American consumerism

The rhetoric grips no more”(TNIE9th sep) is a wonderful article by Gurumurty reflecting the grim realities of America. The American consumerist life style is mainly responsible for the economic crisis that had it’s seeds In US and later infected the rest of the world. Glamour without substance does not deliver the results while substance without show may not win the elections. It will be a prize if the nation gets both. When the expectations run high, the subsequent fall also will be steep. Huge euphoria is bound to be followed by sickness and fever as evidenced in the case of Obama now . Rajiv Gandhi was prey to same syndrome. Though honeymoon period is over Obama has still time to produce results by changing his style and that of his people.

American consumerism

The rhetoric grips no more”(TNIE9th sep) is a wonderful article by Gurumurty reflecting the grim realities of America. The American consumerist life style is mainly responsible for the economic crisis that had it’s seeds In US and later infected the rest of the world. Glamour without substance does not deliver the results while substance without show may not win the elections. It will be a prize if the nation gets both. When the expectations run high, the subsequent fall also will be steep. Huge euphoria is bound to be followed by sickness and fever as evidenced in the case of Obama now . Rajiv Gandhi was prey to same syndrome. Though honeymoon period is over Obama has still time to produce results by changing his style and that of his people.

SUCCESSION-ysr

The speculation is rife that there are good number of contenders for the chief minister’s post that had fallen vacant following the death of YSR. The names in circulation are that of jaipal Reddy,D Srinivas, Keshava Rao and V Hanumantha Rao. Though Jaipal Reddy is a powerful orator and matured person with clean track record, he does not enjoy any public support. It will be uphill task for him to do justice to the post even with the support of party high command. The rest do not seem to have neither the caliber nor the public appeal to occupy the coveted post. The future of congress party depends upon Sonia Gandhi in selecting a suitable boy to step into the shoes of YSR who had acquired a larger than life image. The incumbent has to contain the factions within the party besides facing a strong and spirited opposition headed by formidable Chandra babu Naidu. Let’s hope that the state will not be thrown into throes of uncertainty.

SUCCESSION-ysr

The speculation is rife that there are good number of contenders for the chief minister’s post that had fallen vacant following the death of YSR. The names in circulation are that of jaipal Reddy,D Srinivas, Keshava Rao and V Hanumantha Rao. Though Jaipal Reddy is a powerful orator and matured person with clean track record, he does not enjoy any public support. It will be uphill task for him to do justice to the post even with the support of party high command. The rest do not seem to have neither the caliber nor the public appeal to occupy the coveted post. The future of congress party depends upon Sonia Gandhi in selecting a suitable boy to step into the shoes of YSR who had acquired a larger than life image. The incumbent has to contain the factions within the party besides facing a strong and spirited opposition headed by formidable Chandra babu Naidu. Let’s hope that the state will not be thrown into throes of uncertainty.

austerity and ministers

The finance minister has done well to ask his ministerial colleagues, S M Krishna and Sashi Tharoor to shift out from the five star hotels where they have been staying since assuming the ministerial berths. Of course, both have complied with the suggestion of the senior colleague immediately. They seem to have checked out with a sense of embarrassment and not with any qualms or guilt. While S M Krishna had tried to justify his action by saying that the house allotted to him was under some repairs and he had made some private arrangement, the junior minister said that he was not spending people’s money and he was spending his savings. No doubt, as a former UN diplomat he can well afford the luxury. The point is that if ministers stay in 5 star hotels and indulge in luxuries, it sends wrong signals, even if they burn their own money or private money. Imagine what kind of impression it would create if Prime minister moves out and starts staying in a star hotel. If the minister for external affairs had not resorted to 5 star hotel, his deputy too would not have ventured to do it. He simply followed the style of his boss. Star hotels are for stars and cricketers, not the ministers, whether paid by exchequer or self cheque. Both are excellent individuals with sparkling background and it will be a tragedy if they are to at the receiving end because of these small frills.

austerity and ministers

The finance minister has done well to ask his ministerial colleagues, S M Krishna and Sashi Tharoor to shift out from the five star hotels where they have been staying since assuming the ministerial berths. Of course, both have complied with the suggestion of the senior colleague immediately. They seem to have checked out with a sense of embarrassment and not with any qualms or guilt. While S M Krishna had tried to justify his action by saying that the house allotted to him was under some repairs and he had made some private arrangement, the junior minister said that he was not spending people’s money and he was spending his savings. No doubt, as a former UN diplomat he can well afford the luxury. The point is that if ministers stay in 5 star hotels and indulge in luxuries, it sends wrong signals, even if they burn their own money or private money. Imagine what kind of impression it would create if Prime minister moves out and starts staying in a star hotel. If the minister for external affairs had not resorted to 5 star hotel, his deputy too would not have ventured to do it. He simply followed the style of his boss. Star hotels are for stars and cricketers, not the ministers, whether paid by exchequer or self cheque. Both are excellent individuals with sparkling background and it will be a tragedy if they are to at the receiving end because of these small frills.

Obama on Gandhi

US president Barack Obama paid handsome tributes to our FATHER OF THE NATION- mahatma Gandhi. Obama is a cult figure of the present generation and his eulogy on Gandhi will make the younger generation curious and enthusiastic to know about the legendary man. It is worth remembering what S Radha Krishnan said on 2nd October 1939, honouring the Mahatma on his 70 th birthday. Quote the greatness of Gandhi is more in his holy living than in his heroic struggles, in his insistence on the creative power of the soul and it’s life-giving quality at a time when the destructive forces seem to be in the ascendant- unquote . Gandhiji impacted the lives of many great people. His life gave courage and inspiration to so many world leaders to launch agitations and struggles with the gun of non violence. It is ironical that when the rest of the world is paying glowing tributes to Mahatma, we have some leaders like Mayawaty amidst us who have the gumption to decry him. After all it requires a measure of greatness to recognize and appreciate greatness.

Obama on Gandhi

US president Barack Obama paid handsome tributes to our FATHER OF THE NATION- mahatma Gandhi. Obama is a cult figure of the present generation and his eulogy on Gandhi will make the younger generation curious and enthusiastic to know about the legendary man. It is worth remembering what S Radha Krishnan said on 2nd October 1939, honouring the Mahatma on his 70 th birthday. Quote the greatness of Gandhi is more in his holy living than in his heroic struggles, in his insistence on the creative power of the soul and it’s life-giving quality at a time when the destructive forces seem to be in the ascendant- unquote . Gandhiji impacted the lives of many great people. His life gave courage and inspiration to so many world leaders to launch agitations and struggles with the gun of non violence. It is ironical that when the rest of the world is paying glowing tributes to Mahatma, we have some leaders like Mayawaty amidst us who have the gumption to decry him. After all it requires a measure of greatness to recognize and appreciate greatness.

judge's elevation to supreme court

The alacrity with which the legal luminaries like Shanti Bhushan,Fali Nariman,Ram jethmalani and others have reacted to the issue of proposed elevation of the chief justice of Karnataka high court to supreme court against the backdrop of allegations of illegal wealth reflects the growing concern and consternation of public and the intelligentsia against corruption in public life. The allegations of corruption are made by the members of bar of Madras High court. The supreme court bar association and the High court bar association, Delhi have issued a joint statement in this context calling for more transparency in promotion of judges . considering the standing and credibility of the legal experts and the various associations of legal fraternity, a thorough enquiry needs to be conducted immediately , whether promotion or no promotion. What is considered not good for Supreme court can not be good for High court also , unless there are two different standards of morality , one for High courts and the other for Supreme court.

judge's elevation to supreme court

The alacrity with which the legal luminaries like Shanti Bhushan,Fali Nariman,Ram jethmalani and others have reacted to the issue of proposed elevation of the chief justice of Karnataka high court to supreme court against the backdrop of allegations of illegal wealth reflects the growing concern and consternation of public and the intelligentsia against corruption in public life. The allegations of corruption are made by the members of bar of Madras High court. The supreme court bar association and the High court bar association, Delhi have issued a joint statement in this context calling for more transparency in promotion of judges . considering the standing and credibility of the legal experts and the various associations of legal fraternity, a thorough enquiry needs to be conducted immediately , whether promotion or no promotion. What is considered not good for Supreme court can not be good for High court also , unless there are two different standards of morality , one for High courts and the other for Supreme court.

Sashi Taroor's austerity

The union minister,Sashi Taroor’s comment that he would also travel in “cattle class out of solidarity with all our holy cows” reeks of arrogance and utter insensitivity. By implication he is saying that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Pranab Mukherjee and Mamata benarjee and others are holy cows and common people are cattle class. Though he is a first timer to the parliament, he is rewarded with a ministerial berth, perhaps considering his intellectual background and stint at UN. But, he is acting like a petulant school boy and not like a responsible citizen, much less a union minister. The congress party will soon realize that his continuance in cabinet could be injurious to the party’s image.

Sashi Taroor's austerity

The union minister,Sashi Taroor’s comment that he would also travel in “cattle class out of solidarity with all our holy cows” reeks of arrogance and utter insensitivity. By implication he is saying that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Pranab Mukherjee and Mamata benarjee and others are holy cows and common people are cattle class. Though he is a first timer to the parliament, he is rewarded with a ministerial berth, perhaps considering his intellectual background and stint at UN. But, he is acting like a petulant school boy and not like a responsible citizen, much less a union minister. The congress party will soon realize that his continuance in cabinet could be injurious to the party’s image.

sir Arthur Cotton and Nizam

The TRS leader KCR’s comparison of Nizam to Sir Arthur Cotton shows his prejudiced mindset and lopsided thinking. There is no similarity between the two. Sir Arthur Cotton built the Dowleswaram barrage at Rajahmundry, a monument in civil engineering which lasted so many years and benefitted crores of people by providing massive irrigation facilities. Cotton’s contribution is monumental, though he was a foreigner. On the other hand, Nizam was a dictator, who neglected the development of the state and indulged in self enjoyment and aggrandizement. The present plight of Telangana’s under development is a stark testimony to the neglect heaped by Nizam. The slavish mentality exhibited by Rao had kept people as mute spectators to the atrocities committed by Nizam and his men. Till the very end, Nizam tried to merge Hyderabad in Pakistan and it is due to diligence and dynamism of Sardar Patel that Hyderabad is in India. If at all any development was there during Nizam’s rule, it was incidental, but the damage to development and psyche of people was colossal. It is clear that Rao had not learnt any lessons from the electoral results and continues to stoke regional feelings.

sir Arthur Cotton and Nizam

The TRS leader KCR’s comparison of Nizam to Sir Arthur Cotton shows his prejudiced mindset and lopsided thinking. There is no similarity between the two. Sir Arthur Cotton built the Dowleswaram barrage at Rajahmundry, a monument in civil engineering which lasted so many years and benefitted crores of people by providing massive irrigation facilities. Cotton’s contribution is monumental, though he was a foreigner. On the other hand, Nizam was a dictator, who neglected the development of the state and indulged in self enjoyment and aggrandizement. The present plight of Telangana’s under development is a stark testimony to the neglect heaped by Nizam. The slavish mentality exhibited by Rao had kept people as mute spectators to the atrocities committed by Nizam and his men. Till the very end, Nizam tried to merge Hyderabad in Pakistan and it is due to diligence and dynamism of Sardar Patel that Hyderabad is in India. If at all any development was there during Nizam’s rule, it was incidental, but the damage to development and psyche of people was colossal. It is clear that Rao had not learnt any lessons from the electoral results and continues to stoke regional feelings.

TDP-heriditary

Chandra Babu Naidu’s observation that there is no hereditary politics in TDP is at once amusing and pokes fun at the public sensibility. Naidu is where he is because he happens to be son in law of NTR. In the recent election campaigning, NTR’s photos were extensively used, placed prominently on the head of Chandra Babu Naidu. If there is no hereditary element in TDP, what is the relevance of Hari Krishna, Bala Krihna, Junior NTR, Kalyan Ram and others of his pedigree who took active part in canvassing and invoked the name of NTR at every street corner. Let’s not forget that Naidu’s son –Lokesh was given credit for the CASH TRANSFER SCHEME, which was the main thrust of TDP. There was a demand in certain pockets of TDP for making Balakrishna as Chief minister, if TDP were to come to power. It may be true that in other parties it is only sons in the fray, while in TDP it is son in law and sons as well.

TDP-heriditary

Chandra Babu Naidu’s observation that there is no hereditary politics in TDP is at once amusing and pokes fun at the public sensibility. Naidu is where he is because he happens to be son in law of NTR. In the recent election campaigning, NTR’s photos were extensively used, placed prominently on the head of Chandra Babu Naidu. If there is no hereditary element in TDP, what is the relevance of Hari Krishna, Bala Krihna, Junior NTR, Kalyan Ram and others of his pedigree who took active part in canvassing and invoked the name of NTR at every street corner. Let’s not forget that Naidu’s son –Lokesh was given credit for the CASH TRANSFER SCHEME, which was the main thrust of TDP. There was a demand in certain pockets of TDP for making Balakrishna as Chief minister, if TDP were to come to power. It may be true that in other parties it is only sons in the fray, while in TDP it is son in law and sons as well.

attoricities on women

The atrocities against women are on rise. A decade ago, it used to be dowry deaths and in many cases the victim and culprit used to be women only. Education, economic independence, nuclear families and stricter implementation of law have made dowry deaths a thing of the past to a great extent. Now a days it is love “sickness” that is leading to acid attacks and murders. In the recent case at Rajahmundry , the parents were stabbed to death and the girl suffered serious injuries in an attack by a stalker. The victim Anusha’s statement that the accused should be physically eliminated echoes the murderous agony of an young girl who stands orphaned due to the savage act of a misguided youth. No amount of sympathy and monetary benefits can compensate her loss, grief and trauma. The present day films are to be blamed to certain extent for this kind of maladies afflicting the youth. In the contemporary cinema, parents and teachers are shown in poor light and goondaism is glorified. There is no sense of fear of law as punishment is not awarded in the foreseeable future. DESPERATE SITUATIONS WARRANT DESPERATE MEASURES and the remedy for the current calamities lies in swift justice and its enforcement. This can be brought by creation of special courts with special powers and provisions and it’s verdict should be final. All concerned must act as if the tragedy had occurred in our own family and then only we will have the boldness to adopt new measures. People have already started praying and preferring the kind of POLICE ACTION which took place in Warangal recently under similar circumstances where the accused was killed in an encounter and no tears were shed.

attoricities on women

The atrocities against women are on rise. A decade ago, it used to be dowry deaths and in many cases the victim and culprit used to be women only. Education, economic independence, nuclear families and stricter implementation of law have made dowry deaths a thing of the past to a great extent. Now a days it is love “sickness” that is leading to acid attacks and murders. In the recent case at Rajahmundry , the parents were stabbed to death and the girl suffered serious injuries in an attack by a stalker. The victim Anusha’s statement that the accused should be physically eliminated echoes the murderous agony of an young girl who stands orphaned due to the savage act of a misguided youth. No amount of sympathy and monetary benefits can compensate her loss, grief and trauma. The present day films are to be blamed to certain extent for this kind of maladies afflicting the youth. In the contemporary cinema, parents and teachers are shown in poor light and goondaism is glorified. There is no sense of fear of law as punishment is not awarded in the foreseeable future. DESPERATE SITUATIONS WARRANT DESPERATE MEASURES and the remedy for the current calamities lies in swift justice and its enforcement. This can be brought by creation of special courts with special powers and provisions and it’s verdict should be final. All concerned must act as if the tragedy had occurred in our own family and then only we will have the boldness to adopt new measures. People have already started praying and preferring the kind of POLICE ACTION which took place in Warangal recently under similar circumstances where the accused was killed in an encounter and no tears were shed.

orderly system

The abolition of orderly system is a salutary move by the government which will boost the morale of the police staff down the line. It is reported that police officers are resenting the government’s move. The argument that the orderly system is not abolished anywhere else in the country does not hold water. We can as well set a good example and others can follow suit. Police constables are selected on the basis of fitness and certain physical standards amidst stiff competition. The crux is that these skilled people should not be wasted as domestic help at the residences of police officers taking the orders from madams. If the job entails certain privileges to police officers, no body grudges that but a separate category of peons, servants, cooks can be recruited. It is true that the practice of using (misusing) staff at residences prevails in other cadres also and sooner than later these British legacies are to be stopped.

orderly system

The abolition of orderly system is a salutary move by the government which will boost the morale of the police staff down the line. It is reported that police officers are resenting the government’s move. The argument that the orderly system is not abolished anywhere else in the country does not hold water. We can as well set a good example and others can follow suit. Police constables are selected on the basis of fitness and certain physical standards amidst stiff competition. The crux is that these skilled people should not be wasted as domestic help at the residences of police officers taking the orders from madams. If the job entails certain privileges to police officers, no body grudges that but a separate category of peons, servants, cooks can be recruited. It is true that the practice of using (misusing) staff at residences prevails in other cadres also and sooner than later these British legacies are to be stopped.

appropriateness

Dear sir,
The word “appropriate” appears to be the current rage among congress men. Recently while referring to Jagan’s succession issue as chief minister of AP,Mr Pranab Mukherjee had said that “appropriate decision will be taken at appropriate time”. Again in the case of holy cow –Tharoor, the congress party is reported have said that “appropriate action will be taken at appropriate time”. The famous phrase during former Prime minister Mr PV Narasimha Rao was that “ law will take its own course”. Our Prime minister had dubbed the holy cow talk as a joke. However it is likely to be an expensive joke for Tharoor as party workers are crying for his blood.

prisoners on death row

Dear sir,
The editorial “The decision hangs in limbo” is revealing and apt. it is true that fear of death is worse than actual death. the plight of prisoners on death row awaiting government’s decision on their petitions for mercy is pathetic, in the sense that they die emotional death every day swinging between hope and despair. What is pertinent to note is the uniform apathy of various governments to this issue. The governments have changed in the last ten years but none had shown any initiative on this sensitive issue. It is hoped that the government will act now following the observation of the Supreme court that matter should be handled expeditiously.
Yours faithfully
Vinay Bhushan B
1-1-380/38
Ashok Nagar ext
Hyderabad-20