One politician who really knows what he is doing and how best that can be done is Kapil Sibal...No doubt his intellect is taking over his intelligence as he drafts the latest Educational Reforms in India after he took over the Ministry of Human Resources development. 3 major decisions that would impact the most important human resources of our Future India- Our Children.
1. Making the 10th standard CBSE examination optional and making it a performance and grade oriented system
2. Bringing in a uniform pattern of evaluation for both engineering and medicine entrance
3. Best of all- No Pre school till the age of four.
With these reforms in place, there is lot more expected from him to continue bringing in a better Educational System in India.
1. Curb the practice of building funds and huge capitation and donations for school and college admissions
2. Streamline college elections and competitions without any political involvement
3. Put a regulatory authority to monitor exhoribant educational expenses
4. Bringing in more recent methods of teaching, enabling Government Schools to become primary educational institutions in India
5. Improving salaries and infrastructure supporting teachers well-beings
6. Building proper schools and libraries in Rural India making education within reach of common man across India
7. Adult education for illiterate Indians to be at mass scale to make India, the most educated Nation in the world.
If these few steps are taken, India not only will prove as the hub for knowledge and development but will also stand tall in terms of growth and economic well being. We need lot more Kapil Sibals' in the process to make this happen sooner than later!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
A Dream House !
The Beauty of this imagination is that when I actually went to Michigan and found a place as similar to my age old imagination.....Cant believe it myself. Interestingly, I found the tall chirstmas trees..wooden houses...lots of snow...but not the horse driven carriage! May be next time!
Treasure Hunt- My age old sketches and paintings
While searching for something, found something so interesting. Almost an 18 year old rough notes with Maths and Hindi inbetween stored within its pages some seriously forgotten art of my school days....It was really nice to find them, especially the Geeta Upadesh... ironically, as I keep attending Swami Parthasarathy's speech and explanation of Chapter 16 from Bhagavat Geetha whole of this week at Kamaraj Memorial....this was quite a coincidence!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Currency Symbol for Indian Rupee
Eagerly Awaited!
After the Indian Government's quest and search for the currency symbol that would denote our currency like US $, £ for GBP, € for Euro, five of the best entries have been short listed as the Symbol of Indian Rupee.
Though my entry to the logo / symbol contest didnt get selected to final five, my curiosity knew no bounds to imagine what the final symbol would look like. "R" somewhere close to anything that have this letter probably or no:-),,If so, I would be really elated... and finally our key boards on laptops and computers will have this as a Shift+Key...Wow time when the Ministry of Finance and Reserve Bank of India are going to release the same shortly....
It is the agonizing wait for the final five finalists including a school teacher Shibin KK , two designing firms JWT and Publicisi Ambience and architect Correa Mehtrotra and a typography scholar Udaya Kumar from IIT Mumbai.. The creation that wins is going to represent the currency of world's fastest growing economy and going to find place globally and with swift speed. One of the 5 contenstants will be the proud winner finding place in the History of India...something as great as designing a National Flag...its all about creativity, relevancy and a big bountiful luck.... Just waiting for the big day to come soon!
My choice in the final 5 is # 3. What is yours?
Disgusting Terror Attacks in Pune
Once again, India is bleeding. Who is giving the rights for killing others in this world? Why is this ideology of achieving something by killing innocent civilians. A real war will not be won without facing one on one...be it between two humans or two Nations or two different ideologies. From the times of Hitler to Prabhakaran, the causes failed despite the world ways of handling ideologies because, the way in which the success is sought is not globally accepted. The worst part is making India a scary place to travel for foreigners abroad. We talk, fight, and hate when our Indians are treated badly, or getting killed anywhere in the world today... at the same time, are we are not responsible to collectively aim at protecting the best interests of people coming to India?
One side, the memories of Mumbai blasts did not go away from the world memory,,,the other side, the clashes in Hyderbad in name of Economy, Language and State is defeating the objectives of Progress... and now this Pune Blasts indicate that we have thief's within us. It is not possible for a foreign hand to succeed in creating a terror fear in the Nation without the help of an insider. First and foremost, the responsibility of the Intelligence and Security forces would be to identify the insiders and uproot them from our society. There is no point in playing the blame game, unless we are sure that none in India would support or stand by the terrorists, no matter how much ever we make a noise in the global platform, the Indian Cities are still an easy target.
Security consciousness and National Integrity and Protection is highly visible in the Western World where every Citizen's first responsibility and common sense aims at Home Land Security. Do we have this in us? The day should come when we stop seeing religious flags, party hoardings and flags flying and seeing the National Flag standing in pride as we walk down the streets. Till such day, there is nothing called Patriotism in the minds of Modern Indians that provoke them to fight internally against any form of terrorism. Be it Jai Hind or Jai Ho, we have not set our homes right yet! That's the disgusting truth of terrorism in India today!
One side, the memories of Mumbai blasts did not go away from the world memory,,,the other side, the clashes in Hyderbad in name of Economy, Language and State is defeating the objectives of Progress... and now this Pune Blasts indicate that we have thief's within us. It is not possible for a foreign hand to succeed in creating a terror fear in the Nation without the help of an insider. First and foremost, the responsibility of the Intelligence and Security forces would be to identify the insiders and uproot them from our society. There is no point in playing the blame game, unless we are sure that none in India would support or stand by the terrorists, no matter how much ever we make a noise in the global platform, the Indian Cities are still an easy target.
Security consciousness and National Integrity and Protection is highly visible in the Western World where every Citizen's first responsibility and common sense aims at Home Land Security. Do we have this in us? The day should come when we stop seeing religious flags, party hoardings and flags flying and seeing the National Flag standing in pride as we walk down the streets. Till such day, there is nothing called Patriotism in the minds of Modern Indians that provoke them to fight internally against any form of terrorism. Be it Jai Hind or Jai Ho, we have not set our homes right yet! That's the disgusting truth of terrorism in India today!
State Bank Of India- New Ways of Global Reach
State Bank of India is in news for all good reasons. When I say that it is of the Global Reach, it is not across the countries but across our own villages. Towards a larger and remote connectively bridging all the villages to the ambit of Finance, Support and Micro- Money Management. Opening of Bank Accounts and accessing through mobile phones is the best way to use the advantage of the Most Buzzing Telecom revolution in India.
The Project is for all the below who own mobile phones and have income less than Rs 5000 a month where they can access the nearest grocery stores to send and transact money to anywhere in India. This is as simple as buying a prepaid card in a retail outlet. Doesnt it sound revolutionary....Yes, Small is all times Revolutionary!
Something that sounds like an western union outlet, but from our modern best nationalised bank is a grand welcome to all public,..as people can transact by depositing, transferring and withdrawing money in the nearest retail outlet. This is going to generate employment opportunities as business correspondent close to half a million people in India.... is this not the big best thing happening in the first quarter of the year... Am sure, this will be a successful venture... God Bless you SBI!
Every Day Heroes Making this their own world!
Exact Narration by Suvendu Roy of Titan Industries, who shares his inspirational encounter with a rickshaw driver in Mumbai:
Last Sunday, my wife, kid, and I had to travel to Andheri from Bandra.
When I waved at a passing auto rickshaw, little did I expect that this ride would be any different...
As we set off, my eyes fell on a few magazines (kept in an aircraft style pouch) behind the driver's back rest. I looked in front and there was a small TV. The driver had put on the Doordarshan channel. My wife and I looked at each other with disbelief and amusement. In front of me was a small first-aid box with cotton, dettol and some medicines.
This was enough for me to realise that I was in a special vehicle.
Then I looked round again, and discovered more - there was a radio, fire extinguisher, wall clock, calendar, and pictures and symbols of all faiths
- from Islam and Christianity to Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism.
There were also pictures of the heroes of 26/11- Kamte, Salaskar, Karkare and Unnikrishnan.
I realised that not only my vehicle, but also my driver was special.
As we set off, my eyes fell on a few magazines (kept in an aircraft style pouch) behind the driver's back rest. I looked in front and there was a small TV. The driver had put on the Doordarshan channel. My wife and I looked at each other with disbelief and amusement. In front of me was a small first-aid box with cotton, dettol and some medicines.
This was enough for me to realise that I was in a special vehicle.
Then I looked round again, and discovered more - there was a radio, fire extinguisher, wall clock, calendar, and pictures and symbols of all faiths
- from Islam and Christianity to Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism.
There were also pictures of the heroes of 26/11- Kamte, Salaskar, Karkare and Unnikrishnan.
I realised that not only my vehicle, but also my driver was special.
I started chatting with him and the initial sense of ridicule and disbelief gradually diminished.
I gathered that he had been driving an auto rickshaw for the past 8-9 years; he had lost his job when his employer's plastic company was shut down.
He had two school-going children, and he drove from 8 in the morning till 10 at night.
No break unless he was unwell. "Sahab, ghar mein baith ke T.V dekh kar kya faida? Do paisa income karega toh future mein kaam aayega."
We realised that we had come across a man who represents Mumbai – the spirit of work, the spirit of travel and the spirit of excelling in life.
I asked him whether he does anything else as I figured that he did not have too much spare time.
He said that he goes to an old age home for women in Andheri once a week or whenever he has some extra income, where he donates tooth brushes, toothpastes, soap, hair oil, and other items of daily use.
He pointed out to a painted message below the meter that read: "25 per cent discount on metered fare for the handicapped.
Free rides for blind passengers up to Rs. 50. My wife and I were struck with awe. The man was a HERO!
A hero who deserves all our respect!!!
Our journey came to an end;
45 minutes of a lesson in humility, selflessness, and of a hero-worshipping Mumbai, my temporary home.
We disembarked, and all I could do was
to pay him a tip that would hardly cover a
free ride for a blind man.
I hope, one day, you too have a chance to meet Mr Sandeep Bachhe in his auto rickshaw: MH-02-Z-8508.
My religion is a matter between me and my maker : Gandhiji
Last Sunday, my wife, kid, and I had to travel to Andheri from Bandra.
When I waved at a passing auto rickshaw, little did I expect that this ride would be any different...
As we set off, my eyes fell on a few magazines (kept in an aircraft style pouch) behind the driver's back rest. I looked in front and there was a small TV. The driver had put on the Doordarshan channel. My wife and I looked at each other with disbelief and amusement. In front of me was a small first-aid box with cotton, dettol and some medicines.
This was enough for me to realise that I was in a special vehicle.
Then I looked round again, and discovered more - there was a radio, fire extinguisher, wall clock, calendar, and pictures and symbols of all faiths
- from Islam and Christianity to Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism.
There were also pictures of the heroes of 26/11- Kamte, Salaskar, Karkare and Unnikrishnan.
I realised that not only my vehicle, but also my driver was special.
As we set off, my eyes fell on a few magazines (kept in an aircraft style pouch) behind the driver's back rest. I looked in front and there was a small TV. The driver had put on the Doordarshan channel. My wife and I looked at each other with disbelief and amusement. In front of me was a small first-aid box with cotton, dettol and some medicines.
This was enough for me to realise that I was in a special vehicle.
Then I looked round again, and discovered more - there was a radio, fire extinguisher, wall clock, calendar, and pictures and symbols of all faiths
- from Islam and Christianity to Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism.
There were also pictures of the heroes of 26/11- Kamte, Salaskar, Karkare and Unnikrishnan.
I realised that not only my vehicle, but also my driver was special.
I started chatting with him and the initial sense of ridicule and disbelief gradually diminished.
I gathered that he had been driving an auto rickshaw for the past 8-9 years; he had lost his job when his employer's plastic company was shut down.
He had two school-going children, and he drove from 8 in the morning till 10 at night.
No break unless he was unwell. "Sahab, ghar mein baith ke T.V dekh kar kya faida? Do paisa income karega toh future mein kaam aayega."
We realised that we had come across a man who represents Mumbai – the spirit of work, the spirit of travel and the spirit of excelling in life.
I asked him whether he does anything else as I figured that he did not have too much spare time.
He said that he goes to an old age home for women in Andheri once a week or whenever he has some extra income, where he donates tooth brushes, toothpastes, soap, hair oil, and other items of daily use.
He pointed out to a painted message below the meter that read: "25 per cent discount on metered fare for the handicapped.
Free rides for blind passengers up to Rs. 50. My wife and I were struck with awe. The man was a HERO!
A hero who deserves all our respect!!!
Our journey came to an end;
45 minutes of a lesson in humility, selflessness, and of a hero-worshipping Mumbai, my temporary home.
We disembarked, and all I could do was
to pay him a tip that would hardly cover a
free ride for a blind man.
I hope, one day, you too have a chance to meet Mr Sandeep Bachhe in his auto rickshaw: MH-02-Z-8508.
My religion is a matter between me and my maker : Gandhiji
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Our Meeting with Dr Rudhran
It had been a transforming experience meeting Dr Rudhran today with Raghu. What best can we make out of this meeting than creating a lasting happiness of having met him as one of my best friends today. It is a tale of turning adversities into opportunities.
A 20 year old journey ended with creating the finest memory of this day. Without having to wait for 4 hours, going through a process of counselling and therapy, understanding from a social service person there, without the token number followed by the year, meeting him within 5 minutes of visiting his office this morning was the last thing we would have dreamt in our life. That too as a writer and his friend.
Today, Dr Rudhran and me, both appreciate each others views and articles, contacts and network and share common philosophies of life with much broader vision and ambitions. Strong will power, unconditional love and trust can cure any damn illness in this world and we today stand as a strong testimony to this fact and would fight for the rights of victims of such situations and provide support and solace to the vulnerable lot.
As usual, Dr Rudhran is filled with a drawing charisma, truly understanding persona, a broad welcoming smile, giving a true sense to his profession and personality. God Bless you Dr.
A 20 year old journey ended with creating the finest memory of this day. Without having to wait for 4 hours, going through a process of counselling and therapy, understanding from a social service person there, without the token number followed by the year, meeting him within 5 minutes of visiting his office this morning was the last thing we would have dreamt in our life. That too as a writer and his friend.
Today, Dr Rudhran and me, both appreciate each others views and articles, contacts and network and share common philosophies of life with much broader vision and ambitions. Strong will power, unconditional love and trust can cure any damn illness in this world and we today stand as a strong testimony to this fact and would fight for the rights of victims of such situations and provide support and solace to the vulnerable lot.
As usual, Dr Rudhran is filled with a drawing charisma, truly understanding persona, a broad welcoming smile, giving a true sense to his profession and personality. God Bless you Dr.
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