Monday, October 30, 2006

Finally justice arrives - tragedy to triumph

The justice arrives to Mr Chaman Lal Mattoo...Kudos to him, her friends and supporters, media and the High court for leading Santosh Singh to what he deserved ie to be hanged till death.
Hats off to the judges!!!
And caution Santosh's brother and friends to behave themselves or else, they may be behind bars fighting for a person (Santosh) who is already on his way to hell.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Too much politics, lets see what’s with Bollywood these days?

We all know that India and its sentiments run high on cricket and movies. Cricket…well….hmm…I don’t want to talk much about the “too talked and too hyped game”….but yes our Bollywood is showing very positive trends these days on lines of the kind of professionalism that Hollywood boasts of.
The Indian public is crazy for its stars (need I mention the that our south Indian friends worship their stars)..well we north Indians are no way behind, we are also very good in tearing off the shirts of the people we love (read stars!!) – I am referring to the famous “shirt tearing” incidence with our young lass Hritik roshan.
Talking of him, it gets me back to the much required professionalism in this “oh so berserk and cluttered” industry. The tusi great ho and the balle balle pot bellied Punjabi producers are making way to the pin striped executives of the companies like Fame ad labs, Birlas and the financial partners to the likes of IDBI. Corporate money is finally finding its way to the movies and giving way to the deals in staggering amount. Yes your guess is current I am referring to the oh so talked about 33 crores deal that HR has signed with ad labs for 3 movies, under which he is free to select his entire unit of the movie, much in line with the Hollywood. Akshay kumar has signed a 16 cr deal with the company for 4 films (never mind, life is un-fair, some one gets more some one gets less). Director Vipul shah signed a 210 cr deal with adlabs to direct 8 fils and television programmes. Since 40% of the total revenue of the movie comes from the urban multiplexes this justifies the big budgets spent on the marketing of the film. If you have studies kotler’s marketing book (inspite dating with your GF in your MBA days), you may realize that all 3C and 4Ps can be applied to the industry called “BOLLYWOOD”.
The new breed of producers are very clear about their target audience, their marketing tactics (the marketing budgets has increased by 70% over the last couple of years), packaging of the product (read movies). Movies these days are never targeted or expected to run for months together (unlike in past), but the producers believe in extracting every single penny in that short period of a month or two when the movies are screened.
So next time when you go to watch a movie, see it carefully, you actually be able to understand the new changing trends more clearly.
Happy viewing!!!

Our new defence minister Pranab Mukherjee

Look out for this space in the evening

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Political and influential links in “rapes” of judicial system in India

Priyadarshini and Jessica are just names; these names have highlighted (again) the stinking Indian judicial system that India has. Ignoring the delay, better late than never, I want to congratulate High court for re-instilling the faith in the judicial system in India. However, this doesn’t mean they should be content and can rest on their laurels. Oct 17th will be written in the history of Justice in India in golden words laced with silver lining. Santosh Singh who raped and killed Priyadarshini in her VK flat in Delhi was convicted by high court. If court convicted Santosh Singh, we don’t need to give all the credit to police. He deserved it and he got it, yes we are thankful to Police and court to bring Mattoo’s case to a meaningful and right conclusion. But a bigger credit goes to Media and the Indian public, who for a change did not remain mum on such issues of national importance.
However, Jessica’s case was closed and reopened on account of media and public hue and cry. Jessica Lall a model in New Delhi was working as a celebrity barmaid at a socialite party when she was shot dead on April 29, 1999. Dozens of witnesses pointed to Siddharth Vashisht alias Manu Sharma, the son of Vinod Sharma, a powerful Congress politician in Haryana, as the murderer. Due to inadequacies in the investigation and an overall shoddy prosecution, Manu Sharma and a number of others were all acquitted by Judge S. L. Bhayana on February 21, 2006.
Referring to Mattoo’s case then should the Lall’s family presume that justice to their beloved family member will come around 2009?
In cases of both Jessica Lall and Priyadarshini Mattoo, the justice was twisted at the instance of high profile and politically connected accused.
The common link in both cases and which lead to delay of justice is the high profile connection.
In case of Jessica, Manu’s father is a senior politician and in September 2006, a TV program on Star News highlighted a Tehelka sting operation which showed how the witnesses were bribed and forced into retracting their initial statement. Vinod Sharma was named in the expose as paying millions of rupees to some of the witnesses. Facing pressure from the central Congress leaders (in view of forthcoming elections in the neighbouring state of Punjab), Vinod Sharma resigned from the Haryana cabinet on October 6, 2006.
However, now my question other than about Jessica lall’s murder, is where did Vinod Sharma get “million of rupees” to bribe. Don’t you think a CBI enquiry is required to solve this case (Case part 2: Jessica Lall’s murder case)??
Capital punishment is the correct judgment and the right end for people like santosh singh and manu sharma.
Their political links can keep them saved for some time from the hands of faith and trust but cannot save them for the rest of their lives.
Hope this makes their “influential” contacts also very clear that they cannot take the courts and the Indian public for a ride.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Pamukkale...Turkish wonder

Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site and attraction in south-western Turkey in the Denizli Province. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white "castle" which is in total about 2700 meters long and 160m high. It can be seen from a great distance, eg. when driving down the hills on the opposite side of the valley to the town of Denizli, which is 20 km away. Pamukkale is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region, in the Maeander River valley, which enjoys a temperate climate over the greater part of the year.
The tectonic movements that took place in the fault depression of the Menderes river basin did not only cause frequent earthquakes, but also gave rise to the emergence of a number of very hot springs, and it is the water from one of these springs, with its large mineral content, chalk in particular, that created Pamukkale. Apart of some radioactive material, the water contains large amounts of hydrogen carbonate and calcium, which leads to the precipitation of calcium carbonate. The effect of this natural phenomenon leaves thick white layers of limestone and travertine cascading down the mountain slope, making the area look like a fortress of cotton or a frozen waterfall.
Unfortunately, the place was abused for decades in the late 20th century, as hotels were built on top of the site, destroying parts of the remains of Hierapolis. The hot water was taken to fill the hotel pools, and the waste water was even spilled over the monument itself which turned brownish. In addition, a tarmac road ramp was built right into the main part. People walked around with shoes, washed themselves with soap and shampoo in the pools, and even rode bikes and motorbikes up and down the slopes.
After the UNESCO turned its attention to Pamukkale, and the site was dramatically losing its attraction, the officials finally acted. The hotels were demolished, and the road ramp was covered with artificial pools which nowadays are, unlike the most other parts, accessible to bare-footed tourists. Even tadpoles can be found in there. A small trench was carved along the outside of the ramp, to collecting the water and prevent it from spilling the "wrong" places. These brownish parts are left to be bleached by the sun first, without being covered by water, as this would worsen the problem. Many pools are thus empty. Others parts are covered with water for an hour or two according to a schedule which is on display on top of the hill.

In the nuclear world no one is strong….everyone’s weak and prone

Yesterday, N Korea became the 8th country in the world to conduct the nuclear test. Now the standard operating procedure will be followed of applying sanctions against Pyongyang. But isn’t the country already in a bad condition? US and Europe will be the first to enforce sanctions but the neighbouring countries will rather be more careful than be sorry. Due to sanctions, the living conditions will deteriorate further. China and South Korea will be badly hit due to huge flow of refugees.
Encouraged by the North Korean Nuke test Iran would like to go nuclear. This can have negative impact on the passage of India-US Nuke bill by congress. There are two schools of thought; the one against the bill argues that the passage will encourage Iran. As per IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) there are 40 countries which have the technical abilities to go nuclear. So Pyongyang’s nuclear test may show a chain reaction by Tokyo and Seoul following suit. With Iran attempting, Egypt and Saudi Arabia will follow the example. All in all this is not a good incidence in the history of Non Proliferation Treaty.
But people (read countries) who are policing the other countries against the nuclear test and armaments must evaluate their own position. Just a few days back Britain’s PM Tony Blair announced that he plans to replace the ageing Trident nuclear weapons system, and today he comments that NK’s first nuclear test is an “irresponsible act” and should be prepared for “repercussions”. Height of blatant hypocrisy.

Now let’s debate what N Korea did was wrong or right. To start with, is it good news for Koreans? To some extent no. While people in NK continue to starve. Government is spending more on something that will not quench the thirst and contain hunger of its people. Hence, it’s not been fair on part of the government to ignore the basic needs of its citizens. At the same time, safety and the security of nation is also very important. But the catch is that the Government must understand “with great powers come great responsibilities”. With most of its neighbours now nuclear or plan to be nuclear, I would say NK took a smart decision. But what most people do not understand or may be understand and ignore, if this time world has a war, human race will be washed off the face of Planet Earth. There will be no one to account for who is the police and who the culprit. Every one will be the victim!

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Some more construction to improve the infrastructure or……..think about it.

Oh yes I realized someone important is gracing this city again by its presence. And how did I come to know? While coming from Vikhroli to Powai, I have to go through the thin curvaceous, beautified by potholes, top of a little mole hill road. Simplex, BMC, MSRDC and MUTP has made sure that people who pass that road every day in the morning from 8-10AM and evening 5-9PM remember them religiously (read curse). “Oh Priyanka control your emotions”. Anyways, the traffic police and the state police were present in abundance to control the maddening traffic (Did you know it takes half an hour to cover that patch of 1KM in front of IIT Powai).

This is Dr. Manmohan Singh’s 7th visit since he took up the post of PM. This gives me immense happiness and feeling of pride that our beloved Mumbai holds such important position in his list of things. He launched Rs 11,446 cr Mumbai-Delhi Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project at Parel, the single biggest project being taken up by the railways after independence.Dr. Singh’s dedicated speech to United Progressive Alliance commitment to strengthen Mumbai's infrastructure is rather appreciating!

Dr. Singh where do we doubt your sincerity towards developing the infrastructure of Mumbai, but the real problem is not the initiation of projects in space hungry city like Mumbai but the COMPLETION OF THE PROJECTS. But history is evident to the shabby way of working of the state authorities. By the time something like this gets completed a decade is gone by and poor citizens of the city have faced the full brunt. What I am saying is that “Inconvenience caused is regretted” but nothing is done to reduce the inconvenience. “Men are at work” and hence it’s important to “Be careful” but there is always a right way of doing the things right without troubling the citizens.

Mumbaikers are equally responsible for their current condition. We quietly suffer and accept it the way of life. Development is happening every where in all the countries, but the way Indians suffer is unique. We accept that if a road is re-constructed or a bridge is under construction, we have to follow the ritual of going through the rubble, the stones, potholes, resulting in jams. And this has become part of our lives.

Hence, Mumbaikers join me in pleading to the state and central government to speed up such projects. Just initiating a project does not add another feather to their cap (Read another issue for campaigning and promoting themselves during elections) but completion is equally important.
Most importantly completing it the proper way by being a little sensitive to the basic needs of the people.


Jaago before its too late!!

Destroyers of democracy are pleading for mercy - from whom? No one else but democracy itself..

Isn’t the world very small? You come to face what you have done in this lifetime itself. Wife of Mohammad Afzal Guru, who tried to attack our parliament house – The epitome of democracy, is asking for clemency.
I want to ask her, where was she when her husband was planning attack on Parliament? Why didn’t she approach The President of India at that point in time to apprise him of what’s happening in her house and neighborhood?
I have nothing against our Kashmiri brother and sisters; they are as much part of India as any Punjabi or malyali. But my belief gets shaken time and again by incidents like these.
Has anyone thought why terrorism was wiped off the face of Punjab but the same could not be achieved in Kashmir. Due to the deeds of some Muslims the entire Muslim community is suffering today. Our innocent Muslim brothers who love India as their own country and motherland suffer because of such few Muslims who have decayed this system.
Tabassum Afzal, has no shame left asking for clemency for her husband. Lashing out at media and system. If she thinks that Kashimiris are surrounded by “Hatred filled atmosphere” it’s a byproduct of what people like her husband have been doing over the number of years and will do over the years to come. And who suffers? Every one. Humanity. Democracy. Country.
I remember there was once upon a time, when any Sikh was looked upon as a terrorist, but now Sikhs are the most developed and well to do caste. They have risen above the situation. These are people who respected democracy and the country much above any relation.

Tabassum, through this medium I want to ask you, tell me isn’t what you are doing against the interest of the nation? Don’t you think even for a fraction of second what your husband did was wrong? Or do you think attacking the Parliament is no big deal?
His wife says that the system is punishing the conspirator and the terrorist is still free. This is not a valid reason for freeing Md Afzal. He is a culprit and should be punished for the crime.

Today you are standing in front of our President and begging for justice. If god forbid, Md Afzal was successful in doing what he came to do, then what would have happened? I shudder even at the thought of the consequences.


Mr. President, I appreciate you are giving time and respect to the lady but the entire nation is looking up to you and your decision will recreate our faith in democracy. But people like Md Afzal should be hanged till death to set an example for all those who are even thinking of doing something closer to this.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Section 49-O of the Constitution

Did you know that there is a system in our constitution, as per the 1969 act, in section "49-O" that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked and convey the presiding election officer that he doesn't want to vote anyone!

Yes such a feature is available, but obviously these seemingly notorious leaders have never disclosed it. This is called "49-O".

Why should you go and say "I VOTE NOBODY"... because, in a ward, if a candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that particular ward has received "49-O" votes more than 123, then that polling will be cancelled and will have to be re-polled. Not only that, but the Candidature of the contestants will be removed and they cannot contest the re-polling, since people had already expressed their decision on them.

This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This would change the way, of our whole political system... it is seemingly surprising why the election commission has not revealed such a feature to the public....

My friends and partners in "Equality for youth" spread this news to as many as you know... This is a wonderful weapon against corrupt parties in India... show your power, expressing your desire not to vote for anybody, is even more powerful than voting... so don't miss your chance.
So either vote, or vote not to vote (vote 49-O) and pass this information...
Use your voting right for a better INDIA.

President Bush fails to garner support for Iraq war

President Bush has been unable to reassure Americans about the war in Iraq, with nearly 60 percent of those surveyed in a new state wide poll saying his administration has "deliberately misled" the public about theprogress of the war. Despite a recent speaking tour aimed at bolstering support for the conflict, only 32 percent told pollsters they approve of Bush's management of the war. And support for the war itself slipped to 38 percent, down from 40percent, last week.
But do you think Bush has any right to decide whether he should or should not bomb any country let alone Iraq? What about Pakistan? China? Afghanistan? All are silently supporting the war on terrorism?
If Bush gets evidence against any of these 3 countries, will it start a war against them? What about India? In the middle of the stage surrounded by its helful neighbours..what will be India's condition and response? Are the politician's sleeping? Is any one listening? Its time we woke up to the reality and fight against terror.