It takes only an Anna (Hazare) to do what he did!

Last weekend I went to watch movie Aarakshan in theatre. Though normally I don’t expect much before start of any movie so as to enjoy and observe the minute details the director wants to subtly narrate. But with Prakash Jha, I expected the movie to be good if not better. I was utterly disappointed and the movie was pathetic to say the least.

The expectation set was right in the first half an hour of the movie. It seemed to be a movie about reservation and anti-reservation debate something that no government has tried to solve in reality. As the movie progresses the focus digresses. There is no clear anchor, no direction for the movie after a point of time. The intentions of Mr. Jha were great but to speak the bitter truth as it is and get accepted is difficult. From pro-reservation stand, the movie shifts to pro tuitions to free education. It was beating around the bush. It was too complex a topic to take a stand. For the first time I observed such a confused audience after the movie was over. May be Dhobi Ghat was the last time, I found audience so puzzled.

With Rajneeti, which was equally huge in terms of characterization and complexity of subject, it was lot structured. The movie led to a natural climax and though longish, the movie was well executed with a focused approach.

The only reason could be because it takes guts of Anna Hazare and support of entire India to take on the ruling government. You challenge the authority and you would be shown the doors. With Anna, the background check is clear. Government probed into his past and present only to find gold. Baba Ramdev might be good, his intentions were also same, but with his commercialized of products and with tax authority and other government agencies after him, he could only retract.

The movement started with 5-7 people. Word spread and few hundred people gathered. In days time few hundred became few thousand, thousands became few lac and lacs in to crores. It’s a common discussion in buses, at breakfast table or on television. Anna has surely united us to fight against corruption. The agitation has left the government clueless. They thought it as a fad initially but now that’s the only talking point. No congress spokesperson is able to talk straight and convince what they believe, on any news channels. I would like to pat back of media, the fourth estate, which has played a crucial role in spreading the information and bringing masses together. If all the four pillars of democracy including judiciary behave so responsibly, ‘India of dream’ will become reality soon.

The present situation cannot be called a License Raj, but it is no less. Corruption has crippled the nation. It is shameful to see Members of Parliaments showing bundles of money in the parliament of the world’s biggest democracy, being offered to buy their votes. Words cannot describe that darkest hour of Indian Democracy. What is appreciable about the movement started by Anna is the way it is carried out. It is in 9^th day now but no signs of violence whatsoever. There is so much anger in people, in crowd yet they have maintained the decorum. They are aware that a silly mistake and government will get a chance to put everyone in jail with charges of disrupting peace at public place, jeopardying all the effort. I salute the discipline and patience of common man for this.

Though I am completely in favor of corruption less nation if not corruption free, I don’t have an idea as to how Jan Lokpal bill will be implemented and executed. The points it states is all acceptable but a small loopholes is what it takes to sink something as big as Titanic. I am just worried of those open holes in this bill, if there are any. After those cautionary words, something gives me confidence. If there would have been substantial loopholes, the government would not have been so stubborn in accepting it.

fOoD fOr ThOuGhT: Anna has stood for us, for a better tomorrow. It really requires courage to challenge the absolute power. Let’s fight against corruption and build a better tomorrow!

The dancing elephant needs support for some more time!

The global recession which started hitting countries from Oct 2008, was a blessing in disguise for the Indian corporates. The world started looking India from different angle. The traditionally conservative banking system was appreciated world over. The regulators shared limelight like never before. It was difficult time but, it brought a lifetime opportunity for Indian behemoths. They became more cautious. They started cutting on cost, deferring capital expenditure, realigning their business and consolidating their operations.

The Indian government provided stimulus package in installments. Rate cuts, plan -unplan expenditure of $60Bn, cut in central VAT, incentives to export industries, refund of service tax paid by exporters to foreign agents, Incentives for loans on housing, Limits under the credit guarantee scheme for small enterprises doubled, Export duty on iron ore fines eliminated, Export duty on lumps for steel industry reduced to five percent.

Largely speaking, Indian economy was never hit by recession. We never neeeded a stimulus package of any sort. But the aggressive move by the government ensured that the interest of SMEs is maintained. The exporters are not hurt significantly due to falling demand and delay in payments. Withdrawal of funds by FII also created a credit crunch situation. India clocked a growth of 6%-7% in the midst of adversity around the world. This was possible due to strong and growing rural demand. The consumer spending has been increasing on month-on-month basis.

No doubt the booster hasnt come for free. The fiscal deficit is close to 12% of GDP. Rate cuts and incentives to boost growth has resulted in inflation. Government has to play a balancing act between maintaining growth and containing the inflation. But, if the stimulus package is rolled back now, it would create a recession like situation in India. Infrastructure projects worth billions are underway. They need extended incentives. Large projects might get delayed and cause cost overruns. Various sectors are still in consolidation phase. The results declared are volatile. Industries are yet to experience stability.

fOoD fOr ThOuGhT: The dancing elephant needs stimulus support till 2nd quarter of the FY2010-11. We are targetting a growth of 8%+ now. So if roll back is done in phased manner, we will have our average growth of 6.5% without hurting any industry. Untimely removal of ladder might enforce few to fall.

STUDYING = STUDENT + DYING!

My heart sinks when I read about students hanging themselves or jumping infront of a running train and kill themselves. Mostly the reason is studies and the pressure to score high in exams. Peer pressure. "99% marks laaoge to ghadi, varna chhadi..."
 

Not everyone can take same amount of pressure. If students are killing themselves, I believe it is the solely responsibility of parents more than teachers. No one knows a child better than parents. A mother know what her crying baby wants. So, when the kids grow up, it is the duty of the parents to push their kids only to an extent they can handle. I call it the baloon effect: there is always a pressure limit, when crossed, bursts! Tell them stories, to keep them motivated and make them fit for facing challenges boldly. Set achievable targets. Escapism is easy but thats really isnt what we want to do, when we take birth as human beings.


In the movie 3Idiots, it is shown that the character hung himself because he was denied of extension of time and another change to showcase his project. And Aamir khan does it within time, thinking outof box. But the by the time it was ready, the student has already quit from the world. He failed to believe in himself. And in that scene the audience realises that he should have kept on going , it was within the horizon. Ofcourse, it was movie and so aamir could do it, but in real life too, things arent out of control most of the times. It is the decision we take, decides the fate!

Life isnt easy. It brings difficulties of different variations for different people. Lot of times, we need to think from a macro perspective rather than looking at the issue constantly. Lot of times we need to take a break, indulge into something else and get back to our study/work afresh. We get only one life, we need to make most of it, almost everytime!


I think todays generation who are in schools, are unfit to handle pressure is:
they hardly go out to play on play grounds. We were lucky in this regards, I use to play for 2 hours daily after school in the evening. I skipped homeworks, I skipped assignment, but the mind was fit for handling the pressure. Todays generation is glued to internet as soon as they come home. I have seen my cousins discussing home work via scraping on orkut. They think joining "I dont like doing homework", "My class teacher is dumb", communities is cool. I started using it when I was in graduation. Orkut, Facebook and other social websites evolved much later. Twitter is the latest thing. Cell phone was given to me in graduation 2nd year, after lot of pleadings.


fOoD fOr ThOuGhT: The system is not to blame. Study course and material is never to blame. The environment and ecology is to be blamed. The parents are to be blamed that they are not allowing kids to play and choose their area of interest. Children should be feed with motivational stories. They should be shaped into a better and allround personality and not just class toppers or high achievers.

The Mumbai Marathon...

I was never interested in running. The last time I remember I ran seriously was in school, where you had no option but to run and compete and grumble, why running? Why do people run? What do they achieve after running, rather play a sport than running! But that was school and I had no option but to participate.

In my remotest dream also I never thought I would ever be running seriously. It happened that my boss introduced his couch to us in the office. My boss loves running, 21KM to be precise in marathon events. So, he introduced Marathon world to us. What happened next, is a series of beautiful stories and I can go on and on... Juhu beach... Rakesh... Runner wave... morning 530... JW Marriot... Citizen... half beach... full beach... power exercise... mat..., a dream, which was never seen, just happened...;)

17th January 2010 was the marathon day. I got up early, took an autorikshaw to borivali. As I reached there I could see lot of enthusiast with "Marathon", "Bank of Baroda", "TCS", etc corporate names printed on their T-Shirts. My excitment level increased. Thoughout the stations, participants kept flooding into the local train till I reached Marine Line station. It was almost a mob, by the time I reach there. I was accompanied by my office friends. We headed towards Azad Maidan, the holding area. Lot of participants were dressed as "Ram-Sita-Laxman", "Gandhiji", "Netaji Bose", it reminded me of the fancy dress competition that use to happen in school time. It was a fantastic feeling.

We started with our dream run, basically for fun, supporting cause, displaying the true spirit. The atmosphere was completely charged up. As we headed, people were shouting slogans in support of Anti-AIDS, Animal rights, Save girl Child, Save trees, etc. Companies made it a point to gather attention and mave their brands visible. I spotted stars like Ritesh Deshmukh, Poonam Dhillon, John Abrahm-who pulled maximum crowd, corporate honchos and people from political world. Poonam Dhillon herself came to me and chatted, I could not believe myself because you normally dont expect such things. I clicked with Ramadorai, Vice Chairman of TCS, and other celebrities. We crossed Churchgate station and reached Pizzaria square at marine drive. The TCS band was performing there. At various places bands were performing, StanChart, RadioMirchi, etc. All the way, people were standing, cheering up the participants. Volunters were distributing water and other food supplements.

As we reached marine drive, Oh! what a beautiful view that was. The mumbai skyline was so perfect and mesmerizing, I thought of staying there, spending more time. It is always beautiful at night time but the morning view was far more amazing. As we moved, the Navy band was performing, we stopped there, "Summer of 69" number. It was a rare occasion to get to hear the navy band, I managed to make a video too. We climbed the flyover and reached back to the Azad maidan, finishing the dream run. What an amazing feeling that was! I can not describe it in words!

Nearly 40000 people participated from various parts of the world. Prior to the event, we were supposed to collect goodie bags from World Trade Centre, Fort. I thought so many people will be there, it might take an hour or two, to get through. What an arrangement, boy, it took straight 10 mins for me, to get my things done. Appreciable arrangement!

Kudos to the organisers, Sponsorers, participants and the true Mumbai spirit!

Obamania: rebuilding regional relations!

April 2009
US to Lift some curbs on travel to Cuba.


President Barack Obama plans to lift longstanding U.S. restrictions on Cuba, allowing Cuban-Americans to visit families there as often as they like and to send them unlimited funds.

The gesture, which could herald more openness with the Castro regime, will fulfill a campaign promise and follows more modest action in Congress this year to loosen travel rules.

The president has authority to loosen the restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba on his own. The new rules will affect an estimated 1.5 million Americans who have family members in Cuba. Other Americans are allowed to travel to Cuba but only if they qualify through certain cultural, educational and other programs.

It will come amid a series of international gestures by President Obama recently.

• Obama moved to improve relations with Russia...
• Told an audience in France recently that he was there to listen them.
• Previously, he made an outreach to the people of Iran, sending a video message calling for a "new day" of relations between Washington and Tehran.

Last May in a campaign speech in Miami, Mr. Obama said, "It's time to let Cuban-Americans see their mothers and their fathers, their sisters and their brothers. It's time to let Cuban-American money make their families less dependent on the Castro regime."

The travel and remittance restrictions stem from the embargo, put in place in 1962 after Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba. President Jimmy Carter allowed the travel ban to lapse.
But President Ronald Reagan reinstituted the travel ban with some exceptions. Under President Bill Clinton, Cuban-Americans could visit family once a year. President George W. Bush's policy was at one point even looser, but in 2004, he tightened the rules, allowing family trips once every three years, and narrowing the definition of who qualified as family. Sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers and grandparents qualified, but uncles, aunts and cousins did not.

Some Cuban-American circles have pressed to maintain U.S. restrictions because of their antipathy for Fidel Castro and his brother, Raul, who replaced him as leader after Fidel became ill. "How do you help people speak out about human rights violations if you're basically extending the dictatorship abroad?" said Mauricio Claver-Carone, director of U.S. Cuba Democracy PAC.

Source: WSJ

Indian Economy on slow track...

India's economy grew at the slowest rate in almost six years, 5.3% in the quarter ended Dec. 31 2008, signaling the global downturn's impact even in a nation less dependent on exports than others in Asia. Gross domestic product grew 8.9% in the same period the year before and 7.6% in the previous quarter, according to the Central Statistical Organization.

Some of the key issues the economy is facing are:

• Recessions in key export markets such as the U.S. and Europe have prompted Indian exporters to cut production and lay off workers.
• Manufacturing output dropped to 0.2%.
• Capital inflows have all but dried up as risk-averse investors shun emerging markets.
• Drop in farm production.
• Indian rupee weakening on daily basis now.
• Liquidity crunch is affecting infrastructure and capital intensive projects.
• Country's debts are swelling, that might affect the investment grades of the country.
• Scheduled elections.

All these issues on a short term seems to be towering on growth meter. My view is economy will be back on track only in the year 2013. It might improve by 2010 but the boom would be witnessed only by the end of fiscal 2013.

China: The Earthquake impact.

Here's how the recent earthquakes will probably impact China.

Due to the earthquake, China has lost huge amount of human capital, fertile land, natural resources, etc. It will impact the agricultural production drastically. The production would be less and the ability to deliver products in the market will reduce. This will result in demand supply mismatch. The increased demand would put pressure on the existing prices.

The affected area will require rebuilding and redevelopment. For this huge capital and resources would be required. Demand for resources like Oil, petrol, energy which are already scarce will push the crude oil imports. With crude oil touching life time highs, this can further add woes for the government.

Also the material and different services required for the redevelopment of affected areas will have a negative impact on the prices.

And while all this happening, maintaing high growth would be difficult. Add to it difficult global markets scenario.

Controlling measure for the government could be to restrict price rise or artificially freeze prices of commodities, in order keep a check on inflation. But, this can not be the ultimate long term solution. The earthquake has caused a real increase in demand and a real decrease in supply. How can price freezes possibly eliminate the disequilibrium? It explores both the difficulty of keeping prices at current levels – shortages and an increasing fiscal subsidy – and the difficulty of letting prices rise – the inflationary impact.

Naam mein kya rakha hai bhai!

A couple of days earlier Shiv Sena's student's wing, Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena (BVS), targeted establishments that still have Bombay in their names, including the city's prestigious school, Bombay Scottish, a Bombay Dyeing showroom and offices of The Times of India, whose city supplement is called Bombay Times.

Now, the list also includes Shiv Sena's demand to remove Bombay from Bombay Stock Exchange.

Every party wants some fancy issues rather than solving some existing serious ones. I dont want to take a political stance here, my views are completely objective. On one side Mr. Raj Thackeray and his followers try to be in limelight by targeting Amitabh Bachchan. And now Shiv Sena is trying to cook some irrelevant issue of Bombay versus Mumbai. How are the farmers of Maharashtra going to be benefited out of this ? Or is it going to solve the power problem of the state?

Bombay Dyeing is a corporate entity, a company registered under Company Act 1956. Now, why should a company change its name, just because of change in the name of the city, whose name matches with part of its name? Two years hence, politicians in UP or Bihar may not allow the company to open its stores there, just because it doesnt say "Patna Dyening" or "Lucknow Dyeing". It really sounds funny. I wonder what the advisors to the politicians do?

BSE has created a brand for itself over a period of time. Now it is a globally recognised name. What's the point in changing the names?

My serious suggestion: Politicians should focus on issues like primary education, good health and medical facilities, sufficient power, infrastructure, farmers and farmer loans problem and also check the crime in the state.