Holi & (Un) Holy News

Holi and (Un) Holy News

By E M Adithyan
21st Century News

Education- An international crime college with headquarters at Ghaziabad will be opening shortly. Courses offered.

a) 6 months part time course in pick pocketing
b) Postgraduate Diploma in Bank robbery.
c) One year full time course in kidnapping.

2) Training Programmes:

a) 3 months specialised coaching in flattery. Faculty consists of serving and retired `Chamchas' from Government Industry and Public Sector who reached the top of the ladder through sheer `Chamchagiri' only.

PS: Special concession for Government and Public Sector Employees

b) Cooking, theory and practice for non-canteen staff.

(3) Inventions:

Computerized two-wheelers programmed to visit 100 places. Simply sit and switch on the scooter and dial the desired number (1 to 100) and it will take you to the destination. Computerised bullock-carts will be introduced after one year.

b) Electromechanical computer. No data entry is required. For eg: - just put the medical bill through the mouth and the cheque will be ready within seconds.

(4) New Century Bonanza:

Lord Brahma has issued an office order exempting Mahanagars (Mahanaraks) having a population of more than one crore from the gravity of earth. Builders can now construct houses 20000 feet above ground level in cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkota after getting their plan and estimate approved by "Bogus Consultants and Architects" - the approved agency.

Indigenisation:

By the turn of the century, India will 100% Indigenise highly sophisticated food materials like Potato Chips, Masala Dosa and Aalu Parantha.

6) Matrimonial:

Matrimonial alliance is invited from unemployed youth below 30 years of age, for a 45 year old girl working in a managerial position in a multinational company. The boy need not be employed but should be well versed in cooking and other household activities

Marriage Invitation

Note: Invitees, who have no time to wait for the Barat or Dinner, can collect their coupons from the Reception. These coupons will be valid in all the outlets of Haldiram, Bikanervala, Sagar Ratna and Sharavana Bhavan upto 31st December. Coupons are transferable.

Entertainment

Zero Television will be introducing their new channel "Crime" on 1st April. Channel will show programmes on Robbery, Dacoity, Murder, Scams, Scandals, rape etc. Channel promises live telecast to the extent possible

(1) Inappropriate Names/Misnomers:

"Mulayam" Singh Tyagi, Abdul "Sharif", "Mamata"Gupta, Jaya "Lalitha".

b) PUBLIC SCHOOL-

Schools run by private parties with the Motive of making profit is called Public Schools.

c) Unparliamentary-

Unparliamentary should be the synonym of decent language in view of the type of language used in parliament.

d) CONFIDENTIAL-

It the authorities want that the message should reach all, the circular is marked confidential.

OPPOSITION-
Their duty is to oppose everything proposed by the other party.

(2) Appropriate Names:

a) Few years ago, a Plane hijacker was shot dead by security forces at the Jalandhar Airport. His name was `Museebat Singh'

b) Sometimes ago, a Plane with 370 passengers on board was hijected by a lone Sri Lankan national with a toy pistol.

His name is Eka Nayaka.

Sports

Indian Olympic Association made a request to International Olympic Committee to include India in the backward category and gave 50% concession because India is perhaps the only country where people agitate to include them in backward class. If the request is acceded Indian Athletes have to run only half distance which will substantially improve our medal prospects in future Olympics
Government initiatives.

In an all party meeting convened to discuss about national issues following decisions were taken.

1. In view of the popular demand to fix retirement sage for elected representatives, it was decided that Retirement age be fixed at 95 with a provision to extend it for another 5 years with the approval of the concerned politician. Politicians upto the age of 65 years can continue to be members/office bearers of the youth wing of the party.

2. As per the report of Transparency\y International, India's position is very low. In order to improve the transparency, it was decided that from 1st April onwards, transparent clothes will be issued to employees of Govt and Public Sector who are provided with uniform. Government will make an appeal to all other employees and general public to use transparent clothes to make India at the top of Transparency International list.

3. In order to reduce corruption in the country, it was decided to exclude elected representatives and members of the Central and State committees of all registered political parties from them purview of Prevention of Corruption Act. On the same analogy, manufactures and traders will be excluded from the purview of Prevention of Adulteration Act

4. In view of the increasing number of accidents by Blue line buses, meeting directed the Delhi Government to change the name of Blue line buses to Yellow line buses. Members blasted the Government for not following the footsteps of their predecessors in this matter which earlier changed the name of Red line buses to blue line buses.

5. Meeting expressed concern that even after 60 years of misrule, crores of people are living below poverty line,. Meeting suggested that poverty be redrawn so that crores of people who were hitherto below the poverty line will cone above the poverty line by the stroke of a pen

Politicians patted themselves on their back for the fantastic ideas which enabled them to solve the problem which was continuing for decades



.
E M Adithyan
11th March 2009

Elangalloor Mana
P.O. Edapal-679 576
Kerala

Resume

E.M.ADITHYAN 86-C POCKET-B.
DILSHAD GARDEN.
DELHI-110 095.

Tel. No. 011-2211 4817
9871278233

RESUME

I am a freelance writer contributing letters, articles, humorous write-ups, stories etc to several English, Hindi and Malayalam Newspapers and periodicals on a wide range of topics. My letters have appeared almost all the leading English News Papers and periodicals like The Hindustan Times, Times Of India, Hindu, Asian Age, Indian Express, New Indian Express, Statesman, Telegraph, Mail Today, Deccan Herald, Deccan Chronicle, North East Times, Assam Tribune, Pioneer, National Herald, MP Chronicle, Lokmat Times, Hitavada, Free Press Journal, Tribune, Kashmir Times, B&P Observer, Shillong Times, Economic times, Business Standard, Financial Express, Business World, Week, Sports Star, Time Magazine etc. Almost all the topics on which I have written are issues of National importance. Most of my letters are on independent topics and not rejoinders to articles or editorials. Surfing on the Internet with search “E M Adithyan” will surface some of the letters/articles and reports about Adithyan.

I have written letters/ articles on subjects starting with all the alphabets. (A to Z). Several times my letters were published in the Box as the most important letter of the day in all the editions of the Newspapers. Some of my letters have crossed the 8 digit mark i.e.; they were published in more than one crore copies. On many occasions, the entire space for the 'Letter to Editor' column was devoted for E M Adithyan. In an extra ordinary case two of my letters were published in The Free Press Journal on the same day. Even though I have written about many controversial topics, I have not come across any dissenting views about my write-up. I can reproduce verbatim many letters written even years ago.

Apart from the above, my letters/ articles have appeared in other language papers and periodicals like Nav Bharat Times, Hindustan, Rashtriya Sahara, Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala, Nai Dunia, Rajasthan Patrika, Aaj, Dainik Bhaskar, Ranchi Express (Hindi) MathruBhoomi, Malayala Manorama, Malayalam Varika, Manorajyam, Deshabhimani, Keraleeyam, Akshrakoottu, Northern Malayalam, Pranavam, Vyavasaya Keralam, (Malayalam) Ananda Vikatan (Tamil), Ee Nadu (Telugu) Lokmat (Marathi) etc in addition to several souvenirs.

I am a permanent invitee of some prestigious institutions like India International Centre, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Sahitya Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Kala Parishad, Indira Gandhi Centre for Art & Culture, International Centre for Kathakali etc for their seminars, symposiums, lectures, workshops, meet the author, cultural programmes, film shows etc.

I am having a collection of letters from a galaxy of eminent individuals and institutions like Mr. K.R. Narayanan, Dr Manmohan Singh, Mr.Dario Fo, (Nobel laurite) Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch, Justice V R Krishna Iyer, Mr. N.A. Palkhivala, Mr. E.M.S. Namboodiripad, A K Antony, Secretary to British Prime Minister, Dr M S Swaminathan, Mr. Jacques ROGGE (President IOC) Mr. T.N. Seshan, Mr. N. Vittal, Dr.Karan Singh, Secretary to the President of SriLanka, Mr. Ratan Tata, Mr. G Madhavan Nair, Sister Nirmala, N R Narayana Murthy, Kuldip Nayar, Mr. Bimal Jalan, Justice Ranganath Mishra, President FIFA, Mr. Amitabh Bachhan, E Sreedharan, Dr. Kiran Bedi, Mr. Khushwant Singh, Mr. Khainar, Mr. H.D.Shourie, British High Commission, Time Magazine, India Today, Penguin Books, Orient longman, etc. Many of the letters are not mere acknowledgements but profound appreciation of my activities.



April 6, 2009 E.M.ADITHYAN

Variety is his Forte

Variety is His Forte

E. M. Adithyan, a resident of Dilshad Garden is a freelance writer with a wide range of interest. His writings reflect a high degree of involvement with national affairs through his timely contribution to public debate. He has the unique distinction of writing letters on topics starting with all the alphabets. (A to Z). He has written on such diverse topics like Democratic Reforms, India’s Missile Programme, Olympic Debacle, Art of Appeasing, Code of Conduct for Politicians, Concentration of Economic Power, Jail Reforms, Swadeshi Movement, VIP Security, Protection of Convict's Child, Beauty Contest etc. Even in sports he has written on less popular items like Archery, Chess, Athletics etc.

His letters have appeared in almost all the leading English News papers of India like The Hindustan Times, Times Of India, Hindu, Indian Express, New Indian Express, Statesman, Telegraph, Deccan Herald, Deccan Chronicle, North East Times, Assam Tribune, Pioneer, National Herald, Central Chronicle, Lokmat Times, Hitavada, Shillong Times, Free Press Journal, Tribune, Kashmir Times, B&P Observer, Economic times, Business Standard, Financial Express and other periodicals like Business World, Week, Sports Star Time Magazine etc. Many of his letters translated by his friends and colleagues have appeared in leading Hindi Newspapers like Nav Bharat Times, Hindustan, Rashtriya Sahara, Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala, Nai Dunia, Rajasthan Patrika, Aaj, Dainik Bhaskar, Ranchi Express etc. He has contributed letters/articles in leading Malayalam publications like Mathrubhumi, Malayala Manorama, Malayalam Varika, Manorajyam, Deshabhimani etc. Translated versions of his articles have appeared in some Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Bengali Newspapers also. Besides letters, he contributes articles and humorous write ups, stories etc which have appeared in leading newspapers in addition to several souvenirs.

Adithyan feels that early morning (3 to 5 a.m) is the most ideal time for writing in majority of the cases he completes the writing in one sitting. He has an amazing capacity to reproduce verbatim many of his letters/articles written even years ago. “This is nothing but a God Gift, as I can’t even remember the telephone numbers of my close friends and relatives.” He says.

The writer is having a collection of letters from a galaxy of eminent individuals and institutions like Mr. K.R. Narayanan, Dr Manmohan Singh, Mr.Dario Fo, (Nobel laurite) Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch, Mr. N.A. Palkhivala, Mr. E.M.S. Namboodiripad, Secretary to British Prime Minister, Mr. Jacques ROGGE Mr. T.N. Seshan, Mr. N. Vittal, Dr.Karan Singh, Secretary to the President of SriLanka, Mr. Ratan Tata, Sister Nirmala, Mr. Bimal Jalan, Justice Ranganath Mishra, President FIFA, Mr. Amitabh Bachhan, E Sreedharan, Dr. Kiran Bedi, Mr. Khushwant Singh, Mr. Khainar, Mr. H.D.Shourie, British High Commission, Time Magazine, India Today, Penguin Books, Orient Longman, etc. Many of the letters are not mere acknowledgements but profound appreciation of his activities.

Secretary to British Prime Minister Tony Blair once wrote. “Mr.Blair has asked that your letter be passed to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which has particular responsibility for the matter, you rise so that, they too are aware of your views.” Nani Palkhivala eminent Jurist has commented about his article titled “Reform the Legal System” that “Your articles are well thought of and well worded”. Sister Nirmala Head of Missionaries of Charity Calcutta feels pleasure to know that “… there are people like you, who spend their lives for the cause of justice, love and compassion.” In his letter dated 31st August 2001, Dr. Jacques ROGGE President of the International Olympic Committee wrote.
“….I would like to congratulate you on the excellent article you have written entitled “What Ails Indian Sports?” and take this opportunity to thank you for your keen interest in Olympic Movement.”

Most of the letters written by Mr. Adithyan are on independent topics and not rejoinders to articles or editorials. Some of his letters have crossed 8 digit mark i.e.; they were published in more than 1 crore copies. He is planning to publish a book of his selected letters under the caption “A to Z letters “with sub title - A Common Man’s Concern about the Issues Confronting the Nation. He also plans to get his articles/Humorous write-ups translated in foreign languages like French, German, Japanese, Portuguese etc because he has got encouraging response from various quarters. Plans are afoot to create a website for Adithyan

Adithyan is a permanent invitee of many prestigious institutions like India International Centre, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Sahitya Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Kala Parishad, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts etc for their Seminars, Symposiums, Lectures, Cultural Programmes etc.

Employed as Manager(Finance) of Central Research Laboratory, Bharat Electronics Mr. Adithyan is happily married and having two daughters. His daughters have performed classical dances at various stages and got accolades from art lovers. His elder daughter Anupama has also directed/choreographed dances for some socio cultural organisations like “Gayathri”, “Drishya” etc. Her poems appeared in "poetry.com"-the International Library of Poetry. His second daughter Ambily is doing B Tech Bio Technology from Kerala and she has represented her School/College in various programmes like Dance, Debate, Quiz, Paper presentation etc. She has actively participated in the public debate conducted by popular newspaper The Hindu

“My mission is to create a mass awakening about injustice and social evils with a view to fulfil our dream of an egalitarian society.” He says. His ambition is to see his write ups published in all the leading newspapers in all the major languages of the world. He is planning to enter into the Guinness Book of World Records for writing on a wide variety of topics and getting it published in a large number of newspapers of different languages. Adithyan dreams of an ideal world free from evils- A World of peace, happiness, prosperity & tranquility and development coupled with social justice. Let us hope that Adithyan's dream will become reality one day.

Other's Comments

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT ADITHYAN

· I would like to congratulate you for the well written article “What’s wrong with our sports?” and thank you for the interest and support of the Olympic movement.

Juan Antonio Samaranch – President, International Olympic Committee.

· I appreciate your initiative of focusing on social issues. My blessings and best wishes are with you for your creative endeavours.
Dr. Man Mohan Singh

· It gives me great pleasure to know that there are people like you, who spend their lives for the cause of justice, love and compassion.

Sister Nirmala-Head of Missionaries of Charity, Calcutta

· Your articles are well thought out and well worded.

Nani A.Palkhivala- Eminent Jurist.

· Mr. Blair has asked that your letter be passed to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which has particular responsibility for the matter, you raise so that, they too are aware of your views.
Secretary to British Prime Minister.

· Congratulations on your article, which is encouraging also for the future of football in India.
Andrin Cooper-For and on behalf of President FIFA.

· Thank you very much for your beautiful letter.

Dario Fo-Winner of the 1997 Nobel Prize for Literature.

· I am impressed with your versatile talents and excellent journalistic multi-lingual output. We need courageous, convinced and humanist writers like you. So I wish you did pursue your socially priceless and valetudinarian work for the survival of our democratic society.
Justice (Retd) V R Krishna Iyer

· I was very pleased to read your comments in the newspapers on the recent success of TATA Football Academy.
Ratan N.Tata-Chairman of TATA Companies.

· I must compliment you on your activities to awaken the conscience of the country. Your “Republic Day Thoughts” are indeed relevant and so essential for ordinary citizens to practice
E Sreedharan-Managing Director Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

· Your work sounds fascinating
Orient Longman.
· You and your work are in my prayer

Sister Nirmala-Head of Missionaries of Charity, Calcutta
· I heartily congratulate you on your unique feat, wherein you are making efforts to contribute on a variety of topics reaching out to a large number of readers across the length and breadth of the country
G Madhavan Nair-Chairman ISRO

· I would like to congratulate you on the excellent article you have written entitled “What Ails Indian Sports?” and take this opportunity to thank you for your keen interest in the Olympic Movement

Dr. Jacques ROGGE- President International Olympic Committee

· I find you have a wide interest and also you are in a unique way expressing your ideas and sentiments. I am sure, you will continue to be an alert citizen of the country and contribute in your own way for the development country by crusading against injustice and social evils.

N. Vittal- Central Vigilance Commissioner

· I wish you all the best in your endeavour and wish the book a big success

N R Narayana Murthy

· Your comments were circulated among several Editors for their information and consideration. We hope that you will continue to write to TIME Magazine whenever the news or our reporting of it particularly interests you.

TIME Magazine.
· I am glad that you are taking such keen interest in public life.

Nani A.Palkhivala.

· Thank you for your letter to the British Prime Minister Tony Blair, congratulating him on his election victory. It was very much appreciated.

British High Commission.

· I am touched by your kind thought.
Nani A.Palkhivala.

· I have to convey my appreciation for the concern shown by you in connection with national maladies.


G.R.Khairnar-Human Rights activist and crusader against corruption.

· Undoubtedly your work reflects a high degree of involvement with national and international affairs and your timely contribution to public debate.

Penguin Books.
· Thank you for your nice letter. I appreciate your concern with regard to injustice and social evils in the society at large

Ratan N Tata

List of Selected Published work Hindi & Malayalam

List of Selected Letters/ Articles/Stories Published in Hindi and Malayalam

A. HINDI



1. Aaap Bhara Jug Ka Bhara
2. Aithihasic Nirnay
3. Arabpatiyo Ki Badhotri
4. Asamgat Nirdesh
5. Avyavastha Badaneyvala Faisala
5. Baadh Hi Kheth Ko Kha Rahi Hai
6. Badal Jayegi Tasvir
7. Bali Ka Bakra Doondne ki Aadat
8. Bura na mano Holi Hai
8. Chaploose se savdhan
9. Dasada ki oor
10. Dr. Kalam Tuje Salam
11. Dop ka Kalang
12. Ek Gauravpoorn yug ka antya
13. Gunavata ki Talash
14. Kanoon Lagoo Karne ki Sarahaniy Pahal
15. Kanoon Padhati ka saraleekaran
16. Khelon me kshetravad
17. Khiladiyon ke Saath Anyay
18. Loktantra ki Jeet
19. Lokatantrik Sudhar
20 Mahilavom par Hatyachar
21. Metro Rail Ke Nirman Main Gatirodh
22 Milavat hi Milavat
23 Mother Teresa ko Shradhanjali
24 Nau Jawanon Ne Khel me Umidemn Jagayi
25 Nayi vyavastha ki Zaroorat
26 Netaon ko Naitik Shiksha Mile
27 Padma Puraskar
28 Patri se utri Rail Sewa
29 Prachanna Pratibhaye
30 Prashasanik Sudhar
31 Rashtriya Samman ka Abhav
32 Sansadon ke liye Prashishan
33 Sarvajanik Kshetru ke hid me
34 Shaktisali ka katle aam
35 Swatantr our Neetipoornu Chunav
36 Sthayi Samadhan ki Zaroorat
37 Swadeshi Aandolan
38 Vijayan Dashak ka Sarvottam Khiladi
39 Vikas Banam Naitikta
40 Vishista Vyakthiyon ki suraksha
41 Wazirabad Durghatna




B. MALAYALAM

1 (A) Vishista Vyaktikalkkulla Suraksha Sannaham
2 (A) Swatantravum (A) Neetipoornavumaya
3 Atikayanmarude Pathanam..
4 Avasarochitam
5 Azhimatiyude Kootharangu
6 Bandh-Oru Kroora Vinodam
7 Bharat Ratna Award
8 Bhojana Salayile Chilauv Churukkal
9 CBI Dairykkurippukal
10 Chila Apriya Satyamgal
11 Colayum Arogya Prasnamgalum
12 Deshabhimanatinte Abhavam
13 Ettavum Valiya Aadaranjali
14 Indian Kayika Lokatinte Adhapadanam
15 Indraprasthan Mahashcharyam
16 Itarsi
17 Janapratinidhikalkku perumattachhattavum ..
18 Kai Vittu Pokunna Seelangal
19 Kayika Lokam Engottu?
20 Kalanju Kulicha Kadam
21 Keralam-Vairudhyangalude Nadu
22 Keralathinte Karutha Muthu
23 Kheshtra Sandarshanathinulla Vastradharam
24 Lajjavaham
25 Loka Malayali Sammelanam
26 Mithyayum Yadharthyavum
27 Mooshika Charitam
28 Nashtapettu kondirikkunna Moolyangal
29 Olinju Kidakkunna Kayika Pratibhakal
30 Oru Guruvayoorappa Bhaktante Vilapamgal
31 Oru Puthiya Samvidhanathinte Anivaryata
32 Oru Suvarna Kalaghatatinte Antyam
33 Padma Award
34 Pamolin Bahishkarikkanam
35 Sastra Lokathinu Angeeram
36 Punyaham Talichal matram shudhamavilla
37 Shata Koteeswaranmar
38 Studi Padhakar
39 Swathanthrethinte Bakkipathram
40 Varuvin Pachakam Cheyyuuin, Kazhikkuvin

List of Selected Published works in English

1.
LIST OF SELECTED LETTERS/ARTICLES/STORIES PUBLISHED IN VARIOUS ENGLISH NEWS PAPERS/PERIODICALS.

A Football Wizard
2. Accountability
3. Administrative Reforms
4. Adulteration all the way
5. All the VIP’s Men
6. All party Government
7. An Exercise in Futility
8. Art of Appeasing
9. Art of Cabinet Making
10. Atrocities against Women
11. Bharat Ratna Award
12. Beauty Contest
13. Bio Robots for Mars
14. Cabinet Reshuffle
15. CBI Unfettered
16. Celebrating Failures
17. Code of Conduct for Politicians
18. Colonisers & Property Dealers
19. Come, Cook and Eat
20. Concentration of Economic Power
21. Corruption- A Way of Life
22. Cost Cutting in Canteen
23. Coterie Culture
24. Credibility of the Press
25. Damage to Culture
26. DD- The Spoilt Sport
27. Death Penalty
28. Development sans Morality
29. Democratic Reforms
30. Don’t Play with Provident Fund
31. Dope Scandal
32. Dr.Kalam and India’s Missile Programme
33. Dussehra effigies
34. Election Reforms
35. Eliminating the Cause
36. Exodus of Talent
37. Find Lasting Solution
38. Football Telecast
39. For him Politics was a Mission and not...
40. For whom the Train Runs
41. Free and (Un)fair election
42. Goodwill in Politics
43. Guidelines for Civilian Awards
44. Hats off to Habib and his Boys
45. Hockey Triumph
46. Holi and (Un) Holy News
47. Homage to Mother Teresa
48. Ills of Democracy
49. Illusion and Reality
50. In the Larger Interest of the Nation
51. Indians too can excel at Sports
52. Indian Billionaires
53. Irrational Revision
54. Irrational Directive
55. It is Teamwork that counts
56. Jail Reforms
57. Justice for all
58. Kerala Drama
59. Lack of National Pride
60. Laudable Judgment
61. Long Distance Travel
62. Malayalam Cinema
63. Media Bias
64. Metro Rail Impasse
65. Missing by a whisker
66. Murder of a Mouse
67. Murdering Democracy
68. Need for a New System
69. Neo Colonialism
70. Nothing Official
71. Olympic Debacle
72. Opposition- A Misnomer
73. Padma Awards
74. Painful introspection
75. Pampered Ministers
76. Passing the Buck
77. Pay Commission Report
78. Politics of Pique
79. Protection to Convicts Child
80. Punjab Problem
81. Quest for Quality
82. R&D Imperative
83. Reform the Legal System
84. Regionalism in Sports
85. Republic day Thoughts
86. Reservation Issue
87. Sanskrit Education
88. School Rackets
89. Searching for Scapegoats
90. Self serving M.Ps.
91. Shining Glory
92. Shoddy Treatment
93. Solving Problems by Ignoring them
94. Sons of the Soil
95. Status Symbol
96. Sycophancy and Flattery
97. Swadeshi Movement
98. Talented Players, Mediocre Team
99. The Long March
100. The System is malafide
101. Tiger without Teeth
102. Traveller’s Woes
103. Travesty of Facts
104. Tryst with Dynasty
105. Un-earthling rural talent
106. Unfair Fair Hike
107. Un-rewarded talent
108. Unsung Under 10 Chess Champ
109. Vanishing Values
110. Veerappan’s gimmicks
111. Victory of Democracy
112. VIP Security
113. Waival of Loans
114. Well done TFA
115. What’s Wrong with our Sports?
116. X- Rated Investigation
117. Yes Minister
118. Z (H) ero Politicians

Excerpts from Articles

EXCERPTS FROM THE LETTERS/ARTICLES OF E.M.ADITHYAN


1. A country which has failed to provide even basic amenities like potable drinking water, shelter two square meals a day and primary education to a large segment of its population even after 50 years of independence can ill-afford such colossal expenditure of crores of rupees for the protection of its self proclaimed patriots.

2. A central minister is the representative of the whole country and why should we think that a minister who belongs to U.P. or Bihar would not be able to see the interest of the people of other states say Kerala or Assam?

3. After spending enormous amounts from the Public exchequer and protracted proceedings, the much-awaited Commission Report many times looks as if a mountain has delivered a mouse.

4. After our pathetic performance in any international competition we start searching for scapegoats...

5. Ambiguity is the hallmark of the Indian Legal system. Where the Law is expected to be elaborate, it is silent and where the issue is immaterial, explanation is elaborate.

6. An idea has been mooted by some political parties to exclude MPs and MLAs from the purview of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The proposal is likely to get the approval all major political parties because Indian political parties are having an enviable record of joining hands forgetting their ideological differences on matters of mutual interest and issues of National importance.

7. As a doyen of the film industry and a versatile artist, you have created some immortal characters on the silver screen. Being a trendsetter in the Indian cinema you have the enviable record of adding some new dimensions in the art of acting.

8. At a time when human virtues like love, compassion, sacrifice, honesty, integrity, morality etc, are fast eroding, the very mention of mothers name give solace and succour to the vast multitudes of people throughout the globe.

9. ......because the political history of post-independent India is replete with instances of fostering dynastic rule on the gullible public and our elected representatives meekly accepted these political novices without any murmur.

10. Common man has come to the conclusion that getting a backward class certificate is the most lucrative degree one can posses these days.

11. Crisis is often created and the person creating the crisis becomes the center of attraction overnight. Politicians are in the forefront of creating crisis for achieving their personal ambitions and to gain media publicity.

12. Even in India many top sports-persons belong to poor families and they come from remote villages of the country where there are absolutely no sports facilities.

13. Even the criteria of achievement is ridiculous as the Association's Annual Report indicate the amount of money spent on sports compared to previous year instead of indicating the achievement in physical terms.

14. Every country gives a scintillating display when the match is played on their home soil in front of the home crowd except perhaps India.

15. Government cannot control Dengue or for that matter any other epidemic by releasing big advertisements in leading newspapers almost everyday.

16. Her services to the humanity especially to the desolate, destitute, downtrodden and under privileged sections of the society is unparalleled in the history of mankind.

17. Hero worship and blind support create a sense of feeling among the leaders that they are infallible and unassailable which is not in their party's or country's interest.

18. History is a mute spectator to the fact that sycophants and flatters were largely responsible for misguiding their leaders, which has eventually lead to their downfall. Inspite of this sycophancy and flattery flourished in this country and of late it has created an impression in the minds of public that these are essential pre-requisites for achieving something.

19. However, millions of Hockey fans all over the country were denied the excitement of the glorious, thrilling and pulsating moments of the game-thanks to the apathy and callous attitude of the Doordarshan authorities.

20. In fact some political parties appear to have adopted a slogan "Growing to split and splitting to grow". Unfortunately principles, ideologies, philosophy etc appear alien to Indian politics.

21. It is hoped that CEC will come out with more and more innovative measures to discipline the recalcitrant politicians and thereby strengthening the democratic edifice of the nation.

22. Newspapers and periodicals, which have played a pivotal role during the freedom struggle, have of late become tools in the hands of politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen. Investigative journalism and unbiased reporting gave way for distorted news and prejudicial views.

23. No wonder we induct local lads in predominant positions while playing at Bangalore, Mumbai or Mohali and they turned out to be superflops. We should realise that our ultimate aim is to win match and medal and not to give a chance to the son of the soil.

24. Or is it because both these tournaments were held at places far away from the corridors of power?

25. Otherwise New Delhi will become a stage for enacting petty political dramas as was witnessed during 1977.

26. Our sports administers, it appears are unable or unwilling to unearth talent from remote areas of the country.

27. Our State Sponsored sports bodies and self styled sports administrators are too busy in settling their scores and they have little time to think about the development of sports in the country.

28. People had hoped that many of the mosquitoes would leave to their heavenly abode during the Diwali fire and fumes. But can we afford to celebrate Diwali daily to eradicate mosquitoes?

29. Politicians who joined hands with criminals and anti-social elements with the ulterior motive of annihilating their adversaries often fell prey to their own misdeeds as on many occasions their actions boomeranged.

30. Status of women in the country can not be improved by sanctioning a compulsory weekly holiday or reservation of 30% of seats in parliament and state legislators for them if they remain puppets in the hands of their sponsors.

31. Sycophancy is perhaps the second oldest profession in the world and one of the few areas where Indians have excelled.

32. The tragedy in India is that there is a wide gap between what we preach and what we practice. This is further compounded by contradictions like a scoundrel giving sermons about morality, a criminal talking about social justice and corrupt politician preaching probity in public life.

33. The coterie revolving round the leaders feed distorted news and biased information to them in the form of sugar coated capsules.

34. The word opposition is a misnomer. It creates an impression in the minds of public that its function is to oppose everything proposed by the ruling party.

35. The democratic systems of the country have been systematically strangulated with utter disregard for rules, regulations, procedures and norms. Still we boast of being the greatest democracy of the world.

36. The feeling of Regionalism and Casteism is so rampant in some areas of the country that even if Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru or Sardar Vallabhai Patel comes out of their heavenly abode and contest election for an Assembly seat from a place dominated by a particular caste, they may stand to lose their deposit.

37. The invasion of foreign satellite channels and private TV operators have already done considerable damage to our culture and any further action in this direction will have devastating effect.

38. The protagonist of Reservation Policy does not seem to realise that this policy has of late become counterproductive because reservation creates a sense of complacency leading to inefficiency. This irrational and illogical policy is largely responsible for the gradual erosion of efficiency especially in our government offices.

39. The startling revelation made by a former Union Home Minister on some sensitive matters and his subsequent somersault is a standing testimony to the sordid state of affairs in the political echelons of the society.

40. The suggestion of FICCI to set aside a portion of the PF money for investment in capital market is fraught with dangerous consequences. It will open the floodgates for unscrupulous elements to siphon off the money by investing in the companies floated by their kith and kin.

41. There is a popular joke that while the American and Scotlandyard Police catch the culprit within hours of committing the crime, Indian Police is well aware of the impending crime hours before it is being committed.

42. This speaks volumes about the standard of our products and the extent to which adulteration has become widespread in the country.

43. Thus, while US and other developed countries reap the fruits of our scientific and technical skill, India remains way behind advanced countries inspite of having abundant talent in the country. But who cares?


44. We are already having a plethora of political parties and emergence of a new party will only add chaos to confusion. Creation of a new party is not a panacea for Punjab problem. After all, some body from among the present politicians will head the new party. Thus it will be nothing but old wine in new bottle.

45. We Indians lead the way in many fields like population growth, pollution, road accidents, robbery, dacoity, murder, bride burning, scams, scandals and last but not least corruption.

46. While the violence unleashed by the anti-social elements in the wake of anti-reservation stir with a view to fishing in troubled waters should be condemned in unequivocal terms, there is an element of the outburst of the suppressed feelings of the majority community – who have been the victims of the Reservation Policy - which can not be overlooked.

47. While most of the politicians shed crocodile tears for the suppressed, oppressed and depressed class of society, nobody has hitherto shown the sagacity to repose confidence in a handicapped or underprivileged person.

48. While we eulogise some sportsman, treat them as demi-gods and shower them with heaps of awards, rewards, gifts and money, it was unfortunate that a child prodigy could not get the due rewards and recognition.

49. With sheer speed, skill, stamina and sportsman spirit coupled with devotion, dedication and determination, your footballers reached the pinnacles of glory and in the process exploded the myth that it is the money power, which wins medals at the international competitions.

50. Your suggestion in naming a Stalwart-Sir Franz Beckenbavour to succeed you is surely aimed at stimulating the standard of soccer in the world, as there is no saturation point for sports.

51. Often, obnoxious proposals are made by various quarters to scuttle and strangulate the investigation process, and but for the Supreme Court intervention, the practice could have gone unabated.

52. On the other hand, if our politicians introduce quotas and reservation for different categories based on castes with an eye on vote bank, that will be the waterloo of Indian sports
53. In India law makers becomes law breakers and guardians of law becomes the breachers of law. Our moral standard has dipped to the lowest ebb that lawbreakers are considered as heroes and brave and law abiders are branded as fools and idiots.

54. Official estimate of the percentage of adulteration (10 to 12 %) appears far from the truth as common man finds it difficult to locate unadulterated items in the market.

55 Our value system is declining and human virtues like honesty, integrity, morality, compassion etc are confined to dictionaries. Making material progress has become the motto of life and man is measured by his wealth and not by his virtues. Economic progress without social justice is not sustainable and will have far reaching and disastrous consequences.

56 Way back in 1982, Doordarshan won plaudits from millions of sports lovers all over the globe for its spectacular telecast of the 9th Asian Games.

Communicating wrongly

The ministry of communications & information technology, as well as the departments and undertakings under it, often give huge advertisements in national dailies.
While the spectacular progress made by the communications and IT sector is commendable, one wonders whe-ther the content of such advertisements are only meant to please the minister, rather than conveying the ministry’s achievements to the public.In the ads, the names of the dignitaries associated with various functions/programmes are prefixed with Thiru, Tmt, etc instead of the commonly used salutations like Mr/ Mrs/Shri/ Smt, etc. A majority of Indians do not understand the meaning of these Tamil words. Language is a medium of communication and it is inappropriate to use unfamiliar words from a different language. Excepting quotations duly subtitled, use of a regional language in major national dailies is in bad taste.It is paradoxical that the communications ministry, which is expected to be a trendsetter for effective communication, is setting a wrong precedent of bad communication.- EM Adithyan

DMRC Architect ignored

DMRC architect ignoredDear Editor,In recognition to their outstanding contribution in various fields, 121 persons were conferred the Padma Awards on the Republic Day. However there was a notable omission in the list of awardees. It is none other than the architect of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, and it's Chief Executive. Sreedharan.The Delhi Metro is an embodiment of efficiency, punctuality, reliability and excellence. If there is something in the national capital which is of global standards it will be in the forefront. It has played a pivotal role in improving the traffic system in Delhi thereby giving a facelift to the national capital and also has created a metro culture hitherto unknown.Even at the age of 75, Sreedharan works with such efficiency and enthusiasm which makes him a role model of managerial efficiency. Before taking up the stewardship of Delhi Metro he was instrumental in completing the Konkan Railway project. He was awarded the highest civilian award of the French Government, the Legion d'honour, in 2005 and received the Padma Shri in 2001. He deserves at least the Padma Vibhushan, if not Bharat Ratna. In a world where prominent personalities like Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy were not given Nobel prizes for peace and literature respectively, we can expect this.Nevertheless, I strongly feel that it was an inadvertent omission on the part of the authorities which will be rectified sooner than later. Whether Sreedharan gets awards and recognitions or not, crores of common men across the country will gratefully remember his outstanding contributions to the society.-E. M. Adithyan,Edapal, Kerala.

Billionaire's Club

Billionaires’ club Sir, ~ According to the latest report in Forbes, India has the largest number of billionaires in Asia. It may have surpassed Japan, but this is hardly a matter to rejoice over. The comparison must end with the number of billionaires. We tend to forget that in other spheres of life, Japan is far ahead of India. Creating billionaires and computing per capita income of the region/city is a classic example of the maxim “lies, damned lies and statistics”. The strength of a chain depends on the strength of its weakest link. On a parity of reasoning, the prosperity of the country depends on the economic status of the poor and backward. There is no point in creating a few islands of prosperity in an ocean of poverty. Barring exceptions like Narayana Murthy and Azim Premji, most of the billionaires lead an ostentatious lifestyle and spend very little on philanthropy. How many billionaires spend money for social, educational, charitable and humanitarian causes? How many educational institutions or hospitals have these billionaires built to provide free or concessional facilities to the poor and needy? How many billionaires come forward to sponsor sport activities other than cricket? Money is the sole criteria of development and status. ~ Yours, etc., EM Adithyan, Edapal (Kerala), 3 December.

Missing by a whisker

Place secure in pantheonSir—Another ODI century has once again eluded “master blaster” Sachin Tendulkar in the final match of the series against Pakistan played at Gwalior. However, the media and cricket fans are unduly perturbed. After all, the “little champion” already holds the world record for maximum number of ODI centuries. Though unfortunate, Tendulkar has created a record of sorts by getting out in the nervous 90s on seven occasions.Pole vault champion Sergei Bubka, who won six consecutive world championships from 1983 to 1997 and also beat his own record on 35 occasions, could win only a single Olympic gold. Similarly, Ron Clarke, the legendary Australian long distance runner, who was the world record holder in 5,000 m and 10,000 m and who created 17 world records, failed to win a single gold in the Olympics.After decades and centuries, future generation will not only remember Sachin for his spectacular and scintillating performances but also for his missing century after century narrowly. He is a genius and a class apart. EM Adithyan Edapal

Art of appeasing

The art of appeasing
Sir, - The government's decision to procure substandard paddy from Punjab farmers at the minimum support price is devoid of any rationale or logic. The plea that non-acceptance of the demand of the Punjab farmers will lead to revival of terrorism can be misconstrued as a tacit support to terrorism. Of late, governments both at the Centre and in the States are showing a dangerous tendency of bowing to pressure tactics and finding short-cut solutions to problems without realising the fact that it will sow the seeds of discontent leading to far- reaching and disastrous consequences. The government has already bowed to Haryana farmers' similar demands, virtually opening a Pandora's box. This will misguide the people who agitate for their legitimate demands to change their track to violent and disruptive methods.
Since Punjab farmers are very rich, compared to their counterparts in the rest of the country, they could have set a good precedent and exhibit excellent sportsman spirit by taking the loss (which is not due to any natural calamities) in their stride without burdening the public exchequer in the wider national interest. According to newspaper reports, substandard paddy was a result of premature harvesting for which they themselves have to blame. Why should a nation which is already under severe financial strain give undue benefit to the farmers when it does not have money to provide basic minimum facilities to people who lost everything in natural calamities?
Left parties reportedly supported the agitation by Punjab farmers. It is paradoxical that a party which claims to be saviour of the poor and downtrodden is espousing the cause of rich and mighty farmers.
Having decided to procure substantial quantity of substandard paddy from Punjab and Haryana farmers, it is a moot question as to how the paddy will be disposed of. Will the poor rice eating States be forced to lift the substandard rice for distribution through the public distribution system, thereby creating unrest and agitation?
E. M. Adithyan,
Edapal (Kerala)

Guideline for Civilian Awards

Guidelines for civilian awards
Sir,
Politicians have opened a Pandora's Box by recommending the names of their leaders for the highest civilian award of the country ie; Bharat Ratna. This has created a controversy by many people jumping into the bandwagon and recommending various names for the awards. The authorities have conveniently taken a shortcut by dispensing with the Bharat Ratna award this year. This is an escapist policy and not a panacea for the problem. We Indians have the uncanny knack of treating the symptom and not the disease. It is ironical that there have been no clear cut criteria or guidelines for selecting the awardees. Consequently the ruling party used to give this award for their henchmen and favourites. We Indians especially politicians and bureaucrats are consistently following a bad precedent of showing loyalty to the boss. It is high time we should make a change in this attitude and try to achieve organisational/Company/National objectives rather than appeasing their bosses

I suggest the following guidelines for Bharat Ratna and other Padma awards
1. Politicians and people who are directly involved in politics should be excluded from the purview of this award.
2. Sycophants, flatterers, leg pullers, back baiters, liars and people with crab mentality, ego etc should be automatically disqualified from consideration of award
3. Achieving personal glory should not be a consideration for the award unless it is matched with improving the country's image in the outside world
4. Canvassing or lobbying for the award by the candidate or his near/dear ones should be treated as a disqualification
5. Award should be given to living legends and should not be given posthumously
6. The jury of the Award should consist eminent personalities drawn from various fields like Art, Literature, Culture, Sports, Public Service, Science & Technology etc headed by an eminent serving or retired Supreme Court judge
7. People who have given outstanding contribution in any field can be considered for the award
8. In addition to outstanding achievements the candidates being considered for the award should have impeccable human virtues like honesty, integrity, patriotism, morality, sacrifice, selfless service etc
9. The candidate being considered for higher awards should be a true nationalist and should feel free from the clutches of caste, region, religion etc
10. The award winner should be a role model for others to emulate
11. Candidates being considered for the award should have pride as an Indian National and should be proud of Indian Culture, Civilization and traditions
12. People who have raised the image of the country by their outstanding deeds should be considered
13. Unsung heroes and those who got very less returns in material terms should get preference
14. Persons who have been honoured by International Institutions and Foreign countries should get due weightage
15. The awards should help to inspire others to follow the great deeds of the awardees
16. Award should be accompanied by a citation so that the common man understand and appreciate the reason and justification for giving award to the person
While minor deviations/dilutions can be done in some factors considering the weightage of other factors, no compromise in the criteria should be made for the highest award. It is better not to give award rather than giving award to an undeserving candidate.
Let us make these awards an instrument of national pride and not a cake for the petty politicians to fight. Let us also herald the beginning of a new era of the revival of the great Indian civilization and make this rich country of rich and abundant resources a true "Mahabharata" in letter and spirit.
The suggestions given are only indicative and not exhaustive. Government can consider formulating comprehensive policy so that in future awards are given to deserving candidates and not to the henchmen or yes-men of the party in power. This is essential to preserve the credibility and sanctity of the award and not to make a mockery of the awards.
Yours etc.,E M AdithyanVia e-mail

Corruption-a way of life

Corruption -a way of life
Sir,
We, Indians lead the fields in many fields like population growth, pollution, road accidents, robbery, dacoity, murder, bride burning and last but not least corruption. Corruption begins at the top and percolate downward to the lowest rung in the ladder. Corruption has a cancerous growth eating the vitals of our body politic and there is hardly any area free from corruption. For all these evils, we conveniently blame the system as if the system was designed, developed and supplied by the God. Occasionally we witness some nobility in the midst of this cesspool of corruption but those who stand against corrupt deeds are hounded, harassed and humiliated. The situation has become so bad that for the honest people it has become difficult to survive in this society. They are branded as fools who are unable to amass ill-gotten wealth. In fact, corruption has become a way of life today. We boast of having achieved all-round progress in all spheres of life after Independence but the sad state of affairs is that while we have made arithmetical progression in the positive aspects of life, we have made geometrical progression in the negative aspects of life. Unless some miracle happens for a mass awakening, the country will be doomed.
E M AdithyanVia e-mail

Movers& Shakers

28 February 1998
Movers & Shakers

Adithyan nominated for millennium medal
E M Adithyan, a freelance writer, has been nominated by the American Biographical Institute, North Carolina, USA, for the century's most notable medal -- The 2000 Millennium Medal of Honour.
Adithyan was earlier nominated for the `Man of the Year 1997' award by the same institute for his overall accomplishments and contributions to society.
The writer has contributed letters on a wide range of topics in almost all the leading English newspapers of India, besides several Hindi and Malayalam dailies and periodicals. He has the unique distinction of writing letters/articles on subjects starting from all the alphabets (A to Z). One of his articles on sports has achieved acclaim from a person no less than Juan Antonio Samaranch, president of the International Olympic Committee.

Bharat Ratna Award

Bharat Ratna Award
Dear Editor,L.K Advani prime ministerial candidate of BJP has recommended Bharat Ratna award to doyen of Indian politics and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. And, Mayawati UP Chief Minister and leader of BSP has recommended that Bharat Ratna award be conferred on Late Kanshi Ram, founder of BSP. Earlier the highest civilian award was the prerogative of only politicians and an illusion was created in the minds of common man, especially the literate and semi-literate, that only politicians do public service. Few years ago, a welcome departure was made in this trend and people who have excelled in other fields viz. Dr. M.S. Subbulaxmi, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Bismillah Khan, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam etc. were conferred the highest civilian award of the country. Thus we displayed in unambiguous terms that we Indians too can recognizs and reward meritorious and outstanding service which has helped to enhance the image of the country in the eyes of the world. Barring few exceptions, most of our illustrious and legendary personalities were first rewarded by international institutes and foreign countries and only after that we started recognising their outstanding service.It is high time that we should make a change in our attitude and start recognising and rewarding talent, excellence, outstanding achievements and dedicated and meritorious service without waiting for the outside world to reward them first. This will herald the beginning of a new culture and a loud and clear message will be sent to the whole world that in India unsung heroes are a thing of the past.-E M Adithyan,Elangalloor Mana,P.O. Edapal-679 576, Kerala.

India and Asian Games

India caught napping as Asian Games arrive
Dear Editor, Barely two weeks are left for the commencement of the Asian Games at Doha. While most of the countries have finalized their list of participants, India is yet to finalize it. As a result, athletes who are still undergoing training are not sure whether they would be part of the team. Such uncertainties, even at the last moment, would have an adverse effect on the performance of the players. We Indians have an uncanny knack of doing everything at the eleventh hour.Most of our sports organizations are headed either by politicians or by retired bureaucrats. Though the bodies they head have not shown an iota of improvement for decades they continue to hold their positions for years together. India is perhaps the only country where mediocrity and non-performance is rewarded!A few days ago some senior players of the Indian hockey team were unceremoniously removed. Adding insult to injury, the chief coach was told that his term would end after the Asiad. Was it necessary to make the announcement at this stage which would only demoralize the coach and the players? So long as veteran sports officials rule the roost our sports scenario would remain gloomy.There is no point in spending crores of rupees for organizing international sports events unless we are able to make some improvements in the standard of sports in the country. Otherwise a country which represents 1/6th of the world population would become a laughing stock in the eyes of tiny nations.Nevertheless let us fervently hope that our dedicated athletes would keep the Indian flag flying at Doha. Winning against heavy odds would always be sweet and millions of Indian sports lovers across the globe would salute our brave athletes.-

E.M. Adithyan,

Elangalloor Mana,Edapal, Kerala.

India;s Billionaires

India’s billionairesAccording to the latest report of The Forbes magazine, India has the largest number of billionaires in Asia. The euphoria created by the mass media on the rise of an Indian as the richest man in the world and the increase in the number of billionaires, is misplaced. The fact that India has more billionaires than Japan is not something to be particularly happy about. We are conveniently forgetting the fact that in all other walks of life, Japan is far ahead of India.
The prosperity of the country depends on the economic status of the poor and the backward. There is no point in creating a few islands of prosperity in an ocean of poverty. Barring exceptions like Narayana Murthy and Azim Premji, most of the billionaires lead an ostentatious lifestyle and spend very little on philanthropy. How many billionaires spend money on social, educational, charitable and humanitarian causes?
Over the years, the disparity between the haves and the have-nots have widened, which will have far-reaching social ramifications. In spite of the increase in income and wealth, the ultimate aim of peace, tranquility and happiness still eludes us. I earnestly appeal to the billionaires to set apart a part of their wealth to facilitate the all-round development of the country.EM Adithyan, Edapal Disappointing reviews

Democratic Reforms

Democratic reforms
THE Delhi High Court’s judgement directing the Election Commission to compulsorily provide information to the voters through the media about the criminal background of the candidates contesting parliamentary and assembly elections is laudable. The court has also directed the Election Commission to provide other information to the voter like assets possessed by the candidates and their dependent relatives, educational qualification of the candidates, whether the candidate is accused of any offence and any other information considered necessary by the commission to enable the voter to assess the suitability of the candidate.
It is ironical that in a country where even a candidate for the lowest paid government job has to furnish several particulars to assess the suitability of his candidature, candidates for parliamentary and assembly elections, who eventually become the law makers and thereby guide the destiny of the nation, do not require to give full particulars.
Voters have a right to know the credentials of the candidates and the High Court judgement has upheld this right.
The Election Commission should make a standard format giving all the relevant details, so that the voters can make a comparative study of the worth of different candidates and thus make a judicious choice.
E. M. ADITHYANEdapal (Kerala)

Sons of the Soil

State Pulse: Kerala: Sons of the soil
America is one of the most developed countries because they had opened the doors to the outside world. A cosmopolitan culture is developing all over the world when we are attempting to take backward march- EM Adithyan
Politicians have once again raked up the sons of the soil syndrome with the purported objective of helping their "statesmen" without realizing that it is a self defeatist attitude and detrimental to the interest of the state. With the liberalization and globalization and tremendous improvement in the transport and communication facilities, people have started moving in all directions in search of opportunities. Movement of people which was one way traffic till a few years ago has become two ways and multiple ways.
Within the country people migrated generally for employment and they have indeed played a pivotal role in the development of the place of their settlement. If people belonging to other States are removed from major cities in India, what would be left out can be left to wild imagination. Gulf countries have made tremendous progress during the last half-century due to the contributions made by people from other countries. America is one of the most developed countries because they had opened the doors to the outside world. A cosmopolitan culture is developing all over the world when we are attempting to take backward march.
Selfish and petty politicians who make provocative statements are doing it for political mileau and instant publicity. It is unfortunate that common man fell prey to their gimmicks and fight with their brethren whereas their political bosses remain in high security air-conditioned mansions unscathed. There is a popular joke that after the creation of universe, Lord Brahma told Lord Vishnu that there is a place called India where he has given all the resources. When Lord Vishnu asked, "Is it not unfair to give all the resources to one country?" Lord Brahma retorted "But see the type of politicians I sent there. They will spoil everything".
Last but not least, our Constitution gives us the right to live and work anywhere and equality before law irrespective of caste, creed, region, religion or language. Every elected member is expected to protect constitution, but how many of them are doing this is anybody's guess.
Democracy is meaningless if power is concentrated in few self-centered politicians. People should not be swayed away by the antics of politicians and made to swallow whatever their political bosses say. Any irrational, illogical, unethical or illegal directive from politicians should be dealt with the disdain they deserve. Ordinary workers belonging to all political parties and voters having affinity to any political party should get out from the shackles of their leaders and feel empowered to defeat the fissiparous tendencies of their self styled leaders for protecting our democratic system.


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Election process needs restructuring

The Election Commission has suggested that the entire poll expenses of candidates be born by the Government and political parties and candidates be disallowed to spend an extra rupee. The proposal is likely to get the approval of all political parties as they already have an enviable record of joining hands on matters of mutual interest and issues of national importance. The expenditure on this account will be colossal and the Government will have to either find additional sources or curtail the development expenditure. However this would not be in the larger interest of the nation. Moreover state funding of elections is not the panacea for curbing money-power in elections. Here are a few suggestions for consideration. Poll expenses should be realistically fixed and vigorously monitored and the amount should be periodically revised taking into account inflation. Posters should be completely banned, this would help prevent disfiguring of walls and buildings, both private and public. The number of meetings should be fixed and if possible all candidates should be allowed to share their views on a common platform. The annual accounts of all political parties should be compulsorily audited by Chartered Accountant s or Government Auditors, appointed by the Election commission. If any political party fails to produce audited accounts for two consecutive years its right to contest elections should be forfeited.Internal democracy should be maintained in all political parties. Elections should be held in the presence of an observer nominated by the Election Commission. Various posts in the party should be held by election and not by nomination. Parties should furnish the criminal antecedents of the candidates contesting elections. The assets and liabilities of candidates should be filed at the time of filing nominations.Political parties should file a report indicating promises vs. performance of the last election explaining the reasons for non performance or shortfall.Political parties or candidates should indicate the source of funds to meet the promises given in the manifesto. Deposits for contesting election should be suitably raised to prevent non serious candidates from contesting elections. Candidates who get less than a prescribed minimum votes should be debarred from contesting election for some years. Those who lose the Assembly or Lok Sabha elections should be debarred from contesting for Rajya Sabha seats for say the next 3 years. Moreover all the documents filed with the Election Commission should be accessible to the electorate through the payment of a nominal fee.It is suggested that there should be radical reforms in the election process to make it more transparent, corruption free and free from money and muscle power. The largest democracy of the world should also become the greatest democracy of the world.

Eagle's Eye: All Party Government

It will be worthwhile to consider the formation of all party Government. Under this System, the elected members of Parliament can elect the PM and other Ministers based on proportional representation -EM AdithyanThe forthcoming Lok Sabha election is going to create a situation where no single political party or coalition is able to get an absolute majority. Coalition and alignment have become a farce as political parties are switching alliance like a chameleon changing colour. In most of the cases coalitions are not based on ideologies or principles but based on personal prejudices. Parties are forging alliances with the singular objective of grabbing power and marriage of convenience has become the order of the day. In the event of a hung parliament there will be an open horse trading (The day is not far of when horses will file a defamation suit for the insult heaped on them by human beings) and money power and muscle power will play a predominant role signaling the murder of democracy. Under such circumstances, coalition set up has no stability as many coalition partners are having divergent views and they are at loggerheads. Even after forming the Government, parties may pull the carpet under the feet for ulterior motives.Under the circumstances, it will be worthwhile to consider the formation of all party Government. Under this System, the elected members of Parliament can elect the Prime Minister and other Ministers based on proportional representation. This will facilitate the formation of a team of talented ministers. Since the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Prime Minister and other Ministers are clearly defined, there should not be any reason for any confrontation or confusion. All the major decisions are to be taken in the cabinet or a majority decision in the parliament. Since the ministers are public servants drawing pay and perks from the Government, they should not hold any party position and should not involve in political activities. Politicians will be left with an option either to serve the party or the nation. A minister can be removed/recalled only through majority vote in the parliament and not at the whims and fancies of his/her erstwhile political bosses. In order to maintain the continuity of the Ministry, no-confidence motion may be restricted against a Minister, Ministers or even the Prime Minister. In other words, if a no-confidence motion is passed against the Prime Minister, the Ministry will continue but the Prime Minister will have to be changed. Moreover, every electorate will have a feeling that it is their own Government and consequently percentage of voting will gradually improve making democracy more meaningful.Notwithstanding the fact that the system under reference is prevalent in several organisations where also various groups and sub groups exist, the suggestion to adopt this system in the formation of Government deserves serious consideration. All the political parties may ponder over the issue and arrive at a consensus in the larger national interest. Every right thinking and patriotic citizen of the country should do their bit to prevent the country from engulfing in catastrophe and turmoil. Otherwise the country will become a stage for enacting petty political dramas and the largest democracy of the world will become a mockery in the eyes of the world. A situation of chaos, confusion and anarchy, which will have far reaching ramifications jeopardizing the unity and integrity of the nation, cannot also be ruled out. Let there be a national debate on this issue and let us show to the whole world that Indian democracy is vibrant, the legacy of the great Indian civilization is still in our veins and Indian electorate and politicians are matured enough to prove that the largest democracy of the world is also the greatest democracy of the world.