In his latest 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked citizens to send him ideas on what he should say in his Independence Day speech. The prime minister did this so that he could set the trend for the next year of governance. So, for his consideration, here are my top five areas he could focus on, both in his speech and administration: #1: Make peace, not war Do not allow the India-China border row to devolve into war. Even though China's propensity to breach … [Read more...] about Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech: From making peace to rejecting prejudice, five things PM must say
Political
The Modi-Trump Meeting: Kiss After The Hiss
A TV channel asked me, "What did I make of the Modi-Trump meeting?" I gave my take based on what they said, their body language and some back ground information I had, as below. When Modi alighted from the car, his and even Trump’s body language (to some extent) was a language of mending the fences. When Modi cracked a joke, the laughter also seemed a bit forced and a bit overdone. This was expected as the telecons prior to their meet hadn’t gone too well. On the Indian side there … [Read more...] about The Modi-Trump Meeting: Kiss After The Hiss
Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat: A mission without backing of law makes guinea pigs out of eager votaries
On Saturday, Ravinder, an e-rickshaw driver in Delhi, perhaps inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat initiative, objected to two young men urinating in the open. He requested that they use a public toilet. They responded by returning with a dozen others and bludgeoning him to death. It would be simplistic to attribute their rage to our society’s feudal instinct where offenders from a higher socio-economic class retaliate violently simply because the advice is given from … [Read more...] about Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat: A mission without backing of law makes guinea pigs out of eager votaries
Good Luck Kiran. Good Luck Good Ones. Good Luck India
I was happy to read today that so many prominent and well meaning Indians are supporting Kiran Bedi’s candidature for Chief Information Commissioner. Moreover they are asking the Government that if you appoint another person, please let us know how that person is more suitable. That is great. Acche log ghar se bahar nikal aayen hain. Milkar naare lagane lagey hain- ek acche insaan ke liye. Yeh nayi aur badi baat hai. (The good are ganging up together, in favour of the good. This is a new and … [Read more...] about Good Luck Kiran. Good Luck Good Ones. Good Luck India
Desh ko Sone ki Chidiya nahin, Sone Ka Baaj Banao.
It all started with Shashi Tharoor staying in a five star hotel and not his state Bhavan. In my view he was right to stay where he did. In my view it is not just a question of the State Bhavan not having a gym. For many politicians (particularly those who are exposed to the West) it is difficult to stay in the State Bhavans because of the poor hygiene standards. It is common to find bed sheets stained with semen and boot polish, the bath rooms are also often unhygienic. The crockery used, the … [Read more...] about Desh ko Sone ki Chidiya nahin, Sone Ka Baaj Banao.
Babus should stand- Politicians should stand
Rajasthan CM, Ashok Gehlot has asked the babus to stand up when the neta walks in, to return his calls, and to behave respectfully with him. That this directive has become necessary is a wholesome development. It means that the bureaucracy is challenging the politician’s authority. This is a healthy sign. (Simultaneously the society should challenge the bureaucrat’s authority as all authority in the society should be based on contribution. And by that measure his record in the last 62 years is … [Read more...] about Babus should stand- Politicians should stand