Trivia-I June 8, 2009
Posted by smit in India, Politics, Trivia.Tags: Elections 2009, India, Trivia, UP
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Okay! this may sound like little gibberish drivel which none would like to pay any heed to, yet I decided to put it here for the sake of ‘the observation’.
Here is an ironical fact:
- This is an Indian state which is home to nearly 20% of Nation’s population.
- It also accounts for nearly 15% of seats in the Lower House of our Parliament.
- Most importantly, it contributed nearly 10% MPs to total Congress tally of 206 in these general elections.
- And it was once said that Road to Delhi passes through its capital, Lucknow.
And you know the number of MPs in Union Cabinet from this state:
ZERO
yeah ! thats right.
PS: It would not be an intelligent idea to infer anything out of this, without a holistic view; just that I found this interesting.
Countdown to 16th May May 14, 2009
Posted by smit in India, Politics.Tags: Casteism, Communalism, Elections 2009, Farrukhabad, Kashmir, Rampur, Regionalism
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The countdown to 16th May, the day of vote counts, is nearing its end. Though I am not too much excited about the overall outcome of this election but all I am currently concerned is about a stable government at the center which can provide the much needed confidence to stock market and can take some positive steps for the ailing economy.
However, there are a few things worth watching out, in to be announced results on 16th May:
1. In the extreme north, for the first time after 1987′s (allegedly) rigged assembly elections, a separatist leader is out to seek people’s mandate. Sajjad Lone, son of late Abdul Gani Lone (a moderate Hurriyat leader who was assassinated by militants in 2002) is contesting from Baramula-Kupwara Parliamentary constituency. He is repeatedly being quoted in media of having said that he would be taking an oath under Indian constitution with a ‘heavy heart‘.
The important thing here is that result of this seat would provide us a clue about the nerve of Kashmir Valley. His win would mean that a separatist sentiment is on the rise while his losing would mean that people have voted for unity and integrity of India.
2. Rampur has been in limelight for most of this poll season. Despite being one of the few Muslim majority constituencies in the country, it is worth noticing that it sent Jaya Prada of SP, who is also supposedly an outsider, to the Lok Sabha in last general elections. This time her path has been rendered difficult due to opposition by regional heavyweight, SP’s rebel leader Azam Khan, who is covertly supporting Congress.
The point I am trying to make is that if she is re-elected it would be a win for her development-centered campaign when both region & religion are hampering her prospects.
3. Finally, not so flamboyant is the constituency of Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh (which, incidently, is my native place) where a four-cornered contest is typical of any constituency in the state. Here, 3 times municipal chairman BJP’s Mithilesh Agarwal (she also happens to be the manager of my former school) in hand-to-hand combat with the former UPCC chief Salman Khurshid, former power minister and regional heavyweight BSP’s Naresh Agrawal and 2 times sitting MP Chandrabhushan Singh of SP.
The interesting thing about this seat is that Mithilesh ma’am has won the municipal elections for 3 times in past 15 years as an independent candidate, solely on the basis of her reputation as a non-corrupt leader who has wonders for the town in terms of providing basic amenities like roads, water etc. However, unlike others, she does not have support of any particular caste by her side and hence her win would solely mean a vote for development and progress.
PS1: The three cases cited above represent the most important characteristics of Indian politics viz Region, Religion, Caste and Separatism and a mandate in these three would be a litmus test for Indian Politics’ and voters’ maturity.
An Exception to Rationality May 11, 2009
Posted by smit in Friends, IIT Life, Memoir.Tags: IIT, Rationality, TnP
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(Apologies if following appears a bit arrogant or like a self-praise but that’s the best I could do to strike a balance between modesty and actuality)
Yesterday was a big day of my life. After 10 years, if I were to look back on 8th May, 2009, it would certainly be difficult for me to explain the strength I gathered to decide what I did this fine day.
What I did was simple enough, I listened to my inner voice, probably for the first time, for making one of the most crucial decisions of my life. Actually, I have been associated with Placement Cell of IIT Delhi for past 3 years and have quite an attachment with it. In the beginning of May each year, next academic session’s positions of responsibilities are decided and on 8th May were the interviews for the 2009-10 session’s responsibilities. Owing to my dedication and experience, I had a good chance to be selected for the near-supreme position in the Cell (although this was not absolutely certain but the odds were certainly good enough).
The position itself holds great prestige and power in the institute. But that’s the crunch: With great power come great responsibilities. However, the truth is that Placement related work had kept me busy whole semester and I was kind of fed up with it. So, I had to choose one of the two paths: one would be bringing power and prestige and other mental peace. Either I had to continue with the work I didn’t like or be brave enough to eschew.
Hence, before the interview I prepared a nice little parting speech which I delivered before the interview panel of 6 (A professor + 5 students) and what followed was quite dramatic since no one had expected such a turn of events. My abdication was accepted but my mind was still not at peace. It was like breaking up with a long time girlfriend.
I felt bad for most of the day for two reasons: firstly that I had renounced what one would see as an opportunity for enhancing his skills and personality and secondly, I had let down few of my friends who had confidence in me. I was down and depressed for whole day. I confided all that was going in my head to Ashish, Deven and both were supportive that at least I had done what I wanted to do. Few others were indifferent but that doesn’t matter.
Finally, late at night while randomly looking at a few blogs, here I found a quote by Warren Buffet which I have modified to match my context:
Life is not there to gain lots of power and earn loads of money; Life is there to live Life
It is said that one never regrets the decisions taken by listening to the call of inner self and I am sure that this would turn out to be no exception despite the fact that I had made an exception to rationality.
Ciao.. April 30, 2009
Posted by smit in Friends, IIT Life.Tags: Friends, IIT, Nostalgia
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It has now been 4 years since I came to this place called IIT Delhi (and still have a year to get out of it). Nearly ignorant of the life here, I had no special expectations from the place. All I had in mind was to (somehow) complete the formality of studies, get a job and then live happily ever after.
But now when I look back at the four well spent years and try to reminisce about the memories, the nostalgia grips in. Moreover, if I were asked about the most important thing this place has given to me, the answer would, of course, be the friendship garnered and the friends I have made here. Sadly, around half of my good friends would be passing out this month to enter a new phase of their life.
Parting with ones who have been an integral part of one’s life for last 4 years would be really painful. Last time I felt so sad and nostalgic was when I had to leave home to live as a p.g. in South Delhi for a year to get coached for JEE (that being the first time I was away from home).
But that’s life; things come and things go, leaving behind their imprints. The life is a synonym for change and all one can do is to move on, the sooner the better. The veracity of the old saying, Every good things come to an end, stands tall and high. In essence, I will miss you all and will cherish past years forever.
I will remember (few of) you guys getting drunk sometimes, thus, acting funny at times and maudlin at others;
I will remember the outings and trips we all had together;
I will remember the (birthday) bumps and treats we had;
I will remember you guys making fun of things, be it me or anyone or anything;
I will remember every little incident of these beautiful years;
Above all, I love you guys and will miss you guys since y’all were one of the most beautiful things to ever happen in my life.
Little Evil for a Greater Good April 11, 2009
Posted by smit in India, Politics.Tags: Economy, Elections 2009, Narendra Modi
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Someone has said that maneuvering ‘a little evil for a greater good’ is justifiable. Taking inspiration from the anonymous, and despite being a ‘Friend of BJP‘, I have cited 3 reasons why the country needs UPA Government for one more term:
Firstly and most importantly, With the deepening global economic woes, an Economist, Oxford educated Prime Minister(read Manmohan Singh) can be a saving grace for the nation. Not to mention that the Chidambaram-Manmohan duo has already done wonders for the Economy, despite the enormous pressure of coalition politics.
Secondly, Choosing an octogenarian man, to lead a nation with a median age less than 25 years, would obviously not be considered an intelligent decision. Furthermore, given the LK Advani’s past record, his controversial comments have not helped in improving his integrity and credibility.
Finally, the election of Advani would thwart any chances of Narendra Modi for the top job in near future (I am assuming that Economy would worsen in coming years and any new government would be unable to do anything but wait-and-watch). Although, Modi has been repeatedly accused of not doing enough to control the 2002 Gujarat Riots, yet despite all criticisms, he has turned Gujarat into an economic powerhouse with a growth rate highest among India states and has been acclaimed as Best Chief Minister in India.
Because ultimately, Nationalism* and secularism are more important than appeasement politics and pseudo-secularism.
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*Nationalism should not be confused with Hindu Fundamentalism.
PS: I am no fan of Modi. Like any rational person would, I do not support his stand on Hindutva but fully endorse his economic policies, anti-terrorism stances and anti-pseudosecularistic outlook.
On Scientists and Terrorists March 24, 2009
Posted by smit in The Crunch.Tags: Environment, Science
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I am doing a course on Social Sciences this semester titled “Environment Development and Society”. Both the course and the professor, demonize Scientists and Engineers as accomplices of a future Apocalypse, who are poisoning the world through their polluting technologies.
Although I disagree with almost everything being taught in the course (which seeks an idealistic individual), some issues like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy evoked some sort of helplessness and emotions. As a supplement reading, I had to read a journal article called “Vestal Virgins and Engineering Ethics” in which there is one particularly engrossing analogy to which I could find no refutation.
The paper draws an analogy between a terrorist and a scientist. Author appears to believe that both commit acts of killing innocents, the former being involved in it directly while the latter being indirectly involved in it but at a much larger scale. Here is an excerpt:
“Consider a terrorist who plants a bomb in a primary school. Plainly, the act is wrong, and in breach of a general obligation not to cause (or recklessly risk) harm to fellow citizens. Even though the terrorist may not know the identities of children, we would all agree that this is an evil act…………. Some engineering works, such as the hazardous waste disposal alluded to above, have very long fuses, and there is no doubt that future people can be harmed by irresponsible engineering activities.”
After reading the article I thought and thought about the argument given by the author, which clearly calls for a self-critique, to find a possible alibi for scientific community’s misdeeds’ vindication. To my utter surprise, I am still looking forward to a honest confute which a guilty conscience could accept.
On Elections etc. February 3, 2009
Posted by smit in India, Politics.Tags: Elections 2009
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The General Elections in the World’s most vibrant democracy are round the corner. But really? Its not so obvious this time, at least the low media coverage does not suggest so (the media seems to be in concordance with the view of this post). The lull before such a great event is not a thing that can be easily construed. Although, we are only 3 months away from the final showdown, yet we don’t know even the belligerents of the duel, quite contrary to the US where presidential campaign goes on for 18 months.
It appears like these elections will be a low key affair and the most boring ones in the recent Indian history. The three major coalitions have accepted that they will not be able to gain majority all by themsleves. The UPA is fighting anti-incumbency, NDA is fighting with itself while Leftists are fighting with everyone. The scenario is in many ways similar to that in 1996/1998 which resulted in a period of political instability. Quite obviously, it pops up in my mind that the General Elections of 2009 is, perhaps, a short skirmish which may follow the Grand Finale somewhere around 2012 / 2013, which would probably be between Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi. That will probably be a clash between the ideologies of Secularism and Nationalism (pseudo-secular hypocrites may read the latter as Fundamentalism), which will be deciding the course of future India.
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If , in a high school composition, I were to list the major festivals of India, I would say Holi, Diwali, Id and, of course, the Election Day. Everyone waits so eagerly for it. Some are content with the associated holiday, some for their enthusiasm to vote and some for the results. Elections have always been fun, except in these metropolis’. The real enthusiasm about elections can be seen in towns and villages, where the real India resides.
Perhaps these will be my first General elections away from home. I miss the late evening discussions among the elderlys’, on which I always eavesdropped. The villagers visiting my father’s shop would come along with the voter mood-swings in their area. After sunset, when everyone is back after day’s work, there would be a demographic disintegration of each part of our constituency, an intense one for the areas in vicinity, ‘the so-and-so candidate has an upper hand in so-and-so area because of so-and-so caste combination etc etc’ (I come from central Uttar Pradesh, the heart of caste-based politics).
However, my favorite elections are the ones for local governing bodies which, in my case, is a municipality. Ours’ is a small town of 25,000 voters divided in 25 wards. We have to vote to elect a Municipal chairman as well as ward a representative. The petty issues like location of proposed hand pipe, renewal of power lines, revision of colony’s house taxes et al. dominate the polls. Also, unlike legislative or parliamentary elections, the municipal elections are marked by a polling booth in every locality. In the lane adjacent to ours, a polling booth was always set up at the premises of a government-aided primary school. With poll booth so near, we used to loiter around all the day and fundas like how to remove the permanent ink stain to cast multiple votes etc. came in handy. And after the elections, came the expert comments and analysis on what went right/wrong with our candidate as well as who did and did not vote for him.
PS – The hostel elections kind of remind me of those Ward Representative Elections because of their local character, though I’m involved in none of them, but eavesdropping is always fun 
Germany and me May 18, 2007
Posted by smit in Memoir.10 comments
Finally, after it has been been 1 yr since I made this account, now I think, while sitting in my office in Germany, its perfect time to start blogging.
So, here I am, in Braunschweig, a small city located in North-Central Germnay near Hanover, with a population of just 250,000, making it a city silent enough to live in.The city can boast itself of being home to Carl Fredrich Gauss, the great mathematician and physicist, who was born here.
In Germany very few people speak English and that creates a litte problem for us. Though now i can speak very very little Deutsche (German) and hope to learn some of it by the end of this intern. The city is well planned and so with only a map in hand we can find any place in whole of the city. The people are very much helpful, they are willing to help by making signs even when they do not understand my language.
My apartment is rather a small one but has enough room to house me and my apartmentmate….Dibyendu Sengupata…an Aerospace major from IITKGP, who is working as an intern in the same company as mine. The landlady is German while the landlord is from HongKong. They have lived in UK for around 20 years, so are fluent in english and always willing to help. The apartment can tell you well about the living standard at a common German home. It is well equipped with all the major technological gadgets used in kitchen etc.
The company I am working for is called Gesselschaft für Numerische Simulation(GNS) mbH. Its rather a small company with only 25-30 people in the office at Braunschweig and 40 more scattered at two more locations at Germany along with Shanghai and Melbourne. There is a small kitchen in the office which I make good use of. The company is rather like afamily with no Boss or Director, everyone being honest towards his work. We all go for lunch all together at the University Canteen where the food is rather cheap. There is an Indian named Kinshuk in the company who translates the menü for me.
Kinshuk is a very helpful person and he helps a lot about various inquiries we make. My roommate Dib can make some egg curry as well as rice and thats just a blessing for me. While I sit in the living room watching CNN( we don’t have any other english channel here), he cooks in the kitchen and I always do nothing but eat. Yesterday Kinshuk took us to an Indian student at University Hostel who was kind enough to invite us for dinner and I could get a good Indian meal first time in Germany.
Germany has recovered a lot since the 2nd World War. I learnt here that most of the German cities including Braunschweig were destroyed in the bombings of allied forces bombers during 1940′s and Economy had crashed. Other countries have a lot to learn from the once war torn country turning into the most successful and prosperous economy in Europe. One cannot believe that a fairy tale place has risen out of the rags left by war. People here have preserved their culture, enriched it and at the same time progessed a lot with time. German is the exclusive language for all official as well as research works, unlike India where English has taken over everything. Germans are now known to be the smartest people in the world.
Next post will be soon as I continue my endeavours to discover the Country of Dreams…….Deutschland.
