Tribute to Milkmen's Angel of India - Dr. Varghese Kurian

"Father of White revolution" Dr. Varghese Kurian is no more. His illustrious career and exemplary life and commitment to  the work he had undertaken cannot be described in a few words. He was born on November 21st, 1921 and as a young man of 28 years he was appointed on government's deputation at the Government Research Creamery. He aspired to be a mechanical engineer but his minor subject which he took in his graduation made everything changed, not only for him but for the whole country.  He saw the plight of the farmers who had to sell milk for lower price and lead a pathetic life. He was the pioneer of the cooperative movement in milk production, procurement and processing in India. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehu himself inaugurated "Amul " Factory in Anand. Then it was the then Prime minister Lal Bahadur Sashtri who asked him to develop similar model for the country and was named "National Dairy Development Board" and made Kurian the chairman.  He won several awards such as Raman Magsaysay  award (1963), Padma Shri (1963), Padma Bushan ( 1966), Padma Vibushan (1999), Doctor of Science from several Universities including Michigan State University, World Food Prize, USA, Lokmanya Tilak award, etc., to name a few. Above is the front page of the book in Malayalam that he wrote, "Enikumoru swapnamundaiyrunnu", meaning "I too had a dream". Now having created the dreamland, he went on to find abode in another dreamland   very far away from this earth.

He was also innovative. While the whole world produced milk powder from cow's milk, he ventured into the production using buffalo's milk. It seems when a Swiss company did not want to share technology with the "native Indians", he retorted to say he too was a native Indian and started inventing his own method to produce the condensed milk in his factory. 

Var ghee se of Amul


"Anand Milk Union Limited, the acronym   for Amul owes greatly to him. However, when he wanted to visit them the official red-tape delayed him for hours. He sadly remembers it in an interview that "the very people for whom he worked, has not backed him and went on to say "It is life". This greatly touched me. I too several times did so much good to others in helping or in mentoring the students and even giving free training and spending hours with them but, they behave in thankless way and leave even without a word many times. If such great persons could take it at his stride, so I too need to learn it that way was my after thought. He was called "milk Man of India" by many but I felt he should be rightly called "Milkman's Angel". 

Var ghee se of Amul,    is the caption I gave to the cartoon above in line with the famous ads of Amul. Born in Calicut and later studied in Chennai, this great man had made Anand his place of life and died and cremated too there, after all for great men and women where is "the Native place", as the whole Nation belongs to them for which they sacrifice their lives.

Geomarinebiotech: Recent Exodus of people of North East from major I...

Geomarinebiotech: Recent Exodus of people of North East from major I...: Recent Exodus of people of North East from major Indian Cities I was shocked to read and hear news that several thousands of workers, pro...

Recent Exodus of people of North East from major Indian Cities

I was shocked to read and hear news that several thousands of workers, professionals and students left major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai. The reason: rumours of the possible attach on the people of North East living in these cities after 20th of August. Recently it was also found out by intelligence that doctored videos of torture of Muslim in Assom was going through MMS. South Indian cities and especially Chennai being boasted to be the safest in India could not stop this exodus. 

I tried calling my friends in social works and other youngsters through social networks to allay the fear of these people and to say "We stand by you". My plan of going to Railway Station with placards saying "We at Chennai stand by you" failed. My last minute attempt failed. Only my tears could stand by them without even their knowledge. 

This is possibly one of the largest Exodus after partition. There is no official number of people who left the major cities, though from           Scene at Bangalore: Courtesy The New Indian Express

Bangalore alone till now about 30,000 persons have left. Police in Hyderabad denies any major exodus though truth will be known only to them. In my opinion in each city around at least 2000 per day would have made it to about 10,000 in the last few days in each city, probably putting it about 1,00,000 from all Southern cities including Pune. 

What went Wrong?

What went wrong cannot be found out only from the recent news on SMS rumours and MMS. This exodus is definitely and aftermath of recent Assom Violence. The problem was between the local Bodos and the Muslims, who mostly migrated from Bangladesh illegally. This led to the displacement of about 4,00,000 from their homes. Killing of some Muslims in this violence was used by miscreants - there is a theory of Pakistan's involvement in this- to spread panic in other cities. The affected are probably the ones who had no hand in any violence nor really all belonging to Bodo community. As many in the North used to think  all who live in South India are Madrasis, one community is mistaken for whole North Easters people. Many from Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and   Nagaland were also affected by this mindless rumors. Mumbai protest turned Violence on 11th August, 2012 also added fuel to this situation. 

One thing that is clear is that this problem in the North East is now new and all successive governments had done nothing to bring permanent peace in this region. I had written many posts elsewhere for the ending of   11 years of fast by the Iron lady of Manipur, Irom Sharmila. O, that wonderful pristine mounts and nature at best at North East should witness the tears and unrest all these years is very sad. As an Indian I cannot but cry for my brothers and sisters. 

Need of the Hour:

What is the need of the hour? The recent news of rumors spreading to New Delhi is not good at all. I do not know whether the Government in the Centre and State governments concerned are taking these issues seriously enough. Someone wrote that these people who go back in pain might turn angry. I do not know what the person meant. it could mean anger against Muslims in their region. We cannot even think of a civil war like situations in India. All right thinking Indians should assure each other of our love, concern and commitment for harmony. All local welfare associations and NGOs should gather the people of North East through their local associations and provide moral support. They should be aided  by the police department. 

Religious leaders especially Muslim religious leaders can issue statements stating categorically that India is for all and Muslim brothers should get involved in spreading peace as Islam is a peaceful religion. I personally request my Muslim brothers to join this peace mission. I really loved to see one lone Muslim boy standing at the Railways Station with the placard "We are Indian First and India is for all Indians" in one of the Newspapers. 


We need more and more not just right thinking  but right acting people in this country to bring harmony, trust and peace. If your dream is a developed India, you cannot neglect what wrong goes on around you. 
I can tell with certainty that India is for all Indians. If someone think that these migrant workers have eaten our resource, let me tell you that the local did not want to work hard or work for less what you paid. 

Courtesy Globalpost

Therefore while they benefited from unemployment in their State, others gained by their labor. Colleges and Universities in the Southern States which boasted of providing better education attracted the students from these region and gained economically. Of course these students too had better opportunity by coming down to Southern States. Did we not then see a "Win-win"? There is always a give and take everywhere and everyone of us need to  realize this. Otherwise the Independence Day we celebrated a few days ago is just a tokenism without any meaning.  

You can write your opinions here and send ideas what we can all do. 

Geomarinebiotech: London Olympics - ReflectionsThe Olympics-2012 in...

Geomarinebiotech: London Olympics - Reflections
The Olympics-2012 in...: London Olympics - Reflections The Olympics-2012 in London came to a close yesterday. Sushil Kumar winning a silver medal in the free w...

London Olympics - Reflections

The Olympics-2012 in London came to a close yesterday. Sushil Kumar winning a silver medal in the free wrestling competition in 66 Kg category gave an euphoria among all the Indians and as usual the media showered praises and some ascertained how  it was clear from the beginning. His bout with the Kazakhstan wrestler was indeed breath taking. I as an Indian too stood up to give a standing ovation. It was not just for Sushil, for many Indian athletes I felt emotional 

Sushil Kumar after the silver medal win - Courtesy India Today        too. When the mother of two and the one from the sidelined  society of North East won a bronze medal, I said "Bravo'. What touched me more was when she said " I am sorry that I could not get a gold for my country". 

What was more exciting was Yogeshwar Dutt's matches, though he could manage only a bronze. In 60 Kg category he had to win in repechage method after losing to the Russian, Besik Kudukhov in the pre-quarter final. In his bout for bronze he had to show his grit in 45 minutes by facing 3 opponents.  This bronze symbolized valor in my opinion than that of the bronze won by Saina. Yes, we are happy as Indians but to get a medal because of one's injury is not a great thing to celebrate. I know even Saina will approve this observation. 

Courtesy Zee News

When the contingent of 83 from the Indian continent went to London our media started the hypes. One called the program as "Go for Gold" while the other major channel called it " Gold Rush". True everyone rushed for gold but no one garnered it. The dedicated songs and emotional outbursts are common phenomenon in Indian sports courtesy Indian mass media. Not just hypes but many times promoting a few as the most probables and leaving others. 

There were controversies in the Tennis arena, as to which team was the probable medal winner. Boppana and Bhupathi had lost to the French pair in a poor way. With the lower rating Vishnu Vardhan did a commendable job along side Leander Paes though they did not win a medal. In badminton all eyes were on Saina but many failed to notice the dark horse, Kashyap Paruppalli. He went down valiantly fighting the No.1  seed Lee Chong Wee.  

Vijay Kumar with his silver medal -courtesy International Business Times

We often make hype on a few like Sania, Gagan, Vijayakumar, .but fail to notice or encourage others.  Whether the glory we showered during the previous Olympics at Beijing   on Abinav Bindra has become null and void is not known. Tinu Luka's qualification in Quarter finals in 800 meters is no event at all also is not known to me. 

Though Gagan's bronze indicated the start of glory for India, the final momentum was won by Sushil and Vijaykumar at the end. As any Indian or even more than many I am happy and proud. Many nights were spent for following these events. 

Where is the Gold and the Glory?

With 6 medals in our bag it is defiantly a time to celebrate. With 83 athletes and 13 events and for a country of the size with 1.21 billion, is this enough is the next question that haunts. We had won doubled our tally compared to the previous Olympics is the boast. What if one had one 23 and now another 3 which makes it only to 26 but not double. Two medals can be boasted as double compared to only one. When asked about whether more medals are good or gold is good to Carl Lewis about Indian performance (CNN IBN interview), he said more medals will produce more heroes in India. He was graceful and mature in saying so. As Indians, can we be contented  with our achievements? USA got 110 last time and now only 104 , does it say it performed bad? Last time China topped it and now USA. 

Jamaica's 12 medal tally is indeed a proud moment for that country. How can anyone forget "Bolt from the sky" who showed arrogance and boasting in talk but proved so also. Where we can find a Michael Phelp in our country? Is not Serena's dominance  enjoyable by all? The grace of synchronized swimming or rhythmic gymnastics is worth watching many times.  Why certain countries rule certain games? What is our national game? Did you say Hockey? Where is the key to get through a commendable position? If there was a clay medal, for sure Indian hockey team would have deserved it. 

When will we stand tall in these games or when we can even host an Olympics? Where do we go wrong?

I always advocate scientific methods and use of technology for the growth of this country. I saw many programs on super humans in the History channel. Whenever, someone claims something or demonstrate feats, they are put to scientific tests such as blood lactic acid acid level, heart rate, muscular movements and so on. Science of sports is not something new. Even a cricket ball use and spins are all analyzed using technologies and the team watches them before taking on the opponents. Do we employ science and technology as much as the developed countries? Do we really talk about balanced nutrition or sports diets? What are our training facilities compared to the developed world? 

Here is a link which talks about a book on Winning in the Olympics, by Scientific American. For sure it would be a good reading. 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-science-of-sports-scientific-american/1112082133

Just throwing money may not be an answer unless one does it scientifically. Being happy is good but worrying and working hard for going to the next stage is urgent and important. Now instead of "Go India, Go" slogan we need to say "Move on India, Move on!" 

Ten years after 9/11

Ten years have passed after we witnessed the 9/11 events that shook the world. When I was thinking of writing this blog, I read an exclusive interview of Mr.Obama to The Times of India. I thought it would be appropriate to quote it as it reflected my thoughts too. Here is the part of his interview:

“On this 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we remember that 9/11 was not only an attack on the United States, it was an attack on the world and on the humanity and hopes that we share.

We remember that among the nearly 3,000 innocent people lost that day were hundreds of citizens from more than 90 nations. They were men and women, young and old, of many races and faiths. On this solemn anniversary, we join with their families and nations in honoring their memory.

We remember with gratitude how ten years ago the world came together as one. Around the globe, entire cities came to a standstill for moments of silence. People offered their prayers in churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship. And those of us in the United States will never forget how people in every corner of the world stood with us in solidarity in candlelight vigils and among the seas of flowers placed at our embassies.

We remember that in the weeks after 9/11, we acted as an international community. As part of a broad coalition, we drove al-Qaida from its training camps in Afghanistan, toppled the Taliban, and gave the Afghan people a chance to live free from terror. However, the years that followed were difficult and the spirit of global partnership we felt after 9/11 frayed.”

The emotional gathering of people at ground zero and the markings of the names on the tablets, of the 3000 that laid their lives for no fault of theirs was moving my heart. Not long ago what we witnessed at our own capital too only increased my pain. There is a lesion we need to learn from the Americans. The loss of 3000 people made more than 5 million men and women to take up the uniform. It united whole United States of America. Before this anniversary, they saw to it that the man behind this was eliminated. A determination that made them achieve this. I salute this country which stands tall even in calamities. US, I stand by you on this day along with billions of my fellow Indians.

This day, we all need to take up an oath that we will stand for our country and for the united fight against global terrorism. Youngsters should become more responsible and help our security forces and intelligence to fight against terrorism. The government should take serious efforts in combating terrorism. Absence of even CCTV cameras in sensitive areas and non-maintenance of metal detectors and carelessness in securities are unforgivable acts. As written in my previous blog, why that we lack in technology or use of available technology? Can we not develop program which can detect unusual activities and send alarm? I think, a simple program in the camera software could do this. Or is it that bomb sniffing dogs can only do so after the blasts or we have only a few in the country that we need to spare them only for the rarest instances? Can we not recruit more trainers and more dogs as well as recruit more intelligent officers and task force? This in one way, solves unemployment problem and help us combating terrorism too.

TV channels too need to be sensible in reporting news. They can help investigating and then take credit rather than a hurried news which might make sensation but will hinder the investigations.

There is a lot that can be done by the general public. The real heroes will crop up from these unknown soldiers is my strong belief. Compulsory military training to all youth from 20 to 25 years might be the need of the day. Protecting the   whistle blowers is the responsibility of the government.

Our laws too need to change. While the US could just fly into another country and eliminate the terrorist without any legal proceedings, why we keep our fingers crossed on a terrorist who was caught red handed?

Can these lesions and instances unite Indians? Write to me your feelings or concerns or ideas, etc., You can comment here or send me mails with your name, email ID and phone number. If you like send us your photo, so that we can publish them here.

Nation's proud moment

Nation's Proud Movement

The whole nation went into euphoria yesterday. The "Sense of the House Resolution” on the acceptance of Jan Lokpal was unanimously passed by all the parliamentarian shedding their party differences. Some immediately claimed it is the victory for our parliamentary democracy, while there was jubilation at Ramlila Ground that it is the victory for Anna. When finally Shri. Anna Hazare spoke it attributed it to the people of India. This shows the maturity of the leader. The nation had seen many ups and downs during the last 15 days, even before Anna started his fast. Both the major political parties namely Congress and BJP, accusing each other as well as Team Anna finding fault with Government and vice versa. Even US advised the Government to allow Mr. Anna Hazare   to take up the fast. There were skepticism or at least doubts in the minds of many whether things could be achieved this way. The world closely watched India and the development. They thought India might follow the footsteps of what went on or going  on in Libia, Egypt or  Sudan and there could be unrest. We proved them all wrong. Not long ago, even many Indians swore that Gandhian ideas are not relevant anymore. Now is the proof and we as a Nation proved Gandhian agitation works. Thanks to Anna’s untiring fight. While the debates go on in many TV channels about whose victory it is, let us celebrate the victory as ours. Now, the politicians should have learnt a lesion too that they are elected by the people to serve the people and the powers are given to them and not they have acquired by their might. All the while we had been taught that voting is a sacred duty of every Indian, but now we also know our duty to question the elected. If the elected is superior, those who elect them are mighty. This is not to underestimate our parliamentary system which was brought in by our leaders and the law makers who toiled several nights to bring in the constitution. I know some civil activists too talked in insulting way about all our politicians. In the spur of moment all talk some rubbish. It is also a good leader’s attitude to forgive and forget. I request our TV channels, who did give us an yeomen service to bring this movement to the forefront, not to dig the past and accuse some and call names. This is a time to celebrate and a time to move on. As Anna Hazare told the mass, just wearing a cap with inscription “I am Anna” will not make them Anna but they need to keep certain things in mind and he went on to list them out as: 

• There should be no difference in what you say and what you do

• You should possess clean and honest thoughts, have a clean conduct, clean character
•  You should have a feeling for sacrifice
• You should have the strength to take humiliation
• You should pledge not to give or take bribes henceforth.

 While we all celebrate the victory, rededicating ourselves to the cause is important. We need to realize that all of us had a part in the corruption in smaller or bigger way. When I think of my father who was a Superintendent of Central Excise who stood for purity in his work and have not even touched a tea from his clients, I have fallen short in not being so perfect. The pressures of the modern life, the compulsions of the surrounding, political system, etc., are all definitely the reason, yet there is a need for us to stand.  The victory which we got in a non-violent way has taught us that this is the way. We can recall how, many organizations and political parties fought for their rights by burning buses and affecting public life. While celebrating the victory, let us also realize the wake up call given by Mr.Anna Hazare. I wrote many messages in the past few days on many social networks for saving Anna’s life. Now I breath a sigh of relief that everything ended well with a great note. I know fully well, still we have miles to go. This will be possible only if all of us work together and work tirelessly.