Science in Shackles?

Science enriches the mind of those in its pursuit. Science and the knowledge it generates are invaluable to human society and its collective progress. But whither to? Should the direction of scientific progress be predetermined before it’s too late for the greater benefit of all?

Go(l)d's Own Country

Welcome to nature’s heaven (once upon a time?), the land bequeathed with nature’s beauty and charisma of backwaters, a small state with diligent people (diligent only outside the boundaries of their native land).

The meandering rivers and the roads alike, speak of the skewed march towards urbanization, rivers are on the verge of death due to undue exploitation and transforming to high-rising flats and multistoreys, proclaiming aloud the influence of land mafia and powerful real estate dealers. Nila/ Bharatapuzha is no more than a trickle even after heavy monsoon showers. The river bed is exposed resembling fine sands of desert. The richness remains in the imaginations of the poets and writers of the past. (similar to R.K Narayan’s portrayal of the Vaigai river of Madurai in ‘The River’). The roads pathetically become rivers after the slightest showers. A blend of revolutionary thinking and conservative approach? The land of most literate and politically active people shines equally well in male chauvinism and parochial attitude towards development.

Welcome to Kerala, God’s own country with lush green vegetation, nostalgic mossy, wet walls and tiled mansions. Huge hoardings on the highways welcome us to 'God’s own country'. Even the trains to Kerala bear the pictures showcasing the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the land. Yeah, we depend on imported money, money from foreigners or tourists and that from the gulf. Aah, here comes the chain of advertisements when you open the idiot box for entertainment. A series of jewellery shops advertising day and night for loads of gold to be purchased. One even goes to the extent that womanhood itself is about possessing gold and ornaments (‘Pennayal ponnu venam’ in Malayalam meaning 'a girl should own gold'). Hoardings on the highways, roads, railway stations, bus stations, junctions and everywhere…..as some great poet has remarked 'turn and see any where you will find'……, instead of 'trees in bloom', advertisements for gold jewellery shops and sometimes textile shops. In railway stations, in between the announcements of arrival and departure of trains, bangs in the advertisements of gold jewellery shops. Film stars are busy inaugrating jewellery and textile shops that have mushroomed in every nook and corner of cities. The popularity of cine stars can be judged by not the cinemas they have acted in, but by the number of jewellery shops they have inaugurated. Palatial luxurious mansions are marks of the inflow of gulf money into the state.

What will one do after buying gold? Eat it? Kerala is predominantly a consumer state. For the day-to-day necessities like food grains, vegetables, milk, eggs, flowers etc, the state shamelessly depends on the neighbouring states, those which are not blessed with natural resources as the state .

Kerala has many virtues and firsts to its credit, high literacy rate, low female infanticide, so and so.... Wonder if it is our optimism which makes us feel that everything is fine. We stand first in health care and law-enforcement as per the reports of a national weekly. True, these are the things Kerala should be proud of, as there is a silver lining somewhere .The political awareness of the people is far high when compared to any other state. But isn’t it also true and equally odd that the same politics is eating into the very economy of the state that, implementing any development programme is never possible in the state. No entrepreneur is willing to start any thing novel in the state. Keralites do very well in every sphere but only outside Kerala. Those who get bugged up by the system move on to make their fortunes elsewhere. Competition is very tough and being confronted with severe challenges, we are confident of winning the toughest outside.

Regarding female literacy, it’s true that women are educated and respected in our societies, but what’s the reality? Shashi Tharoor’s article in the Sunday magazine of “The Hindu” ‘Kalyanikutty’s Kerala’ is worth mention in this context. Is the same education helping us to reduce the number of cases of molestations or verbal abuse or gain regards from the male counter-parts? Impolite people dominate, impolite in attitude, behaviour and speech. In some families ladies are the sole earning members of the family who take care of every need of the family inspite of being abused by their drunken husbands. Ladies never go out alone after 6 P.M, for safety matters. Kerala is one of the states where scandals in which high-profile politicians are involved are prominent, thanks to the highly alert and competitive journalism. The liquor mafia continues to put the life of many at stake with the whole-hearted support of our politicians whose vote banks and bank accounts are on the rise. Kerala tops in suicide rate. Domestic violence and divorces are increasing. Such contradictions are in plenty. We receive education at least till the age of 25 years. This is to be considered a boon when we compare with those of our kin in other parts of the country, where a girl child is killed before birth and the spared ones do not have a voice but to live a life equivalent to death. But what after receiving that education? To be married with loads of jewellery to some one as something is being sold out? It is ridiculous. Young girls become a prey to the filthiest dowry system. The system is not so severe but still exists. Marriage is a display of the false pride, power and pelf of the families than a union of two individuals/ families.

Things surely ought to change, rather the attitude needs immense discretion and change. Truly “gold’s own odd country”!!!

What is in a DAY?

What is in a DAY? Given the propensity of celebrating each and every day as world/ universal/ national/ international ‘D’ days, this is no exaggerated remark.

Usher in every new day with open arms, for each day is unique or special. Each day of the year is dedicated for a cause/ purpose, for us to stop and think on certain grave issues. For example, March 22 is ‘World Water Day’, April 22 is ‘World Earth Day’, June 5 is ‘World Environment Day’, February 4 is ‘World Cancer Day’, June 8 is ‘World Brain Tumor Day’, September 21 is ‘World Alzheimer’s Day', September 27 is ‘World Heart Day’, August 31 is ‘World Road Safety Day’, October 16 is ‘World Food Day’, April 23 is ‘World Book Day’ etc. A day is devoted for a particular cause/ concern when it deserves urgent attention of people for drawing creative solutions. Each and every day seems rather a celebration/ festival.

A single day sometimes signifies for more than one cause. November 14 is ‘Children’s Day’ (in India) as well as ‘World Diabetes Day’. New Year day is both ‘Global Family Day’ and ‘World Day of Peace’. But global peace alone seems to be elusive and sacrificed every year. The alarming statistics of mass murders, terrorist attacks, communal riots, wars and bomb blasts, summarized by the culmination of a year depicts the extent by which global peace is thwarted. The month of May begins with the ‘Labour Day’ and ends with ‘World No Tobacco Day’. Indeed, these are some good reasons to celebrate !!

Certain "days for a cause” fall on a particular day of week of a particular month. For example, last Saturday of April is celebrated as ‘World Veterinary Day’, first Sunday of May is ‘World Laughter Day’. Same day (for a single cause) is celebrated in different times of a year in different parts of the world. First Sunday of May is celebrated as ‘National Grand Parent’s Day’ in US while the same is celebrated during first Sunday of October in UK. With only twenty-four hours a day and with ever expanding issues/ causes, we have a limited 365 days in a year, to dedicate for each. Dedicating each hour or specific period of a day will be not a bad idea either due to the dearth of days in a year.

Why only dedicate days for a cause? Each year (all 365 days) can be dedicated for a cause. The year 2004 was the ‘International year of Rice’, 2007 was the ‘International Year of Dolphin’ and 2009 was dedicated for Astronomy. The year 2010 is for Culture, Communications and also is the ‘International Year of Biodiversity’.What special achievement was made by such dedications is still not clear.

Is a cause to be dedicated to a day, because the cause is unique or because it is more frequent? If it is because of the latter, then we should first and foremost have a ‘World Treaty Day’ when all the treaties could be signed and all the lengthy never-ending discussions, talks and negotiations between disputing nations could be finished off in one single day with (or without ?) a possible positive outcome.

‘Valentine’s Day’ is a celebration, though many a times turning to be controversial celebration. Seminars, symposiums, demonstrations, high profile meetings, etc are conducted or organized at the international as well as national echelon, without fail, on the particular day dedicated for environment. Activism is more fashionable now-a-days and there is no paucity of self-serving activists. But no euphoria is associated with other petty causes.

The significance of celebrating special days mitigate, as each and every day becomes special, in one or the other way. A person of average memory should never risk loading all the dates and their significance into his/ her memory hard disk for the sake of general awareness, to avoid turning insane. It is better to look for which day is yet not dedicated/ celebrated. Hardly, there will be a few.

What can be the possible difference between ‘International Children’s Day’ (June 1) and ‘Universal Children’s Day’ (November 20)? What is the significance of ‘World Dance Day’ or ‘World Sleep Day’ (March 17)? Hope no one is expected to keep on dancing or sleeping throughout the particular days. Heard anything like an ‘International Kiss day’ (July 6) or ‘International Picnic Day’ (June 18) or ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day’ (September 17)? Sounds funny sometimes? Not some times, but most often!

Given all these very special days, let there only be a “World No-More-Nonsense Days Day”, to stop celebrating each day for simply silly causes. So watch out, ‘What is today for’?

Hunger Pangs

The drama of life, for a majority of population is all about quenching this demon, the inevitable hunger, ironically, even in this era of advanced technological developments. A grave as well as a predominant issue of concern which is to be addressed is “Food for all”. But who is to take care of this issue or who is to address? Who is to be made responsible? You or me or a third party or officials or the governments? We have innumerable schemes and projects sanctioned every year, some times renamed (old wine in new bottles) with the objective of appeasing hunger of millions. The driving force of life, governing all our activities such as earning money, is to appease this feeling. Life becomes dreaded and miserable than death itself.

The hunger demon keeps torturing hapless millions, some xy% of the population (statistics and estimations, let them find a place only in official records, maintained diligently for formalities and for launching yet another worthless scheme bereaving the public fund to further the interests of so-called ‘beneficiaries’). What is significant and thought-provoking is that even when our great nation is progressing with ‘so and so’ % growth rate in GDP and economy, a majority of population still doesn’t have means to satiate hunger. The privileged (minority) are engrossed in their own world of merriment or preoccupied with trivial issues, gossips, personal affairs/ exaggerated sensational news of celebrities, soap operas and reality shows either unaware or not really bothering to be aware of the saga of real life. This is no reality "show", but reality itself, for which unfortunately, the audience is sparse. India is shining or made shining by shutting eyes to such harsh realities of life, plaguing millions. There is no wide media coverage on this aspect, for it doesn’t interest the readers nor there is any sensationalism in the routine affair. Such dreaded stories remain in dark, in the backyard. We are not oblivious of this reality but purposely insulate our selves from the miseries of the empty stomachs and opportunistically forget/ be oblivious of such sufferings. But reality doesn’t vanish or cease to exist by closing the eyes. Let’s look around, watch/ pay attention to our premises, our own neighborhood, the people we know, the less privileged, for whom poverty and hunger are part and parcel of life.

Hunger, what is that? For those in ivory towers, for those who can afford all luxuries of life, who live an extravagant life of richness, a life of posh and pomp, for those who check diligently every now and then on their calorie intake/ find ways out to burn out the extra fat deposits on their obese frames for maintaining their glamour quotient., hunger and poverty belongs to some alien world. Pangs of hunger are best understood only by the hungry, people who struggle for a morsel of food! How many of us have remained hungry for even a day, since we cannot afford food or otherwise?. Hunger pangs are to be felt to understand why and what for people fill their stomach with water, mud and ash (as a recent report goes).We are fortunate. The food wasted everyday in urban households can otherwise feed million mouths.

Armchair philosophies will never suffice to solve/eradicate the deadly disease of poverty and hunger. Conferences, consortiums and meetings are held even at international levels but without a creative solution. “Education is the manifestation of perfection already in man”, goes the famous words of Swami Vivekananda. But ideologies, theories and philosophies are not for empty stomachs and the 'less perfect' lives. Education is for enlightenment, but education for the poor is a means to find food, at least for once a day. ‘Daily meal programme’ in schools have to an extent helped the children from poor families. But, what after such a glorious education? Child labour is one of the severe forms of human agony in the society. It exists with the informal approval of even the authorities who are responsible to curb the menace. Children are employed to do petty jobs or sometimes dangerous jobs as they need to be paid less for the same lump of work and can be exploited/ harassed without any complaints. The attitude of the privileged towards food in this context deserves mention. Narrating facts from real life is going to raise many eyebrows and fetch some amount of enemity. But to be frank, those students/ future diplomats/ HiFi educated class, and future scientists responsible for the food security of the nation, need to introspect when in hostels they shout for food from a particular state/ region or complain of the bad taste.

A meagre amount/ food given may be a silver lining for at least one in a million. Let good things begin with each one of us.

From ‘Jeero’ to ‘Seero’: Speaking English the Indian way

Wondered anyone, why you don’t have the privilege to read a word as it is written in English? Certain words have to be pronounced altogether in a different way, different from how these are spelt/ written.

The word education is to be read as ‘ejucation’ and not ‘edewcation’. Mirage is not ‘mi-rage’ or ‘miraage’ but ‘mirash’. Rendezvous is ron-day–voo. The word Director is to be enunciated as Director or ‘Diarector’? The dictionaries do often guide us on how a word is to be pronounced. Certain letters are silent whereas certain letters need to be emphasized. If a letter is to be silent while pronouncing, why at all it is inserted in the particular word in the first place? Foreign origin of the words may be one of the reasons for the unimaginable way of pronunciation. The British should acknowledge us Indians for contributing nearly or more than 700 words to their vocabulary!!! The words such as jungle, bungalow, catamaran, curry, ghee etc of Indian origin, have found a place in the Oxford dictionary. The Indian authors who write in English have equally contributed to this enchanting language. Think there still will be more additions to the dictionary, given our obsession with English.

We are obliged to the British for this beautiful, enamoring, universal language. Though officially Hindi is our national language, a major chunk of urban India communicates and connects through English. Speaking English is considered to be a matter of pride. If you are educated, you should definitely know English, irrespective of your knowledge on the subject of study or irrespective of the fact that you have studied in a regional language. Infact, if you happen to be a student or even parent of a student studying in a private school, you will learn to respect English by always speaking English. If you dare to talk in your mother tongue, you will be fined or punished. Dressing up to the occasion in a gathering is not enough to command reverence and to be considered as polished/ refined. You should utter only English or wherever possible, even if others fail to make anything out of what you speak. Such is the “colonial” influence. Speaking English is a symbol of education, dignity, prestige and superiority.

India has 28 states and 7 union territories. But more than 1500 languages exist in India, with 22 languages being classified as “official” languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. One need not speak the regional language to make out his/her place of origin. The extensions added to the “English” words in the local slang or speaking the local version of English, can effectively identify the region where the person belongs to. Non-functional syllables may be mutated in local languages to evolve into myriad words which symbolize the same thing, thus enriching the English vocabulary. The word zero can take any form from ‘jeero’ to ‘seero’ depending on the region/ locality. It can be i-ron rod or an I(r)on rod, the letter ‘r’ being silent in the latter but correct version. In the Eastern parts of India, ‘O’ and ‘B’ are more predominant in places of ‘A’ and ‘V,’ respectively, while pronouncing words containing the latter group of letters. However, in southern parts, ‘O’ is opportunistically forgotten and replaced with the first and foremost ‘A’. The letters ‘ed’ often added to signify the past tense of a word, is pronounced separately to sound something like ‘learn-edu’ or ‘learn-idd’. For many, ‘the’ is ‘Da’/ ‘Dha’, ‘against’ is ‘aginist’…..so and so. These are not exaggerations. There are numerous such examples of mispronunciations (?) sometimes drawing chuckles if one carefully listens. No wonder, some of our abroad-educated ministers always land in a soup/ controversy for exhibiting their english skills., we the colonial Indians failing to grasp the ulterior meaning of such comments/ slangs.

We are Indians and can never be expected to speak the British English and show our still-persistent servility. After all, it is 62 years of independence from the British!! So we have our own version of English. It may be hinglish, binglish, benglish, gunglish, punglish, tamlish, manglish, kanglish etc. But it is a fact that we fare off well when compared to people from other non-English speaking countries of Asia.

With all such confusions, does any one of us speak the language the way it is to be spoken? After all, a language is meant for communication. Why bother of the jargons when it can serve its purpose of conveying messages and as long as we can understand only our own version of English. So let’s leave the pronunciations to the literary circuits or language experts and enjoy speaking English, the Indian way….

We, The People....

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE;
LIBERTY;
EQUALITY …….. and fraternity……….. and everything written and promised in/as per the constitution.

All these terms are but interpreted according to the whims and fancies of each and everybody concerned, be it an average citizen, a corporate billionaire, the working class or a professional, a student/ students group or politician or any political organization. We the people of (Global) India … enjoy freedom ‘unlimited’, freedom to do what ever we want ….… at any cost.

"Me” first and all else can follow later!!! Rules are made for others and only to be blindly as well as unquestionably abided in ‘other’ countries which strictly impose those for the common good. Ideals, morals and altruism are meant only for lip service. Discipline and order have paved way to utter chaos. Is democracy the culprit? How much of the individual interests can be restrained to sustain a social cause/ social justice? How much of individual responsibilities account for the collective social responsibility?

Welcome a new day with cheers and hopes!!! Nay, a new dawn now is ushered in with anxieties and uncertainties. Surfing the daily newspaper is enough to bring in all those tensions and conflicts of the big bad world. Start your day with a cup of tea/ coffee/ milk, a complete food…... milk is a complete food and has xy% of protein, abc% of fat, vitamins, minerals, so and so…... “Milk is an emulsion of fat in water”. Sorry, that’s textbook information. Please set your facts right. Recheck the scientific facts. ‘It’s milk in water and not water in milk’!!! Well, what’s new in that? It is quite usual!!! Or else how can the milk vendor survive in times of spiraling prices? He has a huge family to support and expenses to meet. The problem is ultimately with the one who raises the question of why and how such things happen. And here in floods all advices. Please try to adjust, learn to live, be wise, be practical, do not expect too much, this is the way it has been, do not try to change the system and land yourselves in trouble …..Well, the ones who made such “wonderful” systems are forever anonymous and unknown.

“Always eat fresh fruits and vegetables for health”. All that glitters is not gold. Make sure to select ones that are little damaged by pests to avoid consuming hazardous pesticides in raw and in total. “Green” peas once soaked in water turns dull grey with the supernatant assuming bright green colour. This is not a ‘new chemical reaction', but a routine scorching example of the extent of adulteration in foods.

Economic theories also have to be revamped. “Demand for a commodity decreases with increase in price and supply increases with increase in price as well as demand”. How can that be? Supply has to be decreased/ restricted first for scarcity of commodities (hoarding) and for increasing the prices. Prices can only increase and not vice versa, irrespective of demand or supply. Anyone can choose to increase/ fix the price of locally available (unlabeled/ non-branded) commodities. Prices can be increased in small increments week by week so that at the end of the month you end up paying double the amount for the same commodity. It depends on the smartness of the customer/buyer to update him/herself of the prices prevailing in the market to avoid getting duped.

Natural resources are scarce as well as fast depleting and scarcity adds value to a product. So is the case with petrol and diesel. With all scientific and technological advancements there still is no feasible alternative to these and to solve the problem of fuel scarcity. It has become imperative to hike the fuel prices and no government can function effectively without fuel price hike. Meters of autorickshaws run faster than autos themselves, Rs. 4 or Rs. 5 has to be paid as ‘tip’ in addition to the meter charge, for every journey. If one is wise enough, it is to be practiced without objection to avoid verbal abuse and conflicts. The excuse is soaring fuel price and inflation. Such day-light robberies are very common.

Do you exercise regularly? If you do not find time due to a hectic schedule, make sure you travel in state- run buses. You may run for at least 100 metres as no buses do stop at the designated bus stops. May be our successful athletes had come up this way. Also beware, buses only slow down and don’t stop. You can learn all the balancing acts in a packed bus, moving through congested, potholed roads and turns in full speed. Passengers traveling hanging from the window is a common scene. Tiny kids are even experts in foot-board ride. Seen anyone getting into the bus with patience and in a queue? You can only squeeze your way in by pushing fellow passengers. A free training is obtained on boxing, wrestling and gymnastics by choosing a bus travel. Three in one!!!! It may take years to widen highways for easing traffic, but only to be dug out and damaged by public works authorities in a few days. Another long year has to pass before it assumes the previous form. Private vehicles can be parked on public road sides, again narrowing down them to a trickle.

Rules and regulations are flouted in case of VIPs and VVIPs. Security checks can be evaded at one’s own convenience as had happened recently in case of a millionaire private airline owner. What more? We do expect such privileges in other countries also, like the famous bollywood actor. Loopholes in our terror surveillance and lack of alertness have resulted in the country witnessing a spate of terror attacks with greater frequency. The common man’s life is a casualty. Who is bothered, when Z and Z+ category of security, convoy and body guards are provided for those in power, those who make policies for the public..... policies for the rest, to be followed by the rest…. All are equal. Some are more equal.

Freedom of expression (expression of opinion, anger, frustrations etc) and protest happens in a public space on public organizations and on public property. One needs to be loud enough to be heard and so are these ways to be heard causing nuisance to others. Hartals (most popular phenomenon or form of protest in a politically active state like Kerala) have assumed the role of an already banned “bandh”. For the success of hartals, atleast 10 vehicles as well as public buildings have to damaged and at least a few innocents have to be attacked and injured for daring to travel on a hartal day. Rights are prioritized than responsibilities.

Regional political parties in the name of ideology have in a self-styled manner made themselves responsible for preserving the so-called culture and morals in a society. May it be barring education in the national language or forcing education only in the regional language, imposing a dress-code on women etc…. Goons and hooligans of such parties play havoc by threatening and exploiting the public in the name of region, language, culture, caste, gender etc and leash in vandalism. Their priorities seem to be silly when there are other burning issues. Why there are no organizations which work to ensure the right to live, right to have basic amenities like clean air, drinking water, food, shelter, etc? Why men are excluded from moral values? Why not these organizations make sincere efforts to efface eve-teasing, alcoholism and smoking which are more prevalent among men? Puffing away at others face in public place seems not a matter of concern at all. Passive smoking is more injurious to health. No one can dare to stop anyone from smoking in public. There will be protests; demonstrations etc and such decisions to ban smoking in public will be declared undemocratic. Culture and morals are sacrificed in the era of technological advancements. Certain states run solely on the funds provided by liquor barons and so is their powerful clout that their activities are but promoted at the cost of social morals and health. The right to spit where ever as one pleases is a ‘birth right’. No questioning of that privilege. Think the great men who framed our constitution didn’t possess enough far-sight. Else the 'right to spit' would have been included as a fundamental right. The walls, stairs and corners of old public mansions are always stained with paan (An article in a magazine bearing the picture of an aircraft with paan stain as a design is still vivid in memory). More disgusting is the habit of dumping wastes and urinating in public space. Even main roads are not spared. Savagely or beast-like instincts?

Practising faith is purely the choice of an individual. But coercing others to practice the faith or exploiting in the name of religion is to be condemned. Devotion is no longer a peaceful and calm personal dialect, but has to be proclaimed aloud in high decibels using loud speakers, damaging the eardrum and hampering all normal activities. Again who is bothered?

Justice delayed is equivalent to justice denied. Injustice by the affluent prevails when justice is for sale. Better bear with injustice than knock the doors for justice and emaciate in the long chase of the mirage. At the end of the day, the culprits get away with minor punishments using their political and monetary smack, making a mockery of the whole system. Crores are spend on a terrorist/ gunman who in broad day light murdered innocent civilians. Is it to exhibit our rich tradition of tolerance and virtues before the world? This is only an example of how we are projecting ourselves as fools. Trial goes on till a criminal dies of old age. Criminals should be given their due within a time-frame and speedy justice has to be ensured rather than entertaining stupid dramas.

It's 62 years of Independence and we are happy celebrating the hard fought freedom as we wish, as we choose and as we please !!!!.

Indian Railways : On the Right Track?

The Union Minister for Railways, Ms. Mamta Banerjee, deserves applause for her strong convictions and to stand on her own terms surmounting the political pressures, to protect the interest of the common man. A hike in fuel price will lead to rise in prices of almost all commodities. Already an average Indian is finding it difficult to survive due to the inflation and price hike of essential commodities such as food. Bringing down the prices may be a Herculean task after allowing for a hike.

“Social viability should be the priority than commercial viability for measuring projects", as stated by the minister herself. But society is not restricted to only the minister’s state. Patronizing the interests of only the constituencies/states of the MPs/ministers forgetting the fact that they are Union Ministers has become a predominant phenomenon in Indian poltics. None to blame. MPs are answerable to the people who have elected them and so all the sops.

Certain matters require urgent attention if the minister is really concerned of the society and a common passenger.

1. Improve cleanliness of the coaches and ensure proper maintenance of coaches. (Rats, cockroaches, ticks and noxious insects are co-passengers in a second class compartment and wonderfully even in AC coaches).

2. Toilets in trains have to be cleaned before the start of every journey and twice a day (at least once a day) in case of long journey trains. The unbearable smell from the toilets due to lack of cleaning makes the journey suffocating especially for the passenger seated at either end of the coaches.

3. Use of technology to avoid the human waste in railway tracks can be given a thought.

4. One or more waste bins can be provided in all coaches irrespective of the class and these should be emptied at regular intervals at certain chosen stations to prevent spilling. Passengers have to be strictly advised and penalized if found to take rules for granted.

5. The rusted coaches have to be replaced by good ones. The iron protrusions of the windows, doors and jammed panes are life threatening.

6. Hygiene of food served from the pantry has to be ensured. In most trains, the food purchased from outside (sometimes stale depending on the fortune of the passenger) is served in the pantry at a higher rate as per the imagination of the person in the pantry.

7. There should be a public grievance system/ feedback system for every journey and a system to take appropriate action or address such grievances.

8. The availability of tickets for crowded trains/routes has to be ensured by allowing more trains in such routes. Innocent passengers are exploited and looted by the immoral TTEs/ railway employees. Corruption by the TTEs and other railway personnel should be strictly prevented by strict penalties to the guilty.

9. Proper monitoring system should be employed to avoid the unreserved passengers occupying the reserved seats and unauthorized sale of tickets to ‘influential’ passengers undermining the merit under the reservation system. Some ‘smart’ passengers take a general compartment ticket and enter even into the AC and enjoy the journey by bribing the TTEs when most others have to cancel their journey due to non availability of tickets/ seats.

10. The tatkal reservation scheme should be opened atleast 5 days prior to start of the journey instead of 2 days to facilitate for reservation for 'to and fro' journeys in case of emergencies. This can be implemented for long distance trains.

11. Senior citizens, disabled and sick persons should be provided with facilities for mobility/lift for moving from one platform to the other or for boarding the trains since climbing the stairs and walking through the crowded and lengthy platform will be difficult. Underground subways may be a viable alternative. Also provisions have to be made to reserve the lower berths to senior citizens (if any) in the compartment.

12. In case of long distance journeys, the safety of passengers has to be ensured by employing adequate and efficient police personnel. A facility for complaining about mis-behaviour of co-passengers (if any) has to be made available for ensuring safety of lone/lady passengers.

13. It would be extra sweet if a medical practitioner(s) and medical shop is provided within the train itself.

14. Smoking and drinking by the passengers and railway personnel/ pantrywalas should be strictly prevented.

All these rules/ ethics have to be enforced uniformly across the country. There are more serious problems in some parts of the country like burning the trains by hooligans to mark protests, mangling the railway tracks by bomb blasts, train accidents due to carelessness or climatic factors such as fog and flood, looting of passengers by antisocial elements, delay in journey by hours due to heavy rail traffic etc. The problems are numerous and practical solutions may require cooperation of other departments/ministries as well.

It is not easy and as simple as it looks for the largest public enterprise to make the train journey comfortable. At least the minister can address the basic necessities (comfort is a word of distant future). The public will be more than happy to give a few rupees as fare if the services are good. All is well when said but in practice…?.

Travelling in train should not be at the risk of one’s health and life. HAPPY JOURNEY INDIAN RAILWAYS!!!!!

Patriotism or Hooliganism?

People in politics are not going to win nor gain by the divisive politics and ‘state spirit’ jingoism. The policy of ‘Divide and Rule’ followed by the British is sadly taken up by our politicians. It reminds of the story of two goats which fought fiercely and the clever monkey who went away with the meal. India has more serious challenges and threats to tackle. Why not concentrate on these, than play petty politics on some insignificant divisive strategies?

What Mr. Bachchan has done (by turning down the award from Australia in the wake of a spate of attacks on Indians in that country) is laudable and reflects his concern and urge to identify with the problems of the fellow country men. Every one can have his/her own take in any issue without affecting the unity and integrity of the country. That’s the true spirit of Democracy !!

Revelling in regional/ cultural heritage is one thing and using the same to divide the nation, to denigrate/ drive away people from other parts of the country from Mumbai/ Maharashtra is another thing. Instead of debating on this issue, the government should be courageous to stop at any cost any filthy move to divide the nation on the basis of religion or region. Or else India will be shattered by the regional political parties into mere pieces of land without a soul. India is for all Indians (Indians in the true spirit)

The war of words between the SS chief, RG and SRK is but a futile exercise. Regarding SRK, he is not the film industry. Infact there are thousands of people/ petty workers toiling in the industry. By targeting or preventing the screening of the particular movie, SS is clearly exhibiting its hooliganism and is sure alienating itself from the masses/ working class (if it cares for them?). The bus diplomacy and the Kargil war that followed the infiltration of the terrorists from the ‘great neighbourhood’ is worth mentioning in this context. Diplomacy and gestures of friendship were never greeted in the same manner by the ‘great neighbourhood’ ('great neighbourhood' in SRK’s own words). Innocents have been killed by terrorists and in bloody wars. It is both ironical and hypocritical that our soldiers have sacrificed their precious lives for us to safely watch the cricket matches(played with the people from this ‘great neighbour’ country against whom they have fought). It's true all are not same and there is no point in reviving the wounds of the past and hostility.The good and the bad exist everywhere. Bollywood has a huge fan following in Pakistan. Cinema can transcend beyond boundaries and abridge the chasm and enemity. But caution has to be exercised in dealing with the 'great neighbour' and lessons have still to be learnt from the past incidents. Before making 'flaring up' remarks casually, it would be wise if one shows enough discretion. It's between states and not individuals. But individuals such as the celebrities owe as much responsibility while making comments.

Cricket has lost its spirit as a sport/ game. In the era of blind and wretched commercialisation, cricketers have but demoted to 'bunch of puppets' in the hands of commercial barons. When there is money to make, everything else can take a back seat. It’s time to remember the lessons of the school days. Vande mataram!!!!

Doomed Education in 'Deemed' Universities

Providing education has become just a business/source of revenue in recent times. Education has relegated to a saleable commodity which increases one’s marketability and educational institutions (especially seats of higher learning) are mere business centres offering the "trendy" and "marketable" courses without the basic infrastructure and churning out 'commodities' called the ‘degree holders’. The way some institutions are operating and advertising reflects on the commercial motive behind establishing these enterprises. These institutions are selling hopes and dreams to the future generation.

No one is bothered of the credibility/authenticity of the institutions before joining for post graduation or PhD. Many of us go by the attractive labels or tags, as 'flies are to fire'. Its strange that lots of fake institutes have been getting the status of University and more ironically the status of ‘Deemed’ University. The Centre's decision to withdraw the deemed university status to 44 DUs seems to be a good move to cleanse up the rotten educational system. What ever be the aim behind the decision by the Centre, it's ultimately the students who have to pay the price for their decision to join these institutes for a secure future. Implementing such decisions one fine morning will be endangering the future of innocent students. It’s the authorities who had given the nod for establishing such institutes and granted "Deemed" or what ever status to some institutions. Why in the first place the authorities had made judgemental errors/ improper decisions having far-reaching implications in the society? Why there was no early scrutiny/ monitoring of these institutes? Realisation has dawned late.

In the name of education many business centres had mushroomed in many parts of the country producing some degree holders and mocking at those students who are admitted to good institutes after a tough competition and who pass out from such institutes of repute. Again how admission is obtained in such institutes is a different issue to be addressed. If you have money you can even buy a medical seat, you can enroll in a medical college and safely complete your studies and become a doctor. This applies to other professions as well. Once in the profession you can get back all the money you had spend for getting a degree. Or why bother? After all your marketability and status in society is improved with such a degree. This is the aim and attitude of many of the students and parents. The investment made by parents for the education of their children is huge. Sprouting of innumerable private tuition centres for even primary classes, mushrooming of entrance coaching centres charging huge fees (even for IAS there are rigorous coaching classes... ridiculous or even worst?), screening the students for admission in the nursery classes etc only reflect upon the demeaning commercialised education and the erosion of values in totality from the system. (The rut in the educational system is discussed else where in the blog, Ref: Ethics, Education and Religion). As a result, education has become inaccessible to a major chunk of the impoverished population who are economically weak and lack a political clout. Higher education is an affair meant only for the upper strata of the society. Anyone can start an educational institution in his/her own name, a short-cut and an easy way to fame, reputation or social recognition. The functional autonomy provided by the 'deemed' status enables them to work as they please. If it is not exaggeration, there are educational institutions established in the name of liquor barons and other such ‘noble’ people. And then we have all sorts of technologies and specialisations now a days. We have hair dressing technology, catering technology, cleaning technology, washing technology, cloth-cutting technology and what not. Hope no one starts an IIT to offer such 'professional' courses.....Specialisations/specialists who treat the disease and not the patient (failing to look at the whole) are so common now a days. We have engineering colleges at every nook and corner. Do we require these many engineers? Ultimately the scenario in the job sector becomes grim. Those with higher educational qualifications end up doing petty jobs, the years spend on education becoming a sheer waste.

When the government itself is encouraging privatisation in the name of quality, establishing self-financing colleges even in medical or engineering or other professions, and exercises absolutely ineffective monitoring of state-run educational institutions or is the least concerned to improve the working conditions of government institutions, why blame the private colleges/ institutions? The situation in some of the institutes (Government) of high repute is not different. A total revamp is needed in all aspects of higher education. Let this be the first step.

Fortunes In a Far Away Land

Dreams and hopes unlimited !!!! Beckoning are the glories of life in far away lands, opportunities galore, to work/study in better conditions, with good facilities and exposure, to realize the dreams of a good career, recognition and financial reward. These may be the expectations and concepts of anyone choosing to work/ study abroad.

The greener pasture of the dreams is far from the reality as pictured by the flooding reports of robbery and attacks (especially from Australia) against the Indians. Numerous cases might not have drawn our attention as they go unreported. It is not clear at this stage whether its racism or some other issue which is behind these attacks. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was celebrated with much pomp. The week (Jan 7-9, 2010) of glitters and gala is over. The authorities did succeed in showing their concern to the NRIs/ PIOs abroad and in pleasing as well as wooing them by offering dual citizen ship.

Indian diaspora is one of the successful, influential and efficient professional/ work force. The intellectual and managerial capacities of the people from the “land of saints, snake charmers and bullock carts” are now recognized world wide. Thanks to the Indian diaspora who, through their outstanding and remarkable work have overcome the ignorance the west had of this nation and succeeded in leaving an indelible footprint in all the sectors in which they have chosen to work. Thanks to the highly motivated hardworking individuals abroad who keep their cultural and emotional contact with the country of origin. Indian diaspora is as diverse as the nation itself. Living abroad as such is easy for the people of India and they find it easy to fit into the different cultural and social background in alien lands. The boundaries of language, region and religion fade away. The question is to merge with a larger world, a world which is very different from that of our own. Skilled labour have migrated to the developing countries while less-skilled ones have opted for the Middle East countries. Nearly 30 million people live in the US alone!! The investment made by NRIs in India is as much as $50 billion as per the recent statistics. With all appreciation for the efforts and contributions of the Indians abroad for the development of the country, let the focus be shifted to some major issues which need to be addressed keeping politics at bay. The ground realities are neither as glittering as the celebrations nor are so heart-warming.

It needs immense hardwork to succeed in unfamilar terrain adjusting to the different time zones, food, cultural and social conditions. The laws of the land are entirely different. It takes time to familiarize, to accommodate and reorient one to such conditions. But why majority of Indians choose to go abroad and permanently settle over there? Is it in our genes? Education in esteemed Institutes of repute seems to be a mere gateway to life abroad. Population in the country is exploding at a disastrous pace and at this rate we are definitely going to surpass China. There are fewer opportunities in India for even the well-educated. With favoritisms and unbridled politics, only the rich, mighty and the powerful can live in India comfortably. The fantasies and fascinations about better conditions abroad makes one to take any risk to reach there. Leaving the country in search of greener pastures seems to be the only way out…. a golden ray of hope or a meek straw to hold on for a sinking life… A better life abroad is like chasing a mirage for these unfortunate!!!!

The financial crunch back home might have driven many to work in pitiable conditions especially in the Gulf countries. Property, land and other valuable possessions are sold in total, just to obtain a visa. But all the woven dreams are shattered by the harsh realities. Many are cheated by the unscrupulous agents; many chose to work/ in inhuman, appalling conditions risking their lives just to support their family back home. Many are stranded and trapped in these countries as their passport and visa are confiscated by the employers. Luring the foreigners with false promises of a decent job, employing them in petty jobs, illegal detention of the workers etc have become very common. Some surpass all these and make a life abroad, some just stay back never wanting to return to the more dreaded conditions back home, but some (majority) may yearn to return to their home land at any cost. There are many many real life stories (especially of the people from Kerala who chose to work in Gulf countries). The recent issue is that of Indian brides duped by NRIs. There may be still many issues which need considerable and serious attention by the authorities concerned (not written here due to inadequate exposure or lack of experience).

Offering dual citizen ship with an eye on the cash is just ridiculous and reflects the irresponsible attitude of the concerned. Votes for cash or cash for votes? How many of the affluent NRIs do want to return to their home land? Whether the people who leave their roots for ever for a better life, need to be given votes is a different issue altogether. Again it’s India, a democratic country where anything and everything (read as ‘bad’) is possible. So why not sell democracy itself in return for money? That was not new, but happening in our incredible India and will happen in future too. Only new areas for corruption need to be identified. Instead of only wooing the affluent NRIs, why not the concerned focus on the problems of millions of NRIs toiling and trapped in foreign lands on occasions such as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas!!

Let us come out of the fascinations and fantasies and face the realities as they are!!!!

At the Altar of Aging: Sorrows of the Senile

It’s a poignant issue which needs to be addressed through deeds and not words. It’s about a grave issue encountered by the helpless at the twilight of their life; it’s about the plight of the elderly. (This article is written in response to the news reports of dumping the elderly by their relatives). Aged or senile as they are referred to, population of this section of citizens is on the rise and so also are the atrocities against them. How can one determine age or aging? Aging is simply not an inevitable biological process. It may be chronological, emotional, physiological or psychological. Age makes men wise. As a fruit becomes sweeter on ripening, so does a man. (“Fruits sweeten only when they ripen, Old age is one such fruit”., Ref: Ageless mind and spirit by Samar. S. Jodha). In spite of their physical frailties, they form a generation rich in life experiences and wisdom but unfortunately are neglected and least cared for. Vulnerable to the insensitiveness of none other than their own kith and kin, the senior citizens are left with no choice, but to tolerate them. Seldom does the younger generation realize the need of the elderly and require their presence in this self-absorbed world, lacking any empathy.

Poverty is the deadliest ‘disease’ in the society. Everything has value except human life. But at present, old age has assumed the status of a miserable phase and dreaded experience in one’s life, poverty adding fuel to the fire. Why? Because of the way society has ‘progressed’. In the world of globalization and consumerism, where the whole globe has denigrated to a market, where nations are built on economic power; every individual seems to be a customer in one or the other way. We are taught how to dress, how to speak, and how to conduct ourselves before our customer. The plastic smiles are not inherited but acquired to please our customer. Unfortunately; no one had trained or taught us how to behave with the elderly or for that matter the under-privileged. Does age deprive the elderly of their dignity and fortunes and ring in a world of miseries? For many death is better, death emancipates them from the weary world of wickedness, loneliness and isolation. In India it is just considered destiny and not a social evil. Many lives end on roads, footpaths, besides temples and other public places. There are in fact a lot of real life examples to quote here regarding the inhuman acts meted out by the senior citizens of this country which have become common, predominant and at the same time heart-wrenching (only for some one with a good heart). There are but a few lucky exceptions, those who end their life peacefully and with due respect.

We were always proud of the joint family system, the strength of relations and family bonding, but it seems everything has evaporated out, with the gush of time. We are busy, too busy for even fulfilling our needs, a day is not sufficient for most of us, then how can it be spent for someone or even bothering for someone if that someone is dependent on us either for the basic needs or emotional needs or if they are unproductive on the basis of monetary benefits? We don’t have enough time, time to stop and stare or care. Once they were everything for us, supporting us, struggling to meet our needs, we were dependent on them; part of their life, for some of them may be life itself. What has become so important for us, our life, our false pride or our struggles of life? We have come to live life through our parents. There should not be any excuses to discard them from our life for what ever reasons. One cannot shirk of responsibilities. Our elderly are not bundles of burden; we would not have existed if we were regarded as burden. It is the most heinous crime against humanity. It is very clear, very evident we are least concerned of our senior citizens, we have transformed to insensitive brutes that we are into another social evil and are not even aware of that.

The news, nay the reality that our elderly are left to suffer, deserted in the footpaths, in the roads, in beaches, in the temples or places of worship and in old age homes (the more sophisticated form of isolation), is thought-provoking. How many students of medicine do opt for geriatrics as a subject of study? No one who wants a lucrative career for sure would take such a decision. It has recently become highly fashionable and a contagious practice to desert our elderly or dump them into old age homes. Are the old age homes garages or prisons for the senior citizens? The situation is not different for those who had led a life of grace and have enough to support themselves. The senior citizens (even affluent) are haunted by the loneliness and the “empty nest syndrome”. The solace seems to be pets; at least animals are far better than humans. The affluent living alone in cities are vulnerable to attacks from antisocial elements and live in constant fear of being looted.

Maimed is their mind and wrecked their hearts, but still they have become hard enough to bear the trauma of ostracism by their own children. The government has taken small but laudable steps to culminate this “social” (or attitude?) disorder by providing incentives and health care to the senior citizens. It is plain ridiculous, the idea of compelling the younger generation or family of the elderly to feed or take care of the elderly. How many elderly will be content or happy to live with such a family who are just for grabbing the money government is providing? But that seems the only option left in a “democratic” country like ours. Something is better than nothing. Our conscience is dead. All are mortal. This is the eternal truth. In this short journey of life, change is the only thing which is constant. Why don’t we realize that we are also walking to the ultimate destination of death and will soon lose our youthfulness, vitality and energy and pass through the same stage, the dreaded old age? Why do not we feel the pain and suffering that they undergo? How pathetic and miserable it would be to live a lonely life when they need us the most. Unfortunate are those mothers, those fathers who have to meet such a fate as to be cut off from their family, to spend their rest of life begging in the streets, none to provide food, clothes or shelter. Cursed are those lives that cannot oblige or acknowledge the love and care provided by their fathers and grand fathers. Such criminals should be dealt toughly by law, if they have not learnt their lessons. Old age is a debilitating phase of life, a phase sans eyes, sans ears, sans taste, or sans senses. Usher in the ambitious, self-oriented younger generations, the purely mechanical machines, who have precociously become senile sans the mind, conscience, emotions, feelings and kind or an empathetic heart. Whither to without our elderly?

A mighty flame can result from a far away spark. Let us hope that millions of sparks can be ignited with powerful words. These words, let them be not borne out of hypocrisy, or for writing sake, but from the depths to find their true destination, let these at least alter the attitude of the concerned so that there will be hands to hold on for those hapless aged humans, there shall be hands to wipe out the tears rolling down those wrinkled cheeks, that there will be shoulders to support those frail bodies, an act of kindness or at least a word of concern which they long for!!!

Ethics, Education and Religion: The Indian context

We live in a world, of vagaries and ambiguities, of lop-sided attitudes and obscure visions. Intelligence, is it the wisdom to live in this world? Then we require it badly to thrive in among the inadequacies of this little world. Values and good thoughts are eroding from the society in general. Succumbing to ethics is considered as weakness in the practical world. The priority is success, success by what ever means. What ultimately matters is the destination, success, and not the path, the means to achieve it. So what gives people the courage to do wrong in spite of knowing that these are wrong? It’s the majority because majority is thriving on the filthy. The greed for power, fame and money exists in various forms in various grades in the society. The role models for this generation are icons who therefore achieve success and stand in the pedestals of victory. What’s wrong? For any man would want to be successful. ‘Might is right’ is the rule prevailing in this part of the world where the successful and the mighty expand their empires and no one for sure has a voice.

India is a sacred land of saints. And there was a saint who spoke at Chicago and changed the norms and prejudices of the western world. Ours is a great nation but in deep sleep. We have lost our identity and demoted our selves as the blind followers of the west. The richness of our tradition, cultural values and social ethos are fast lost to be the alien. Why to ape the west? Is it just because they are successful? They are successful due to their dreams, their attitude and their work. We were fragmented. Now also the situation is not different. We are fragmented on the basis of religion, caste, creed, colour, language and sex. When others focus on their frailities and plunder over the world to become the super powers, we in India are still asleep absorbed in such filthy things, not having a greater picture. Years back, foreigners looted our land and made us slaves. Today we are ready to become slaves in any other country which offers us a better opportunity, better exposure, and rescues us from the clutter that prevails within. Who is to blame? We needed foreign rulers to awaken us from our slumber. Which monster can whip us from this insensitivity? India has come a long way since independence. Our country has the potential and talents to emerge as the global power. So what is needed to gear up?

Clarity of mind, clarity of vision, prudence of thoughts and the philosophies which one clings to are needed for a righteous living. Therein lies the relevance of education. In this world of fierce competition where only performance matters, education is relegated to a saleable commodity which increases one’s marketability. Educational institutions have unfortunately demoted themselves to business centres or factories churning out commodities, the so-called degree holders or catering to the whims and needs of global markets. Is our educational system strong enough to impart the right knowledge? So the concern is not of mere degrees which is relevant, but the right kind of education, values and ethics inculcated in a generation. How many educational institutions are now focusing on this aspect, in a system fraught with blind competition where marks, grades and intellectual capacities out-weigh the basic human feelings? The only aim seems to survive the brutal struggles of life and emerge successful. To consider the larger picture, our country as a whole, things are really disheartening. The so-called visionaries and policy-makers in the process of nation building are to decide for reservation in Parliament for the so-called weaker sections of the society. But who made her weaker? There were also reports that Indian schools are worst because of the caste-based prejudices of teachers. How many buds have been scorched down by the very hands that have to nurture them? So who is to be educated? Such contradictions prevail and are rampant in India alone . As a Chinese saying goes, “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, Teach a man fishing and you feed him for life”. Our focus should be on humans as resources for developing the nation and not as feeds for the rusty politics where corruption never ends. In future one should be identified by his qualities and not by the labels attached to him by birth, on which one has no choice or control. It is what one has achieved through in his life, the right kind of living that one should be recognized for. Long back, there were days when there was no hardwired or heavy syllabus. So what guided people then? Religion? Is it a significant one? What the Bible, the Koran and the Geetha preach is relevant in today’s world.

Religion is mysterious when furled in, admirable when unfurled, the intricacies inexplicable. Religion preaches for the purity of mind and sanctity of thoughts. Thoughts frame and mould you to the person you are. Religion assists a person in breeding better thoughts and for that matter a better living. A truly religious person follows what is being preached in by the predecessors and what he believes in. The atheist also is a follower, following his school of thought, what his mind says is right. The difference lies in whether one is a blind follower of religion or understands the true essence of religion. The essence of what religion is all about. Else we have blatant followers struggling and indulging in violence to fetch a piece of land for ‘God’ oblivious of what ‘God’ symbolizes, forgetting opportunistically that he should reside in their mind and not confined to a particular region. No religion is framed for human suffering or to discard it into the dungeon. And no religion should violate the individual’s freedom of thought or living. The boundary that demarcates religion and atheism vanishes then. When it is said that ‘I don’t believe in a particular thing, it is that ‘I believe’ in some thing else, may be quite contrary to some prescribed thoughts or actions. But then certainly ‘I believe’. This belief or faith is the true essence of religion. Faith which is not blind but framed after a thorough understanding of what was preached added with your own thoughts and wisdom as inputs. So the question is what you believe in. When Science is the quest for knowledge about the world, religion is the quest for the self, the divine soul in each one of us.

Science for Whom?

Kudos to this great yet simple human !!!. Not much fuss, not much frills, his foot firm on the ground. The way Dr.Venkataraman Ramakrishnan, the nobel laureate of Indian origin handles his new found fame is appreciation-worthy. Remarkable is his science and more impressive are his genuine thoughts. We are so good at marveling on reflected glories. Not to say of our hero worship. When someone of Indian origin achieves we here are in a festive mood and there are reports and stories on the greatness of this particular person flooding in newspapers for a few days. It may even go to the extent of silly details like what he eats/ drinks. Everyone tries to relate to him/her, run after him/ her, catch hold of the faintest roots of connection/ relation… only to be forgotten after the initial frenzy/ sensational news. Yes, winning a nobel is not easy. It is truly admirable.

Success is not achieved overnight. A battle is to be fought before the prize is won. Dr. V. Ramakrishnan seems to very well understand that (though his years of hardwork was not aimed at winning a nobel prize). He seems to have imbibed the true spirit of science. As rightly remarked by Dr. V. Ramakrishnan, there is a lot of good science and research work done at many labs all over the world. A problem based-approach is what is required. Science is not about cramming information and in this era of exploding technological advancement, it is practically impossible to use the brain for feeding all the information generated at an alarming amount. Rather it is important to identify the real problem and solve it in the best possible way. Our society is diverse and dynamic. Problems whether scientific or societal exist in myriad forms. When we focus on these and find solutions we become extra ordinary/ great and not by imitating the prestigious prize winners or the successful of the west. Science is for society and through science even if a small problem of common man could be rectified, it is truly great. A scientist is judged now by the number of papers published in high impact factor journals/ the number of patents/ the number of talks or invited lectures he/she has given or even the number of symposiums or useless seminars he/she has attended and all that. A different and a high profile culture is being created. It’s high time for us to introspect on what kind of rut we are entering into.

Nobel prize shouldn’t be the reason for choosing a career in Science. Nobel prize is not to be won by aping but it should be only an inspiration to conduct good research. Every word and thought of Dr. Ramakrishnan seems to reflect his wisdom. Learned is he and as wise is he. Think all these felicitations (ceremonials??) will not surely distract the nobel laureate from his mission!!!!.

GM crops for India : Some Views

World wide there is an upheaval or furore against GMOs especially genetically modified/engineered plants. There has been much mud slinging between the opponents and proponents of Genetically Modified (GM) crops. As a student who had the opportunity to work in the field of agricultural biotechnology am jotting down some thoughts which may be relevant.

The views expressed here are only of the author and not associated with any third party or institution.

The article was submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, GOI as an opinion from the Public.