My tryst with the vision started in September2010 when my retina got detached from its original place showing great discomfort at the way I was treating my eyes. It was promptly diagnosed by my eye specialist Dr.Rajesh who sent me to Sankara Eye Centre, Coimbatore. Dr.Prabhu Sankar, the retinal specialist who has undergone specialist training in Moorefields, London operated on my eye. What he found was more holes than retina itself!So he filled some silicon oil and sent me home asking me toreport to him after four months to get the oil rmoved.I returned from Doha after a 2 months stay with my son Tinku on 12th Feb and on 8th of march second surgery to remove the oil took place.While extracting the thick Fevicol like oil,a strand of retina again fell off.So this time he filled the empty space withinthe eye with gas to make the retina stick. Things were OK till3rd May when once again the right eye went blank! I promptly consulted Dr. Prabhu. He was appalled to see the gas escaped through the many holes. My son said my retina is more like Keerala roads when the highway dept tries to fill the pot holes they keep appearing somewhere else! So I was once again one-eyed Jack!I'm getting operated tomorrow once agin by Dr.Prabhu who wants t fill my eye space with silicon oil once again. I don't know who has the maximum fun-The doctor or my stubborn retina!!
The moral of the sory is learn to live with deficiencies. I've become an expert to use my only available eye! I can even drive a car and watch movies and why I can even type this blog!!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Should we go the American way?
There was a time when everything associated with United States of America looked and sounded greatly fashionable.That was long time ago.....
Following the great globalization and liberalization of trade and commerce millions of us waited with bated breath for the launching of the famed Macdonalds, the chains of supermarkets like Wal-Mart and vast number of new gleaming irresistible cars expected to be available in plush show rooms which were dull and drab till then, hardly exhibiting any Premier Padmini and Ambassador because it was a sellers market and you had to wait unbearably long to take delivery and drive out one.
Our own economy was in worse shape in the early 90's when we had to pledge whatever little gold we had to keep the required reserve which was on the brink of bankruptcy. With gradual liberalization and opening of Indian markets 'foreign' goods once a rarity found their way to our homes.With the Gulf job boom people had a lot of disposable income which enabled them to indulge in shopping sprees.
Lawrence Sammers, the then Treasury secretary, United States, was very brutal in his scathing attack on the Government control and lack of private capital penetration in developing countries like India, China etc.. He advocated the need for the third world countries to adopt American method of accounting, transparency and more capital oriented business in the private sector.That was in 2008, fag end of Gunshot Bush's tenure.
American economy started falling apart in the late 2008 and in 2009, the once awesome colossal economic power became a shadow of its might and its fall was complete. US banks became synonymous of shady deals,with their capitals virtually wiped out started going bust one after the other.When all these were happening, the third world countries like India and China stabilized themselves which helped them to build up on a strong economy.We don't know what advice MR.Sammers could offer to his own countrymen!
Don't pat your back while you read this.Our problems, may be a bit different, will soon follow.
Our children enjoyed Macdonalds day in and day out, played computer games and watched televison all the time, started showing signs of good living. Obesity became a grave danger and soon there was a big chunk of adult population suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure.Gradually, people started to wean their kids away from rich fatty food to bring them back to the regular food they used to consume earlier. Adults too, looked the other way when they saw restaurants serving pizzas and ice creams. We started accusing the Americans for getting us hooked to their food habits.
More danger was lurking for 20-30 age group. The vast IT potential of our countries was fully utilised by the American business. The 20 -somethings earned hugely which helped them to lead a lavish lifestyle of material comforts which beckoned them for more.Men and women became intolerant of each other which shattered their family life. Divorces were uncommon till then, but now it hit the roof. The courts in Metro cities were bursting in their seams due to the heavy work load. Physical violence became more common among couples. Extra marital affairs and unwanted pregnancies became the norm. People raised questions in the open forums of TV channels- is this the result of going the American way? May be.
We never anticipated the development that would lead our cities and towns to severe traffic congestions. We were not used to planning beyond 5 years. This caused extreme chaos on our city roads with thousands of vehicles having been added daily to the existing numbers. Our roads are narrow and ill-paved with no proper maintenance and not equipped to handle such a vehicle population. Result? People preferred to park their cars at home and board the ubiquitous auto or just walk-good for health!The surging vehicle population also contributed more carbon into the already polluted air and our oil demand increased many times.
Our minister for environment, Mr. Jairam Ramesh is the latest in line to fire salvo
against American life styles. According to him imitating American life style is detrimental to every thing. He recently refused permission to build a hydro electric dam which would have probably lighted some more sprawling ranch houses in the suburban Delhi. He asked one pertinent question. Why should I allow them to block the free flow of water in a river to give the more affluent society of Delhi more power to waste?
Can we say the honourable minister is wrong? Hell no! Development is fine, but mindless unimaginative development will be a disaster. We have a responsibility to our grand children and their children; we shouldn't leave them the legacy of destruction and poison in air and water.Youngsters, think about the trauma of your child when you both separate. If you were that child how would you have reacted? Enjoy life; but your family life is more important. Give your children emotional and physical security and leave a clean earth for their healthy life.
American life is fine to those Americans; but every aspect of American life is not acceptable to us. Imbibe the best and discard the rest. Take for instance,their abhorrence to lack of cleanliness. They don't dirty their roads spitting all over or urinating wherever they want. Why can't we take that up? Why can't our youngsters be more tolerant to each other and start loving their families? There is a lot morelife ahead of you.
Following the great globalization and liberalization of trade and commerce millions of us waited with bated breath for the launching of the famed Macdonalds, the chains of supermarkets like Wal-Mart and vast number of new gleaming irresistible cars expected to be available in plush show rooms which were dull and drab till then, hardly exhibiting any Premier Padmini and Ambassador because it was a sellers market and you had to wait unbearably long to take delivery and drive out one.
Our own economy was in worse shape in the early 90's when we had to pledge whatever little gold we had to keep the required reserve which was on the brink of bankruptcy. With gradual liberalization and opening of Indian markets 'foreign' goods once a rarity found their way to our homes.With the Gulf job boom people had a lot of disposable income which enabled them to indulge in shopping sprees.
Lawrence Sammers, the then Treasury secretary, United States, was very brutal in his scathing attack on the Government control and lack of private capital penetration in developing countries like India, China etc.. He advocated the need for the third world countries to adopt American method of accounting, transparency and more capital oriented business in the private sector.That was in 2008, fag end of Gunshot Bush's tenure.
American economy started falling apart in the late 2008 and in 2009, the once awesome colossal economic power became a shadow of its might and its fall was complete. US banks became synonymous of shady deals,with their capitals virtually wiped out started going bust one after the other.When all these were happening, the third world countries like India and China stabilized themselves which helped them to build up on a strong economy.We don't know what advice MR.Sammers could offer to his own countrymen!
Don't pat your back while you read this.Our problems, may be a bit different, will soon follow.
Our children enjoyed Macdonalds day in and day out, played computer games and watched televison all the time, started showing signs of good living. Obesity became a grave danger and soon there was a big chunk of adult population suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure.Gradually, people started to wean their kids away from rich fatty food to bring them back to the regular food they used to consume earlier. Adults too, looked the other way when they saw restaurants serving pizzas and ice creams. We started accusing the Americans for getting us hooked to their food habits.
More danger was lurking for 20-30 age group. The vast IT potential of our countries was fully utilised by the American business. The 20 -somethings earned hugely which helped them to lead a lavish lifestyle of material comforts which beckoned them for more.Men and women became intolerant of each other which shattered their family life. Divorces were uncommon till then, but now it hit the roof. The courts in Metro cities were bursting in their seams due to the heavy work load. Physical violence became more common among couples. Extra marital affairs and unwanted pregnancies became the norm. People raised questions in the open forums of TV channels- is this the result of going the American way? May be.
We never anticipated the development that would lead our cities and towns to severe traffic congestions. We were not used to planning beyond 5 years. This caused extreme chaos on our city roads with thousands of vehicles having been added daily to the existing numbers. Our roads are narrow and ill-paved with no proper maintenance and not equipped to handle such a vehicle population. Result? People preferred to park their cars at home and board the ubiquitous auto or just walk-good for health!The surging vehicle population also contributed more carbon into the already polluted air and our oil demand increased many times.
Our minister for environment, Mr. Jairam Ramesh is the latest in line to fire salvo
against American life styles. According to him imitating American life style is detrimental to every thing. He recently refused permission to build a hydro electric dam which would have probably lighted some more sprawling ranch houses in the suburban Delhi. He asked one pertinent question. Why should I allow them to block the free flow of water in a river to give the more affluent society of Delhi more power to waste?
Can we say the honourable minister is wrong? Hell no! Development is fine, but mindless unimaginative development will be a disaster. We have a responsibility to our grand children and their children; we shouldn't leave them the legacy of destruction and poison in air and water.Youngsters, think about the trauma of your child when you both separate. If you were that child how would you have reacted? Enjoy life; but your family life is more important. Give your children emotional and physical security and leave a clean earth for their healthy life.
American life is fine to those Americans; but every aspect of American life is not acceptable to us. Imbibe the best and discard the rest. Take for instance,their abhorrence to lack of cleanliness. They don't dirty their roads spitting all over or urinating wherever they want. Why can't we take that up? Why can't our youngsters be more tolerant to each other and start loving their families? There is a lot morelife ahead of you.
Monday, November 15, 2010
India Shining?
Harsh Mander has a column in the magazine section of Sunday's 'Hindu' His last week's column upset me.
Just like any other Indian, I gloat over the frequent statements of our politicians and businessmen and also by the greedy foreign tycoons about the opportunities offered by the emerging India and its surging economy.I'm, one of those several thousands of Indians who dream about being one of the citizens of an economic super power.Every timeI thought about it I loved it, till I read that article.
I can't say I was totally blind at the lurking poverty of this country;but having been in Kerala the most literate state flush with Gulf money, I haven't seen much of agonising poverty except while visiting other states. I haven't seen many Malayalees begging for alms as much as the beggars from other states on the streets of our cities and towns.But in the remote villages of Orissa, Rajastan, Jharkund,UP,Bihar and Andhra Pradesh the anguish of the parents for not procuring enough food for their childdren let alone schooling them is palpable.One Sahariya tribal in Rajastan says most of the time when the children cry for food, he feels so desperate that he wishes to take out his own liver and offer them.His wife begs for rice water left over after cooking rice from her neighbours and feed them. More often than not, the parents go hungry to feed their kids. Harsh narrates how Sheik Gaffar confided about his granddaughter takeing a fancy to something and demands it. Shamim, her mother, gives her a slap painfully raising her paralysed hand and the child sobs to sleep.Manee a young widow forcefully breast feeds her daughter and leaves her for the whole day in the care of her older daughter barely one year older.They wait desperately for their mother to return with some food. On many occasions, Manee goes to bed without any food.Those who go to the forest in search of food gather green edible leaves, 'kardi' (tender shoots of bamboo)grind them to a paste and drink with some water and some rice floating in it.
I've reproduced a few cases from the article. They were sufficient for me to feel ashamed of my indulgence be it food or life style.We bury our heads in every new Forbes list of billionaires to check how many Indian names have been added.We scan daily newspapers to see newer models of Bentleys, Mercedes, Audi and all other expensive cars introduced in this country.We go in raptures when we read about Ambanis building a 27 storied house just for 4 or 5 people to live in.
Where is our conscience? Are we to keep these wretched souls always illiterate and keep them away from such outrageous display of wealth? Are we to condemn these hapless children to their dismal future? In the hot pursuit of material comforts are we careening to a catastrophe? The article had a telling effect on me and forced me to think the disaster is just around the corner. When it strikes it will be merciless as we saw in great revolutions.We can still prevent it. Only if we consider these poor people as human beings; only if the politicians become less corrupt and engage in nation building; only if education is for all and compulsory; only if the government provide them jobs to improve their standard of life; only ifinexpensive medical help is made available for all and.Yes, the best technocrats can put their heads together to find a solution to this disgraceful problem-the extreme poverty.
Give it a thought, my friends; perhaps I may not live to see the end of poverty in our country. But you can. And you can be proud of it.
God bless you.
Just like any other Indian, I gloat over the frequent statements of our politicians and businessmen and also by the greedy foreign tycoons about the opportunities offered by the emerging India and its surging economy.I'm, one of those several thousands of Indians who dream about being one of the citizens of an economic super power.Every timeI thought about it I loved it, till I read that article.
I can't say I was totally blind at the lurking poverty of this country;but having been in Kerala the most literate state flush with Gulf money, I haven't seen much of agonising poverty except while visiting other states. I haven't seen many Malayalees begging for alms as much as the beggars from other states on the streets of our cities and towns.But in the remote villages of Orissa, Rajastan, Jharkund,UP,Bihar and Andhra Pradesh the anguish of the parents for not procuring enough food for their childdren let alone schooling them is palpable.One Sahariya tribal in Rajastan says most of the time when the children cry for food, he feels so desperate that he wishes to take out his own liver and offer them.His wife begs for rice water left over after cooking rice from her neighbours and feed them. More often than not, the parents go hungry to feed their kids. Harsh narrates how Sheik Gaffar confided about his granddaughter takeing a fancy to something and demands it. Shamim, her mother, gives her a slap painfully raising her paralysed hand and the child sobs to sleep.Manee a young widow forcefully breast feeds her daughter and leaves her for the whole day in the care of her older daughter barely one year older.They wait desperately for their mother to return with some food. On many occasions, Manee goes to bed without any food.Those who go to the forest in search of food gather green edible leaves, 'kardi' (tender shoots of bamboo)grind them to a paste and drink with some water and some rice floating in it.
I've reproduced a few cases from the article. They were sufficient for me to feel ashamed of my indulgence be it food or life style.We bury our heads in every new Forbes list of billionaires to check how many Indian names have been added.We scan daily newspapers to see newer models of Bentleys, Mercedes, Audi and all other expensive cars introduced in this country.We go in raptures when we read about Ambanis building a 27 storied house just for 4 or 5 people to live in.
Where is our conscience? Are we to keep these wretched souls always illiterate and keep them away from such outrageous display of wealth? Are we to condemn these hapless children to their dismal future? In the hot pursuit of material comforts are we careening to a catastrophe? The article had a telling effect on me and forced me to think the disaster is just around the corner. When it strikes it will be merciless as we saw in great revolutions.We can still prevent it. Only if we consider these poor people as human beings; only if the politicians become less corrupt and engage in nation building; only if education is for all and compulsory; only if the government provide them jobs to improve their standard of life; only ifinexpensive medical help is made available for all and.Yes, the best technocrats can put their heads together to find a solution to this disgraceful problem-the extreme poverty.
Give it a thought, my friends; perhaps I may not live to see the end of poverty in our country. But you can. And you can be proud of it.
God bless you.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Anger &Desire
Recently I happened to pass by the family court of Olavakot, a small suburb of Palakkad and a Railway divisional HQ. There was a huge crowd of young couple waiting to be heard of their marriage woes. Some of them had small babies on their shoulders. I wondered; if this is what a tiny place like Olavakot has in store, what'd be the case with large Metros? One of the several arguments put forth by the young couples is that, well, it happened in your period also, but you chose to suffer; we aren't going to do that. Why should we?
Yes, my young friends, we too had or still have, tiffs & quarrels and difference of opinions on almost everything. Who wouldn't have? Two people from two different families with two entirely different back grounds chose to live together, there is bound to be friction. Especially when their temperaments are quite unlike. But we opted for peaceful methods to adjust the life between us- that's the word, ADJUSTMENT,that's totally missing from your lexicon. We thought about our future; we thought about you-our children. That's when we wanted to be more discreet and more matured.We didn't want you, our children, to grow in a vituperative and volatile atmosphere.What? Did you say we were wrong? Should we have exposed you to every single petty tussle? No, my young friend, the result would've been catastrophic. Today, you have a huge salary and a bright career which was a direct result of our self control and maturity. No, I'm not being boastful. It's a fact. We didn't want you to tread the same path we had to walk along- the path of difficulties, poverty and agonising days when someone else educated us. That's why we gave you good education- to chalk out a fine career ahead of you. This career gave you all material gains which we, for ourselves never dreamt about. But then, what happened? Why did yours and your spouse's lives fell apart like a pack of cards?
Too much of anything may harm you. With too much comfort, you wanted more.When you didn't get it, floodgates of resentment and protests opened. Life at home became hell.Your pretty young wife was equally indignant.Won't she be? She belongs to same genre and she is least tolerant of you and your habits. Apparently her talks & deeds provoke you which over a period resulted in body violence. All set for a formal separation!
Bhagavat Githa describes in the chapter Dhyanayoga 4th sloka, how your own soul is both your friend and foe at the same time.Only if you really want you can uplift yourself or push you deeper into the abyss. You observe yourself, identify your strengths and weaknesses, forget your ego which is your greatest enemy and be prepared to forget and forgive. This will give you an opportunity to be mutually tolerant and adjustable which will help you to reshape your life. With reduced or practically non existent ego, anger will find no place in your response. Your family life will bloom again and the story will have a happy ending!
It appears very easy. But may I warn you, it's a very difficult process. Unless you really want to put your life back on the rails the problem will remain insurmountable.Since our ego is blown out of proportion we will be aghast to distinguish our real 'us' from the false one. If you're ready to accept it, that's the end of all your problems.
ALL THE BEST TO YOU!!
Murali
Yes, my young friends, we too had or still have, tiffs & quarrels and difference of opinions on almost everything. Who wouldn't have? Two people from two different families with two entirely different back grounds chose to live together, there is bound to be friction. Especially when their temperaments are quite unlike. But we opted for peaceful methods to adjust the life between us- that's the word, ADJUSTMENT,that's totally missing from your lexicon. We thought about our future; we thought about you-our children. That's when we wanted to be more discreet and more matured.We didn't want you, our children, to grow in a vituperative and volatile atmosphere.What? Did you say we were wrong? Should we have exposed you to every single petty tussle? No, my young friend, the result would've been catastrophic. Today, you have a huge salary and a bright career which was a direct result of our self control and maturity. No, I'm not being boastful. It's a fact. We didn't want you to tread the same path we had to walk along- the path of difficulties, poverty and agonising days when someone else educated us. That's why we gave you good education- to chalk out a fine career ahead of you. This career gave you all material gains which we, for ourselves never dreamt about. But then, what happened? Why did yours and your spouse's lives fell apart like a pack of cards?
Too much of anything may harm you. With too much comfort, you wanted more.When you didn't get it, floodgates of resentment and protests opened. Life at home became hell.Your pretty young wife was equally indignant.Won't she be? She belongs to same genre and she is least tolerant of you and your habits. Apparently her talks & deeds provoke you which over a period resulted in body violence. All set for a formal separation!
Bhagavat Githa describes in the chapter Dhyanayoga 4th sloka, how your own soul is both your friend and foe at the same time.Only if you really want you can uplift yourself or push you deeper into the abyss. You observe yourself, identify your strengths and weaknesses, forget your ego which is your greatest enemy and be prepared to forget and forgive. This will give you an opportunity to be mutually tolerant and adjustable which will help you to reshape your life. With reduced or practically non existent ego, anger will find no place in your response. Your family life will bloom again and the story will have a happy ending!
It appears very easy. But may I warn you, it's a very difficult process. Unless you really want to put your life back on the rails the problem will remain insurmountable.Since our ego is blown out of proportion we will be aghast to distinguish our real 'us' from the false one. If you're ready to accept it, that's the end of all your problems.
ALL THE BEST TO YOU!!
Murali
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Without a title!
Hello!
It has been a long time! I'm afraid I'm a bit out of touch. My darling niece {Paru too has temporarily quit blogging. Too bad.
My eyesight is not really good. I find it difficult to type. I underwent a surgery for retinal detachment a month ago. It may take some more time-maybe 4to6 months before I get back a fairly better vision.
I have, in fact, so many topics to write about but I'll dwell in length my favourite topic- Bhagavat Gita,which Unfortunately may not go well with youngsters. It doesn't matter.
I'll get back to you soon!
Bye till then
Murali
It has been a long time! I'm afraid I'm a bit out of touch. My darling niece {Paru too has temporarily quit blogging. Too bad.
My eyesight is not really good. I find it difficult to type. I underwent a surgery for retinal detachment a month ago. It may take some more time-maybe 4to6 months before I get back a fairly better vision.
I have, in fact, so many topics to write about but I'll dwell in length my favourite topic- Bhagavat Gita,which Unfortunately may not go well with youngsters. It doesn't matter.
I'll get back to you soon!
Bye till then
Murali
Monday, July 12, 2010
Which religion?
Our country is passing through a very difficult phase in its history. Apparently, we're making a lot of progress in the technology sphere, infrastructure, science and in the field of commerce and trade. It has resulted in the making of a new generation with a lot of money to spend, will to travel, adventurous, ready to take risks. But despite all these, are we happy? Religious fundamentalism, and the consequent intolerance, 'honour killings' murder with least provocation, arson, looting, vandalism all these threaten to tear the thin fabric of our society.With the active connivance of politicians most of the culprits go scot free.Politicians themselves aid and abet violence as we see the umpteen number of bandhs and hartals we're subjected to and their frenzy to make each one a 'great success'! Recently, we were shocked when a professor's hand was chopped by some miscreants. His crime? He prepared a question paper in which one question was derogatory of a religious head. A raid of the houses of some of the goons involved in the incident allegedly revealed conspiracy to target various places of worship.
Evidently, all these show the malaise that has set in our society. Religious leaders sow seeds of discontent and hatred. They exploit the gullibility of the poor and the middle class. We cannot tolerate fellow human beings.It is in this background, we should read the following conversation between DalaiLama and Leornado Boff, a Brazilian thinker and author of Theology of Freedom. Leonardo asked Dalai Lama:" Your Holiness, what's the best religion?"
He thought Dalai Lama would reply-Tibetan Budhism or some other oriental religion much older than Christianity. He looked Leo in his eyes, smiled and said "The best religion is the one that gets you closer to the God; it's the one that makes you a better person."
Leornado: "What's that makes me better?"
He responded: "Whatever makes you more compassionate, more sensible, more detached, more loving, more humanitarian, more responsible, more ethical.The religion that will do that for you is the best one"
Lama continued:" I'm not interested, my friend, about your religion or if you're religious or not.What is really important to me is your behaviour in front of your peers, family, work, community and in front of the world. Remember, the universe is the echo of our actions and our thought.The law of action and reaction is not exclusively for physics alone. It's true of human relations. If I act with goodness, I'll receive goodness. If I act with evil intention I will get evil.What our grandparents taught us is the pure truth. You'll get what you desire for others. Being happy is not a matter of destiny; it's a matter of option."
Finally he said:" Take care of your thoughts because they become words. Take care of your words because they'll become actions.Take care of your actions because they'll become habits.Take care of your habits because they'll form your character. Take care of your character because that'll make your destiny and destiny will be your life. There's no relilgion higher than this truth."
How relevent this interview today is something I leave to you to ponder about. One of my friends had send me this gem of a conversation by e-mail.I thought I should share it with someone who reads this.
Evidently, all these show the malaise that has set in our society. Religious leaders sow seeds of discontent and hatred. They exploit the gullibility of the poor and the middle class. We cannot tolerate fellow human beings.It is in this background, we should read the following conversation between DalaiLama and Leornado Boff, a Brazilian thinker and author of Theology of Freedom. Leonardo asked Dalai Lama:" Your Holiness, what's the best religion?"
He thought Dalai Lama would reply-Tibetan Budhism or some other oriental religion much older than Christianity. He looked Leo in his eyes, smiled and said "The best religion is the one that gets you closer to the God; it's the one that makes you a better person."
Leornado: "What's that makes me better?"
He responded: "Whatever makes you more compassionate, more sensible, more detached, more loving, more humanitarian, more responsible, more ethical.The religion that will do that for you is the best one"
Lama continued:" I'm not interested, my friend, about your religion or if you're religious or not.What is really important to me is your behaviour in front of your peers, family, work, community and in front of the world. Remember, the universe is the echo of our actions and our thought.The law of action and reaction is not exclusively for physics alone. It's true of human relations. If I act with goodness, I'll receive goodness. If I act with evil intention I will get evil.What our grandparents taught us is the pure truth. You'll get what you desire for others. Being happy is not a matter of destiny; it's a matter of option."
Finally he said:" Take care of your thoughts because they become words. Take care of your words because they'll become actions.Take care of your actions because they'll become habits.Take care of your habits because they'll form your character. Take care of your character because that'll make your destiny and destiny will be your life. There's no relilgion higher than this truth."
How relevent this interview today is something I leave to you to ponder about. One of my friends had send me this gem of a conversation by e-mail.I thought I should share it with someone who reads this.
Monday, May 31, 2010
The Nation in a limbo
Let's imagine we are a couple of foreigners having wide experience with Indians in business matters. How'll we assess an average Indian between us? " A typical Indian encompasses qualities of falsification, telling lies, dishonest,being fraudulent, arrogant,boastful, speaking loudly, bothering others in public places or while travelling, swindling at the slightest opportunity and spreading rumours about others in office and outside...." the list is never ending!
I went through an article that appeared in today's Business Line by the former CII director for Europe Mr.Mohan Murty who lives now in Cologne about the corruption in India. What I read deeply disturbed me. I never knew the magnitude of this pestilence till Mr.Murty enlightened me through his article. I knew we are corrupt to the core but I didn't realize that people thought so poorly about us.
Mr.Murty was one of the panel members of a discussion that took place recently with an audience of 100 well-known European CEOs. Other panel members were senior officials of two of the largest car makers of Europe and two top insurance cos all German multinationals operating in India. The discussion was moderated by a professsor of a reputed European Business school. Mr.Murty was the only Indian.
After the panel discussion came the question hour. The questions were fired at him. "Is your nation in a coma?" They were obviously referring to the corruption at high places even in the judiciary, impeachment of a judge on the brink, telecom scam-again it is a long list. When I read it I wished I could go and hide myself. I was so ashamed that I'm an Indian. Mr.Murty mentions here what a prime time German TV discussion had to disclose. One of the panellists a German Parliament member quoting a blog says: If all the scams of the last 5 years add up, it'll rival and even exceed the British colonial loot of India of about a trillion dollars!
Mr.Murty goes on to quote a German business daily editorial on India: " India is becoming a banana republic instead of being an economic super power. To get the cut motion designated out, assurances are made to political allays. Special treatmentis promised at the expense of the people. So,Ms.Mayavati who is the chiefminister of the most densely inhabited state is calmed when an intelligence probe isscrapped. The multimillion dollar fodder scam of another chief minister wielding enormous power is put in cold storage. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chairs over this kind of unparalled loot."
According to Mr.Mohan murty, French newspapers also don't leave us alone. He says: An article in a French newspaper titled " Playing game the Indian style" says: " Investigations into the shadowy financial deals of the Indian cricket league have revealed a web of transactions across tax havens...."Another story mentioned in the same paper is about the former chiefminister of Jharkhand Madhu Koda and his riches. " Unfortunately, the Indian public do not know the status of that enquiry. (not only that enquiry-we don't know the fate of several such enquiries!)
Mr.Murty invites our attention to an Austrian newspaper." In the nastiest business scam in Indian records -Satyam- the government adroitly covered upthe political aspects of the swindle-predominantly involving real estate.....If the Indian Prime Minister knows nothing about these scandals, he is ignorant of ground realities. If he does, IS HE A COLLOBORATOR IN CRIME?" (emphasis is mine)
Mr.Murty signs off with a prediction which has very ominous undertones. He says: Europeans believe that Indian leaders in politics and business are so blissfully blinded by the new, sometimes ill-gotten wealth and deceit that they are living in defiance, insolence and denial to comprehendthat the day will come, sooner or later, when the have-nots would hit the streets. In a way it has already started with the monstrous acts of the Maoists. And when that rot occurs not one political tuncoats will escape being lynched. He blames our laidback attitude of "chalta hai" that has helped these unscrupulous men to continue without any hindrance.
It'll be greatest understatement of the year if I say I'm not scared. I had to face a barrage of questions of my conscience when I sat thinking about the whole story. Am I not a part of it? Haven't I descretely encouraged corruption in the haste of getting my driving licence renewed or passport updated? How much I paid to get the marriage of my son registered with the local municipality? Yes, Aiding and abetting are also criminal. I'm inextricably linked to this squalid social and poitical evil and there seems to be no escape.
May God bless us!!!
I went through an article that appeared in today's Business Line by the former CII director for Europe Mr.Mohan Murty who lives now in Cologne about the corruption in India. What I read deeply disturbed me. I never knew the magnitude of this pestilence till Mr.Murty enlightened me through his article. I knew we are corrupt to the core but I didn't realize that people thought so poorly about us.
Mr.Murty was one of the panel members of a discussion that took place recently with an audience of 100 well-known European CEOs. Other panel members were senior officials of two of the largest car makers of Europe and two top insurance cos all German multinationals operating in India. The discussion was moderated by a professsor of a reputed European Business school. Mr.Murty was the only Indian.
After the panel discussion came the question hour. The questions were fired at him. "Is your nation in a coma?" They were obviously referring to the corruption at high places even in the judiciary, impeachment of a judge on the brink, telecom scam-again it is a long list. When I read it I wished I could go and hide myself. I was so ashamed that I'm an Indian. Mr.Murty mentions here what a prime time German TV discussion had to disclose. One of the panellists a German Parliament member quoting a blog says: If all the scams of the last 5 years add up, it'll rival and even exceed the British colonial loot of India of about a trillion dollars!
Mr.Murty goes on to quote a German business daily editorial on India: " India is becoming a banana republic instead of being an economic super power. To get the cut motion designated out, assurances are made to political allays. Special treatmentis promised at the expense of the people. So,Ms.Mayavati who is the chiefminister of the most densely inhabited state is calmed when an intelligence probe isscrapped. The multimillion dollar fodder scam of another chief minister wielding enormous power is put in cold storage. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chairs over this kind of unparalled loot."
According to Mr.Mohan murty, French newspapers also don't leave us alone. He says: An article in a French newspaper titled " Playing game the Indian style" says: " Investigations into the shadowy financial deals of the Indian cricket league have revealed a web of transactions across tax havens...."Another story mentioned in the same paper is about the former chiefminister of Jharkhand Madhu Koda and his riches. " Unfortunately, the Indian public do not know the status of that enquiry. (not only that enquiry-we don't know the fate of several such enquiries!)
Mr.Murty invites our attention to an Austrian newspaper." In the nastiest business scam in Indian records -Satyam- the government adroitly covered upthe political aspects of the swindle-predominantly involving real estate.....If the Indian Prime Minister knows nothing about these scandals, he is ignorant of ground realities. If he does, IS HE A COLLOBORATOR IN CRIME?" (emphasis is mine)
Mr.Murty signs off with a prediction which has very ominous undertones. He says: Europeans believe that Indian leaders in politics and business are so blissfully blinded by the new, sometimes ill-gotten wealth and deceit that they are living in defiance, insolence and denial to comprehendthat the day will come, sooner or later, when the have-nots would hit the streets. In a way it has already started with the monstrous acts of the Maoists. And when that rot occurs not one political tuncoats will escape being lynched. He blames our laidback attitude of "chalta hai" that has helped these unscrupulous men to continue without any hindrance.
It'll be greatest understatement of the year if I say I'm not scared. I had to face a barrage of questions of my conscience when I sat thinking about the whole story. Am I not a part of it? Haven't I descretely encouraged corruption in the haste of getting my driving licence renewed or passport updated? How much I paid to get the marriage of my son registered with the local municipality? Yes, Aiding and abetting are also criminal. I'm inextricably linked to this squalid social and poitical evil and there seems to be no escape.
May God bless us!!!
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