Do it yourself

  योगस्थ : कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय | सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्यो : समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते ||2:48|| Be steadfast in the performance of your duty, O Arjun, abandoning attachment to success and failure. Such equanimity is called Yog. (Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2 Verse 48) बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते | तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योग : कर्मसु कौशलम् ||2:50|| One who prudently practices the science of work without attachment can get rid of both good and bad reactions in this life itself. Therefore, strive for Yog, which is the art of working skillfully (in proper consciousness). (Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2 Verse 50) In the present times, ‘politics’ is a struggle to find balance between economics and popularity. Good economics (fiscal prudence; balanced monetary policy; equitable taxation; etc.) usually does not get popular votes. Whereas poor economics (subsidies; helicopter money; unsustainable incentives like tax concessions, lower rates...

Last weekend I happened to attend couple of e-meetings. The participants were mostly financial market participants. Few business persons and professional also were present. The agenda was primarily to discuss the current economic scenario and the trends in financial markets. However, within few minutes, the discussion digressed to the current socio-political environment. The views of the participants rekindled the memories of 1993 in my mind. It was summer of 1993. The country was in total turmoil at that time. The unprecedented balance of payment crisis in 1990-91 had forced the government to initiate significant economic reforms - some under pressure from IMF, some forced by the massive scam in financial markets, and some voluntarily. Many small and medium sized businesses - there were very few large businesses back then - were struggling for survival. Most of them would eventually become redundant over next one decade. Financial markets were still reeling beneath the debris of...