Barely two months after the N-Deal drama, where Congress commentators talked of India rubbing shoulders with the US, the leadership has confessed to its failure in Kashmir by expecting Obama to intervene, thereby accepting that India is a subordinate ally of the US. And ask Obama the opportunity cost- His comments that, America would help Pakistan with Kashmir to get Pakistan's cooperation on the Afghanistan issue, have come as a thunderbolt to the Indian officials.
Why cant the government pitch in harder to solve the Kashmir pandemonium? India has only become a classic example of bad governance.
ravi grover...
Friday, May 1, 2009
TERRORISM-CAN WE DELETE THIS WORD FROM OUR DICTIONARY?
This is with reference to the shootout by terrorists at prominent locations across Mumbai. It is a sorry feeling to note that the scale of killings and injuries has been taking a toll. Could we have prevented this? Well, it is extremely difficult for the security agencies to gather intelligence on the attacks being planned but it is hard to believe that all it took was a cakewalk for the terrorists to make it into Nariman House, Taj and Oberoi hotels. Where are the CCTV footages? Has the security been caught napping? Politicians have spoken of condolences, compensations and a lack of will. The question that needs to be raised is, what steps have been taken in this direction? We must not discuss the way through which these radical elements can be wiped out, but it is important to device methods through which we can prevent them from mushrooming. There is no point in changing the Home Minister.
It is the most shocking incident with the highest magnitude. I am yet to recover from the shock like my country folks. I am angry and bitter as I say this. A message to the terrorists: You will have to face the consequences and your conscience. If it is about Jihad, you have got it wrong!
NEWS CHANNELS CAPITALIZING ON TERROR??
Barely a couple of days after the attacks, the visit of the Maharashtra CM, Mr. Vilas Rao Deshmukh to the Taj hotel with his son cum bollywood actor, Ritesh Deshmukh and Legendary film maker Ram Gopal Verma made news after the media accused their visit as a reason behind an upcoming movie. Media speculations and public anger poured all over and pressurized the Maharashtra CM to resign his top job and the filmmaker to come out and give statements to the media.
DOUBLE-STANDARDS
However, have we caught the media playing the role of a hypocrite. All channels that were accusing Ram Gopal Verma for capitalizing on terror are now seen creating an emotional campaign that is chiefly aimed at hooking their viewers through the capitalization on terror. Not that I am a RGV fan, but such acts by the media disappoint me. Sensationalisation of terror and provocation of emotions is what media knows best. Aaj Tak showed the Jewish Baby who was orphaned, bitterly crying, repeatedly, in order to evoke the sympathy ofthe middle class. Campaigns like light a candle, sms us your response at 552x space , join us at our protest, etc are seen as a TRP catapulting strategy rather than serious reform. How can a few children, shown singing Chak de india song in Star News, curb terrorism?
Times Now has come out with its War On Terror campaigm where your sms will be displayed on their screen. The commission for each SMS the viewer sends goes to the TV channel. Ditto with CNN IBN: type your opinion on the issue- Terror and send it to 552X
SOUL SEARCHING
Who is the real hypocrite? Who is the one employing double-standards? Who is the one capitalizing on terror? And who is the one blaming others for the same?
These are just ways to bring out the anger and hatred rather than those that can sabotage terrorism. Time and again such campaigns have mushroomed up and buried themselves. However, this time although the buzz is that the situation is different, the reactions till date are pretty much the same. We have to find real ways to deal with terror. When we carry on work the next day, we do it out of compulsion rather than as a reaction to terror.
Such media campaigns will do no good unless we have a solid will, politicians take strong interest, security is on high alert 365 days and intelligence agencies work in return for their salary. If the media wants to do something, it can best cover quality news, bring us good opinions, enhance credibility, provide quality information and pressurize politicians to get results.
Back to where I started, "Soul searching needed"
DOUBLE-STANDARDS
However, have we caught the media playing the role of a hypocrite. All channels that were accusing Ram Gopal Verma for capitalizing on terror are now seen creating an emotional campaign that is chiefly aimed at hooking their viewers through the capitalization on terror. Not that I am a RGV fan, but such acts by the media disappoint me. Sensationalisation of terror and provocation of emotions is what media knows best. Aaj Tak showed the Jewish Baby who was orphaned, bitterly crying, repeatedly, in order to evoke the sympathy ofthe middle class. Campaigns like light a candle, sms us your response at 552x space , join us at our protest, etc are seen as a TRP catapulting strategy rather than serious reform. How can a few children, shown singing Chak de india song in Star News, curb terrorism?
Times Now has come out with its War On Terror campaigm where your sms will be displayed on their screen. The commission for each SMS the viewer sends goes to the TV channel. Ditto with CNN IBN: type your opinion on the issue- Terror and send it to 552X
SOUL SEARCHING
Who is the real hypocrite? Who is the one employing double-standards? Who is the one capitalizing on terror? And who is the one blaming others for the same?
These are just ways to bring out the anger and hatred rather than those that can sabotage terrorism. Time and again such campaigns have mushroomed up and buried themselves. However, this time although the buzz is that the situation is different, the reactions till date are pretty much the same. We have to find real ways to deal with terror. When we carry on work the next day, we do it out of compulsion rather than as a reaction to terror.
Such media campaigns will do no good unless we have a solid will, politicians take strong interest, security is on high alert 365 days and intelligence agencies work in return for their salary. If the media wants to do something, it can best cover quality news, bring us good opinions, enhance credibility, provide quality information and pressurize politicians to get results.
Back to where I started, "Soul searching needed"
LETTER TO THE EDITOR-TIMES OF INDIA
Could we have prevented the Mumbai strikes?
Well, it is extremely difficult for the security agencies to gather intelligence on the attacks being planned but it is hard to believe that all it took was a cakewalk for the terrorists to make it to CST, Nariman House, Taj and Oberoi hotels. Where are the CCTV footages? Has the security been caught napping?
Politicians have spoken of compensation. But what steps they have taken to prevent recurrence? We must device methods to prevent radical elements from mushrooming.
I am yet to recover from the shock. A message to the terrorists: You will have to face the consequences. If it is about Jehad, you have got it wrong!
RAVI GROVER CHD
Well, it is extremely difficult for the security agencies to gather intelligence on the attacks being planned but it is hard to believe that all it took was a cakewalk for the terrorists to make it to CST, Nariman House, Taj and Oberoi hotels. Where are the CCTV footages? Has the security been caught napping?
Politicians have spoken of compensation. But what steps they have taken to prevent recurrence? We must device methods to prevent radical elements from mushrooming.
I am yet to recover from the shock. A message to the terrorists: You will have to face the consequences. If it is about Jehad, you have got it wrong!
RAVI GROVER CHD
Is the war rhetoric practical??
If there are fires on Indo-Pak soil, there will be bonfires in Terror Camps.
The aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks saw Indian State gird up its loins. At first, the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee's office claimed that a hoax call threatening serious reactions and consequences was made to the Pakistan PMO. Since then, the media has played a huge role in shaping peoples opinion. Analysts and influential faces come up almost regularly and voice their opinion. It is only from there that war as an option has come into play. It was never thought of by the Indian think tank. Neither is it being thought of now. PM, Dr Manmohan Singh has openly condemned war.
Even today, its our war against LET and terro if at all there is one. And Pakistan plays an amateur role by asking evidence despie sufficient testimony. Nawaz Sharif speech implies that the captured terrorist is a Pakistani and saves his phlegm in his handkerchief after spitting it out. Even now, war is not an option. Indian state and people dont want it. However, Pakistan is not comfortable with taking requisite action due to corruption, degraded moral values and friendhsip with Terrosists while Indian patience is dying out. Slowly the relationships are becoming sour. Cricketing ties are being sealed. An allegation of an Indian involvement in Marriott hotels blast is looking like an eye for an eye reaction. Pakistan is becoming unprofessional in its approach. Angers are rising. India wants action and now. And does Pakistan want war? Zardari has come out and stated that India should control its agression. At the same time, Pakistani troops have been sent to the border and their leaves have been cancelled. Hypocrisy huh?
The situation is bitter. Few nuts on the top in the Pakistani ladder are causing the demise of a beautiul friendhsip and wonderful tolerance. If war happens, although we never thought of it as an option; soldiers would die, families would be wounded, innocents will be killed, years of trust building will become irrelavent and things will get worse. The world will intrude. The limelight will be immense. Reason: Pak Politics and military!
And my friends, when there are fires in the Indo-Pak soil, there will be bonfires in Terror Camps.
The aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks saw Indian State gird up its loins. At first, the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee's office claimed that a hoax call threatening serious reactions and consequences was made to the Pakistan PMO. Since then, the media has played a huge role in shaping peoples opinion. Analysts and influential faces come up almost regularly and voice their opinion. It is only from there that war as an option has come into play. It was never thought of by the Indian think tank. Neither is it being thought of now. PM, Dr Manmohan Singh has openly condemned war.
Even today, its our war against LET and terro if at all there is one. And Pakistan plays an amateur role by asking evidence despie sufficient testimony. Nawaz Sharif speech implies that the captured terrorist is a Pakistani and saves his phlegm in his handkerchief after spitting it out. Even now, war is not an option. Indian state and people dont want it. However, Pakistan is not comfortable with taking requisite action due to corruption, degraded moral values and friendhsip with Terrosists while Indian patience is dying out. Slowly the relationships are becoming sour. Cricketing ties are being sealed. An allegation of an Indian involvement in Marriott hotels blast is looking like an eye for an eye reaction. Pakistan is becoming unprofessional in its approach. Angers are rising. India wants action and now. And does Pakistan want war? Zardari has come out and stated that India should control its agression. At the same time, Pakistani troops have been sent to the border and their leaves have been cancelled. Hypocrisy huh?
The situation is bitter. Few nuts on the top in the Pakistani ladder are causing the demise of a beautiul friendhsip and wonderful tolerance. If war happens, although we never thought of it as an option; soldiers would die, families would be wounded, innocents will be killed, years of trust building will become irrelavent and things will get worse. The world will intrude. The limelight will be immense. Reason: Pak Politics and military!
And my friends, when there are fires in the Indo-Pak soil, there will be bonfires in Terror Camps.
Why doesn't cricket thrill us anymore
Cricket has been considered a cash cow that has now been exploited unconditionally. Even the winning obsession seems a passe.
There was a time when the country would wait for Cricket Matches to happen. The excitement was extraordinary and the countdown was always on the lips of every buff. Cricket was a religion and the fervour was immense. We watched it with passion. Students staying in hostels got together in front of a 21 inch Television and the game united them. There used to be high sentiment, adrenaline, gasps, head-in-knees and all that. Words like thrill, passion, fire, excitement and rivalry can at best bring you at the threshold of the emotion we felt then.
And now when I sit back, what is it that I last remember and want to remember? It was the T20 World Cup in South Africa where I personally went out to burst crackers in the dim of the dark when India beat Pakistan in a cliffhanger finish with Misbah-Ul-Haq threatening to known of the Indians in a last over thriller. It was massive, fascinating and mighty. It was about rivalry, tears and about those thrilling moments of hope.
But as the proverbial saying goes, “Excess of anything is bad.” The pundits of the game looked at the immense commercial potential of the game. Businessmen came together to exploit it. At first, the club revolution was applauded. Media held regular debates about the untapped potential and about someone called Lalit Modi trying to so Kerry Parker kind of a feat. And then came the prototype Indian Premiere League where cricketers from all countries were clubbed together to form different teams. This, I call was the doom of the Indian cricket.
Cricket has always been best under the elements of rivalry, thrill, hope, fear and unpredictability. What the IPL did was to bring all the countries together and club them into a state team. Most of us began to get neutral. “Who won in the end” suddenly dint matter to us anymore. I still remember many elders saying that cricket on TV has become an everyday occurrence. They talked of how rare cricket was during those golden days and how this rarity was its specialty. Moreover, most of us began realizing that it is the cricketers who are earning millions. Introspection started. Why should I waste my money, time and energy on something that really doesn’t give me anything and gives the lucky bunch of 12, everything from money to Government grants? The ICL and IPL fight, controversies, matches becoming a common feature and all these things took away the charm from the game.
And what is it about winning that has sucked away the excitement?
I always wondered if Australia was really excited as they were so very used to winning. The same position grips India now. India’s 3rd ODI match with Sri Lanka was India’s eight consecutive win. And suddenly the excitement and suspense associated with the game has died. What is it that we learnt in our primary schooling?
Don’t kill the goose that gives you golden eggs!
Labels: cricket fever dies, cricket murdered, cricket no more thrilling, why cricket doesnt excite
There was a time when the country would wait for Cricket Matches to happen. The excitement was extraordinary and the countdown was always on the lips of every buff. Cricket was a religion and the fervour was immense. We watched it with passion. Students staying in hostels got together in front of a 21 inch Television and the game united them. There used to be high sentiment, adrenaline, gasps, head-in-knees and all that. Words like thrill, passion, fire, excitement and rivalry can at best bring you at the threshold of the emotion we felt then.
And now when I sit back, what is it that I last remember and want to remember? It was the T20 World Cup in South Africa where I personally went out to burst crackers in the dim of the dark when India beat Pakistan in a cliffhanger finish with Misbah-Ul-Haq threatening to known of the Indians in a last over thriller. It was massive, fascinating and mighty. It was about rivalry, tears and about those thrilling moments of hope.
But as the proverbial saying goes, “Excess of anything is bad.” The pundits of the game looked at the immense commercial potential of the game. Businessmen came together to exploit it. At first, the club revolution was applauded. Media held regular debates about the untapped potential and about someone called Lalit Modi trying to so Kerry Parker kind of a feat. And then came the prototype Indian Premiere League where cricketers from all countries were clubbed together to form different teams. This, I call was the doom of the Indian cricket.
Cricket has always been best under the elements of rivalry, thrill, hope, fear and unpredictability. What the IPL did was to bring all the countries together and club them into a state team. Most of us began to get neutral. “Who won in the end” suddenly dint matter to us anymore. I still remember many elders saying that cricket on TV has become an everyday occurrence. They talked of how rare cricket was during those golden days and how this rarity was its specialty. Moreover, most of us began realizing that it is the cricketers who are earning millions. Introspection started. Why should I waste my money, time and energy on something that really doesn’t give me anything and gives the lucky bunch of 12, everything from money to Government grants? The ICL and IPL fight, controversies, matches becoming a common feature and all these things took away the charm from the game.
And what is it about winning that has sucked away the excitement?
I always wondered if Australia was really excited as they were so very used to winning. The same position grips India now. India’s 3rd ODI match with Sri Lanka was India’s eight consecutive win. And suddenly the excitement and suspense associated with the game has died. What is it that we learnt in our primary schooling?
Don’t kill the goose that gives you golden eggs!
Labels: cricket fever dies, cricket murdered, cricket no more thrilling, why cricket doesnt excite
BONANZA FOR BABUS'-IMPLICATIONS
The Government is doing all it can to save face before the run up to the general Elections slated for 2009. The latest step in this direction is the increase in the salaries of 5 million central government employees and several defense personnel to the tune of 21%; i.e. 42% higher than the hike proposed by the Sixth Pay Commission, with effect from January 1, 2006. This magnanimous exercise will cost the exchequer a sum of 42,762 crore. While this may have been a pay day for these employees, there are serious implications of this salary hike.It was a welcome step for all as this is a time of inflation in the economy and essential commodities, food, petrol and diesel are priced higher. This will open up the spending capacity of the people too. Moreover, this has been pending for long. Practically all run families and money is a serious need.Serious concernsNumber CrunchingNews has it that the current level of inflation, 12.44% is a 16 year high one. This sensationalizing of information certainly creates panic and pressure in the market. Moreover, the Central Bank is forced to take stern steps. However, this time we can expect a rate hike in the CRR or Repo Rate (the rate at which commercial banks borrow money from the govt.) as there has been extra money pumped into the economy. This extra money will increase spending and demand. More demand will not be backed up with immediate supply, giving rise to prices. This is precisely what happened during the farm loan waiver too. This hike in rates will backfire as fresh loans and EMI's will be affected snail-pacing the industrial growth. UPA's policies have often backfired previously too. This will create a larger fiscal deficit and the GDP numbers will not be pleasing. Deficit financing will further increase inflation and the scenario will only get grimmer. When this news reaches the stock markets, there is investor panic, beaten sentiment, loss of money, MF funds withdrawal, falling stocks, low participation in IPO's and lot more evils.InequalityNot only this, there is a case for state government employees and others who will demand equal treatment from the government. There is no mechanism to check parity. These are serious and restrictive in nature. It is important for the government to think before it leaps. The Government will only fall victim to its own policies if things continue this way.Challenge for the GovernmentWhile the Congress led coalition government has worked overtime in order that it does not face a nightmarish election, its human nature to forget the past record of the Government if the current situation is grim. No employemtn schemes, loan waivers, midday meals and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan will be rememberd. After realizing that Kashmir issue is important for them, the government tried taking action to this effect but, emerged out as a loser. The Government certainly has other reforms like allowing FDI in retain and insurance apart from allowing pension funds to invest in shares, pending. There are many things waiting to happen. It' alright, these will help you win elections, if you are doing this for votes. But, if the Government wants to come out as a winner in the end, it is important that the Government must focus on inflation, J&K, terrorism and all current issues that bind people, in a dedicated manner. People look at the present. This is what the ruling parties need to know. Ironically, if the Government fails to deliver, BSP supremo, Mayawati may well end up with a new ruling coalition, you never know.
Posted by RAVI GROVER
Posted by RAVI GROVER
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