Do it yourself

Thought for the day "Small aim is a crime; have great aim." —A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (Indian, 1931-2015) Word for the day Scuttlebutt (n) Rumor or gossip. (Source: Dictionary.com) Malice towards none The feeling "Nitish for PM in 2019" is already taking roots in Bihar. In case, Nitish wins this election - the victory speech will resonate what we heard in Ahmadabad in 2012.   First random thought this morning Bihar could be an excellent place for the student of history to understand how the caste system operates in oppressing the poor, and how the religion is used to make the poor accept their oppression and suffering as their fate. No wonder, in the land of Buddha and Mahavira, superstitions and meaningless rituals dominate the day to day life of the "socially oppressed" and "economically redundant". The references "Poor" and "Backward" as used in common parlance ma...

Thought for the day "It means, people who are in high and responsible positions, if they go against righteousness, righteousness itself will get transformed into a destroyer." —A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (Indian, 1931-2015) Word for the day Kakistocracy (n) Government by the worst persons; a form of government in which the worst persons are in power. (Source: Dictionary.com) Malice towards none The Grand Alliance victory in Bihar might compel the Congress Party to leave national leadership to "Allied Forces"! So a loss in Bihar may actually be a step further for BJP in its Congress Free India mission. First random thought this morning Ganga Tera Paani Amrut - is one of the most popular Hindi film song. No Hindu ritual is complete without using Ganga Jal. Then why is that the Gangatic plains of Bihar have high incidence of deadly diseases like cancer! A doctor in Balia say Ganga bring more to...

Thought for the day " One of the very important characteristics of a student is to question. Let the students ask questions. " —A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (Indian, 1931-2015) Word for the day Schlemiel (n) An awkward and unlucky person for whom things never turn out right. (Source: Dictionary.com) Malice towards none Post Bihar elections, BJP may want to review its retirement policy. Experience after all has "Value", in fact lot of value. First random thought this morning 1,25,000 good teachers would do much more good to Bihar than Rs1,25,000 crore economic package. The parents are more willing than ever, students are more enthusiastic than ever, the government is more supportive than ever, the money being spent is more than ever - the only missing piece perhaps is a the teacher! Given that Bihar can regain its glory in two decades. Nifty: At the tipping point Nifty has reached a cr...

Thought for the day " Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work. " —A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (Indian, 1931-2015) Word for the day Shirk (v) To evade (work, duty, responsibility, etc.). (Source: Dictionary.com) Malice towards none Should the popular TV channel Zindagi that mostly shows Pakistani serials be banned and all those who watch it be termed seditionists? First random thought this morning Delhi's famous Raavan markets in Tagore Garden is facing serious slowdown in business. The demand for effigies of the supreme symbol of evil is down by 25-30% this year. The economics is not the only reason behind the slow down. Youths' indifference and question mark over the supremacy of Raavan amongst the evil could be some of the reasons. A small survey of young people to find reasons has thrown some interesting que...

Thought for the day "How quick come the reasons for approving what we like!" —Jane Austen (British, 1775-1817) Word for the day Otiose (adj) Being at leisure; idle; indolent. (Source: Dictionary.com) Malice towards none Many seem to be implying that if you had chosen not to protest in 1975, 1984, 2002, 2013 - you have seized your right to protest! Someone remind them that Lord Krishna acted only when Shishupal abused him for 101st time. Reign your temptations The current result season has expectedly started on a low note. Industry leaders like TCS, HUL and ZEE have posted results which were below even moderate expectations. More importantly, the managements of these companies are not sounding particularly optimistic about the prospects in near future. The management of HUL has categorically confirmed many trends that I have been highlighting from time to time ( see here ). For example: (a) ...

Thought for the day "I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle." —Jane Austen (British, 1775-1817) Word for the day Cognoscenti (n) Persons who have superior knowledge and understanding of a particular field, especially in the fine arts, literature, and world of fashion. (Source: Dictionary.com) Malice towards none What is the raison d'être of Shiv Sena today? Protecting the vulnerable Indian government has raised tariff barriers on import of steel, aluminum, vegetable oils, etc. in recent weeks to protect the domestic manufacturers from global dumping. This week India's three copper majors — Hindalco Industries, Vedanta Ltd and Hindustan Copper Ltd—have reportedly warned ( see here ) "the government that the sector is facing an imminent shutdown in the face of a surge in cheaper imports from Japan and ASEAN countries, which could jeopardise the Narend...