OVER-CONSUMPTION IS THE MOTHER OF GLOBAL WARMING

There are numerous reasons of Global Warming; all emanate from the use of energy, however. Why is energy used? It is for producing something. Why is something produced? Because, it is consumed by someone. So, consumption is the fundamental cause of all carbon emissions, and ultimately, Global Warming. When the earth was less populated, it never mattered how much we consumed. But with population going ballistic, and the very nature of modern lifestyle being high energy consuming, it is time we reviewed our consumption pattern.
Have we noticed how much we consume? Some examples:
• Some people pack their cupboards with so many clothes that a garment shop can be opened; accessories are no less; most of these are not used more than once a year
• When we travel, we consume 100% more packed food than what we actually need, mainly as a habit; it is neither healthy nor eco-friendly
• We would not walk even 100 meters to buy our vegetable (rather we would start a vehicle)
• Is it really necessary to go down the stairs in a lift all the time?
• We would buy invariably a lot more than what we need at a time, giving space to the producer to store his produce in our houses
The list can go on.
If we can observe how we consume, and how we waste, we can really bring down the carbon emission considerably.
Don’t wait for others. Start from you, set an example and others will follow, for sure.

Understanding the context

At present I am reading a book- "If Cricket is a religion, Sachin is God" by Vijay Santhanam and Shyam Balasubramanian. This is a wonderful book for me, not only because I am a great admirer of Sachin, but also because the book has taught me a lesson in life.

The book does not provide one a great literature experience per se; it is more of a defence of a great Champion against unworthy critics. The book is not laden with emotional arguments, rather it presents a scientific analysis with appropriate doses of philosophy. The book presents a case for Sachin by appealing the readers to understand the context and the whole thing rather than a part of it.

I have grown up appreciating the Genius and have been mesmerized and thrilled by his performances over the years. He has given me the kind of joy no one else has. Over the years my idols in different field have changed... from Shah Rukh to Aamir, from Kishore to Rafi (and many other). But three of them have stood the test of time - Gandhi, Amitabh and Sachin. But like any mere mortal I had also started questioning the maestro's genius because of several criticisms by myopic critics.

As I am nearing the end of the book, I realize how important it is to understand Sachin in the context of Indian cricket rather than in isolation. It is vital not to judge him (or anyone else) on the basis of the few failures during a particular small period.

The lesson for life is the same too. We often get frustrated that we are not fortunate based upon things happened in the recent past, forgetting the innumerable ways in which we are blessed. We often fail to understand the context in which something happened and ruin our best of relationships.

This is perhaps the reason why the judges in the courts of law are given the power to punish culprits differently for the same crime committed.

This book has taught me a great lesson in life and restored confidence in my Hero and a few near and dear ones. I owe a deep sense of gratitude towards the authors.

Why I love Gandhi

Yesterday was the 140th birth anniversary of Gandhi, the man of the twentieth century. In course of time, he has become an institution..... he has inspired whole generations and modern nation states altogether.

My love of Gandhi statrted some time when I was in college and I read his autobiography- "The Story of My Experiments with Truth". Over the years on many an occasion, his words have helped me take good decisions and make my life better. It's not that I do not disagree with his ideas ever; on many points I have different opinions, especially regarding his views on Economics. But I am sure even those are based on strong propositions.

Indeed, it's impossible to capture him in an article (or even in a book), but when I think of him, five distinct points come to my mind:

1. He was the symbol of freedom and fight against injustice
2. His compassion and love for the humanity
3. His strength of conviction and how he followed it up with devotion
4. He pioneered the use of 'non-violence' and 'truth' as political weapons
5. His belief of primacy of 'means' over 'ends'

Gandhi represented humanity and not only India/Indians. He led a very simple life, but always stood by what he said or believed.

Albert Einstein was right when he said: "Generations to come, it may be, will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth."

Religion stops the growth of knowledge

It is difficult to define 'Religion' universally; so, I go by the oxford dictionary.
The oxford dictionary defines 'Religion' in the following words:

1) the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods 2) a particular system of faith and worship 3) a pursuit or interest followed with devotion.

The first two definitions are particularly true for all kinds of organized / institutionalized religions. The characteristics of such religions are more or less similar in some aspects: i)they have well defined boundaries, ii) they prescribe rigid practices, iii) they will not allow one to question and any deviation from the norm is considered unacceptable.

It can be seen in the evolution of different religions that new religions had been established when some one questioned the established belief of one religion. So, if one follows a particular religion, he/she has no freedom to think for himself and question the prevailing practices/beliefs. This implies that there is very little scope for new knowledge or growth of knowledge in an organized religion.

When one messiah starts a religion (actually the messiah doesn't necessarily start, but the followers start by following him/her), he/she brings in a new set of knowledge. However, as soon as he/she passess away, his/her followers again stop the growth or evolution of knowledge just because they also start following him/her and define the limits and boundaries. One dare not think in another direction, lest he/she be ousted from the religion/society.

This is why it is always good not to encourage people to follow one particular belief/system/faith........ rather people should be encouraged to pursue knowledge as put forth by different individuals from time to time, understand and develop their one faith systems, and take rational decisions. Because knowledge is a flow and not a stock; it has to keep flowing like a river and not stock (and be polluted) like a pond.

In history, we can see one set of knowledge is based on some other in the past; every original/new thinking/knowledge of a time is relative in nature. If a set of knowledge started with Copernicus, it travelled through Galileo, Newton, Einstein and others and is still travelling. This is how knowledge flows/travels through time. It must be allowed to flow this way. This is what makes human race better and better by the time.

How austere is this austerity?

The big storm over the austerity measures adopted by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and the PM is cooling down. I have been going through views expressed by several intellectuals over the issue, ranging from full hearted support to total rejection. I think the truth lies somewhere in between.

May be this is a eye-washing measure by the congress leadership (as suggested by some), but if it really adds up to something, nothing to feel bad about it. As Mr M. J. Akbar rightly opines in the Times of India, the money raised/saved during the process should be ensured to go to the people for whome it all started- the farmers who suffer from the bad monsoon.

Dear Mrs. Gandhi, the austerity measure should not be a one time exercise, rather, it should be made part of the Government's (and every other public body's) everyday norms for all time.

Mr Chetan Bhagat suggests that it is alright if the politicians live a life of a king; he argues that to attract good and efficient people into politics, politicians have to be paid handsomely. I don't quite buy this argument. Politics is not just any other profession; politicians are leaders of people, society and nation. They have to lead by example. If a politician has money, no need to flaunder it at a time when a large section of the farmers is in distress. They have to have sensitivity. How can a leader of people pay Rs.50,000 for a night's sleep and a breakfast? There is need to provide our leaders with good security cover; but, it goes out of comprehension that why would they be provided with out-of-the-world mansions!

If someone needs a luxurious life, there are always other options, honest and dignified; other fields too need good people. We may be disstaisfied with our present leadership and there is need for good, young people to enter politics; but, money is not the best way to motivate them to take to politics. Because, leadership is beyond money/remuneration/rewards.

Austerity has to be a way of life.

It's Navratri time in Gujarat again

It's Navratri/Garba time again in Gujarat :) This is the one thing I really love about Gujarat. This is called Dussera elsewhere in India.

The ten days starting the month of 'sharad' (Hindu calander; around sep-oct) upto the tenth day is regarded highly auspicious in Hindu religion and celebrated in different forms all over India, especially in Bengal & Orissa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat.

The festival in Gujarat is very different from that in other states; it's like a carnival, unique in all aspects, perhaps comparable only to the carnival in Brazil in magnitude.

Though during day time it's work usual, nights catch a fever pitch with boys and girls, men and women- young, old alike just get mad in celebration...... dancing to the traditional garba tunes with wonderful rythm and enjoying their heart out. It's a feast for eyes to see beautiful ladies dance with gay abandon! Even the small children know all the steps......it's in their blood!

However, what I like the most about the festivities during this season in Gujarat is the freedom women enjoy. It's unparallel elsewhere in India. Women plan, manage, celebrate and enjoy........ it's only here that women dance in public in such huge numbers with people they know and they don't. WONDERFUL!

Silver lining

India is yet to shine; but things like this (in the picture) do make us hopeful and assure us that we are on the ascent.

This picture was taken in one of the most backward areas of Madhya Pradesh (so, apparently, one of the most backward in India). The man doesn't have any land; but he owns a petty shop. He has made himself a promise that one day he wants his children to be educated in the best of institutions in India. As can be seen in the picture, the child is engrossed in his studies inside the shop itself. The child is indeed very bright and intelligent. May God give the family enough resources and strength to fulfill its dreams!

India is taking off....at last :) Our time is coming!

Spirit and Flavour of Democracy

There is no other form of governance that is as interesting and empowering as DEMOCRACY is. In spite of all its weaknesses, it provides a platform for people to express themselves and fight for their rights. It provides a level playing field for everyone. Irrespective of the class and caste, it gives everyone the freedom to represent and be represented.

Universal adult franchise or elections are reflections of the dynamism and the spirit of democracy. Especially in India, the 'Election' is time for people to show their power and feel their power....the hysteria, the drama, the frenzy, the excitement, the energy and the enthusiasm on part of the common people during this time is unparalleled in the world. Perhaps this is the time when the common man and the lower sections of the society feel most empowered; this is reflected in the higher voter turn out on part of this section in comparison to the upper section of the society.

During a recent tour to a village near Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh, I came across this man (in a red sweater) in the picture above.

He is contesting in the elections from a party floated by him; he is the only one in his party, he does his own campaigns, goes from door to door and reaches out to people. He spends out of his own pocket in spite of the fact that he is struggling to feed his family.

In a candid discussion, he revealed that perhaps he knew that he was not going to win that time, but for him, 'winning' or 'losing' did not matter as much as 'standing up for himself and his fellowmen' did. He was convinced that he was standing for a great cause and that was what gave him courage, motivation and energy.

This is the true spirit of democracy.

Politics of Identity is never sustainable

India has decided and has decided in favour of a stable government. At a time when the world economy is reeling under recession and growth of Indian economy has slowed down considerably, people want Manmohan and co to be in charge as they were the ones who had started the economic turn around in 1991. Public memory has not failed, it seems, in this case. They have recognized Manmohan for his efficiency and honesty.

At the same time, it's a verdict against the fundamentalists. Though in the short run the politics of 'hatred', 'division' and 'identity' does appeal to the masses, in the long run however, people realize that true peace and prosperity can not be achieved with such a policy. The policies need to focus on development, channelizing resources to productive activities and addressing issues of inequality.

Mother's day

Most of the time we tend to take our near and dear ones for granted, especially, our mothers. Though we should be aware that mothers deserve a better deal from us all the time, it's also true that that act of 'taking-for-granted' itself is a sure sign of unselfish and unconditional love. We know all the time that no matter what happens, no matter how utterly negligent we have been to our mothers, no matter how indifferent we have been at times towards her, she would always be there for us and by our side, without a hinge of complain, with a basket full of love. This is the greatest feeling on earth. This is the graetest gift from GOD.

Someone once said very truly,"GOD can not be everywhere, thus HE created MOTHER"

It's Mother's day here again and we realize the important role a mother plays throughout our lives behind the scene, unnoticed and almost unappreciated.

On Democracy, Elections and Voting in India

Democracy, undoubtedly is one of the greatest ideas of all time. As Abraham Lincoln once told, "Democracy is of the people, by the people and for the people". It gives people the freedom of choice of how to govern themselves, and more than that, how to live. Nations are nothing but its people.

When there was no authority on earth, there was absolute freedom, but there was also absolute anarchy in the sense that only the mighty ruled (not that it is very obsolete now, but is under tremendous control); the very existence of a being was at the mercy of the mighty.

Thus we gave ourselves nation states, where there would be a government to rule. Irrespective of the form of the government, the basic objective ought to be the welfare of the people, and especially, the weak and the vulnerable. This shows the progress of civilization and the maturity of the human species (more than any other). Democracy truly reflects all these characteristics.

However, democracy depends on its citizens to be successful.

The greatest gift that our (Indian) statesmen gave us after our independence was 'Democracy'. Since then our democracy has matured and has become world's largest democracy.

Elections, or the universal adult franhise is an important part of Democracy. It gives power to the people; it is the most important means through which the Democracy runs; it is the life blood of Democracy.

But, the on-going general elections in India has thrown at us several questions.
Why is the voter turn out getting lower and lower (in spite of the campaign promoting voting)?
Why literate people are voting in less numbers than their illiterate cousins?
Are people losing faith in Democracy?
Or, the people are only fade up with the politicians?
Are we complacent regarding the success of our Democracy?

A common argument for people not voting is that "we don't have option- all the candidates in the fray are equally useless". But, is our society any different from the political scenario? Politics (or for that matter, any profession) is only a reflection of our society. If we are concerned about our nation and our people, we must vote; we must choose the lesser evil (if one thinks so).

However, voting is not the end of it. We have to be aware of what is happening; we must ask questions; and ABOVE ALL, GOOD PEOPLE MUST JOIN POLITICS. It may not solve the problem immediately, but it will help in the long run. Youth has a big role to play; youth must embrace politics. A young nation like us can only avoid politics at its own peril.

When you hurt your finger, you don't cut it off; you apply balm.

My Mother

Some years back, when I was in college, when I was alone, I wrote this poem on my Mother...it goes like this: 

MY MOTHER ---------- 

Friends galore around I talk and I laugh; 

I do have the freedom 

To do what I like... I sing, I dance and make merry; 

There is, however, lacking something- It's you my dear! 

Oh you dear, How often I miss you! 

You are not there- When I sit with my book 

To give me a glass of milk; 

When I can not grow 

To push me from behind; 

When I am in distress 

To console me in your lap; 

When I am in darkness 

To lead me to light; 

When I am lost in the wilderness 

To show me the path; 

When I am nothing 

To make me something. 

Often do I get angry with you 

Often do I neglect you 

Often do I ignore you 

You have loved me the same, non-the-less 

I am nothing without you, 

Maa, I am nothing without your love.

The dignity of being a man!

It was 25th January, 2009. I was coming back from my home (Orissa) after a brief break to Ahmedabad by a train in the second class compartment. I was not in a great mood...the break was too short for my liking. To make matters worse someone would come every other hour with his/her begging bowl. I always have this disliking for begging (I don't have any disliking for those who beg though). I was engrossed in an argument within myself.....
.....Why would someone beg?
.....Is this alright?
.....Is it ok to give alimony?

After a long monologue, I decided, it is is ok if I give alimony (which I do most of the time). I thought in most cases, one would beg because of one's inability to earn and the lack of earning opportunity. To the question that what would one be doing with the money so earned (some people fear that the money is misutilized), I gave the beneift of doubt to the beggar; I assumed the money is not misutilized as I have no idea; and in any case, one is free to do whatever one wishes to do with his/her earning!

I was reminded of the recent movie 'Slumdog Millionnaire' and the underworld hand in it.....the big business behind begging.

But I somehow justified evrything and thought that I was not that wrong when I give away a rupee in alimony. However, I was not at all happy to convince myself this way!

Just then, THIS HAPPENED! This gentleman (in the photograph above) came along. He was an old man of around 50-55.....blind by both the eyes.....stains all over his face (possibly because of Small pox), in tattered clothes. But the most remarkable thing about this gentleman was that in spite of all odds, he was standing tall. He was not begging! He was selling useful little things one would require during a train journey (like paper soap, pan masala, etc). He was working all round the clock for his bread and butter.

I thought how easy was it for this man to beg! There could be no better excuse! (At least in India!)

But this man was dignity personified. He was (is) a real Hero.One could sense and smell the dignity of labour....the dignity of being a man! I was feeling proud to be a man. All my apprehensions were gone....I was instantly filled with hope and joy.

A Nuptial Dilemma !

One of my good friends told me recently that she is going to help a friend of hers to marry a boy of her choice, which their parents don't approve. The pair has been trying to convince their respective parents since a lince a long time, albeit unsuccessfully; hence they have decided to marry without their parents' will in the court of law.

My friend is worried that some of her good friends advise her not to support such a marriage.

I would like to air my view on this subject.

One knows one's parents and family the best. If he/she thinks that there is little chance that the family will approve of such a relation/marriage, he/she should not fall in love at the first place; i.e, 'Don't fall in love if you know you can not marry'!

However, fortunately or unfortunately, love (in most cases) happens spontaneously and subconsciously. One discovers oneself fully within its grasp when one realizes it.
What to do in such a situation?

Now there are three options open:

* You convince your parents/family and get married for good
* You can not convince, and still go with your beloved one, none-the-less
* You can not convince, so go with your parents and ditch your beloved

One would like to have the first option...if it is open though! However, the problem/argument lies with the next two options.Personally I would chose the second option, for:

* To marry the person you love is a commitment (if it is not defined/decided/understood otherwise earlier by thepartners)
* In most cases, even if you marry against your parents' wishes, the parents later on realize that the marriage after all is not that bad... and ultimately recognize it and accept it. So, it is a matter of time before everything settles down.

I would chose the third option only if it comes to a question of 'life and death', i.e., if there is a 'realistic' chance of someone becoming so depressed / disappointed by the situation that he/she might commit suicide or there is a chance of someone resorting to fatal violence. After all, 'Life' is above evrything else!

It is true that love marriages can fail, but so can arranged marriages! (Divorces are not the only indicator of failed marriages)

I don't suggest that 'marriage' has to be personal decision. In our society and culture, marriages are socially significant occasions and everybody is involved. But there should not be a veto power! The last decision need not remain with the parents or someone in particular. It can be a collective decision, with prime importance to the person getting married.

If he/she makes a wrong decision, he/she is going to suffer...and he/she can not blame it on others. The rigidty on part of the parents/family comes not from the concern/care but from the superficial notions of prestige and ego. In any case, a good parent has to have faith in their child! Support and faith on the part of the parents result in better relations in future and strengthen family bond.

It is pertinent that when the constitution has faith in an individual that he has the ability to chose the Head of the state, he certainly has the ability to chose a life partner for himself or herself!

GOD

Some days back my mother called me up and asked me not to visit any temple or place of worship! On enquiring, she told me that she had consulted one astrologer and he had suggested the same. Not that I am worried about this, but it makes me ponder whether this matters at all!

Since the time I have gained conscience, I have been trying to understand GOD. I don't believe in the conventional idea of 'GOD' (idols, temples, rituals, religions, etc), but I don't have disbelief in his presence either. I completely believe that HE is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. But I have not found answers to three of my questions regarding GOD:

* If the universe is HIS creation, what is the purpose of it?
* Why is there so much of inequality in the world?
* Does HE have any control over us?

Whether I get the answers to these questions or not, I firmly believe in one thing though: 'ACTION'

A Train journey in India

A train journey is a rich experience, especially if one is travelling in India. A train passing through the length or bredth of the country contains a mini-India within it. One finds everything inside a train that makes India such a unique country in the world- 'unity in diversity'.

You will find people of all religions, castes, colours, languages, etc in the same compartment...sitting together, shoulder to shoulder...enjoying a chat ranging from politics to movies to sports and what not! This is really heartening to see, especially because we often find ourselves divided on caste, religion and language and have seen bloody fights at different points of time.

What I like the most is the kind of learning about how people live in different parts of India and how different is one culture from another within India. I can not be in all the different parts of the country to experience that; the train provides the opportunity to discover the same unfold in front of my eyes.

You will find abject poverty and overflowing prosperity living side by side. You will see absolute liberals and outright fundamentalists engaged in a solid discussion...mostly ending up in fierce arguments; a real learning experience for a silent observer!

A train journey is more of a learning experience and enjoyable too if you are travelling second class or third class...rather than the first class. The people travelling in first class seem to be more or less similar, wherever they belong; they have the similar life styles and mannerisms, etc.

People engage in good, long and absorbing discussions followed by an elongated period of silence. It seems as if a train journey has a life of its own : times of bustling activities and times of deadly inaction! If you have a little time on your hand, and want to discover India, a train journey is the ultimate option. No wonder then that Gandhiji started his political career in India with a train journey across India!

'Caste' is no great idea!

All great ideas have to stand the test of time. An idea may be great for the period it was conceived, but later on the times change ..... and circumstances change..... and with this changes the relevance of the idea. One such idea is the idea of 'caste'.

May be when the Indian society was divided on caste lines, it was a great idea as it brought about labour division and led to greater efficiency. But the problem started when the society was divided into classes on caste lines; the class hierarchy followed exactly the same caste hierarchy, i.e. the same upper castes became the higher classes too. This was because the works ascribed to the upper classes automatically yielded greater remunerations than the works ascribed to the lower castes.

Another great folly was that generations to follow would automatically fall in the same caste and hence do the same job and would get the same remuneration!

However, the greatest of the problems is the component of 'untouchability' woven intricately in the caste system. It is a blot on humanity! How can one justify the idea of an individual not touching another???!!!

Thus, I believe, 'caste' as an idea has failed the test of time.