Newsy Take

The medium is the message

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:47:00 +0000

The growing use of digital media has changed the way we get news. Technology has not only made travelling of words, pictures and videos faster but also has provided us with multiple sources to get our daily dose of news. We read newspapers and magazines, listen to radio, see TV bulletins, access news websites and get information as updates or through social readers on social networking websites. Technology is making information available everywhere with ease. Information is just a tap way. You tap your smart home and it comes flowing.

Marshal McLuhan said: “The medium is the message.” He said that a "message" is "the change of scale or pace or pattern" that a new invention or innovation "introduces into human affairs." McLuhan was a Canadian media analyst. He predicted the invention of New Media in the 50’s, thirty years before Internet took a shape.
Fifty years ago, no one had thought of getting news when travelling in bus or train or sending information anywhere in the world from a remotest part of the country. It is possible now. We live in a ‘Global Village’ as referred by McLuhan and are always connected to the outside world.

On the 100^th birth anniversary of McLuhan, his theories which were rebuffed by media critics those days seem relevant today. Technology has bridged gaps between the informed and the ill-informed. I remember a real story in which children and youngsters of a village in Rajasthan got frightened when they saw rains for the first time. They were ill-informed about this phenomenon of nature. They had no exposure to the TV and newspapers. This incident draws a stark picture of the days when there were people who were unaware of certain things which we find obvious today.

The scenario has changed and people have access to information from multiple sources. News dissemination has become easier and quicker than the earlier times. We receive news at lightning speed. Even a secret mission of US Navy Seals was known to the world a few minutes after they stormed into a house in Abottabad to kill the deadliest terrorist Osama Bin Laden. A minutes after their raid a man in the neighbourhood update minute-by-minute update on the micro-blogging site Twitter.

The Internet hasn't become just another medium for news consumption; it is changing how people interact with news. We have seen people sharing news which interest them with others on social networking sites. Such updates on popular sites have brought revolution such as the Arab Spring. Everything has its flip side. Sometimes technology is used with bad intentions too. London riots are one of the few examples where the rioters used Blackberry Messenger (BBM) service for rioting. Anti-social elements use it to spread hatred and hoaxes while academicians use to share their knowledge with their students and colleagues. So, the medium has given its message but it is up to people how they interpret the message or it will be right to say how do they handle the New Media?

Pyaar Ka Punchnama

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:44:00 +0000

Statutory warning: Readers who are in love and have not seen the flip side of their relationships are advised not to read this article.

Abhishek Pandey

Love is about sacrifice. Is it? I have seen in the Bollywood movies of the late 60s and 70s actors profess that love is all about giving and not gaining. Their dialogues are only appropriate for reel life and not practical in real life.

I don’t believe that love is about sacrifice. I have not seen it around me—not in a crowded industrial city like Kanpur, nor in Delhi and nor in Bhubaneswar. I have not seen a single person who is in a relationship and does not expect anything from his/her partner.
I have seen them fighting over trivial issues such as the girl going out with boys make the boy jealous; the boy not giving time annoys the girl; the boy accede to the girls’ suggestions to speak to her parents in a particular manner irks the girl; and the girl wearing skimpy dresses and uploading pictures of herself in them on social networking sites makes the boy furious. There is a long list of complaints that both—the girls and the boys—have and find them enough to break the relationship. They love to play the blame game when they get bored with love.

Am I sounding like a frustrated jilted lover. May be. But I am sure there are many out there who will share my views. Boys who appreciated Pyaar Ka Punchnama and girls who broke up with Mr Wrong recently will agree with my point. I am not forcing my views on you guys but just trying to see things through my own spectacles.

Before writing this article, I asked a few persons who have been in a healthy relationship for couple of years. They accepted the charm of the relationship fades with the passage of time and does not remain always the same. Love for them vanishes in the process of exploring each other over a year or two.

Some are in a relationship because they have committed themselves and given their word and the whole world knows about it. There are people who want to break up with their partners but cannot do so because it will tarnish their image.

Others remain stuck for their vested interests. Some want emotional or financial security and some want the fulfillment of basic instincts. Live it as it comes to you or leave it. It is all a farce. Do one thing this Valentine’s Day. Observe people around you and try to find out why they remain hitched. You will find answers of your unanswered questions.

Many sayings about love have negative connotations such as Love is blind; people fall (not rise) in love; everything is fair in love and war. Here is a list of things you lose while trying to be in love and prove that you love someone special.

You lose your precious time (and many persons money too) trying to prove that your love worth attention. Your love is important till the time the person trusts it is important.

The relationship is a kind of a competition. In trying to win it, you lose a lot of things such as you stop giving time to yourself; you get hurt and do not get in return what you expect.

People act blind under the spell of love. They don’ want to see the reality. They realize it when their illusion gets over and find they are left with nothing. And there is only one panacea. It is that you should learn to live without expecting anything from life or for that matter from someone.

# # #

A stand-up comedian mocked the metamorphosis in the relationship between lovers. He joked: “In the olden times the song was hume tumse pyaar kitna ki hum nahi jaante, magar jee nahi sakte tumhare bina. This has changed in the present time to Hume tumse pyaar kitna, I don’t know. Whether it is more than Sheela or less than Julie.”

Express your love, but is it that simple?

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:07:00 +0000

No. It’s not. The three-word expression I Love You is perhaps the most difficult one to express. People may be headstrong but go weak at the knees when it comes to proposing to someone special. For one and all, the expression of love requires perfect timing, ideal setting and right approach.

Valentine’s Day is considered an important day in the lives of people in love. They may or may not be in a relationship but the day holds significance in their lives. People in relationships want to make it large by planning an outing with their partners or by giving special gifts. Others want to make it memorable by expressing their love to someone special. You need not break a bank to make Valentine’s Day special for someone. It just requires a decent attitude and a right approach.

Many of us fall in love with a friend or a colleague or someone in our neighbourhood or someone we see at a bus stop or in a market. And sometimes it is difficult to break the ice with a person we know than with strangers for several odd reasons. Here are a few tips on how to begin a conversation with someone special.

The most important factor to start an interaction is the consent of the other person. You should not make him/her uncomfortable. And the level of comfort varies from person to person; some will not like you interacting with them in public places like college canteens, libraries or at bus stops. You should consider other factors too like wheter the person is alone and you are in a group or you are meeting in a deserted area at night.

If any of these factors apply, be aware that the other person may feel a little unsafe or unsure of your approach. If you are not sure about their comfort in the interaction do ask them, “is it ok if I talk to you.” Make it clear that you mean no harm and leave them alone if they do not wish to talk.

Treat the person with respect. One should not become over-friendly in the first meeting. He or she should avoid commenting right away on their looks and attire. One should refrain from using endearing terms. A hello and a smile will rarely offend anyone and can open up the door for further conversation.

Getting rejected is surely not your desire. But you should not curse, insult or hurt a person who turns you down. Often people do not want to meet or even talk to someone in public places. There could be many reasons. They may be preoccupied or may be in a hurry. They may be already in a relationship. They may not be interested in any kind of relationship before getting into marriage.

If the person talks comfortably, you should not become overfriendly. You should behave decently and give enough time for the relationship to grow. Rome was not built in a day. Everything takes its own time. If you know the person for quite some time you can propose to him/her in right setting but the rules mentioned above still apply.

Expressing your feelings over phone or online is a safer option rather than saying those three words personally. But this is an impersonal approach and shows lack of confidence in yourself and lack of seriousness in your proposal. It is the worst thing to convey your expression through someone in his/her group or in your circle of friends because many a time your ‘someone special’ may not want to share his or her relationship with anyone else except you.

This article has been published in Yuva Sambad dated February 11, 2012.

AGE IS AN AGING PROBLEM

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:26:00 +0000

I received a Facebook update that reads: “In India, the Government is deciding the age of Army Chief. While in Pakistan, the Army chief is deciding the age of the Government.”

The update was amusing. Jack says, the Indian Army Chief is not behaving awkwardly; and for that matter not even the Pakistani Army Chief. They are behaving in a normal fashion. He snubs me when said that the Indian Army Chief has lowered the image of the sacrosanct institution of India. Jack told me off the record that the Army chief will get a hike of a few thousand rupees if he stays for one more year in the service and an extension of one year to the facilities he is using as the boss of the Indian Army. I believe it cannot be true and he must be kidding. The person of his stature can no go that low for a hike or extension of one year service.

Jack further explains, everyone wants to remain young forever. Haven’t you ever heard that a 40-year-old lady or may be older fighting with an innocent sales man in his twenties who dared to call her aunty. “How dare you call me aunty?” “Do I look like an aunty?” The fight goes on and on but if the salesman has learnt marketing tricks from some professor from the top institutes like IIMs then he will immediately correct himself saying, “Sorry Didi. It was just a slip of tongue.”

However, it may be the case the women in front of her is as old as her mother. But his correction and choose of words may help him in achieving his monthly target.

Micro-blogging: Share your thoughts, in short

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:30:00 +0000

Micro-blogging is all about posting small digital contents—text, pictures, video and links—on the Internet. In short, it is a combination of blogging and instant messaging. Micro-blogging websites allow users to share a message of 140 or less character, a video of 12 seconds or less duration, short links or individual images with online followers.

Twitter is the most famous micro-blogging website. It allows users to update their messages in 140 or less characters. The website is increasingly becoming popular because the list of celebrities joining the site is growing each day and everyone out there wants to know what these celebrities are doing. The site has been in news for many controversial tweets by famous personalities. A few tweets that grabbed headlines and caused a ripple effect include Shahsi Tharoor’s calling ‘Economy Class’ a ‘Cattle Class’, Lalit Modi’s tweet on Indian Premiere League (IPL) and many more. The tweet that made the biggest news of the last year was from a man from Pakistan. Sohaib Athar (@ReallyVirtual) live-tweeted the raid in which terrorist Osama bin Laden was killed.

There are certain things we should know about micro-blogging. There are a few must-know terms related to micro-blogging. One of them is hash tag (#). Tweeter users (generally called tweeple) must have seen the hash tag often in tweets. Hash tags allow an online community to easily stream a particular subject. It is a community-driven practice of tagging an individual tweet by using a hash in front of the tag such as putting #Indiancricket in a tweet about Indian Cricket. It also makes the tweet easily searchable online. Another term is re-tweet, it is used when you update someone else’s tweet on your page. ‘@’ is the sign used for specifying that a message is for a particular individual.

People using Tweeter has developed a terminology. They use tweeple for people using twitter, twaffic is used for users’ traffic on the site, twalking is used for tweeting while walking and twitticism is used for witticism used in tweet updates. There are several other terms and many are being added by its users.

The micro-blogging phenomenon is not limited to sharing text updates.12seconds.com is a micro-blogging video website. 12 Seconds limit the length of uploads to just 12 seconds. Making a video that’s interesting but is only 12 seconds can be a bit of challenge. Currently, they only offer integration with Facebook and Twitter. Some other websites such as Pluckr, Tumblr, Posterous, Plerb and Sweeter are also known among online users for their distinctive features. There are many sites such as twitpic, pikchur, twitgoo and others which allow users to share their pictures on Twitter.

There are many sites which provide an application through which you can shorten a Universal Resource Locator (URL)—you want to share with online pals. Some sites such as bit.ly, tinyurl, ow.ly and goo.gl provide an online tool for shortening URLs. These sites are useful because many URLs exceed the character limit.

Computing on a cloud

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:14:00 +0000

Cloud computing is about accessing or sharing applications, software installed on a virtual server. It facilitates data storage solution to small companies. They need not to buy bulky and expensive servers. They can subscribe to cloud computing services and access their data anytime of the day provided there is no technical problem at host’s end and no Internet connection problem at company’s end.

Cloud computing service is useful not only for small companies but also for other online users. There are hundreds of websites which allow you to save your pictures, videos and other important documents on the Web. These websites provide 1GB to 50 GB free storage. Many websites provide the service for free and a few sites charge for premium service.

Sky Drive of Microsoft delivers online file storage and sharing solution in a free and easy to use way. Other websites providing similar services are esnips.com, hordit.com, gdisk.com, mediamaster and mp3tune (for storing music collection), Flicker and Picasa (for storing pictures and videos) and many more. People can not only save their data but also access several other features i.e. sharing files with friends and public, downloading data of your interest and upload data for public usage.

There are websites which allow you to use useful applications without installing them on your personal computer or laptop. For example: you want to play around with your pictures and you don’t have any photo correction software installed on your computer. You can visit aviary.com, phixr.com, graphita.com and many more similar websites those not only have photo correction tools but also provide image hosting services.

Some popular websites like Google and Microsoft has already launched ‘cloud service platforms’. Microsoft had started the Office Web Apps on ‘Sky Drive’ for users in select countries. The platform gives users the ability to view and edit Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote documents online via browsers. Microsoft had launched such cloud functionality to get an edge in the battle against Google Apps and similar Web-based productivity suites. Using Google Doc users can create documents, spreadsheets and presentations online and can share and collaborate in real time with others.

However, there is a problem with professional usage of cloud computing in India where Internet connection is slow and not reliable. In cloud computing, users cannot access their data when their internet connection is down or there is any technical problem at host’s end. This is a major drawback of cloud computing; particularly for the companies those deal with customers on 24x7 basis and cannot afford non-availability of their data even for a few minutes. Until Interne connection becomes faster and more reliable than what it is today; users can continue using cloud computing platform for personal purposes.

Note- After reading the article, I would like you to watch a funny video on 'Cloud Computing' (in Hindi) that spread like a viral on YouTube. In this video, an ex IT commissioner is trying to explain Cloud Computing on TV.

Piazza: teaching the tech way

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:56:00 +0000

Why is doing homework with friends better? Piazaa explains it in many ways. First, when you are at sea then someone who is stable can be a lifesaver. Second, when professors or teachers ask, there any doubts, students remain silent. Piazza, the website, helps you to connect with studious friends and tech-savvy instructors. They can help you out in virtual classrooms where you can reach out to back benchers like the ever intelligent Ranchodas Chanchad (Aamir Khan) of the movie Three Idiots.

Have you ever faced a query that stumped all your classmates including the most brilliant student in your group? Even Google Baba fails to come up with a solution. If you have ever faced such a situation, then Piazza is the answer for you.

Piazza is essentially a ‘question-and-answer platform’ for students and teachers. Students can post their questions and their peers or teachers can answer.

Pooja Nath

Piazza has been developed by a Computer Science student of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K), Pooja Nath who was annoyed as she struggled with the nuances of assignments and did not feel comfortable asking her male peers for help. She also felt that online tools, like Google and Wikipedia, were not specific enough to answer the questions that her assignments posed.

Keeping this in mind, Pooja developed a website called Piazza of which she is now the CEO. The website provides students who want to work alone an opportunity to ask questions. Piazza also allows teachers to understand the problems that students face and tailor the curriculum to their needs.

Pooja says, the platform is in the beta form and the Piazza team is making efforts to make it a helpful one.

Students can sign up on the website and create a virtual classroom. It allows only users with an official e-mail id of schools or institutions. The administrator of Piazza verifies the credentials of any new instructor or professor joining the virtual classroom. Students new to the website can understand the functioning of a virtual classroom through an online video on its home page.

The website is popular among tech-savvy students especially in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and other European countries. Many Indian students from different engineering colleges are also using the virtual classrooms for enhancing their knowledge of their subjects.

Youth Looks Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:23:00 +0000

Dear friends

The year 2011 has been a busy year for me. I did many things unplanned. I was not regular in updating the blog—Newsy Take. I don’t want to go this year dry so I am updating a story written by me on the change youngsters seek in our society. This year I started writing a column Net Connect on happening in the virtual world. I will update a few of them. I am assertive that you will find the articles interesting and informative.

This following article has been published in Yuva Sambad.

This New Year—when everyone is busy making New Year resolutions and planning to live their life anew—we tried to find out what youngsters think on issues concerning them and what changes they want in the education system, in their city and in the attitudes of people around them. Are we listening to what they want?

We tried—in this news report—to find out what irks them and what solutions they can offer to correct the system.

We also spoke to a few children in primary classes to know what they want in their dream school. Ideas flooded in from children all over Bhubaneswar. Some wanted to replace bells with music, a few demanded colourful classrooms, some asked for pin-up idea boards in each and every classroom, some came up with the idea to provide digital recorders to students so that if they go to the toilet, when they come back they can catch up on what they have missed and so on.

A report by Abhishek Pandey on their dreams, aspirations and their new ways of living their academic, social and personal lives.

Every child aims high in life. Following the well-trod paths, many want to be doctors; some students want to go for engineering or for the civil services. Many a time their parents force them to choose careers they think are good and sometimes students do not want to risk choosing a non-traditional career option.

But nowadays the situation is changing and there is no dearth of students who dare to think out of the box and do things differently. They are setting trends for others to follow. Vikas Mohapatra is one of them.

Vikas, an MBA student, says, “I love travelling and clicking photographs. Unlike other parents, my father never forced me to become an engineer, a doctor or an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer. I wanted to become a photographer and my father always encouraged me. He is liberal and believes that everyone has his or her own forte.” Vikas says, “This year, I want other parents to take a cue from my father and allow their children to follow their heart because I believe if your heart is not in your profession you cannot excel.”

Sonali Priyadarshini, an undergraduate, wants something else. Sonali said that she is fed up with eve-teasers. “Girls face eve-teasing and molestation. I want Odisha Police to deploy adequate personnel near colleges and coaching institutions to put a stop to such instances,” she adds.

“Girls should also take some preventive steps such as carrying a pepper spray and pop-up knives for self-defence. They should join self-defence training classes too,” she suggests. “I regularly go to karate classes and no boy can dare tease me, she says.

Jitendra Moharana, a student of Masters in Social Work (MSW), is aiming to do his bit for society this year. “Chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes are injurious to health. Though there are laws against smoking at public places many people flout the rules with apparent impunity. I have seen students smoking inside college premises and near schools or colleges. Professors and disciplinary bodies in school should take cognisance of these important issues and must take action. Shopkeepers cannot sell cigarettes and tobacco near schools or colleges as it is against the law,” Moharana says. This year, he wants to run a special awareness campaign in all colleges and schools across Bhubaneswar.

Youngsters live their life with a true sense of belonging with their friends in schools and the neighbourhood and even in the virtual world. However, many of them believe that elders have lost the sense of belonging. Raman Agarwal, a 17-year-old student, says, “People fight with each other in society on trivial matters. I suggest that elders should learn a few lessons in social behaviour from children who forget their fights with their neighbours or school friends the next day.”

He said that people today do not have time for their friends and family and sometimes even do not talk to their family for days because of the hectic lifestyle they follow. At home, they spend time seeing television or browsing Internet. Parents should spend quality time with their children.

These youngsters seek a change in the behavioural pattern of people in the virtual world too. “I am fed up with seeing boneheaded sentences as updates and tweets in the virtual world. Internet has grown up and we should too. People update useless status—sometimes about their personal affairs and many a time they intrude into others’ lives. It is high time everyone should learn online etiquette. People should not update anything that they do not want their parents or boss to read. One should also avoid texting while in office or in a group,” suggests Radhika Chaterjee, a management trainee.

There are other students who want to bring about a change in the educational system and make it interactive. “Every student should be given an opportunity to express their ideas. I suggest every school should have a mechanism by which students can convey their ideas to the school management and teachers; be it pin-up idea boards in every classroom or through student parliament or any kind of open forum. Their ideas should be taken into consideration,” suggests Jyotirupa Mohanty, a student of class XII.

Niranjan Sahoo, a student of class IV, wants drastic changes in the way schools function. He wants that there should be no compulsory subjects and there should be more periods for sports and co-curricular activities. He wants colourful classrooms and looks for bells to be replaced with music. Students can be given digital recorders so that they do not miss important lessons while they are not in the class room. He said that these are the possible and easiest ways of making learning interesting and fun.

Other children of his age group in government schools want that the government should build infrastructure in their schools to provide facilities as good as those available in private schools. A student from a government school on condition of anonymity said, “We do not have football or basket ball grounds in our school. There are many students who can perform better than their counterparts in private schools provided that they are given proper training and facilities.” He urged that this New Year the government must come up with some schemes for providing similar facilities to government school students.

Wishing You All a Happy New Year in Advance

Police gagging media in Kanpur

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:40:00 +0000

Police officials came down heavily on media persons for their extensive reporting on an eleven-year old school girl Divya, who was sodomised in a school premises and died of profuse bleeding from her private parts.

Investigation officer (IO) and Station Officer, Anil Kumar, has summoned over 21 journalists under section 160 of CrPC and have demanded proof of their media reports.

Not only that, police officials are allegedly making threatening calls in newspaper offices and warning reporters to not file stories on the issue or face consequences. Even, several vehicles meant for transporting newspapers were halted by the police officials and did not allow passing for so called flouting the norms.

The draconian act of police in absolving the culprits in rape cum murder case was exposed by the print and electronic news channels.

Police officials have arrested as many as four people in the case but have failed to prove who the real culprit is? Even, they could not conclusively prove that which is the place of crime? Police theory has numerous loopholes and Justice for Divya has become a people’s movement that is gathering momentum after leaders cuttinmg across party lines, social activists, students, youths have come forward for demanding the arrest of real culprit?

It is important to mention that police officials even did not spare the victim’s family members and resorted cane charge on them while they were staging silent protest in front of the school where the little girl died.

Does the right to speech and expression exist in real means in Kanpur?

Can police force the media persons to reveal its news sources, though even court gives them freedom for not telling their news source?

Media advocacy in several cases has brought justice for the victim’s family. Is this an attempt to put a stop on advocacy or missionary journalism?

Many more questions are being raised in media foray and these questions remain unanswered ......And, until these questions are answered. People of India could be hapless in seeing in near future cases like Priyadarshini Matoo, Jesica Lal, Nitish Katara, Nithari getting solved .....

- Busy bee

Justice for DIVYA

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:51:00 +0000

A nine-year old girl Divya Bhadauria was raped brutally inside a school premises in Kanpur. Divya died of profuse bleeding of around 4.5 litres blood from her private parts.

Words have to be censored harshly, if I choose to explain her sufferings and pain before her death.

It’s gory. It’s horrific. It’s unexplainable.

Her mother Sonu is still in utter shock and six year old younger sister Deeksha is waiting for Divya to come and play hide and seek with her, unaware of the fact that her sister is no more in this world.

I might have been completely driven by my intense emotions while covering the issue for HT. I might not report objectively. I might not be fair with the accused Piyush Verma or whosoever it is.

But, I am sure about one thing, a girl had been raped inhumanly and a mother has lost her nine-year old daughter. And, there is someone bloody out there who is responsible for all this mess. The girl deserves justice and the pervert deserved to be hanged till death.

But, police is insensitive and irresponsible for what reasons ? The insensitivity shown by police is sprinkling salt on the festering wounds of the deceased’s family. Police beaten up the guys, who took the girl to the hospital after school-maids literally threw the girl at her house after her condition deteriorated. Police also managed to implicate a middle-aged man for the crime and made him confess that he has committed the crime six days ago.

Autopsy reports, circumstantial evidences and statements of key people contradict police theory. The weak case will collapse in court of law. But, they hardly care. They are real dabang – fearless - in Mayawati’s fearless society.

Justice for Divya needs mobilisation of people, a people’s movement to ensure that no Divya becomes victim next door or inside your house in future.Its your movement. Come on, come out. In real world, in virtual world. Everywhere.

******

One more thing for parents, please do trust your children and take their complaints of any kind of sexual assault seriously, as more than 80 percent children in India are victims of sexual assault. And, the close relatives, teachers, uncles, neighbours are culprits in 60 percents of cases.

So, there is no good reason in not trusting your own kid.

At last, please do pray for the girl Divya so justice served without much delay.

Busy bee

CWG didn’t do everything wrong

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:22:00 +0000

Don’t misinterpret me by the headline and start thinking that I want to go gaga about the unexpected and spectacular opening of CWG in Delhi.

Media, both print and electronic, has reported extensively on the issue explaining -crores of rupees were siphoned off during preparations. The construction of stadia was not qualitative. Black sheep were involved for carrying out construction work. Even, AR Rehman composed a sub-standard anthem.

and, Blah… blah…. blah......blah….

Media has over-stuffed the minds of the people with the information about CWG mess. Media had already put millions of question marks on India's capabilities of holding a grand event like this and made whole country ashamed off these wrong-doings.

I don’t want to depress our Indians friends further more with some more facts and figures about corruption in preparedness of CWG games.

I am sensing, CWG has changed something in the country. And, that is attitude towards ‘less important’ sports. This attitudinal change was brought in the psyche of people in 1984 also, when country organised Asiad successfully.

Common men are more interested in knowing who bagged medals from India in wrestling or shooting than getting information about Tendulkar’s performance in test match against Australia.

CWG fever has gripped India much fiercely than dengue, Chikangunia and other variants of viral fever.

This is a good sign of change in the country, where cricket is religion.

###

One thing more, Sports ministry must ponder over fewer turnouts of visitors inside stadia in CWG matches.

Government could think of providing concession on tickets to the school children in and around Delhi for watching CWG games. It will kill two birds from one stone:

First, Stadiums would be full to encourage players.

Second, Students would get the chance to see playing international players and they would be encouraged for playing unconventional sports.

- Busy bee

Big Boss, Big Trouble

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 20:28:00 +0000

What has gone wrong with our TV channels? They are showing almost everything without giving a thought. Don’t they have any social responsibility?

Big Boss-4 is the perfect example of the mad race of TV channels for increasing number of eyeballs glued to their channels on prime time. The show has been always in controversy over happenings inside the house in all its three seasons. Sometimes, guys inside the house abuse each other or girls run skin show in and around the pool.

It kicked off with dust storm of controversy today. The makers have gone one step further, this time. Dacoit, super-thieve, and persons allegedly shown in mms sex clips are being portrayed heroes and they are privileged to live in Big Boss’ house.

The show is aired on prime time and families watch the show with children. Don’t you think, our children could think of becoming a ‘super-thieve’ or could indulge in making sex mms clips for becoming famous all over.

What is the way-out? Come on the roads to protest or use the remote in our hands to switch the channels. That, I leave to intellectuals to decide. But why they, you decide your matters.

- Busy bee

Tie knot not

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:31:00 +0000

Abhishek Pandey

Spreading hatred has not benefited any but many institutions in our country do not seem to understand this. They are promoting it in the name of cultural traditions and cultural purity. The best example of present times is Khap which has wage a war against the people wants to spread love in the society.

It seems these panchayats are above the law, as Khap Panchayats can allow killing of the lovebirds, if any one dare to marry the partner of the same gotra. What is Gotra and why there is much hue and cry about it? Perhaps, many gen-Y Hindus may not be aware of. It looks like the Khap Pancayat has been given responsibility for its public relation and they have done their job well.

Now, the concept of gotra is very much clear in the minds of this present generation after the panchayats call for killing of many couples in the name of gotra followed by detailed media coverage.

Many opine, if the panchayats consider the marriages in same gotra immoral, they should also declare that any Indian would be punished if he or she marries an Indian by justifying their decision with the old cultural saying – All Indians are my brothers and sisters.

And, they can also call upon Sania Mirza from Dubai and must load her with lots of prizes for marrying a Pakistatni cricketer Shoaib Malik. They can also propose her name for the Bharat Ratna award.

They are planning to shut down Delhi on June 20, if the central government doesn’t agree to amend the Hindu Marriage Act. No one knows the government will succumb to that pressure or would nip them in the bud.

Political parties have not came forward against this faction of the society, as no one want to annoy the huge vote bank in Haryana, Rajasthan and western UP. Shamelessly, several ‘intellectual’ young leaders like Jatin Prasad have supported them with many senior leaders like Ajit Singh, Mahendra Singh Tikait and several others.

Rashtriya Swayam Sewak (RSS) has also called the issue a social issue and does not show any interest in commenting on the issue.

It is irony of the state. On one hand, the government is encouraging inter-caste marriages for promoting harmony in the society. On another, the loose canons of political parties, including congress party, are aggressively waging war against the lovebirds.

Khap panchayats are continuously giving decisions for social seclusion of the couples those have tied knot with the partner of same gotras. It is the high time that the government must crack the whip on these panchayats and the person responsible for causing death to any couple must be punished.

It seems, the time is not too far when such institutions, if allowed to flourish, would demand for the separate colleges, schools and hospitals in the country for members of different gotras, caste and communities.

Indian Profit League

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:20:00 +0000

Indian Premiere League proved to be Indian Profit League but many don’t like its prosperity.

Lalit Modi, the person behind the idea of IPL and who turned the cricket into ‘Cricketainment, ’is in problem. The reason is simple; he dared to mess with a politician, ‘Union minister of state for external affairs’ Shashi Tharoor.

Though, the squabble backfired Tharoor who allegedly tried to help his girlfriend Sunanda Pushkar in the whole deal of IPL Kochi team. The probe is ordered, Tharoor has been fired and Sunanda Pushkar resigned from her role in the Kochi team.

The case has opened the Pandora box of the problems for many in Board for Cricket Control of India (BCCI). People including several politicians have started raising fingers over the involvement of hundred of crore rupees ‘black money’ in the IPL business.

Sport has become a business and so has politics. There is no difference between both the fields as there are great chances of earning huge money in both the genres.

No political party is exception in making their ‘persistent’ efforts to improve the condition of sports. Please don’t overlook, I mean cricket for sports here.

It is the tragedy of the nation that the politicians poke their nose in sports, apparently for their vested interests.

Though, all the sports are not great earner of the money and so you would not find many politicians in other sports. Say, Badminton or for that matter any other sports ranging from Kabbaddi, Kho-Kho, High jump, Long jump, wrestling and so on and so forth – not many politicians are interested in it.

Leaders like Sharad Pawar, Rajeev Shukla, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Arun Jaitely, Narendra Modi and several others are interested in alleviating the standard of cricket. It seems they damn care of improving standards of other sports. It is the love for cricket or lust for money, only god knows.

I believe, the politicians must keep themselves involved in the politics and they should leave sports for the sportspersons. Not only me, many believe in the country that the sportspersons would better take care of the sports.

Sex, Sleaze, Saffron and Sadhu

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:36:00 +0000

Abhishek Pandey

The connections of the god men and sex are not very new. India had Devdasis system prevalent in the olden times. With the changing times, the contours of relations keep changing between sex and Sadhus.

Nityanand and Bheemanand aka Ikshadhari has tainted the saffron colour. It was not the very first time the saffron has got stains. Baba Ram Raheem, Kripalu ji Maharaj, Asha Ram Bapu and several others self styled god man have been reportedly involved in the much hyped sex scandals. Though, the rule of law is still to decide on these matters and they continue to play their ‘dirty’ game with apparent impunity.

In recent incidents, a self styled Hindu god men, Bheemanand, was arrested for running a sex racket of more than 500 call girls from Delhi. Another god man Nityanand was found in compromising position with her disciple and Tamil actress Ranjitha. She also accepted that she was giving her service like others services as serving food and massaging him.

Not only that, there are more disgusting acts in which many self-styled gurus had been indulging in the act of molestation and rape with the girls as younger as seven year. In a recent case in Kanpur, a priest raped a seven-year-old girl and strangled her to death.

These impostors in the business of faith have also brain washed their followers and the disgusting example was when a Tantrik cum religious preacher suggested his devotee to rape his own daughter for bringing prosperity.

Which religious text suggests that you would attain prosperity if you rape your daughter? The answer is an obvious, NO. But, I really don’t understand why all the genuine saints and devotees clad in saffron are not coming forward to save the Sanatana Dharma from viciously assaulted by these thugs.

These thugs turned Gurus teach abstinence but exploit innocence. They preach, keep yourself away from earthly affairs like sex, as they don’t want competition for themselves. They say, why follow Moh-maya perhaps indicating leave all these for them. These imposters are hypocrites.

Though, Osho or Rajneesh tried to change everything in between and talked about every taboo ranging from sex, wealth to other earthly matters. He talked openly on all these issues and taught people that they must not refrain themselves as it does not come from their mind.

I think the saints; religious bodies must evolve a system in which a centralized body monitors everything ranging from the activities going in the religious places and transfer of funds there. The temples and religious institutions are one of the largest investments for many big industrialists in the country.

The body also issue them license to preach and flourish the business of faith and it could also prohibit the entry of imposters by regular monitoring by the ‘Dharmgurus’.

Though, it is easier to say than implement because the path has innumerable hurdles. Many don’t want complication in religion. Many have their own interest in the on going system.

Some say, Sanatana Dharma has many sects as no sect would accept authority. It has Arya Samaj, Brahma Samaj, Shavites, Vaishnavites and several others. The solution is that we could implement UN system on which the people from different sects are appointed periodically depending upon the number of people they represent.

There are hundreds other solution but some one has to come forward to take an initiative. But there is no light of hope visible in the tunnel. Perhaps, it is the high time in Kalyug and we need real Avatar not of James Cameron.

Right proposal from the Right wing

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:31:00 +0000

Abhishek Pandey

BJP wants to take the power ride. Ram temple issue is too old to win this ride. Party needs fresh ideas and newly appointed president of BJP understands this well. He has presented the ‘old wine in new bottle’ and this wine does not seem to be deleterious for nation’s health, as Hindus and Muslims, both, would find it yummy.

Since the inception of the Ayodhya issue, the right wing never tuned its tone as soft as national president of BJP, Gadkari did during recent national conclave at Indore. He said, BJP is committed to the cause of temple construction at Ayodhya. Nothing new in this idea but Gadkari went one step further.

He asked Muslims to be generous to not oppose the construction of grand temple at disputed site. Even, he allured them saying that the party would facilitate the construction of mosque beside the temple. The tone is new and has never been heard by anyone, at least from the saffron brigade.

I think, he is trying to find out the practical solution of the problem and the plot to erect BJP’s building. He mentioned that the litigations are pending in the court for the resolution of the dispute and the verdict would not serve the purpose because one party would win and other may lose.

The visionary Gadkari is also aiming to hit the two birds from a single stone. As his proposal would neither annoy the ‘moderate’ Hindus, those are looking for the resolution of the dispute, nor would it send a wrong message to the Muslims that injustice has been done to them.

I used the moderate world because the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Shiv Sena have already registered their protest. The supreme of these parties, Ashok Singhal and Bal Thackeray, have said that “Ram temple is religious issue not a political issue. BJP or for that matter any party must refrain from taking any decision of its own, as it would bring dishonor to the several Karsevaks who sacrificed their life for the cause of Hindus.

Why the hell they don’t understand that the days of decisive politics are gone and they are gonna get nothing from such politics. Except, killing or maiming some innocents and making the life of their loved one’s hellish.

He knows and also understands it well that the developmental politics is the future and the construction of temple would alleviate the stature of the BJP among the parties supporting Hindu cause.

Though. in his complete speech of 7993 words, he spoke only 103 words on temple issue, mere 1.3 percent of total speech, but all the media, print, electronic, web, blew its as it was the core of his speech. Whatever, media know well what sells. Gadkari also knows well what sells and he is selling what is in trend, as he is a businessman turned politician.

Even, his vision is politically correct also. I too share the view of Nitin Gadkari, “This initiative would herald a new amity and reinforce the bond for a resurgent India.”

Why SRK can’t be braver?

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:59:00 +0000

Abhishek Pandey

SRK says he want Pak players for his IPL team. Shivsena says it wants SRK to apologise in public or go to Lahore for his ‘Pak love’. BJP and Muslim groups surprisingly come together against Sena’s politics. Rahul goes Mumbai and tells Sena, Mumbai belongs to everyone and it is not the legacy of Thakreys. Everyone is busy doing business for good or bad. None of them wants to bear the losses in the business and SRK is not an exception.

It is the business and it doesn’t know any principle. Even SRK accepted in one of the interviews, no one in the industry knows any principle on Thursdays and Fridays – the release day of the Bollywood flicks.

Shahrukh Khan has invited controversy for himself after commenting on inclusion of Pak players in his IPL team. But, he could not become braver any more because he is not a politician, he is a businessman. He can not take any stand strongly that affect his business – the commercial success of his movie.

His movie ‘My name is Khan’ is about to release and he would not like that his movie fell prey to any controversy failing his arduous efforts and losing his hard earned money that he put in making a ‘wonderful’ movie.

Neither he would apologise nor did he will take his words back because both the actions would affect his stardom in turn affecting his business. He needs not to do this though as being an Indian he has all the rights to speak out his mind as Sena and MNS has. SRK and Shivsena both have right of free speech, both have right to do their business.

But, the business started stinking and becomes unbearable when his daughter asks him whether they have to leave India for Lahore or any other place. It is just very sad, shameful, and unconstitutional and against the core values of the country. All the problems arise here.

Who has given the Sena, MNS right to spit venom against any one who does not belong to their cult? Who has given them right to throw any one out of Mumbai or the country? Who has suggested them to poke their nose in every issue they find beneficial for their politics? Who authorize them to beat north Indians for appearing in exams in Mumbai?

They are no one to be the voice of Mumbaikars as they dint come out when Mumbai was bleeding and needed help after 26/11 attack. MNS and Sena must reply why Mumbaikars allow them to play politics on their issues when they can’t stand for them in need.

Politics is good, so is business. Sena wanna make use of every moment in the times when MNS, congress, NCP are ready to fix the last nail in Sena’s coffin anytime. It is the fight of survival for Sena but these kinds of strategies in ‘business’ would fail its all efforts. It is wiser for Sena not to create any problem over SRK comments because it can backfire fiercely. Even, SRK would not like to prolong the spate because its better to become coward sometime for good.

Jinnah divides BJP

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 06:28:00 +0000

By Abhishek Pandey

Mohamed Ali Jinnah again the reason of division, this time in Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP). Jinnah’s jinx formed factions of different ideologies in the party, which claims to be a party with a difference. Last week, Jaswant Singh was expelled from the party for writing against party’s ‘core ideology’ in his recent book ‘Jinnah – India – Partition – Independence’, which applauded the role of Jinnah and criticises Nehru and Sardar Patel for their role in the partition of the country in 1947.

Jaswant is under fire from with in the party and outside for his comments over his controversial statements on the partition of the country. This is not the first time that Jinnah has created problem for saffron party. In 2005, Advani has suffered a lot for tagging Mohamed Ali Jinnah as a ‘secular’ leader. Mr. Advani had to resign from the post of party president.

Aiming to not upset the vote bank, BJP president Rajnath Singh announced that Jaswant Singh has been expelled from the party for uttering words against Sardar Patel which is against the core belief of the party. The book has been banned in BJP ruled Gujarat. BJP did not mentioned Jinnah as the BJP stalwart Advani had praised him in past and naming him can backfire BJP itself.

Jaswant Singh who is saddened by party’s decision said that he used to be the Hanuman of the saffron party but he has become Ravana now. He urged that the party must read the whole book and then it should come to a decision. According to Singh, Patel was the person who imposed ban on Rastriya Swayma Sevak Sangh, soon after the death of Mahatama Gandhi. Mr. Singh stood by Advani in 2005 but Advani’s comments on the episode – ‘It was painful but mandatory decision’ – shows that he has very short memory.

Jaswant Singh was not given even show cause notice to defend himself. The saffron Party is of the view that his views in his book are against party’s core belief and an immediate stern action was needed. A party with a difference, BJP, forgot that a even a hardcore murderer like Ajmal Amir Kasab, who killed many people in Mumbai attack, is given chance to defend himself in Indian court but party forgot the process of justice in the case. At least, the party leadership must call upon Jaswant for an explanation before punishing him.

Singh raised the Kandahar issue mentioning that all the ministers including Advani were aware of the decision of releasing terrorists with exchange of 166 Air India passengers. He clarified that he spoke a lie in past for defending Advani, who said that he was not aware of the decision, in the time of election because it could have adverse effect on election results for the BJP.

In this drama, Jaswant Singh’s book has become the best seller and is very much in demand. Literary and artistic work should not be banned. Like Jaswant book, BJP government in Chhattisgarh has banned the late Habib Tanveer’s play Charandas Chor. BJP or for that matter any political party must ponder over the lines of former Prime Minister and BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee that the answer to a book is a book, not a protest or a ban.

It is the general idea in India that Mohamed Ali Jinnah was the person who proposed two-nation theory and caused partition of the country in 1947 after a blood bath in which millions of people were killed, injured and many more were displaced. Though, there are several known and unknown facades of Jinnah exist in Indian and Pakistan’s history books.

BJP leaders are aware of the core beliefs of the party but the then party president Advani praised Mohammad Ali Jinnah for his ‘secular’ speech after the partition. BJP and Sangh leaders were fumed at Advani and he had to resign from the post of party president. But, this time party can not afford to give lesser punishment because BJP stalwart has not only praised Jinnah but also showed Sardar Patel and Nehru’s role in partition of the country in negative light.

Following incidents after Jaswant episode have created a crisis in the party. Sudhindra Kulkarni reigned from the party for not having freedom of expression with in the party. Kulkarni was questioned for his newspaper articles in which he suggested to revamp party’s ideology. Arun Shourie has also called the shots against the party top brass and said a jhatka (quick) change in the party is needed. He expressed his view that party has lost its direction and called party president Rajnath ‘Alice in blunderland’. He also said that Rastriya Swayam Sevaka Sangha (RSS) should take party’s command in its hand.

Madanlal Khurana, Uma Bharati and Kalyan Singh like leaders have left BJP in last couple of years. In recent days, Former Rajasthan Chief Minister (CM) Vashundhra Raje, Arun Jaiteley, Arun Shourie, Yashwant Sinha, Bhairo Singh Shekhawat and former Uttarakhand CM Bhavan Chandra Khanduri have raised their voice against the party for different reasons. All thses incidents are sprinkling salt on the festering wounds of BJP, who is recuperating after second continuous defeat in parliamentary elections.

There is no unity of command in the party. Any leader in top brass, including Advani, does not seem to have stature and qualities like Atal Bihari Vajpayee to unify the party members. Atal Bihari was liberal and secular leader with clean image. He enjoyed confidence among the party leaders and allies during his political career. Party has felt his absence in the last elections and missing his presence in the time pf present crisis. BJP has to find its sailor, who can sail the party in the right direction easily with all the members intact despite differences. Party has to modernise itself by revamping its ideology and character as per the demands of the present time. It is in national interest that Indians should have two national parties otherwise the one national party, whether its Congress or BJP, would become irrepressible by the democratic process.

Not free in free nation

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:03:00 +0000

By Abhishek Pandey

India celebrated its 62^ndIndependence Day with pride. Is it really a matter of pride? Of course, yes. Many freedom fighters lost their lives to set India free. Their efforts bring fruits in the form of a free and sovereign country for the future generation. It was a great achievement after a long period of colonial era. India has travelled a long distance in last six decades in all the spheres. But, the domain of freedom has extended its reach or not, it is doubtful.

One question always trouble my conscience that who were the people got freedom on 15 August, 1947. Had all the Indians got freedom on that fortunate day? Practically, the answer of this important question is no. All Indians are not free. This was the freedom in true means for few sections of the people. It seems it was the freedom of politicians, Police administration, government officers and the elite class. For others, Master got changed but situation have not changed expectedly.

Politicians are free to play a ‘constructive’ role in corruption and get away easily by their influence. They have all the right to interrupt parliamentary proceedings through their uncivilised ways. They have the right to have disproportionate asset. They are also free to make their won statues at public place on government expenditure. They can make castist, sexist, communal statement to play the vote bank politics. They enjoy their freedom of speech at the cost of other’s freedom.

Police is free to do fake encounters, harass poor people and be inefficient in need. Police officials can also make defamatory remarks and can declare a person criminal without investigation as it happened in Aarushi-Hemraj murder case. Criminal loot and murder in bright day light and move away freely. They are also free to contest elections and enjoy political power until final verdict comes. In the same manner, Government officials are free to settle the matter under the table as it is their fundamental right. They can delay your work if you don’t grease their palms. They enjoy their freedom without any timely and proper supervision.

In contrast, Aam aadmi is still waiting for the true freedom in a 62 years old free country. Aam aadmi keep waiting on the cross roads or in the queue of religious institutions like temples, mosque and Dargah unless the so called elites pass on. Is this is definition of the equality in a largest democratic nation? Every second Indian is affected with the ‘Do you know me’ syndrome. Tenders, jobs and other favours are considered on the validity of this rhetoric. Discrimination of several forms among the different sections, communities, caste, religious groups are evident even after six decades of independence.

Women and girls can not go to bars freely because ‘moral police’ like Sri Ram Sene feel it is against Indian culture and ethos. Girl students and women teachers can not clad themselves in the attire of their choice because college administrations desire to curb their freedom. Couples can not stroll together in the parks or street because our police feel, it offends decency.

Friendship Day and Valentine’s Day are celebrated secretly as if it is illegal to have a good time on special occasion. But, most of the youngsters avoid having fun in public place because Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) don’t like their freedom. The celebrations on such occasions need their approval.

People from North-India can not go to Mumbai for livelihood because it affects the interest of locals. Hindi speaking people are killed in north-eastern states for earning their bread in other state with in their own country. North eastern and Jammu and Kashmir people face alienation in other metropolitan cities. They don’t get accommodation easily.

People with in their own country are outsiders and not free to move freely. Is this is the definition of freedom, which we got six decades ago? I think these people don’t know about the fundamental rights which include freedom of movement in any part of India. It is always believed that India is a country with unity in diversity. But, this believe seems to be shattered in thousand pieces when we hear about above mentioned incidents.

Few people, regional leaders and political parties have forgotten the true meaning of freedom thought of by our freedom fighters. How can a nation celebrate its independence when the freedom has not reached to aam aadmi. Many jingoists would defy these arguments but the situation draw the stark picture of reality. It is important for our government and all the Indian to re-conceive the idea of true India. Otherwise we, Indians, will keep waiting for the true freedom. We have to become mature at 62 to enjoy and celebrate the Independence Day.

Jawaharlal Nehru said on the First Independence day in his speech Tryst with destiny, “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.

Freedom and power bring responsibility. The responsibility rests upon this Assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India. Before the birth of freedom we have endured all the pains of labour and our hearts are heavy with the memory of this sorrow. Some of those pains continue even now. Nevertheless, the past is over and it is the future that beckons to us now. His words are still relevant even after six decades because we are still yawning.

Not ready for this reality

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:18:00 +0000

By Abhishek Pandey

Indian small screen has taken a giant leap in a new phenomenon of reality shows. Whether, it is an apparent copy cat business of formats used in west or typically new formats of reality shows. It is happening in India.

It is a significant question that we are ready to be receptive of these kinds of reality shows. In the age of commercialization, actress like Jade Goodie showed her sufferings of cancer and death to the world on the small screen. Indian producers of soap operas have decided to opt similar formats for immediate money making. ‘Sach ka Samna’ which is copy of American show ‘Moment of Truth’ has exposed the bed room secrets of the contestants in the starting episodes.

The show came in to controversy from the very first episode when host asked a woman contestant, Smita Mathai, “If your husband never came to know about it. Would you consider sleeping with another man?" She denied to this in her answer but polygraph test refuted her reply and she lost. These kinds of similar personal questions created furor in the Rajya Sabha for violating the program code of Cable Television Network Act, 1995. Members of Parliament opposing the show believe that it is against Indian values and culture. They said that it offends decency on family entertainment channels.

It is the known truth that controversy and success travels together. The TRP (Television Rating Point) of the show raised as news channels highlighted the questions of show’s viability in Indian context. The show continued walking on controversial path when Vinod kambali’s remarks on his and Sachin’s friendship made headlines. Vinod Kambli said that his friendship with Sachin Tendulkar was like Sholey’s Jai and Viru. Kambali revealed that he was the person who always sacrificed in their friendship like Jai did in Sholey. He also said that Sachin could save his career. Did Vinod never get suitable platform to utter this truth?

The contestant is asked more than 50 questions prior to the show and he/she undergoes a polygraph test during the question-answer session. The result of polygraph test is not revealed to the contestant and they are asked 21 selected questions out of 51 questions. The questions peep in to the private life of the contestants. The questions become more difficult and private as show moves further.

Questions in the higher stage of the show are generally very personal and embarrassing. These questions vary from bed room secrets to the thinking of the contestant on the controversial issues. The contestant wins nothing if his/her answer is false as per polygraph test or s/he declines to give the answer. The contestant has to answer the question if it is asked otherwise s/he would get nothing. The format compels the contestants to answer the questions to get the prize money.

Rajiv Khandelwal, who is the anchor of the show, said in an interview that the theme of the program should be appreciated as it inspires people to speak the truth. But the important question is that ‘Do we need to expose our private life in front of camera for the sack of earning few lakhs of rupees. He said that the people who are opposing the format of the show must appreciate that people are speaking the truth. Many questions in the show are hypothetical and have no relevance to the reality.

There are several other questions troubling the conscience of the people. Can’t we speak truth without the greed of getting good amount of money from the producer of these kinds of show? Rajiv replied to one question by saying that the show would give chance to contestants to speak the truth which they might have not reveled to their loved ones in their life time? Do we need reasons and platform to speak the truth to our friends and closed ones?

There are many truth revealed on the show which broke many hearts. It is doubtful that the show will strengthen the family ties or it will shatter the relations. There is one saying which reads that some truth should not be spoken for good reasons. But the biggest truth on earth seems to be ‘Money’.

Producers and few others in the media industry believe that the show does not hurt the sentiments of the people. This lot believes, “if you don’t like it, don’t watch it.’ I fear that these people would demand to broadcast porn movies on the family channels because according to them, one can switch the channel any time. Adults may decide, correctly or incorrectly, to decide their selective channel or programs but what about the children? We must think on this part of the truth.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni urged that private television channels to evolve self-regulatory mechanism so that their programs do not hurt the people’s sentiments. Government has so far favoured self-regulation over an imposed content code, but the parliament may bring a content code in black and white for electronic media in the wake of this kind of unresolved serious issues. The imposed code has always been protested by the media personnel. Media must ensure to follow the self regulation.

Entertainment channels should restraint themselves from broadcasting vulgar and obscene content on family entertainment channels. Prakash Jawedkar of BJP and Kamal Akhtar of Samajwadi Party demanded that the show must be banned. But, many people are of the view that banning the show is not the permanent solution to stop this kind of broadcasting. Self regulation is the panacea for this critical problem. Media regulation by the government would be disaster for a free media but media should not forget its ‘Laxman Rekha’ while racing for the TRP.

Bahuguna trapped in Mayajaal

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:30:00 +0000

By Abhishek Pandey

The politics over rape in Uttar Pradesh has ignited the fire which gutted the house of Dr Rita Bahuguna Joshi. Ms Joshi was upset over the distribution of money to the rape victims instead of justice. During her rally at Moradabad, She forgot all the ‘Laxman Rekhas’ of politics and made an objectionable and inflammatory statement against Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati. Her statements ignited the fire which burn down her own house at Lucknow. Her house and four vehicles were set afire by unidentified persons, who were allegedly escorted by a BSP MLA and other party members.

It is very contradictory that both the women are the leader of women empowerment in Uttar Pradesh and now, both are standing against each other. Mayawati is Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Bahuguna is president of UP Congress committee. Both are on important posts in the largest populated Indian state. It is the matter of proud and shame at the same time because two women are on important posts but both can’t work together for the welfare of the state or for women empowerment.

Politics is all about statements whether they are logical or illogical. In election time, the statements become more important but creating conducive ambience after the election cause damage to ideal politics. Earlier, these kind of abusive remarks were limited to election period. But, timing has no significance in present context.

It is the fact that girls and women were raped in different districts of Uttar Pradesh and compensation was given indiscriminately. It does not mean that Ms Bahuguna would be given right to bring disgrace to a woman by offering one crore rupees for illegal and indecent act. Mayawati said that Ms Bahuguna’s remarks were not pardonable but she forgot her statements when she said the same for Mulayam’s kith and kin. It seems that politicians have short memory.

Congress party disassociated itself from the controversy. Rahul Gandhi said that the language used was unfortunate but the sentiment was right. Congress President Sonia Gandhi had also uttered the same. Politics has become a cesspool because of this kind of dirty politics. Politicians have to think above their vested interest for the development of the nation. Maya does not buy Congress ideology but supporting it at center. Even, Congress party does not agree with Maya’s statue politics and on other issues. Both the parties blame each other for lack of development in the state. But, their political knot is tight at center. This is hypocrisy in their attitude and they must change it.

CB-CID enquiry has been ordered in arson case at Ms Bahuguna’s home. And, many cases are filed against Bahuguna for her inflammatory speech. Both the leaders can gratify their ego but there are many cases in the state where no FIR is filed, forget about the enquiry. Leaders should come down to the ground, from where they started, to sense the reality. Whatever, Bahugana’s remarks are unacceptable but following incidents after remarks are also of serious concern. Indian leaders should avoid these tracks of politics.

Homosexuals say cheers

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:40:00 +0000

By Abhishek Pandey

Gays, lesbians, transgender and bisexuals are cheering over the Delhi High court decision to decriminalise homosexual relations. Delhi high court judge AP Shah and S Murlidhar have decriminialsied consensual homosexuals acts between two adults in private place in their 105 pages verdict in Na Foundation Vs. Union of India case. This verdict not only ensure the equality before the law on the ground of ‘what we are’ but also keep the privacy of an individual. Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender (LGBT)

Gays, lesbians and relations with transgender are not acceptable in the Indian society. But, no one can be punished from today for having sex with same gender. Vikram Seth has rightly pointed out that this verdict would made them feel that they were not unarrested criminals.

Delhi High court has given a historic judgment. According to this decision, consensual homosexual relations between two adult men or two adult women or with transgender in private place are not illegal. Earlier, these relations were categorized as unnatural offences and person indulging in it could be booked under section 377 of Indian Penal code. The punishment for the offence is 10 years rigorous imprisonment. Police men can not humiliate or harrass the men or women with different sexual orientation. This is the apparent truth that in many cases peole have been tortured by cops and police men have made their pocket money out of these persons’ sexual prefrence.

It has started a fresh debate over homosexual relations in the country. All the religious institutions and right wing parties have came forward to oppose the scrapping of Section 377 of Indian penal code for homosexuals. Section 377 of Indian penal code prohibits any citizen of India indulging in ‘unnatural sex’, whether it is with children, men, women or animals. The person booked under this act could be punished for 10 years of imprisonment.

Many religious gurus, Maulavi and Bishops opined that it is unnatural and against the will of the mighty God. It is against religion and society. Few members of this lot think that the court decision would increase adultery and other family problems.

Yog Guru Ramdev said in a television debate that it is against Indian ethos and Indian culture. It is unnatural and shameful act. He added that gays and lesbians are mentally retarded people and they need treatment not encouragement. In the similar fashion Darul Uloom has said that it is a kind of disease and averse to all the religions in India. Siromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Samiti (SGPC) have also voiced against gay, lesbians and bisexuals.

National Aids Control Organisation have mentioned that crinalisation of homosexuals act have hampered their efforts to eradicate the desease from the country. Homosexuals don’t come forward for medical care because of legal barriers. Religious leaders forget about the society while raising their voice for pseudo ‘moral values’.

Bollywood have also made many films on homosexual relations. Fire was the first movie to showcase the lesbain relations. Girlfriend, My broher Nilhil, Page3 and Dostana followed the trend by higlighting the grim reality of homosexual relations in our society.

It is the reality that homosexuakls exist in our society. It is silly that we keep our eyes closed from the realityand it is more irresposnsibel on the part of a civilised society that we prohibit any person to live their life with his/her own prefrences in life. Those are opposing have forgotten that if it would remain illegal then there would be more problems. For example, If person is forced to live with opposite gender then family related problems would increase. There would be mess in the family and the life of two individual will be at risk. On the oher hand, there would be no problem in homosexual relation of consensual adults. It is the reality and we must accept it.

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:30:00 +0000

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Why discriminate against girls?

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:51:00 +0000

By Abhishek Pandey

Council of Degree College principles have decided to ban mobile phones for all students and wearing jeans for girl students in the colleges in Kanpur. The latter decision taken by principles have created furor among the girl students and women organization. In the wake of unconstitutional decisions taken by the university professors, Uttar Pradesh government has warned universities and colleges to stay away from theses kinds of unconstitutional norms in the colleges.

Earlier, the similar decision taken by the Principle of Dayanand Girls Degree College was criticized by the feminist groups. The principal of the college said in an interview, which was published in the newspaper, that the body hugging jeans invite sexually coloured remarks to girl students and it might tempt eve teasers. The reason of ban given by the principal was not justifiable. It is like that ‘Don’t earn money because it might invite thieves to rob you.’ The victims of eve teasing were given punishment rather to put a stop on eve teasing and other molestation cases in the city, which happen with the girls without any discrimination on the ground of attires. The council wants to clad girl students in ‘modest’ dresses like salwar suits to protect girls from the uncontrollable activities of bad elements.

Most of the women organizations are of the view that it is total infringement of women’s fundamental rights which are enshrined in the constitution of India. Article 15 of the constitution prohibits any one to discriminate any citizen of India on the ground of sex, caste or religion. Article 21 of the constitution gives the rights to everyone to move freely and live life with dignity. The decision of the council does not give a damn to it. It seems that Principles of degree colleges are ignoramus about the constitutional rights of women.

The council has not given any special instruction to boys on dress code. This discrimination is against the constitution. Though, Article 39 of Indian constitution enables the state institutions to take affirmative actions for women empowerment but the institution seems to work against it. Indian government and other non government institutions are fighting for the rights of women because the progress of the nation can not speed up without including the female population, which amount to 48% of the total population. Even after the independence the female literacy ration could not cross 50% though government has implemented special educational schemes for the girls. These discriminatory decisions would discourage girls morally and made them feel second class citizens.

Recently, France President Nicholas Sarkozy has decided that veiling, which is prevalent in Islamic culture, was not welcome in the country because it was no a symbol of religion but sign of subservience for women. Indian intelligencia like professors of Chatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (Kanpur) should learn lessons from the France.

Police administration of the city must ensure the safety of the girls from the bad elements of the society. Banning jeans is not an appropriate solution to put a stop on these wrongdoings. It will rather boost the morale of hooligans. Either college administration should make similar rules for both genders or they should restrain themselves from taking unfair norms. Modesty in college dress is needed. As for as the dress code in the colleges is concerned, not only girls but also boys should follow the self made regulations to maintain the decorum of the educational institutes.

D for Dynasty

noreply@blogger.com (Abhishek Pandey) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:20:00 +0000

By Abhishek Pandey

D connotes a bad word in economic capital and Bollywood city Mumbai which resembles Dawood & co. It haunted the city for so many years and has given innumerable wounds to the city. ‘D’ exists in Delhi also but means something else. Here, it means dynasty. It is also bad for the health of Delhi, the political capital of the country.

Indians are not allergic to dynastic politics in the country since independence. Nehru- Gandhi family has ruled the country for so many years. This trend is mushrooming and expanding its tentacles like anything in recent times. From Kashmir valley to Kanyakumari and from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal, dynastic politics exist in India. This election is not the exception and has given chance to many political scions from different parties. It is the general idea among the entire ‘intellectual class’ that dynasty hurts democracy. India follows the democratic procedures in the elections but there are doubts about democracy with in the political parties. This is the reason many parties in India has become the family business.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Chennai, Janta Dal (Secular) in Karnataka, Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh, National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir, Akalis and Congress in Punjab, Bhajan Lal and sons’ Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC) and former deputy PM of India Devi Lal and family’s Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) in Haryana, Lalu and family’s Rastriya Janta Dal (RJD) in Bihar, Chauvan and Thackeray in Maharashtra are few of the parties dominated by dynasty in the country. These are the example of few families which have ruled the political platform in their respective states.

After this election, DMK chief Karunanidhi has demanded cabinet births for his family members including his niece Dayanidhi Maran, Stalin, M. Azhagiri, and her daughter Kanimozhi. It seems he has prepared his political will for the family. He has offered his son M. Azhagiri and Dayanidhi Maran cabinet births after hard negotiation with the Congress and elevated the stature of his son Stalin by making him deputy chief minister of Tamilnadu. Karunakaran’s family has ruled the Kerala for long. NT Ramarao and his son in law Chandrababu Naidu has enjoyed the power in Andhra Pradesh.

Mulayam Singh of SP is not an exception. He has given tickets to his family members. His brother, son and nephew have the benefit of special consideration in the party. Shiv Pal Yadav, his brother holds important position in the party. His son has contested from two seats and won both the seats in these Lok Sabha elections. His nephew Dharmendra Yadav has also won from Badaun by defeating DP Yadav, a don turned politician. Rastriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Ajit Singh is the son of former Prime Minister Charan Singh. In Bihar, Lalu has been promoting his wife Rabri, brothers in law Sadhu and Subhash Yadav, Brother Gulab Yadav, sister in law Kunti Devi for long. Though, his brothers in law have separated from the party and joined the congress party.

Punjab is another example of this ill trend. Badal’s are ruling in the state. Prakash Singh Badal as Chief Minister, who is set to transfer his political chair to his son Sukhbhir Singh Badal, Deputy CM of Punjab. Harsimrat Kaur, wife of Sukhbir Singh has also entered in the political arena. Capt. Amrinder Singh of congress has also promoted his son and wife in the politics. In Orissa, Patnayak family has also led the Orissa and still Naveen Patnayak is the chief minister of the state.

Now, if we look at the recent emergence of new faces from the political families in this General elections then it can scare a true democrat. Many young turks have got the chance to step in Lok Sabha. It is good news but the sad part of the story is that most of them are from political families. Politics is not their achievement but they have got them from their parents. Rahul Gandhi, Priya Dutt, Nilesh Rane, Milind Deora, Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindhia, Jitin Prasad of Congress. The names of theses family born leaders does not stop here. It also includes youngest MP of the India, Hamidullah Sayeed of congress.

This List is not only from Congress party. Manvendra Singh, son of BJP stalwart Jaswant Singh, Supriya Sule of NCP, and Akhilesh Yadav of SP has political background. Agatha Sangma, who became the MP in the last by polls and also won this election, is the daughter of National Congress Party leader and former Lok Sabha speaker PA Sangma. D. Purandeswari of Telgu Desham Party is the daughter of actor turned politician NT Ramarao. The list continues with other leaders of different parties. All these leaders have reached the parliament from their bedroom of their house by holding the finger of their parents. Is this the lot, we want as young leaders?

These leaders may or may not believe that they have got back door entry in politics. They may be under illusion that they did hard to get in the parliament. But, fact remains the same that they opt short cut. We need the young blood in Indian politics but not when others are neglected and have not given chance to represent the people. India is democratic state but it will turn in to a neo-monarchic state, if parties remain to follow the dynastic trails. India needs democracy with in the political parties.

Are we ready for the change ?