A Date With A Legend!

I'm back after a gap of three months. The time I was sick and nestled in my paradise, devoid of connectivity.

Yesterday, Shri Sunder Lal Bahuguna, of the Chipko Andolan fame, a Padma Vibhushan, a satyagrahi crusader, came visiting our town. I was there to recieve him. He is accompanied by his wife, Vimla Bahuguna, and the AAHWAN NGO team led by Mr. Kishore Upadhyaya, a former industry minister of Uttranchal and the present MLA from Tehri.

The aim of their visit is to spread the message of peace, non-violence, and 'Aahwan' - a clarion call to all humanity to Save Himalayas, Save Water and Save Lives. The visit, after Kashmir, is a part of a long journey that will take this team to all the Himalyan states and the neighbouring countries. The mission involves, one, to create awareness among the masses (the ruled) for the need to save Himalayas and two, to unite the governments and legislators (the rulers) for this common and life saving cause.

In this context, the team called upon the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal. Prof. Dhumal has been very kind and a generous host. He apprised the Aahwan team of his efforts aimed to protect the environment and his efforts for uniting the Himalayan States for this common cause. An impressive agenda indeed.

Greetings

Bahuguna ji was very happy and thanked the hon'ble chief minister by saying, "You have recharged me!"

More on Bahuguna ji in the next post.

The Aussies are 'Down Under'!

Hey! Australia have been knocked out of the T20 World Cup.

This will make the Indians happy. The so-called best team in the world is 'down under'. The attacks on the Indian community in Australia should be condemned by all and sundry. The Kangaroos are rubbing us the wrong way. So a send off so early in the tournament is indeed welcome.

And hold on the Kangroos, India will win yet again.

Mera Bharat Mahaan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

Forget the H-Word

Well, at last, the debate has finally begun. The debate on the H-word. Hindutva . It was long overdue. The Hidutva has long served its purpose and is today an embarrasing liability for the BJP.

See what happened in the general elections. BJP lost an election which was there to be won. The party has not started the official analysis and introspection and nor have Advaniji and Rajnath Singh moved from the positions they occupy. The delay is only adding up to the confusion, which was very much evident during the elections.

The message from the peoples verdict is loud and clear. People have voted for decency, for a modern India. The BJP has to understand what the people and especially youth want. The BJP should not try to force people and youth to accept what it wants. BJP must also understand why Vajpayeeji was and is acceptable in the whole country. If the BJP can address these two issues then the battle of 2014 is won.

Let us have a look at the run up to the polls. Kandhamal had vitiated the atmosphere. Raj Thackerey and his MNS were playing foul, Ram Sena's Muthalik and Togdias were spitting poison, the Manglore Pub incident was a horror.

Still there was more to come during the campaign itself. Time and again Narendra Modi's name was adding to the confusion. To top it all, when things were looking pretty cool, there was a bombshell in the shape of Varun Gandhi and his infamous, ugly, hateful, stupid, derailing speeches. The whole nation was shocked and reacted by polarising towards the Congress.

During all this Advaniji came out as a weak and undecisive leader, he never put his foot down and he never took hard decisions which were the need of the hour. Had he withdrawn Varun's ticket, the results would have been very diffferent. India and its masses and its youth were not amused by the prevailing confusion.

In contrast, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi backed Manmohan Singh so solidly that a weak Manmohan Singh came out as a strong and decisive leader. The country as a whole spoke in one voice. The 'thugs' of the likes of Lallu, Paswan, Amar Singh, Mayawati were silenced and shown their real place. People have sent a message that enough is enough.

It is time BJP learnt its lesson. It should abandon the H-word and concentrate on its strengths, good governance and able leadership. This should be the sole ideology of the party - good governance and able leadership. The party has to change and keep up with the modern times and the youth of the country. The party has to be forward looking and keep pace with the changing idiom in the country.This way BJP can throw away the H-label and take the antagnostic media off its back. This will make the BJP more acceptable to the people all over the country. First you have to earn the goodwill of the people. Then this will translate into votes and seats and power in 2014.

This is what I want. A BJP government in power at the centre. I will contribute all that I have in me to this end. I am happy the debate has begun and people like Sudheendra Kulkarni and Swapan Dasgupta are keen supporters of this cause. In fact they, like me, represent the modern face of the party in these modern times and advancing India.

Thankfully, the BJP leadership has named Arun Jaitely as the leader in the Lok Sabha and Sushma Swaraj as the deputy leader in the Rajya sabha. They too represent the modern outlook needed to be a part of the mainstream in India.

Mera Bharat Mahaan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

Team India Online!

The Team India has started the quest for the second T20 World Cup on a winning note. The Team India is online!

Yesterday, India beat Bangladesh convincingly. Yuvraj and Ojha excelled in the field. A nice warm up game for India.

Another warm up game with Ireland on 10th June. The real match on 12th June is against the first seeded team of group C, Australia. This can change if the third seed knock out Australia by coming first or second and Australia coming third. Then we play this third seeded team on 12th June! The rules seem a bit complicated.

Good luck Team India.

Mera Bharat Mahaan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

A Rainy Note!

Game 1 of the second edition of T20 World Cup in England.

The opening game was a cliffhanger and an upset. The Dutch came up with a well deserved victory over England and opened up the tournament. England were a disaster in the field, letting go umpteen catches and run outs, literally to the last ball. Yes they had their chance of saving the game even on the last ball. They missed and the overthrow gave the game to the Dutch. This is what cricket is all about. The uncertainty and the thrill.

I am going to support my country, Team India, and help it win the World Cup yet again. So watch out for June 6th, 10th, 12th, 14th and the semis and the final.

The only concern at present is the weather playing a spoilsport. Will the rain gods oblige?

Rain rain go away

Come again some other day

Kenny and the others want to play

T20 world cup all the way!

Mera Bharat Mahaan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Navin Chawla At It Again

Navin Chawla, the Chief Election Commissioner, is again playing spoilsport. He is hell bent on undoing all the good work done by his predecessors all these years. As if the controversy during the general elections was not enough, he has goofed up yet again.

What a way to help the party in power?

The Rajya Sabha polls are due in Jharkhand, with two seats up for grabs. And grabbing has been initiated by the Congress and its allies, with the keen connivance of none other than the CEC of India!? The arithmatic of the Vidhan Sabha makes it possible for the UPA and BJP to win one seat each. But our learned and schemeful CEC, Navin Chawla, has come up with a beauty of an idea. He has issued two seperate notifications for the election to the Rajya Sabha. Now the MLAs will vote twice (seperately for each seat) on the same day! This way Navin Chawla is helping the Congress inc. to win both seats!! Navin Chawla you are a genious in helping Congress and bringing down the constitutional institutions of our democracy!!! You are undoing what the people of India have just done recently through the vote. People voted for decency and order and voted against the 'thugs' who hijack the system, the way you are hijacking the constitutional system for obvious reasons.

So much for the constitutional institutions of the country. Is the EC really independent? Can a CEC behave like the 'thugs' of Laalu, Mayawati, Amar Singh fame? What can citizens do in such a situation? The present dispesation has been voted for five years. Are these five years going to be a leaf out of the infamous 'Emergency', the dilution of what the Constitution of India stands for? God save my country from another breed of thugs! Amen.

Mera Bharat Mahaan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Belated Comment on Belated Wisdom!

So the country has spoken, at last!

Yes, India has spoken, loud and clear, though late in the day. India has had many lost years, the years when the 'thugs' took the system for a ride. The public cried and moaned, but all fell on deaf ears. A corrective was needed. At last the people of India have delivered. They have voted for a cleaner system. They have 'silenced the thugs'. They have given a mandate for governance.

This is what India needs today, governance. The time will stand guard as to the performance of the present establishment. Whether this establishment delivers or not, but the correction has been made. Today the Congress occupies the treasury benches and the BJP is the main and 'only' opposition. Many others do not matter. The general election has thrown up a two-party system. Now it is upto these two parties, the Congress and the BJP, to bahave and win the confidence of the people to make this a permanent feature of Indian electoral system.

Mera Bharat Mahan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Congress Exposed!

The scramble for power has begun. The election results are due tomorrow on 16th May 2009. The powers that be are in the overdrive. They want power at any cost. At any cost. Nothing matters more. They want power. Remember Kissa Kursi Ka?

What is shocking in this cacophony is the stand and stance of the Congress. Has Congress fooled the country all these years? The Congress has always called BJP a communal party. There are many Parties and leaders who have been with the BJP in power in the past. If BJP is communal, what is the status of these friends of BJP? From the Congress perspective, they should be communal too. That is what the Congress and the Left has been crying all these years.

What is happening today? The Congress cannot get more than 100 seats. But they want power at any cost. Under the circumstances, a new formula has emerged. The formula is that we are ready to please anyone who will help us retain the power, the only exceptions are BJP and Shiv Sena. So what happens to the friends of BJP? No, they are not communal!. They are the Passport for Congress to grab the Kursi, yet again.

In the madness to power, the Congress is forgetting that Jayalalitha openly supports the Ram Temple and Ram Setu issues. But the Congress is ready to ditch the DMK, which helped in getting the Kursi last time, and is reaching all out to rope in Amma because she will get 25 seats. So what if she is communal? So what if the DMK government will fall in Tamil Nadu? So what if Laalu and Paswan have to be ditched and a friend of BJP Nitish Kumar has to be chased? So what if Amar Singh and Mulayam Singh have to be buttered? So what if Naveen Patnaik has to be pleased?

So what if the whole Nation is being fooled? Who cares? Our only aim is Kursi at any cost. We have 'our' President who will invite us to form the government. So what if the BJP has taken a principled stand that the President should invite the biggest pre-poll formation to form the government?

The Congress is collecting the letters of support, the letters you know will be 'bought' at very high costs to the country. Who cares about the country? Narashima Rao had taught us how to 'buy' (remember JMM?), we survived the last five years by buying so many? So nothing matters now, only power to Congress!

As a citizen of India, a voter, someone proud of his country, I can only say Shame to you Congress. For me this is a national tragedy being performed in full public glare!

Mera Bharat Mahan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

BigB Sent Me A Birthday Present!

Friends did you hear? BigB sent me a birthday present today, 8 April 2009. Unbelievable? I know. Let me tell you this story and pass on to you the baton – the hope and the wisdom.

I was feeling very low on my birthday today. So when the Day 349 unfolded on BigB’s blog, I wrote a short note in the comments. The tone said all, although the words did not. And then the God intervened. In no time, in a matter of minutes, BigB posted his second post on this great day, 8 April 2009. And there was my birthday present! The God, through BigB, sent a beautiful message for me!

I will reproduce here the thanks I wrote to BigB in the comments. To read the other part, namely the wisdom of BigB, please refer to his blog, bigb.bigadda.com, day 350, “The fern and the Bamboo”.

Amit ji,

I wrote today in the earlier edition (7-8 April), that it’s my birthday! Since there is now this edition, 8 April – I again mention, today it’s my birthday!

I was feeling very low, the tone can be seen in the earlier short note of mine. The God, all-knowing, omnipresent and omnipotent, has His ways. As you mention here, He won’t give up on me. That is why you posted for the second time today and sent me this beautiful birthday gift – the best so far in my 45 years – “The Fern and The Bamboo”!

From now on – never to regret a day in life, especially 8 April. There’s not a challenge I could not handle. I understand that the roots, the foundations have grown strong, all along. I will not compare myself with others, for I have a different purpose, and a higher one at that. My time will come, and I will rise high. Very high, very very high, very very very high…….

“Give me glory by rising as high as you can”, God and You urge me to move on and beyond. I have my share of happiness and experience.

Thank you very much for such a beautiful gift, an eternal gift on my birthday.

Why Not NSA against Laalu?

And now Laalu Prasad Yadav? The Cabinet Minister of India?

Yesterday he was bragging at a public meeting that had he been the Home Minister, he would have crushed Varun Gandhi under a road roller!

A responsible Cabinet Minister of UPA Government? This is the true face of the present government. No surprises, when the criminals and the corrupt like Laalus occupy the highest positions in this land of Mahatama Gandhi, the wisdom and governance will be at their nadir.

Now the million dollar question - will NSA be invoked against Laalu? What is the difference between what Varun Gandhi and Laalu spoke in public? They both spoke foul, both are inciting voilence, both have shown their criminal intentions. The Laalu's words are more disturbing because he is part of the present government, his duty is very opposite to what he is doing.

Look at the property and assets of Laalu and Rabri and their children? Where has all this money come from? Laalu is a corrupt man. He needs to be put behind bars.

Is anyone listening? The government? The Home Minister? The Voters of India?

Make your choice?!

Mera Bharat Mahaan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

Transform India 360 Degrees

Friends,

The General Elections are here. Believe me, this election is not 'General'. It's special, very special. This election will decide where the country is headed for, and in turn where you are headed for.

Today, India has the foundations. Be it the economy, scientific endevour, IT, cricket, movies..... Herein lies the dilemma. Do we want the status-quo? Stagnation? Or do we want to move on and beyond? The change for the good is and always is desirable. Today you decide your future. 

For me, it has to be Lal Krishan Advani leading my country. I say this, because I'm impressed with what  Advani ji and his team have - they have a DREAM. It sure is my dream for my country and my dream for me. Advani ji has a positive agenda for governance, for taking the country forward.

Consider this:

Information Technology document, IT Vision, put forward by the BJP is by far the best blueprint for the development of the country and for ensuring that the development reaches the poor, the villages, the farms, the women, the rural schools, the defence personnel, the retired citizen and the middle class. I am amazed at the idea of IT being utilized in practically every field and creating jobs, 1.2 crore rural jobs! This will modernise our Nation, empower the common man, lessen the corruption and reduce the inequitable distribution of wealth.

The Advani team is committed to give our country a strong administration. Tougher laws to tackle law and order and terrorism. It is high time somebody did something about Terror. 

The status-quo will keep the things as they are! If you do not want things to improve in your country, please do not support and vote Advani.

For the farmers and students, loans at 4% interest rate! Loan waivers for the  farmers. No more farmer suicides in India. Debts off and cheapest credit, nothing more a farmer can dream of. 

Then the poor will get support and reservation and social security - the economic poor and not the caste based system of today. The IT to create 1.2 crore jobs. Cheap food.

A connectivity revolution is promised, broadband to every village with unlimited download at cable prices. The students are promised one crore laptops for Rs. 10,000. And interest free loans for a laptop. All schools to have internet enabled education.

For the girl child, Ladli Lakshmi Yojana. Every school going girl will have a balance of upwards of Rs. 1 lakh by the time she turns 18 years of age. No more infanticides, school drop-outs and dowry deaths.

Income Tax exemption till Rs. 3 lakhs. No Income Tax for retired employees and armed forces and para military forces. A seperate Pay Commission for the Armed Forces.

The BPL families to get smart mobile phones free.

Health insurance for all, cashless hospitalisation. Every PHC to be linked to National Telemedicine Service Network.

"E-Gram, Vishwa Gram" to computerise every govt. office right upto panchayat level. National 'Digital' Highways to revolutionalise connectivity.

 A toll free number to contact your MP anytime.

 "BJP Ka Vaada : Sabhi Ka IT Se Naata

  Har Hindustani Ka Bank Khata,

  Har BPL Parivar Ko Mobile Phone,

  Har Gaon Mein Broadband Suvidha,

  Har School Mein Internet Suvidha"

The IT is envisioned to Transform India 360 Degrees. India will move forward. You will move forward. Life will be better for you. Corruption will abate. More accounable leadership.

What do you want?

Make a choice.

The right choice.

Mera Bharat Mahaan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

Get Aside Shahrukh Khan

This is not cricket!

The darling of yesteryears, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar 'Sunny', certainly does not deserve the tongue lashing meted out to him by Shahrukh Khan. Sunil Gavaskar had some valid remarks against Shahrukh's team coach Buchanan. Gavaskar is justified to do that, that's his observation. But look, what Shahrukh did. He questioned the very legend, negating Gavaskar's achievements, knowledge and experience. Shahruk Apne Paise Ke Zor Par Gavaskar Ko Neecha Dikhana Chahta Hai.

I ask of Shahrukh Khan, who are you? Does throwing in money,  make you the boss of Indian cricket? That's what you were bragging about in your silly press conference. People love you as an actor, that's the end of the story. We love cricket and we love our cricketers. How dare you challenge Sunil Gavaskar to put up a team? Money has really gone to your head. Money brings ego, and one's downfall. That's what happening to you. Learn a lesson or two in humility from the more famous and the legend Amitabh Bachchan.

Having money, does not qualify Shahrukh Khan to abuse the cricketing legends - they are National Heroes and National Wealth. They have toiled for the country and they have made us proud as Indians. I am totally against this system of cricket and sports where money matters more than the sportsmen themselves. The BCCI should look into this dangerous trend emerging from the IPL format. Tommorow another silly, moneyed, egoistic can challenge the Sachins and Dhonis!? I know cricket is driven by money and cricket brings in still more money. But why should people like Shahrukh rule over the Indian cricket? Why not people like Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and the other greats?

I'm going to hoot against your team Shahrukh. I have lost respect for you. The people of India are not going to forget this insult of their hero, Sunil Gavaskar, the greatest of all cricketers India has produced.

Mera Bharat Mahaan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

Silent Eloquence

    A Picture Says More Than A Thousand Words! 

The Chopper - Ghasigaon Helipad

Sai Anant - The Paradise - my farmhouse in Kotkhai

The Family

Saviours Who? - 3

The Varun Gandhi controversy won't die down! Mayawati slapping the NSA against Varun Gandhi for his infamous utterings. Why the NSA? Are we in a democratic and free India? Will NSA be invoked against me for writing this?

This is a thumbs down for Mayawati. To speak the truth, Mayawati has spoken dirtier things. Her brand of politics thrives on the foundation of hate and divisiveness. She has overtaken the corrupt among the political leaders. And now she has overtaken the criminals and the like who have no respect for the law of the land.

India needs a mechanism to check such misuse of powers by the powers that be. The Saviours of the Constitution turn villains, in pursuit of  their selfish ends. What message is Mayawati sending to the Nation? Has she enacted NSA against her Ministers, MPs and MLAs with criminal background?

It is not a question of  Varun Gandhi, the disturbing part is that of the saviours turning tormentors. Omar Abdullah spoke from the heart when he said that Mayawati was wrong in imposing NSA. Other laws were sufficient in this case. This is the kind of morality and convictions we need in the political land scape. Three cheers for Omar Abdullah. 

Are others listening? Omar's new found friends - the congress party - were irresponsible and stupid in keeping silent and then saying that the NSA has been invoked by the State government. It is not the question of what suits the Congress but the question is what suits India? And do they have a view on AR Antulay? On Mohd. Azharudin (Azhar)?

Wrong doings in the Indian democracy, the assaults on the Constitution and on the other foundations of the Indian conscience, have never been tolerated by the countrymen. Not even Indira Gandhi was spared after the Emergency. This wrongful invoking of NSA in Varun Gandhi's case will only make a hero out of him, generate sympathy for him.

In prison, may Varun realise his folly and understand the Indian ethos - unity in diversity, tolerance, sarva dharma sambhav - coexistence of different religions, and above all the great Indian Constitution with all the attendant freedoms and responsibilities.

Till then may god help Maneka Gandhi, the mother.

Mera Bharat Mahaan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.