Death of Delhi Gang Rape Victim - Death of values in the Indian Society or a New Birth? 

There is a photo making a circulation in social media about a girl whose name is not officially known but many call her Damini, has passed away after a long drawn battle in Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital. Times of India  call her "Abhaya". Whatever is her name, probably it would become "Anamika" (nameless), if we do not take this incidence into a logical end. This is probably the largest uproar for an individual ever in my opinion, thanks to the media and the people who gathered in New Delhi after the incidence. The country has also witnessed many uproar and even death of a constable. Public anger and many utilizing the opportunity for hooliganism and political parties trying to get mileage over one another, etc., have been witnessed by all of us. I am not going to talk about all of these.First of all let me convey my hearty condolences to her family, relatives, kith and kin. Thanks to the million who are now sensitized hopefully.  

We have all witnessed in the past that any uproar stays for a time and then all of us forget. Debates on TV News Channels will be replaced slowly but surely when other issues come up. I had also written in the social media about how many women who were raped and some even lost their lives did not even get any attention by the mass. Many times, if the victims are from villages or are underprivileged, in our country such people are always Anamikas. This had shaken me so much like any other good human would have naturally be. Shouting or lighting candles or writing in social media as one of the posts among many our youngsters post will not change things. 

Can we all ponder over what is the need of the hour? Where is our great country which preaches moral values and boasts of thousands of years of culture and tradition going? I have been watching many observations in the social media ranging from request to hang the culprits immediately, to dress code suggested by some men and objected vehemently by some women, especially of young age, to change in laws, etc., Probably everything might have a place for debate (after all in democracy there is place for everything). Some time, we should realize, that we get only lost in these arguments and we go nowhere. Let us do an emotional but wise and practical thinking of the whole matter. 

This is not to label all men as some animals, as fathers, husbands and brothers are men too. At the same time, let me tell my fellow men that it is not just wise to accuse all women as our mothers and sisters and wives too are women. An young boy must think, what is the security for his sister who had gone to college and yet to return. My dear sisters, think whether your brother treats other women with respect. When we can all learn universal brotherhood ( if you want to call sisterhood, I do not mind). Honestly tell me, even if the girl's parent in all their agony will not even once pass to think, why my daughter went at an odd time to movie and with a boy? These may not be expressed in anger, but we as parents do think. Dress code is another issue which is not very important now to talk, but I will just mention as incidence. One of my girl students who wanted to take up training at our company asked me over the phone as to what dress code they should follow. I after a smile told her: " I do not advocate any dress code here nor interested in moral policing. However, I can tell you one thing.You can wear anything that you think bring respect to you from my staff or your other students including boys and also from the general public, The public should say how decent and respectable is this girl. What is that dress code, is it pant and shirt or salwar or saree or any modern dress, I will not comment". She promptly told me sir, you have made things clear to me. I do not know why some need to over blow these too. In India there used to be a saying " the girl looks like Mahalakshmi". You can imagine how she would have looked. 

There is also widespread opinion that men view women as object of sex and a toy of entertainment. I cannot deny this at all. Who is responsible for this? Men or women, no, all of us. Why we do not object to the ads which depicts women like that? Is not there an "Advertising Standard Council of  India (ASCI)? Here is the link: http://www.ascionline.org/, if anyone cares please go and complain. Also there are women organization who simply blames the men for exploitation of women even in movies and ads. I do not think these women are like the underprivileged and voiceless who cannot talk against their perpetrators  but are rich and have big fan following. Why don't they ask these "ladies and elite group not to indulge in these things?". Please remember I am no male chauvinist and am for the true empowerment of women all over the world. While many women walk on the streets why only some are commented even by a man who otherwise is silent? Of course, one placard during these marches read like this: "even if I walk naked on the road, you cannot rape me". It is absolutely true and if you are a good man and have values and is respected by this society, you need to turn away and walk. Of course, it would have hurt me as I would have sensed the degradation of this society. If it was a woman lying naked due to other reasons, then a right thinking man would cover her with his shawl or even shirt. Are you all getting my point. Yes, that would be the right thinking and mature society. I dream of that. I am also equally sad how a woman can utter that she will be happy to go on the road naked? Even as a man I cannot imagine nor even dream of such behavior of walking naked on the road. Let our thoughts mature so that we can be called mature and we will create a mature society. 

Now, I pose the questions to the youth (boys and girls who had been debating on many things). Can you take oath of the following?   

Man / Boy: I treat the people of other gender as my equal and respect them and will not insult or hurt physically, mentally or morally. I will genuinely treat them as friends ( if you cannot take a oath saying you treat them as sisters and mothers) I genuinely try to help them as far as possible considering they are physically weak and they deserve my help. I will not induce them or show sexual or obscene gestures. I realize that I am a gentleman and will be seen as a Hero in situations which warrant my help. I will not cheat a girl with a false promise of marriage nor lure her unlawfully. 

Woman / girl: I will treat the people of other gender as my equal and respect them and will not insult or hurt physically, mentally or morally. I genuinely treat them as good friends  ( if you cannot take a oath saying that you treat them as brothers and like fathers). I will try to help them when they require. I will not use them for my own petty gains nor induce them with seducing gestures. I realize that men are made strong by God in nature ( you can omit the word God if you are atheist)  and I give the proper respect for that. I will not cheat a boy with false promise of marriage nor lure unlawfully.

I hope it is evenly balanced. When we talk or write anything, about other gender realize that you too have your sisters, wife or mother. Parents have a great responsibility in teaching both the boys and girls. You set an example to them. Then only you will be called a "Mata" or "Pita" as the Indian culture describes and are kept at par with God himself. Society will not develop on its own nor matures unless we all grow and mature. 

Coming to the question of how we can control it till the society matures slowly, we have many means such as legal, social, governmental and technological solutions. Laws for sure need to change in many ways. definition of rape,  proper identification of the crime and quick registering of cases and quick disposals are very important. Police should become friends of the public and oppressed but a terror to the wrong doers. Public should also realize they are part of the society. We cannot close our eyes to the constable Mr.Tomar who lost his life. 

I had seen thousands on street condemning the cruel act and I put my appreciation for them in writing. However, tell me how many are ready to come together in forming a "Civilian Task Force" who could patrol the areas during night or even become informers to police with the help of police. I do not know whether a system like "Friends of Police" is in place in New Delhi. I made a call for it elsewhere on a social network but no one had said "Yes".

I wonder why registering a case should take much problem for the police. I think there is a misunderstanding of the word "FIR" at both ends, FIR or First Information Report is just registering a "report" about the "Information" obtained by them, no matter whether the information is given by an individual or a group or even a news and is not a verdict nor a proven information. To prove it comes after the police investigation and enquiry and is confirmed and verdict given only by the court. Why they hesitate is not understood and why people should hesitate to go to the police also is strange. Why not technology come to help? We can make complaints filing online. I hope the government will listen to this. 

I request all the right thinking people to write your ideas and suggestions to Judge Usha Mehra Commission set up for this purpose, you can send your email to usha.mehracommission@nic.in  or through fax at 011-23093750 latest by 10th of January, 2013. The official site is: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=91235 

When asked by government agencies or commissions, many times public  reactions are poor. This is the time, all bloggers and social media activists who shout and cry can make their points. 

Coming to technology, I wonder why many times we fail to notice the advancements in technology and use them in right way. When smart phones can do so much why we cannot use them or develop gadgets which can alert police when women are in trouble? You can even keep an emergency messaging draft which can be simultaneously send to police as well as your dear and near ones. Also giving out GPRS locations to your family will be of great use. I have ideas for gadgets which can reduce crimes and will write to the government. Let me see whether they are genuinely interested in using such simple cheaper yet powerful weapons to curtail such activities. 

Various ways technology can come to help, but change of heart and attitude is the best and better than any technology.

Tribute to Subramanya Bharathi, a Tamil poet, revolutionary and Freedom Fighter.

Today 11th December, is the birth anniversary of Subramanya Bharathi or Fondly called as Bharathiar. his parents gave himn the name Chinnaswamy Subramanya Bharathi. Celebrations of his birthday might be subdued but those who know about him get inspiration by his very name. He was called "Mahakavi" meanss great poet. He was a cartoonist (the first one in Tamil Nadu, I suppose), a poet, journalist, a visionary, a revolutionist and a patriot. I was inspired by his writings even as a child. Though he was born in a so called upper caste ( so called, yes, I do not believe in caste system), he rose against the caste system and even hated by his own people. He was well versed in many languages including English, French, Telugu, Bengali, Hindi, Kutchi, Sanskrit besides Tamil. His series of songs for the babies make us remember why we should mentor them young. He teaches them saying "There is no caste and to talk of big or small is a sin", but even today in the land which boasts of

Cartoon of Subramanya Bharathi by me

him and tradition, the caste system is not abolished!. He was a rebel too. when the caste system which prevented him even to keep a mustache, he did so and was greatly inspired by Bhagat Singh and thus adopted to headgear. He sang several sangs which made the British fear and his writings in Swadesamitran,  a daily of those days. He was in poverty in spite of many  opportunities which he could have grabbed. He fed the sparrows and crows when the household ran out of grains. This saddened his wife Chellamma. Then he sang a song  "Crows and sparrows are of our caste" thus showing his love for animals. Even in such poverty, his prayer was " Having made a good Veena ( a music instrument), anyone will throw it in the dust?. Tell me my goddess, You have made me born with  a bright knowledge; give me a power that I can live fruitfully for this world". These lines had always inspired me and these words have become my prayer too. I am not here to write his biography as many have written that, but to remember a  great man and to inspire the younger generations in his teachings. Now there are many claims that joining the rivers of India is someone's idea but originally Bharthi had put forward it. He might be a Tamil by birth but he saw the whole nation as one. His famous song where he says "In the moon light by river Sind, with the women of Kerala, singing in a beautiful language called Telugu, we will go around in boat". The same song brings out the bravery of Maratha and their poetry and the need to give ivory from the south as gift to them. He was no doubt a true nationalist. Today, we see many leaders living for themselves and making fortune by dividing the people and country  in the name of caste, region, religion and language. Can we all unite? He also predicted the importance of lunar science those days in one of his poetry. He wanted our country to advance in technology too. His song "No fear, no fear, even if the sky has to fall on our heads, we have no fear" will wake up even the weak minded persons. His thoughts on freedom of women is still  not achieved. "We will burn the habit of degrading women" he said but we read and see news about molestation and burning the bride. If we are not going to change our country a better place to live in and a country with pride people, all our celebrations are waste. I want to give this call to all my brothers and sisters of our country, especially youth. How many of you can raise up?   Can we make a commitment today?    

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!"