"The liberties of a
people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their
rulers may be concealed from them."
— Patrick Henry (American,
1736-1799)
Word for the day
Sybaritic (adj)
Characterized by or loving
luxury or sensuous pleasure. E.g., to wallow in sybaritic splendor.
(Source: Dictionary.com)
Malice towards none
All Bull Markets were born
from the womb of Bear Markets.
First random thought this morning
The act of the Partition in 1947 was aimed at reservation of
geographical areas and resources contained therein, for religious majorities
on both sides of the border.
Post independence, creation of states on linguistic basis was an
act of further sub-reservation for majority on the grounds of regional
identity.
Then came further sub-reservations for the majority on ground
of socio-economic status (poor and suppressed are still in majority).
Where is reservation and protection for minorities.
Do what you are good at.
I have been hearing the phrase "21st century belongs to
India" for past two decades. Many politicians and analysts have used this
cliché to emphasize the tremendous economic opportunities that India could
offer in next few decades, given its young demography. The list of investors
and global States seeking strategic partnerships who have been excited by the
potential is long and impressive. The list of investors and Statesmen who have
been disappointed in past two decades is also not small.
The point to evaluate critically is whether India sans its core
ethos is viable as an economic and strategic power house!
In my view, it is definitely not.
Religion has been a major force in core Indian ethos.
Traditionally it has been the influence of religion that has brought the
concepts of scientific inquisition, righteousness, moral rectitude, social
responsibility, environmental sustainability, debt management, HR management,
and just & fair taxation, etc. in the trade and commerce.
Post Independence the State has been over focusing on
micromanaging businesses and ignoring key social issues. This has weakened the
core fabric of Indian society, inasmuch as that taking pride in our rich heritage
has become synonym with bigotry for all - the so called "nationalist"
who takes pride, the so called "secularist" who is too scared to take
pride, and the so called "rationalist" who find nothing to take pride
in Indian heritage.
Consequently, temples have degenerated from being center of
learning & spiritual evolution to shelters for hatemongers, fearmongers,
power seekers, and wealth hoarders. Many of these promote superstitions and
block scientific inquiry to the detriment of society at large.
In my view, if we want to make this century belong to India, then
Indian State—
(a) should leave business
completely to private enterprise;
(b) play a much larger role
in social awakening and create an enabling environment of mutual trust, self
motivation, and compassion;
(c) make the Temple (of
course including Mosques, Monasteries, Gurudwaras, Agiyaris and Derasars and
others) play a larger evolutionary role in progress of the society, rather than
continuing to de-generate further and stay a stumbling block in the path to
socio-economic progress; (Taking their gold for managing current account
deficit is not sufficient!)
Given this, I am sure, Indians could do the wonders, everyone
expect them to do now.
The State must realize and accept that politicians and bureaucrats
are naturally and seriously handicapped insofar as their understanding of
business is concerned. They should just secure borders, maintain law &
order and promote social harmony. So far they have focused on the former at the
expense of the latter for the disastrous consequences.
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