Phil Davis
Restoring Faith
CJ : Deepak Kr. Das
Guns of Neemrana
CJ : Richa Jain
Old London Castle
CJ : Rahul Kumar
Alone, I go in search of
peace in the mist!!!
CJ : Shrishti Padathiyaar
FEATURED
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