Maharastra Trip to Shirdi, Sani Signeshwar, Saptashrungi temple, Aurangabad

Started on 09/06/16

Murali had planned this trip, with the most possible details. After office, we boarded VSV bus from Hyderabad to Shirdi. It was a sleeper bus, and it was my first long sleeper bus journey. It was comfortable though A/C made it not so comfortable, but the drive was smooth and we had a better sleep. We reached Shirdi in the morning 8AM, and we went to Sai Ashramm Bhakta Nivasa. It was a very clean, majestic compound for the devotee lodging. Our booked room was available after 11AM, so we took bath in an adjacent bath room. And planned to visit Saptasrungeswari Temple. It was 140 KM from Shirdi. We booked a cab, and after having lunch in Ashram, we started off. The lunch prasad was very good. Simple food, but tasted yummy and hyginic. It costed Rs 10 for rice, Dal, two curries, chapati and roti - that too unlimited.

One thing was visible in this areas, the water scarcity.  Lots of tankers were visible on the roads. On the way to vani, we saw the parched regions, it appeared very dry and not much greenery, and after few km, we crossed Godavari. It looked like a small dried canal, with no water at all. Read a lot about marthwada region, and we witnessed this area. Later we were closing to Nashik, where we saw greenery, and lots of grape vineyards. Overall, the roads were good, except few stretches. After around 2 hours, we neared to those majestic hills and mountains. Our driver had shown us the temple hill. When we crossed Vani, it was cloudy, and the roads to the temple was very clean and wide. Adorned with greenery, it looked so beautiful. The car zipped through the mountain, and it was such a pleasant weather to accentuate the mood. Finally we reached at the valley, and the last stretch of Ghati road was yet to be driven.

We stopped for lunch, and then resumed out journey. It was not very steep, and with two hair-pins turns, one can get to the top. The views from the car got better and better, finally we reached on the top. It was not so clean on the hill top town . We parked the car, and could look the temple which was in the middle of of a sharp hill cliff. It was around 500 steps walk. There was a huge steep, and the temple was on the middle. It looked majestic. We visited the temple by walking those 500 steps, there was a good crowd, and people of all ages are thronging the divine place to seek blessings spotted as young as 4 months old to 70 years old lady. It took some effort reaching the top, and after a long wait, we had darsan. The moneys kept entertaining us through out. We went to a pond, and later to few scenic spots, from where we took few snaps. The view are astounding, it appeared as of Indian Grand Canyon without the Colorado. All three of us felt very young and had a very pleasant time with the cool breez taking away all our fatigue. Then we started off our back journey, and reached back at Sirdi around 9PM.

Few things to note, except BSNL, we didn't get any other mobile signal. And, throughout the drive, saw hundreds of bikers without helmets, with triple loads, and most driving like crazy as their last ride. I thought that it must be the divine blessings that keeps our roads safer.



Shirdi Day 2


We had a good sleep after a busy day. It was day break, and the light of the morning was alarmed us to wake up. We had one bathroom and one toilet. Considering the water scarcity in the region , we were considerate of it's smart usages. Then we found the knob of the flush was not working, later the staff briefed us that the flush water is recycled one. It was a good idea to use the bath room water to flush the toilet. Quick after bath, we started off for breakfast, and the counter had a long queue. The breakfast packet was Rs 5, again subsidized. As we had to go for darsan we took breakfast outside. We had both south Indian and north Indian options, we had paneer paratha. When we reached the gates of the temple it was around 9AM, and we had left all our belongings in room. We had just the wallet with us. After security check we were queued up on those darsan halls where it buffered up the devotees. There were enough fans and coolers, and security staff to guide. It was a long and slow moving, and finally after two hours wait, we reached the temple. They offered prasad packets for every visitor. The temple was simple yet elegant. As a first time visitor, I liked it. They didn't allow us to spend anytime there. We visited all other places of importance. We are done around 12.30PM. We thought to have prasad in the prasadalaya. We were told its nearby. As we didn't have our chappals, it was a painful walk on the cement or tar road under the peak midday sun. Literally it was burning, and we walked around 600mts to reach the main road. There are buses that take devotes to these places in between. Bit longer were the queues as thousands were there. We felt how luxurious to have any chapals, leave aside shoes.

We went to prasadalaya by a rickshaw. The real surprise lied there. In was amazed by the sheer size of it, and one place where thousands of people can eat at the same time. What a system that was. There were counters to purchase the tickets. But it was free that day. We got the tickets without much wait, and when we entered the hall, it was huge like a football stadium - literally and thousands of seats! It was such brilliantly organised, served to thousands in few minutes. We are done in 15 minutes, so were around hundreds of devotees. Just curious to see how they prepare food for thousands every day in and day out. It should be part of Limca book of world. After the lunch prasad we went to bhakta nivasa by auto. Later, we are all set to go to Shani Sighneswar temple. 


There were many travel agency and independent taxi and shared taxis, we boarded onto one that stood just outside the ashram, and it started after it was full. It was a pleasant drive, without AC, and the wind was at the full swing. Weather was just fine with shreds of cloud. It stopped in a place where it served the sugar cane juice. The entire stretch of the road was filled with such centers. 

Experience the big teacher

I browsed a friends facebook wall, it was filled with some information that promoted me to debate, as those sounded like propaganda. I know, people share those with good intension, but the root of it lies a well fabricated propaganda. But experience teaches to remain calm at times and reserve the energy for better things, unless arguing and jumping the gun is the only way to move ahead. The arguments cloud the mind, to push a view, but a calm mind analyses points from both ends and finds a balanced view. A balanced view can see bigger picture and where do things stand, unlike plucking few success stories and paint whole failures with it. At the same time, paint all success stories with few failures. But a balanced mind can see what goes where, and can understand the under lying realities. 

The "C" programming language

These days, when I interact with fresh Engineering graduates, most of time I get questions like which is better Java or .NET? Few questions on Android or iOS. But very few are curious to know about C. I am glad that nobody cares about assembly language, and except few cases, we never truely use assembly language.

What is the market for C? In the rapidly evolving world of programming, where new languages are coming and many more languages are seeing their eviction, where does C language stand. It's been there now for 45 years. Java, C# (.NET) are ruling on the web, however, still C/C++ is the best for system programming. Most of the embedded development is primarily centered around C/C++, though the UI or APP level of the software stack, is being used by higher levels languages like Java.  The other languages that is making a mark internationally is Python. It' used across different verticals. Though PERL's role in text processing is still supreme, Python has been sought after in different domains rather just a script language. It's evolving interest make it possibly the next big language in computer industry. However, in the current scheme of things, and the gadgets we deal with, the cars we drive, the flights we board, and behind the smartness of our worlds, programming in C still plays a vital role.

Here is an interesting chart published sometime back:

http://spectrum.ieee.org/computing/software/top-10-programming-languages

JNU Unrest

“Before I react to few of those posts on my FB wall or WhatsApp group, I wanted to understand the issue. I did some self-study based on publications and discussions in the national media (here are the pointers below). One conclusion I draw – this hype can have been contained in a smaller scale – the govt./country may have to pay a heavy price for the same. The greater issue lies in forcing an agenda in the university campus by ruling elite to counter the leftist ideology. I wish, our media could have given more time on the Make-In-India week, with debates and discussions rather JNU coverage. I hope, from this churning, some Amrit  may come to understand what is the true meaning of "nationalism". And, I would like to be a patriot, rather a nationalist. There is a huge difference between these two”.

P.S: I would like to add any argument or article on this topic to be more informed

In-depth analysis from the Hindu with historical context:

http://www.thehindu.com/specials/in-depth/jawaharlal-nehru-university-row-what-is-the-outrage-all-about/article8244872.ece?homepage=true&ref=relatedNews

A thematic article - being a student of JNU

http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/vikas-pathak-on-how-questions-debating-doubting-are-the-essence-of-university-life/article8257209.ece

Why can't you just trust a student group:

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/jnu-abvp-pakistan-slogans/

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/jnu-row-behind-govt-claim-a-fake-hafiz-saeed-tweet/

The speech before

http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/02/13/jnusu-kanhaiya-kumar-abvp_n_9225002.html?ncid=inblnkinhpmg00000004&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=outbrain&utm_campaign=huffpost_traffic

Shouldn't we check facts before making a statement?

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/alleging-me-for-jnu-protest-proof-of-how-indian-govt-fools-its-own-people-hafiz-saeed_1855704.html

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/jnu-row-behind-govt-claim-a-fake-hafiz-saeed-tweet/

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jnus-afzal-guru-event-had-support-from-let-chief-hafiz-saeed-rajnath-singh/article8237355.ece

Now what happened on that day from an insider's account:

http://scroll.in/article/803607/the-students-at-the-jnu-meet-on-afzal-guru-werent-carrying-guns-they-only-carried-ideas

Analysis from Hindu:

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/the-emperors-new-nationalism/article8258128.ece?homepage=true#comments

OP-Ed from JNU faculty:

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/why-our-universities-are-in-ferment/article8238512.ece

Collection of views of journalist of all the universities:

http://www.epw.in/journal/2016/8/web-exclusives/journalists-standwithjnu.html

http://www.epw.in/journal/2016/8/letters/stand-jnu-ii-not-sedition.html

NDTV debate on Nationalism - academic debate, and cultured one:

http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/prime-time/prime-time-why-politics-on-nationalism/404177?video-top-shows

Indian Express editorials:

http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/jnu-kanhaiya-kumar-two-tales-of-sedition/

http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/jnu-sedition-case-rss-aisf-kanhaiya-and-sujith/

TOI editorials:

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-editorials/stop-this-anarchy-repeated-violence-within-court-precincts-is-indefensible-enforce-rule-of-law/

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-editorials/junk-sedition-law-it-lends-itself-to-easy-abuse-as-is-evident-today-in-the-jnu-case/

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-editorials/over-the-top-by-pressing-sedition-charges-on-jnu-student-leader-government-stores-up-political-damage-to-itself/

Tribute to Atalji the way he handled Kashmir issue from a Congress Leader:

http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/mani-shankar-aiyar-column-atal-bihari-vajpayee/

Epw:

http://www.epw.in/journal/2016/7/web-exclusives/deconstructing-saffron-nationalism.html

http://www.epw.in/journal/2016/8/editorials/battle-joined.html

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/the-kashmir-imbroglio-thinking-the-unthinkable/article822141.ece

The counter argument on 2014:

http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/oped/too-serious-to-be-brushed-aside.html

The pioneer:

http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/edit/larger-destabilisation-plot-in-jnu-spectacle.html

http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/edit/violence-not-justified.html

http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/edit/jnu-issue-and-beyond.html

International reactions:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/chomsky-to-jnu-vc-why-did-you-allow-police-on-campus/article8264400.ece

HRD Minister's speech in parliament:

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/doctor-rejects-smriti-iranis-claim-says-rohith-was-dead-when-she-went-to-hostel/

The boiling point

It was first in HCU, and now in JNU. Our esteemed educational institutions are becoming the hot bed of political activities. I can't comment much on the political parties, the leaders or their policies of playing with dead bodies, and fomenting  an issue from a non-issue or one that can be contained locally. The recent activities and news, however, raises a question, why our premier educational institutions of higher learning are NOT apolitical, and the temple of learning are secluded and misused as political battle field. How can students, who pursue higher learning be engaged in political activities fostered by their external political masters? Should not the student elections, for instance, in colleges be stopped? If at all, there is a need of students in political science, to have practical exposure, should be provided internships in political parties, like professional students go to corporates. There should be debates in campuses on policy matters, current affairs, and enactment of mini parliamentary discussions, but solely to increase the efficacy of  a system to improve on the core competencies, oratory and other relevant skills (like for a political career). Let our students be rightly informed and take up real life challenges and problems, and engaged in solving the same.

Bihar election and dynastic politics

Mr. Nitish Kumar took oath as the Bihar CM today. After, a hectic, bitter and acerbic election campaign, Nitish had continued the rally for the third time. As per media reports, and expert opinions, Bihar has been on a development trajectory, though more needs to be done, and long way to go. Many Biharis and Indian may be happy or neutral over the CM post, however, many are disgust over the deputy CM post being awarded to Laloo's son. I would have liked the most experienced RJD leader taking up that post. If people are commenting against dynastic politics, it's rampant in every political party. BJP is not that far behind as well. However, in a democracy, a "leader" is elected, not a graduate or an expert. For the same reason, Ex-PM, the best possible "qualified" PM was mocked, as he lacked the leadership qualities. And, I hope, the new Dy CM of Bihar does justice to the people's verdict. As far as, Biharis go, I am sure they know what they are doing.

Few references:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_families_of_India

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-dynastic-politics-in-bjp-7-sons-and-daughters-of-the-now-ruling-party-1990241

 http://swaminomics.org/bihar%E2%80%99s-economic-miracle-real-but-fragile/

India First as a theme in our national policies

Here are some thoughts where "India First" is taking a dent in the current national policy scenario:

1. GST is supposed to be the game changer for Indian economy, but it's been blocked in Parliament for long. It was BJP who kept opposing, and now Congress. If its good for the country, why is it being delayed?

2. OROP , in principle both Congress and BJP agree on it's implementation, and our Jawans deserves it, and country needs them the most, why not a time bound solution. Agree, it could complex , but why then false promises?

3. Washing out of parliament sessions. BJP played its part in 2012/13, and now congress. Where is country first approach here? Is stopping parliament is the way ahead?

4. The pseudo fight in Delhi between LG and CM, and subsequently larger political games. National advertisement for state govt. Didn't understand how country's/state's progress is made by that, where other departments are crying for funds. "India Shining" was such a campaign in 2004.

5. No unique voice in the matter of national security and particularly policy with Pakistan. Watch any TV debate, the fault lines are clear. Should not there be consensus in the matter of internal security and policies? If country first is the approach for both national parties, why not all parties meet to conclude Indian stand on critical and strategic issues? Let there be a unique stand - Indian Stand.

6. Every Govt. Follows spoiler system for appointment into institute of national importance. Then it was Congress, and now BJP. Are they following the criteria of BEST choice for the political appointments? Censor board, FTTI and Delhi commission of women are a few that created furor. Is country first is the criteria here?

7. Land bill - why not political consensus on what good for the country, discuss on Parliament  rather push it through ordinance. Is the long term view of the policies are taken into account. I agree, its a complex issue and needs detailed deliberations to push economic agenda and safeguard the poor. But sure, if every party thinks country first, we will have a more agreeable one.

I stand corrected, and any suggestions or new instances may be added.

Tribute to Kalam

କାଲାମ କଲମେ କାଳଜୟୀ ଲେଖା
ଆନ୍ଦୋଳିଲା ଯୁବା ହୃଦୟ
ଅଗ୍ନୀର ଡେଣାରେ ଚେଇଁ ଉଠିଥିଲା
ଦେଶ ମାତୃକାର ଲୟ

କ୍ଷେପଣାସ୍ତ୍ର ଦିନେ ଗଢିଥିଲେ ଯିଏ
ନିଜ ଜ୍ଞାନ କଉଶଳେ
ଅଗ୍ନୀ ସଞ୍ଜୋଗିଲେ ଦେଶ ଚେତନାର
କୋଟି କୋଟି ଶିଶୁ ପ୍ରାଣେ

ଅନ୍ତିମ ଯାତ୍ରାର ସାରଥି ସେ ନିଜେ
କୋଟି ଚକ୍ଷୁ ଅଶୃ ବହେ
ଅମର ଆତ୍ମାର କାଳଜୟୀ ସନ୍ଦେଶ
ମର ଶରୀରେକି କାଲାମ ରହେ

RIP Kalam!

It's heartening to see what impact a simple man had in billion of hearts. I kept thinking, what's that so great. Is it his accomplishments, achievements, awards, or larger than life deeds. He was a great scientist, and I am sure there are many like him. He was a president, and there are more before and after. He was a Bharat Ratna, there are many other distinguished Indians. But, the striking features that stood him apart is his child like curiocity, simplicity, simplifying complex ideas and walking the talk. For me, more important part of that is post presidency. My respect for him increased many fold after he denied to contest for presidency second time, and continued what he loved, and was always there in news in some contribution or other. Possibly, its that karma, of doing things that he believed, and did till his last breath. His connections with children and he became one among them.

All I have now is an ocean of inspirations, and helping him in his dream of India as a developed nation. So long as I walk his words, so long as "I am Kalam", Kalam always lives on! 

Casading effects of goodness in Politics

The change in perception makes a big difference, which may not be quantified in the near future, but provides a great macro picture of a prominent change. The nature of politics before the IAC movement and post IAC moment, has certainly changed the political games. Though such impact is less visible in the rural landscape, it has a huge impact in urban areas.

Delhi as a case study: there has been a land slide change in the nature of campaign and innovation being pursued for canvasing. Further, the candidate selections. Entry of one good candidate into the opposition party brings enough change across different party lines that want a real fight. For instance, last election, BJP changed its chief ministerial candidate at the last moment bring a more cleaner persona. And this year, just before the election, when BJP feared of losing some good ground, compelled to bring another great candidate to counter the seemingly unstoppable leader.

Isn’t it a cascading effect of entry of good candidates into politics that we have better numbers of able leaders contesting the top spot – a change in the status-quo?

Kiran Bedi’s entry into politics – a welcome sign for Indian politics

Indian political scenario is getting warmer due to upcoming Delhi elections. Last week’s major media activities were revolved around Kiran Bedi’s entry into BJP, and the speculation of her possible candidature for CM post. I am glad, that Kiran Bedi joined politics, and her excellent track record generates hope that she may bring some positive  change into politics as well. Frankly, I am not surprised at her decision, given her public comments over last two years. Every Individual has the constitutional right to choose a political party of her choice, however, there are questions being raised of some U-turns see took and the time she had chosen to join into politics. It looks to be opportunistic. However, she will have enough time to dispel these speculations or perceptions, and proving her critics wrong.

I read an Article long back  by Ms. Bedi. In her application to Civil service examination, she mentioned “mankind” as her religion. That was a great stand she took at a young age. Given the saffron agenda being carried out in recent days, I will be curious to see her perspectives on such issues, and how can she bring that spirit and ethos to a political party gradually getting side tracked to make India a Hindu Rastra. I wish Ms Bedi, a great political career ahead, and keep inspiring the new age India towards a better tomorrow with her actions and virtue in her new career.

I wish, entries of such personalities improve our current political system, ridden with caste, religion, regionalism and favoritism. Let the visions, skills, actions and leadership qualities of the leader be judged before voting rather their caste or social position.

Remembering stalwarts of the history!

I am not a historian to analyze, and had I been one, I won't dare to put different leaders in a scale who shaped the country. I think it's difficult to put them in a scale, for there are so many different dimensions of their contributions. Be it Gandhi with his non-violence, or Bose with his azad-hing-fauz, my deepest gratitude to both of them, for they were genuine in one cause, and lived a life with a single goal - let alone their approaches be different. There are galaxy of leaders who played their role, whom we recognize, and read in history, and there were so many who are lost in the oblivion, without whose support and active sacrifice, we may not have such a life today.

Let's respect the fore fathers, for their intent, action, sacrifice and glory, no matter which ideology they belonged to. Let's be a constructive critic of their principles and philosophies if that did not help the nation, and lets' do better, with a genuine attempt to do better.

Badaun - Beyond the political rhetoric.

I did a news.google.in yesterday, and the first news was “Horrific rape and murder in UP/India”. It had more than 1000 articles published in all most all the online media across the globe. Every major news websites had an article on this topic. They highlighted “the regular” issues in India and how India failed to stop such horrific crimes. If you had watched any news channel in last couple of days, the shift was palpable. Every channel was showcasing the remote hamlets of India; those are deprived of basic human amenities. Helpless faces all around, and yet there were political rhetoric, and squabbling in every television debate. The UP government spokesperson simply said, accused are arrested and there will be speedy justice. UP Govt has done everything possible. The opposition said, chief minister was callous in his reply and attitude, and others reminded, it also happens even in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and other states, why the highlight is only on UP! But no one was ready to find and address the root cause except some activists.

Google any of these names “Badaun”, “Etawah”, “Azamgarh”, you will get enough material on internet, that should shame any self-conscious Indian. After that horrific incident in Delhi, once in a while, another horrific incidence happens, which scales up the gravity of inhumanity to such a height that arouses the mass consciousness, thousands come out on the streets, and the government wakes up from its deep slumber! The political blame game kicks up to another tune. And, like a gush of wind, it comes and goes, and the situation at ground just remains the same.

Beyond the issue of security alone, if one looks deeper, the problem lies elsewhere. It is not just a case of crime, but an issue of social justice, caste divided society, inequality of economic distribution, lack of basic facilities at remote rural areas, and socio-economic chaos. Take the case of Badaun; two teen aged girls went to the fields for open defecation after sun set, as their house lacked a bathroom. There are thousands of such villages across India, where this problem is acute. The women go either in the early morning or in the late evening, when men would not be around. And, the situation becomes grave during the rainy season. Any human development indicator in the world will rate these realities the lowest across the world. But it exists in India even after 67 years of the independence, and that’s our swaraj. Every major political party in India had ruled a state or the country, yet they don’t own any of these failures. They just pass the baton to others, and the justification they give - others also didn’t do anything.

Same applies to caste and religion divided society, where people do such crimes to teach a lesson to the other community. How many genuine political voices or governmental authority attempted to bring innovative solutions and implement in such rural areas where the situation is acute. Though lack of education can be one factor, but economic freedom and inequality of opportunities in rural India are other factors why it is shackled in a vicious cycle of social injustice and poverty. I have hardly read an inspiring story where a political leader has rose to the challenge and change the fortunes of the people of his constituency. Though once in a while, we read about few social activists or NGOs.

There may not be a magic wand or one magician, who comes and solves the problem. No doubt, it needs a strong political will and governmental support. A consistent effort beyond the political rhetoric and a sense of ownership and responsibility is needed to address these issues comprehensively. Such inclusive approaches may foster the country towards development rather based on the indicators like GDP growth alone. In addition, it must be supported by the social responsibility of every educated Indian, and non-governmental organizations that must play their role to improve the situations. In the hindsight, if I can question the political establishment and Government over their role for societal development, as a citizen, I am also responsible to certain extent. It is also my responsibility to contribute at a personal level. When I join others, these small contributions can grow to make our society better.

Competitive examination and Marathon

When I was in the examination hall, I was competing with myself. There were no one around me, unlike a hundred miters race, but I was competing with 2 hours of time, I was competing with what I learned in the last one year….after reading 1000s of pages, 100s of hours, days after days, and months after months. And, now it’s just a two hours ordeal that decides how much I had scaled…

I don’t see the lakhs of competitors then and there. It was all me, my pencil and a question paper. Every passing minute and every warning bell creates a flutter of nervousness, as there are still miles to go - few more pages in the question paper, and some numbers of question unanswered.

Unless, one scores all the questions, one doesn’t know if he topped, as the result takes time unlike a hundred meter race or a marathon. It becomes speculative, where one’s success is built upon others failure!

In a race or sports, at least everyone knows where they stand, and that never makes it easy to win though!

Marathons are equally painful, and now I don’t know which one is difficult!!!! Winning a marathon or topping a competitive exam J

An encounter with dichotomy of India and Bharat

It was yet another afternoon, when we started off on an office sponsored tour. It was lazy Hyderabad Friday afternoon, which saved us from the hectic traffic from Hi-tech city to Birla Planetarium. The occasion was to take Ashirvad (A bridge school) kids to the planetarium and the science museum. When we landed near the planetarium, we met around 150 kids, all lined up in lines. At the first glance, it was a reminiscence of past. Most of the kids were not-so-luck to get into a proper education or schooling. CHORD (an NGO) had set up this school, and QUALCOMM engaged in some volunteering activities with them.

During those 3-4 hours of interaction with the kids, it opened up few Pandora’s Box in my thought process. It’s not that I didn’t know about those realities, but again and again, facing them, and reminding of the present scenario, was an awakening from the temporary slumber under “India rising”. Among all these 7-14 year kids, few were bright. But many of them may not posses the standard of their schooling academic credentials. I had requested my colleague, who organized the quiz, to ask the kids to speak on any topic for a minute/half in English or Telugu, to win a prize. To my friend’s delight, who thought they mat not be able to, none of them could talk on Gandhi or any other topic. Also, some of the answers to “Who is the President of India” were “Jagan, Rosaiah, YSR etc.”

Same day, when we were returning, saw a bunch of affluent family members, guiding other kids, a similar purpose. Who might be studying in the “international schools” with A/C class room, and horse riding being a part of the syllabus. Nothing unfair indeed, however, it just brings the idea of Bharat and India!

The so called Bhart Vs India, might be a creation of the few journalist or intelligence (may be), yet they create a perceivable barrier, to read this line and create a whole set of pictures that depict them. As that TOI “Lead India” campaign once said, India was a resurgent force, and Bharat a laid back, half slept behemoth! And a poem from Gulzar, the great Hindi poet, rightly penned those perceptions.

I think all the progress we see is off course real, however, feel saddened, how far have we gone from the time, when Vivekananda once pronounced, “If millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold everymen a traitor, who has been educated by their own means, gives not heed to them”. After more than a century, from that moment, it feels, we had not proceed further!

These urban and middle class comments were there a century back, few decades back, and these will be there centuries later. But how can we change these, newly formed concept of Bharat and India – a ever significant question mark. Time may change, if I can take few classes, in my off hours for these kids, the gap may reduce if 100s of my friends do something else in their off hours, if our actions will speak for the sadness we feel, and more Bharatiya will abandon Indain-ness to serve Bharat, I hope, my next generation may see a better Bharat, and a more resurgent India!

An unequal India

Recently I read watched this video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrrwysWypJ8

I have been reading him for quite sometimes in The Hindu. For the first time, I got to hear a lecture from him today. He has been the crusader against the contemporary hypocrisy. He extensively writes about the rural India that often many forget, or glamorize in the name of “voluntary efforts”. For that matter, I believe, what he works is to bare the facts before the public. He has been critical of the contemporary journalism as well.

I feel ashamed, and resolute on a different dimension. I read once when I was in college, “if million live in hunger and ignorance, I hold everymen a traitor, who has been educated by their own means, gives not a heed to them”, by Swami Vivekananda. Today, I feel, I will be a traitor, if I don’t do my two cents towards it.

I deeply feel sad to read these figures, which otherwise never comes to the lime light under the “India Rising” slogan. India’s rank in global reports or lists:

Human Development Index – 119/169

Global Hunder Index – 67/84

TI - Global Corruption Index – 87/180

I too feel proud of our recent achievement, but a long way to go, before we feel satisfied. Recently I was travelling in a local train in Odissa  (DMU) to PURI from BERHAMPUR. I got into the train where there was no space to stand, forget getting a seat. I saw real India there (Off course it’s ubiquitous in India). There was a discussion going on corruption and politics, and finally someone has asserted “India’s current supremacy and how India is moving ahead China – India is the next super power”. I feel the sorry state of our information, as to compare with China with those numbers. The miss-information for self assigned brouhaha!

And, over all these criticality, I don’t have a solution. Neither did read or heard of one magic formula. But yes, it’s been said, “I must be the change that I want to see around” – I believe and trying to follow it in action to propagate the same.

On Communication skills...

It’s no surprise when many people talk of communication skills, especially when you are in college or in the Job. The placement cell of many college would be eager to indulge in training for its students. English, being the virtual universal language, demands such respect. To learn proper English has become a basic requirement today. Not only because it’s the flood gate of getting a good job and a better life, but to open up to the deluge of ideas and thoughts. However, I am certain that it’s NOT the only condition for the same.

Understanding the essence of communication.

I do understand, there are many pressure to learn English, and for many vernacular background student, English has been a nightmare. Sometimes, it’s because of the outward pressure, and sometimes it’s a fear created by the predecessors. People can learn Sanskrit, and even talk in Sanskrit, but when it comes to English, they just falter. It’s NOT because they can’t or incapability of their language skills but the inherent fear – it’s more of the psychological denial. When one understands that it’s just a medium to communicate one’s ideas, thoughts, and feelings, it becomes easier. When the big world of grammar is nothing but a set of largely accepted rules, to make the language simpler, so that there is no problem in common understanding or minimizing otherwise unending complexity.

Why we need to understand and follow good grammar of a language? One technical example may help. We have so many different phones today. Every manufacturer is free to have their own design, layout, and user interface. But when we send an SMS, they can NOT be one brand specific. As they can be sent to any device that supports SMS, so there has to be some standard that everyone understands, that’s why we have 3GPP and ITU standards for telecommunication. If you are familiar to computer programming, ANSI C is a standard to write and run C program in all different computers and operating systems - which is someway similar to English grammar.

My lessons in understanding the importance of communications

I have heard and read all the theoretical aspects, and I tried my best to learn and improve my English, and I do pursue the same even now. But when I was in college it was more of learning curve. Though I understood its importance, it was like a theoretical one. Because what you need mostly is Odiya, to communicate in Odissa. But once you are out of native state, you have to learn a new language. Initially, when I talked to people from South and North India, they have a different ascent, and  sometimes, few words would not be understood, that’s where the importance of learning the “right” pronunciation comes into play. And, when I started working with people from different regions of the world, it became more difficult. I had to talk to people from China, Japan, Europe, and US (Afro-American ascent is more difficult to understand) for different project requirements or working together for some project. There I had to try my best to understand their ascent, and I had to be more careful of my ascent. Then I felt, there is no universal standard of English pronunciations, however, one should learn the way so that majority can understand. It’s NOT as difficult as people think. It comes over practice. And, no matter how much you learn, one can’t be error free. I have seen it even from “so called perfect elite”. So one should never be afraid of making mistakes. Yes, committing them again and again is, of course, a crime, and learning from the mistakes is a gain.

Communication skill is not just limited to English!

At times I was ashamed of my ascents, but today I am not. Because, that’s my identity. As long as, what I speak is understood to quite many people from different regions of the world, I don’t need to change my ascent to US or British! I can be what I am, and improve over learning the “right” or “majority” way of speaking or pronouncing the words.

One more thing - learning good English never demands to forget the existing one. Learning good English or speaking good English never demands the sacrifice of “no learning” of a native language. They can be cultivated simultaneously. It is true that English language is a flood gate to ocean of knowledge. If I compare English to languages like Hindi or Odiya, they are not far behind. The beauty of every language has their own identities. The literature of every language is a mine of information of its lineage, history and often the cornerstone identity of a human race. Every language is a precious resource of humanity. And, good communication skill is NOT limited in just writing and speaking good English, as it is often interpreted  - for it has a vast  meaning. By understanding the essence, following the guidelines and continuous practice, it can be mastered. It takes time, but with some effort it surely can be achieved.