"He was like a cock who
thought the sun had risen to hear him crow."
—George
Eliot (British, 1819-1880)
Word
for the day
Skylark (v)
To frolic, e.g., The children were
skylarking on the beach.
Malice
towards none
The total civic
mismanagement of monsoon makes one thing certain - Still no one takes IMD forecast seriously.
First random thought this morning
There was hardly any day last month when newspapers did not
prominently report a fresh instance of rape. Many girls who suffered were
minors. Something is seriously and definitely wrong with our society; and the
conditions are worsening with each passing day, beyond any doubt.
Despite all solemn commitments post the infamous Nirbhaya
incident, the state has failed to address the issue in any effective manner.
Under these circumstances if a girl/woman or their parents do not feel like
living in the country, why should they be blamed or branded anti-national?
For a few medals more
In three days, 31st episode of the Summer Olympic Games of the
modern era would start. India is sending her largest ever team of 120
sportspersons to the mega sports event.
On the occasion, I have few random thoughts that I would like to
share with my readers. Some of these thoughts relate to the social issues that
may potentially have serious economic implications in the decades to come.
These may therefore be considered in formulation of investment strategy.
Primary observations
(a) One obvious, but still
relevant, observation is that the Indian contingent of 120 sportspersons
comprises 54 female athletes. I wonder whether it is yet another headline claim
of gender equality. At the ground, I find little evidence of this phenomenon.
The female athletes like all other female workers are not treated at par with
their male counterparts.
(b) Olympic games usually
illuminates the flame of nationalism amongst the middle class of the country.
The poor have no time for, or interest in, these things. For rich it is a great
tourism opportunity.
The government
authorities and politicians, including the PM himself, want Indian team to win
medals (we will be jubilant if our team brings more than 6 won at 2012 London
games). Similar sentiments were seen when Amir Khan starrer Lagaan made to
final round of the Oscars.
Wonder why politicians
and government have started showing so much interest in games and films in past
couple of decades. In my view, because these two recreation activities are
emerging as large industries with huge employment potential. More important,
unlike ITeS, these recreation activities are attracting people from the
relatively lower economic strata (a fertile political constituency). Watch
music TV realty shows, and check on economic background of IPL & Kabbadi
league players to appreciate what I am trying to suggest.
The reluctance of the
government to declare sports as an industry is however baffling. The sooner it
is done, better it would be.
(c) A lot of clamoring,
financial support and other efforts are made to make athletes competitive at
the international level. These efforts have certainly yielded some results in
past one decade. A number of sportspersons have performed well at the
international level. Each one successful athlete might motivate 100k more to
join the race. Just like one successful entertainment star motivates thousands
to take the train to Mumbai (or Hyderabad or wherever).
Ever wondered if we
could produce a noble laureate in mathematics, physics, or medicine. He could change
lives of millions of the fellow countrymen through his work. But that is not
the priority of anyone. This constituency is negligible from electoral
viewpoint. Domestic NGOs and industry are not sure whether India can retain a
noble laureate, even if she produces one. Overseas NGOs obviously see a
conflict of interest in this area....to continue tomorrow
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