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
Political
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
Lessons from our Sins
The biggest sin is discrimination. Doing it and tolerating it. I am appalled at what is happening in Australia and wish to put before the reader answers to: Why does racism still persist? Why are Indians being targeted again and again? In my view there are several reasons for this. 1. Political and historical reason : The Anglo saxon race still remembers that it ruled us once and some among them may consider themselves superior to us for this reason. Machiavelli has said that if you … [Read more...] about Lessons from our Sins