Mearl Colaco

C'mon Brand India, why can't we take a joke?

2012-02-02T19:09:00.000+05:30

Popular TV show host, Jeremy Clarkson, well known for his role on the BBC TV show, Top Gear, left India fuming at his jokes, when he chided India for its scarce public toilet facilities. So hard did India react, that government officials filed a legal case against the television anchor for making an offending remark that supposedly hurt people’s sentiments. Leaving all crucial developmental work at hand, government officials approached the court for legal intervention and also demanded an apology from the anchor for making that unpalatable racist remark. Only if our officials had used the same energy to improve sanitary conditions in India and focussed on issues that are worth debating, a remark like this would have never been made in the first place.

Recently, the Government sued another prominent American television Anchor, Jay Leno, for portraying the holy shrine of the Sikhs, The Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), as Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney’s vacation home. My question is, was this gag by Jay Leno offensive at all? In fact Jay Leno’s remark was a joke at the $250 million worth Mitt Romney, and it should be Mitt waging a war against Jay Leno, not India. And why are we taking these remarks so close to the heart. Just like India’s Constitution gives each one of us the freedom of speech and expression, America and the United Kingdom enjoy uniform Constitutional freedom. Why would a country which permits people to freely criticize their President left-right-and-centre, be any different to the rest of the world? In fact, in matters of freedom of speech, America walks the talk in the true sense. The freedom of speech and expression is fearlessly exercised by the people of the country, and as long as it does not threaten the national security of the country, public order, and morality, nobody really has the right to criminalise you in a democratic country.

Moreover, as made out to be, it is not the common man in India who is concerned or offended with remarks by these so-called eminent foreign celebrities. About 70% of India’s population is so busy making ends meet – both economically and socially - that they have no time to analyse what the rest of the world says or thinks about them. Rather, people who show deep disappointment and come knocking at the government’s door are Indians living overseas. Maybe the fear of being treated as outcast is what creates the anxiety. Additionally, extremists groups and fundamentalist in India wait for a chance to create brouhaha in the country, using occasions like these to get more visibility.

The recent Jaipur Literary Festival (JLF), the largest literary festival in Asia-Pacific, and the most prestigious celebration of national and international literature, banned eminent award winning author Salman Rushdie from attending this festival. One of Rushdie’s controversial books, The Satanic Verses, may have faced a ban in India since 1988, but that doesn’t allow authorities to prevent Salman from participating in events held in India. Ban the book, not the man! Protests outside the venue to stop Rushdie from visiting the fest or speaking through a video-conference is no reason for the oragnisers to cancel appointments with Salman Rushdie. In fact, looking at the fiasco at the JLF, the government should have intervened and taken control of the law and order situation, assuring the organisers of a safe and smooth program.

C’mon India, let’s not sit down grumpy and take things so seriously. Let’s learn to laugh at ourselves. And if there is someone poking a (not-so-funny) critical joke at us, we need to work towards that issue and try to resolve it. Of course, we might be battered with uncouth critics trying their best to pull us down. But who cares. Believe me it’s really-really tough to earn jealousy. So why waste our time trying to tape people’s mouth shut then.
Post script
As I’m writing, the Supreme Court of India ordered cancellations of 122 telecom licences in view of the corruption case against Telecom Minister, A. Raja, in the 2G spectrum legal inquiry. Well this has certainly left India no face to show in the global Telecom market. The verdict proclaiming the government responsible for corruption has stirred in the international market like fire. So much so that, a friend working in a telecom company overseas texted asking me what's really happening in India. So if tomorrow, someone somewhere mocks to highlight the corruption menace in India, we surely can't sue the person for poking fun at us right? Rather, we need to work on this issue of corruption, and try to resolve it before we the self-proclaimed largest democratic styled nation gets lost in the wilderness.

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Did just another Marathon!

2012-01-18T18:31:00.002+05:30

At the start of the run

After two successful Half Marathons in two consecutive years (2011 and 2012), I’m just wondering whether I can now officially call myself a Marathoner. But then…aah…I don’t really think so yet. Perhaps the day I don’t complain of swelling, muscle pain, and difficulty in walking up and down the stairs after the run, will be the day when I can give myself that official status. Until then, I’m just an amateur runner.

The 9th edition of the 2012 International Mumbai Marathon got even bigger. Over 3,500 runners participated in the Full Marathon (42km), 11000 participated in the Half Marathon (21km) and over 22000 registered for the Dream run (6km) this year, making it the biggest blockbuster event ever. Personally, the pressure built up on me was even more, since I had set a benchmark of either repeating my last year run-time or at least do better than that. Whatever it is, I just wanted to complete the Half Marathon within the cutoff time as per the international standard. And thank God I did it this time as well. Of course, I was not alone. My group of 8 sporting running enthusiasts put our best foot forward and made this run a memorable one. So much was the excitement and on-top-of-the-world feeling that we're all set to take on the 2013 Marathon with an even bigger bang.

Nevertheless running is not about timing, it is more about will power and endurance. Runners who completed their Marathon stretch within the international marathon standards surely need a pat on their back. But the ones who continued their journey even after they crossed the time limit are no less. The never-say-die spirit is something that we need to learn from the ones who strived to reach the end point even after realizing that they had crossed the time limit. I perhaps would have taken a cab home if I had crossed my time limit. Finally, if you run, you are a winner!

As every year, the crowd was amazing even this year. There was not a single meter on the entire Half Marathon stretch that I felt I was alone. Along with runners, there were so many people standing on both sides of the running tracks cheering us all along the way. And how, I can’t forget this guy who came from nowhere to offer me his share of oranges, when he saw oranges slip from my hand during the run. Big hugs to the people of Mumbai who went all out to cheer runners, offering us biscuits, energy drinks, water, and one septuagenarian even serving lemon juice to runners. What more could anyone ask for huh? Even more, large musical stage shows put up by The Indian Navy, Maharashtrian folk dancers, Disk Jockeys kept runners charged up right till the end.

At the end of the run

The senior citizens' run was the cutest of them all. Loved to see the young at heart give in their best shot. Perhaps if I was in the selection committee, I would request many of our senior citizens to do the full Marathon, because some of them were really good. Additionally, there was a special wheelchair event organised for those physically challenged. All in all, the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon was inclusive, catering to the needs and wants of everyone in the community.

This year, the Mumbai Marathon churned out a whopping 12.2 crores in the form of charity. Indeed, it is one of the biggest fund raising events gaining immense popularity in India. As an individual, it certainly feels really-really good to be a part of this maximum event held in a maximum city (Mumbai) in which ‘Charity’ is the heart of it.

See you folks then in 2013!

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Censoring the Internet to protect my bosses

2011-12-11T17:59:00.000+05:30

We all love Chinese food, don’t we? But that doesn’t mean, like the Chinese in China, we will forgo our freedom of speech and expression because the government of the world’s largest democracies, wants to control what we say and how we say it. It’s just impossible to believe that the man, who promoted and rolled out the landmark decree of giving every child their fundamental right to education, has proposed to control and monitor the fundamental right of speech and expression of the people. Despotic, I must say! But then, one can’t blame Kapil Sibal alone for this reckless proposal. He is only a messenger carrying the dictatorial message from his high command, which believes that censoring free content is the only way to silence people from public debate and criticism.

Citing reasons for his dictatorial verdict, Communication and IT Minister, Kapil Sibal defended his stand saying that he wants to put down guidelines to monitor content on social media platforms and remove ‘objectionable’ content from it. Now how does Kapil Sibal define objectionable content? Each individual has his/ her perspective of looking at things. What is objectionable for one, not necessarily is objectionable for the other. No doubt pornography is objectionable and should never be made legal in India, but expressing oneself cannot be measured with the same yardstick. It is our constitutional right for God sake.

To prove his point to social media giants like Facebook, Google, Twitter, and others, Kapil Sibal evidenced offensive photoshoped images and content of his bosses floating on the Internet. Well, big deal! Tomorrow if my pictures are offensively photoshoped by XYZ, will Kapil Sibal and his team of like-minded tyrants propose to pre-screen internet content then? And even if the pictures and content are malicious and objectionable, the Constitution of India under Act 19(2) allows individuals to invoke their right of Defamation. Why can’t Kapil Sibal’s bosses as responsible individuals exercise their right of defamation and sue people maligning their name on the internet. Nobody stops them from doing that!

Censoring the communication platform itself is an unconstitutional way to silence people. Rather, government needs to take lessons from the content being generated, and subsequently devise corrective and preventive actions to correct their administrative failure, which only gets worse every single passing day. Today the government has proposed to censor and pre-screen internet content...tomorrow Kapil Sibal may decide to ban shoes, because shoes are thrown at politicians to express anger and frustration. And then, our hands will be chopped to prevent Sharad Pawar slapgate like incident from reoccurring. Grow up my government servants. When an organ in a human body is diseased, the doctor operates upon that organ or gets rid of it...the practitioner does not put the patient to death.

Recently, even United Colors of Benetton’s new worldwide communication campaign had pictures of US President Obama and Chinese Prime Minister Wen photoshoped to lip-lock. The unhate campaigns are still displayed on the internet and have not faced the axe of censorship. Wonder when are we going to learn? The government of India needs to stop wasting its time throwing stones at every dog that barks.

The United Nations has strongly condemned Kapil Sibal’s proposal to pre-screen internet content and has said that, no one can take away people’s rights unless they allow them to. Just hope Kapil Sibal and his bosses have heard this message from the United Nations loud and clear. People must learn to protest loudly and stop taking it lying down. We can’t afford to allow history repeat itself. We cannot afford another Emergency like situation in India, similar to the one Madam Indira Gandhi imposed for two long years during her regime.

Post script:
Going by the internet censorship diktat proposed by Kapil Sibal, our tweets/ messages will first have to pass through pre-screening government filters before it is published on micro-blogging sites. And looking at the bureaucratic process that the government already has in place, even non-objectionable messages will enter the non-prohibited side of the filter only after the message has long lost its essence and timeliness. Phew! God save us!

Insha’Allah (God willing)

2011-10-06T18:33:00.000+05:30

It was a Eureka movement for women not only in Saudi Arabia but women all over the world when Saudi King Abdullah declared that women in the Middle Eastern country will have the right to vote in municipal elections. Not only that, Saudi women will also be allowed to run in future municipal elections, and will be appointed as full members to the Kingdom's Shura Council, which is the King’s advisory board.

A pat on the back of King Abdullah who stunned the ultraconservative nation with a daring reform like this, that nobody ever expected for decades to come. Wish that, along with the right to vote, run for local office, and representation at the Advisory board, King Abdullah would also remove the ban imposed on women driving their vehicle. Recently the world was outraged when a Saudi court sentenced 10 lashes for a woman found driving her car. Well the King pitched in to overturn the courts order, but for how long can this go on? Hopefully with the recruitment of women in the Kings advisory board, this law would soon be scrapped, and women will be free from the bondage of being dependent on their drivers or male counterparts.

Reigning since year 2005, it must be really difficult for King Abdullah to make revolutionary reforms like this without upsetting conservative hardliners who oppose reform of any kind...sometimes even making women scapegoats of their prejudice. But this surely is a step forward in the right direction. In the rest of the world where women not only drive, but are also employed as drivers by car rental and public transport organisations, it is really difficult to assimilate this discrimination. Women make a huge contribution to society and it is women who can take up issues and causes concerning their lives and communities. The whole world welcomes King Abdullah’s decision of giving women the rights they deserve. But hope this decision last not only in King Abdullah’s supremacy but also for generations to come.

Since we are on the page of reviewing progress and development of women in different countries across the globe, it is very encouraging to know, how Australia has opened up their armed forces for women in combat roles. Australia joins Israel, Canada and New Zealand with this strategic move.

Even recently, the Indian army has broken this barrier by including the first woman in combat role. Although women have been a part of the Indian armed forces for a long time now, they are kept out from combative functions, being primarily recruited as officers in non-combat units. But recently 35yr old and mother of two, Sapper Shanti Tigga hit a sixer by outperforming her male colleagues displaying better fitness levels, better run timing, and better firing skills. The Indian armed forces couldn’t resists but recruit her in a combative role that Shanti was enthusiastic to join. With her dream of joining the armed forces coming true, Shanti credibly also won the title of being the first Indian woman recruit in a combative role.

With this credit in her name, Shanti has made the defence forces – army, navy, air force – to stand up and take notice of spirited and courageous women who believe in themselves and are yearning to join the defence forces on their own stem and strength.

Insha’Allah (God willing) that will also be thrown up to her very soon.

Post script:
Talking about women walking shoulder to shoulder with men in all walks of life, I don’t really think India should complain...because we can boast about so many women at the helm governing and making important administrative decisions for this country. Starting with Congress President, Sonia Gandhi and President of India, Pratibha Patil, to the Chief Ministers of four states – Jayalalitha, Sheila Dixit, Mamata Banerjee and Mayawati, among others.

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A rare faceoff

2011-09-16T20:03:00.000+05:30

Although Julian Assange is famed for his timely and startling revelations of secretive cables exposing dishonest and unlawful acts perpetrated by nations across the globe...this mysterious stern looking man strangely also has a funny streak to him. In the midst of business as usual, Assange’s recently released US diplomatic cables on the Wikileaks website, makes one such revelation that the Chief Minister (CM) of Uttar Pradesh State in India, Mayawati, had sent an empty jet to Mumbai to pick her favorite pair of shoes.

Undoubtedly there is no strong evidence to anything that Julian Assange reveals. On the face of it, the world denies to believe them calling it fake and all cooked up stories. But deep down, we still tend to pay heed to these cables. The Mayawati cables published recently put the entire nation in shame except for Mayawati herself who retorted back abusing Assange to the hilt. Nevertheless, Mayawati’s political rivals obviously exploited this situation to gain political mileage.

How can the CM of a State splurge taxpayer’s hard earned money for her personal use…that too for a mere pair of shoes. Even if those shoes were embellished with gold and diamonds and worth more than the price of the jet plane, isn’t that a real shameful thing to do.

A person very well known for her antics, Mayawati has committed many a similar blunders in her career span as CM. From spending crores of Indian rupees for erecting statutes of herself…to being felicitated with cash garland on her birthday year after year, Mayawati has done it all.

On release of these cables by Wikileaks, acerbic Mayawati hit back at Assange calling him a lunatic in need of immediate psychiatric intervention at an asylum. In a fit of fury, Mayawati even bit back saying that in case of occupancy shortage abroad, Assange could seek admission at the Agra asylum in India for treatment. The unruffled Assange willingly accepted Mayawati’s proposal and even passionately spoke about his love for India. So cool was Assange that he offered to gift Mayawati a range of specialized British crafted shoes and even promised to deliver it to India, provided Mayawati sent across her jet plane to England to collect it.

So far, Mayawati has been targeted by her political rivals who criticized her for her penchant for corruption. But one would never have imagined a verbal spat between two unlike personalities. It is a rare faceoff between a power-hungry acerbic political personality like Mayawati versus a daredevil whistleblower, Julian Assange.

This cable on Mayawati released by Wikileaks is nothing new. There’s nothing really startling about it. Mayawati is just a symptom. On the behest of power, Mayawati fearlessly does everything in public purview and hence is singled out. Unlike most of our top politicians and public servants who covertly rob the nation of its wealth.

However, looks like the judgment hour is here. With credit to the Anna Hazare's ‘India against corruption’ movement and the Supreme Court intervention, many of these greedy netas and babus are booked behind bars today. Critics debate saying that it is impossible to wipe out corruption with one Lokpal bill. True that! but we need to begin somewhere right? And the good thing is that we have booted up the anti-corruption movement already. If this momentum continues and the government makes this its key point in the national agenda, we surely will reach our goal of a corruption free India.

~*~Bungalaw, gaadi, bank balance, zameen, sona kuch nahi sab moh Maya hai ~*~

On a lighter note
Sadly Mayawati didn’t respond to Assange’s kind hearted proposal. Only wish Assange would send those classy England crafted shoes to me instead. The only hitch is that like Mayawati I don’t own a jet plane.

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Turning a deaf ear to public opinion can awfully backfire

2011-08-20T10:00:00.001+05:30

The 74yr old cheerful and optimistic Gandhian, Anna Hazare, has surely set a precedent not only for the people and governing institutions of India, but also for democratic nations across the globe, testifying that, if you have a will, and that will is lead with honestly and perseverance, no power play can really stop you from driving oneself and the masses towards realizing that noble cause. More importantly, who says that it is impossible to adopt non violent means of protest to exercise freedom of expression? Looking at the peaceful means adopted by Anna and his team, we certainly can conclude that the Gandhian method of Satyagraha works wonders even in this 21st century of modernization and capitalism.

Anna Hazare defied the government’s toothless Lokpal bill which was hastily tabled in the Parliament without considering the anti-corruption workable draft by the civil society group lead by Anna. This was not the first time that the civil society warned the government about the namesake bill. The tug-of-war between the government and civil society has been on for over six months now with the government not relenting an inch to even listen to what the civil society has proposed. This was the first goof up that the government committed.

This lead from one error to another leading to the biggest blunders of almost mysteriously kidnapping the anti-corruption crusader, whose only fault was that he wanted to protest against rampant corruption that was rotting our system and dwarfing growth of its people. Sadly, the government didn’t foresee what was coming with Anna Hazare’s detention in Tihar prison. In a democracy, the government simply can’t stifle opinions of people using arrogance of power. No matter how big or small, you just can’t ignore public outcry.

And this is what democracy is all about. International media has wrongly likened India’s anti-corruption movement with the Arab uprising and the jasmine revolution. When in reality, the anti-corruption protest in India only reinforces the power of our democracy. What Anna and the people are able to do today, is only because we are the world’s biggest democracies. The people of a totalitarian regime can’t even think of adopting these means of protest.

With the domino of errors that the government has committed, it missed out on the opportunity to engage in some intellectual debate on civil society’s version of the bill. No doubt Anna Hazare is a leader of the masses, but the bill drafted by his team certainly is not error proof. Even the Anna team has never said that their version of the bill needs to be tabled in the Parliament. All they requested was for a healthy discussion, a debate, and most importantly a referendum on the anti-corruption bill. Agree that the Constitution does not have a provision for a referendum and it would be unconstitutional to have one. But in the same breath, the Constitution is a living document and it can be amended.

As I am writing my opinion piece, Annaji who is on an indefinite fasting protest is making his way from Tihar prison towards the Ramlila grounds surrounded by huge people frenzy who can’t stop raving about the Anna metaphor. The government must be shamed right now looking at the mounting followers of Anna Hazare…but unfortunately they got themselves there by making those many ungrammatical errors. Had our respected Prime Minister used his wisdom to anticipate the upshot of his acts, he would have a face to show. Sadly our PM rather listened to his ill advising coterie who left him faceless.

A strong anti-corruption bill will certainly not bring an end to corruption in days or a few years from now. It is indeed a sustainable process which should not only monitor and punish the bribe taker but also the bribe giver, who is equally accountable. As stated by PM, we agree that, there certainly is no magic wand to eradicate corruption. But had Mr. Manmohan Singh whirled his anti corruption wand 3-4yrs back, the problem would not be as big as it is today.

The magnanimous India Against Corruption (IAC) movement spanned out by Anna (our hero) gives a message to each one of us to stop stomaching discrimination and exploitation, but rather exercise our right of freedom of expression. More importantly the movement also scribbles the fact that the right to freedom does not give anyone the right to riot. The peaceful and Gandhian methods of protest used before our independence is pretty much promising even today.

Looking at what this 74year crusader has done, it certainly is time for all our retired friends to stop living a withdrawn life... rather gather themselves to awaken the masses to fight evil the Anna Hazare way. The youth are too busy in their hectic day-to-day lives and it is only our retired folks who can motivate the youth to pause and act against the evils ingesting our system.

Post script

Folks, did you catch visuals of Anna Hazare’s marathon run to protect himself from the crowds? After seeing those visuals, I have ditched Milind Soman as my Marathon mentor. I’m now going to follow Annaji all the way to Marathon 2012. He surely can give anyone a run for his money :-) Even more Anna lost 3kgs in 3days of fasting and am planning to take this as my dieting tip. Anna Sir, way to go!

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The Armageddon of Terrorism

2011-08-05T20:26:00.000+05:30

Two successive terrorist attacks traumatized the people of the world recently. The financial capital of India, Mumbai, was blown apart in a matter of 10mins by bouts of serial bomb blasts on 13th Jul 2011, and so was the capital city of Norway, Oslo on 22nd July 2011. The attacks left the people of Mumbai shaken and stirred, arousing anger against the governing authorities demanding their right to security. While the people of Norway although were initially shocked by these attacks, remained calm and resilient.

So, why that difference in reaction to almost similar catastrophes? Mumbai which houses a population of approximately 20.4 million people accounting for about 20% of India’s population alone, has been struck by terrorism not once, not twice or three times...but this city that I love so much, has been brutally hit umpteen numbers of times. While on the other hand, for the people of Norway, which houses about 20% of Mumbai’s population of approximately 4 million people, it was a first and hopefully (and surely) the last kind of brutal attack after World War II.

No doubt that the whole wide world is being terrorized and neither you nor I really know about what’s in store for us tomorrow or even the very next minute. But then, in between uncertainty and cruelty like this, there is 'hope' and 'faith'. ‘Hope’, that similar attacks like these will not repeat itself, and ‘faith’, that the internal system will be strengthened and would be intolerant toward such ruinous mishaps from repeating itself.

The people of the United States of America may criticize the debt crisis and the rising figures of unemployment in the US...but I don't think a single American has or will ever complain about the feeling of insecurity after the 9/11 twin attacks in New York city. The twin attacks certainly jolted the people of the nation, but it surely didn't shake their faith in the government. The people are assured that henceforth, anyone trying to plan such attacks again on American soil will have to be a superhero with supernatural powers. So much is their faith in the security system of the nation! Each global citizen anywhere in the world wants to have that same feeling of security.

Instead of assuring people of better methods for curbing such attacks from revisiting us, a man who supposedly has inherited the right to become the future PM of India says that the centre can prevent 99% of terrorism but the remaining 1% of it is bound to happen. Now how would anyone react to the arithmetic justification of this situation…that to, when it is coming from a government representative? Did this supposed PM-prospect mean that the 13/7 attacks in Mumbai, which took 25 innocent lives and left so many limping (for life), belonged to the 'inevitable' category of attacks. Shameful justification! When you don’t know what to say or do in a hysterical situation, it is better to simply shut-up!

Why do these cruel bloody attacks happen in the first place? Why would any sane individual or cluster want to take innocent lives of people they have never met nor have anything to do with? Even if we suspect insanity to be the reason behind these attacks, how can such illogical people make flawless plans and execute them with sheer precision then?

Bridging inequality in society

Don’t we need to first stop pointing a finger towards a particular section of society as soon as a terrorist attack strikes anywhere in the world. Why are Muslims being stereotyped? Is it really fair? When the Oslo twin bombing happened, speculators all around the world tried to scrutinize Islamist group influence/ involvement in the attacks. When in reality, the lone terrorist who bombed this beautiful city was an anti-Muslim extremist and a contrarian to the local immigration policies. The more we pigeonhole our Muslim brethren, the more we isolate them from the rest of the world, and the more divide we create. Someone’s religion is certainly not an indicator to judge whether he/she is a terrorist. It is the circle that a person lives in and the way he is programmed to think and behave that makes a person do crazy things. Isolation and discrimination are also the two deadliest evils.

Ask the lone terrorist who took Mumbai to ransom on 26/11 - Ajmal Kasab - why he aimlessly shot down so many innocent people, and he spontaneously replies saying that he fought for ‘jihad’. Interrogators did ask him what is the meaning of jihad and he said, "It is about killing and getting killed and becoming famous". Muslim clergies rubbished this, saying that, anybody who says that jihad is a ‘holy war’ needs a life. Jihad instead broadly means, striving hard by putting in your best efforts to achieve a goal by overcoming one's own weakness.

Terror surely is growing not only in India but around the world and it is time that each nation comes together carrying a single agenda to fight terrorism right from its roots. It is easier to celebrate martyrdom than to fix responsibility or make changes, so that more people don't get martyred. We need to act now!

Increasing security and a joint global anti-terrorism plan is the way forward. No nation can fight terrorism alone. It has to be fought in consultation with each other. Fighting terrorism is not only the business of the nation that has become victim to frequent attacks, but should be a concerted effort across nation pan-world. Just like we aim to become a world with zero nuclear weapons and also aim to reduce global carbon footprints to zero, shouldn’t we also aim for ‘zero- terrorism’ as well?

God Bless our world!

Post script:

I have been to Norway once and the first and the last thing I remember of it is the sight of the landscape 30mins before touching landing strip. Just one word to describe it…“Heaven”. Besides that, Norway is the only nation in the whole wide world which has been uncontroversial with peace and equality being her topmost priority. Truly a country which not only bestows humanitarians with the Nobel Peace prize award for their outstanding contributions in Peace, but also a nation that walks the talk.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

When you say nothing at all

2011-07-10T11:20:00.000+05:30

We love you Mr. Manmohan Singh. We love you and respect you for who you are and where you come from. But we are frustrated with the silence and the no-show policy that you have adopted since the beginning of your Prime Ministerial era. I can end up in a quarrel if anyone raised a finger at your morals and values. But what do I do Sir, when people say that you are unfit, you are a lame duck, that you are remote-controlled, and that you lack political authority? Sir, the gloom on your face, the truth in your eyes, the stillness on your lips, says nothing at all.

Your silence and nothing-to-say style of leadership says nothing to a billion people who are waiting to be a part of the growing economy. People of this nation do not understand what’s happening with the checks and balances that fuel our economy. All we see is an expose of a new scandal perpetrated by your most trusted officer at the top every single day. We find ourselves stuck in a puzzle of despair and isolation. Please speak to us Mr. Prime Minister.

I know chhoti-muh-badi-baat (small person giving intellectual suggestion), but Sir, you need to free yourself from the surrounding magnetic forces of your so-called advisors who are feeding you with information that is the maligning the prosperity of this nation both socially and economically. The officials you have trusted and you swear by have back stabbed you. In return the very same trusted ministers have made an empire of their own. We have no complains with ministers who have become cash rich through their hard work and the remuneration they earn. But swindling public money in hundreds of crores is certainly something that needs to be investigated and punished at the spur of the moment. Nonetheless, the checks and balances and action plan of these swindles need to be communicated to the people. Why don’t you speak to us Mr. Prime Minister?

Every time a Minister from your office is caught in a new scandal, you ask them to resign and subsequently shuffle your cabinet. Is cabinet reshuffle the only way to fight the menace put forth by your Ministers? To action upon anything, why do you have to wait for the Supreme Court to issue a notice against your administration or wait for the CBI to press an action against you? Why don’t you take proactive steps of intolerance in matters concerning public money. Get moving and talking Sir. You can’t walk the talk if do not talk in the first place.

Why are you axing your own feet Sir? Or like some say, are you in dire need to create negative publicity for yourself…so that you have genuine reasons to step down mid-term and surrender the PM’s chair to the legacy in waiting? Even if this is the reason, why are you putting the nation and its people at stake to take this political advantage.

Saat samunder paar (over seven seas), the President of the United States – Barack Obama – who won the elections by campaigning through the electronic media, is effectively communicating with his people almost every single day. Exploring the electronic medium, Barack Obama speaks to his people through You tube, emailer, Twitter townhall, and has also been tweeting to his people frequently. We understand that India does not have 100% internet connectivity and electronic medium literacy, but Sir, there are so many other effective channels of communication that you can explore to reach out to the masses across different strata of society. Why don’t you reach out Sir?

It was a happy moment when you recently pledged to speak to your people more often. But to our disappointment, you even attempted your maiden speech half heartedly. In this age of electronic media and live coverage, how could you call five print editors behind closed doors to do an interview with you Sir? Why couldn’t you speak to us as the cameras were rolling? Doing this would increase people’s faith in you and harbor a feeling of hope in their hearts. You even missed this chance Sir.

Post script
Shri Manmohan Singh admits that he works 18hrs a day, seven days a week. Well only wish he worked less and rested more…he would have communicated better. All work and no play makes Singh saab a reclusive man. Barack Obama on the other hand is seen spending time playing golf and dashing inside ice-cream parlours and fast food joints. In the same breath, Barack Obama also finds Osama and shakes up the terrorists outfits terrorizing the world. Hope very soon we all get to see Singh saab enjoying some pani-puri’s at a nearby stall. Just hope!

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Jumping jacks take centre stage

2011-06-16T22:16:00.006+05:30

What on earth is happening, may I ask? What started with a noble effort to install an effective anti-corruption and grievance redressal system by the 15th Aug 2011 deadline, ended up in a fish market like ceremony, in which everyone including politicians, bureaucrats, aam-aadmi and spiritual leaders are resorting to the Satyagraha movement at the drop of a hat. Some leaders of course genuinely resort to Satyagraha, for bringing about a positive change for the betterment of the nation and her people. While some immature souls, misuse the fast-unto-death format of Satyagraha to fulfil their political and personal ambitions. And in the midst of all this mayhem, our leaders at the centre make the civil society’s cry look like a farce.

Without a wink of doubt, the man who was honoured by the highest civilian award (the Padma Bhushan), Anna Hazareji, is selflessly working towards introducing the Jan Lokpal bill and is fighting tooth-and-nail to lawfully also bring the Prime Minister and the higher judiciary under the ambit of the Jan Lokpal. But as they say, too many cooks spoil the broth. The civil society’s protests for enactment of a strong Jan Lokpal bill, which took off with great gusto nationwide, lost its fizz with Yoga guru Ramdev Baba’s jumping-jack act on the Ramlila grounds. I still fail to understand how did a spiritual leader cum yoga guru even think of frog leaping to the fast-unto-death format to fight black money. Isn’t Babaji better off teaching the world some asanas and prayanam for healthy living? Well, I don’t have my doubts to that question...he certainly is the best!

Detractors would dispute saying that every individual in a democratic nation - whether a soldier or a yoga guru or for that matter you or me – has the right to protest, as long as it is for the benefit of the masses. But then, shouldn’t the person leading the movement also know the A B C of law making. You cannot be a drop-out there right.

India shining or India bleeding (corruption)?

Every citizen of this nation is riding on the hope of a better life that has been promised by the elected government. The common man is intelligent enough to understand that a populated developing country like India needs a lot of planning and infusion of funds to correct the loopholes in the system. And that, there is indeed no magic wand to give India this makeover. But then, how would the so-called promising central government who needs time and public taxes to allow this change to happen, explain the filth of corruption scams that it is entangled into. How long will the government hold a blank cheque on people’s income and spend it as and where they like.

“In a fully free society, taxation—or, to be exact, payment for governmental services—would be voluntary. Since the proper services of a government—the police, the armed forces, the law courts—are demonstrably needed by individual citizens and affect their interests directly, the citizens would (and should) be willing to pay for such services, as they pay for insurance.”- As said by Ayn Rand.

It’s true that citizens willingly and voluntarily pay their taxes to be able to see the betterment of the nation. But citizens also want to know how and where are their taxes being utilised. In order to spare public money from being pocketed by crooked bureaucrats, politicians, businessman, and alike, there is a need of a transparent system devoid of any government representation that will look at the functioning of the system from a third party perspective.

Domestic distractions
The central government which has been rocked by allegations of corruption is busy submitting dossiers in response to the umpteen numbers of investigation cases filed against its name. Of late these distractions have paralysed decision making and stalled development projects, leading to increased inflation and lower growth. The Jan Lokpal is one such instrument which will bring fear in the minds of corruption seekers (and givers), guaranteeing proper utilisation of public funds.

Finally, fast-unto-death is surely not the right path to put forward people’s demands to the centre. But what else can the people who are riddled with a new corruption scandal every single day do then? Do civilians silently look at these high profile corruption cases being exposed in front of their eyes or do they need to react to this before things go out of hand and the nation goes back in time. The people respect the Parliament house and are proud of the nation’s fantastic democracy. There are lot of expectations from the Parliament and this is the time the parliamentarians in the house pull up their socks and start work. And if they cannot really do the tough job of cleaning up the mess and starting anew, it is time they step down.

Post script:
These days, the rich and the famous are busy raising funds through unconventional means. To get snapped with the first lady, Mrs. Obama is charging a whopping $10k as fundraising for her husband’s re-election bid for presidency, while Wikileaks has auctioned a chance to lunch with Assange on eBay. So, don’t you think it’s a good idea to auction a chance to dine with Kalmadi or Rahul Gandhi, in order to restock the repository (in India) that has been drained by corrupt ministers. What an idea Sir ji!

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Man! I feel like a Woman!

2011-05-29T14:44:00.005+05:30

The remarkable triumphant win of Mamata Banerjee and Jayalalitha at the recent State Elections in Kolkata and Tamilnadu respectively, reminds me of the song – Miss Independent - sung by my favourite hip-hop singer Ne-Yo. Women indeed are celebrating “Being Independent”...going all out without any inhibitions or setting any conditions to explore the unexpected.

Undeniably, we are living in a patriarchal society. Be it an organisation, system, government, institution, or filmdom, the decision makers are indeed the menfolk. Well, the very fact that the Chief Ministers office in Kolkata didn’t have a ladies toilet for 34 long years is proof to this testimony. So, isn’t it a goosebumps moment to see our womenfolk make it to the helm under the influence of their own intelligence, capability and mass appeal...and not mere quotas or sifarish.

Recently the Maharashtra Assembly unanimously approved 50% quota for women in local bodies and also promised reservation for women in elections to panchayat samitis, zilla parishads, municipal councils and municipal corporations in the State. My question is, do women really need a quota in the first place? And, is it right to empower women through quotas?

I have never supported quotas for women and even more in this age looking at the way our Sonia Gandhi, Sheila Dixit, Sushma Swaraj, Mamata Banerjee (Didi), Jayalalita (Amma) to name a few, have grabbed the top positions lock-stock-and-barrel based on merit and mass appeal. And then with Indra Nooyi (Indian born American) who is a topping on the cake with her role as Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo Incorporation...what else could any woman ask for. And yah, mind you, these are no exceptions or accidents. They in fact, represent real grounded women who can turn things around with sheer will power and focus towards the betterment of society and markets.

But this is certainly debatable. When I thrashed the very need of quotas for women in politics, many beg to differ saying that women indeed need quotas because there are many a Pushpa’s, Ramkali’s, Anandi’s living in interior villages who lead miserable lives oblivious to these ladies. But then, why should we have incompetent women onboard to handle tough jobs that she is not capable of...just because she is a woman. She would eventually not only lose her job because of underperformance but would undermine the ability of other capable women in society and in the neighbourhood.

Undeniably, women have different social needs than men and it is this area that our systems and institutions need to cater to a little differently. A woman serving in the army can be trained to fight for the nation with the same intensity and passion...but her physiological needs and care is different for which, additional privileges need to be provided to her. In the same breath, if we say that women are physically weak and that makes her incompetent to be a combat soldier, we need to justify why women have not made it to the top in corporations and institutions in which mental strength and aptitude is all that is required. Why that disparity then?

Is it the fear that women need to be committed to a family, need to take care of kids and is someone who will go on maternity leave and paralyse business if given top responsibilities. But aren’t these a passing phase? Shouldn’t we support women at such times by providing her with flexible working hours? Why stereotype women as a homemaker 24x7, 365 days a year huh! Surely this mindset needs to be changed.

Ultimately, it is not a question of man or woman. It is a question of merit. In the end, gender should not be looked at how good a person is and what she /he can do.

We need to equip our girls with the sharp sword of education by making it easier and fees-free for her to enrol. Nevertheless, even women who have missed out on the opportunity to study as kids can be trained on the job to become independent. We need to stop keeping our girls ignorant, insecure, hungry, and being treated as an unwanted child at birth. This surely will make a big difference!

And yah...why should boys have all the fun huh!

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Hey Listen…Osama, not Obama is dead!

2011-05-04T20:35:00.000+05:30

The hullabaloo of events that gripped the world the day after Labor Day, the 2nd May 2011, will be written in history books forever. Well this is the day when Mr. Poker face - Barack Hussein Obama - made his milestone speech informing the people of his country and to the world that “Operation Osama” conducted in hush-hush by the United States has successfully killed the man behind the devastating 9/11 attacks in America.

It was only a few days ago when Obama released his birth certificate in the public domain to silence detractors, specifically the Republicans about their allegations upon him of being a foreigner. That was really a silly thing to do...isn't it? Well today, the same cynics who were suspicious about Obama’s birth place doubt Osama’s death, and now are desperately seeking the death certificate of the fugitive. Just imagine leaving decision making to people who are more worried about the birth and death place of the other? Heaven knows what would happen. Phew!

The social media, Twitter, broke the news to the world before any other media channel…calling for a revolution in breaking news in real time. Minute by minute tweet updates were made by a civilian sitting in Abbottabad about 2km away from the mansion in which Osama Bin Laden was killed. While the whole world is talking about the mysterious hideout mansion in Abbottabad (50 kms -31 mi- northeast of Islamabad), I am still struggling getting my pronunciation right….Abort—taa—baad right? It surely is a tongue twister. As the name suggest, the place certainly aborted the most (un)wanted man in the world…but the sad part is that his followers – the Al Qaeda men - still remain at large.

US voluntarily took ownership of the attack and denied any involvement or assistance from Pakistan’s military or Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agencies in this evasion. Moreover, even Pakistan categorically denied any prior knowledge of US raid. Well, even when these clarifications are made, I fail to understand why sections of media and few officials are extensively analyzing Pakistan’s involvement, and are going head-over-heels to prove Pakistan’s aid to US in these attacks.

Nevertheless, even if Pakistan aided US in operation Osama, so let it be. If Pakistan do not want to admit or speak about it, so let it be. Sometimes, there are things better left unspoken! Rather, the world should be more curious to know why Pakistan is fostering terrorists on their land. What is the kind of support system that Pakistan has given Osama Bin Laden and his men for so many years? Why is Pakistan ISI and military covertly patronizing terrorist outfits?

I don't really think this is the time to spend our resources and energy towards unproductive analysis. In fact, we need to strike while the iron is hot by tying up with US forces to strike at the LeT group which is also breeding on Pakistan soil. This is also the right time to paralyze the already injured Al Qaeda network. In the same breath, we should also urgently withdraw nuclear capability accessible on Pakistan soil…because nuclear prowess can be completely misused by the terrorist groups already proliferating in Pakistan.

It is certainly true when Pakistan reiterates stating that they too are victims of terrorism. But sadly, innocent people of this country are the ones who have become victims of terrorism and not the governing authorities or the military or the ISI who in fact are cultivating these ghastly terrorist acts on Pakistan soil and the world. The world needs answers to these questions….Why?

Of late, immature statements by a supposedly renowned writer are flying around about, “why Pakistan should be declared a terrorist country”. Surely, some people have lost their minds. Where would innocent people of this country go if Pakistan is declared a terrorist country? Even more, the aftershocks of doing such a drastic thing will affect progressive and successful countries in the neighborhood, like India. The US is surely doing a good job eradicating perpetrators terrorizing Pakistan and the world. But we must remember that the US will do their job and leave the state immediately. The backlash of such attacks will have a direct impetus on neighboring countries which will have to pay the price of it all in return.

Sanitization of Pakistan is indeed the first step towards stabilization. We all know that Pakistan cannot fight terrorism single-handedly. It needs cooperation of the world to liberate itself from this evil spirit that has engulfed their democracy. Revamping the ISI, military and the governing authorities is what needs to be done first to detoxify the system.

Well, US got justice by killing the mastermind behind 9/11 attacks on US soil. Like the US, even India hasn’t forgotten the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai which took away innocent lives. But can India do what US did is the big question? I believe the war on terrorism can be fought with co-operation from the world and it is next to impossible to fight this war single-handedly. What do you think?

Post script
Although I reviewed my write several times to avoid slip-up’s between the two similar sounding names – OSama and OBama- I apologise for bloopers if any. Please note that the good guy in my story is Obama and the bad one is Osama.

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Anna’s “Aabra-Ka-Daabra Effect”

2011-04-10T19:05:00.001+05:30

Who exactly is Anna Hazare was the first question I asked myself on 5th Apr 2011, the day when the frail and plain speaking 72yr old man dressed in plain white clothes pulled off his ‘fast-unto-death’ tryst to fight against the growing filth of corruption in India. I faintly remember hearing of this Gandhian then, but more importantly I wanted to figure out the magical aura inside him that infatuated such huge people support across the social strata pan India. Wondered whether it was the “Aabra-Ka-Dabra Effect”...because after all Annaji’s movement began at the Jantar-Mantar in New Delhi naah!

Giving more power to the people
At a phase in life when most of the septuagenarians hang their boots to celebrate retirement, Anna Hazare is selflessly working for the people and still going strong since the last 30yrs. The entire nation supported this gutsy guy who not only demanded the introduction of the Jan Lokpal Bill (Citizen's Ombudsman Bill) but also humbly fasted until the civilian demands were met. I couldn’t fast like Annaji, but also couldn’t resist being a part of the “I am Anna” campaign against corruption. Thousands and thousands of people like you and me came out showing their solidarity all through the 4 days of the movement...and then...can the government of the largest democracies of the world even think of giving a deaf year to the people’s humble demands....I don’t really think so!

Well finally, the Jan Lokpal Bill which is an effective anti-corruption and grievance redressal system against corruption will be drafted and then passed by the government accepting all civilian demands for making it a 100% accountable and transparent document. Indeed, cheers to this not so young man who sacrificed for the progress of a young India.

India is not an Egypt
It was pretty heartbreaking when the Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement was drawing comparisons with that of the uprising in Egypt. It is like unintentionally belittling or undermining the fight put forward by our freedom fighters to give us our democracy way back in 1947. The anti-corruption movement in India is simply a rightfully honest demand that the people are putting forward to the established legislative, and then using the means of rallies to communicate our needs...vis-a-vis Egypt’s uprising for actual democracy.

Power of wired networks
The captain of the Pakistan cricket team must have criticised Indian media for its negativity, but look at what media has done to make this movement a big success. Undoubtedly, media traversed across the nation to churn out stories of the masses. Evenmore, tactfully pressurised the government to act now or loose people’s confidence in the system forever. Besides media, social networking and micro-blogging created a flurry of opinions, bringing together the unity of thoughts towards the greatest non-violent people’s movement after the Independence Day movement fathered by Mahatma Gandhi.

Joining hands with the UN Convention
It is indeed time for India to be a part of the UN convention against corruption which crimilizes not only basic corruption such as bribery and embezzlement of public funds, but also trading the proceeds of corruption. The Convention which came into force way back in Year 2005 saw the approval and participation of 140 countries across the globe...except India which raised its hands rather than shaking its hands in partnership with this first legally binding international anti-corruption instrument.

Finally we got to walk the talk
So more power to the people, more power to India incorporation, more power for economic growth, more power to foreign direct investments, more power to spending on health and infrastructure, better and transparent utilisation of taxpayers money...but all this made possible only if we as individuals abstain from accepting or giving bribery, sifarish (reference), or anything that will chain the very purpose of this movement.

It’s really-really tough, but I will try. How about you?

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This Cup Is Mine

2011-04-04T19:48:00.002+05:30

Giving a tough fight to our distant neighbours, India impressively won against Pakistan, leading the nation towards the magnanimous Cricket One Day World Cup 2011 final against Sri Lanka. And then, as Oracle Bejan Daruwala had very rightly prophesised, history recreated itself when the Indian cricket team lifted the World cup after 28yrs of waiting...that too winning it on our soil and in my very own city of Mumbai. What more could we ask for huh!

Height of Ecstasy
It was a volcanic blast of patriotism and pride that erupted on that winning day, the 2nd Apr 2011. Winning the world cup brought 1.2 billion Indians together as one nation irrespective of the diverse cultures, languages spoken, social status, and religion prevalent in secular India. Look at what eleven men of the Indian cricket team have done to this nation! They have not only won the World Cup for us but, they have united the nation giving it a long lasting ecstasy that no other drug can give. And as lover boy Enrique Iglesias would say, "I'm addicted, I'm out of control, but you're the drug that keeps me from dying." This is exactly what the cricket drug has done to Indians all round the world. We are still reeling in euphoria and this feeling is still sinking in. The India that was celebrating with fireworks, whistling through the vuvuzela, dancing to the World cup signature tune, draping herself with the tricolour flag, and hugging each other till eternity is the real India which erupted in national harmony since a long time. Even I saw the real India on that very glorious night. Frankly...it gave me goose bumps!

Our maiden World Cup win was in Y1983. The difference however was that, we were the underdogs then...the apple of no one’s eyes. But today, things have changed...tables have turned. India is not only brimming with her cricketing glory but also with her brilliance showcased in each and every sphere of life. After this huge win, the emotionally gripped Kapil Dev, the captain of the Y1983 World Cup winning squad said that the team that he captained is different from the Team India of today. Today’s team he said were under tremendous pressure and that they are better players that the players of 1983. What more could Team India 2011 ask for!

Demigod of Cricket
As a young boy, God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar always dreamt of winning a World Cup. The World Cup 2011 win by far was the best moments he had been waiting for since 21 years. It might have taken this master blaster two decades to see this glory, but happy are those youngsters in the team who got to see this big day very early in their life...some of them hardly a year old in their careers.

Beyond Cricket
Supposedly, the gentleman’s game (Cricket) may not be India’s national game (Hockey), but this game has got more focus, resources, infrastructure, funding, passion, and dedication than any other game played in India. Thus making it one of the most sought after careers among young India.

There is hence an urgent need for our sports cabinet to rethink their strategy towards inducing the same passion towards other sports in India, including games like hockey, tennis, shooting, boxing, sprint, badminton, to name a few. India is brimming with talented young men and women who would love to make a sporting career, provided the sport is driven with the same motivation like cricket. Indian parents still dream of making their child a doctor or an engineer, and hence it is now time for us to think beyond these conventional careers.

Where is Poonam Pandey?
In the midst of all the excitement that has still not sunk in, everybody is on the lookout for maiden stripper, Poonam Pandey who has gone rogue after India’s win in the World Cup. Before the world cup, Poonam promised to strip every piece of clothe on her skin to celebrate India’s win. But it has already been two days after India’s glorious win and the mysterious lady is gone missing. So, here is a call to readers...if you happen to find or see Poonam Pandey in the vicinity or in around your circles, please report it as soon as possible. The whole of India is waiting for her to do her thing.

Post script
On a lighter note, there is this hilarious joke doing the rounds that I would like to share with you. A Sri Lankan was sitting at the corner of the street slurping tea from a saucer. Looking at him, a passerby asked him why is he drinking his tea in a saucer...and prompt comes the reply...India took away the cup. LOL

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Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless.

The knockout round

2011-03-28T21:36:00.002+05:30

Well, I’m not someone who lives, eats and breaths cricket like other worshippers of this game from India or anywhere in the world. And I’m also not like one of those craaaaaazy cricket fans....who will stay awake like owls, skip meals, bunk office, stand in serpentine queues, or climb over trees to catch a glimpse of a cricket match. But well, an India versus Pakistan match undoubtedly is a big high profile match played between two neighbors, who currently are not in talking terms with each other. Besides…a match between the conflicting nations is like a Supermoon phenomenon that happens once in 15-20yrs. And hence, when a match of this magnitude eventually happens, it creates a stir amongst people, stimulating their patriotic emotions for their country even more. The announcement of the semi-final world cup match between India and Pakistan brings in a lot of excitement and nervousness among the citizens of the respective nations. And this excitement only builds up as the day to the final knockout round approaches.

When the world cup 2011 began and the whole world was excited about it...I wondered whether I lost my mojo....because, the world cup excitement was just not sinking in. But the drab feeling took a somersault during the energetic quarterfinal rounds of the World Cup. Especially the do or die India versus Australia - the world champions - match which I was hoping and adamant that India wins come what may for two basic reasons. One obvious reason is so that we play Pakistan in the semi-final and secondly, to watch the over confident Aussies pack up even before entering the semi-final round for the first time ever. Except of course, I wished the talented, consistent, and committed player of the Australian team, Binga (Bret Lee) would stay back for his fantastic innings in the World Cup. Even in the quarter final round versus India, Binga continued his relentless fight back even after being badly hurt. And this is called true sportsmanship!

Is cricket diplomacy really required?
So, why all this fuss about the India versus Pakistan match? For some, this game is not just a match but it is more like war, while some diligently use it as an opportunity to build relationships. As soon as India entered the semi-finals and was scheduled to play against Pakistan in the semis on Wed, 30th Mar 2011, the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh invited Pakistan PM (Yousuf Raza Gilani) and President (Asif Ali Zardari) to India to watch this match with him in Mohali. There was a hue-and-cry across the borders, wherein people started debating about whether there was a need of such an overture.

Well, many people can say many a things. But in my opinion, this kind of overture indeed makes a difference! With so many failed attempts in the past to strike a diplomatic conversation with Pakistan (more importantly after 26/11 terrorist’s attacks in Mumbai), there was no channel of communication open to engage the two nations once again. The 26/11 terrorist attacks, the Kashmir issue, the Kargil war are continuous impeding points which kept the two nations away from striking a mutual conversation with each other. Well a game that is worshipped by India and Pakistan simply made this possible.

The immediate upshot of the invitation saw the release of Indian prisoner Gopal Dass from Pakistan jail after 27yrs of imprisonment since 1984 over spying charges. Furthermore, the President of Pakistan has promised many more similar releases of Indian prisoners in Pakistan jails. So cricket indeed is doing what nothing else could do! Even if this diplomacy may not be long lasting, we achieved quiet a bit with only an invitation by our diplomats.

The people anyway are excited and simply can’t wait for ‘The Day’ to arrive. But everybody wants to know what’s going on in the minds of the players of the two teams right now. The captain of the Indian cricket team, M. S. Dhoni, in his calm avatar coolly says that they will play their normal game and that this match is very important for the team to proceed to the finals. While, the Pakistan captain, the good looking all-rounder Shahid Afridi, plays the mind game to attack the Indian player by saying that his team will not allow master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, or for that matter any Indian player to make 100runs in this match.

Can an India vs. Pakistan match be fixed?
In the midst of thrill and anxiety, disturbing claims about match fixing involving the Pakistan player’s seeps in just two days before the match day. To this of course Interior Minister of Pakistan, Rehman Malik clears the air saying that such a thing won't happen and he also warned his team players to refrain from doing such a thing.

But the question to ask here is whether an India versus Pakistan match can ever be fixed. Will players from any one of the sides accept loads of cash to lose against their warring rivals…I don’t really think so!

Oracle prophesies
Bejan Daruwalla, India’s well known astrologer predicts India’s win over Pakistan. And also predicts India - Sri Lanka final, in which India will win. If Paul the octopus was alive today…probably we would have taken his second opinion to confirm Mr. Daruwalla’s prophesy.

On that note, am praying hard that India wins this match against Pakistan and that the Oracle’s prophesy comes true. Fingers crossed and a short prayer to the almightily is what the nation is doing. There are people who have postponed their surgeries, have gone on leave, and have even postponed crucial plans to be able to watch this match. India Inc. has set up special screening for their employees, while some of them have declared a half day.

Personally, I have no special plans...I simply plan to leave early from office on that day and then catch the match from the luxury of my home. Eat, drink and make the most of this supposedly big day for cricket fans and Indian patriots. Some craziest fans are going to Mohali to watch the match. Reportedly, rooms in all hotels are booked to over-capacity. The big wigs from India Inc., Indian Film actors, and people from the governing body have used referrals and even paid a bomb for the tickets on that day. So this one's going to actually be a power-packed match drawing in maximum eyeballs.

Go India Go....De Ghuma Ke!

Post script:
Undoubtedly…and it goes without saying that I want to see India shining and come out as winners from this big India versus Pakistan match. But in the same spirit, I'm also looking forward to see India’s Prime Minister, Shri Manmohan Singh clap and smile in gusto while he cheers the players from the high profiled and highly guarded stands. It's been long since I have seen our PM do that on camera.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Freedom is contagious

2011-03-02T20:18:00.000+05:30

Clapping their hands to freedom, the people of the Arab world are demanding their right to live a free life, to live in Freedom! The very same people who once had their lips sealed to the word called Freedom are now openly talking about it. But then what does freedom really mean? To some it means the right to do what you want to do, in the way you want to do it. To some it means expressing yourself by giving your opinion to anything and everything. To some it means immunity from the power and control of another. And to some it simply means telling someone to stop bossing and imposing strict rules and laws without discussions and consent.

Who said that you cannot live happily, make a lot of money, or live a healthy and wealthy life under an autocratic regime. Didn’t the people in the Arab world under the autocratic regime live a comfortable life, enjoying almost all materialistic highs in life? Coming to think of it, they even lived a better life than people from democratic nations. That’s why, Freedom is not about earning materialistic pleasures in life...it is more about freedom of the mind. It instils the ultimate power to the people to choose, to respond, and to change...and be able to do all this without having to be kicked or brutally killed for not following instructions enforced by a selfish regime.

Constitution for slaves
As the great Martin Luther King said, “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” Quite rightly this is exactly what the undaunted people from Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Yemen, and Bahrain are out to do. They want to live like the people in other democracies who fearlessly and liberally express their right to information and opinion.

It is indeed a big revolution, a kind of a metamorphosis for the people from an autocratic regime to be moving towards a regime that will not ask questions or explanations for their actions. My heart goes out when I see pictures of free Egyptian women singing and dancing as they walk down the streets of free Egypt. They could never think of walking so freely under the Mubarak regime.

The aftermath of revolutions
The fight for freedom is good and ought to continue with greater vigour over the years to come. But then, all in not hunky-dory after the collapse and downfall of such autocratic regimes. Critics argue saying that the downfall of a regime can have a ripple effect and can lead to the crashing down of the economy. Agreed, that there is a lot of uncertainty and chaos until fair elections and selection of a fair government is put in place. But then even the human body retorts when a chain smoker starts his journey towards kicking the butt. It’s indeed, persistence and commitment to quitting the bad habit that makes him conquer it.

Hence it’s not that the newly formed democracies will not win over the vices. They will certainly triumph…we only need to give them some time, our support, share our knowledge and experiences, to help them put things together.

Calling for global response
Protests and uprising in the Arab world demanded speedy and forceful responses from the President of the USA, Barak Obama, and from the top honcho of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon. The whole world demanded quick actions from these powerful public figures against the dictator regimes, which did not care a damn before assaulting their own people, in order to stop the protests staged by them. But then, shouldn’t the world take charge and responsibility to end assaults and autocracy imposed by such dictators. Imposing sanctions is definitely not a solution to this big problem. Sanctions imposed weaken the economy which in turn affects the people. But then what does the world do is the big question?

The world can certainly get a little proactive by taking measures against the dictatorial regimes in the rest of the world. The people there may be dormant today, but the uprising is bound to happen very soon. Talks and discussions with dictators, is the beginning to avoid a chaotic Libya/ Egypt-like situation down the line.

Are people really free in a democracy?
Each democratic nation has a well written living constitution in place which guarantees people their fundamental rights of justice, equality, and liberty. The Constitution also demands accountability from the three estates - Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary. But then again why did we have situations like the 18th Dec 1976 in India, when an emergency situation was called by the then prime minister who in a freak moment pushed through several changes in the constitution to satisfy her hunger for power. Why do we still fight over religion when we are a secular country? Why is there so much corruption by the government...when we are a nation of integrity? Is the Constitution only a showpiece of democracy?

Fear is another roadblock towards experiencing and taking full advantage of democracy. Fear is good...but when the same fear makes an individual a coward, it simply is no good. We do not use our right to information (RTI) to our benefit, because we are afraid of being hounded and attacked by thugs; we do not speak up in our work place and demand our rights, because we are afraid of losing our jobs; we do not expose wrong-doers, because we are afraid that in the bargain our close ones would be hurt. Meanwhile as we are afraid to speak up, the oppressors flex their muscles and get more powerful.

“Fear has its use but cowardice has none,” says Mahatma Gandhi. And hence it is we the people/citizens who can make our democracy live and active by demanding and speaking for our rights. This is what I believe in, but unfortunately my belief is not translated into action in everything that I do. So until I reach the threshold of my conviction, I consider myself a coward! What about you?

Post script:
Reportedly a newly born child in Egypt was named ‘Facebook’ by his parents. Depicting the forceful power of a mere social networking site, which today can be our freedom fighter.

Mummify the dictatorial daddy of Egypt

2011-02-07T20:36:00.001+05:30

Tired of the octogenarian leader’s – Hosni Mubarak— totalitarian regime for over three decades in succession...the people of Egypt wake up from their deep slumber, demanding their basic fundamental right to elect their own government.

Egypt’s dictatorial ruler, Hosni Mubarak, until 25th Jan 2011 fearlessly dictated over the people of the country...robbing them away from their basic human rights of freedom of speech and expression. Well, although all authoritarian regimes seen till today have a long life span...they definitely do not last forever. The very same reality is unfolded in the case of Egypt, where the people of the country have revolted saying ‘Kaifaya’ which means Enough is Enough. The current uprising in Egypt reiterates to the world, that the citizens of a country indeed have the privilege to not only choose their own government but also have the right to overthrow it for non-performance.

Mubarak! Mubarak!
Mubarak is an original Urdu word which means congratulations in English translation and quiet rightly with the current demand for change called in by the people of Egypt, we ought to stand up, put our hands together and congratulate the Egyptians for making this strong, bold, and honest demand for freedom. Human rights indeed are universal privileges that every country administration should grant to its civilians by default.

Walk like an Egyptian
The revolutionary movement which began 13days ago at Tahrir square in Cairo is still being unfolded in front of the nation and the whole world. The turmoil in Egypt is waiting to draw a positive conclusion in favour of the people. When thousands and thousands of Egyptians relentlessly demand the ouster of the authoritarian regime, it undoubtedly denotes the beginning of the end of totalitarian regimes across the globe. The Egyptian uprising will not only be chalked out in history, but also churn out and instigate people from the rest of the Arabic world to say no to the era of dictatorship. The Tunisian Revolution prompted the uprising in Egypt and looks like there is more to happen in the rest of the Arab world.

They say that you shouldn’t push anyone so much that their back hits the wall. Because, if that happens...the person victimised will retaliate with a flurry that is irreversibly devastating. This is exactly what happened with the Egyptians.

Leaderless struggle for freedom
The Egyptians fight for freedom is upright and fittingly done in good faith, in hope for a free nation. However, presently protestors need a leader who can channelise their energies towards liberation. Flocking, screaming and shouting slogans of independence have won the Egyptians half the battle. But there is no further progress from here on until further negotiations and talks take place.

Just like India had the Mahatma to lead and negotiate with the rulers during the British colonial rule. Likewise, Egypt is in urgent need of an honest selfless leader who can negotiate the liberation process with Hosni Mubarak and his party men. In the process, a government of the people, by the people, for the people, is indeed not a farfetched reality. Furthermore, discussions on amending the Constitution is the next step towards practical enactment of law & order in the nation and granting vital powers and fundamental rights to individuals of the state the topmost priority.

In the bargain
Revolution’s like these take its toll on innocent lives. Additionally, it brings down the economy to a grinding halt which correspondingly affects the global economy. Thugs who were dormant under the authoritarian regime make the most of such weak circumstances by looting, robbing, and vandalising property of the state. In fact in Egypt, unemployed thugs have been equipped by President Mubarak’s followers to immobilise crowds at Tahrir square. In addition, other nations that follow totalitarian regimes go in an emergency mode since they fear the same fate.

Thus, the need of the hour is negotiations! And you never know, as I write, Egypt is getting free from the clutches of Mubarak. So while this entire event is being played out on the same planet that we all live in, let all of us sing saying: way-oh-way-oh-way-ooo-aaa-ooo...Walk like an Egyptian!

Let me sign off on an optimistic note saying, “Cheer up! The worst is yet to come”.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

16th Jan 2011, the day I’ll never forget

2011-01-22T09:40:00.003+05:30

Starting at about 6 that Sunday morning

I was waiting for the 16th Jan 2011 with bated breath since over six months...but when this day finally arrived I panicked, got nervous and wasn’t too sure whether I would be able to do all that I planned to do on this mysterious eventful day.

It was the day of the 8th annual international running competition, the Mumbai Marathon 2011. The Sunday morning on which the entire nation especially Mumbaikar’s turned up together to either run for a noble cause or to simply run to test their resilience and endurance power. Despite all the distasteful affairs in Mumbai, I’m in love with this exuberant cosmopolitan city, and I ran to be a part of an event which showcases the consolidated strength of the people of Mumbai.

Marathon fever
On the previous night before the Sunday Marathon, I frantically set the alarm on three phones to shake up at about four the next morning. Well, I could never wake up that early even in my dreams but the very excitement of being a part of the Marathon definitely did the trick. I reached the meeting point well before time where I met my running mates (Kiran, Arun, Kinnar) who seemed all charged up.

Well, we reached, we warmed up, we discussed our plan of actions, and in no time we stepped on the starting point of the Half Marathon (21kms) which took off from Bandra Fire Station and finished outside C.S.T station en route Bandra Worli Sea link - Haji Ali- Mahalaxmi race course-Jaslok hospital – Wankhade stadium-Trident hotel.

Yes we did it!

Motivation, hip-hop, cheerleaders did all the trick
It was a cool serene dusky Sunday morning and my team of four were bubbling with overflowing energy. The four of us found ourselves in the midst of over 10,000 participants each one stretching their bodies to eternity as we braced ourselves to complete the 21km stint that was set right in front of us. The first 3-4 kilometres was claustrophobic, slow, and kept me guessing if we were ever going to be running. But as we got going down the traffic prohibited lanes of the Bandra-Worli sealink, we got a breather.

The entire Marathon stretch which on a routine day has vehicles exhausting gas and polluting the environment…was embraced by environment friendly enthusiastic beings exhibiting a ‘never-say-die-attitude’. Passion, enthusiasm, and resilience can actually make the impossible possible. It happened to me and I can vouch for it.

Singers, Dancers, musicians scattered at different patches en route did a terrific job keeping us marathoners on our feet and enlivening our spirits all through the race. I now understand the reason why sporting events exclusively budget for cheerleaders. I agree that they indeed are the crux of any adrenaline pumping event. Making a petition to the sporting committees (specifically the IPL), I earnestly request them to stop fussing about granting funds for cheerleaders...they indubitably make a difference!

Doubly, I was also driven towards completing the Half Marathon by my running mate Arun who kept me alive and kicking by persistently guiding and motivating me all through the run. Additionally, the 3 letter's (M W M) scribbled in bold on the back of his T-shirt kept reminding me that I had to live up to it come what may. It meant "Marathon With Mearl"...and how can I ever let that message go pointless huh!

When we were 10secs away from the finish line.

That streak to ecstasy
We went ecstatic after crossing every 5km mark on the Half Marathon track. But after the 15km achievement, we celebrated every kilometre by dancing and singing with artists all the way. I still can’t figure out where did we get all that energy from...but yeah we even did that extra bit! After the 18km successful run, our eyes went hunting to spot the finishing line...just like a tiger which has its eyes on his prey until it latches onto it. Well, eventually I lost my mind after touching the finishing line...and why only me alone...I believe everyone on that pitch eventually were on cloud nine. Yes, we did it!

So hope to see you at the next Marathon 2012. Trust me, it is an attractive power-packed event you just can't afford to miss.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Go lush green…Go Mahabaleshwar

2010-12-28T08:46:00.003+05:30

Go Mahabaleshwar

I’m just back after my short trip to lush green Mahabaleshwar and all that I want to do right now is to share the stuff I did while I was on this vast green plateau (of about 150 sq. kms) on which you can guarantee yourself bouts of clean and non-polluted oxygen 24x7, 365 days a year. This was not the first time I visited Mahabaleshwar…but perhaps I made merrier this time because the timing seemed just right. I must say, that visiting this heavenly hill station in the winters is more rewarding that any other season of the year.

Feels like heaven
Our tour from Mumbai towards Mahabaleshwar enroute Pune started on a dark cold Wednesday night via road. The journey was smooth but the cold hilly dark weather almost sent shivers down my spine leaving my set of 32 teeth trembling. It was chill chill really chill with temperatures touching 3-4C in the night and about 8-10 C in daylight. We almost fell in love with the hot sun during those cold days in Mahabaleshwar, so much so that we constantly remained on the lookout to sunbathe.

Mahabaleshwar which is rightly nicknamed the "Queen of the hills" is situated in Satara district in Maharashtra (India) which is about 220kms from Mumbai. Ghats, dense forests, forts, and lush green valleys are some of the main highlights of this place. Driving down the long winding narrow roads of Mahabaleshwar while listening to some Sufi and soulful music can give anyone an eternal blissful feeling.

Strawberry garden

“And there goes another strawberry garden”
It is just impossible to drive and walk around Mahabaleshwar without noticing a strawberry garden after every 1km stretch. They say that ‘all good things come in small packages’…How true! Must say that the small dwarf-like strawberry plant which presents the most expensive and deliciously irresistible fruit simply reinforces on this point. Nonetheless, the most tempting thing to notice while strolling in the markets are walking and talking men carrying mushy red strawberries in two baskets balanced across their shoulders (see picture). Besides strawberries…fruits like raspberries, goose berries, mulberries and vegetables like red potatoes, french beans, beets, salad, carrots, radishes are found in large numbers.

More places that you can't resist
Another spot that just shouldn't go amiss is 'Pratapgad', which is a strong hill fort built by Maratha King Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656-1658 AD. I remember studying about this hill fort and the battles that our royal king (Shivaji Maharaj) won not by the strength of his troop or muscle power but more by his cut throat mind games and guerilla tactics.

At Pratapgad, I met this fierce, brilliant and stanch Shivaji Maharaj follower Mr. Chandrakanth Patil, our guide who ran through the historical events of the fort for our group of 7 persons who relived their school days of 4th grade. In grade four, when I studied about this fort, I must confess that I never really understood anything. Only wish I had Mr. Patil as my history teacher then, I would have never claimed history to be my weak subject today.

Our guide at Pratapgad (2nd from right)

Besides the Pratapgad fort, boating in Koyna lake (in Mini Kashmir) and the N-number of sunset and sunrise points are a few sites you just can’t miss. Even the five table tops in Panchgani, which are suppose to be the largest table hill tops in whole of Asia, is something that is worth taking a look at.

Pratapgad

“Aye Khuda Mujhko bata, Tu Rehta Kahan Kya Tera pata, Hum to yahan pe Musafir hai, Jo Dhundhe Apni Manzil ka Pata,” is the song we played umpteen number of times whilst driving down those long winding uphill and downhill roads of Mahabaleshwar. I think God lived there!

With this beautiful Sufi song track, let me thank you for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

At the blow of a whistle

2010-12-05T12:07:00.001+05:30

Many things happen at the blow of a whistle. The policeman brings traffic at a halt, military personnel are warned of infiltration, motormen are able to communicate with each other, and boys signal their girlfriends...all this achieved at a simple blow of this small piece of instrument which produces sound from a stream of forced air, which we famously call a 'Whistle'.

Well, this loud-mouthed whistle has varied and pretty interesting roles to play…Isn’t it! Even more, when recently whistleblowers have come out to blow the whistle upon the diplomatic world to expose the not-so-good deeds of dishonestly and unfair practices by global governance.

Changing the course of diplomacy
Yes, you are right; I am precisely referring to the leaks from the secret Wikileaks website that has been making headlines since the past two weeks. Fearlessly exposing the vicious policies made by diplomats, the 39yr old Dean of Wikileaks, Mr. Julian Assange is causing a stir across the globe. Personally, I like the style in which Julian kicks off leaked confidential documents on this secret Wikileaks website. Even this time, before he published some serious internal diplomatic cables, he gave his website customers a teaser by releasing information about how US nicknames global leaders, like the Iranian President is referred as "Hitler"; French President Nikolas Sarkozy as “an emperor without clothes”; Afghani President called a "weak personality" who was "driven by paranoia". I’m sure this guy must be wittingly humorous!

Subsequently, Wikileaks published some explosive secret diplomatic documents that not only left the common man speculating, but has also left the global governance shaken and stirred.

Being politically right always
It is well received and accepted when diplomats are being diplomatic! But then today, most from the corporate world, the fourth estate, and a layman like you and me are also learning and implementing the art of being diplomatic in our day-to-day living. We are busy being tactful, discreet, cautious, and selfish in all our dealings with the world, whether it is with our colleagues, our managers, media, or for that matter even our family and friends.

So then, why do we do, what we do? Why do we keep quiet and act ignorant, when we observe and witness swindles and unethical behavior & practices happening in front of our eyes. Why do we snub people at less powerful positions and exploit them to the fullest to accomplish our personal goals. Is it because we want to become Mr. Popular in our circles or is it to simply earn quick promotions to the top.

Like my good old friend always said that “to increase your knowledge, you got to share it”. Well said…isn’t it! But then, does that really happen in today’s world? Commonly, we see the so called Mr. Popular bragging about his essentially ‘bankrupt knowledge and expertise’, skyrocketing his way to the top. While the ‘humble but intelligent’ Mr. Unpopular scores no points because he can’t yap and sing his own praises like Mr. Popular. So you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours seems to be the new way of life!

Whistleblower rights
Every time a whistleblower speaks out…he is murdered or falsely put behind bars or sacked from his job for being vocal and upfront. For instance, if the diplomatic and corporate world believes and is convinced that Wikileaks is publishing inaccurate and forged documents on its secret website, there is no need for anyone to break out in a sweat. This kind of fiery situation can simply be seized by discussing with the whistleblower face-to-face…at the same time bringing in global transparency as the dialogue is unfolded.

A plumber is certainly required to fix this leaking tap from which secret information about dishonest diplomatic agendas is made public. But then, in this case, it is not the whistleblower who should face the wrought of the spanner…but it is the diplomatic world that should face it and take corrective and preventive actions to live in harmony.

Global corporations have a full-fledge highly competitive and resourceful customer care centre to handle customer feedbacks and concerns. So why not also encourage incorporation of a ‘whistleblower hotline’ and ‘protection of whistleblower policy’ as part of the corporate and governing strategy. One such unique Japanese company called ‘OMRAN’ has built-in the hotline and the whistleblower protection policy encouraging its employees, its customers, and the public to be honest and upfront. Take a look at this company’s fantastic and elaborate CSR report at (see page 215 for whistleblower rights) http://www.omron.com/corporate/csr/pdf_inquiry/pdf/omron_csr_report_e.pdf..

Indeed, it is time for global corporations and diplomats to accept whistleblowers as disgruntled stakeholders who in their little way want to make this world a better place to live in for you, for me and for the entire human race. And, we need to stop considering whistleblowers as activists who are determined to spoil relationships and peace…because there is more to what actually meets the eye.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Santa Claus is coming to town...

2010-11-06T13:34:00.005+05:30

♫♫♫Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is coming to town! ♫♫♫

Okay, let me quickly clarify, this is no music class lessons that I’m taking you through, neither have I lost my marbles to believe that Santa Claus has preponed his visit to India during the current festival season of Diwali. This is the song that India is singing along, as they welcome the most powerful (gentle)man of the world, Mr. Barack Obama during the auspicious season of Diwali. Well indeed, India is celebrating the festival of lights, “Diwali”, and people all over the world especially people in India are making the most of this festival season by sharing and spreading happiness all around, savouring home-made delicacies, burning oil lamps, and lighting up the sky with fireworks during Diwali.

Ho ho ho...says Mr. President
Coming to celebrate Diwali with the people of India is the supposed apostle of change, Mr. Barack Obama, who gets air-dropped in Mumbai today in his mean machine, the Air Force One, promising India a bag of goodies in the form of a permanent seat at the UNSC, and a string of high-pitched strategic and business relations resulting in creating jobs and increased sale of goods for both India and America.

However, the President of the most powerful country of the world that India had invited is no longer as powerful as he used to be before the recent mid-term elections in the USA. No doubt, he still is the President of the United States of America and that he occupies the White House...but, after being betrayed by his ardent disciples, Obama no longer enjoys the supremacy over the legislative. Justifiably, Obama’s followers-of-change have lost their faith in their shepherd and no longer believe in his change mantra of “Yes We Can”, which promised to change the lives of Americans.

In the bargain, Mumbai gets a Botox
The people of America have gone rogue and by voting the Republicans over the Democrats, Obama can feel the force of the Hurricane hit him so hard that his motivation of visiting India and the who’s-who of the business and the political world undoubtedly will lose its fizz. Coming to think of it, Mr. President will have to obtain permissions for every decision – small or big – that he makes, before he goes ahead implementing it. So, isn’t Obama’s trip to India more of a jolly good adventurous holiday rather than a serious strategic tie-up engagement?

Well, looking at the glass that is half-full, Mumbai has benefited in a big way with Obama’s visit. Civilians in this part of the country have been screaming and complaining for years about potholes on the road, unhygienic conditions, uncut trees, bad traffic management, corruption, etc., but these complains were never actioned upon. However, the upcoming arrival of Obama has kept the city administration (who never worked all their lives) so busy that they are leaving no stone unturned to welcome a foreigner to this city. Only if they had the same concern for the people of this city, life would be different!

But Mumbai has no complains and the people in fact would like to welcome Obama every year...because in the bargain, our streets & walls get polished and sanitized, our traffic gets managed better, the security beefs up, our trees get pruned, all in all the city gets a facelift. All thanks to Obama, we now believe that if given a chance our city administration, The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), can actually work and can be effective if need be. Obama has brought a change in the perception of the people of Mumbai, emphasizing that BMC can make a difference...Yes we Can!

Should we blame him for all?
“Change” is what the Democrats promised the American people since they came in power on Jan 2009. However, since there was no positive change seen, the very same people who elected Obama badmouthed him calling him names, eventually throwing him out of total control in the recent mid-term elections. This showcases that America has a strong democracy and if need be...the civilians of the nation can make a powerful man powerless.

But the question to ask ourselves is that, “Is Obama and his administration responsible for all the rot in America”. Obama took charge of America when the global recession had already hit this planet. He took charge when the Iraq war was already in the sixth year since American invasion in Iraq in 2003. He took charge when unemployment and the growth rates were already dipping. Very clearly indicating that, Obama has inherited most of the problems from his predecessors.

Nevertheless, the man who once was hit by the mighty shoe, Mr. George Bush, admits in his new book called “Decision Point”, that as the President of the USA, he had made errors involving the Iraq war. He admits that he felt like a captain of a sinking ship towards the end of his presidency when dealing with recession. So, do we blame and point fingers at Obama or do we need to give his administration some more time to turnaround a sticky situation. Because eventually, America and the world, do not have an option of doing business with any other planet other than the recession-hit-planet Earth which is currently weathering a stormy weather.

The people of India are waiting to unwrap the gifts that Obama has brought for India and are hoping that this partnership together, will benefit both India’s and America’s economic condition.

Post-script:
Today, in the next hour from now, Obama would make his first speech at the Taj in memory of the 26/11 victims. And when Obama speaks, the world listens. Undoubtedly, if Obama is not one of the best Presidents that America has...he is one of the best orators that the world has ever seen and heard. And I personally am keen to know, whether he has inherited this talent as a genetic gift or has he studied the art of powerfully communicating in simple words and creating that much-needed impact on his listeners.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

CWG 2010: From jeers to cheers

2010-10-17T18:16:00.001+05:30

The Common Wealth Games (CWG) 2010 shockingly started off on a downbeat mood, not feeling like the largest international, multi-sport event that New Delhi, India was hosting, but rather it felt more like a sham that the Indian Crime Investigation Department (CID) was busy unearthing, to hang the culprits trapped in the string of frauds exposed during the preparations of the games.

Shut-up Mr. Suresh Kalmadi
Suresh Kalmadi, who supposedly is the face of all scandals exposed at the CWG, may be walking around with a sullen face today, weeping over his misdeeds and maybe even hoping to use his political clout to emerge out unscathed from the several shams that he instigated and was party to. But, we need to remind our government servants that the law is equal for all, and come what may no one will be spared.

I don’t seem to understand why this fraudster called Mr. Kalmadi, was even given the privilege to deliver a speech in the opening and closing ceremonies of the C’Wealth Games. That’s besides the fact that, the smart common man like you and me stylishly booed him all through his speech asking him to shoo, or else face the humiliation in front of the whole world. This Satan of CWG, Mr. Suresh Kalmadi needs to be grateful that his crime is exposed in a democratic country like India, where even a lone terrorists like Ajmal Kasab (of 26/11 Mumbai attacks) was put through rigorous judiciary proceedings, before declaring the capital punishment upon him. Had this been a communist / autocratic country...he would either be beheaded or stoned to death.

Now, did you know that Suresh Kalmadi served as a pilot in the Indian Air Force during the period 1965-1971....Shocking naah? I wonder who on earth recruited him as a pilot in the first place! I cannot imagine this wrench sitting in the aircraft cockpit, shooting down enemies whilst risking his life to safeguard the nation and its people. I can rather imagine him as a flight attendant, serving people some food & soft drinks while intermittently requesting them to tighten their seat belts.

Well, all’s well that ends well
After various reports about the scams, bad infrastructure, and cleanliness and hygiene issues exposed during the preparations of the CWG, the government wisely recruited the Indian army to take charge of the situation...and precisely, came out victorious. I pity our young boys and girls in the Indian Army, who although are functionally responsible to secure the nation from infiltration across the borders...now seem to also shoulder the responsibility to safeguard the pride of the nation and ward her off from disgrace and humiliation.

Well, with the spectacular success of the Common Wealth Games, India showed off her organisational skills by demonstrating that if given a chance, the nation can showcase not only its hospitability but also can boast its technical capability for spinning out a mega world class sports event.

The games became bigger for India when Indian athletes gave tough competition to sportsman/woman participating from 71 different nations, eventually winning the 2nd place with 38 gold, 27 silver and 30 bronze medals. Without doubt, Australian athletes played like superheroes fittingly winning the first place at the CWG 2010.

The question everybody is asking India is whether she is ready to host a larger international sports event like the Olympics? I earnestly think that India is ready to do so, provided she keeps corruption under check and she refuses to sacrifice her prestige over everything else. More importantly, the lofty money earned by hosting such big events should be used for the welfare of the underprivileged people of this country who in no way benefit whether India host or do not host events. Time to get people-centric...Isn’t it?

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

A wicked pink slip

2010-10-03T16:59:00.001+05:30

On a regular brighter Friday morning, everybody walks inside office rollicking and rolling towards their cubicle, looking forward to a great day at work and more importantly, the weekend which is staring and smiling back at them. The feeling on a regular Friday of the week is admittedly radically different from any other working day and it indeed is the day everybody longs for. This undeniably is my ideal Friday.

But again, what if, on that very grand Friday evening, at about four past forty-five minutes, a letter is placed on your desk which rattles off details of how you have been a burden to the organization after over 10yrs of service, and getting even more humiliating…the letter orders you to leave and vacate the premises at the very spur of the moment.

Feels like a slap on the face

After running your eye balls through the violent and ruthless letter addressed to you, you almost go out of breath…desperately throwing your hands to grab the air pump to calm those tensed and strayed bronchioles inside your lungs. You then gather your nerves and wits together, and like a true Gandhian you non-violently walk out of the office, bidding goodbye to the company which is so dear to you.

Well, this is exactly what happened to a person I know…and putting myself in that person’s shoes, I can imagine the disgraced and the revengeful feeling that life takes you through at that point in time.

Different situations demand different actions

Today most organizations are grieving bad weather conditions due to global recession which has hit this planet big time. Only if we could do business with another planet…things would breakeven. But then, since we do not have that choice, corporations follow the retrenchment route towards reducing cost.

Well, then there are those organizations which face theft, fraud or dishonesty committed by their employees. Corporations then get busy taking disciplinary actions against such cunning and devious minds. Reminds me of Mr. Ramlinga Raju, founder of the once prestigious company, Satyam Computers, who siphoned off 40.8 million dollars raised by the company.

Then there are those set of people who are mere non-performers belonging to the lower strata of the organization tree. These are vulnerable employees that organizations use as scapegoats to fulfill their profit aspirations.

The person who is mentioned in my real story is someone who belonged to the low-cadre, who indeed fell victim to the gory acts of the management. In fact, the organization ripped off her fundamental rights of dignity and social justice by blatantly giving her only fifteen minutes till she could assimilate the fact of her dismissal. The victim was made to feel like a criminal who was caught for draining out money from company accounts.

Well, a food-for-thought to the management is that, if you really have to ask an employee to quit because of poor performance, you need to make sure that you give that employee a dignified exit, without straying away from his constitutional rights.

Know you rights

It is very important that employees know their constitutional and fundamental rights that are applicable irrespective of the position he holds in the corporate tree. The Industrial Dispute Act (IDA) applicable to all workers in India is a very important document which stresses on how the accused employee must be given a chance to defend himself and then only he/she should be pronounced as guilty.

“It is the duty of the organization to legally issue a show-cause notice to the employee, giving him a chance to explain,” says Advocate Wasnik, who carries 40yrs of experience in the field of labour laws. It was my privilege to discuss with Advocate Wasnik who gave me an insight saying that employees in the support roles (who are mostly victimized) have more legal rights than those who belong to the managerial cadre. Furthermore, he said that IDA is applicable only to the workmen category…and that if the management is unhappy with employee performance, the company not only has to evidence the facts, but also needs to give the employee the right to explain and justify.

So, it is very important that we know our rights and the laws abiding with it. But, only wish that the legal procedures and processes were simpler for employees, challenges would have been much easier to tackle.

To get a dig into the Industrial Dispute Act, download the IDA at Download

Post script: Well, in that case, educated souls in the management who make such illiterate and illegitimate decisions need to attend a diploma programme in Gandhian studies…which will teach them to rebuild their conscience without losing out on competition.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Turning swords into ploughshares

2010-09-12T19:50:00.000+05:30

Time to think-and-do beyond

The recent news conference bash organised and delegated by the President of the supposedly most powerful country of the world, US of A, and attended by the media, undoubtedly shocked the world including economists and corporate honchos who criticised Obama’s administration for employing a protectionist and uncompetitive ideology. In his socialist speech, Barack Obama passionately stressed on the urgent need to eradicate the incessantly rising unemployment in America, essentially jobs lost due to the great recession and those lost in the name of “outsourcing” to European and more importantly Asian countries.

Rightfully and bravely following the Gandhian-like ideology, the Obama administration is trying very hard to provide equality of opportunity for all sections of society. The Democrats in fact plan to tackle the concern of rising unemployment in the country, by withdrawing tax breaks to corporates that outsource to countries outside the American soil. Additionally, also revise tax codes to make provisions for tax relief to middle class Americans, who actually need it rather than offering it to billionaire folks who don’t need it all.

A socialist approach at the juncture of turning protectionist
Well, when I place my hand over my heart and think hard, I feel in complete accord with the approach adopted by the Democrats. It is said that, we need to clear the clutter inside our own homes before we look outside...and this is exactly what Obama is adamant to do before he creates and makes-easy avenues of growth, employment, and profits for the rest of the world.

But in the same vein, mulling over this grave concern using the super rational brain, it conversely feels like America is at crossroads supporting a myopic vision that indeed will not last for long. Moving on, the Democrats will not only face strong repercussions and condemnations from the rest of the world...but in the bargain will face bans and boycotts by many a people and governments of the world.

Towing away jobs
Public and government hue and cry over the act of outsourcing implemented by the corporate sector around the world has always been condemned for towing away jobs from numero uno nations to nations who propose an awesomely low labour cost and corporate taxes. The Oxford dictionary very simply defines the word outsourcing as “arrange for work to be done outside a company”. While in today’s context, the same word connotes a different meaning. In fact, today it gets nothing less than the same treatment that an F-word receives.

Coming to think of it, “Outsourcing" is as much as a bad word for Americans and Europeans than it is for an average employed Asian. Today Corporate India and other Asian countries prefer outsourcing jobs outside the organisation (locally) rather that hire or sustain a full time employee on the same job. The only difference here is that the job is towed away from one Indian to another Indian at a lower cost. Perhaps, if the world was not demarcated with borders, no country would make a fuss about outsourcing jobs elsewhere...because then eventually a job from one human being would go to another human being after all.

Balancing globalisation
Before globalisation was ever talked about, the United States of America accounted for around 30% of the world's GDP and almost remained at that position for most of the 20th century. However, with opening up of the global economy into a single economic competitive arena, developing countries have got their place in the sun...so much so that those days are not too far when one of the BRIC countries will become the world’s largest economy and will grab the 'most powerful country of the world' title from the US of A.

If one door is shut, there is always another door that opens up...and precisely, if USA shuts its doors to other nations with a protectionist agenda of restricting local companies from tapping markets globally, it will not only worsen American woes but will isolate them from the rest of the world.

Implementing a socialist approach like what Obama is talking about is undoubtedly essential for the less fortunate middle class people of America, but at the same time closing doors to the rest of the world can boomerang badly. There is an urgent need of taking a middle path and clearly there are no easy answers to it.

Post script: On after thought
It would indeed be best if nations would be governed by two Presidents at the top...one with a socialistic ideology (like Barack Obama) and the other with a more capitalistic approach. This will help nations plan correctly taking a more balanced middle path to success.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless you and this world!

Does Rahul really choose Tribal India over everything else?

2010-09-02T20:43:00.000+05:30

If given an opportunity today to interview the heir of the Gandhi family and Congress General Secretary, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, my first question to him would be about his seriousness to assist the Tribal’s in Orissa and those isolated in different parts of the nation. Additionally, to ask him whether he honestly strives to give Tribal’s and the under privileged their right to freedom of living with dignity and equality…or is it some kind of empty promises that politicians have been making since India’s independence.

When we talk about Tribal’s in India or anywhere else in the world, we visualize poor, hungry, ancestral and primitive people who do work that slaves would do. We categorise them as people who wash our cars, who live in shanty homes, who are illiterates, who wash our vessels, clean our homes, and people who officialdom label as “grass-eaters”. These are people who we exploit because they have nobody to glorify them and have no one to empower them to fulfill their basic needs and necessities of life.

If for real, here’s saluting Mr. Gandhi’s move
The very move spurred by Rahul to protect the rights of the tribal population in Orissa over the ambitious projects of corporate big wigs of India Inc. is commendable and from the face of this socialist step by Rahul Gandhi, it depicts a revelation is to beckon us soon. But again, emphasizing the phrase - “from the face of it” - because we the common people who have no legacy in politics and who become victims of political warfare don’t know the real intention behind this step initiated by someone who carries a political legacy from the time of his great grandfather and someone who is born with a diamond studded golden spoon in his mouth.

The benefit of doubts will evidently persists in our minds, because we have and are still being duped by false and short-lived promises made by our politicians who are suppose to be our official caretakers. Although Rahul’s actions touched the common man’s heart, we still doubt whether he protected the Tribal’s to gain political mileage or is it honestly going to be his fight until he guarantees every life equal value…even if it demands going against his own party ideologies and actions.

The rich exult, the poor lament
There was this great and well-known boxer who was making a journey in a plane. Even after being persuaded by the air hostess, he resisted to zip up his seat belt exclaiming that he was “superman” and didn’t really need it. To which the air-hostess pleasantly told him that, if he indeed was “superman”, he didn’t even need the plane to reach his destination. This is a real illustration made to portray the nature of most of our politicians who have zero humility and are 100% egocentric. Our politicians are like this boxer who believe they are some kind of superman possessing super natural powers and the rest of the world are at their mercy.

This attitude of our politician will definitely not help us reach our vision of “India shining”, in spite of the economic optimism that we showcase today. When 70% of us live in rural India, how can we be optimistic of fulfilling our vision? In that case, we will have to edit our vision to now say, “30% of India shining”. Nevertheless, if we start becoming conscious about tribal and rural India, by empowering them with proper education, proper health benefits, and fulfilling their basic psychological and physical needs, we will implicitly and tactfully empower them to become independent…which in turn will increase their purchasing power.

Eventually, with the spur in increased purchasing power of the otherwise dormant 70% of the population, the GDP of this country gets bigger, which ultimately will help us realize our dream. This will open up ways to become a developed country listed among other biggies.

Who said we need to be socialistic always…but in the same breath, we cannot ignore the urgent need of a developing country like India to uplift the lives and spirits of the poor, so as to achieve the nation’s capitalistic and competitive aspiration and desperation for success.

Tough to be a good politician
Nevertheless, all said and done, in the real world it indeed is tough to be a good politician. For every good move made by a minister, there are thousand detractors from the political circles who trample the strides made by this good politician. In India, we have ageing ministers who call the shots at an age when they need to relay the authority baton to the young, educated and forward thinking youth of young India. Rahul Gandhi is one such young Indian who definitely is calling the shots, but again he alone cannot make the difference. India needs many more young and entrepreneurial young Indians to represent this nation…individuals like you and me who can boast a humble conscience and an ambition to take every state of this nation to scaling heights.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless you and this world!

Stupid mistakes…

2010-08-21T14:19:00.002+05:30

Everybody makes mistakes, isn’t it? And some great scholars and philosophers even justify saying that mistakes are a stride towards achieving success. Like Albert Einstein himself says that, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new". Well said, isn’t it? So, does that mean we forgive and forget the string of accusations that our not-so-respected Minister Mr. Kalmadi and his troupe face today? After all even Mr. Kalmadi along with his working team who form an important part of the Common Wealth Games (CWG) Organising Committee was managing it for the first time. And why only the Organising Committee (OC), India herself is playing host to the CWG 2010 for the first time…so should we be forgiving these first-timers huh!

Well, Well, Well…I wish we could! Provided these first-timers slipped-up in areas related to the actual operations or preparations of the games, it was pardonable. But goofing up with tax payer’s money and doctoring the balance sheets of the games itself, is something not only unpardonable but should also be sternly punished. In fact, the guilty of the CGW corruption episode should suffer the same fate like the entrepreneurs of global corporate scams such as the Enron and Satyam. These corporate fraudsters are probably doing the jailhouse rock in return for the scams they planted in their respective organizations. But when it comes to uprooting corruption from the government, we take it lying down with a “chalta-hain” (its okay) attitude. I wonder how long will we as citizens, who are the actual landlords of this country, allow our servants to take us for granted. Shouldn’t we put our foot down and demand a quick fix and unearthing of corrupt officials in our public administration.

A paisa-vasool
Before we go to watch a movie, we read film reviews, ratings, and get a lowdown of the success of the film from the public, to make sure that we get a “paisa-vasool” (return on investment) from that film. Likewise, when we invest in our government and the working of this country, we also expect a paisa-vasool. So, do we really get a 100% return on our investment is the question we need to ask ourselves.

We have a fantastic democracy in this country which is our biggest asset, but to step up honest functioning of this democracy, we need transparency, we need good quality of work, we need cleansing of the law makers and administrators who misuse their power for their own benefit, we need education for all, we need to see that every family has a bread-whiner, we need equality irrespective of sex, religion, caste, we need a clean and safe environment to live in.

“All lives to have equal value”
This is the ambitious vision statement of the Bill and Melinda Foundation, a company started by the brainchild of Microsoft Corporation, Bill Gates, who started off this global charity with his wife Melinda Gates, with an aim to achieve their vision of, “All lives to have equal value”.

What a beautiful thought, isn’t it? And honestly it is a thought which is complimented by loads of actions by this foundation on behalf of the world’s poorest people, to improve the human condition. When Bill Gates came down to India to contribute to his global mission, he wished to fund to improve the poor health conditions of Northern India. At that time, he met up with Rahul Gandhi, the young generation leader of the youth Congress, who very frankly and honestly told Bill Gates that, “right now a lot of the money is not getting to the intended recipients and that it won’t be easy to fix”. Undeniably, corruption is the biggest battle that India is facing today and until we don’t cleanse our administrative and legislative system, it will spread out like cancer and will become irreversible to get it back on track.

On a hopeful note
There’s no doubt about the dishonestly of most of our ministers who get involved in malpractices and corruption to earn bread, butter, jam, cheese, and toppings, in addition to their monthly salary. But hopefully, with the recent whopping 300% raise in their salary, scams and frauds which have become a prevalent habit gets abolished completely and we see more transparency in the proceedings of our administration.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Salutations to Whistleblowers in today's vicious world

2010-07-28T22:18:00.003+05:30

Expose the oppressor, give voice to the voiceless

Wouldn’t you want to speak & listen to the truth and deal with honest people 24x7/365 days a year; wouldn’t you want to expose intelligence and unlawful information, for public scrutiny so that the guilty are punished; wouldn’t you want to see the world as a peaceful place where every human being enjoys their constitutional rights of freedom, equality, and justice. Just wished a big-hearted genie would be generous enough to grant me my three wishes…I would have surely asked for these three wishes, provided people in the whole wide world mirror the same principles.

Can I keep the commandments in the real world?
I don’t think so! A lone individual cannot obey the commandants of ethical behaviour all by herself while the rest of the world does what pleases them. And even if he decides to be undeceiving, he probably would be tricked and duped and be taken to his grave even before his time comes. They say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” so probably the whole world is waiting for someone to make the first real-istic move and then the rest will follow.

Exemplifying from experience, many a times we dash across people who backstab their own colleagues to win a position to the top. And to make things crueler, the very next minute, you would see your colleague become your boss, not because he has the attitude and a mind for the job but because he has successfully pleased the top management by his sweet and pleasing talks and actions.

Similarly, individual nations are waiting for the other nation to make the first unadulterated move which is not tainted with corruption, hypocrisy, scams, nuclear proliferation, terrorists and, bureaucrats with a political agenda. Recently the United States of America with support from the UN Security Council took the initiative towards Non-nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) calling nations of the world to sign the NPT in order to make the world "un-armed” and “nuclear deterrent”. A few democratic and peaceful nations signed the NPT while some of them resisted, even abusing decision makers for their sagging mindsets and wisdom.

Pragmatically, it’s a tough decision to make, when you know that on one side if you sign the treaty, you could be bombed by a nation that has not signed it…and on the other side if you don’t sign it, you would be oust from global meetings and punishments in the form of “sanctions” would be entrusted upon you. Today, powerful nations are boasting about deploying new class of weapons capable of reaching any corner of the earth under an hour…so how can anyone make a 100% commitment!

“Courage is contagious”
They say courage is contagious…must say it really is! An open government group, also known as the anti corruption and transparency group—WikiLeaks—has recently made news all over the world exposing 91,000 sensitive reports mainly comprising of ground realities about how US is blindly and unknowingly fuelling terrorism in Afghan by blindly paying Pakistan for access to Afghan. Although the founder of Wikileaks, Julian Assange, an Australian national with a PHD in Physics, claims that the information exposed on his website are bare facts...the truth about its authenticity is yet to be investigated.

Nevertheless, the point I'm trying to make here is about the courage and audacity that this man called Julian has, to be able to reveal and speak about what he believes is the truth without a shadow of fear for his life. It reminds me of the Monk called Julian from Robin Sharma’s bestseller, “The Monk who sold his Ferrari”…he pretty much had the same approach towards life.

So if courage is really contagious, I think each one of us needs to pick up ourselves from the dregs, dust off ourselves, and fearlessly speak out. It's a tough thing to do, but if we don't do it, the world will take us for granted and use us as puppets to fulfill their individual or group ambitions.

Making a confession, I admit that I don’t have the nerves and audacity to be upfront and outspoken 24x7/365 days a year...but am asking myself badly whether it is really all that difficult? Authoritarian governments, oppressive institutions and corrupt corporations should be subject to the pressure, so that every human being on this beautiful planet enjoys his rights by right and not by fear.

I will try to walk the talk…..how about you?

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Paul Almighty

2010-07-14T20:12:00.001+05:30

Think FIFA 2010 and it becomes quiet impossible to do a rundown of the 2010 Football World cup tournament without discussing or describing the bang-on predictions made by the slimy fortune teller— Paul the Octopus. Octa-Paul surely won a million hearts while the FIFA matches were spinning out, but even today Paul is competitive enough to give all human fortune tellers a run for their money.

The talk of the town
Who does not like to be famous? It is human nature after all to love and to be loved. If you ask me, I wouldn’t mind getting featured in an online encyclopedia and would love to have the whole world to recognize me for my craft. But not everyone who is good at her craft gets to that pedestal of acknowledgement just like that. It involves a lot of hard work, meeting the right people at the right time, a leader with leadership qualities to look up to and to follow, and a little bit of luck can get you there.

Look at Paul today, with his 100% perfecto prophesies, he has become the FIFA world cup sensation in no time....surely making the whole world look up to him. But not a human soul can tell how a squid can make correct predictions without even knowing what a FIFA ball looks like. Amazing…isn’t it! Well indeed, it is the precise predictions made by this sea animal (called Paul) that bewilders the world.

Paul got many scientists at work, which did a lot of research to understand why Paul was right with his predictions all the time. Only to rationalize saying that octopus are generally drawn to horizontal lines and shapes, and that explains why Germany is favored over England and Argentina. But if we have to agree with this wisdom drawn out by the scientists, then we also need them to explain why Paul picked Serbia over Germany, nor Spain over Holland. Well Well Well, Paul seems to have even baffled the scientists with this phenomenal phenomenon.

Drooling over Paul
Quiet literally, FIFA ousted teams including Germany, England, Argentina whose disastrous fate Paul prophesied before their respective matches are drooling over Paul’s boneless squid-fish protein. Cooking Paul in ginger sauce would not only satiate their appetite for spineless fish but more importantly will take out their vengeance on a mere sea animal who foretold their distasteful fate.

Immediate action needs to be taken in order to settle scores of danger that this endangered species with an inborn aptitude to forecast the future confronts today. The United Kingdom, where Paul is currently an inhabitant of, needs to transport Paul to a vegetarian land ASAP. Coming to think of it, India seems like an appropriate destination where most of the population is vegetarian. Nevertheless, Indians have fallen in love with Paul and want him to prophesize India’s maiden FIFA World cup entry. I’m optimistic that if UK indeed decides to safeguard Paul by sending him to a secured location like India, India will gear up to welcome Paul…assuring him a dual citizenship option and also promising to provide him all the benefits and provisions that an octopus would really need and want to boast.

Spain versus Paul
I started writing this article with a clear intention of pegging my opinion on the flamboyant and extraordinary FIFA 2010 World cup and more significantly to talk about the milestone victory by the first-time-winners, Spain. But I have just realised that my article has drifted towards showcasing the accurate predictions and popularity of the cursed (by a few) Nazi of FIFA 2010, Octopus Paul…Phew! Sorry for drifting away…I got carried over Paul’s tenta-cular prophesies! Spain indeed is the real winner of the FIFA world cup and Paul alone is not the reason for their win, agrees Spanish midfielder, Andreas Iniesta, who tweeted saying, "The octopus indeed is very popular in Spain."

So looks like that Spain is happy to share the limelight with Paul and Paul is happier to be featured by print & electronic media worldwide.

Well, all’s well that ends well. In that note, I conclude my column here. Viva Espanio…Viva Paul!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Give me an O2 mask....I want to visit Bhopal!

2010-06-20T15:36:00.003+05:30

I'm not mocking anyone when I say this....I'm actually serious when I say that I need an oxygen mask to guarantee safe and healthy passage across some places in the once mesmerizing city of Bhopal. Bhopal or the City of Lakes is the second largest city of Madhya Pradesh which is a famous tourist’s destination for its artistically built and exquisite Laxmi Narayan Temple, Taj-ul-Masjid, Moti Masjid, Shaukat Mahal, Upper lake, Lower lake, Van Vihar (Zoo), to name a few scenic and mostly visited and liked tourist spots.

But along with this awesome scenic beauty that this capital city of Madhya Pradesh exhibits, it also carries a “black spot” with its name, for being listed as a place which once dealt with and is still reeling over the worst industrial catastrophe in the world – “The Bhopal Gas Leak” – which killed a staggering 15000 people and paralysed and maimed thousands in Bhopal then.

The question is....what did we do about it then?
The dreadful Bhopal gas tragedy is something that didn’t happen today or something that occurred very recently. At this very moment, I’m writing about something that occurred 25yrs back in Dec 1984 at the pesticide production plant in Bhopal which was operated by Union Carbide India Ltd. (UCIL), an American subsidiary company owned by Union Carbide Corporation (UCC). Reckless decisions made by the management and faulty handling by operators resulted in the tragic leakage of the poisonous gas which spread across the length and breadth of the area surrounding the plant.

After a little over 25years of deep slumber and dwarfing of this entire tragedy by the authorities in India, the case resurfaced recently for the court hearing (verdict) upon the alleged convicts minus the Ex-CEO, Chairman and decision maker of the company, Mr. Warren Andersen, who although is equally responsible for the tragic gas leak...left India scot free to live in his home country. Doesn’t Mr. Andersen’s conscience kill him for being irresponsible and for recklessly taking thousands of innocent lives? Doesn’t this episode haunt him while he sits to have his meals in his plush bungalow in New York city? I wonder how he has merrily lived his life the last 25 years without being haunted for his misdeed???? (I know too many question marks typify bad writing, but believe me I quiet seriously have those many questions marks staring at me when I think of Mr. Andersen’s character and crude behaviour).

A full bodied post mortem
I don't seem to understand why nothing happened in the last 25years? Were the governing authorities so busy that they couldn't make the most important verdict in the world's worst “chemical disaster” by declaring quick punishments to the perpetrators?

In fact, it was better off if the legal proceedings of this case was handled by the US because I'm sure the American judiciary would ensure that a fair and objective verdict be given to the villains of this disaster...eventually giving justice to the victims and survivors of the Bhopal tragedy. Bringing to light the way President Obama diligently and equitably handled the recent oil spill case along the Gulf of Mexico....which is something that the world looks up to and genuinely applauds Obama for his realistic people management skills. For Obama and his administration, every decision is made keeping the country's citizens as the central focus....unlike some of our corrupt officials who can stoop to any level to make quick bucks at the cost of the nation.

Silencing the catastrophe to yield steep GDP’s
I have tremendous respect for some of the leading lights in the government today, but I don’t seem to understand why they silenced this issue for so long. Who told the authorities that the people of this country want to see only “good growth figures”, “industrial progress”, “sky rocketing GDP”, and “Indian’s rocketing to the moon and exploring space”. In fact, we want simple things for this nation. We want every human being in our country to breath in a pollution free and chemical free environment; we want to see every individual receiving at least two meals a day; we want basic health benefits for every citizen irrespective of whether he/she can afford the service or not; we want sanitised and clean municipal hospitals; and we want a safe and a clean city to live in and sustain this for the next generations to come.

After 25 years, today, the government has initiated a response cell called the “Group of Ministers” (GoM) which is made responsible to take stock of the recent Bhopal judgement and to assess the options and remedies available to the government. This group is formed, to basically initiate an action plan to cast off the toxic and contaminated mess in Bhopal and also guarantee hike in compensation to the victims and survivors of the tragedy. Surely a good move....but a step taken after so many years of the tragedy, speaks volumes about the self centred, corrupt, and egoistic side of our ministers.

Quick and ingenious actions required
Relocation and rehabilitation of the people is the need of the hour. So many people still live in the poisonous environment of Bhopal and even today children are born with psychological or physical disorders because of the toxic air that the survivors breathe in. How can we be so cruel to an unborn child and his mother? Additionally, the poisonous pesticide plant which is still spewing poisonous gases should be cracked open and the waste treated and discarded. Furthermore, health check-ups and safe medical treatment of each and every person living in the vicinity of the poisonous defunct plant should be on top of the list.

I am pretty speculative of the investigative report that will be submitted to the Prime Minister by the GoM. Sources say that GoM will prepare their reports after investigating the Bhopal situation from ground zero for a week. Only if our authorities had spent the same 7 days way back in the 1980’s when the tragedy had just struck the poor people of Bhopal in the wee hours of the night.......we wouldn’t have lost so many lives and would have done justice to the survivors then.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

And still counting the dead....

2010-06-03T19:08:00.006+05:30

6 Apr 2010, Naxalites in a cold blooded ambush killed 76 and wounded 50 Indian soldiers who unknowingly were making their last trips travelling in a security convoy towards Dantewade district, a Naxal stronghold area of Chattisgarh. Later, on 17 May 2010, a landmine blast triggered yet again by Naxalites destroyed a bus killing up to 44 civilians including a few police officers. Subsequently in another recent unpleasant and gory incident on 28 May 2010, a train from Kolkata to Mumbai was sabotaged by Naxalites killing at least 150 innocent civilians.

The agony and emotion expressed in all the above incidents which happened in quick successions of less than a month typifies the brutal and ruthless hearts and minds of the so-called radicals who mercilessly killed innocent people.....people, who neither directly nor indirectly are responsible for the distressful and pitiful conditions of the Naxalites today. I can see eye to eye and can put myself in the place of the painful and deficient lives that this marginalised section of society faces today. But no one on this free land has the right to use their freedom of expression against the government...by threatening the security of the nation and making civilians scapegoats to their anguish.

Numbers create panic
Number of dead bodies being flashed on banner headlines in newspapers & internet sites and those sensationalised as breaking news on TV, creates panic amongst the people of this nation and also in government circles. Quickly, our officials in governing circles appear for interviews on national TV expressing their anguish over these incidents and also in a fit of pressure and intimidation articulate their plan of action and divulge internal official secrets of the Union and State governments. And all this done on national TV...eventually giving the assailants a full view summary of what is in store for them. Subsequently based on these facts assailants plan their course of actions to mitigate the risks scheduled to be implemented upon them by the government.

Cabinet decisions and plans are official secrets and in no way should be exposed for public scrutiny and comments. If our ministers in their capacities do not understand law and order of this nation, then something needs to be seriously done to get their focus right. Tendering resignations on “moral grounds” is a good way to gain sympathy and empathy from the people and also your seniors, but it also shows cowardice...which is something that is not expected from intellectuals who the world looks up to.

Exposing popular defects in the systems
"Naxalism” is a bad word in the Indian dictionary today and sections of noteworthy media proactively and very precisely are exposing this popular defect in the system which only worsens as the days goes by. This expose significantly acts as a media trail reinforcing authorities to make a serious note of this national issue and persuades them to take immediate action on the deficiencies in the system.

Conversely playing up news to gain good readership/ viewership..... commercialises the very purpose of news makers. Such sections of media start behaving like hyperactive watchdogs that can’t wait entering the bedrooms of people to fetch exciting gossip or even plagiarizing news for all they care. Some of them even spin out paid news masquerading as fair and accurate news in media.

Good civilian turned bad
For how long will we keep counting bodies of the dead in all these incidents which happen almost every fortnight? Are we waiting to wipe our valuable resources from this land which commands a population of over 1 billion people, who in some way or the other have contributed to society and have given this country a progressive GDP growth which does not show signs of turning back to the old ‘not-so-good’ times?

Whether it is Naxalite in India or the Taliban in Pakistan...the purpose and mission of these groups are alike. Talibans started off just like Naxals are today, and hence we cannot wait for these enemies of the soil to become as big as the Taliban in Pakistan. We need to devise an action plan to contain these people who once were the common man like you and me.

At the same time, we need to distribute the wealth to the marginalised population of India who never could have the benefit of education and health because of their backward upbringing. 70% of India’s population lives in villages and majority of them do not have the basic privileges of medicine, food and education. A partial socialist approach of addressing this section of society is needed. If we fail to cater to them, we’ll have many of the “good civilians” turning to become “bad civilians”...and then our netas will label them as “Naxalites”.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Glorifying India's God like game beneath strong undercurrents

2010-04-28T20:26:00.002+05:30

Did I waste my time while I laughed, cried, screamed, shouted and tweeted my way in exhilaration, as I watched the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 season 3 cricket matches this year?? This is indeed the question I ask myself umpteen numbers of times, since the rotten affair of the IPL has been brought to light by the media and by the governing council of cricket in India.

And why only accuse the 58 matches this year (minus two matches which I ignored after the IPL scam broke out) for killing our time over doctored matches and inadvertently contributing towards filling deep pockets of the governing body. In fact, we have been duped for not realising this way back in year 2008 when IPL was baptized as a new “fatafat” (quick) cricket format. This was in fact the same year when planet earth was hit by recession and every business, investors, public sector companies, consumers, and those doing something for a living, was feeling the pinch of the recession....except, IPL Cricket which was and is still believed to be inimitably "recession proof".

The invincible T20 format
IPL cricket take-off in the year 2008 was unforgettably the biggest billion dollar creative project commissioned by flamboyant Mr. Lalit Modi, whose daring marketing and branding techniques and out-of-the-box thinking, made the T20 format the world’s best cricketing set-up ever made in history. Each of the eight teams competing in IPL are composed of high profile cricketers from different nations, thus making this the world’s first “Cosmopolitan” game ever.

Glorifying sophisticated thugs
In a span of just 3yrs, IPL came to be known as a game which entertained its spectators both on the grounds and off the grounds with its grandiosity and lavishness…a game of sports and entertainment. Until of course this month when a series of tweets between Lalit Modi and a prospective candidate of the newly endorsed Kochi team, opened up the Pandora’s box...exposing the “can of worms”.

Eventually, the cricket format which earned good name, was now branded as a game of slush money, kickbacks and match-fixing. Allegedly, kickbacks in crores were earned by commissioner & imposter, Lalit Modi, and also by a few team owners and officials who were hand-in gloves with the IPL chief.

Don’t loose our dinosaur
IPL T20 cricket is a milking cash cow for the Indian government...bringing in the monies that the governing authorities need to realise its infrastructural, health, and educational promises made to the people of this country. After the “Braking exposé” of all the sham-scam's in IPL management three years from its inception, there are plans of putting the entire billion dollar project to rest. However, the question to ask here is ….Should we really suspend a project which displayed the highest earnings on our balance sheet? Or should we crackdown and remove the filth in the system in the first place.

If you ask me, I believe we should clean up the system firsthand by amputating the rotten arm of the IPL and retain the good arm before season IV takes off next year. In chorus, we need to get people with an energetic and positive mindset to handle IPL affairs. In fact, flamboyancy to some extent is mandatory to give this game an entertaining zing.

And when the God of cricket and master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar himself says that, “IPL will overcome current crisis,"...we should seriously take this demigod's conviction to save this God like game of IPL. Aaii Laa ;-)

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Appetizing “Media Fodder”

2010-04-11T16:10:00.000+05:30

What happens when two celebrated sportspersons, one playing for India while the other playing for Pakistan, fall in love and decide to tie the knot and be legally called husband and wife? You surely will have scores of fans and the general public congratulating the two sportspersons and wishing them a good luck charm for a happy married life. Conversely, there are sections of society and political groups who defame the couple for even thinking about marrying a person from a rival country, especially in the current scenario when tensions are brewing between India and Pakistan….eventually politicizing a simple love story between a young boy and a girl.

Now let’s add some spice to the story by introducing an unknown Muslim girl, a self-confessed size 10, who comes from nowhere and claims that she is married to the Pakistani sportsman and come storm-or-rain, she will not permit him from saying “Kabool Hain” (I Do), until he does not give her a divorce and sets her free. The entry of this “mysterious girl” makes the story juicier and something that any Bollywood Director/ Producer would vouch to follow and get inspired from. Besides beneficiaries from Bollywood, sections of Media go gaga over this spicy tale...eventually spinning out a typically 3rd page story on the front page.

This is exactly what happened, when India’s ace tennis magnet, Sania Mirza, and Pakistan’s cricket sensation, Shoaib Malik, announced their courtship. Certainly, not overlooking a very important character in this story…….the mysterious size 10 girl at the crossroads, who completes the love triangle, “Mrs. Ayesha Siddhique Malik” from Hyderabad, India.

When personal lives of public figures are washed in public
Just after the news about “Sania-Shoaib-Ayesha” - “India-Pakistan” love affair broke out, media went berserk quiet literally! Media houses, both electronic and print media went on an overdrive feeding the public with minute-by-minute updates of the Sania-Shoaib-Ayesha marriage fiasco. So much so that one television channel even panned their cameras inside Sania’s living room and balcony to get a closer peek into her personal life.

Sections of TV news channels and the press lapped up the news as if they have been malnourished for days and truly so…. Journalism which ideally is the fourth estate for educating and informing people in a fair and objective manner, about the political, social and economical status of the country and also for giving a voice to those who don't have any say, are straying away from the core ideology. Certainly, some of the news channels stand by maintaining those principles while the rest media jokers have lost it completely, drooling over news that is “spicy and juicy”….just like KFC’s yummy chicken lollipops….Umm!!

Advantage Sania
Pakistan media did not give this Sania-Shoaib-Ayesha’s private love affair an extra “inning-full” coverage as compared to Indian media who chewed over the story for weeks together…refusing to flush it down the drain. Apparently Pakistani media did not cover this story extensively because Shoaib Malik is not as big a star as Sania Mirza is in India. In fact, Pakistan would welcome the Indian bride, Sania Mirza, offering her a Pakistani passport in a platinum plate…because Pakistan does not boast a tennis pulse and undeniably Sania Mirza is the ONLY ONE who could fill the vacuum in Pakistan’s sports arena.

Paying heed to good journalism
In the same breath, also accepting the fact that “Journalism” is indeed a valuable governing fourth estate which even today plays a significant role in making the guilty carry their cross right up to Calvary and bestowing the innocent with justice through effective media trails…undeniably, an important part of any moral civilization. As Walter Lippmann defines journalism saying, “There can be no higher law in journalism than to tell the truth and to shame the devil - remain detached from the great.”

While some media houses follow this fair doctrine, majority of them scavenge for stories which guarantee high TRP’s (Television Rating Points), constantly looking at the negative and controversial aspect of news. Thus, eventually sensationalizing news or better still “Bollywoodisation/ Hollywoodisation” of news.

Promptly recollecting what the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, said while wittingly describing media, “If one morning I walked on top of the water across the Potomac River, the headline that afternoon would read: "President Can't Swim."

On that witty note, I will sign out for now...but don’t forget to keep your eyes on this blog site for my next amusing piece.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

“Ring A Ring A Roses….A Pocket Full of Posies”

2010-04-02T14:34:00.011+05:30

Effective 1st Apr 2010, nearly 200 million children living in this elephant like - mammoth, lumbering, sturdy - vibrant nation called India, can quiet literally sing along on the tunes of the folksong “Ring A Ring A Roses.” On this April Fools day, the government of India spins out a decree making the Right to Education (RTE) a fundamental right of every child.

It is indeed a whopping project undertaken by the administration, which promises free and compulsory education as a right of every child of this nation whose age group spans between 6-14yrs. This initiative will beget equality and diversity amongst children irrespective of sex, religion, standard of living, or status in society.

Quality Education for all
The Prime Minister of India makes the RTE act an important part of his agenda and takes the lead to announce the proceedings of the act, enforcing it upon the nation saying, “The Right to Education Act (RTE) will realize the dreams of many children across the nation and it is a key to progress and empowerment of the children to become better citizens of the nation.”

Spread the word to fight illiteracy
The enactment of the law is finally done…and now it is the role of not only the government to facilitate smooth roll-out of the project…but we as citizens of this country and guardians of our children need to do our little bit as well.

When I spoke to a few people like my vegetable vendor, the milkman, my domestic help, and the office boys, I received a glowing response from each one of them. Every parent and guardian – rich or poor - wants their child to go to school to get their share of education. Underprivileged parents and families from the backward class also have dreams synonymous to the families from the elite class…it is a hope of giving the best education to their children and helping them realize their dreams. But their financial condition mostly comes as a bottleneck towards fulfilling their dreams.

Socialistic ideologies pertinent in segments of society
Detractors from the elite class of society argue saying that 25% reservations in private schools will eat up their share of seats. They may be absolutely correct when they say that ‘Reservation’ is a bad word and that it shouldn’t be used to violate the rights of others. However, you cannot pigeonhole this act on the same parity as the quotas chalked out for- women in Parliament; scheduled caste and scheduled tribes; or for religious minorities.

These are reservations for children who have the same nationality, who are ambitious, who have merit and the IQ to move ahead in life, who want to flaunt their own house and car when they grow up, who want to be treated equal, and who want to speak the global language that the world speaks today….So why not give them a chance!!

We need to mull over the nitty-gritty’s of this act and support the children of this nation in receiving quality education across the board. Rich or poor - girl or boy – majority or minority, it should be education for all.

In the same vein, the Indian government needs to do wonders with Healthcare in India. Medical Insurance to each and every citizen of this country should be made mandatory and should be moderately sponsored by the government.

Come one, Come All…

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Holding the nation in tizzy over the Women’s Bill

2010-03-15T18:21:00.002+05:30

'Indian Parliament Hullabaloo' was the name of the game that ministers in the Parliament dramatized, when the ruling party announced 33% reservations for women in Parliament. And it goes without saying that the Women's bill is a proud endeavor of the government in power - reinforcing its commitment to the nation - more so the dream of Congress President Sonia Gandhi who was hell-bent on passing the Women’s bill come-what-may.

In spite of the violent and rowdy conduct and criticism demonstrated by the opposition parties inside the Parliament house, the Women's bill finally saw the light of the day and will eventually be written in the Constitution.

The ‘Common-Man’ asks many questions
Now doesn't all this look so good....what a rosy presentation made by bureaucrats, who assure 33% mandatory women representation in the Parliament house. Makes some women and men go Wow!!!

But but but…..with all the déjà vu created over the bill, there are many questions unanswered and the so-called aam-aadmi (common-man) needs answers to them; Does this bill guarantee discrimination among women at the grassroots level?; Does this bill justify the rules and laws on gender equality?; Isn’t this bill doing injustice to a person who is more talented and fit for the job?

Additionally, Isn’t this bill creating a divide among the elite women and the women from rural areas?; Isn’t this bill giving easy entry for patni/ bahu/ beti (wife/ daughter-in-law/ daughter) of politicians (dead or live)?; How do Dalit, tribal and underprivileged women apply for these powerful ministerial positions?; Wouldn’t this bill lead to men labeling women as minority and weaker sex?, among others.

Women left to still compete with women
Except for a few citizens, everyone is giving this bill a thumbs-up for its positive impact on women empowerment. But coming to look at it with a magnifying glass, we are simply making a hypocritical and superficial reform by simultaneously talking about gender equality and women reservations…all in the same breath.

A place of work, whether a corporate house, a religious place, Parliament house, a public sector company, must hire people for their hard work, talent, skills, competitive spirit and attitudes…..irrespective of their sex, religion, or family background. More so, because the Parliament House is an important and integral part of the Indian Constitution and sets laws for smooth functioning of this country. The Parliament indeed is a responsible house which takes care of a billion of India’s population.

Simply because a women is a women, she shouldn’t be given a job at a position of power. She needs to be absorbed based on the competitive advantage she possesses over her counterparts. This way she will gain respect from her male counterparts and she will be taken far too seriously, rather than being treated as someone who is elected through quotas. Besides this, a women selected based on her merits is more confident and this conviction will directly ooze out in her work.

Attitudinal reform a must
It is very important that we change the mindset of people towards women. Mere changing of laws will not solve any problem…in fact women will further be marginalized and will be considered backward. The root of this problem starts when the girl child (especially in villages and small towns) is deprived of her rights to education & health; and when an adult women is abused, raped, paid lower wages compared to her male counterparts; and the mother of all of it is when parents treat the girl child as a ‘Bhoj’ (an unpleasant responsibility). Discrimination begins from the time she is born and the prejudice continues until her death.

Reservations in Panchayats are worth the effort….because there women compete with people belonging to the same faith, speaking the same language and people who are as backward and underprivileged as she is. However in a cosmopolitan society that we live in, we need to give the right candidate the job, because if this is not done then we’ll have women with political lineages occupying seats not really meant for them.

In the real world, detractors are waiting for women to falter and prove her wrong. And getting people without the right credentials onboard will result in women being tamed and subservient to the entire system.

Finally, let me leave you with this quote by Clara Boothe Luce, American playwright and politician, who advocates, “Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, ‘She doesn’t have what it takes.’ They will say, ‘Women don’t have what it takes.’”

Lastly all I can say is that we need to first change the mindset and bring about an attitudinal reform, which consequentially will translate into smooth and successful implementation of laws.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Don't judge a book by its cover

2010-03-01T11:07:00.008+05:30

With this article of mine, I not only want to draw my readers attention to the radical discrimination that Indian Muslims face in our country today - because of the religion they follow – but also want to make a point that Muslims wearing a skull cap, a hijab, a kaftan, a turban - or any form of Muslim religious gear - and who follow the religion of Islam are not terrorists for God sake. Indeed, it is the misfortune of this community that almost all terrorists are Muslims!!

Out of nearly 11crores of Muslim population that India encompasses today, a minuscule of 800-900 people may be involved in the act of terrorism. Moreover, logically if each Muslim was a terrorist and carried a bomb wherever they travelled…then India would be wiped out from the map due to bombing by the 11crore Muslim population. Terrorists, in fact are people who have misinterpreted the meaning of Jihad as taught, prophesied and propagated by Prophet Muhammad in the Quran. Let me substantiate my viewpoint with my recent experiences.

A rendezvous with the stars on “We the People”

Yesterday, I got this opportunity to participate in an interactive discussion on the sets of "We the People", organised by NDTV and anchored by the impromptus Barkha Dutt. The highlight of the discussions was "How Muslims are stereotyped in Indian society today". The show included panelists such as Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Soha Ali Khan, Alyque Padamsee, Kabir Khan, including two clergymen- one representing the so-called moderate Muslim and the other a conservative Muslim.

On the lighter note, just before Barkha Dutt (the anchor) was about to set the ball rolling on this show, Karan Johar - a famous anchor of the television program ‘Coffee with Karan’ and the maker of blockbuster movies such as ‘My name is Khan’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota hain’ – broke out in an irritant cough….to which Alyque Padamsee very wittingly commented saying that, “Rather than calling this show ‘We the People’….why not call it ‘Coughing with Karan.” Now that’s what I call superb comic timing.

After that short hiccup, Barkha managed to gather pin-drop-silence on the sets, and the show set-off with Shah Rukh Khan’s (SRK) message to the people of India. Using the medium of national television, SRK said that, “We definitely need the clergymen to tell us what is right and what is wrong and keep us updated with our culture and religion…but at the same time, the same people should keep in mind the changing social, political and economic issues of this country.” SRK stressed on the need for change in thoughts and to cut-out the orthodox mindset in society. Moreover he said that, we shouldn’t force anyone to do things they do not want to do….live and let live was the message he implicitly conveyed to the people.

'Terrorism has no religion’
However cliché it may sound….but I simply want to reiterate the point that terrorism indeed has no religion. Muslims cannot be branded as anti-social elements, because of a few people who through inflammatory speeches in the name of Allah lure and intimidate young, uneducated, unemployed Muslims to brutally kill innocent people. The biggest example is Ajmal Kasab, who is the lone terrorists caught after the 26/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai. In his confession, Ajmal confessed that he was poor and as a kid he was passionate of playing with guns and money. To fulfill his families needs and his personal passion, he took up to terrorism. Remember, the handlers simply brainwash young minds to accomplish their dirty motives of destroying the world.

Bollywoodisation of Terrorism
Besides this, I would also blame Bollywood movies for sensitizing this issue even further. Portraying Muslim characters in movies as men with long beard, wearing a skull-cap and carrying weapons, while showing the Hindu or the Christian character in the film as peace-making people, adds to the aggression and hatred towards the Muslim community.

Why can’t the Muslim character in a film just be there as a character and not to be someone who is there to make a political statement or to create Islamaphobia among the people? Why does he have to be someone who is playing a terrorist – as seen in Fanaa, Mission Kashmir, New York – or a Muslim lover who falls in love with a Hindu girl and how religious controversies erupts in the story from thereon – as seen in Veer-Zara. Most horrible is when Karan Johar’s movie ‘Kurbaan’ glorified the terrorist, as played by the protagonist of the film, Saif Ali Khan.

These are a few of my thoughts on how we negatively portray and represent Muslims in society today. Rather than just letting the good man live his ways….we create aggression and fear inside him…eventually coaxing him to become an extremists taking radical steps towards wrongful doings.

So let us live and let live!!

Note: Don’t forget to catch this show (We the People) live on NDTV on 7th March 2010 at 8p.m sharp.

The dimpled youth icon of India goes local

2010-02-05T21:43:00.004+05:30

I’m just back after escorting my sister to the airport, who departed from Mumbai this evening, on a short holiday to be part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). Wow! I just wish I could join her to ‘Do-buy’ in Dubai, but certain commitments at hand, let this linger as my wishful thinking.After my brief airport quickie, I thought I would be able to make it to my scheduled evening lecture today…but to my misfortune I got late for that as well. Ahh…well, so I thought I should use my earned time to write my views about Rahul Gandhi’s charming & exciting stopover in Mumbai today.

Doing a somersault

Rahul Gandhi is his capacity as Congress General Secretary visited Mumbai today and was scheduled to greet students in Vile Parle in North Mumbai, and then fly in a chopper to Ghatkopar to meet the residents of a Dalit slum. But Rahul baba (the future of Indian politics) flip-flopped his entire schedule by travelling in a local train to Ghatkopar impromptu, leaving his security men and convoy baffled.

Yeah, you must be thinking, what’s the big deal if Rahul travelled in a local train…..like NDTV’s Barkha Dutt tweets saying, “Rahul Gandhi on the local train in Mumbai….you think any tigers will be riding with him.” There may not be any tigers riding with him (thank God for that ;-))...but his impromptu visit made a big deal, because local political thugs had declared war against Rahul and even threatened him to dare enter the city. But Rahul remained undeterred and even challenged local goons, by fearlessly walking in the city without security.

When in Mumbai, do as the Mumbaikar's do...and Rahul did just that!! Way to go Rahul!!!

India needs more of such daring people to challenge and drive away goons who are out there to divide the country on the basis of caste, creed, religion, sex and the state he/ she belongs to. We cannot simply be swayed or brainwashed by mindless people.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

And remember to stick around, because life is beautiful ;-)

There is much more to this beautiful country called India...

2010-01-26T10:40:00.003+05:30

Today Indians all over the world celebrate the 60th year of Indian Republic, and this is an extremely proud and nostalgic moment for the people of India, who remember and regard the freedom fighters who fought tooth-and-nail to free India from the British colonial rule.

India’s tryst with destiny
It makes me recall that famous speech that Jawaharlal Nehru (popularly called Chacha Nehru) gave at the stroke of midnight on 14th Aug 1947, when he (Nehru), the first Prime Minister of Independent India and a majestic orator announced the dawn of India's freedom to the world. He said, "Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially."

He goes on to take the pledge saying," At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity." See the whole audio of Nehru’s speech on Youtube.

The over-amplified underbelly
Let me corroborate the title of this blog article with a real life incident that occurred with me a few days back. I had this short acquaintance with a group of about 4 tourists who seem to be completely in love with India and who wanted to spend 15 days simply touring this colorful and earthly country. This young and vibrant group had planned a short stopover of about 2 days in Mumbai and I was completely impressed by their thoughts about India and infact I was all geared up to help them make the best of their stay in Mumbai.

I was all set out to help our visitors get the best from their tour in Mumbai. So, I made a quick mental checklist of places that I need to take them to, which included the famous monument, Gateway of India, shopping for some authentic leather at the leather market in Dharavi, a quick drive down the 4.5km stretch of the iconic Bandra-Worli sealink, dining and a quick tour to the beautiful heritage structure of India, the Taj Mahal hotel and palace….etc.

When I told the group about all that we can do, I was taken aback when I got to know, what they actually have come to do and see in Mumbai. They very simply said that, “All they want to see is the slums of Mumbai.” At that instance, I was filled with mixed emotions…a feeling of anger, shock and sadness crept inside me. I was not really happy of what India’s visitors thought about India….they only wanted to see the dark side…..the underbelly of Mumbai. Maybe I should thank (sarcasm implied) the so-called blockbuster, the Oscar winning movie, Slumdog millionaire, which over exaggerated the underbelly of Mumbai….and missed out on the developed and liberated India.

I have nothing against the movie….but the censor board needs to be cautious next time it permits movies which tell one side of the story and ignore the good part of it. People form opinions and change attitudes based on what media shows them.

We agree that with all the hype and the seamless development that has happened in India over the last decade-especially in Mumbai- a section of the slums still exists. But this section of Mumbai is not a tourists spot for god sake!! This is a section of society that has to be improved to bring it on par with the rest of Mumbai, and I am pretty optimistic that this change will happen quiet rapidly.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

And remember to stick around, because life is beautiful ;-)

Don’t put her in a spotlight because she’s a woman…

2009-12-27T12:02:00.005+05:30

I am writing this article in view of the recent announcement or kind of preference that Hon. President of India Pratibha Patil expressed about having a woman judge to the Supreme Court. It’s good that the President thinks for the women folks...this clearly demonstrates that Mrs. President goes with the ideology of empowering women. However, making a public statement like this at the position she holds is completely not done. It could be her personal views to have a woman-on-top, but that should be kept personal. You can’t and one shouldn’t put a woman in spotlight because she is a woman.

Women-on-top
Even I personally would like to see women executing some good work from the top of the corporate hierarchy, but I want her to be at those top and powerful positions only after undergoing stiff competition and a fair and balanced trail. Today there are so many women achievers who have done it…..and the whole world is proud to see their triumphs. The success stories written and showcased by these women achievers is not because of their sex or their genetic make-up…but it is indeed because of the competence, positive attitude, ability to multi-task, balance, objectivity and fairness quotient that they showcase – both professionally and personally.

Women like Indra Nooyi, Mother Teresa, Sonia Gandhi, Kiran Bedi, Kalpana Chawla, Hillary Clinton, to name a few, are big time achievers, and in fact there are many more women who do good work for the upliftment and betterment of society at large. These are women who ought to have the spotlight showered upon them but they neither claim it nor blow their trumpet boasting about the marvels they do.

Cannot multiply wealth by dividing it
Mrs. President has expressed a very naïve socialistic ideology by making a statement like this. Women don’t need any reservations to conquer powerful positions….she can prove her mettle by stiff and fair competition. As very well said by the famous economist Adrian Rogers that…. "You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it,” therefore I believe that India should have a mix of a socialistic and capitalist ideology.

Socialist because there are people in society – both man and women – who are underprivileged, malnourished, who do not even have the basic medical necessities of life. The government needs to take care and make provisions for this class of deprived people. While capitalist because if there is no competition and we simply divide the wealth among citizens, then there would be no progress and growth. A complete socialistic ideology gives birth to bureaucrats, leading to corruption…while a complete capitalist society leads to a ruthless and a hungry-for-power world. So we need to balance the two.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Born to live....

2009-11-28T10:33:00.004+05:30

This was about a month back, when I was assigned a job to do ‘Content Analysis’ on any subject of my choice, be it political, cultural, social or related to business- the only clause was that it had to be current. I was given a short deadline of 15 days and consequently the project work had to be submitted and presented to an audience of about 50 odd people.

After a lot of thinking and scrutiny of different topics, I eventually decided to put some efforts into analyzing the issue which is still considered taboo by both the Indian civil society and the government….the topic was ‘Homosexuality’. Yeah, we all know that the government has taken a liberal stand by legalizing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) relationships by making sure that their rights are a part of the legislation (abolishing sec 377 of the IPC which criminalizes homosexuality). However authorities need to do more to build-up the acceptance of this minority community by society at large. Activities such as social advertisements, skits, road shows, cultural events can be employed to effectively propagate the message. We need to inform and educate society giving them the correct message and meaning of homosexuality....instilling in their minds that ‘Homosexuality is not a choice but it is a genetic orientation.’

Doctors are the worst informed
More than 50% of people in India are still orthodox and they simply don’t seem to understand and accept homosexual relationships. We need to target the section of society living in rural areas and educate them. And why only talk about the orthodox community....there are even some highly qualified doctors, who call homosexuality a disease. These so-called qualified elite doctors prescribe tonics, injections and also induce homosexuals to go up the aversion therapy.

With the kind of treatment and the social stigma that homosexuals face today….they turn-up to doctors to know whether their feelings are normal or whether it needs to be treated. But doctors themselves are not informed today….a complete pity and a sorry state of affairs.

Live and let live
This reminds me of the famous fashion designer and a Big Boss 2009 contestant, Rohit Verma, who has come out in the open to reveal his sexual orientation. However, it is easier for Rohit to do so because he belongs to the elite section of society...in infact it becomes even more uncomplicated for him since he is a celebrity. Has anyone thought about the rest of the LGBT communities who are facing humiliation and are afraid that their families do not disown them?

Rohit Verma scripted a wonderful poem (in Hindi), dedicating it to the homosexual community in India and in the world…..even more to the Indian society, telling them to accept homosexuals with open arms and stop acting indifferent towards their feelings.

Poem goes like this (in Hindi)…

Main ek dil hu...dil
Na main purush hu...na ek aurat hu
Main ek dil hu

Jo dhadakhta hain jo samajh mein...apni he banayi hui iss dhakhano ko mehsus karta hain
Ye woh bhagwan ki dain hain, jise duniya kabhi abhishaap keh deti hain, ya kabhi isko uthake mandir mein rakh deti hain

Jab kabhi baccha hota hain...issi dil ko bulate hain duaon ke liye
main ek dil hu

He says, he feels like an unwanted child....but he ends up saying he is born to live. So let us, live and let live!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Don’t forget to stick around, because life is beautiful ;-)

The so-called ‘Letter of Intent’

2009-11-21T11:55:00.002+05:30

Have you ever come across situations of sudden disbelief and hurt, when you are told about a verdict made by your loved one, through a third party? When I say loved one, I mean someone who could be your family, friend or for that matter the very company you work for. It's like this feeling that sets-in when a company suddenly makes an off-the-cuff announcement to its employees that its entire business unit is being sold off to a bigger and a better competitor. The sense of betrayal creeps in!

Organic growth Vs. Inorganic growth
Does your company show organic growth is the question the business world is asking. When they say organic growth, it means profits/ sales made by a company from its existing businesses, as opposed to growth that comes from buying other businesses. So, if your balance sheet shows a bursting organic growth, it means that you contribute to the GDP and this definitely is a bull run for you all the way.

But what if your company is not showing the expected organic growth results to survive? What does the company do then? As simple as it gets, the company then either thinks of striking a strategic partnership with another powerful entity through mergers & acquisitions or sells out all it owns to a more powerful listed competitor. The expansion made through this means, is what is called inorganic growth.

Being bought-out can be a nightmare
But has anyone really asked the employees what they really want. I know I am being socialistic here, but I believe, that there should be a balance of socialism and capitalism for a business to survive and to make its employees feel a sense of ownership.

Employees would certainly be in a state of shock, if they came to know that the company they work for and love so much does not owe them anymore and that, very soon someone else would take charge of what & how they would be doing things. Besides this, employees do not even know whether they would have a job or not in the first place. How disgruntled and betrayed can anyone feel?

What’s next?
When an announcement of this high decibel (of being bought out) is made, employees stop all their important jobs at hand to discuss their fate and organizational role. Although the company has promised that no employees would be affected, they begin to disbelieve the company they work for and start to ask each other questions (to which nobody has no answers) such as, will my job become redundant? would the company that has bought us - keep us?, do I need to start a job-hunt?, would we be working from the new office premises?, do I need to re-apply for my current position to the company that has bought us?, would there be a salary change?, to name a few.

Who’s going to answer all these questions…..which have no answers? It is blasphemous!!!!

This reminds me of that very famous quote by the veteran Mr. Narayana Murthy, when he said, "Love your job but never fall in love with your company, because you never know when it stops loving you"……simply so apt in today’s world.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your comments at simplymearl@live.com or simply leave your comment below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Hillary Clinton: Gets straight to the point

2009-11-01T13:24:00.001+05:30

Hillary Clinton gets fiercely undiplomatic with the Pakistan administration, warning them to act now- against Al Qaeda and Taliban who have sheltered themselves in Pakistan - or simply collapse.

In fact, I must say that the kind of stern and straight message that Clinton exemplified with the Pakistan administration was long overdue…this was something that had to be done decades ago to prevent the bloody terrorists from cultivating in their land. No one, neither the President of the United States, Barack Obama, nor the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, had the nerves to get straight to the point and direct the Pakistan administration on what they are suppose to be doing.

Need of the hour is to get real
Hillary Clinton hits it right on target this time. I’m sure; she wanted to do this long time back but was always constrained from higher authorities from the White house. They say, in politics you need to be a diplomat….but what when people really don’t seem to understand!!!

The mess and disaster that happens on Pakistan soil is having a direct impact on the neighboring countries, especially India. Our young and selfless soldiers are fighting tooth-and-nail to protect Indian civilians from terrorists, who seem to be fed and funded by the Pakistan administration. We cannot afford to loose our soldiers, because a country cannot manage its system and be true to itself.

We are ready to help Pakistan civilians
Like we have always been saying that the Indian administration can go overboard to help the civilians of Pakistan and is ready to begin trade with the country, provided they act against Al Qaeda and Taliban first-hand. We have nothing against the people of Pakistan…indeed they are our friends. Pakistan for the moment needs to forget about the Kashmir story and do what they really need to be doing.

Contribute to the GDP
Billions of dollars is being funded by the United States to the Pakistan administration….so that they start contributing to the global GDP….so that they work towards developing the country in terms of infrastructure, R&D, education, IT, knowledge management, employment of civilians, etc. But nothing of this seems to be happening. India and Pakistan have got their independence in the same year and the rest is history. The universe reveres India for its achievements….I don’t say world but say universe because India also reached for the moon (quiet literally) and has made the biggest contributions to help NASA in its discovery mission.

They can be funny too
Recently, Pakistan accused India of funding terrorists living in their country. When I heard this……I was actually in splits. I mean, you guys can actually be incorrigible…I must say. I just wish and pray that the civilians of Pakistan do not have to live in the bloody bloodbath because of the wrong decisions made by their government.

Every single day media reports a bomb attack in Pakistan….civilians fleeing……deaths……destruction….loss of property…..something needs to be done to tackle this right now!!!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself, God Bless and remember to always keep the faith ;-)

Citizens of this country still remain baffled

2009-10-26T22:16:00.001+05:30

Recently, the Maharashtra State elections results were declared and yet again the country’s ruling party- Congress- pulled off with the maximum number of votes. Ashok Chawan stays-on as Chief Minister (CM) of the State, asking Vilasrao Deshmukh and Rane, who had their eye firmly set on the chief ministerial position, to simply shut up.

A need for a CEO
The State of Maharashtra which occupies over 3,07,713 sq. km of land consists of 35 districts. Mumbai competently is the capital of the State, which maybe the smallest in terms of area occupancy, but it is the city with the highest earnings both in terms of knowledge & skills and production (not only within the state but within the country). More than 40% of tax generated in India is from its financial capital- Mumbai- and hence this city according to me needs that special administrative attention.

In addition to the Chief Minister, who is so busy serving other territories in the state, we also need a highly qualified and skilled chief executive officer, whose job is only to administer and manage the city of Mumbai, giving it that special attention it deserves. And we need to set this up fast to achieve our vision of becoming a Shanghai very soon in terms of infrastructure. However, talking about knowledge, competence and working style, India is the best and we don’t really need to be like anyone or compete with anyone …that’s for sure.

Our administration never learns from its past mistakes
Soon after the election result was revealed, there was a major accident that occurred at the Central train line and the whole city came to a standstill. The city’s rail network became paralysed and the over 6 million population of Mumbai who commutes by train daily, were seen on roads looking for other modes of transport to reach home. The huge masses that flocked on the streets actually got me nervous. The city looked like it was going to explode.

I believe the political system in India needs to seriously think of developing other states in the country to avoid concentration of people in one city or one state. Drawing an instance from Chennai which was called Madras at that time…..the infiltration of Chennai-iates inside Mumbai has drastically reduced after the massive development of Southern states such as Hyderabad and Bangalore today….we need to learn from this.

All in all, infrastructural development should be on top of the itinerary and in order to achieve this objective, we need responsible and accountable people…..we need people who crave for the welfare of the people and not hooligans you simply crave for power and more power.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

A cup of coffee brewed over my dead body

2009-10-13T10:38:00.008+05:30

The lead title of my article is not a metaphor or a catchy one liner sentence to draw my reader’s attention. This is what actually quiet literally happens in the city of Taipei.

Let me explain this actually!! There is this funeral parlour in Taipei that has invested more than 1 crore in a plant to recycle the heat generated while cremating bodies. The heat that is generated from this funeral parlour is used to power air-conditioning of the waiting lounge and brew coffee for mourners waiting to collect the ashes of their deceased relatives. Wow!!! What a green initiative. Taipei truly is going the green way with results shown through implementation.

Imagine how a cup of expresso brewed over my dead body would taste like…hmmm…something to think about right.

An overdose of the go-green ideology
The educated…even more those working in companies which focus on bringing about the green revolution have already been overfed with the go green mantras which help the community, the city, the nation, the world, and the entire planet to grow to become a safe place to live in. However, I believe that simply feeding the literate with information and environment do’s-and-don’ts do not really solve any problem.

It simply becomes an information overload where content writers, authors and journalist make a quick buck with their report on the significantly glorified news.

Sharing an experience
Recently I attended a 1-day environment workshop which gave a low-down about the environment do’s-and-don’ts and about the immediate actions required for reduction of power consumption and proper disposal of waste which were the highlights of the workshop.

All said and done, the next immediate action taken was to separate the waste disposed off into organic, inorganic and paper waste. The action looked good, 3 huge garbage baskets were introduced and people were asked to dispose of waste depending on the type. Being a very inquisitive soul, I was hell bent to know whether the waste that is disposed-of from our premise, when collected by the community, is rightly disposed of in the same manner.

To my surprise, it was not the way I presumed or wanted it to be. The segregated waste from the premise was dumped in one common bin and then sent to the dumping ground.

This is how superficial we are. We do things simply to gain popularity or recognition. Infact I believe, we need to get down and showcase our results by looking at the entire supply chain and then make a report of our achievements based on the end result- a learning from the Taipei story is needed.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Accentuating those assets….

2009-10-03T20:03:00.003+05:30

I came across this sensational article which talks about Bollywood’s top gear actor using bum bags to accentuate his butt, basically to make those assets look all rounded and attractive. It made me go Wow!!! Do you guys really need to get all padded-up to look good huh!! And listen, it’s not my fault that this news piece caught my attention. Perhaps, I must admit that this read was truly educating ;-). You see, I had never really heard of butt pads earlier and NOW I know.

Women always do it….infact she has to pamper herself to look and feel good. If she doesn’t, she is no woman. Likewise, when a man is overly concerned about his looks and appearance, we label him as a metro sexual or a heterosexual. How rude, isn’t it? Why do we differentiate huh!

Insure your booty
The ultimate rear side is given so much of thought and attention today. Look at actor and pop singer Jennifer Lopez who is so well known for her toned booty.

Recently, I also managed to get my hands on the ultimate butt programme which consists of some simple-to-do exercises prescribed by JLo herself. This prescription helps to get that ultimate hour-glass figure. Looking at the trend today, I think I need to now seriously follow it. Like I always say, I will start exercising on the 1st of next month and this time it will happen 100%;-)

But anyway, it’s better to get a naturally toned body than to use artificial padding’s, especially when temperatures are soaring in Mumbai….ahaan!!

Lastly remember, “Simplicity is the ultimate Sophistication”…so it is indeed better to accentuate your style rather than follow a trend set forth by others.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Come lets fall in love…..

2009-09-19T16:17:00.008+05:30

I was in Italy for about a week and I must say that it is a place in Europe that if given a chance everyone should visit. It is lively, sunny, and to say it in the words of the king of rock-and-roll Elvis Presley- Italy is a country you can sway back and forth and absolutely go day-dreaming. It retains its culture, religious sentiments, and traditional personification and at the same time, it also is a fun place with wines and pastas served all the way. All-in-all a beautiful place you can shake, ride and roll….

No. 13 is now my lucky charm

Was happy that it was a shiny sunny day when I arrived in Milan because I set aside the first two days to go places. I checked-in the hotel and was handed over access to the room on the 13th floor. There was a wave of flashbacks from the movies such as Friday the 13th, Exorcist, 13B, that spinned off my crazy mind and the next request I made was like, “Can you give me a room on any other floor please?”

A devil in disguise….the whole damn hotel was full and I had no other option but to stay on the creepy 13th floor. Yeah yeah….actually I don’t really believe is all these creepy stories about the number 13 but I still made sure I slept with a holy rosary chained right round by neck to avoid any kind of mishaps or even see any caspers. Must say that this indeed is the power of cinema ;-)))))

“I like calling him Leo”

I was like almost day-dreaming when I got this awesome opportunity to see the original piece of Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting of the “last supper” situated at Santa Maria Delle Grazia, Milan. Leonardo Da Vinci or as the beautiful Italian guide so closely addressed him as Leo, is someone who I only studied about in my schooling days. I had my jaw dropping, when I saw that huge original painting that Leonardo Da Vinci potrayed of the last supper which symbolizes Jesus Christ’s last supper with the 12 apostles – it was the last supper when Jesus told his disciples that one of them would betray him.

Mind-blowing is still a small expression to make you feel the way I felt at that point in time…wow!!!

Venice……can make you fall in love again and again

Venice is like ‘the heaven’ in Italy. The Piazza San Marco, also famously called the Saint Mark's Square or as the Piazetta is a huge meeting point for tourists. This encompasses the St. Marco historical church and Basilica, one can’t simply miss out on. When we went boating through the grand canal in Venice, the most amazing thing about it, is the way the historical buildings, churches and monuments are constructed and standing strong right across the canal on either sides. As the Italians say….Beau-de-full!

I attended the Sunday service at a local church. Although the whole service was preached in Italian, the format was the same like the Roman Catholic church….so it didn’t really make much of a difference.

Nothing without the foods & drinks and shopping

Being a hardcore foodie, I freaked out on the traditional and taste-bud enticing Italian food such as the pastas, spaghetti, pizza’s, cheese, olives, the brain stimulants such as the double expresso and the hot coffee and the different types of red and white wines. Diet….what diet are we talking about…..I never diet ;-)

My feminine instincts did fascinate me to shop a bit but I thing that’s okay once in a while….what say???

All in all was a fantastic trip, both work and play. Would not mind visiting Italy again, and tour Rome and Florence for sure.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

And as the Italians say “Chow”……….

Time for those mouth H2Oring sweets

2009-08-24T22:06:00.003+05:30

The festival season is in the offing and before this year comes to an end, it is fiesta time for Indians living in India and across the whole wide world. The celebrations commences from this month with the festival of Lord Ganesha, Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated with great fanfare and faith, across India. This is followed by the nine day festival, the Navratri, followed by the festival of lights, Diwali, and then to finish of with Christmas.

In India, especially in Mumbai, all these festivals are celebrated with zest and with deep faith in the almighty. Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city and no matter which faith or religion the person comes from, all festivities are celebrated with the same enthusiasm and fervor. That’s what makes Mumbai different from the rest of India!!

All these festivities also bring in loads of mouth watering home-made mithai (sweets) on the food platter…so its time to also sweeten your sweet-tooth. At the same time, making sure you increase your workout schedule so that you can keep tab on weighty issues arising due to over eating ;-)

All in all, an auspicious period…..assuring you good times!!!

The non-benefactors
It’s also that time of the year when animals and birds fret for their lives. They literally go in hibernation!! Ask me, because I have a pet cat (Spotty is her name) at home and she like goes missing for long extended hours of the day. Even right now while I am writing this article, she is glued onto the ground like a leech, hoping that all this was over and she gets back to the real world. The sound of crackers and gun shots is something birds and animals can never tolerate, since the sound that they hear is 3 times louder than the human ear transmits.

So a message to the pandal administrators & organizers is to be kind to animals and birds…..which can be done by celebrating these festivals with more lights and less crackers.

Wishing each one of you Happy Fiesta for now and for all those festivals soon to come!!!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Swine’s now acquitted from charges of swine flu (H1N1)

2009-08-14T16:37:00.006+05:30

Today’s Times brings out an interesting experiment carried out by the Health Ministry in India to check whether swine’s (pigs) in India are H1N1 virus infected…..and surprisingly all those 230 pigs sampled across India were tested negative. Look at the irony!

Yeah, I know that the disease originated from swine’s but why defame these sweet little pig heads in the first place. The poor things have always been outcasts!!

The blame game
The media has propagated the Swine flu like fire. Name it…and all newspapers, television channels, websites, magazines, etc. are spinning out information newsletters along with do’s and don’t on Swine flu. In addition, media does a fantastic job government-bashing, showcasing the government’s unpreparedness to tackle swine flu. The media is out there to make some quick bucks by criticising the government and the government keeps making promises they can never really fulfill. Eventually, nobody benefits….and the common man is left to die at the face of it.

Keeping the disease under control… is still a dogfight
Like I had mentioned it earlier….900 people in India have already been affected by swine flu until today and the number is increasing. The whole nation is going berserk with this news, leading to partial shut-down of schools, colleges, multiplexes, and other public places across India. Corporate India has not shut-down as yet but yeah…they show their so-called solidarity by distributing face masks to their employees or maybe cut down on travel to affected areas.

No-one has no idea about the legal distribution of the vaccine which is still in the testing phase. The whole world is waiting for this miracle vaccine to fight the harmful effects of H1N1 virus. I simply wish that very soon, medical experts who work so hard also find a remedy to life threatening killer diseases like AIDS and Cancer.

In India, over 20 million people are HIV positive…..but people refrain or are careless towards taking precautionary measures to prevent from contracting the virus….while simply ask them to wear a mask as a precaution to flu…..and the whole world is running helter-skelter to get one for themselves. An irony again!!!

Right, so remember to take first-hand precautions always….because "Prevention is better than cure.”

It’s been a while since I have written in my blog. Infact, this article is posted after a long gap of about 10 days and I’m not really very happy with this kind of delay. But yeah…I’ll try to keep up with this…without giving any more reasons of being busy.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Come let’s dance…..

2009-08-03T19:55:00.002+05:30

I have always been awed by people who can shake a leg with that level of ease and comfort…. and all that done so damn gracefully. Even more by those who can move their body like as if it is some sort of a spring-board or like it is made of some kind of elastic composition. Looking at them dance, I begin to ask myself a question of whether…these dancers have a different spine and bone framework unlike ours. They simply do it so simply!

Who can forget a Michael Jakcson, who introduced his signature dance move- the moon walk. MJ was so passionate about dancing that he wanted to be the first one to actually do the moon walking on the moon. But I believe, his health conditions did not permit him to fulfill his dream. It’s all about being passionate and loving what you do, that makes you successful.

Gracing up
Coming to think of dance styles that brings with it grace, poise, sensuality, and rhythm, it has to be the Latino dance style formats such as, merengue, salsa, hip-hop, jazz, cha-cha, rumba, tango, samba, paso doble…to name a few.

I happened to be a part of this annual dance Latino festival this year and got to see the different dance styles actually being spun-off live on stage. It was amazing to watch 13 different Latino dance technique presented one after the other. For me it was a bigger task, since it was not only the dance name that I had to memorise but I had to kind of understand and actually mug-up a piece of history and evolution of each dance method, to be able to compere the event (for a friend) with the same ease and comfort that the dance artists performed with.

All-in-all it was an amazing and an educating event set of with panache. Learning the rumba and the tango are on my agenda and I will make time very soon to boogie on these dance techniques.

Frankly, I can’t shake a leg to save my life….even if I was instigated by Gabbar cracking those oh-so-famous dialogues, “bohot yarana lagta hain,” “Jab tak tere pair chalenge iski saans chalegi,” (pun intended)…I just can’t dance!!

A sort of self expression and recreation
Dance is all about recreation and self-expression. Besides fun and entertainment, dancing has some real useful health benefits to go with it. It is indeed a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. Moreover, it can improve your muscle tone, strength, endurance, and fitness all the way.

So remember to always keep it shaken and stirred!!!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

It’s raining discounts and sale….

2009-07-26T18:31:00.003+05:30

Open the newspaper these days….more than news content or must I say, content that educates the readers about the current business scenario, the political system, or about what’s happening in the entertainment industry…..you’ll find huge brightly colored advertisements occupying prime space in the newspapers. And these advertisements do not only talk about brands or products, but they talk about discounts and sale, to lure readers to jump off their couch and head straight towards the stores offering those whopping discounts.

These adverts do look good and truly enticing and kind of makes one go wow. I must admit…..it makes me go wow too!! Name the big brands and all of them are offering discounts, some spinning off a flat 50% discount and there are those smart big-wigs who say they are offering a discount of upto 50%....only to rush there and realize that the real good stuff only comes at a discount of 5-10% on an eye-popping mark-up price. Marketers’ truly think we are a whole lot of bimbos.

Do I actually need this?
This clearly illustrates how the economic downturn is playing in everybody’s mind, how people are controlled when it comes to spending on luxury products. The first question you would ask yourself is, “Do I actually need this”. The circulation of money in the market has reduced tremendously and to better the economy this trend needs to change…the purchase power of the buyer has to increase. And marketers’ are pretty optimistic that, this is possible by luring the masses through take-off prices.

If you ask me, shopping is something I never really like doing….I love having things but only wish the shop came to me or maybe I could get what I like without making that effort of standing in snake queues right before the trial room or walking down the buzzing mall. It is so damn boring or am I lazy?? ….I have no idea.

Consumer spending linked to nations GDP
Let me conclude this, corporations think that they are playing the gorilla warfare by offering discounts at already high mark-up prices,……consumers feel that they shouldn’t buy now because they don’t really think that they need the luxury stuff during the pounding economic weather. In the end, there are no gainers.

Besides, the government should work real hard to improve the consumer spending power by stamping out unemployment; by making sure that each child goes to school and completes (atleast) her/his basic education; support families who are below the poverty line to sustain by offering sponsorships; encouraging willing senior citizens to take up some kind of assignment which will keep them busy and happy and simultaneously will be contributing to the country’s GDP; Encouraging educated house-wives to come out of their homes and contribute to society and the nation’s GDP by making flexi-time compulsory everywhere; improving the infrastructure of town and villages, thus encouraging investments and penetration of industries and organizations there.

These are a few of my wishes and the wish of every citizen of this country. And we are ready to get our hands soiled to make this happen. Hope these simply don’t remain wishful-thinking!!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Hope you enjoying every bit of it.

Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

The picture speaks louder than words!

2009-07-19T17:45:00.003+05:30

Look at this picture right here….doesn’t it say it all? Yes indeed!! My caption to this picture would be: “A woman taking centre stage, while corporate honchos keenly and attentively listen to her.” Perhaps, my caption would look different, if this was something that occurred like almost everyday in the business world….Sad but true, it isn’t this way always.

I picked-up the newspaper this Sunday morning, to hit upon an article on the front page, carrying details of US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton’s visit to Mumbai. Before actually getting into reading those details, the picture which supported the article was quite impressive and was the first thing that caught my attention.

Woman on Top

Let me clear the air first, I am no Feminist and not a member of any Mahila Sangh (a group which fights for the right of women), but yes I believe, that women can reach for the stars, if the corporate world gives the talented “her” to lead from the front.

Its not that there are no women in India or in the world, who have proved their metal. Yes, we see that in practice too. But the sad thing is only a small percentage of women are actually holding those top and aspiring positions in the corporate world today. What is the reason for this tiny estimate…..is the big question mark? I don’t want to get into my judgment on this or what I thing about it…..it’s really not important!!

I simply believe in equality of all humankind. Man or Woman, you need to have a set of common rules and regulations for both the sexes…and this is not something I say because I am a woman. It is because we are human first.

An ambitious her

Ask a young girl in school, what she wants to do when she grows-up and you’ll get an instinctive reply, saying I want to fly aircrafts, I want to become an Astronaut, I want to become an Architect, I want to become a Journalist, I want to become the no. 1 tennis player in the world, I want to become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, I want to become a civil servant, and there are some who are even passionate about doing social service. She is very very ambitious!

What happens next is not destiny, but it is the opportunities that she grabs and the support that she gets during her journey in life. It is good to see, how organisations are encouraging women to take-up top positions and supporting them all through their journey. It is a positive sign for sure.

Social Responsibility

It is also our social responsibility to build on awareness, of the need of education for children, both the boy and the girl. In the rural areas of India, there is a lot of differentiation between the sexes, even today. The notion is still primitive. Besides, it is still believed that the girl child doesn’t need to be educated, because ultimately, she is not going to earn bread for the family. We need to change this mindset completely. Education is not about preparing oneself to make money; it is about developing the right attitude, personality, perspective towards life, approach, and being- aware of your surroundings, that education carries with it.

So, Do what you want to do, Be what you want to be. And remember, if need arise, bend the rules…but don’t break it;-)

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

Mumbai Marathon 2010 – Get yourself registered now!!!

2009-07-18T13:15:00.005+05:30

It all happened that very busy Monday morning, when one of my friends called to tell me that registrations to the Mumbai Marathon 2010 had began. That was it!! I left everything and visited the site to do an online registration, since I didn’t want to miss the marathon, like I did in Jan 2009 – a late-latif, like always.

Group registrations
A group of maybe three of my friends had already registered and then it was my turn. Bingo!! I successfully registered to the Dream run, a 6kms sprint, and was like on top of the world at that instant. Simultaneously, I was thinking, it would indeed be a good opportunity to use the Mumbai Marathon 2010 as a corporate branding event. This was like trailing in my mind and then….it was a spin-off! I shot an email to the top management, and not surprised at all, the deal was passed by them.

Though, I was stressing upon us participating in the “Corporate Challenge” – an event where a corporate support a cause and then contribute towards the cause through pledges. I didn’t get an okay for this one, because the entry fee was about INR 2.5lakhs, and with the economic downturn playing in everybody’s mind, this was bound not to go through.

Team building
The next stride-out was to intimate all colleagues in Mumbai, by motivating them a little. But believe me, in 2 days flat, the allotment for the Dream Run was full and no-one could make it for that particular event. But no worries, ten of them successfully registered to the half marathon, a 21kms run across the city of Mumbai.

When I heard this from them, my first reaction was like - you guys ditched me big time. But then yeah…its kinda okay!! All I had to do was simply upgrade myself to the half marathon. Frankly, I couldn’t actually see myself completing that long trail of 21kms, but… as long as we are successful in carrying the corporate message - all geared up wearing the corporate gear, what more should I ask for hah!!

How do you register
Quickly, let me tell you how you go about making your registration to the Mumbai Marathon. You could do so online at www.scmm.indiatimes.com. Alternately, you could collect the registration form, from any Standard Chartered Bank branch, the sponsors of this event. You could also contact the helpline at +91 22 42020200 for details.

No matter how much we crib about our city Mumbai, we still miss her when we are away…..we still love her the way she is……there is some kind of addiction in this city, isn’t it?…….Infact, I have still not figured out the thing that makes us love her so much!!

Remember 17th Jan 2010 is THE DAY….so see ya there!!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

Achieving milestones through sheer determination

2009-07-14T21:31:00.003+05:30

I know you must be thinking that here is another business guru, come to give us her gyan fundas. Let me clear the air first, I am a real idiot when it comes to business communication…infact communication of any form is not my cup of tea. Wow…It actually feels nice to let out this truth through this blog….you see I cannot admit this when I appear for an interview ;-)

Through this article of mine, I am basically trying to impress upon the fact of some people who go down to any extent to achieve their goal- may it be giving up a bad habit of smoking or to attaining a size zero figure or maybe to simply become the richest person on this planet and own all the luxuries that life can offer.

It is good indeed to be ambitious in life and go that extra mile to achieve what you have set for yourself and make it a winnable one. But its worthy if the ambition is positive…..a dream which is good for you and the society that surrounds you. Running behind your objective through bootlicking, corruption, conspiracy, giving people wrong promises, et al, is no way of attaining success. Off course this is my perspective and I don’t think any sane person would think differently….until otherwise.

The Metamorphosis……

Through this article of mine, I want to share with you real life instances of people who have achieved their ambition through sheer determination and will power to fight. Memories galore!!!

There is this person who I have known for years together and he is still my very close buddy. Yeah, he had this bad smoking habit…a kind of a chain smoker. He tried everything under the sun to quit smoking completely. It’s like you do something, not once but many times throughout the day, 365 days a year, and you also know that all that you are puffing, is real bad for you. But you still continue to do it because you simply cannot resist the temptation. Can’t blame anyone though with this kind of a habit, a bad one!

Then came a day, when he tried to quit smoking and was determined to do so for his parents and then the second time for his girlfriend. Tried hard..maybe successful for 1 month or so and then got addicted to it again. Now here is the catch! If you actually plan to achieve something, you need to first DO IT FOR YOURSELF. You simply love yourself so much, that you become worried if something goes wrong..then what? This is when he made this dream to quit smoking a reality. Yeah and now, Cigarettes….what are those? is the answer you’ll get from the man.

Recently, I have got to know from a colleague on how he went from fat to fab! Initially, I didn’t actually believe it, until I saw some real transformational pics. I was actually dumbstruck and kind of lost of words, because that looked like a true metamorphosis…quite literally! Off course, I have now assured myself some free off-the- shelf exercise routine and diet maintaining tips, by making a mention of this in this article for sure. I know, I know….I must be selfish na!!

So surely, there is a way out from a bad habit/ fad. And to achieve your moto in life, you need sheer determination and sustainability. I think I need to learn from it!!

I too have a so called ambition to achieve, and I am working hard on it to make it achievable. But yeah, it’s a secret right now and I’ll share it with you as soon as I make it happen;-)

While I still say that I will wakeup at 5 a.m everyday and start my morning workout, sad but true, this hasn’t happened till date.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I am sure, you must be finding some articles real crazy and offbeat, but that’s what makes life interesting and adventurous… Isn’t it!

Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

Everybody is talking about green shoots of recovery….

2009-07-07T13:20:00.004+05:30

Beginning Q4 2008 the global economy went into a recession and certain markets awfully collapsed with no signs of warning. Fortune 500 companies closed down in a blink and the whole world got sucked in the infectious global meltdown phenomenon.

The question is how do we tackle this downturn and move ahead in the way business and markets use to operate prior to the slump. If only we could do business with another planet, things would have been better. Sad but true….we do not have that option open to us yet.

Identified ways for tackling recession

If you have a marquee product to sell, the prospective customers do not have the money to buy your product. Unemployment is increasing globally. Demand is shrinking. Consumers are postponing purchase of luxury goods until market recovery. Violence, hatred, inter-continental grudge is mounting. People waiting for a career-boost in terms of position and salary are left lurching in the dark. Cost cutting is given the top most priority in the corporate strategy. Disinvestment of public sector companies is the immediate action to be taken. Off shoring jobs to low cost nations is the punch line to success – indeed at the cost of people loosing jobs in their home country.

These are a few tactics identified by organizations and consumers to beat the downturn and be able to sail through it without being hurt.

Is the approach right…….or do we have to rethink our strategy?

The Finance Minister of India announced the Budget today and all through his speech, he has been positive about India showing green shoots of recovery. He stresses saying that India will show a turnaround in a few months from now and that India is an emerging country and is currently walking on greener pastures.

It is indeed good news for India. We are sailing on safe waters and can expect a good life ahead. But we need to be clear whether this good life predicted for the future is not where the rich become richer and the poor become poorer. It is nice to be living in a country that is booming and showing positive signs but what about that part of the population in India who are below the poverty line.

Are we doing anything to support them and convert their standard of living by providing them the basic necessities of life? They are not really asking for more!!

Each one of us has an opinion and here are a few immediate actions that I recommend:

Free education to children below the poverty line – education up to graduation is must.
Employment to the million people still jobless in India.
Increasing benefits to Entrepreneurs, thus encouraging them to take on new assignments.
Providing low cost homes to people who do not have a home.
Farmers who provide the whole nation with our staple food are committing suicides today. The reason – the production is less and the money that they get after selling their produce to the middle-man is a quarter of what is sold in the market. Let the farmers get the full price for their produce.
Offshoring is an area where India is benefiting today, but we should simultaneously put a contingency plan in place. There is a possibility when some years down the line India would be offshoring local jobs to other low cost countries such as Vietnam, China, Philippines. What do we do then?

Live and let live!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless.

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

Michael Jackson, the Peter Pan of pop music….we’re going to miss you MJ!

2009-06-27T11:26:00.007+05:30

The most shattering and the most shocking news that came to us early Friday morning was indeed about the passing away of the musical God Michael Jackson. It took me some time to even write this article to express my anguish, since I wanted to verify, whether what I heard was a dream or was it actually reality.

Grown-up listening to his music

Michael indeed is a Dean of pop music. I have grown up listening to his music, gazing his dance moves and was crazy about his self-written song lyrics. As a child, I remember singing MJ’s songs and imitating him at fancy dress competitions….I mean Michael you are so amazing…..

I remember writing an article in my blog, all excited about Michael’s come-back tour, “This is it”, which was to begin Jul 13 2009, but that never really was destined to happen. Sad but true!!

Like my dad simply told me to relax and said that he and the whole world went through the same anguish when the greatest of his time Elvis Presley passed away.

The Invincible Michael

Nobody on this planet can replace Michael Jackson. I mean this man had the talent, kindness, and was grounded in true sense. A clutch of his hit numbers, You are not alone; Black or White; Heal the World; We are the world; All of us say that they don’t really care about us; Beat it, Bad; Remember the time- are a few songs which talked about Michael and who he really was.

It’s been as long as 10 years since we have seen Michael performing live on stage or for that matter, there even were no music albums that he released. While we did hear that Michael would team up with hip-hop singer Neo to release their brand new combined album…..sad but true, this too was not meant to be.

“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with”, as said by Michael Jackson.

While I was jogging this morning, I inadvertently happened to ape Michael’s signature tune…”Aaoohhw” aloud. While I did get stares from people but that’s the global impact Michael Jackson, the King of Pop has left on all music lovers.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless.

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

“Retirement”….feels like you have been hit by recession

2009-06-11T21:42:00.005+05:30

It’s difficult to put myself in the place of a person who is approaching retirement from his corporate lifestyle, but coming to think of it…..it must be feeling like a no-where-to-go cerebral attack. Imagine that daily routine that a working executive follows of waking up in the morning, getting ready for work, working hard those 8-9hrs, and then pack-up from office to go straight home or maybe pursue an evening hobby……and then suddenly you wake up on the 1st day after your 60th birthday and you realize that you have nowhere to go. Uff……must be real hard to digest!

60th birthday can be agonizing

One of my colleagues celebrated his 60th birthday yesterday and he also retires this month from the company. When I asked him how it feels to celebrate his 60th birthday- a day when people not only wish you a Happy Birthday but also wish you a Happy Retirement. He said, that it feels like the whole world has come-down-upon-him…..seems gloomy, especially because he has served the same company for a long spell of over 34yrs and that leaving the company after such a long spell would be real difficult.

Now let me exaggerate……34yrs.......like, how do people work so long in one company??? I can’t even imagine!!

It’s even worse when you are a leader material in your organization. And being a Leader, people emulate you, listen to your views and take your instructions too seriously, work for you, and even more when your signature works like you can buy a fortune 500 company….then it surely must be feeling gloomy, until you actually start getting use to the sedentary lifestyle you are forced to make peace with.

Planning for retirement

I believe that in order to face retirement and cruise through it smoothly, you need to prepare for it well in advance – both mentally and physically. There are many companies following this practice, which put employees in a “Retirement Simulation” environment and let them have a feel about life after retirement, while they are working. Isn’t this a fantastic way of getting ready for withdrawal…..Indeed it is!

So, “Don't simply retire from something; have something to retire to.”

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

Is it racism or is it jealously?

2009-05-30T20:46:00.004+05:30

Whatever it is…the recent incidents in Australia against educated and intelligent Indians studying there, has left each Indian back home in a state of vengeance, hatred and helplessness.

We feel helpless because we just cannot do anything to change the thinking of the people who think so brash and have a negative attitude against the Indian community. We therefore insist that the government of India swiftly takes charge of this situation and demands an explanation from the Australian government. We need to know what is the Australian government doing to prevent ethnic-bashing imposed upon Indians living and studying in Australia.

We have had enough

We have an Indian brother battling for life, whose parents are destroyed and do not know how to handle the situation. The boy’s parents sent him to Australia for further studies – after investing their life long savings on their son’s education. The result, the son is hospitalized in Australia and literally battling for life. Even if this young guy recovers, he will be bedridden or dependent all his living years.

What a tragedy of life!!!

This is not the first incident that has occurred in Australia. There are many more un-reported cases which have occurred in the past. So much so that after this present incident, most Indian boys and girls who have been victims of “Ethnic-bashing” (also called “Curry-bashing by the locals there), are now speaking out and talking about the torture they have gone through in that country.

The reverse happens in India

It is a culture in India to treat “Guests as God”- quite literally. There are so many foreigners who live and work in India, who cannot stop preaching about the hospitality showered upon them in this country.

This kind of ethnic cruelty imposed upon Indians living in Australia is intolerable and needs immediate attention. The Australian government though has said that nothing like this would happen in future; this should be made legitimate. Indians do not go to Australia or for that matter to any other country to get free education. They pay all their term fees and hence they deserve to feel like home in the foreign land.

Beating-up people and verbally demoralizing them, is so inhumane and something that just cannot be. I don’t think Australia would want India to boycott trade, business, and Indo-Australian partnership deals. It is simple- it is like a relationship between two people – if there is no respect and trust, the relationship was not meant to be, while if respect and trust exists between the two, the relationship lasts forever.

I personally have nothing against any community but am against people who commit these kind of criminal, immoral and inhuman acts, out of frustration, ego, and jealously. Lets stop all this now and come together in support of people who have become victims!!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

A few years back, when I auditioned to become a ‘Cricket Commentator’

2009-05-14T22:15:00.005+05:30

I know it is a little hard to believe that I did it, but yes it is a truth and nothing but the truth that I auditioned to become a ‘Cricket Commentator’ for ESPN Sports.

I will not bore you to death to know the climax of this story and so I have decided to tell you whether I made in the finals or not. I made it to the first two rounds of the audition which was judged by 3 panelists. Two of the panelists were very-well-known cricketers Mr. Wasim Akhram from Pakistan and Mr. Ravi Shastri from India and the third judge was the Page 3 and Bollywood personality Ms. Perizaad Zorabian.

At the second and final round, I faltered and hence couldn’t make it to the finale, in which short-listed participants from each city would compete. But believe me, it was an experience of a life-time.

A nail-biting selection process
The first round was simple where the judges were basically looking for that perfect diction, the right attitude and upbeat behavior of the participants. During this round, a full screen slim monitor with a cricket match projection was presented to us. Each participant was then made to give a running commentary for a mere 2mins. I simply cannot give you a self-evaluation here but the panelists were pretty impressed and they called me for the second round scheduled the very next day.

Everything going-bravo until here, I moved to the second round – all unprepared. The main aim of this round was to judge the screen presence of the participant and also to judge the technical cricket knowledge he/she had about the game. Without saying - to be a good Commentator, it is very important to be technically sound with a game. Although I got a thumbs-up for my screen presence, the technicality of the game is where I ******* up ;-).

The entire audition process was recorded by ESPN Sports and then telecasted on-air- 2 weeks later.

My experience
It was an enriching experience – something that I will never forget. The panelist offcourse told me that I would be a very good anchor/ presenter, if I speak in a subject of my relevance like current issues, offbeat topics, music, movies, et al.

I remember of taking 2 casual day off from office, to be a part of this big event called “Harsha Ki Khoj” initiated by ESPN Sports. In another 2 weeks time when the show was telecasted on ESPN sports, I received an unexpected email from my colleague from our Bangalore office, actually telling me that he was happy to see me on television but hard-luck. My initial reaction was like what the hell was that! Did he actually see me???

Then came a few of my friends and people in the neighborhood, who happened to see me on television and actually asked me the same damn thing. This was a whole big secret- I actually didn’t tell anyone that I was going to do something so strange, but in-the-end got caught.

Thanks for visiting my blog, hope you are enjoying reading it! Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

Gay/ Lesbian relationships: what’s wrong in it?

2009-05-10T11:54:00.004+05:30

‘Homosexuality’ is a bad word not only in the Indian context but also considered taboo all over the world. I had a lot of thinking to do, before even writing this blog title. I mean why label homosexuals as gays or lesbians? They are human beings after all. And the way they live their life is something, nobody should meddle with – neither the government, society nor religious outfits in the world.

This community always existed right from stone-age, but they were never open about their relationships. However, today equations have changed and rightfully the community has come out in the open to discuss and talk about it.

The first gay marriage took place in India a few days back. This was not a marriage that transpired on a hide-out, but this happened in the typical Indian wedding style with approval from parents and the nearby like-minded community. And we too need to open up and liberate ourselves from this narrow-mindedness. Remember they are simply one of us.

There are many Hollywood and especially Bollywood films which are based on homosexual relationships. But the sad part about such films is that, they make a joke of this community to entertain the masses. Indeed, we need to make more serious films to educate the society at large. It is high time we accept them and let them live life king size.

All you lovely people out there who are reading my thoughts through this article, and who disagree with my belief - I have nothing against you. Infact, I respect your opinion, but at the same time, I respect my opinion too.

And for all you people who simply agree with me, and want to convey your agreement to me, you can do so by demonstrating your solidarity by supporting the ‘fight for equality’, by simply joining a group on Facebook which fights for the right of gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual community. The link on Facebook.

It is high-time, we treat this community with equality and respect, and let them live their lives with their own terms. We need to respect their sentiments and emotions!

Thanks for visiting my blog! Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

Why only perfumes, books and newspapers……give him a TV set, an ipod and a laptop!!!

2009-05-01T13:45:00.006+05:30

26/11 was the most dreadful day in a Mumbaikars life, even-more for people who were trapped in that deadly and brutal attack by terrorists. This incident had shaken the entire nation and the whole world….and we are still fighting this impurity in the system, because of which the world is bleeding.

The good thing is that, the world knows the who’s, where’s and how’s of these so-called terrorists. What I mean is that we all know who they are, where they come from and how they become terrorists. But the sad thing is that the Indian government still believes in giving a fair trail to Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorists caught during 26/11.

Giving whom a fair trail?? Somebody, who held that AK 47 rifle and sprayed bullets on innocent lives. I mean, what are we trying to show to the world hah!

It all began with giving the terrorist (Ajmal) a lawyer, then declaring that he should be tested in juvenile court- because he is under 18yrs old, Ajmal then demanding newspapers, perfumes and asking for permission to walk in the corridors, et all. The terrorist is not at all apologetic for his doing and is mostly caught smiling and giggling. We shouldn’t sympathize with him.

Looking at all this, it seems that we treat terrorists better than the common man in this country. The taxpayers hard-earned money is used to give the lone terrorist high-end protection in jail and during his trail period. Why is the government misusing the monies of the citizens during this time of economic downturn?

And what are the European countries, Americas and the Obama’s doing about this. The whole world needs to probe into Ajmal’s trail here in India and make sure he is slaughtered on live television. The whole world needs to see how we treat terrorists and that such extremist groups will not be spared by anyone in the world.

‘Terrorism’ is a global problem and we need to tackle this together. There should be one common global legislation followed throughout the world to deal-with terrorism and reprimand terrorists and people who are out to destroy and bring about disharmony in the world.

It’s only when we do this in harmony, is when we will be able to wipe out this danger of terrorism imposed upon us.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

Lok Sabha Elections 2009 – a showdown!

2009-04-21T20:57:00.003+05:30

Elections 2009 is currently on-full-on in India and each party competing elections are in high spirits to win the Lok Sabha elections. Elections began in India on the 16th Apr 2009 and it will take place in Mumbai, Maharashtra on the 30th Apr 2009.

Mumbai, the city of dreams, is all geared up for Election 2009. The only thing that is constant is ‘Change’ and in order to bring about that change, in this city we breath in – in the country that we belong to, is by casting our vote and bringing the right people to power. We need leaders who will think for the people and act for them, rather than filling their own deep pockets.

Broadcast initiative
Our entire team on radio, have been promoting elections 2009 and encouraging people, especially the youth to go out and cast their vote. We are doing in dial-in shows and taking people live on air to talk to us. I cannot forget this one caller, you called to tell me that he will not vote this election.

On asking him the reason for this not-so-good decision – he said that he is visually handicap and because of this, he is unable to find a job. Adding that, every employer rejects his application on first sight. He says, that the government is doing nothing to address his sorry state of affairs.

I was dumbstruck and actually didn’t know how to convince this young man. I assured him though, that I will talk to the area Municipal Councillor and try to find a solution. We immediately involved the area Councillor in a live on-air discussion, who definitely tried to pacify him to some extent.

We have also proactively written an email to Priya Dutt, daughter of a very famous politician and leader late Mr. Sunil Dutt, who is campaigning elections in North-East constituency- which is also the constituency that the caller belongs to. I am still awaiting a response from Priya.

This is one ‘such unfortunate case’ that I have come across. There maybe so many young men and women who are unemployed in this country. And unemployed not because they do not have the skills and competence required to perform the job– but unemployed for no fault of theirs. This hurts even more!

Thanks for visiting my blog! Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

“Shoe is mightier than the sword”. . .

2009-04-11T11:55:00.003+05:30

Now you know, what I am trying to impress upon right? Yes, you are absolutely right, if you are angry, irritated or frustrated with somebody, simply pull out your shoe and bowl it on that ‘somebody’, making sure that you do not miss on your target.

Hey, now listen, this is not some solution that I prescribe. Don’t get me wrong ;-) But we see the trend these days, that people who are furious and angry and feel like they are pushed to the corner, find simple solutions to vent out that anger- offcourse making sure that if they are convicted for this act, the case looks funny and absolutely weak. Doesn’t it?

Journalist once said, “Pen is mightier than the sword”. But this only remains a rhetoric, because looking at their actions these days, looks like they have reframed this expression a little bit, saying, “Shoe is mightier than the sword”.

Some occurrences
There was this frightful incident that occurred in the life of Ex-President of the US, George Bush, actually which happened during his handing-over process. Just imagine, a shoe being thrown at the most powerful person in the world, the President of the United States – now you need guts & fortitude to be doing something like this….oops it hurts!!

And Oops, it happened again! Yeah not in the US, but here at home in India. Now Election 2009 is round the corner and we see all the parties who are competing at the elections, rigorously campaigning to show their mettle. Basically all that branding and showcasing done, as if the people of this nation are dumb bimbos and cannot see through them, hah!

Right, so two big-time respected campaigners (from India) have already been shown the shoe and probably have been voted out from the minds of the people. Again, the shoe part of the story happened at a press meeting when the journalist loosened his shoe strings to throw it on the contender. This happened less than a week back and today the journalist (who committed this act) is became the talk of the town and indeed become a star. He has even gone further by writing to the event managers of the press meeting, to return his shoe back to him. A guy with nerves, must say ;-)

Following the legacy
Imagine, if this kind of an exhibit is displayed at a corporate board meeting or business meetings. I have heard of people, pinning up their bosses photograph as a dart board to vent out their anger. But we need to think long term right ;-)
To avoid this kind of a humiliating situation, probably, it should be made mandatory that all people attending meetings should remove their shoes before they walk inside the meeting room. Howzatt!!

So, are you in a fit of rage? A solution recently discovered: Throw your shoe! Though not recommended!

Thanks for visiting my blog! Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Stick around, because life is beautiful!

Cycle your way to a fitter you and a healthier planet. . .

2009-03-29T14:26:00.003+05:30

We all love cycling. . . don’t we? - Whether it is cycling just for leisure, participating in a cycle race or cycling to work. This non-motor, inexpensive, pollution free, fitness vehicle is your way to a fitter you and a fitter and healthier planet.

Earth Hour 2009 just happened yesterday, the 28th Mar, when the whole world participated in the campaign towards saving our planet from the effects of global warming and climate change. All we did was switched-off our lights for one entire hour to tell our global leaders that the citizens of the world care about the planet. Hence stressing upon the fact that – ‘Boy! you need to take immediate steps to curb this disaster from destroying our planet’.

Benefits of cycling
There are so many advantages and benefits of cycling. This green vehicle, the so called ‘bi-cycle’, is the most environment friendly vehicle that the world has ever created. It needs no gas to pedal, hence it does not leave any carbon footprints.

Riding this bike can also help you look fitter and healthier. Rather than hitting the gym, cycling everyday is a fantastic stress buster and will help you look and feel good. Off course gyms do give you an option of a static bike to exercise on but a bi-cycle will help you reach your destination too– a two in one solution ;-)

Infrastructure and laws
Yes, we cannot cycle on the roads where four wheeler vehicles and heavy duty vehicles ply on. There is a need of a separate path for cyclists in the city of Mumbai and other cities who do not offer this safe and healthy option. Cycling on the frenzied overcrowded streets of Mumbai is not only difficult, but also not a safe option. This is not recommended!

As a driver of a four wheeler vehicle and a cyclist too, I can understand how irritating it can be, both to the cyclist and the driver to be plying on the same road. I can assure the authorities that if a provision is made for a separate path and a separate parking slot for cyclist in the city, you would see the change for sure. Change in the environment and change in the health of the citizens of this world is definite.

We need to draw inspiration from some countries, especially the ones in Europe, who have the infrastructure for cyclists well in place. These green-peace-lover nations not only provide but also support and persuade people to use the bi-cycle as a safe and green mode of transport.

So C’mon people, let’s tell her (Mother Earth), how much we actually love her – Go out for a spin on your bicycle!

Thanks for visiting my blog! Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

And all you lovely people out there don’t forget to leave your email address when you drop in your comments to me. I always wish to reply to your message but just cannot do it;-(

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Stick around...because life is beautiful.

The ‘King of Pop’ is back . . .

2009-03-22T15:25:00.005+05:30

Now, you know who I am talking about right! I need not give any introduction to whacko jacko, the ultimate music and dancing superstar who gave those fantastic hits like Bad, Billie Jean, Beat it, Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana, Black or White, and I can go on-and-on listing those hits. Not missing out to make a mention of his super-duper hit ‘Thriller’ video-song album, where MJ scares his audience with his full moon ghostly act. My music library showcases a huge collection of MJ’s music of the 80’s, 90’s and his 2001 album called ‘Invincible’- sadly was Michael’s last album, before he went into hibernation.

Comeback Tour

And after that, MJ is back with his comeback tour ‘This is it’ in London. And as the news goes that the tickets for this tour which begins July 2009 with scheduled 50 concerts is all sold out, hence sending out a message to the music industry, organizers, music lovers and to MJ himself, that Michael, we want more of you!

Michael started his music career as a young lad at the age of seven years and from there, there was no turning back. Only wished Michael didn’t go under the knife for the plastic surgery jobs- he would have been healthier and mightier today.

Before I sign out let me leave you with the inspirational lyrics of the charity song “We are the World’ sung by Michael Jackson (MJ) and written by MJ himself and Lionel Ritchie.

We are the world,

We are the children,

We are the one to make a brighter day,

So let`s start givin`,

There`s a chance we`re takin`,

We`re takin all our lives,

It`s true we`re make it a brighter day just you and me.

So let’s think about the less fortunate people and especially children around us and do the little we can to help them. . . so please lend that hand :-)

Thanks for visiting my blog! Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

Ragging on the pretext of “just having some fun”

2009-03-11T12:01:00.006+05:30

Some years back during my graduation years in one of the biggest high profiled college in Mumbai, a young girl named Indu, a hostelite, made headlines in mostly all national newspapers. The newspapers drew the attention of readers towards Indu’s depressed state of mind which lead her to jump from the 3rd floor terrace of the college building.

While to simply put it, the actual reason for Indu giving up her life, was intensive ragging by her senior classmates in the hostel premises. Just to clarify the air, I am not here to defame any college or any person, but I want to make a point and stress upon the ill sides of ragging. Ragging whether done, just for fun or even if done within limits should be banned.

A young mind cannot take the torture of being defamed, spat upon, made to participate in nude shows, loosing her self respect et al. A young mind needs nourishment, should be motivated, should be empowered to make decisions and made to feel important, because she/ he is the future of this world.

Recent incident

I would like to draw your attention to this recent incident, just 2 days back, where a young, intelligent, good looking medical student, just 1 year in medical college, was ragged to death. He was tortured, made to feel like shit, slapped several times, his head was slammed on the wall, and this kind of a torture was inflicted upon him for the past 6 months. The torture was imposed by his senior classmates and it became so intensive the last 2 days that the boy died.

The boy did complain to the principal of the medical college but there was no action taken by the college to stop ragging. I can understand what the boy’s parent maybe going through at this point in time. But I would also like to tell all parents out there that if your child has made a mention about the pain he is going through, then please be proactive in trying to probe into the situation. It is very difficult to live in an atmosphere where people are out to make you feel inferior, even more for a youngster.

Imposing legal action

Ragging should be banned and this should be done by treating this act as a criminal offence and be included in the legislature. The government should take legal action against those who commit this act of ragging, even if done in the name of just having some fun. We cannot wait to discuss and action upon this until another young boy or girl is murdered in the name of “Ragging.”

So let’s come together and speak about this, so that the government takes action and imposes a ban on ragging in educational institutes and in the corporate world. The action should be taken now!!

Join the “No Ragging Foundation” on Facebook , which is a voluntary, non profit, organization working against abuse of human rights in the name of "Ragging" (known as "Hazing" in the West).

Express your support against ragging, join the group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=14375580203

Thanks for visiting my blog! Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!

The Hot Topic – Vote Earth!

2009-03-05T21:37:00.006+05:30

I picked up the subject of this blog article from a book titled “The Hot topic” by Gabrielle Walker and Sir David King. The theme of this book is “How to tackle global warming and still keep the lights on”. The content of this book is rather good, but definitely not the best book on climate change, up on the shelves.

The Inconvenient truth

Climate Change is indeed the most pressing issue we face today. The Earth is heating up and the warming effects on Earth, affects crops and climate conditions. The question is - Will we be able to make the changes needed to save our future generations from the chaos of a shifting climate?

I never really reflected on this question very seriously earlier. Like if you ask me what are my bad habits, then allow me admit a few sins - Yes, I drive it down to the vegetable market which is at a 10 min walking distance from my home. When I leave a room, I do not check to see whether the fans and lights of the room are switched off. I prefer taking a private rickshaw or a taxi rather than using the public transport. Carelessly leave the geyser switched- on. Carelessly left the refrigerator door open an entire night……et al.

But today, the concern is building up. We know exactly why, we need to be taking this matter on climate change a little too seriously. We need to grow up now!

Yes, we can!

This is a global problem and this can only be solved with global solutions. Each city, village, town in a country should take the “Save the earth” initiative very seriously. Not 100% of a country’s population is literate, hence spreading awareness through books, digitial media like the website, blogs, advertising (especially in English) on television, radio is simply not sufficient.

Think Global, Act Local

There are a huge number of people out there, who do not understand the spoken language, who do not enjoy the benefits of a good infrastructure, they do not understand what is global warming and climate change all about. We need to demonstrate to this under-privileged part of the population, through road shows, plays, theatre and to do all this, by adapting the regional language spoken there.

And this initiative can be taken forward both monetarily and intellectually by our global leaders. Our leaders need to include the “Save the Earth” initiative as a vision towards saving planet Earth from the effects of Global warming.

Earth Hour - Your light switch is your vote!

We as people can take this initiative forward by doing our little bit with some good habits, which will definitely make a difference. And yes to show that you care, you can “Vote Earth”, which is the world’s first global election between two competing parties, the Earth and Global Warming.

On March 28th, you can VOTE EARTH by switching off your lights for one hour (8:30p.m to 9:30 p.m.). Or you can vote global warming by leaving your lights on.

The results of the election are being presented at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009. We want one billion votes for Earth, to tell world leaders that we have to take action against global warming.

So login to www.earthhour.org and vote for Earth, to express your solidarity and love for her.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Do write to me with your reactions, opinions or critical comments at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!