‘Paul’ died, I don’t mean St.Paul, or any Paul in the human species. Since I had mentioned Paul and his predictions in one of my postings, I feel, it would be unfair if I don’t put up an obituary. Paul belongs to the Crustacean family, if I am not wrong. Any how, I will not be sued, I am sure, for putting Paul in the Crustacean family. I would have sued Paul, if his prediction for Spain went wrong. Any ways, Paul need not have to worry, as I would have filed in one of the Indian Courts. The Indian courts put together, have pending cases running over a crore. What to say, Paul or his hundreds of generations would have died to hear any verdict.
Thank God, Paul died in Germany, otherwise Gadkari would have called for an enquiry sort of thing, for Paul might be a Post Graduate in Palmistry which is a pet subject promoted by the party and its veterans. Gadkari would suspect an Italian hand. as his mentors believe Germany is their land of Origin (Aryan), and Hitler hero of Aryan cause. Anyways, Paul is popular across the world, Gadkari is known only in India, that too, if people don’t ask Who Gadkari?.
Back to Paul, I do not know, if he was a Christian or a Jew. Both have the same heaven, OR hell, as both descend from “Abraham” – I believe, “Ebrahim” for Islam too. Paul, the Octopus, with his eight tentacles could gather and pronounce information correctly on the wins and losses of world cup football. Our Pandits always claim in their full page ads, their prediction about anything, after it actually happen, like earth quake, wildfire, avalanche. Don’t mistake, they will not predict a stampede at Kumbh, Haridwar, Sabarimala or Velankanni or a carnage in Gujarat or Bombay or anything that has to do with the 1984.
Paul, you have earned a place in the hearts of the Spanish, but we the fans of Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, England, Italy in that order were let down. You might be a protestant. No prob. There is a better heaven. Go there.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Esperanza
They all yelled ‘Esperanza !’ ‘Esperanza !’ ‘Esperanza !’ – in Spanish language this means ‘ Have hope’
They have hope in every thing they do, did and will be doing. That was evident when the Entire Chile prayed (a term Chilens dislike otherwise) together for the 33 miners trenched under three quarter of a kilometer down the earth for over two and a half months. On 13th October 2010 (a rather inauspicious day, is n’t it?)
‘Phoenix’ capsule (a rocket like excavator vehicle developed by Chileans with indigenous technology) excavated all 33 of the trapped miners one by one to the surface— Successfully. All Chileans and the world sighed. It was so heartening to watch the Chilean President Sebastian Pinera himself there to receive and hug the rescued workers. The president addressed the miners to form a football team, to play and win. He travelled through the miners’ hearts and realized, those hearts really needed applause. What else, but football to cheer these almost lost lives of South Americans.
Good work Chile! Great work Sebastian.
Thousands of our country men spent days and nights, some even laid their lives to ensure the successful open and close of the XIX Commonwealth Games. These country men were blocked from the view of the visiting sports fraternity by placing ‘Shera’ painted hoardings in front of their huts. Wah ! What a country ! Jai Ho !
We are a democracy. Chile an autocrat nation, Communist, phew….
They have hope in every thing they do, did and will be doing. That was evident when the Entire Chile prayed (a term Chilens dislike otherwise) together for the 33 miners trenched under three quarter of a kilometer down the earth for over two and a half months. On 13th October 2010 (a rather inauspicious day, is n’t it?)
‘Phoenix’ capsule (a rocket like excavator vehicle developed by Chileans with indigenous technology) excavated all 33 of the trapped miners one by one to the surface— Successfully. All Chileans and the world sighed. It was so heartening to watch the Chilean President Sebastian Pinera himself there to receive and hug the rescued workers. The president addressed the miners to form a football team, to play and win. He travelled through the miners’ hearts and realized, those hearts really needed applause. What else, but football to cheer these almost lost lives of South Americans.
Good work Chile! Great work Sebastian.
Thousands of our country men spent days and nights, some even laid their lives to ensure the successful open and close of the XIX Commonwealth Games. These country men were blocked from the view of the visiting sports fraternity by placing ‘Shera’ painted hoardings in front of their huts. Wah ! What a country ! Jai Ho !
We are a democracy. Chile an autocrat nation, Communist, phew….
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Educate the educated
Population of UK 6.2 Cr
Population of USA 30.7 Cr
Population of Australia 2.1 Cr
Population of Canada 3.3 Cr
Population of South Africa 4.9 Cr
Population of Nigeria 15.1 Cr
Population of India 114.0 Cr
(The data is based on 2008 WB report)
Yes, we are 20 times of UK
4 times of USA
77 times of Australia
40 times of Canada
30 times of South Africa
10 times of Nigeria
Our demographic growth surpass our economic growth graph. As a result, any of the development scheme launched by any government does not reach the end-beneficiary–the people in need. Education is the least prioritized development scheme. We have almost half of our people without any contact with the letter. —Person aged seven and above, who can both read and write with any understanding in any language, is treated as literate. (As per 2001 Census, the overall literacy rate of India is 65.38%. The difference between the highest and the lowest literacy rate in India is very high. Kerala has the highest literacy rate which is 90.92 %, while Bihar has the lowest with 47.53 %).
Note the quote “the difference between the highest and the lowest literacy rate in India is very high”. The context of this statement is based on the difference of literacy level between states.
However, I feel the difference between the literates is also very wide. Education does not reach all with equal quality. Rich people can buy quality education even with limited talent, whereas the poor with rich talent can not acquire education for want of money.
There is a need to educate the ‘educated’ to bring them to a level of educated.
Population of USA 30.7 Cr
Population of Australia 2.1 Cr
Population of Canada 3.3 Cr
Population of South Africa 4.9 Cr
Population of Nigeria 15.1 Cr
Population of India 114.0 Cr
(The data is based on 2008 WB report)
Yes, we are 20 times of UK
4 times of USA
77 times of Australia
40 times of Canada
30 times of South Africa
10 times of Nigeria
Our demographic growth surpass our economic growth graph. As a result, any of the development scheme launched by any government does not reach the end-beneficiary–the people in need. Education is the least prioritized development scheme. We have almost half of our people without any contact with the letter. —Person aged seven and above, who can both read and write with any understanding in any language, is treated as literate. (As per 2001 Census, the overall literacy rate of India is 65.38%. The difference between the highest and the lowest literacy rate in India is very high. Kerala has the highest literacy rate which is 90.92 %, while Bihar has the lowest with 47.53 %).
Note the quote “the difference between the highest and the lowest literacy rate in India is very high”. The context of this statement is based on the difference of literacy level between states.
However, I feel the difference between the literates is also very wide. Education does not reach all with equal quality. Rich people can buy quality education even with limited talent, whereas the poor with rich talent can not acquire education for want of money.
There is a need to educate the ‘educated’ to bring them to a level of educated.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
One for the History
‘Tambhli’ a village in Maharashtra got the credit to be the launch pad of “Aadhar” ,the Unique Identification card on 29th Sept 2010.Hitesh Sonawane and his mother Ranjana Sadashiv Sonawane will get a place in the history of UID for being the first receipients of the card. Though, both the son and the mother do not know what good it will do to their life, the presence of Sonia Gandhi and the PM delighted their minds and the fellow villegers, what to say, the village sar panch elevated Sonia Gandhi as an Idol. (Can expect a temple in Tambhli, soon).
Young India is looking forward to this unique venture, aspires to be the keyword for development and its Captain Nandan Nilekani.
After watching “Peepli Live” (the Official Indian Entry to ‘Oscar’), Tambhli attracts attention for more reasons. The village resembles a lot of 'Peepli'.The villagers do not know what difference, UID card will bring in their life. Like in Peepli love, the official machinery woke up, done up the village roads, illuminated the homes, a ‘Lal Bahadur”(a hand pump under LB Shashtri scheme) got erected for water. Hope everything does not end there.
- this is for the history
Young India is looking forward to this unique venture, aspires to be the keyword for development and its Captain Nandan Nilekani.
After watching “Peepli Live” (the Official Indian Entry to ‘Oscar’), Tambhli attracts attention for more reasons. The village resembles a lot of 'Peepli'.The villagers do not know what difference, UID card will bring in their life. Like in Peepli love, the official machinery woke up, done up the village roads, illuminated the homes, a ‘Lal Bahadur”(a hand pump under LB Shashtri scheme) got erected for water. Hope everything does not end there.
- this is for the history
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Change thyself
In the month of September 2010 I reached office late on two days by 14 and 35 minutes respectively. Both days were pouring cats and dogs, and Delhi roads, as usual, were jammed.
Our Area Convenor is strict in punctuality for his subordinates. Both occasions he shot lotus notes for applying for half a day leave. With utmost dismay I applied. I felt dejected for the loss of two precious half days for just being absent for 57 minutes despite sincerely fulfilling my day’s tasks. I was sad and angry with the AC, the Chartered Bus operator, and of course the Delhi roads and vehicles.
I looked for options to overcome this unjust on me Then I recollected “Secretaries home skills @ “Winning Through People Workshop” and the charming Ms. Lakpa Sherpa.
She proposed, in the work-shop, the exercise to change. We were taught, it is futile to try to change the adamant boss. It is equally silly getting angry with the chartered bus operator nor is it worthwhile cursing the traffic jam. Ms. Langpa taught us to look inward and find ways to change oneself. I decided to change myself. I started Metro train. I had to stand in the train for 45 minutes at a stretch. Again a 2 km walk from Jorbagh to IHC. What an ordeal. I ran out of breath by the time I reached office. But then, I recalled, I could hardly get time for workout in the morning, so the 20 minutes walk could become my morning walk. And for the 45 minutes standing in the train, after all, I will be sitting all the eight hours in the office, thus this stretch can be my stretch out for the day.
Our Area Convenor is strict in punctuality for his subordinates. Both occasions he shot lotus notes for applying for half a day leave. With utmost dismay I applied. I felt dejected for the loss of two precious half days for just being absent for 57 minutes despite sincerely fulfilling my day’s tasks. I was sad and angry with the AC, the Chartered Bus operator, and of course the Delhi roads and vehicles.
I looked for options to overcome this unjust on me Then I recollected “Secretaries home skills @ “Winning Through People Workshop” and the charming Ms. Lakpa Sherpa.
She proposed, in the work-shop, the exercise to change. We were taught, it is futile to try to change the adamant boss. It is equally silly getting angry with the chartered bus operator nor is it worthwhile cursing the traffic jam. Ms. Langpa taught us to look inward and find ways to change oneself. I decided to change myself. I started Metro train. I had to stand in the train for 45 minutes at a stretch. Again a 2 km walk from Jorbagh to IHC. What an ordeal. I ran out of breath by the time I reached office. But then, I recalled, I could hardly get time for workout in the morning, so the 20 minutes walk could become my morning walk. And for the 45 minutes standing in the train, after all, I will be sitting all the eight hours in the office, thus this stretch can be my stretch out for the day.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Chirpy & Chukoo's nest
Little Chidia and lover Sparrow met and lived in a nest they built on the tall Peepal tree. They had a very poetic love life chirping and pecking, so much so that other birdies looked Chidia and Sparrow with jealousy.
Days passed by…. Little rosy Chidia became rosier. One day Lover Sparrow saw Chidia pensive and tired. Sparrow became anxious and worried. On repeated queries Chidia gave him mischievous smile, her beaks got red, and she shyly pecked Sparrow.
Sparrow could not make out a thing, but he was confident, his Chidia bird is not at all unhappy, though in suffering.
On an evening when Sparrow came nest, he found Chidia with two little chirping chicks, their beaks open. Then only he realized that all these days Chidia seemed disturbed was because she was carrying these two Eggies. No wonder, he started feeling at clouds, his beaks rose up, overwhelming with joy, he danced and sang a birdsong.
Head held high, he flew out to fetch bits of wool to keep the little birdies warm. He flew again to the woods to catch the best worms for the young ones. Needless to say, life of Chidia and Sparrow turned around the little chicks, thenceforth. On a fine day they baptized the chicks with beautiful names. The chicks were named Chirpi and Chukoo. Sparrow and Chidia were found busy with Chirpi and Chukoo all the time. They screamed with joy at even the silliest play the chicks did. Days and months passed by, Peepal tree shed leaves once again. The little nest became smaller for the family. Sparrow never looked tired, he continued his flights in search of warm clothes and worms for Chirpi and Chuko.
Gradually, the nest became less noisy as Chirpi and Chukoo made little chirpings and showed weak anxiety in the worms Sparrow brought home. Chidia knew of the restlessness in the nest, but Sparrow was not told.
One day when Sparrow came home with a beak-ful of worms, Chidia was found alone in the nest. She seemed happy and proud, that her Chirpi and Chukoo flew away in to the sky on their own. More so, they have also found their own partners to live with and were collecting hays to build their own nests.
Sparrow was not very enthused and looked sad. He became worried for the chicks as he has never let them wander alone. He lost interest in worms. He did not flew out to get clothes. The rain did not thrill him any more to have a peck on the beak of Chidia. So much so,he wanted to leave his old nest which seems utterly empty to him.
Chidia was, however, at peace. She chirped in to the ears of Sparrow…. Chirpi and Chukoo are having new chicks in their nests. We should visit their nests and embrace the little ones.
Saparrow again straightened his wings. After all, every thing has not come to an end. He has got jobs to finish..
Days passed by…. Little rosy Chidia became rosier. One day Lover Sparrow saw Chidia pensive and tired. Sparrow became anxious and worried. On repeated queries Chidia gave him mischievous smile, her beaks got red, and she shyly pecked Sparrow.
Sparrow could not make out a thing, but he was confident, his Chidia bird is not at all unhappy, though in suffering.
On an evening when Sparrow came nest, he found Chidia with two little chirping chicks, their beaks open. Then only he realized that all these days Chidia seemed disturbed was because she was carrying these two Eggies. No wonder, he started feeling at clouds, his beaks rose up, overwhelming with joy, he danced and sang a birdsong.
Head held high, he flew out to fetch bits of wool to keep the little birdies warm. He flew again to the woods to catch the best worms for the young ones. Needless to say, life of Chidia and Sparrow turned around the little chicks, thenceforth. On a fine day they baptized the chicks with beautiful names. The chicks were named Chirpi and Chukoo. Sparrow and Chidia were found busy with Chirpi and Chukoo all the time. They screamed with joy at even the silliest play the chicks did. Days and months passed by, Peepal tree shed leaves once again. The little nest became smaller for the family. Sparrow never looked tired, he continued his flights in search of warm clothes and worms for Chirpi and Chuko.
Gradually, the nest became less noisy as Chirpi and Chukoo made little chirpings and showed weak anxiety in the worms Sparrow brought home. Chidia knew of the restlessness in the nest, but Sparrow was not told.
One day when Sparrow came home with a beak-ful of worms, Chidia was found alone in the nest. She seemed happy and proud, that her Chirpi and Chukoo flew away in to the sky on their own. More so, they have also found their own partners to live with and were collecting hays to build their own nests.
Sparrow was not very enthused and looked sad. He became worried for the chicks as he has never let them wander alone. He lost interest in worms. He did not flew out to get clothes. The rain did not thrill him any more to have a peck on the beak of Chidia. So much so,he wanted to leave his old nest which seems utterly empty to him.
Chidia was, however, at peace. She chirped in to the ears of Sparrow…. Chirpi and Chukoo are having new chicks in their nests. We should visit their nests and embrace the little ones.
Saparrow again straightened his wings. After all, every thing has not come to an end. He has got jobs to finish..
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A Priceless Award
Last week I posted my entry in the ‘Meaning of Independence’ contest called for by TERI. My entry was awarded 1st prize. Above all, it is more a matter of pride as the winning entry was personally handpicked by none other than Dr. R.K Pachauri, Director General of TERI.& the Chairman of the ‘Nobel winning’ IPCC. However, I register a note of regret for I had not turned up for receiving the prize. It is a loss. A loss I will be recalling for many years to come.
I was congratulated by many a friends. I also have mailed the piece for them. For others, it is once again given under in the format which I sent for the contest.
"What does being part of a sovereign democratic nation (whose independence and current form have come at a price) mean to you? What can you do to further the values associated with independence that we celebrate on this day?"
------------------------------
1. I feel great being a part of this sovereign democratic nation as the colours of India we see today are made with our own wisdom and labour. BUT………I recall my journey from Jamshedpur to Kharagpur. I saw a herd of my countrymen, lean and dark, scarcely clothed, board the train with loads of fire woods over their heads. The dead wood they collect from the jungles would be exchanged for a few rupees to buy two meals for the family. I weep inside, whenever I recollect what I saw then, for I could do little for these brethren of mine. Today’s Statesman reports that 77% of Indians live BPL. I urge our enlightened youth to be the ‘Adhar’ to lighten these ‘billion lives’ and be partners in filling their bellies and minds.
2. Given a chance, I’ll be back to village, plant trees, conserve water and contribute greening the environment. Here in Delhi, I pledge using less water and electricity and will say NO to plastic so that my grand children can enjoy the freedom and independence, my father fought and won, in its fullness.
--------------------
M.M. Mathew
LIC
Extn: 2751
I was congratulated by many a friends. I also have mailed the piece for them. For others, it is once again given under in the format which I sent for the contest.
"What does being part of a sovereign democratic nation (whose independence and current form have come at a price) mean to you? What can you do to further the values associated with independence that we celebrate on this day?"
------------------------------
1. I feel great being a part of this sovereign democratic nation as the colours of India we see today are made with our own wisdom and labour. BUT………I recall my journey from Jamshedpur to Kharagpur. I saw a herd of my countrymen, lean and dark, scarcely clothed, board the train with loads of fire woods over their heads. The dead wood they collect from the jungles would be exchanged for a few rupees to buy two meals for the family. I weep inside, whenever I recollect what I saw then, for I could do little for these brethren of mine. Today’s Statesman reports that 77% of Indians live BPL. I urge our enlightened youth to be the ‘Adhar’ to lighten these ‘billion lives’ and be partners in filling their bellies and minds.
2. Given a chance, I’ll be back to village, plant trees, conserve water and contribute greening the environment. Here in Delhi, I pledge using less water and electricity and will say NO to plastic so that my grand children can enjoy the freedom and independence, my father fought and won, in its fullness.
--------------------
M.M. Mathew
LIC
Extn: 2751
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