Do it yourself

Thought for the day “To insult someone we call him 'bestial. For deliberate cruelty and nature, 'human' might be the greater insult.” — Isaac Asimov (American, 1920-1992 Word for the day Bestial (adj) Without reason or intelligence; brutal; i nhuman. (Source: Dictionary.com) Teaser for the day What’s this talk about first personality driven election in India. Besides 2009, which was not a personality driven election? Reconnecting with “the India story” In India, post independence, major business cycles, and therefore market cycles, have been quintessentially led by important socio-political transitions. The present landscape of the country suggests that another socio-political transition is underway that could potentially lead to an economic transition in next few years. In my view, the India story is primarily about ‘demographics’ and ‘sociopolitical transformation’. The economic growth is just a b...

Thought for the day “What is the primary purpose of a political leader? To build a majority. If voters care about parking lots, then talk about parking lots.” —Newt Gingrich (American, 1943 - ) Word for the day Pluvial (adj) Of or pertaining to rain; rainy. (Source: Dictionary.com) Teaser for the day UP, West Bengal, Odisha, J&K, Karnataka, TN, Kerala, Bihar, Assam – BJP has antagonized the state government representing over half the Indian population. Modi will definitely find it difficult to build consensus on key reforms involving states for at least initial one year. Gandhian Anna would do much better than expert Bhagwati Yesterday I expressed my opinion about the ideal construct of new government. I may reiterate that in my view the key portfolios should be given to serious politicians and statesmen, who have the ability to think beyond current conditions and into the realm of impossibilities. To further i...

Thought for the day “While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die.” —Leonardo da Vinci (Italian, 1452-1519) Word for the day Rile (v) To irritate or vex (Source: Dictionary.com) Teaser for the day Notwithstanding the TV debates on frivolous issues, on ground this election is firmly about serious economic and governance issues. Let politicians rule the country Once a group of people comprising statesman, entrepreneurs, economists, bureaucrats, business managers, and financial analysts were asked a question – “What would you do if you get a US$100mn lottery? The replies were as follows: Economist: “The proposition is purely hypothetical. I cannot answer this.” Bureaucrat: “Will take early retirement, buy a bungalow on a hill station and enjoy”. Business Manager: “Will put 75% in fixed deposit and start a business with the rest.” Financial analyst: “Buy a g...

  Thought for the day “The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.” — Martin Luther King Jr. (American, 1929-1968) Word for the day Contiguous (adj) In close proximity without actually touching; near. (Source: Dictionary.com) Teaser for the day Do you know ‘Modi’? Have you joined the battle yet? Early this year I had written ( see here ) that 2014 general elections in India are no ordinary elections. It is decidedly a referendum on the desire and commitment of people for change in the popular political discourse of the country. It is a two layered contest. On the surface the contest is between continuity of feudalistic politics dominated by vested interests & parochial considerations on one side and the aspirations of common people on the side. At the subterranean level however the contest is more interesting. It is a fight within various politica...

Thought for the day “The human being is in the most literal sense a political animal, not merely a gregarious animal, but an animal which can individuate itself only in the midst of society.” —Karl Marx (German, 1818-1883 ) Word for the day Gregarious (adj) Fond of the company of others; sociable. (Source: Dictionary.com) Teaser for the day If BJP takes UP and Bihar as some polls are suggesting, will National politics revert to pre 1980 era of great North-South divide with North dominating and south sulking? Or will it be different this time? Nothing secular or fundamental about it The recent report of CRISIL on Indian economy is a good realty check for the market participants who are placing their bets on basis of improving macroeconomic fundamentals. The report broadly confirms our hypothesis that the growth potential of Indian economy has shifted down structurally towards 6% GDP growth level and it is extremely...

Thought for the day “I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.” — George Bernard Shaw (Irish, 1856-1950 ) Word for the day Dyad (n) Group of two; couple; pair. (Source: Dictionary.com) Teaser for the day Does Bhartiyata (Indianness) involve atonement, forgiveness, evolution, faith, devotion, tolerance, mutual respect, and belief in divinity? Economics of Jugaad - good for survival, not so for growth ‘Jugaad’ in economic field is as dangerous as in personal (like self medication) and political (caste and religion based politics, adhocism in key socio-economic policies etc.) After BJP issued its 2014 election manifesto early this month, the media debate for once appeared focusing on issues like economic growth and development, employment, inflation etc. I was gratified to note the diversion from redundant issues like communalism and dynastic politics towards more relevant issues. But my state of gratification did not last ...