Chanakya's World

Celebrating 100 years of national anthem

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:16:00 +0000

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's 'Jana Gana Mana' was first performed on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress which was then a national movement, not a political party. Decades later , once the near-impossible dream of Independence was eventually realized, the Constituent Assembly adopted the song as the national anthem on January 24, 1950.

Afghanistan-future is tense

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:25:00 +0000

As Afghanistan is being readied to take on India in the T-20 ICC championship tomorrow it stirs a thought process. Kudos to boys who're trying to instill and spread a sense of nationhood among its brethrens in face of a country which is tired, wounded and torn among God knows how many things, with fighting within and outside. A nerve-centre of the Great Game which is being played in its courtyard and also vested interests of Global stake-holders made the entire region a real chaotic affair.

When poor people of Afghanistan would be seen rooting for their team and still living between the vices of medieval Taliban and ultra modern American power machine, somewhere a sense of déjà vu would prevail. In Delhi many a kiosks and corners would witness the smile of Kabuliwalas.

Two great events took place today which brought peace on earth- the virtual end of World War II with the suicide of Hitler and this was also the day when most bloodied war in the East Asia, the Vietnam War ended with Saigon fell to communist troops from the north. The Afghanistan cricket team being readied to take India on in an international championship perhaps doesn't have any idea about these historic facts. They learned the game out of guts only; many players straight out of the refugee camps who witnessed only dark sides of life-like fast bowler Hamid Hassan, he was just six when he came to a camp. These boys will win even they lose to India and which is imminent.

The vibes are positive, with Af-Pak the 'exit route' is being created, with heavy costs goodwill of India is forever but, future is under wrap- no body knows when and how this Tilism is deciphered.

Kalam's driver now a lecturer

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:54:00 +0000

Does India need Presidential form of government?

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:33:00 +0000

The desperation and power hunger thickened the political matrix in India where ideologies and commitment are fast loosing their places. Just about 15 days before a new dispensation would take charge two national parties and about half-a-dozen regional satraps has broken the shell to woo the potential gainers.

In the given circumstances where party and group-based ideology and commitment weakened considerably the Presidential form of government seems ideal.

Everyone is wooing everyone. Manifestoes calling for more or less the same thing and when it comes to forming a government plenty of compromises are done. Whoever has the numbers are adjusted whatever the cost maybe. Pre-poll agenda and commitments to the people find no place in the post-poll arrangements.

"We have had many kinds of government in Delhi since 1952, from predictable to stable to ideological to accidental to opportunistic. The next one may be safely labeled a patchwork. It will be a quilt in which each patch struggles for more space than it has been allotted by hasty needlework," MJ Akbar wrote in the Times of India.
Scepticism and fear of switching over to a new system prevents ideas to take shape. We tend to believe that there is no place of innovation to take on the unforeseen problems propped up.

Speaking in the 73rd conference of Presiding Officers of Legislative Bodies in India last year, Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee said the Presidential form of government would be catastrophic for the country. “There may be limitations in the present form of government and all sorts of questionable mergers and defections, but the Presidential form of government is not suitable for India,” he said, while replying to a question whether the Presidential form of government was better suited for India.

In the present parliamentary system every loophole has been exploited to suit the personal benefits rather than to plug it. Judiciary took the centrestage and hailed by the people. Suddenly, a debate started of encroachments and many face-offs witnessed in the past.

In plain terms governance has become victim to the unwanted and deliberate adjustments. The council of ministers is all about adjustments, regional aspirations based on give-and- take. Off late, democracy in election commission also debated a lot. It's 62 years since India got independence and in his famous 'tryst with destiny' speech first prime minister of India JL Nehru set out his objective, "The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity". Prime minister of India (?) on August 15, 2009 will again utter these words how he strives to end poverty and…

When India is compared with China we pat our back that at least we have a democracy where every voice is heard. We hear, we speak but, the action is missing.

The left, right, centre-right the entire political spectrum with all hues - socialism, communism, secularism, nationalism…mixed to form a dangerous cocktail…please shed all isms…

Inclusive growth through using abundant human and physical resources is need of the hour for India. Instances are there where we shown courage to change. Pokhran and Liberalisation are case in point. How long the Indians battle it out that who needs reservations, whether we need strong anti-terror law, should we have a nuclear deal with the US…who should shake hands with whom publically?

Slammed kids of Slumdog Millionaire: the anti-climax

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:46:00 +0000

The star kids of Slumdog Millionaire have been living an extraordinary life since the film nominated for the Oscars. It gave these kids a dream; they exposed to the limelight and saw the opposite side of the life they never seen before and again returned to the same place but, with added baggage.

They are standing at a window and seeing the world where normal things do not happen. They are witnessing camera, arclight, highlife, money, greed, drama and behind them their actual world lies and in between their normal childhood snatched. Who's responsible?

A news website claimed a sting operation on the family alleging Rubina one of the child stars' father tried to sell her. It became headlines worldover riding on the Oscar wave. The kids again got the 'celebrity shot'.

At the fringes of slum of Mumbai where these stars live a month-long festival of democracy begun- the Indian general elections. Political parties are fighting bitterly and doing the same thing in desi style what Danny Boyle has done successfully for his audiences abroad.

The grand old party of India has envisioned 'fortune' riding on the Slumdog's "Jai Ho". They even tried to have these children for campaigning. Millions are flowing in these elections on such brazen initiatives. Dharavi would be still there with all its dogs. Who cares?

Salam Bombay star toiling hard in Bangalore as an autowallah and Born into Brothels child stars slipped into same hell. The child stars of the eight-time Oscar winning film may have a life where they will get basic necessities fulfilled or they achieve something in life. What about billions of Rubinas and Azhars in this country.

What are they doing-the Boyles or Mira Nairs? They have their ambitions and civil liberty and freedom of expression in this country work as a tool for them to exploit in the garb of thinking film directors. But, the question is what we are doing- as a citizen, as a government, as an activist, as a writer, blogger…

Wait until a new scandal broke out and cameras following these children…

Son-shine in Jammu & Kashmir albeit second time

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:21:00 +0000

An Omar Abdullah may soon find that an increasingly demanding voter in a complex state like J&K will expect more from him than just a telegenic appearance and powerful oratory, writes Rajdeep Sardesai in Hindustan Times.

Now, it may be up to Omar, who exudes promise, to reverse the legacy of 1987 and learn the lessons of the past, writes The Times of India on January 11, 2009.

Everyone is waxing eloquent on the young leadership in Jammu and Kashmir and of course aspirations are soaring high in the most troubled state of India. As the above headlines suggest his ascendency is being seen with interest and hope.

Soon after taking over the 'throne', Omar Abdullah, 38, chief-minister of Jammu and Kasmir started visiting government offices unannounced and speaking like a CEO. These are expected things from a new blood. We wish him all the best for anything he does in mainstreaming the affairs.

The elections in J&K were unprecedented one. People defied the boycott and came out in record numbers (61% turnouts recorded) whilst the verdict has surprises- 'soft-separatism advocate' PDP consolidated and Jammu gave a strong message that discrimination will no longer be tolerated. People decided clearly which ideological hue they would prefer. The BJP has a chance here to im-prove. In fact it was a long haul for a party; Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (then Jansangh) started an agitation to abolish Article 370 in 1952 when Omar's grandfather Sheikh Abdullah was at the helm in Srinagar. He was arrested and died in detention.

The performance of Congress party dwindled; National Conference was similar what it were six years ago, People’s Democratic Party performed better and BJP leapt from one seat in 2002 to 11 this time. Clearly, it's sheer maths and not the popular verdict in favour of any party or combination. It means that people are divided, confused and desperately need a direction. The sewn-up combine should understand the message in the right earnest and work for a future direction to the rudderless spirits in the state. It is not easy when Omar is carrying the 'weighty baggage' and plenty of non-state actors are active.

He is riding on the horse he is not accustomed to and even giving a wrong 'soundbite' could jeopardize his chance. His support to Congress on N-deal issue and his famous oratory in Parliament in which he opposed rather emphatically the land for the Shree Amarnath jee Shrine won the day for NC. He was once the part of Vajpayee administration as a young-educated-moderate-Muslim face and later resigned and bid adieu to NDA to firm up his Kashmir politics. He said he already apologized for being the part of NDA when Gujarat happened.

In J&K, people in the valley have been living in the constant fear of guns and many bogus political ideologies. The cross-border ideas germinated in the senile minds and talk of independence have been doing the rounds. Remember the 'Muzaffarabad chalo' fiasco last year! A weak central policy over the years failed to mainstream affairs in the state which has become deepest scar on hearts and minds of India. Earlier dispensations at New Delhi experimented with dynasties in Kashmir which proved problematic and growth was installed- forget about the inclusive growth.

In September 2008 while talking to Devil's Advocate Karan Thapar he went all hog to support Musharraf's ideas, "Musharaff was a single window system so to speak... That window has gone…Well we are living to rue it now. Had we worked out a solution with Pakistan in 2006/2007, we wouldn't (have) seen Kashmir inflamed in 2008." Musharraf advocated a 'self-governance' Kashmir formula which was rejected by the UPA government.

Soon after the counting, the NC website has put up his grandfather and party founder Sheikh Abdullah’s quote on top of the page. “Only that accession will endure which is acceptable to the hearts of people...not with subsidised rice, army and offering largesse,” reported the Indian Express. 'Is this Omar Abdullah’s attempt to return to Sheikh Abdullah’s NC?' asked the paper.

Jammu and Kashmir verdict at a glance

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:07:00 +0000

In 87 strong house= NC-28, congress-17, PDP-21, BJP-11, National Panthers Party-3, CPI-M, People’s Democratic Front, Democratic Party (Nationalist) - 1 each. Independents win in four constituencies
44 is the majority mark
Two members are nominated which makes it 89 member house
The Valley is divided almost equally between the NC and PDP- NC has won 20 seats and the PDP 19.
In Jammu, the BJP has replaced the Congress at nine seats and the NC at one, and retained Nagrota where BJP's Jugal Kishor beat Karan Singh's son Ajat Shatru Singh.
Jammu’s Muslim areas, Mendhar and Darhal constituencies in the Poonch and Rajouri districts, felled to PDP which pivoted on soft separatism and Muslim-centric politics.
Shilpi Verma, widow of a man who had killed himself during the Amarnath agitation, lost in Bishnah despite a high-decibel campaign for her by Narendra Modi.
The Congress candidate from the Gandhi Nagar constituency, who had supported the Amarnath agitation also won.
Abdul Rashid Sheikh, once a close confidant of the slain Hurriyat leader Abdul Gani Lone and later joined the Sajjad Lone faction had opposed the poll boycott of Sajjad and jumped into the fray, gave up his job with few bucks and won as an Independent from Langate.
Ysuf Tarigami of CPI(M) saved his seat at Kulgam
Abdul Rahim Rather of NC won the Chara-e-Sharief seat for the record sixth time in succession
Of the 468 Independent candidates in the fray, only four have managed to win.
In 2002, Independent candidates won 15
Three ministers belonged to PDP lost including Abdul Aziz Zargar ( allegedly linked with Let
Only three out of 67 women candidates won (two in 2002)
Kashmiri Pandits contested on 47 seats- won none, a record (Raman Mattoo who won in 2002 lost this time)
34 political parties have failed to win any seat including BSP, SP, RJD, CPI

After Mumbai: Terrorism And Recession

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:09:00 +0000

Forbes.com asked Middle East expert Gilles Kepel--whose new book, Beyond Terror And Martyrdom, examines the future of relations between Islam and the West--about the attacks on Mumbai and what to expect from the economic crisis.

In Outcry Over Siege, Two Indias Emerge

The recent siege brought terrorism to the doorstep of India's affluent and struck at the symbols of their prosperity. India's expanding elite, which has felt somewhat insulated from the heat, traffic, sporadic electricity outages and overall commotion in this fast-paced city, suddenly felt vulnerable.

After the Mumbai terror -India needs its Obama moment

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:18:00 +0000

After May 13 Jaipur blasts this year I jotted down following lines on this blog under the heading… Quake in China & Jaipur blasts - two shades of Democracy... "Several states have failed to maintain the sanctioned strength of police force, said Manmohan Singh and advocated for a federal agency to combat terror. Isn't it only the pep talk in an election year? Manvendra Singh, son of Jaswant Singh in an article in The Indian Express very rightly pointed out towards a vital organ, “a 19th-century, imperial police structure cannot confront the challenge of a 21st-century war by other means. The ineptitude of the higher police hierarchy and an interfering polity pooled together to corrode a vital national institution."On terror and many other issues Indian people are victim of the DEMOCRACY.

Doesn't it look germane after Mumbai terrorist strike?
India bleeded once again; unlike several terrorist activities this year it was a war like situation in Mumbai. Blast in local trains (lifeline) in Mumbai in 2006 and this terrorist strike on symbols of India reflects enemies are out to demolish what makes up an India and an Indian. Already in soup after recent blasts the internal security apparatus of this country has become the direct target of masses and bosses who are handling it has attracted close scrutiny.

Intelligence failure-yes it is, but the government of the day failed to learn from the recent pasts when blasts had shaken the people of Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabd, Bangalore, Hyderabad the list goes on…

Many stories, anger, heart-breaks, appreciation for forces, rolling-down heads, postmortem, discussions, brainstorming, condolence all are on the primetime and splashed on the spreadsheets. And, it's natural. But, my fear is that we are increasingly gravitating towards Israel like situation where blasts are part of the life.

Now, come to the bizarre political class of this country. Please have a flashback of three months before. A section of celebrity politicians, romantic authors and people who love to be called 'rights activists' gradually upped their ante and in a chorus questioned the September 19 Batla House encounter of Delhi in which police lost one of its best men. The ruling dispensation checkmated by its 'newfound savoir' in minority vote bank politics. Delhi Police, unfortunately, had to show the corpse of Inspector MC Sharma to defend itself from the strange outrage. TV Channels and printline carried many stories and versions and presented a quagmire of impression.

Now, the Mumbai episode brought once again 'internal security' in focus and what should have done earlier is being debated in the routine 'post-incident atmosphere'. The honourable Home minister had to go but, after ….. In an interview with The Sunday Express in the after-heat of Delhi blasts, he said proudly that he is so blessed to bear criticism that in the last two months, he hasn't experienced a single tense moment! Now, he is relieved. The other Mr. Patil also faced the axe. Routine remedies…Power politics in Mumbai has begun, in fact playing for a while. Remember, the hate campaign against North Indians… should we ask the perpetrators of victims of this campaign to come strongly in the open to take anti-Indian elements head on.

The moot point is- would something concrete come out after this strike. The UPA dispensation has little time and whatever it will do; I fear would make a half-baked product. The ongoing elections put Indian polity in a situation where they have to take a stand before the public. The ruling dispensation will certainly show some 'solid' measures to calm down the frayed nerves and the BJP will try hard to exploit the situation and have some circumstantial benefit out of this. Cow-belt allies of UPA have been clamouring for the Muslim vote space shown their faces on Batla house encounter and one has gone on to say that Bangladeshis infiltrators should be granted citizenship. Imagine…Perhaps 'soft on terror' remarks of BJP somehow seem to be accommodated on the plans of UPA.

In view of the Malegaon blast investigation, a 'pro-active' approach witnessed and sometimes it seemed surprising the way it was being handled. And, when atmosphere of fear and doubt is thick then charges seem convincing as the rightist groups leveled and said that it might be 'propelled from behind' to checkmate the saffron brigade. The flip side is that without filing all the evidences other acts of terror linked to it and in the aftermath of Mumbai terror Pakistan already put questions that first check your homegrown terror network.

The celebrated authors are splattering print spaces with their 'novel' ideas. One author who writes on economic issues simply put that- hold on- we can do nothing about this kind of terror when suicidal squads are out in the open. Ask him-after 9/11, the US, which is perhaps most on the target than us- faced how many attacks. One defence analyst suggested that think ahead of terrorists and upgrade the technology. These are the ideal things if happened but, think practically.

I believe when the political class shed its traditional baggage and put new blood into the system then only reforms take place and bloodshed perhaps is minimized. India needs its Obama moment - it strives for an upside down change!

Nobel Peace prize for former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:26:00 +0000

The Nobel Peace Winner: Important Work, Uninspired Choice

Jodhpur stampede: India's inefficient management claims more than 150 lives

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 06:39:00 +0000

The STATE and SYSTEM in India have scant regard for the public importance issues. The mammoth population in this country demand a very professional, efficient and focused approach especially in dealing with crowd or places where rush of people anticipated. And, perhaps each occasion and public place falls in this category in the country. Lessons are there and past incidents tell us how to do it. In this year alone 360 people killed in stampede while blasts claimed 156!

The souls of the scores of deceased in Jodhpur stampede screams that please awake now and put a well-planned approach at every possible places- be it temples, railway stations, stadiums, fairs and market places. Also, the recent blasts in many cities enhanced the need of a clear-cut approach on post-incident measures.

More than 150 people died in Jodhpur in a stampede at famous Chamunda Devi temple situated at 15th century Mehrangarh fort in Rajasthan yesterday. On the first day of Navratri festival more than 15000 people rushed to the fort early morning. A group of youths broke the queue and in ensuing mad rush started a chain reaction- people started felling on one another. The devotees have to first climb up the fort on foot through a narrow passage and then descend down to visit the temple. Rescue operation took long time as vehicles could only go up to the gate of the fort. Devotees queue up for a glimpse of the deity right from 2am in the morning outside the gate.

Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh saw about 150 people met the untimely death only one month ago due to the poor planning. Our national disaster force which got kudos for their role in Bihar flood rescue mission took six long hours to reach the spot from Delhi when the worst was already over!

Mughalsarai and New Delhi railway station, Puri temple stampede, Sabrimala stampede these all in recent memories send shiver down the bone. But, no lessons learnt at all. Where there are temples and regular crowd is witnessed the administration should have a separate squad ready to crowd control and in this age of technology better use of surveillance cameras and sound system could be put into place.

Take a leaf out from the crowd management skills from Golden Temple (Sikh pilgrimage), Amritsar where on an average 100000 devotees visit everyday and from Tirupati temple in South India which smoothly deal with more than 60000 devotees per day.

For the god sake take the measures quickly.

Dow ready to wash Bhopal sin in Bihar flood water

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:31:00 +0000

Amidst reports of consideration of the investment proposals of Dow Chemical by Indian government, the Houston based chemical giant announced a sum of INR 1,0000000 for providing relief and assistance to the flood victims in Bihar.

भोपाल पीड़ितों का पुनर्वास करे डाउ केमिकल्स

Dow chemicals acquired Union Carbide, the company better known as the tormentor of many people in Bhopal. Over 40 tonnes of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from a pesticide plant of UC in Bhopal killing at least 3,800 people and affecting many more. Frequently cited as the world's worst industrial disaster, the Bhopal gas leak holocaust, took place in 1984.

Dow Chemical would also provide 3 water treatment systems which will convert the contaminated ground water into pure drinking water, fit for human consumption, the company said.

"Dow Chemical's decision to render support to the Bihar flood victims emerges from the Company's global commitment to work towards sustainability and overall progress of the societies in which it works," Dow India President and CEO Rameshchandran said in a statement.

But, Dow is reluctant to compensate fully to victims of Bhopal gas tragedy even after the 24 years passed since the tragedy. Dow has been maintaining shamelessly that it was not accountable for the Bhopal Gas tragedy, although it had acquired UC. “UC India was sold in 1991 to Eveready and the plant was taken over by Madhya Pradesh government. When we acquired the operations of UC globally, except India in 2001, its entity in the country was no longer existent,” he said.

On their website Dow claims that the tragedy was an act of sabotage instead of the safety failure. The damage it had done to the lives of people and eco-system are beyond imagination. Those who survived the holocaust are still feeling the pinch and deformity in their offspring could make anyone choked but, Dow has no guilt and nothing to offer.

Bhopal gas victims trekked to New Delhi twice in last two years and petitioned the government about their agony. The PMO's statement in June this year said that the matter of legal action against Dow Chemicals on environment and health of the surviving victims is still pending before the Madhya Pradesh High Court. "The department of chemicals and petrochemicals has already filed an application requesting the court to direct Dow Chemicals and associated companies to deposit Rs.100 crore (Rs.1 billion) as an advance for environmental remediation," the statement added.

Survivors say the plant site still contains around 5,000 tons of toxic chemicals and that chemicals have contaminated soil and water up to five kilometres (three miles) away. The survivors want Dow Chemical to pay for the clean-up and health damages. Dow says all liabilities were settled in 1989 when Union Carbide paid $ 470 million.

Union Carbide and its former chairperson Warren Anderson, both of whom face charges of culpable homicide and grievous assault, are absconding from Indian courts since 1992. No fresh attempts have been made by the government to enforce their appearance in court.

The toll has since climbed to more than 15,000. But activists say the number of fatalities is double that. They also say people still face health problems because of drinking toxic water and tens of thousands are chronically ill.

Despite all the hullabaloo government allowed Dow to invest about $200 million in India with two manufacturing sites.

Dominique Lapierre, the celebrated author written a book on the tragedy called "five past midnight in Bhopal" and is co-authored by his nephew javier moro and documents the human aspect of the bhopal gas tragedy of 1984. "I wanted to ensure that the incident was never forgotten, that everyone would remember this worst-ever man made disaster, which was also so avertable," said Dominique.

Global community gives it a miss to colossal tragedy in flood-ravaged Bihar in India

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 07:27:00 +0000

With reports of assistance from other states in India and local social organisations pouring in, the international community barring few (and after passing of several days) seems non-committal in responding human tragedy of colossal proportions in flood-ravaged north Bihar. Government of India already declared it a national calamity. The number of deaths, according to some credible assessments, will surpass every estimate when water will recede.

Reports suggest that UNICEF, Action Aid (Action Aid pumps in 30 lacs INR), and Care have announced relief package. Britain announced that it would provide 150,000 pounds (about Rs 1.2 Crore) to help flood victims in Bihar. The funding will be used to supply up to 20 camps, which currently house 10,000 displaced families, with clean water, shelter and sanitation.

The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union (EU), announced that it was sending food aid and other relief material worth 1 million euro (around Rs.62 million) for the flood victims.

In India, UNICEF has conducted a rapid assessment of the situation in three of the worst affected districts, and has provided essential supplies to some 8,000 families. In Nepal, UNICEF has already provided relief items to over 10,000 people in temporary settlements and is seeking to reach 55,000 affected people in total. (Unicef website)

What is striking is that this entire aid announcement made after passing of crucial days. If the aid would have reached on time many people might have been evacuated and rehabilitated.

Kosi river which breached its embankment in Nepal submerged some villages there and has changed course and wreaked a havoc on the residents of North Bihar in India. Kosi, which always termed as India's 'river of sorrow' showed its new cruel face and took at least 2.5 million people in more than eight districts by surprise. By the time, people understood the magnitude of problem they were in danger.

For instance, one family who loaded their essential belongings on tractor and started to relocate on a safer place found marooned after some kilometers. The road ahead and behind washed away by the roiling waters. God knows what happened to them.

This calamity is bigger than tsunami. Loss of human lives might have been higher in the sea-surge but, the agony and torture for millions of people marooned or finding their way into cramped camps in Bihar are beyond imagination. Tsunami waves came, devastated and had gone but, these flood waters will remain there in hundreds of villages for months. The cruel winter is looming over the millions of displaced people.

India's first individual Olympic Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:55:00 +0000

Is it really a moment of pride?

The first individual gold in the Indian Olympics history, in a country of one billion plus people!

Abhinav Bindra became India's first individual Olympic gold medallist when he claimed the men's 10m air rifle shooting title on Monday. Whole nation went on frenzy as this news broke out today- of course not of cricket like!

"I sincerely hope my medal changes the face of India's Olympic sports," Bindra expressed his opinion. Indians know how to exploit the opportunity and all sports associations and ministries now come into the open to share the limelight with Bindra. The first salvo already fired from BCCI with 25 lakhs INR. Had BCCI or government focused earlier to nurture the talents we would have been celebrating more Olympic moments. Perhaps, a policy on the line of five-year plan should be there with active private partnership.

Gagan Narang who missed by a whisper had tough time managing his sports in view of the cost associated with the Shooting. Thanks to some private organisations that helped him to maintain his cool. Monica Devi story again has tried to stir the sports consciousness of this country- it's to be seen if any Olympic postmortem for better environment would be organised.

Hockey-the national sports of India failed to qualify to Beijing Olympics. Winners of eight field hockey gold medals India had never won an individual Olympic title before Bindra's feat. The previous best was trap shooter Rajyavardhan Rathore's silver at Athens, while there were bronze medals for wrestler Khasaba Jadhav (1952), tennis star Leander Paes (1996) and woman weightlifter Karnam Malleswari (2000). Bindra, a Khel Ratna awardee, had earlier won the gold medal in 2002 Commonwealth Games in the pairs event and silver in the individual event.

The old crumbling cookies are at the control panel- we saw Gill, Jyoti kumaran, recently Naidu of Sports Authority of India and many more of their tribes… When will this structure shake-up?

A cool contingent is already there in Beijing in the care of evenly matched army of government officials to support and console the players. I leave you with the thoughts expressed by the Economic Times: "So does it matter if PM Manmohan Singh was not invited for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics? India’s PM will be present in Beijing in October to attend the 7th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Summit of 45 leaders to discuss economic issues from the perspective of sustainable development. In the meantime, Manmohan can keep savouring his 22 July trust-vote triumph in the Lok Sabha by listening to the theme song of the just-released Akshay-Kumar movie, titled Singh is King!"

At Vienna on August 21

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:19:00 +0000

Indian docks to NSG

Indian diplomatic machine has been whirring at the fullest since IAEA consensus stamp on August 01. The next stop is NSG where its 45 members will have deliberations on the 'most envied' waiver that determines nuclear supplies to India.

"The NSG was created following the explosion in 1974 of a nuclear device by a non-nuclear-weapon State, which demonstrated that nuclear technology transferred for peaceful purposes could be misused," stated on the website of NSG. It's a rare coincidence that the conglomerate, which was created in response of India's first nuclear explosion-Pokhran-I, is ready to discuss India nuclear waiver issue and in all likelihood will give India the 'clean and unconditional' waiver.

It shows that a lot of water has been flown in the Ganges and Mississippi in 34 years. India's nuclear record is clean and she has demonstrated the way all along in spite of being non-signatory to NPT or CTBT. “The NSG guidelines require comprehensive safeguards (applicable only to NPT countries) and since India has both civil and military programmes, we have a unique position. Therefore, such comprehensive safeguards are not relevant to India. Hence, clean exemption from that is what we are seeking,” said Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar.

In the domestic politics Communists attempt to abort the Indo-US nuclear cooperation has been foiled and at the Capitol Hill the Bush administration at her last leg is trying hard to push the deal; the implications will go far and wide. However, some people are not so positive and think that the deal will face speed-breakers. The administration's plan is to present the 123 Agreement to the Congress by September 8 and complete the debate in next month itself. The spin-masters are on overdrive and careful that in case of lame duck session is not going to convene the agreement should pass through the Congress.

Countries like Norway, Ukraine, and New Zealand are more vocal against of the India specific deal. Visiting Japanese foreign minister also seemed non-committal to the N-deal. "Tokyo understands India’s energy needs but wanted to be sure that Indo-US nuclear deal will not undermine non-proliferation efforts."

With backing from four of the five P-5 nuclear countries it seems that India will sail through easily on August 21 in NSG. China along with Australia may try to scuttle the process but it is to be watched closely and in the changed geo-political environment many alignments will go topsy-turvy.

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Indian parliamentary democracy at the lowest ebb

On July 22 governments in two democracies in the world went under votes in their parliaments on issues vital to their positions and both the places challenged by the Leftists formations and at end of the day they emerged victorious. French President Sarkozy put constitutional reform bill into the parliament and got it passed by the margin of a single vote.

The lower house of the Indian Parliament, the Lok Sabha reposed trust in the Council of Ministers led by Manmohan Singh. The ruling dispensation won the trust motion by the margin of 19 votes. The 13-day long drama which was playing over the primetime since the Left withdrew support from UPA reached its climax when three Members of Parliament of principal opposition party BJP rushed to the well of the House with bags full of currency notes during the debate and they alleged that Amar Singh of Samajwadi Party has tried to lure them to abstain during the vote.

The first time in the history of Indian parliamentary democracy, the level of corruption charge have gone so thick inside the House.

Three issues come to the fore after the Left withdrew their support- the level of Parliamentary democracy at the lowest ebb, Indian prime minister's post undermined, and emergence of Mayawati as a leader of third front.

The principal opposition party BJP which is right to the centre and the Left parties which was supporting the government from outside all through four and half years are opposing the Indo-US civil nuclear cooperation and voted against the motion. The NDA led by the BJP and the Left front humbled severely in the much-hyped battle. Both the dispensations are in the utter state of confusion and at the crossroads.

BJP doesn't have the substantive point to show why she is opposing the deal. BJP wanted to topple the government and take advantage of the present situation of double-digit inflation and its continued momentum of state legislature victories one after another. It started well but it dragged its feet after the so called third front parties put Mayawati into centrestage and talk of her becoming the PM in case government falls.

Left formations have to fight Congress in the three states where they are ghettoized- in West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala. So, it was imperative on their part to get rid of Congress and they found the right opportunity when inflation makes people on boil and nuclear deal deadline is at the striking distance.

Now, the UPA has a chance to come clean by putting reforms on higher pedestal- in banking, insurance and pensions etc. But, it is not that everything becomes hunky dory now after departure of the biggest stumbling block. While amending the bill the government will have to really sweat it out and expect no help from the opposition parties in season of distrust and confusion.

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:29:00 +0000

Zimbabwe oozes blood under tyrant Mugabe

Zimbabwe is the least happy nation in the world- says World Values Survey. And, the findings came out at a time when this former British colony is already making the headlines for reasons lie within and largely inaction on the part of African Union (AU) and Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

Robert Mugabe, the man who once regarded as messiah by his people may not like this report but, many of his countrymen fully endorse the findings. Zimbabwe has become synonymous for political uncertainty, social strife and economy in mess. Rawanda like situation is looming large.

25 billion Zimbabwean dollars is equal to a single US dollar, imagine!
Zimbabweans play the zero game
People are going through the utter hardships - rampant poverty, critical food and fuel shortages and endemic unemployment- thanks to the non-governance of Mugabe.

African Union Summit, where Mugabe is sashaying his shoulders with the 'old friends' at Sharm-El-Sheikh in Egypt, calls for the regional mediation efforts for the reconciliation in divisive political scenario in Zimbabwe. Earlier it was envisaged that the major African grouping would have come down strongly on the dictatorial rule of Mugabe. Now, South Africa and big nations of the continent have taken the middle path. Yes, some murmurs were there in the background by countries like Botswana.

Morgan Tsvangirai who won the first round of polls in March this year ended up in taking refuge in the Dutch Embassy saying his supporters would have targeted by the Zanu-PF (Mugabe's party) thugs. Reports say that more than 80 people have killed so far by the Mugabe's supporters and thousands are missing. Mugabe took no notice of the UN and world leaders call to give up the run-off. He was the only candidate in the run-off in which he 'won' and the whole world as expected condemned it as a sham.

A British television reporter accused him of “stealing elections in your country.” Mr. Mugabe snapped back: “When are the British going to stop colonizing us? I am the president whether you like it or not.” (a report in NYT)

Perhaps he gained sympathy from fellow regional politicians by beating up the white farmers in Harare and took control from the British colonists - a liberation hero-and his henchmen did the job entrusted to rob the country.

Thabo Mbeki, the big brother of the region should be blamed for Mugabe's sin. He visited Harare when violence was at the peak and he did nothing to persuade the Communist Mugabe. He did nothing when returned back and he is still talking of mediation!

"It is the peace of southern Africa that is at stake. Britain's success in giving Zimbabwe its democratic chance would prove pyrrhic indeed if all its efforts had handed this vital corner of the world into Marxist hands. It is a legitimate fear. Will the new Mr Mugabe dispel it?" asked the Economist on March 8, 1980 when Mugabe took over from Britain as a prime minister.

The fears remain there 28 years after.

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:34:00 +0000

Indo-US civilian nuclear cooperation: A Victim of Indecisiveness

So, the suspense remains there. Congress party-the grand old party of India lost its steam and surrendered to Communists thugs on the N-deal. The yesterday's talks concluded on expected lines and Prakash Karat and company didn't budge at all.

India's 'internal process' becomes suddenly famous and people are watching it closely. In the latest support statement emanating from Washington, US Congressman Gary Ackerman who is the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Sub Committee on Middle East and South Asia said that "I strongly support the 123 agreement and I look forward to the Government of India completing its internal processes so that the US Congress can give final approval to this historic deal."

Indian nuclear establishments and majority of mainstream thinkers are of the belief that the N-deal will give India a much-needed succour to its energy demand. So, what prompted Communists to think otherwise? All their argument against the deal has in fact little credibility. The senior Communist leader Pandhe revealed what is cooking in their mind- Muslims are against N-deal so, support Congress at the cost of your vote-bank- he advised Samajwadi Party who is doing his Maths whether to save the government in case Left withdraws support. So, all through the years India's foreign policy has been dictated by petty vote-bank politics? Ponder over!

All the years we have been yearning for nuke technology, supply of fuel and Uranium. When it comes to say goodbye to long and frustrating isolation some vested interests are trying to stall it. "Ranting against the US when Communist China is the only power opposing India's entry into nuclear club might make sense to the CPM. It makes none at all for India's nuclear future," opined the Indian Express.

If Congress decides strongly in favour of national interest then still we have time to pursue the steps ahead in N-deal. The G8 Summit in which Indian prime minister will participate is the best opportunity beckoning as major NSG members will be there and Bush could play his role to strengthen the process. Will Manmohan Singh tell the G8 members that I'm sorry India could not go ahead with the much touted N-deal because of Left parties discarded it. Imagine!

"I think the government of India will have to make some hard decisions on the deal soon. Even if it decides to proceed with the next step right away, that is, approach the IAEA board to approve the safeguards agreement, it will be difficult to complete all the remaining steps before the President leaves office if Congress takes the maximum time allowed by the law to finally vote on the 123 agreement," said Ashley J. Tellis, who was one of the architects of the Indo-US nuclear deal in the Bush administration and presently advising Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s campaign.

France generates 70% of its power from nuclear sources; we have only 2%. The other sources cannot fulfill the rapidly growing demand of energy in India. But, the Communists have some other enlightened ideas.

The Inflation angle which keeps Congress and its other allies in dilemma over to go into election, is indirectly related to N-deal. Inflation is there largely because of surging oil prices. Oil accounts for about 34% of India's total energy consumption. If nuclear energy shares the energy burden then our dependency on the international crude oil decreases and in future it will insulate us from the oscillating oil price indexes and top of it the oil reserves are limited. According to government, India would require 8 lakh MW of power by 2030.

In Nuclear energy, India already has the set-up and she can expedite the process once obtaining the benefits post N-deal. Other alternate sources of energy can also be viable options but, implementing them is taking time.

Asks K Subrahmanyam, the strategic affairs analyst in the Times of India-Will the Congress party face the next election as a party humiliated - internationally and domestically - by the communists or will it face the electorate as an assertive party ready to lead the country in the 21st century? The UPA has been sleeping with the enemy all these years. It is time it woke up.

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:24:00 +0000

Aspirations soar high in Nepal

So, the Nepal became Republic… shshsh…

Still a lot of roughages are to be smoothened. Nepali Congress being the grand old party finds it difficult to leave the place it adored many a times as King's tool to fool the people of Nepal. Everyone wants their share of pie in the new power set up after departure of the King.

When Prachanda won the elections it even surprised him the way people supported them. The myriad of Maoist ways of intimidation, people's disillusionment from the state of affairs and King's inability to control clicked Prachanda's way. But, the real test has begun now.

republic in nascent stage- it takes time and commitment to be hardened

Photo: Chanakya's World

When GP Koirala gives up PM's chair? who will be the President? how the constitution be written? Everything is under the wrap. No one knows.

The conservatives are feeling vindicated that King's presence in the power structure is necessary and without the Palace everything will not be hunky-dory. "The Panchayat-era propaganda – that Nepal would collapse as a nation state without the presence of a kingship-as-glue – has long been disproved. On the other hand, Nepal is today a hotbed of discontent, where historically marginalised communities of mountain, midhill and plain are demanding the right to participate in state affairs, and for equitable development that touches all lives. The Constituent Assembly, which has just abolished the kingship, is now asked to write a constitution of the kind that will help all the citizens of Nepal to ‘own’ their country. And so, it will be the new constitution that will serve as the real glue that binds together the alert and energised communities of a country that has just abolished its historical monarchy," argues Kanak Mani Dixit, one of the most respected political commentator in Kathmandu, in the Himal.

The ferocious voice of Maoist Prachanda seems on lower ebb. He is trying hard to show the world that he is now responsible and accountable to entire Nepal. And, how the hell a widow of a minnows garnered popular support and virtually forced him to give counsel to her! It reflects people's mood who don't want to let slip this opportunity of taking Nepal on track.

The Maoist cadres- the People Libeartion Army- will be accommodated in (Royal) Nepal Army, they say like this. The thugs who killed people at their will and took entire country to ransom- will protect the interest of the country. They say that old habits die hard!

Aspirations soar high in Kathmandu valley, Terai (plains) and rest of Nepal. Youths are desperate to find opportunities to build their career and guardians envisage perhaps good educational institutions will be set-up for their progenies. And, mind you everyone is in hurry.

At least this time people of Nepal should have level-playing field before time is out.

Southasia’s new republic

The last Hindu King

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:22:00 +0000

Obama: in black and WHITE

The 16 months debate with all its melodrama shifted to the upper level and strategists and thinkers all over the world are trying to decipher the mind of Barack Hossain Obama, 46, the democratic hopeful of the US Presidency. Whether he will take along the existing policies or even favour more or put a spanner; all possibilities are being explored.

For, citizens of America it seems a new chapter is being written in which young and liberals are having greatest flights of aspirations. “But if Obama does win, it will symbolize the great change that has taken place in America. Racial polarization used to be a dominating force in our politics- but we’re now a different, and better, country,” argues Paul Krugman in NYT.

But, perhaps governments in South Asia, where America’s ‘War on Terror’ is being fought, are seeing this development rather closely. Whether Pakistan will have the similar run of luck as it’s in the present form and what will be the faith of civilian nuclear deal with India (remember! It’s still alive)

China is another point but, let’s have a look on India’s equation with the US in case of Obama presidency.

Will Obama, the discovery of post 9/11 era, support Indian Civilian Nuclear deal and take forward the ongoing process initiated by the Republican administration? This is the moot question gripping the Indian nuclear minds at the moment. His opposition to the 123 Agreement last year makes his overtures doubtful.

“Obama has promised to push both the CTBT and the FMCT that Bush has avoided imposing on India. Unlike the Republican presidential nominee, Senator John McCain, Obama has not yet made the promise to implement the Indo-US nuclear deal in its present form,” says strategic expert C. Raja Mohan.

To continue the Bush’s policies on national security and defence will be difficult for him. On Iraq and Pakistan he certainly will do a reversal and in that case India will not be left unscathed.

When he will get the real Ground Zero situation and inputs on bigger gameplan on Afghanistan-Pakistan axis, the K-word (Kashmir) will again be playing prominently. If Hillary joins him at White House then perhaps swing might be in favour of India.

On Outsourcing, another India specific issue and which became the hot potato in the last Presidential election, he may go soft. “We cannot reverse the process of globalisation,” said Obama in a meeting.

A firm belief in Mahatma Gandhi or a metal figurine he carries as one of his lucky charms which resembling Hanuman (the Hindu monkey God) perhaps will not impact his mind on the issues!

His childhood:
The child of a Kenyan father and a white mother from Kansas he saw his parents parted the ways when he was only two. The mother married to an Indonesian and how he spent his childhood in Jakarta.

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:24:00 +0000

Reverse sterilization and adoption in Sichuan

To soothe the nerves of hapless couples of Sichuan, authorities have contemplated to send medical team who will do reverse sterilization operation on them and make them able to conceive. These are the unfortunate parents whose 7000 children (this figure is for only children) died in the May 12 earthquake.

Yes, not all would be ready and lucky enough to go under the knife. For the residuals there is another figment of hope lies in form of adoptions.

According to the authorities, the May 12 quake left 1,019 children as orphans and they are meant to be adopted. Some of the men and women definitely would go from pillar to the post to have a baby by means of operation or adoption and many I’m sure would be left behind.

For them even time will not act as a healer. God bless them!

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:27:00 +0000

Sichuan tragedy- an opportunity and a lesson
All admiration for the Chinese leadership for the quake relief efforts. Newspapers were for fulsome praise the way China responded to the calamity. Premier Wen Jiabao came out as humanitarian mascot of the Communist regime which masterminded the Tiananmen Square (remember on this day of June in 1989 brutal crackdown on students and democracy seekers at the Tiananmen Square). Most recently, the Tibet debacle made the mandarins at Beijing restless in the run up to the Olympics. So, the earthquake in Sichuan opened a window to the China for the world.

The devastating earthquake in Sichuan turned most tragic as death-toll may touch 100,000. The world has not yet recuperated from the Myanmar’s enormous tragedy and soon after Sichuan quake happened. This tragedy came as an opportunity for China to show the world that it cares and especially after the Tibet fiasco where it has been written down. China didn’t want any kind of botheration in the run up to the Olympics.

China through its rescue and relief works in quake area has shown the globe at large how to respond in time when chips are down. A lesson for the Myanmar where one month on an estimated 2.4m people remain homeless and hungry following the cyclone, which struck on May 02. The country like India where disaster management is still in the nascent stage this experience should be worth emulating.

A large section of society have been basking in the new-found prosperity which China brought with its manufacturing wonders and at the same time the rise of have-nots in society raised some tough questions. China can ill-afford to deny the opportunity to its people who are more informed and born into era of internet.

“A fast-growing middle class with money to spare on travel and, as it now seems, on charity, did not wait for official encouragement to help out in Sichuan. Thousands of volunteers headed to the disaster zone, from businessmen to Christian youth. Their cars, some bedecked with flags and slogans, ply the expressway between Chengdu and Jiangyou,” writes the Economist.

After some initial hiccups China quickly estimated the implications and became ready to accept the foreign aid. Donations from home and abroad had reached around $6.1 billion so far. According to the Time magazine “Few doubted Wen’s sincerity or sympathy for the victims. He has long been the humane face of the country’s Communist Party. But there was also little doubt that Wen was acutely aware that the survival of the regime may depend on its handling of crises. Having discarded its Marxist-Leninist ideology, the government is increasingly reliant on public approval for its legitimacy.”

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:14:00 +0000

You can have it now dear

The aggrieved parents who lost their only child in the quake in China's Sichuan province now allowed to have another after obtaining a certificate. China daily reported that Chengdu Population and Family Planning Committee confirmed that if a couple lost their child, severely injured or disabled in the devastating quake they will be exempt from the one-child policy. But, what about the women who cannot conceive now!

In large parts of rural China, most families are allowed a second-child, especially if the first was a girl.

Many Chinese have shown interest in adopting earthquake orphans, and Monday's announcement says there are no limits on the number of earthquake orphans a family can adopt. The adoptions, or even a future birth to a family that adopts an orphan, will not face the limitations of the policy. Officials estimated last week that the quake left about 4,000 orphans, but they warned they would make every effort to connect children with other family members.
One-Child Policy Lifted for Quake Victims’ Parents

Quake in China & Jaipur blasts - two shades of Democracy

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:46:00 +0000

A woman fainted in arms of her husband at the town of Hanwang in Sichuan province of China. And, she is not the only one; several couples are sitting and staring in vacuum. They speak no words and their tears also stopped rolling. They are the victims of ‘one child policy’ which China implemented with iron-hand. Yes, they all have lost their only child. Since the regulations were introduced in 1979, China has kept its population in check using persuasion, coercion and encouragement. Now, it’s apparent that a large no. of victims are children after the 7.9 quake which devastated the south-western part of China on May 12 and toll may go above 50,000.

Death and despair is imminent but, these childless (read child snatched) couples are asking 'grand pa Jiabao', how to hang on'?

The middle-aged couples have no choice and their lives will go rudderless in the new glory of Chinese prosperity. So, that is fallout of not being a democracy.

Now, come to Jaipur, the hotspot of tourist map of India, jolted by same sinister design which bleeding India for the last many years. The Tuesday blast (May 13), which claimed 66 lives and many are in critical condition, again opened the turf for the blame game. Rampur, courts in UP, Hyderabad, Samjhauta Exp, Malegaon, Mumbai, Varanasi and Delhi and now the Pink City all suffered by similar modus operandi but, why didn’t Indian authorities still be able to cut through their veins. Many reasons will be cited and nothing will come out as a solution because of DEMOCRACY.

The UPA and Left can’t take drastic measures and BJP will clamour only for POTA. Even nothing concrete has been achieved during NDA rule where anticipation was high in this regard. V P Singh, as a prime minister promised ration card for the Bangladeshi migrants. Vasundhra Raje ordered to pack off the Bangladeshis. But to where? Off to Bay of Bengal or caretaker government in Bangladesh will say that please send them after all they are ours!

In elections how many people cross the eastern border to West Bengal and how the demography of lower Assam and Kishanganj in Bihar have been changed due to these illegal and ‘encouraged from within’ migration is not a secret.

Several states have failed to maintain the sanctioned strength of police force, said Manmohan Singh and advocated for a federal agency to combat terror. Isn't it only the pep talk in an election year? Manvendra Singh, son of Jaswant Singh in an article in The Indian Express very rightly pointed out towards a vital organ, “a 19th-century, imperial police structure cannot confront the challenge of a 21st-century war by other means. The ineptitude of the higher police hierarchy and an interfering polity pooled together to corrode a vital national institution.”

On terror and many other issues Indian people are victim of the DEMOCRACY and people from Sichuan in China feeling the pinch of non-democratic norms in their country.

Terror from the East

noreply@blogger.com (Chanakya's World) — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:43:00 +0000

He knows disaster was coming

Earthquake Predicted but Quashed as Rumour by The Epoch Times

More than 10 days before the disastrous earthquake that hit China on May 12, residents in Abazhou of Sichuan had already been discussing that an earthquake might strike. Some called the local Earthquake Prevention and Disaster Relief Board to confirm the news, but the bureau claimed that it was merely a rumour.

A netizen who has an uncle working at the Sichuan Bureau of Seismology said the Bureau had detected signs of a quake coming, but they chose not to report it. He said his uncle called him and said there were signs of an earthquake, but for the sake of the Olympic Games, the Bureau would not let them make the news public on their official website in case people might panic.
Maerkang County Earthquake Disaster Prevention Bureau was told to take measures to find out where the rumour came from and refute it. On May 9, the Sichuan provincial government even put a statement on its official website claiming that it had successfully quelled rumours of an earthquake.

This statement was deleted right after the quake. According to many critics, the Chinese Communist Party's CCP's tends to hide the truth from the people, causing many lives to be lost.
And as early as May 7, there were people predicting a big quake in Wuhan and Sichuan on the Net. But as they had no proof, the news could not be put on an official website. One writer put this entry- I'm a geologist. Based on the data I've collected, and the discussion I had with my counterparts overseas, I predict that there will be an earthquake on May 12 around Sichuan and Central Hubei. The entire China might feel the tremor. But I can't announce my prediction on an official website because there's no concrete proof. I'm from Wuhan. The epicentre should be quite near Wuhan. I hope Wuhan residents who see my blog notice will inform all your relatives and friends and take precautions.

A netizen from Linyi also put a notice on the net on May 9 that he noticed big patches of seismic clouds. He predicted that a quake measuring over 6 on the Richter scale would take place.
A few days before the quake, many strange phenomena happened too. On May 10, there was a report on West China City Paper that tens of thousands of toads were migrating in Mianzhu of Sichuan. The toads walked on the road and many were crushed to death by vehicles and pedestrians. Some villagers thought it was a bad omen. But the local authorities explained that it was a normal phenomenon. They said it was the peak breeding period for toads. Some experts even claimed that the migration of the toad was proof that the ecological system of Mianzhu was getting better.

In Taizhou of Jiangsu, tens of thousands of toads were also found crossing the roads.
In Enshi City of Hubei, 80,000 tons of water disappeared from a pond named Guanyin on April 26. Whirlpools began to develop at about 7am, and within 5 hours, the entire pond dried up. That was seen as a sign of a quake coming too.