A Silent Confession

Word, spoken out of context,
and stone aimed at an enemy
would do equal harm.
But, which one do more?
The word or the stone?
Perhaps, the word; I felt.
Why?
The word unintended
would bleed one’s heart.
Since medicines can heal wounds
on one’s body, stone would do less harm.
But, heart remains bled
until soothing words turn to it.
I was caught, many times, by
hearts bleeding and words glaring at me.
I knew, I was the culprit
and thus felt like loosing my strength.
I sat meditating with a secret wish
of getting my figure lost
and be vanished into thin air.
Struggling to fight with the darkness around,
I dreamt of my words reaching wounded hearts.
But, the self sitting inside, ask me now,
Would these hearts ever turn to me?

The Power of Alphabet

I knew the power of alphabet
When I uttered firstly in my life
I was a kid then
Even now I feel as if I am a child.

When I sat before a teacher
She gave me enough to chew
Even after years of great struggle
I look at it bewildered

When I held the first text-book in hand
I had a huge task set out
Even at the turn of its millionth page
I feel as if I’ve reached nowhere.

I know the power of alphabet
When it comes out from the inner self
I feel the power of alphabet
When they take my emotions to flight.

I feel as if I am lost in the wilderness
Of a dark forest
When my thoughts are not elated by
The feather touches of it.

I find my soulmate coming nearer
When I sit in the shadow of tranquility
I wish I could remain in eternal peace
Embracing my sole mate forever.

India, a republic at its 60

A nation and its citizens that sets out to govern itself have a monumental task before it. India too undertook such a task 63 years ago, but we Indians had to wait another 3 more years of time to have a constitution of our own, to define who ‘We’ are, the rights, duties, responsibilities of the individual citizens, the groups of social life and the State.

The institutions of government, be it Executive, Judiciary or Legislature, have come through many stages of co-existence, fight and understanding. Since Indian Executive system is not totally independent, it still remains in peace with Legislature but many a times we have witnessed scenes of fight between Judiciary and Legislature. The period from 1951, the first year of framing up a constitution, till the first a few years of 1990s was eventful. During this period the Judiciary and Legislature went their own way ahead, sometimes forgetting other institutions, to interpret the nuances of our constitution and / or to modify / change it altogether. All these were proved as just signs of growth to maturity in the body polity of our nation, and still are considered so. [ To quote a few such creative fights, please refer to Kesavananda Bharathi Vs. State of Kerala-1973, 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act(C.A.A.), and amendment to article.368]

As we have accepted a federal system of governance with strong centralizing tendencies, the relation between the Union and the states have become a matter of contest, especially when opposite political parties catch power at each levels. And this problem then creeps into many issues - freedom given to each level of government in their own spheres, resource sharing, developmental issues and a lot. Many committees, Commissions, Councils, either constitutionally thought out or otherwise, like Inter State Council, National Developmental Council, Zonal Council, etc., play their role to find an answer to such issues from time to time. There are certain extremes crossing which would endanger the peaceful co-existence of governments at Centre and State, which we have witnessed more than once. President’s rule in states is like a knife in the hands of a surgeon at times but at some other occasions it becomes a knife to stab an enemy. To find answers to numerous questions of Centre-State relations government of India set up a commission under the chairmanship of Justice Renjith Singh Sarkaria in 1983. The recommendations of this commission were thought to be setting a new set of guidelines but many of them still remains unmet.

We have accepted principles of high moral values, both in social and political life and in personal life as well. Our constitution reflects the thoughts of Gandhiji, the most beloved father of our nation. As the society never remains static we have new set of challenges to be addressed in the way to reach our dream, to construct a society worth living for all. Poverty, Un-employment, Quality of Life, Quality of Education, Food for All,....we have a huge list of issues which requires to have a prudent look. Strengthening the whole system from grass-root through local self government shows some result, especially in taking the developmental efforts of the State to the farthest corner of our nation. This kind of a social action legislation – 73rd and 74th C.A.A. of 1992 – have brought the previously unrepresented section of society into national life. This is a step towards harmonizing a larger section of society with the main walks of life.

The noted political thinker Andre Beteille said : “ a constitution may indicate the direction in which we are to move, but the social structure will decide how far we are able to move and at what pace.” It is true in Indian conditions too, as we have enshrined in our constitution in the form of ideals and aspirations. Our ideals and aspirations set out a direction, right at the preamble itself, to which we have to take our nation. In the attempt of social up-lifting process the State have the full scope of freedom as mentioned under article 39(b) and (c).[Even the fundamental rights as mentioned under articles 14 and 19 can be overlooked in this matter if they stand to violate social equity]

Through the six decades, we have a system of our own government – Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. Irrespective of the heated moments of co-existence a widespread faith in our constitution prevails among its constituent elements. This makes the internal political structure of our nation as a model before the rest of the world, a system that can remain unchallenged in the ages to come. The very same reason makes India a model democracy, catching the attention of the world, for its unique features of blending the best of the world to frame a new one of its kind. Remember, our forefathers gave us a constitution which is not borrowed from any part of the world but a mixture of the best features of democratic existence that still prevails in the world.

A letter to my friend at the end of a year

I thought, for many times, not to mail/contact you for there is no reply to calls since Sept.2 (evening 4.15, that was when I got the last call from you).I know, you might be disturbed a lot due to my over involvement, even into some personal space. I register my sincere appology for crossing the limit, if that is the reason for your silence. I am very much emotional in my personal space and that is being highly reflected when I maintain my relation with whom I had/have some connection which is more than a formal one.I am not sure when you are going to open up your mail and if you do so whether you'll open this particular one or not. I cannot remain in a shade of guilty when my memories haunt me and I want to be truthful to my self to keep myself free of pain. From your point, you may have number of reasons to remain in the manner which you are doing now, which when looked at from my side, may feel like a frozen one. But as we are nearing the closing of one more year with prayers for a new and a more prosperous one, I thought to shed my fear and pain off as you were, and are, not just one among many. If you can read my mail completely and at the end if you feel, not disturbed in my presence I would be happy, as I know you by heart.

Wish you a Happy Birthday
Wish you a Happy X'mas
WIsh you a Happy New Year

Two Experiences

1.In a moment of Despair

In a moment of despair,
I felt so wounded by silence;

The space around me was filled with hot air,
And the streams were drained out.

The vein of earth has lost its charm
And life enters into a trauma here.

I could hear the cry, in the dark
Seeking a helping-hand, to come out
But a pair of hands was not enough.
For any rescue.

Alas, when it turns grey
Thousands converge,
Hopes were high for a rescue,
But no, to make a deep blow
Squeezing the last drop of life.

2.In a moment of Hope

A Drop of water,
As a hope of life
Makes the land wet
A new life is born.

A ray of light
Pierces the dark shell
Opens up a world
Of new thoughts and beliefs.

Raju and his second innings

The founder and master brain of Satyam Computers, Ramalinga Raju, now spends his life inside a jail, after the expiry of the bail he was granted.It may look funny for somebody outside the walls, but the jail authorities might, otherwise,have wished to get Mr.Raju inside.November 1, 2010 will mark a new phase of life for those inside Hyderabad jail.Mr Chidambaram, home minister, will inaugurate a BPO unit working inside the confinement of it of which R.Raju will be appointed as CEO.This is of course a typical example of a revolutionary thought and implementing the same, one another way of using the potential trapped(!?) inside.It attains a special significance for making those people engaged and enabling them to live honoured, though they are living inside.This is very much a honour to the rights of those inside, to live honoured, making right use of the potential in full.

Learning, from the past

The first mass movement that still inspires me, like many others, is the mass literacy campaign in the late 1980s in Kerala.Being a child of around 8 years, I was just looking around all with a curiosity.My mother, who was a teacher in a government aided, privately managed, school, was an instructor responsible to conduct the class for the identified illiterates in our area.Hanging onto my mother most part of the day, I happened to be there with her during the class timings.One day, when my mother went for a short break during the class, I was approached by the participants of the class to check right what they had written on their black slate.I was totally amazed thinking why they approached me; the attendants of this class were those who aged equal to my grandmother at least.I could derive no meaning at that age for having little idea on the real importance of the efforts behind such a popular programme, but learned it later how greater were the efforts behind such a mass mobilization, taking Kerala society further ahead into new heights of social upliftment.

Literature – The real Common Wealth

(Paul Zachariya speaks at the concluding session of the 'Writers meet')

It is our tradition to enjoy every festival, be it sports, games, art or culture.On the (silent)side-lines of the second largest multi-disciplinary sports and games festival, ie., the Commonwealth games, Delhi had been witnessing many programmes including the ‘Writers’ Meet’, with literary personalities from Commonwealth countries.The apex body of Indian literature identity, ie., Kendra Sahithya Academy, was the host for this literary exercise.On the concluding day of the event, 13 October, there were five writers on the stage, with the absence of Rana Dasgupta who was down with the talk of the day disease, dengue.Of the five, four were Indian writers and one from Malawi.Indian writers included, Geetha Hariharan who have a Tamil-Kerala-US link in her built, Paul Zacharia from Kerala who is known for his ‘Bhaskara Patteler and My Life’(English translation of his own famous Malayalam novel), Surjit Patar who is a famous Punjabi poet and a retired professor of his language, and Tamizhachi Thangapandian(P.Sumati) a Tamil poetess and an active politician.The only foreign representative was Chisomo Mdalla, a young Malawian who have a variety of interests in creative thinking.He, is a poet, writes prose, is a theatre activist and he is good at fine art forms of expressions too.Every writer caught the attention of the audience in different ways, all had some of their works to present before the few who gathered in the hall.Surjit Patar, the oldest among the attending writers, was to start the presentation with his ‘Mago’(a Spanish word for magician) which arouse the curiosity inside a child for his magical touch on words to make it a poem.It was really catching for its simplicity and he was simple and straight in putting ideas into words with the remaining items he had.All praise should go to him for making the evening meaningful with his attendance and presenting his works.Sumati was very strong in her words and was taking some critical assessment on what happens around the world, particularly against the attack on a girl, who was in her pubescence, by US soldiers, which happened a few years ago in Bagdad, the capital city of Iraq.Mdalla was also very strong in his words, trying to put all his energy to express.Geetha chose herself to remain in the chair, the duty she had in the session.Finally, it was Zacharia to address the audience.But there was nothing new from his side.He was presenting a few chapters, from the beginning and end portions, of the novel ‘Bhaskara Patteler and My Life’(in its translated form) which was the story behind a Malayalam film ‘Vidheyan’.The efforts put in by Sahithya Academy should be praised for presenting an alternate side of Commonwealth which is the only Common Wealth in its real sense, ie., literature.

Listen to What Mr. Pugh says

Lewis Pugh.

Only a few might have heard about this name.But now for his daring, yet determined, act to swim in a Himalayan lake, we should be familiar to his name and listen to what he says.Swimming on the roof of the world, at an altitude of 5300 metres above sea level, is not an easy act as we imagine.There are two pre-requisites; firstly the born-biting cold, which will come into our mind when we think of Himalayan terrain, and then a strong mind to keep us motivated of the purpose.If we are sure of these, the real challenge is the experience of swimming in cold-waters.Imagine swimming in a water with temperature around -1.7 ° C!.The very moment then, we will start experiencing the toughness of cold.But for Pugh, it was not the first occasion to take the challenge.He was the man who did the same act in the waters around North Pole, 3 years ago.For both these occasions he had a specific objective in mind, perhaps that we have to learn from his act, and it is to make the world aware of how fragile the eco-system around us is.To mention the sensitivity of the Himalayan ecology he chose the lake Pumori, which is a melt water lake, near to Khumbu glacier in the region.Pugh draws lessons from his father, who happened to watch the British atomic bomb test take place and was then started thinking how to protect the treasure the mother earth have kept for the mankind of all ages.Swimming is a small thing, not enough to catch the public attention, under normal circumstances but when it carries a mission, it attains unequal importance.

Right to Food, Food Security and lot more issues in Indian context

“Being disabled has a double effect, in reducing the person's ability to earn an income (the “earning handicap”) and in making the conversion of income into good living that much harder, thanks to the costs of assistance, and the impossibility of fully correcting certain types of disadvantages caused by disability (the “conversion handicap”).” – Amartya Sen.

Putting our concentration on the actual lives of people, the question that immediately arises is how to understand the richness and poverty of human lives.Cutting across the financial position- the rich or the poor- access to food and a right to it need to have a prudent look.Any discussion in this subject should start within the ambit of U.N. Universal Human Rights framework and the main reference point is located within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) (U.N. 1948), Article 25, which states, “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family, including food.” It has been a reference point for human rights legislation that follows but not itself binding on any national or international legal instrument.

Our efforts in reducing poverty and hunger should ensure two special points at the focus, they are,
1. the World Food Summit (WFS)(13-17, November, 1996, Rome @ Italy), its commitments, and follow up
2. the Millennium development goals and their follow up

Both the World Food Summit and the Millennium development goals recognize the importance of food to alleviate hunger and its importance to human beings, though not addressing it in the context of a legal right. However, as major international efforts they can serve the purpose and start the discussion on human right to food.

Indian Situations

All the above discussions are significantly important for a country like India when it stands at a mile-stone in its way forward.Like many other nations, here in India too, we have no legislations in the form of fundamental rights that makes providing work for all, as a means to find earning for living, legally binding.But it is also to be mentioned here that India stands uniquely apart for making a legislation on provision of employment to rural poor and its implementation since then.National Rural Employment Guarantee Act(NREGA), now Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act(MGNREGA) enjoys a special place among legislations for its improved socio-ecnomic content.Though it is not placed under the title of fundamental rights, the State cannot stay away from the obligation this act sets on its shoulders.In its unique approach to the problem of un-employment and solving the same MGNREGA can be considered as an attempt to the realization of the goal set by United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights under article 23(1) which states Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.Improving the financial position of people who were deprived of all social benefits till recent times, it is high time to start discussing the right to food reaching the entire spectrum, not just the poor but all.Recognising anything as a right would also fix it as a responsibility on the State machinery to perform.

Public Distribution System in India

While referring to Bengal famine Amartya Sen has made an observation that it is equally important to have a system of distribution of food and essential commodities that is always accessible to the public. Malfunctioning in the public distribution system makes the public desperate and the poor among them worst living.For a country like India, it is not an easy task to ensure that all people go to bed without an empty stomach after toiling them under the shining sun.State, either directly by its own mechinery or by peoples’s co-operatives, should ensure that food and essential items reach all without any leakage.Statutory rationing system which we had since 1964 till 1997 was a comprehensive measure in establishing a channel of distribution for food and essential articles.Since then we have been following a system of Targeted Public Distribution System(TPDS) which covers only those coming under the line of poverty.Economic jurisprudence of the time perhaps justifes this categorization and limiting the benefits only to the poor.But the issue when it comes to practice does not seem to be nice to those near the mark of poverty or those who constitute the middle income group.Experts working in this area hold the opinion that the withdrawal of the middle class who were highly concerned of the quality side has lead to a system with quality is no more a major issue.

There are many aspects to be considered before determining who is going to benefit from all these and the issue of access to food is a subject which have a scope more than economics.Socio-Political aspects of the issue require equal importance in a society like India where we have the history of popular agitation for access to food articles in both pre and post independence days.The power has come to the hands of people more than six decades ago but we have a lot more to ensure a dignified life to all, not leaving anyone for any reason further making them starving for the benefits of an improved social life.Following the observation made by Justice Wadhwa Committee(chairman-central vigilance committee) we would be able to find enough reasons for the food-grains being left undistributed.The systemic problems of PDS are yet to be resolved with a better and comprehensive approach and the isolation of any groups of beneficiaries would further weaken the system(The recent Supreme Court direction to the Union government on allocation of food-grains to the categories below and above poverty-line and the reaction from Minister Sharad Pawar and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may be recalled here).

Right to Food Ligislation

The discussion held so far shows no clear understanding, but there are many voices coming out, about the draft of legislation to be brought up.National Advisory Council, policy guide to UPA-II, in its meeting on August 30 has come in favor of the universalisation of entitlement, the Empowered Group of Ministers is opposed to this idea since beginning.And after the meeting on September 24 in this regard the government and the Planning Commission has taken a stand of no legal guarantees of food security to the above poverty-line category.Meanwhile, Planning Commission member Abhijit Sen was quoted saying by the media that if food-security is to be enshrined as a right, it has to be universal, otherwise it would lead to flooding of cases before the court to determine on the issue who is a poor, and who is not.Till the moment it remains outside the parliament and yet to take the form of a final draft.The Kolkata group, a think-tank and policy making group, argues for a universal entitlement to be established with this act.The concerns for a universal entitlement clearly speak that a special attention to the poorest among the crowd is not to mean another blockade in the way of reaching to the society.The division between the rich and the poor should be done with care and justice, and frequently updated with the studies conducted, thus further not leaving anyone unfit for living in this world.This attains importance when the study by different teams show different figures for the poor among Indians.

Right to Food legislation should conceive the ideas and approaches to be implemented to achieve issues of nutritious food, woman and child health, etc.A new system of distribution, leak-proof and well functioning, to be established with the support of the local governments.Storage system which can cater to the needs of the channel of distribution is to be established.Local resources are proven capable of taking the welfare measures of the governments- both state and central level, and indirectly the machinery of government as well, to the farthest corner of our nation, at least after the successful implementation of 73’rd and 74’th amendment acts in its letter and spirit.Lessons we have learned so far in the conduct of social action legislations should be utilized to ensure a hunger-free India with the support of all stake-holders.

Challenges ahead

Legislation can mark a lot but not to change the attitude.A country like India have a vast resource of land, a major part of which are agriculturally fertile and if utilized properly would give enough to meet the demand, a part if not the whole.This is where we have not made any move to develop and implement a proper, sustainable and with a nationalistic outlook, a land-use policy so far.Growing conversion of agricultural land to implement commercial ventures have a double impact, firstly on food-security and secondly on making the land infertile or inaccessible for agriculture any further.A detailed analysis, from the micro level, should be done on the existing scheme of agriculture, thus making a review of the present conditions before establishing any act.At the level of farmers, there are many engaged with commercial-crops, forgetting food-crops absolutely.Also the cases of conversion from food-crops to commercial-crops indicate the lack of a holistic approach in agriculture.

Challenges are not just limited to the territorial extent of our country but it is equally important to have a world-vision.The reports of International Food Policy Research Institute(IFPRI) show us the changing ownership of land internationally, many of the agricultural land of the developing or under-developed nations, either in Africa or Asia, are being owned or possessed by agencies outside for various purposes with a larger focus on commercial, including agriculture as a source for clean energy which is another important concern of the time, and leaving them further behind in solving many primary issues, including food.

The present-day situation of India, when it tries to move from agrarian economy to knowledge based, needs to have a careful, detailed, and a prudent look to find a permanent, existing, and profitable scheme for all initiatives to make India a progressive and equalitarian society worth living for all irrespective of the division of any kind.A detailed account of the present makes us a little concerned about the policies we carry now and also it demands from us a comprehensive, just, and popular approach to resolve the conflict of this age.It is in this context we have to frame up a system, with the backing of an act of Parliament revamping the one existing now.This new act of legislation and its conduct should thus set a model for all the ages to come, concerning social-action legislations.This is where the Right to Food Act should take its base to grow further ensuring the growth of the society bringing up the poorest of the poor.v

NB: This paper needs a total review to make it more refined in its approach and to make it anymore flawless. The process of review is on, but will take some amount of time to come up with a final version.

RBI for efficeint distribution of food-grains to beat inflation

Releasing the annual report of 2009-10, the reserve bank has made it clear that growth in agriculture sector and more efficient distribution of food-grains are paramount factors to contain the rising inflation as well as the inflationary pressure.
RBI release says “ Repeated supply(food-grains) shocks poses a constant challenge to ensuring a low inflation regime in India, which is necessary for achieving inclusive growth.A medium-term approach is required to augment the supply by addressing structural supply constraints, particularly in items of mass consumption”. Also the report at one stage observes that when the inflationary pressures are dominated by adverse supply shocks, “monetary policy could be less effective in containing inflation”.The report puts attention on agricultural productivity and the need to have a monitoring mechanism for the futures market despite the prevailing ambiguity about the relationship between the futures market activities and the spot prices of commodities.

IIP – like index for services output by early 2011

To measure the output of services is significant for India when it contributes more than half of the national income.The GoI is preparing on this to have a methodology to release data on a few sectors, to begin with, like road-transport, ports, aviation, telecom, post & telegraph and banking(For a full-fledged index, it would take some more time).

Measuring the services has become important for India at this stage of its growth when the services contributes more than half of its national income.India has come to the level of having 57% of contribution in 2009-10 where it had contribution to 29% in 1950.An increased contribution from the services is clearly an indication of moving an economy from its nascent stages to a developed one.At this level of growth of Indian economy it would help policy makers and analysts to have a better understanding of our economy.
The issues that are concerned with the preparation of an index in this regard are many, to enumerate a few it would be of the availability and the measurement of data.C.P. Chandrasekhar who is heading the committee to develop an index for services opines that the construction of an index is not easy given that there is a difficulty in measuring many of them.Adding to this concern, TCA Anant, the chief statistician of the country, says that each service is unique in their concept as also their transaction differ.The lack of uniformity, in the case of services to have a methodology, is resulting from the difference in parameters for there is no uniformity in the transaction of servces.Availability of data is important to have a measure but unlike industrial sector, services do not have a (common)source to depend on regular data(for various services data gets released in different time intervals, ranging from monthly to quarterly to half-yearly) and the issue deepens more in the case of private sector.

In Search Of A Treasure, Once Lost

I'm a poor, old beggar
Left with an empty bag
Walking around the streets
For the treasure, once lost.

Listen. I've a word to put,
In a feeble and crumbling voice:
(Wonder!.It sounds familiar)
My life is the message for you.

......... ......... .........

Heart and Mind meet in a walk

Heart is too sensitive to feel a pain.Mind is sensible enough to resist, sometimes to forget, a pain.If they co-exist in a body, it can withstand all painful moments to see newer sun-rises bringing hopes to live.

Heart goes for a walk,
A walk through a desert,
It finds no means around,
To cater, hunger and thirst.
It beats for a hope,
Hope, keeps it beating always.
It speaks in a fainted voice:
"All that I see, here, is fake,
All that troubles me is mirage."
Yet, it beats for a hope.

Mind joins, here, with heart,
Together, they go for a walk.

Mind speaks(aloud) : "I know,
Change is the rule of the game.
You'll find green patches,
You'll find human life,
You'll find faces smiling,
Don't beat cowardly anymore."

Now, heart beats for a hope,
Hope, keeps it beating always.

Heart and Mind enter a body;
Heart beats for its life,
Mind long for its memory,
Together, they turn the body aright.

For the memory of a few days in Pala

Walking Through A Desert

Desert is a land of no human life.It conveys a picture of no human emotions and sentiments, it is inhumane in nature.It makes us desperate in search of existence, of both body and soul.We live everyday, regardless of the odds, for the hope of a better sun-rise. For me, it is an attempt to walk past the greyish side of life.

I walk through a desert,
I feel hungry, and thirsty too.
But I've no means,
To take a rest; it's a desert.
I can't find a ray of hope,
A hope that keeps me alive,
All that I see here is fake,
All that troubles me is mirage.
I find no human faces here,
I know it's a barren land.

Should I take a turn?
"No. You've to move forward."

I keep my journey on; I know,
Change is the rule of the game.
I'll find green patches,
I'll find human life,
I'll find faces smiling;
"How a coward you were?"
I'll find new dawns
Bringing faith into human mind,
A faith that makes me hopeful,
Hope, that keeps me living.
[I walk through a desert,
I feel hungry, and thirsty too.]

One of the most influential poem from Gitanjali of Tagore

Flower

Pluck this little flower and take it, delay not! I fear lest it

droop and drop into the dust.

I may not find a place in thy garland, but honour it with a touch of

pain from thy hand and pluck it. I fear lest the day end before I am

aware, and the time of offering go by.

Though its colour be not deep and its smell be faint, use this flower

in thy service and pluck it while there is time.

My Destiny

Standing at a cross-road

I am confused;

Where to take it further?

On my left, I am frightened;

It's a lion's cave.

On right, I can't;

It's a deep valley down.

I can't step behind;

It's a past, gone by.

I am destined to move ahead,

In the presence of a helping hand.

Lest I would end up nowhere,

Even gaining a lot.

I am a coward to move on;

The world gazes upon me.

My voice is not loud enough,

It's feeble to penetrate too.

Living a coward's life, I know

I may loose at hurdles.

I need to come to day-light;

I am destined to move ahead.

I shall make it my day,

Making my dream come true.

Lyrics of Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely sung by BACKSTREET BOYS

Show me the meaning of being lonely
So many words for the broken heart
It's hard to see in a crimson love
So hard to breathe
Walk with me, and maybe
Nights of light so soon become
Wild and free I could feel the sun
Your every wish will be done
They tell me

[Chorus:]
Show me the meaning of being lonely
Is this the feeling I need to walk with
Tell me why I can't be there where you are
There's something missing in my heart

Life goes on as it never ends
Eyes of stone observe the trends
They never say forever gaze upon me
Guilty roads to an endless love (endless love)
There's no control
Are you with me now?
Your every wish will be done
They tell me

[Chorus]

There's nowhere to run
I have no place to go
Surrender my heart, body, and soul
How can it be
You're asking me
To feel the things you never show

You are missing in my heart
Tell me why I can't be there where you are

[Chorus]

NB:- One of the few songs that touched the bottom of my heart.....

Tune of Spring time

The clouds are gone away;

The sky is clear now;

A new ray of hope has come;

I know the meaning of Spring.

Tulips are in full bloom

Enough to make its fragrance

Reaching the far off corners

Of mind; it's truly Spring.

I wish we are to grown up

Learning the lessons they are to teach

To come out of the timid mind we have

And to learn new skills of living.

I wish we are to live with

An enchanting dream we have.

It's my prayer to You, my Lord;

Let's play this tune forever.

I Wish I Were

Being at an arm's distance
I am little able to save the flower
From its fateful fall down.
I wish I were near to you
To keep you alright always.
I wish I were to rejoice with you
And to take your pain as mine.
I wish I were to wake up with you
To see your world around.
But I don't like you fall asleep
Because you never rise again.
I like your happy, growing days,
I like those days of your blossomed life.
But I know the moment is near
In your life to fade away,
Keeping youthful, you are to fall down.
I wish I were to cry aloud
To make the world known of my pain.
Standing beside you in silence
I deeply mourn in your youthful end.

A Prayer

On bended knees we plead You
My Lord, forgive us;
The world is so broken up;
Our dreams are shattered;
We are not blessed to see
The world around us in its beauty.

Have you ever been caught
Behind the iron gates
of any mighty Will?
Forgive us; we are.

We are not allowed to dream a world,
In which we stand united;
Many lines are drawn by
The mighty will of the DARK.
The lines are so broken up,
The world is so divided,
We are little blessed to see the world around.

I wish a day to come,
A day to cherish our dream,
A dream in which we stand united,
With no mighty will to threat.

Till the day has come
I shall hold my dream so strong,
Pray aloud and clear in my voice,
Let my dream be safe.

On bended knees we plead You
My Lord, give us the strength
To challenge the perils
Of the testing time.

“Sectarian forces flexing muscles”

Due for a revision in this matter

The very essence of reservation, at least in the present times, seems to be jeopardized.And it is the same sentiment that is being conveyed by both the Nair Service Society and CPIM alike.It is a sympathetic situation one can ever imagine to have both NSS and CPIM coming to share a common platform(One can criticize this point for the ignorance of pragmatic politics!).If one is ready to accept the principle of justice-social,economic and political I would argue that there is little chance for the acceptance of this cry to have reservation of which the very essence is once again to reinforce a societal structure which is purely class and cast based.If it is meant to protect the minority(article 30. of Indian Constitution mentions only on the religious and linguistic minorities and no other criterion for that matter) one should remember the message we can draw from the denial of reservation to Jain community regardless of the struggle put up by it, a minority community in terms of number but which is socially and economically developed and hence there would be no justification for awarding them with the fruits of reservation(also ref. to Indira Sawhney Vs. Union of India - 1992 case.Supreme Court pronounced in this case, in a very clear voice, that reservation of seats , in present case it is 27%, in matters of public employment for backward classes and citizens who are socially and educationally backward is constitutionally valid while any amount of reservation, in present case it is 10%, for sections, however they are economically backward, of forward communities is unconstitutional and void.It applies not just in the case of employment but for any such considerations).It comes equally true not just in the case of Namboothiri and Nair communities but for all socially forward but economically backward societies in Kerala and India as well.But there is one common point all of us can come to an agreement that there is certainly a section of economically not well-being people among these communities and certain measures to be adopted to bring them to a level equal with their peers.I would plead to those who are arguing for a reservation in this matter to go for another round of careful reading of the novel 'INDULEKHA'.It will, hopefully, give an insight into the feudal society from which both these communities derived handful of merits at the cost of those were downtrodden.It is the stigma they have been keeping with and not yet ready to accept that it is to come out of.If we take a look at the social developments over the years it becomes very clear that those who were once economically deprived have learned the lessons and come to the fore and it is only those feudal masters, for their negligence on-socio-educational-economical and political reformation, are facing the issue in the present times.Learning new lessons which can take a society to new levels of social progress is the only way forward.Also over the years it is justified to believe that reservation is now reduced to a level of just a tool at the hands of power-politics.If any section of the society is willfully coming forward for the up bringing of the disadvantaged among them there will stand nothing in their way to make changes.Politically well developed society of Kerala should come ready to accept that reservation is not the ultimate resort in such cases, rather it is their commitment to make equality and justice come true.We need no resolution for that matter, we would be a community so acquainted with making resolution and not keeping the words to any least amount.All that we need, and that we should do, is to act to ensure that justice is visibly done to the society.

An Addition:-

The above arguments are not meant to the absolute negligence on the status of those sections of the society who constitute the economically backward in a forward class.I do sympathize with them but the context of taking these subjects is the issue concerned.In fact, I have many experiences which make me think about the imbalance we are facing in this time.To a great extent we should follow the practices in a socially, politically and economically developed societies of the Western world.In such societies of the West no one is , at least to a great extent if not absolutely, deprived of any chances in matters of education and employment.The only criterion and perhaps the qualification(in its absolute meaning) lies in the individual's capability in pursuit of excellence in both education and employment.The present day world makes it a requirement from our part to take a rational look in the uplift of the society.In Indian context it is high time to take such an examination on the situation prevailing now.This may even result in giving a broader definition to ar.16 of Indian constitution to include those who are really in need of some kind of State support but unfortunately being neglected in the power struggle and thus being out of the race.The intention of NSS and any other organizations those who are the pleaders of these forward but economically backward society is to be critically examined against the back drop of their role in the Kerala society, at least, in a period from 1957 - 1959(hope one remember the importance of this period) and should be proven that it is genuine(not the demand but the intention of these 'pleaders') and thus be proven honest.

I hate Silence

Silence please..........!

One might have started hearing this assertive words from the day One when he or she put the first step into the school.The teacher with a thick mustache or with a double focal lens stated with a commanding voice started the job, not being attentive to the minds of many sitting in front.

Since then, time has passed by. But still we hear the same sounding differently.How would one take it now?

I have only one answer, simply hate this.

Sounds of many contribute the vivid nature, the law of Nature.It's an ideal state when we take other's sound as sweet as anything we know.Thanks to the great minds!.I can depend back on them to prove my stand.

I don't like any departures, of any kind and for any reason, which makes me speachless for a moment.Inside my mind, I had many occasions of the deepest sense of being speechless, first of such happened to be on the Fools' day of 1995.It was on that day I lost one of my great guardians who set a path for us and put me into that.But I believe that I am being driven by the wishes and always being blessed with, by all including my grandpa.

All departures are a kind of painful experience for me.It haunts me like a nightmare.It bears a thick, black cover and assumes the size and shape of a dragon which casts a shadow of fear that troubles me a lot from the depth of my heart.My Lord, its my prayer, show me a way out to shed off the fear and pain.I love to remain in the company of many.Am I becoming mad of it?

Let me remain truthful to the law of Nature; at times with an exception to the law of the situation.

Making it as an apology to all with whom I happened to have a quarrel for they remained in silence and kept a distance from me.A few lines are flowing in the air " Show me the meaning of broken heart....."

A Resolution

With mindful of thoughts,

And handful of deeds,

Am I heading a new way?

Of all that I know

I am pleased to lead one

As Gurudev taught us.

Believe in action, no new promises,

Stop Cherishing new dreams,

Follow it as your turn.

Let's stretch our arms,

Make our words aloud:

We are free and not fearful.

Let the noble cause show the way;

We are into a new march,

As one Old man did, who brought us

New hopes of being free.

Let the torch we carry, pour-

Light and warmth for future.

Let's hold it unshattered,

Keep it safe for the days ahead.

May it be attended!

Part.I

While referring to the Bengal famine Dr. Amartya Sen has observed that famine does not always happen due to a (huge) shortage of food-grains but its causes can be better traced back to the failure of Public Distribution System.Many of those who profess and practice in the field of State craft have an opinion that to ensure the judicious functioning of PDS, it should be brought under the Panchayathiraj system where the poor and the needy people can have a say on it.To ensure the participation of people in controlling PDS, the role of Co-Operative movement can be a good alternative.Remember, we have an incredible history of success of this sector in diary field(Ref. to ANAND in Gujarat.).This sector can effectively supplement the efforts of government in this regard.Promotion of the interests of the corporate world represented by Reliance Fresh and Bharati Inc.(any such MNCs for this matter) in opening consumer stores(Veg., Food Courts etc.) are not going to help the poor who go to bed with hunger.It will not help serving the objective of social justice.As a real-time issue, the concern of reducing cultivable land and the growing conversion of such land towards cash-crops should be addressed very well.Farmers should be rewarded decently for their efforts.

Part.II

The big men at the apex of the temple of democracy are now too busy to turn their ears to the crying mass.They should not be blammed, plans and programmes are being cooked in the kitchen.Remember, they are not magicians and thus not able to chant any more abbacaddabras to find any solution over-night, better you can reduce the store size of your home.Start practicing 'rationing' from home( a new version of 'charity begins at home').One thing we can agree upon, ' Cat should be tied with a bell' but who will come forward?.Please stop asking such stupidity.Whether the cow is white or black, the milk should be white.Still are you not able to arrive at any conclusion?Never mind, some questions are always left behind unanswered.

Tail-end : ‘Prevention is better than cure’

Note : A lady representative of a ward in SringaVriksham panchayath of E.Godawari dist(AP), who got elected for her never ending fight against ‘Food-Mafia’, was attacked and murdered while attempting to stop an auto-rikshaw carrying food-grains on its way to a private godown.The food-grains were illegally taken off from a ration-shop in the nearby locality.

Bureaucracy in Modern Administration

Theoretical approach towards bureaucracy intiated by Max Webber can be considered as an attempt to give a clear shape and structure to the changing power equations or administrative requirement.Though he never attempted to define bureaucracy, it can be treated as defining its character.For this he called bureaucracy as “ administrative body of appointed officials.” Considering the qualification of officials in the past, he insisted on the selection of technically qualified people for the system of administration.

Inspite of the criticisms invited by Webber’s theory, his approach was modernized with a focus on ‘administrators are considered as change-agents and bureaucracy as a catalyst for modernization.’ This clearly indicates a thrust on the administrative apparatus of bureaucracy with a re-defined goal.

This new treatment calls for the reciprocative nature of governmental mechinary which should learn from the external environment, adjust itself with the aspirations of the people of the time and giving the output back to the society.

Modern-day administration stands for developmental administration. This makes it necessary for the bureaucracy to open up itself coming out of the conceived limitations of being a closed-system as remarked by F.W.Riggs in his work ‘The Ecology of Public Administration.’ Participation of people in the process is now recognized by involving them in designing the plans suited for development, at the lower level. It is much clear in the shift from ‘top-down’ approach to ‘bottom-up’ approach in the planning process.

In Indian context a special attention was called for in the functioning of local self government bodies with the passing of 73’rd and 74’th constitutional amendment acts of 1992.It widely recognized the participation of public in designing the plans for development which government is expected to deliver.

Theoretically bureaucracy has gained a lot from the modern-days as perceived by Riggs in his advocacy for administration and ecology.In other words it can be regarded as fusing the merits of being an open system, simultaneously keeping the structural merits of Webberian theory.