Thought for the day
”The world is a republic of mediocrities, and always was.”
-
Thomas Carlyle (Scottish, 1795-1881)
Word for the day
Bugbear (n)
Any source, real or imaginary, of needless fright or fear.
A persistent problem or source of annoyance.
(Source:
Dictionary.com)
Teaser for the day
A 129 year old organization, which in past had been led by
great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose, is genuflecting
before a reluctant novice to assume its leadership.
It reflects on whom - the party; the country; our political
system; our understanding of democracy or just Gandhi family?
Three short stories
A dilapidated building needing urgent reconstruction
Three years ago I had chance to visit a dilapidated residential
building in Mumbai. The palatial building which once housed officers of the
crown, was abode of mostly lower middle class families engaged in sundry
professions. The civic authorities had declared the building dangerous both for
its occupants as well as the neighborhood. It therefore needed to be urgently
demolished and reconstructed.
Many occupants had already made the alternative arrangements and
moved on. But a few were still clinging on. When enquired, I was told that
these are either retired/unemployed people who cannot afford an alternative
accommodation, or the brave ones who do not mind risking their life for a few
extra bucks in compensation. I am sure there would be a few who would be
staying on for emotional reasons.
The current state of the Congress Party reminds me of that building.
No one seeking freedom
Once the home
minister of a state visited the Jail on the Independence Day. After finishing
his speech, he asked the inmates about their problems and what he could do for
them. Most complained about mosquitoes and quality of food. Few wanted new
blankets. Some daring one asked for a TV in the library. No convict asked for
freedom. No under-trial requested that his/her trial may be speeded up, or
he/she be released on bail as the trail proceedings had procrastinated beyond the
maximum sentence they would face if convicted. The minister granted their
wishes and won their adulation.
The latest controversy over UPSC civil services exams is a
similar instance.
Is India already corruption free?
The politicians who campaigned aggressively for a corruption
free India, especially Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, during last general
election have not uttered a word on corruption in past three months.
Rahul Gandhi who made a passionate pitch for the famous
"SIX" anti corruption legislations to be passed by the Parliament
chose not to use the opportunity of bargaining with the government on any of
the legislations proposed by his party in last six months of UPA-II regime.
Narendra Modi would have been happy to support some of these legislations in
lieu of Congress' support on Insurance (Amendment) Bill.
Arvind Kejriwal, or for that matter any AAP leader, has not
publically mentioned the phrase "Jan Lokpal" in past three months.
P. Chidambaram and Manmohan Singh, who had passionately advocated
higher FDI limits in insurance sector, have not uttered a word on Congress'
opposition to the Bill.
What the action of these people and parties imply?
To me it implies nothing. I always believed that these are
normal politicians who are selfish and care about common man issues only and to
the extent it serves their vested interests.
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