In the company of Abdul kalaam and Narayan Murthy

In the first week of September’2011  I got an opportunity to attend Project Management National Conference at Bengaluru. I was looking forward to this conference because of the two very bright luminaries of India who were to address us. And these two luminaries were the real sons of the soil – Ex-President APJ Abdul Kalaam and Narayan Murthy. It was an experience to see them, listen to them and feel the aura of their extraordinary but very humble and noble souls. To me it was an opportunity of a lifetime.

On the opening day of the conference, as ex-President APJ Abdul Kalaam made his entry, he was welcomed by thunderous applause from the audience and everyone stood up to greet him. Thunderous applause was followed by pin drop silence once he took up the dais. Every word he spoke carried lot of meaning and was with conviction and love for the country.

In his speech he spoke about his Vision 2020 for India and how India could achieve it. He talked in detail about the must have qualities of a good leader. I would like to share the qualities he mentioned for a successful leader. The qualities that he mentioned are –

1.            A leader must be a Visionary

2.            Must be a man/woman of Action – to fulfill the vision

3.            Should steer the team in difficult situations

4.            Must maintain transparency

5.            Should give credit for success to the team and take failures as his/her own failure

6.            Be the master of the problem, let not problems become the master

7.            Practice Nobility

8.            Should be a man/woman of Integrity – with the belief to Work with Integrity and Succeed

with Integrity.

A lot more is there I would like to share from the speech and interactive session of Sri APJ Abdul Kalaam , but I might lose the focus. At this point, however, I would like to share the response from Sri Narayan Murthy on a question from the audience. The question was – In your opinion, leaders are born leaders Or Leaders are made? His response was- Leaders are made!

It was a great learning experience and I just wanted to share with you all - about how to being a successful leader in our own sphere of work and life. Let us make ourselves a good leader – a personality - who is respected for integrity, sincerity, inspirational work, ideas, innovations and nobility – equally at our homes, offices and the society at large!

We may also see that times change, but the age-old values that have been the guiding force for the development of civilisations, remains the same- irrespective of time and place.

With best wishes for Navratri, Durga Puja and Vijayadashmi celebrations!

madhukarmohan@gmail.com

And miles to go before we sleep.....

With passing of the resolution in the Parliament on Lokpal Bill on 27^th Aug’2011, India won a battle with itself! And every one won, some reluctantly and some pro-actively. While the world is witnessing violent protests against the high handed governance, the mini peaceful revolution witnessed across India - led by Anna Hazare and his team has further cemented the already strong and vibrant Indian democracy. The resilience shown by our Parliament too has set an example for other nations!

While declaring acceptance of the resolution and announcing the end of his 12- day long fast, Anna Hazare said that the battle is only half won and that the struggle will continue. But, in my view, it is only ‘a quarter win’. Another ‘1/4^th win’ would be achieved  - once the effective Lokpal Bill comes into existence, making it ‘a half win’. And remaining ‘half win’ would make it a ‘full win’ – only when the corrupting factors give way to a corruption-free India and India ranks proudly among the top ten in the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index!

Going by the recent ranking of India at 87^th position by Transparency International, it is a difficult task for us. But, if we could fast-track rolling of the Lokpal Bill in Parliament by active participation of the common people, I feel – it is achievable.

Let us make a commitment to ourselves, may be in the ‘Wanted’ style of Salman Khan – Ek baar jo maine commitment kar dee, uske baad toh main khud ki bhi nahin suntaa!

But, it is much easier said than done. A lot of work needs to be done and undone!

It reminds me the famous lines from ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ by Robert Frost : And miles to go before I sleep!

For us, it is - And miles to go before ‘We’ sleep!

madhukarmohan@gmail.com

Post ‘strong’ Lokpal Bill, Onus of its effectiveness lies on us

It is heartening to see large number of people coming together to lend their moral support to Anna Hazare and his Team. And, it is not confined to Delhi. It is happening everywhere. Anti-Corruption stir has united people from all walks of life, the young and old alike, across the country. And the greatest satisfaction is that this crowd is swelling by the day, it is able to generate heat enough to make the thick skinned politicians wake up from their deep slumber. They all are looking clueless and angry. The sense of disbelief and discomfort can be gauged from the body language and statements of Congress’s spokesperson Manish Tiwari. His "Tum" Corrupt 'Ho' statement for Anna Hazare proves the helplessness of Congress leadership in tackling the 74 year old Gandhian.

Manish Tiwari’s statement also reminds me of the statement given by Digvijay Singh, the Congress General Secretary – referring Osama Bin Laden as ‘Ladenji’, upon the terrorist’s elimination by the US Navy ‘Seals’! For Votes and their chair, our representatives in parliament and state assemblies can go down to any extent and they try to defend it too!

Lokpal Bill is not going to be a quick fix panacea for corruption, but it might be able to put a check on the rampant corruption- to some extent. It may make our lives much easier. It may make our dream-homes- a bit cheaper. It may save us from making unnecessary trips to various agencies, for getting a certificate or our financial dues.

However, the corruption won’t go just by having a ‘strong’ Lokpal Bill. We, as an ordinary Indian, will have to be more vigilant and ‘stronger’ than ever to weed out the deep rooted corruption in our daily lives. We must learn to say ‘NO’ whenever we encounter situations that demand from us ‘under the table’ payments. We need to be a little fearless now in exposing such corrupt forces.

If we are dreaming of a corruption-free India, let us remember that actions speak louder than words. Our very own role, as an individual is more important than the proposed Lokpal Bill. At home, let our children imbibe the right values and virtues from us - by our very own upright actions. This alone would take care of the future course of our nation.

madhukarmohan@gmail.com

Logic(sic) behind Government's Lokpal Bill

Hearty congratulations to everyone on the eve of Independence Day!

This day holds special memories of my childhood days at my village school. As school kids, on this day, we used to go round our village in a procession called ‘Prabhat Pheri’- shouting ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘Bharat maata Ki Jay’ and cheerfully waving the paper flags. It used to fill me with the spirit of a warrior! Sitting in their thatched houses and broken huts, the smiling villagers used to wave at us and their kids would come running and join the procession. More than four decades have passed and this tradition of ‘Prabhat Pheri’ is now no more observed.

In these four decades, most of the thatched houses have now taken the shape of pucca house with concrete ceiling. But the connecting roads, open drainage, waste-pit, drinking water facility remains the same and electricity that remains elusive; it hasn’t changed much in all these years. Yes, here and there, some influential people have certainly made their presence felt by encroaching upon the public property!

The change, or, the status quo in development of our village very well depicts what India achieved in all these years post-independence. Same must hold true for all other villages, barring the lucky few- having a co-villager with them like Anna Hazare or a sponsor like Sai Baba or a few high profile politicians who have done something for their constituency as compulsion!

 As is being debated for quite some time now, the real reason behind our poor development is -corruption. No doubts; we all have encountered it, encouraged it, used and abused it – at some point of our life, in one form or the other. I would be surprised if someone tells me that he or she hasn’t experienced it!

The tussle that is going on between the Team Anna Hazare and GOI on Lokpal Bill needs to be looked with special vision (the Government thinks so)! While Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejariwal and Kiran Bedi are crying hoarse about the fact that the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, MPs, MLAs, municipal councilors, sarpanches, judges, all state government employees, all Group B, Group C and group D employees of the central government - are out of the jurisdiction of Government’s Lokpal Bill; government is trying hard to give some logic(sic) to it, but we the common people and the TEAM ANNA perhaps are unable to understand the governments logic and idea!

To me, it seems that after all deliberations with its erudite ministers and secretaries, government has decided to stem out the rot – right at the roots! That's why, it has exempted all the heads and everyone who play a big role in money minting. Buck will ultimately stop at the door-steps of the common man, the grass root of democracy!

Am I Right, Sirji?

madhukarmohan@gmail.com

While USA kills Osama on Pakistani soil, Pakistani terrorists enjoy hospitality in India!

The biggest manhunt ultimately came to an end, and what a dramatic way to finish! While Pakistanis slept, US Navy Seals sealed the fate of Osama. Death of Osama has given a fresh lease of life to Obama and people in general and Americans in particular have heaved a sigh of relief and felt a sense of satisfaction of having taken the long due revenge. With this, an era of global terrorism is over, hopefully.

The commando operation while establishing the increased presence of USA in Asia region also establishes the vulnerability of developing nations, including India. Operation by US Navy Seals also proves that Might is Right. Will USA ever tolerate such operation on its own soil, for eliminating the most dreaded terrorist, by any other nation? Never.

Today an Indian daily apart from the graphic detailing of Seals operation also published a photograph of Activists of Jamat-ud-Dawa in Karachi, mourning over the death of Osama! The mourners were visibly crying! Human heart and psyche is really difficult to understand. Else, how can one explain the tears in the eyes of these mourners - on killing of Osama – when Osama himself was a hardcore terrorist and directly responsible for brutally killing and ruining the lives of innocent kids, women and men! More than three thousand lives were lost in a few moments due to the horrific crashing of planes by the terrorists that pulverized the Twin Towers on 9/11. Did these activists ever feel sorry for the innocent lives lost to bullets and bombs around the globe?

While in a swift commando operation USA successfully eliminated Osama on Pakistani soil, Pakistani terrorists enjoy hospitality in India after terror strikes that shook the entire nation in 2008. Death sentence has been proclaimed and upheld in the law of court, but Kasab lives on!

As per a TOI report dated Feb 22, 2011; Rs. 45 Crore has been already spent on Kasab’s stay in India and daily expenditure of about Rs. 9.0 lakhs is incurred on him. And going by the history of 27  similar petitions waiting for consideration since 1997, it is estimated that a decision could be taken for his case only by 2018. Till then, he will enjoy the hospitability of our government.

Why do we want to keep him alive? Only to show to Pakistan and the world that we have a living proof of Pakistani terror hand? Or, to fish out all the possible details on Pakistani terrorism, their training centers and hideouts? And what would we do with all such information? And with all such info - Can we strike the way US did- to eliminate the Dawoods and other dreaded terrorists? In all probability, a big NO!

Then why waste huge sums of public money on a terrorist? Either hang him without any further deliberation or send him back to Pakistan thru Wagah Border with full honor. At least tax money could be put to better use.

And my worst fear is – longer we keep the terrorists like Kasab and Afzal Guru alive, more the chances of another drama by terrorist organizations by staging hijack and demanding for their release with a safe passage to a haven! May be, government has forgotten the hard lesson learned during hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 that led to release of three dreaded terrorists including Maulana Masood Azhar. Are we just waiting for it to happen again!? I am clueless.

madhukarmohan@gmail.com

Who would you nominate on the panel for Lokpal Bill?

The wish to have an anti-corruption ombudsman is not new. Lokpal Bill was first introduced way back in 1968! And subsequently in 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and 2008, but unfortunately they were never passed. All these years, politicians have been successfully able to avoid it for reasons well known to them. Were they sincere to their office and the oath they took while assuming their offices!

The root of corruption that took birth with emergence of a new political class – post independence, has by now developed a well established system that has pervaded and got well entrenched into our civil administration, judiciary, government offices, business houses and into every facet of life that affects the life of a common man. I feel that almost 100% of our grown up population must have had first-hand experience of corruption – in one form or the other.

After all these years, a momentum has been created against corruption. Anna Hazare has been able to create a lot of awareness among the masses on the Lokpal Bill and provide the much needed thrust to pressurize the political class to re-draft the Lokpal Bill and pass it in the coming monsoon session. However, all this effort may go down the drain and 2011 too would appear in the above referred list of years when a failed attempt was made to get the Lokpal Bill passed. Hence, it is very important to keep up the momentum.

The most worrying factor today is non-availability of enough persons from civil society with un-doubtable integrity and enough intelligence who can be on the panel for finalisation of the Lokpal Bill. The CDs involving Bhushans with some shady deals are said to be available! Kejriwal and Karnataka Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde are the members who can be depended upon. Who else?

Since the proposed Lokpal Bill is primarily to rein in corruption, only personalities with impeccable track record should be nominated on the panel- whether from political field or from civil society. Given the powers to nominate, I would have nominated these two members for sure- Mr. Abdul Kalaam and Ms. Kiran Bedi – for their integrity, for their passion towards their profession, for their commitment and for the values they have stood for.

Who would you nominate on the panel for Lokpal Bill?

madhukarmohan@gmail.com

Good bye plastic bags – villagers show the way!

It is a fact that each of us know what is right and what is wrong- on almost every matter that concern us. Still, many times we follow the wrong way – if it suits our interest. And though the wrong action of ours may not necessarily be a heinous crime, but since it falls in the wrong category – it does leave some unpleasant foot marks. Our wrong deeds may result in affecting our personal life, our social environment or the ecosystem at large- depending on for what type of wrong action we were responsible for!

Among the wrongs that almost all of us commit is – use of plastic bags - irrespective of our education, belief, or any other factor that distinguishes us from each other. And this, despite the well known fact that plastic bags are not biodegradable and it is the main culprit behind choking of storm-water drainage lines. Choked drains have been causing inundation of many city areas during monsoon, creating havoc. Some state governments have taken some initiative by banning plastic bags of less than 20 micron thickness and spent some resources in educating people about avoiding use of plastic bags. However, the attempts have been half-hearted – both on the part of the government as well as us- the general public. We are not letting the plastics go from our daily life.

About four months back, people of Mankua village (in Rajkot, Gujarat) resolved to shun away the plastic bags – which were choking their cows to death. An organization by the name – Vishwa Mangal Gau Raksha Samiti took birth – to save the cows. The Samiti collected Rs. 5000/- from the villagers and used it in making cloth bags with message printed on it, requesting villagers to avoid plastic bags. Bags were distributed to every household. Village with population of about 17,500 has since then not bought any plastic bag! Nearby villages too have started creating awareness among the folks and some villages have already adopted the concept of cloth bags. The cloth bags that used to cost Rs. 10/- a bag is now being offered at Rs. 4/- a bag by the dealer and some sponsors have also come forward to provide the handbags free of cost! What better deal than this?

It is learnt that the women from the Mankuva village are following the no-plastic resolution religiously and this has helped in making it a great success. May more and more villages adopt the cloth bags and may it spread across the length and breadth of the country.  

Our urban areas are already suffering because of choked drains, used loose poly bags – flying here, there and everywhere. I only hope that this revolution catches the urban population too! And life without plastic bags is possible, it has been now very well demonstrated by the 17,500 strong enlightened villagers of Mankuva.

madhukarmohan@gmail.com

The Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare and significance of the Big Win!

The last two weekends brought smiles on every ordinary Indians face and people celebrated it with crackers and gulaal. While MSD and his team brought back the much awaited ICC World Cup 2011 on 2^nd April 2011 by beating the foreign opponents, Anna Hazare won a significant battle for the Lokpal Bill against the government on 9^th April 2011 which will go a long way in deciding the future course of the nation towards a corruption free system!

Before dwelling further upon the significance of Lokpal Bill, it is important to understand what actually it is.

The basic idea of the Lokpal is borrowed from the office of the ombudsman in other countries. It provides for filing complaints of corruption against the Prime Minister , other ministers and members of parliament with the ombudsman. The Lokpal is proposed to be a three-member body with a chairperson who is or was a chief justice or Supreme Court judge, and two members who are or have been high courts judges or chief justices. Implementation of the Lokpal bill will hopefully reduce corruption in India.

We are running late, but at least we have started running! ‘Ombudsman’ is a Swedish word that means ‘an officer appointed by the legislature to handle complaints against administrative and judicial action’. The office was created in Sweden long back in 1809 and was subsequently adopted by other Scandinavian countries that saw it as ‘a bulwark of democratic government against the tyranny of officialdom’. Many countries, including UK has this office. Hongkong has registered spectacular results in the fight against corruption. When corruption in its police force peaked in 1970s, the government set up an Independent Commission Against Corruption and gave it full powers to investigate and punish the guilty. It sacked 119 of the 180 police officers in one go, sending a strong message to the rest of the force and other government functionaries. Hence, if Lokpal Bill is drafted and implemented earnestly, it has the potential of changing the face of our country.

Significance of the Fast-Unto-Death by Anna Hazare can be gauged from above example and it was rightly taken to enforce participation of civil society in drafting the Lokpal Bill. And the full support that this revolution got from the ordinary people from all walks of life - who converged at Jantar Mantar, made the indifferent government to sit up and accede to the demand. The four day revolution that galvanized the entire country, culminated with government acceding to 50:50 joint committee comprising government and civil society. It is a big victory for the ordinary people, a non-violent war led by an ex-army man against the kaale angrez and their corrupt ways!

This episode should also work as an early warning to the entire system that thrives on corruption. It has to stop, and sooner the better. Else, the day is not far when public outcry against corruption may take the shape and proportion of revolts as has been seen in Egypt and the chain reaction that followed elsewhere.

Madhukar Mohan

2nd April 2011- When Lighter overpowered the Darker

In the polls - in my post on World Cup 2011 captioned ‘Who Will Win’ - 87% of the readers who voted –favoured India lifting the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and the majority won! I congratulate everyone for the big win and remember - faith can do wonders.

MSD and his team ultimately fulfilled the long cherished dream of Indians. The cricketers sobbing and their eyes overflowing with happy tears from the uncontrolled emotions was a sight worth waiting for 28 long years! Entire nation kept awake till late night on 2^nd April 2011– celebrating the well deserved win. While my kids were excited with every boundary Gambhir and Dhoni hit, my father aged 80 years kept calling me from my home-town in Patna to know my opinion-what will happen! And mind it we are not at all a cricketing family. I am sure, same must have happened at your place too.

The final match very well demonstrated the cool leadership of MSD and determination of his team-mates. Else, with the dynamite Sehwag gone on the very 2^nd ball and maestro Sachin dismissed for a measly 18 runs – laying hand over this cup wouldn’t have been possible, even in dreams. But, it was a team gelled together by a desire to win- which made it happen.

And today there is some more good news from the world of sport- the old pairing of Paes-Bhupathi have regained their Numero-Uno position in World Doubles ranking after their win at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami! Is it not - icing on the cake?

Winning World Cup 2011 and regaining No. 1 spot by Paes-Bhupathi pair also validates the age old adage- Unity is strength! Let’s be together!

And at last, you must be wondering – why the caption ‘On 2^nd April 2011- Light overpowered the Dark’ for this article? Simple. Men in blue (the Indians) wore a lighter shade of blue, while the Lankans wore a darker shade in blue!

Keep winning!

Madhukar Mohan

Lessons to learn from The Land of Rising Sun!

As per the news reports, Plutonium was detected in soil at five locations on the grounds of an earthquake — and tsunami-damaged nuclear power plant, heightening fears about radiation contamination from Japan’s worst nuclear crisis. Efforts to contain the nuclear radiation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station continues, while death toll stands at 11,102 and 16,493 people are reported still missing- post quake and tsunami.

The tragic combination of deadly earthquake, tsunami and nuclear radiation has raised questions on safety aspects of the nuclear facilities world over. In my view, no nuclear plant design can ever be safe, if the nature decides to unleash its lethal forces! And nature will play its role on its own will. Then, why to go for nuclear energy and further risk our lives and that of other leaving creatures!

Many of us are under the impression that nuclear energy is fast emerging as an alternative form of clean and cheap energy source and that it accounts for a sizeable share in the energy pie-chart. But it is not so. For India, share of nuclear energy is barely 1% and in next twenty years i.e. by 2030 A.D., it is going to remain at this level! Even if we talk about the world average, share of nuclear energy is only 5% and in next twenty years it would be just 6%. We are heavily dependent on fossil fuels and we will remain so. Hence, instead of going nuclear, governments must put brake on it and put all its resources for development and use of the clean renewable resources of energy – solar, wind and hydel.

The nuclear tragedy in Japan is an eye opener for the governments and gives a reason to revisit their energy policy.  If Japan- the perfectionist can fail in safeguarding its nuclear facility, what can we say about other nations! Hence, option of going nuclear must be reviewed earnestly – especially in case of populous India.

Apart from the concerns that this disaster has raised worldwide; this disaster also showcases the inner strength and discipline of the Japanese people, preparedness of the government, quality of construction and in general the law and order of the country- post the devastating combination of quake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. For instance, even in such trying moments we are yet to see chaos on the streets for food, water and medicines; Japanese media showed its maturity by not unnecessarily creating panic in the minds of its people and the world, regular training ensured that kids and the old – did what exactly was needed in such situation and most noteworthy- no looting and no incidences of rape! Hats off to Japan and its people for maintaining the poise even in such trying moments. While it shows their real character, it reflects on what we lack as a nation and as its responsible citizen!

Madhukar Mohan

I am become death, the destroyer of worlds

“I am become death, the destroyer of worlds." Robert Oppenheimer, the "father" of the nuclear bomb, said following the initial successful test of the weapon in 1945.

More than the earthquake and the tsunami  that shook Japan on 11^th March 2011, what is worrying one and all is the nuclear catastrophe that followed at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility. What is worrying is that a country which is well known for maintaining highest standards in all fields of engineering and design, is fighting hard without much hope to contain the nuclear radiation. The nuclear facilities could not be kept safe and is posing real danger to life and environment. Multiple layers of protection provided for this nuclear facility were supposed to plug any chink. But, as the investigation progresses, it exposes that every layer had a chink in itself. And, the entire system was blown to pieces. Reactors were supposed to automatically shut down in case of any natural calamity – but, the combination of deadly earthquake and tsunami made all the lines of protection - totally ineffective!

And mind it, had it happened in India or for that matter in any populous developing country, it would have been disaster of unimaginable proportions. ‘Father’ of the nuclear bomb was right, at its very inception!

In the Indian context, our system would fully collapse in case of such eventualities. We have experienced Latur earthquake at 6.4 on the Richter scale that claimed more than 10,000 lives. Bhuj earthquake in 2001 claimed more than 20,000 lives while recording 7.7 on the Richter scale and the Kashmir earthquake in 2005 claimed more than 80,000 lives at 7.6! And this is not the worst that could hit us.

Our major cities with dense population are very much earthquake prone– Delhi (seismic zone 4), Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata in (seismic zone 3), Srinagar and Guwahati (seismic zone 5). The non-adherence to recommended construction and design codes for buildings would cost too dearly. Apart from this, emergency services such as fire brigades and hospitals are critical. Important arterial roads and airports need to be fortified. Decentralisation would help in disaster management and community-level preparedness could greatly reduce the loss of lives and property – as the Japanese have demonstrated in their moment of crisis! Let us prepare ourselves for the worst.

As far as nuclear accidents are concerned, it is not that this is something new for India – in August 2010, the Journal of Contemporary Asia reported that between 1993 and 1995, more than 120 hazardous nuclear accidents took place in India! Going by the low standards that we are used to, it is high time that a thorough safety audit be conducted of Indian nuclear plants- to test whether we would be able to withstand the severest of earthquake and tsunamis? And, it is time to reconsider our nuclear plans. Do we really need nuclear energy? Can’t we go full throttle for tapping the non-polluting, never ending natural sources like solar, wind and hydel  power?

I hope, Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi makes the governments all over the world to re-think and re-model their energy strategy for a better world.

Madhukar Mohan

On a Smiling Note

As a child we used to laugh a lot, we had the ability to discern the humour in little things that happened around us. Slowly, we lost it to our growing age and responsibilities! But we shouldn't forget smiling, the art gifted only to the human beings; though I have also seen a few photographs of some apes too with wide grins on their face spread wide - from ear to ear. Lucky fellows!

It is high time for us - specially the forty plus group - to bring back the smile on our faces. Any further delay is going to leave permanent mark on us with frowning lines running deep into the face. As is said, smile increases ones' face value, let us smile and laugh more and more - but in good humour. Let the 'laugh lines' talk about the way we take our lives.

It has been more than a month now since I started this blog and it is time now to relax a bit by sharing a few rib tickling samples of leave applications forwarded to me thru email. While you enjoy these applications, I hope and wish that smiles find a place on your faces, forever. And with smiles on your faces, I would like this blog-site to register 1K mark of smiling hits and move on with you.

Now, get ready and enjoy the Leave Applications- as forwarded to me :

1. Infosys , Bangalore :
An employee applied for leave as follows:
'Since I have to go to my village to sell my land along with my wife, please sanction me one-week leave.'

2. This is from Oracle Bangalore :
From an employee who was performing the 'mundan' ceremony of his 10 year old son:
'as I want to shave my son's head , please leave me for two days..'

3. Another gem from CDAC. Leave-letter from an employee who was performing
his daughter's wedding:

'as I am marrying my daughter, please grant a week's leave..'

4.From H.A.L.. Administration Dept:

'As my mother-in-law has expired and I am only one responsible for it, please grant me 10 days leave.'

5. Another employee applied for half day leave as follows:

'Since I've to go to the cremation ground at 10 o-clock and I may not return, please grant me half day casual leave'.

6.A leave letter - declaring holiday:

'I am suffering from fever, please declare one-day holiday.'

7.A leave letter to the headmaster:

'As I am studying in this school I am suffering from headache. I request you to leave me today'.

8. A Covering Note:
'I am enclosed herewith...'

9. Another one:

'Dear Sir: with reference to the above, please refer to my below...'.

10. Actual letter written for application of leave:

'My wife is suffering from sickness and as I am her only husband at home I may be granted leave'.

11.Letter writing:

'I am well here and hope you are also in the same well.'

12.A candidate's job application:

'This has reference to your advertisement calling for a ' Typist and an Accountant - Male or Female'... As I am both (!!) for the past several years and I can handle both with good experience, I am applying for the post.

That's all for now. Keep smiling.

Madhukar Mohan

A morning with the flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia

When I got a phone call from the Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya, ONGC, Ahmedabad; I tried to recall if I missed any meeting of the members of Parents-Teachers Association!  But no, there wasn’t any such meeting scheduled. The call happened to be a very pleasant surprise - an invitation for the SPIC-MACAY program scheduled next morning at 08:30 am in KV campus in which the flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia was to give lecture-demonstration under SPIC MACAY VIRASAT 2011, scheduled at Ahmedabad, between 18 to 27 Feb 2011. I immediately confirmed my attendance.

The next morning I was there in the school at 08:15 AM, to ensure that I get a front seat! School kids were already lined up in colourful traditional attire with rose petals in their tiny hands to shower on the maestro, as welcome gesture. And next moment he was on the stage gracefully attired in dhoti-kurta with a big flute in his hand, accompanied by his team of violinist, taanpura-player and the tablaa-player.

He didn’t waste a minute. To engage the kids in his magical performance, he started by greeting them and asking a few questions like how do they begin their day? About himself, he said he does it by playing flute in front of goddess Saraswati. He sat meditatively, holding the flute. And then started his prayer, playing the flute. The morning sun which was lying low, started rising and shining bright!

As the music started gathering momentum with the accompaniment of violin, tabla and the taanpura; the audience got deeply immersed in the divine music of his flute, eyes closed and ears resonating with the soothing raagas. The shadow on the stage, slowly gave way to the sunshine and it lit the serene face of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, which shone bright and brighter with every passing moment. It was an experience, beyond expression. It was divine!

At the end of the prayer he discussed about the raag that he had just played, it was Raag Ahir Bhairav, which is played and sung in the morning time. And it really set the day for me and certainly must have had the same effect on everyone in the audience. It was a perfect start of the day for me, that day.

Performance on flute was followed by the question answer session, an interactive session between the maestro and the audience- primarily the school students. Some of the kids also got opportunity to show their skill in classical music, which was duly appreciated by him. And this is the very purpose of SPIC MACAY - The Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth!

But, that morning a few things did leave me a bit disturbed. Firstly, from the responses of the school kids, I could make out that barring a few exceptions - most of us do not encourage our kids to go beyond the text books. It is true that every one can’t shine like Hariprasad Chaurasia or Zakir Hussain, but certainly the interest and participation in such forms of Art would certainly add immense value to the kid and the society at large. Secondly, from the self-introduction of a teacher during the question-answer session, who himself is a trained graduate in Music but teaches Spoken-English there; I could guess that it is not easy to make a living by music alone!

I hope, this changes for good and more and more people get associated with our rich culture and tradition. May the various traditional art forms become such an important part of our lives that we do not mind spending a little of our time and money on them and in the process enrich our lives. Doing this will help greatly in preserving our rich traditional art forms and will also ensure that the saadhaks of art and music can follow their passion without the tension of – rozi and roti!

Madhukar Mohan

Why is it so!

I keep pondering, why corruption is so rampant in our country? Hardly there is any sphere of Indian life which doesn’t stinks of a scam! From ticketless travel to fake educational degrees, selling of already sold out plots to companies maintaining fake manpower, players fixing matches to adulterated food products, businessmen evading taxes to selling onions at Rupees hundred per kilogram, defunct judiciary to dead administration and...the list is endless.

We too grew up aiding and abetting corruption. We ourselves have been a part of it; knowingly or unknowingly, like bribing the TTE in train for a berth or buying movie tickets in black. And instead of feeling bad, we felt happy and relaxed after getting the berth or the movie tickets. This is because, it all was happening around us during our growing days and we felt that it is all normal, nothing wrong in it!

Curious to know about the reasons, that what actually is responsible for corrupting us Indians, I turned to the internet. It threw many interesting opinions, some of them as a result of serious research and some are just an expression of individuals’ perspective. Many of us might be well aware of the reasons; still I would like to share them with you in very short:

i.                     Political Patronage – From this fountainhead of corruption flow various streams of corrupt practices which plague the political, economic and social activities in the country. It is said that, turning a blind eye to the corrupt practices of his colleagues, Pandit Nehru gave legitimization to it; though he himself never benefitted from it (ref. www.sunilsondhi.com). And the trend of corrupt practices for electoral and personal gains.

ii.                   Cumbersome and dilatory administrative procedures and practices are another major cause of corruption in India.

iii.                  The various regulatory Acts that we follow are age old – Indian Penal Code was enacted in 1860, Indian Police Act in 1861, Indian Evidence Act in 1872,  the Indian Telegraph Act in 1855- which regulates the control of air-waves and licensing of broadcasting facilities – when wireless was not invented! Yup!

iv.                 The British had designed the legal system to strengthen a regulatory colonial administration, based on distrust of the ‘natives’ i.e. we Indians! It has inbuilt provision for delays, prolonged litigation and evasion. It suited them to rule, we follow it still! It suits our present day political leaders and administrators, but certainly against the common man.

v.                   Corruption has found an acceptance in the social psyche and behavior. We respect the rich and powerful, despite knowing very well that it didn’t come the right way!

This was all on serious note. On lighter side, I would like to share one response to the query – What is the main reason for corruption in India? Any guesses! The answer was –‘Women prefer wealthy males...so males want to be wealthier than others...this leads to corruption’!!

Anyway, it is high time that we wake up to the stark reality of corrupt practices around us. Let us say no to it, let us object to it, and let us protest it in whatever way we can. Further, let us impress upon the intelligentsia, the NGOs, the media and most importantly our political leaders the need to revisit the various age-old Acts and frame it from the point of a free democratic nation, so that policies favour the common man and helps in wholesome growth of the nation. Sooner it is done, better it would be for the country and the common man!

Madhukar Mohan

Who will win?

Cricket World Cup 2011, the biggest cricketing extravaganza, has begun. With this begins the 49 days & nights of non-stop cricket and its analysis - to be beamed live across the world. By a rough estimate, about 0.35 billion people in India alone would watch this event, on day to day basis.  Even if they do not remain glued to their TV sets or view the score cards on the office PCs for the full length of the game, still, more than a billion hours of productive work time would go in watching, gathering score information and discussing nuances of cricket! However, the good thing is that the common man will at least be able to divert his mind, for some time, away from all the negativities of scams, loots, inflation, etc.

It is said that war unites the citizens of a country. People also come closer when there is sense of insecurity and helplessness due to disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes. Cricket is one more thing, in India, that brings us together! No other sports or event is able to generate so much passion for the country. That is the beauty of cricket, and hence, it is not important whether one understands Cricket or not!

It has been a long time since India won this cup in 1983. It was June, and I was a free bird after passing Class XII, with no worries of studies and exams. We had no TV at home, so I had to take permission from parents to allow me to watch the match finals at a friend’s home. They had a Black & White TV, a great luxury in those days! I still remember the butterflies in my stomach during the match, as if I myself was there on the field! Though, I have a reasonably good TV now, I won’t be able to follow every match; but I would certainly like to feel the same way, on April 2^nd , 2011, sitting along with my wife and children, glued to the TV set, cheering for India!

Today’s win in the warm up match against Australia, though doesn’t guarantee future wins; but it should help Team India in bolstering itself, in moving forward with a firm grip on the ball and the bat with springs under their feet!

Good luck to MSD and his team! Indiyaaaaa..., Indiyaa!

Madhukar Mohan

Healthy Decision of a Poor Nation

I came across a very interesting data on distribution of Gross National Income (GNI) of our country. We have around 1,20,000 ‘super’ High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) – who comprise mere 0.01 percent of the total population, but they own 30 percent of India’s GNI! Remaining 99.99 percent of us share the remaining 70 percent, which looks better. But, if we take top 10 percent of High Net Worth Individuals, then for the remaining 90 percent of the individuals – hardly anything is left to share! In the list of per capita income with 170 countries, India is listed down at #128 with per capita income of 441 USD only. With the rising inflation, especially of food and commodity items, it is difficult to imagine that with such low income how our countrymen are surviving? Further, India has about 16% of world population, whereas expenditure on healthcare in our country is only 1% of Global expenditure. Out of 175 countries surveyed by WHO, we rank at rock bottom 171 in terms of percentage of GDP expenditure on healthcare.

For becoming a world leader and sustaining the fast economic growth that our country is aspiring for, it is very important that the common man is vastly benefitted by involving them in large numbers in the success story of India. Some of the recent policy decisions by the government in this line have been really good. For instance, Jawaharlal Nehru Rozgar Yojna and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act2005 (MNREGA) guaranteeing 100 days of employment to rural household has been a good step in this direction. Instances of misuse of funds under this scheme too have come to light, but more or less these schemes are achieving the aim of enhancing the livelihood security of people in rural areas.

It is learnt that government is all set to launch world’s biggest pilot project in health sector in which more than 20 crore people will be screened for various diseases including cancer, diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases in 100 remote and inaccessible districts and in 33 cities in next 14 months! Data card also would be issued to all people who will be screened in this pilot project. This scheme, if executed with sincerity and without the involvement of the money guzzlers, would certainly put life into the country and bring cheer on countless faces. Let us hope that the government develops a mechanism to trace each and every paisa spent on the scheme, selects the individuals and organizations with transparent and honest intent, and keeps tab on the entire program like a time bound project.

I am very much optimistic about the success of government’s decision for the mega health check-up program. It would be first of its kind and let its success enthuse the government to cover all the countrymen who have no access to healthcare. It is understood that post health check up, treatment is also covered; else mere diagnosis is not going to cure the illness.

While the government does its job, let us ensure that we encourage the needy poor people in our vicinity to go thru the medical check-ups in the nearby medical camps which would be organized in different parts of the country. And before we do that, let us also think about ourselves and family members – when did we last go for a health check up? It is time now!

Wish you health and happiness, always!

Madhukar Mohan

Justice is in the interest of the stronger…

 ‘Might is right, and justice is in the interest of the stronger… The different forms of government makes laws, democratic, aristocratic or autocratic, with a view to their respective interests; and these laws, so made by them to serve their interests, they deliver to their subjects as ‘justice’, and punish as ‘unjust’ anyone who transgresses them’. These words written by Plato ( in The Republic) sometime around 380 BC concerning the definition of justice and the order and character of the just city and the just man – truly represents India of the 21^st century.

The above definition of justice is more relevant today; post Kalmadi’s CWG scam, A Raja's 2G Spectrum Scam, Yeddyyurappa’s land scam, Koda’s mining scam and countless other scams which together robbed the unsuspecting tax payers and the government exchequer of lakhs of crores of Rupees. The world knows that wrong has been done, but since wrongdoers are all strong men with money and muscle power, they have the potential to pull down the government; hence, they cannot be punished. As eyewash, A Raja has been arrested by CBI under opposition pressure, but sooner than later he would walk out free – because of lack of evidence, the most likely reason. In extreme condition, he would be shifted to a comfortable hospital - citing some acute health related issues.

On the other hand, Dr Binayak Sen, a community physician who dedicated his life to working in primary healthcare among mine workers and indigenous communities in Chhattisgarh state, was sentenced by a local court on charges of "sedition"! This is how the government works! Are we not living in the era of Plato, in 380 BC?

The protests against the arrest of Dr. Binayak Sen have been reported from different parts of the country and abroad, but it is yet to gain the desired momentum. Only we can provide it, by coming out in large numbers and voicing our open support for his release. If we want justice, we need to be stronger.

Madhukar Mohan

Who wants to commit suicide on a sunny day?

Whenever a new scam surfaces, it reminds me of ‘Namak ka Daroga’ , the story on earning black money, penned by Munshi Premchand. In the story, the father preaches his son Munshi Vanshidhar that ‘Vetan Purnavaasi ke chaand ki tarah hai, jo dhire-dhire ghaT-te hue lupta ho jaata hai. Upari aaya bahta hua shrot hai, jisase sadaiv pyaas bujhaati hai. Vetan manushya deta hai, isise usme vriddhi nahi hoti.Upari aamdani-ishwar deta hai, isise uski barkat hoti hai’.

It seems, our political masters along with their top brigade in various government departments and offices have taken the above preaching in letter and spirit. They are therefore leaving no stone unturned to make the most from the opportunities that they steal. And, they are in a race to outdo each other. Plethora of scams coming to light one after the other, from different corners of the country, has left the general public dumbfounded. From the figures that are coming out on Black Money, from sources none other than the Swiss Bank itself, India has more black money than rest of the world combined! India tops the list with 1500 billion dollars in black money!! Also, Government has the list of those contributing to the treasury of Swiss bank, but won’t disclose it!!! And to top it all, they also have valid reasons for not making it public!!!! Phew!!!!!

More than anything else, what is difficult to understand is that – what purpose all this huge sum of money serves to them, lying for years and years together in some corner of a Swiss bank? It doesn’t do any good to the money launderers, but certainly has put a lot of strain on the already weakened and fragile backbone of the common man. Let good sense prevail on the government to bring back the money, disclose the names and mete-out harshest punishment to all those involved in it- without any trial or enquiries; come whatever! But, Alas! It seems many in the government too have vested interests and they are having a field day in sharing the loot. Who wants to commit suicide on a sunny day?

However, it is heartening to learn from news reports that in Agra hundreds of ordinary people from all walks of life turned up and joined the march against corruption on Sunday, January 30,2011 . The march was a part of the nationwide campaign against corruption, organised by various social organisations on the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination - which is observed as Martyr's Day. Gandhi stood for transparency in action. Let's hope the protests by ordinary people take the form of a revolution. 

Madhukar Mohan

 

Milay Sur Mera Tumhara...

Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi departed for his eternal abode, but I wish the integrity song sung by him and the other ratnas of India in all the major languages of the country- 'Milay Sur Mera Tumhara, toh Sur Bane Hamara' keeps binding hearts together. On the occasion of Republic Day, he deserves a big salute from all of us for his great service to the nation and the world of music, for earning name and fame for India, and giving classical music its due place.

DD started relaying this song in 1985, and today it has become more relevant. From different corners of our country, we keep hearing demands for a separate state, for a separate nation. More than anything, it is the political mileage that a particular political party or an individual leader is interested in such demands. Certainly, such demands are not in the interest of general public. It only creates divide and discord among the ordinary people, results in loss of precious lives and public property. This only weakens the nation and doesn't champion our cause.

We are a great nation, a young nation with lot of potential and growing in all the fields that promises a great future for us. Lasting Peace and Prosperity - these should be the aim of our leaders – the ambitious young and veterans alike. The process has started with Bihar - where Nitish Kumar got his second term only because of the general public, specially the women, who came out in large numbers to vote for him - for having brought peace to the state and showing a promise of prosperity during his last reign. I hear that this time caste feeling didn't work. I see light at the end of the tunnel!

Milay Sur Mera Tumhara, Toh Sur Bane Hamara!  How True!!

Jai Hind!

Madhukar Mohan

Food For Thought

In the light of the rising food prices, last year - on 13^th  Jan2010, the Government had announced several measures aimed at ensuring availability of essential commodities in the open market. More than a year has passed since then, without palpable drop in prices of food items. On the contrary, India’s food price Index rose to a high of 16.91% .  

Hike in price of petroleum products (especially Petrol) has become a regular feature now and in the last one year alone, the rise in petrol prices has been about 22% - all in the name of removing subsidy from it! While petrol is seen as ‘rich man’s fuel’ by the government, I am yet to see a two-wheeler that runs on kerosene or diesel! Certainly, rising petrol prices has further added to the crushing burden on the household budget.

In contrast to above stats on food price Index and regular hike in petrol prices- in the name of subsidy, the parliamentarians food in the Parliament canteen are highly subsidized and are immune to any kind of inflation!

The menu card of the canteen in our Parliament reads something like this-

Tea: Re 1 a cup
Soup: Rs 5.50
Rice kheer: Rs 5
Mutton biryani: Rs 27
Fish curry: Rs 13
Vegetarian meal: Rs 12.30
Non-vegetarian meal: Rs 22

Amazed! But, it is true.

Subsidy needs to be removed here first.

Madhukar Mohan

My First Blog - On A Positive Note

On posting my debut blog – I am thrilled to go online – with a lot of hope for India – banking on the strength of the ordinary Indians. To begin something new, one looks for an auspicious time. But, I was looking for a story with positivity – a story that can showcase the power of An Ordinary Indian!

Recently, I came across an article on Prakash Kaur. Who is she?

She is a very ordinary Indian, from the land of Punjab. At 60, Prakash Kaur is mother of 60 girls with ages ranging from a toddler of few months to college going students!

Yeah! That is right. Prakash Kaur in her Unique Home in Jalandhar lives with her 60 girls- the abandoned girls – who were once either left on the streets or dumped on the garbage heap by none other than their own biological parents. Her UNIQUE HOME is run by a trust named after Bhai Ghanayya Ji, a disciple of Sri Guru Gobind Singh.

Prakash Kaur – herself was abandoned by her parents due to her gender and she knows the pain of living a life without parental care. Hence, in 1993 she came to the rescue of young lives and took up the noble cause of taking care of the abandoned girls and giving them a respectable life. Now, her home is lit with beautiful smiles of these young girls, which further energizes her to pursue her commitment of giving a new meaning to the lives of those otherwise hapless young girls.

At a time when our politicians, bureaucrats, judiciary and everyone in the seat of power are busy amassing wealth and back stabbing their own people, Prakash Kaur- as an ordinary Indian is a leaving example of how an ordinary Indian can positively impact the emergence of India as a country with values.

I bow to her for all her compassion, commitment and strength.

Madhukar Mohan