The Sai Baba Sansthan Trust at Shirdi has made elaborate plans to Prepare a Golden Chariot to Carry Sai Baba's deity for a unpecedented amount.The Chariot will of course be made out of the proceeds/donations made by the Public and would be a centre of attraction for all the Pilgrims visiting this holy Place.The throne which has been enacted for keeping Sai's statue too is made of Gold.
Sai baba who resided in a dilapidated Mosque till his death n 1918, wore tattered clothes and roamed the Villages seeking alms for his sustenance.It is well known that he was completely at ease with both Hindu & Muslim Cultures and knew all the scriptures associated with it.He gained popularity with the Common man as he easily mingled with them and preached the Path of righteousness.
It seems that Simplicity & Greatness associated with Sai Baba died with him and he left behind a great legacy amongst a few who built this temple in his memory and a few who are trying till date to create an artificial aura with ample touch of Gold,Silver & Platinum raised from devotees who think that by donating a substantial sum/wealth would Cleanse them of any sins committed during their life time.
Its a sad thing that most of the temples in India have become commercialised structures including the one @ Tirupati (where the Congress Party is the trustee)and where its income runs into several Crores of rupees,most of which is siphoned off by unscrupulous People in the Trust in the guise of helping the poor & the needy.
When nearly 1/5th of our Population fail in their attempt to secure 2 square meals a day what is the need for Sculpturing thrones & chariots of Gold? The same amount Could have been invested for eradicating Child Labour,Providing Free education to the downtrodden,Preventing female infanticide,Providing Health care n remote tribal areas ...the list is endless...
The wealth is there for all to see but the utilisation is always for for non yielding and unrealistic or illogical ventures.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Navi Mumbai Airport-An Ecological Disaster
The Proposed Airport to be constructed in Navi Mumbai will soon swallow the last bastion of Virgin mangroves alongside and sound a deathknell for a large number of marine species associated with it.
No amount of Pressure from the environmental ministry(headed By Jairam Ramesh)is bound to have any effect on Praful Patel the minister for Civil Avaition who is harping on development of the site for the ambitious project come what may.
The rich Bio-Diversity of the mangroves would be lost forever.Some rivers in the vicinity will be diverted which would bring in unprecedented floods in some other area.
It is said that the Present airport at Sahar can handle only about 40 million Passengers and the air traffic would double by the year 2031 and a new airport can is the only solution to reduce the pressure.
The Sahar Airport is surrounded by slums and the Govt should have evicted them long back which itself would have created generous amount of space needed for the growing Air traffic.
However the Govt is more wary of the ''Vote bank'' and hence avoiding this amicable & more logical solution.
It has been scientifically proved that the Mnagroves absorb a substantial part of the Carbon present in the air,prevent floods & the resulting soil erosion and is a ideal habitat for many marine species.
Developement is a must but at what Cost?
We are slowly but surely digging our own graves with borrowed shovels(World Bank Funds)and the future generation would have to bear the brunt of this lop sided development in the form of devastating Tsunamis and flash floods.
No amount of Pressure from the environmental ministry(headed By Jairam Ramesh)is bound to have any effect on Praful Patel the minister for Civil Avaition who is harping on development of the site for the ambitious project come what may.
The rich Bio-Diversity of the mangroves would be lost forever.Some rivers in the vicinity will be diverted which would bring in unprecedented floods in some other area.
It is said that the Present airport at Sahar can handle only about 40 million Passengers and the air traffic would double by the year 2031 and a new airport can is the only solution to reduce the pressure.
The Sahar Airport is surrounded by slums and the Govt should have evicted them long back which itself would have created generous amount of space needed for the growing Air traffic.
However the Govt is more wary of the ''Vote bank'' and hence avoiding this amicable & more logical solution.
It has been scientifically proved that the Mnagroves absorb a substantial part of the Carbon present in the air,prevent floods & the resulting soil erosion and is a ideal habitat for many marine species.
Developement is a must but at what Cost?
We are slowly but surely digging our own graves with borrowed shovels(World Bank Funds)and the future generation would have to bear the brunt of this lop sided development in the form of devastating Tsunamis and flash floods.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Superstition- A Backward Step
Its very amusing to read about an Octopus named 'Paul'with Possible Psychic Powers which has been randomly(BUT ACCURATELY)picking out Winners in the recent FIFA organised World Cup.
The Octopus is Currently weilding its magic wand ..or rather its tentacles in a Sea Life Aquarium in Oberhausen,Western Germany much to the amusement of its bewildered Veiwers who have been mesmerised by its Powers.
Its latest prediction(Spain will defeat Germany in the 2nd SEMI FINAL)was broadcast Live & watched by millions of German Veiwers yesterday.
Imagine this happening in a 3rd World Nation like India most of the Western Nations would have laughed it off and laid the blame on the backward state coupled with the Superstition prevailing in the Sub-Continent.
It would be better to Host the next FIFA world Cup in Germany and let the Octopus Pick the Winner instead of Playing the Game.
It Proves that Superstition is here to stay and human beings being very fickle minded and Prefer the former to a more Scientific & rational approach.
The Octopus is Currently weilding its magic wand ..or rather its tentacles in a Sea Life Aquarium in Oberhausen,Western Germany much to the amusement of its bewildered Veiwers who have been mesmerised by its Powers.
Its latest prediction(Spain will defeat Germany in the 2nd SEMI FINAL)was broadcast Live & watched by millions of German Veiwers yesterday.
Imagine this happening in a 3rd World Nation like India most of the Western Nations would have laughed it off and laid the blame on the backward state coupled with the Superstition prevailing in the Sub-Continent.
It would be better to Host the next FIFA world Cup in Germany and let the Octopus Pick the Winner instead of Playing the Game.
It Proves that Superstition is here to stay and human beings being very fickle minded and Prefer the former to a more Scientific & rational approach.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Welcome Step
The Kerala High court yesterday has Passed a stricture which should provide considerable respite to the Common Man.
It has made the state Govt accountable for any strikes or demonstrations which are oftenly held on the roadside causing traffic jams and unnecessary distress to the commuters.
The Communists are the Prime reason which have caused havoc in both the states of Kerala and Bengal which hardly have any agenda and day in and day out all that is Visible is angry Violent protests and demonstrations bereft of wisdom or Logic.
On the other hand the State Govt has showed its helplessness by calling this act as an infringement of democratic rights with even its adversaries in the Opposition Parties Pitching their voice against the Court's Verdict.
The People's faith in the judiciary would some what be reposed by this land mark Judgement and we hope to see more of such cases whereby the Political Parties should be made to Pay for their arrogance.
It has made the state Govt accountable for any strikes or demonstrations which are oftenly held on the roadside causing traffic jams and unnecessary distress to the commuters.
The Communists are the Prime reason which have caused havoc in both the states of Kerala and Bengal which hardly have any agenda and day in and day out all that is Visible is angry Violent protests and demonstrations bereft of wisdom or Logic.
On the other hand the State Govt has showed its helplessness by calling this act as an infringement of democratic rights with even its adversaries in the Opposition Parties Pitching their voice against the Court's Verdict.
The People's faith in the judiciary would some what be reposed by this land mark Judgement and we hope to see more of such cases whereby the Political Parties should be made to Pay for their arrogance.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Indian Metorological Department- Most Irresponsible
The Weather forecasts Predicted by the IMD-Indian Metorological Department is inversely proportional to the actual weather Conditions Prevalent.
Its hilarious to note that whenever the Met Dept Predicts heavy rains based on the downpour which has Occured on the previous day,the rains as if to show its dissent stops immediately.
On 22nd June 2010 a times of India report had stated that the weather bureau had Predicted a lull in the monsoons over Mumbai & Konkan due to Persisting low pressure in the designated area.
Lo and Behold the Rains as if acting on the cue arrived the same evening over the Konkan peninsula.
We are dazed at the near accurate predictions given by the BBC/ABC and Some other western Countries which gives ample time in warning the inhabitants of the impending weather Conditions which reduces the impact of the Calamity.
The Doppler Radar Purchased a Couple of years back was lying in the Municipal Corporation's warehouse waiting for Clearance from the Defence minstry as the same was to be installed by Chinese technicians at Colaba- a sensitive area from the Defence Point of View.It seems that the Municipal Corporation insists in Counting the Chickens before they are hatched.Where was the need of buying the Doppler Radar that too from the Chinese(may be to save Costs)when the location of installing the same was not known???
The IMD has become the object of ridicule by consistently Churning up wrong forecasts time and again and people rely more on their own instincts rather the Crap dished out by this outdated Organisation.
The Govt should recruit eminent scientists and Combined with the use of weather Satellites and State of the Art Technology try to revamp this Department in the interests of the Country.
Its hilarious to note that whenever the Met Dept Predicts heavy rains based on the downpour which has Occured on the previous day,the rains as if to show its dissent stops immediately.
On 22nd June 2010 a times of India report had stated that the weather bureau had Predicted a lull in the monsoons over Mumbai & Konkan due to Persisting low pressure in the designated area.
Lo and Behold the Rains as if acting on the cue arrived the same evening over the Konkan peninsula.
We are dazed at the near accurate predictions given by the BBC/ABC and Some other western Countries which gives ample time in warning the inhabitants of the impending weather Conditions which reduces the impact of the Calamity.
The Doppler Radar Purchased a Couple of years back was lying in the Municipal Corporation's warehouse waiting for Clearance from the Defence minstry as the same was to be installed by Chinese technicians at Colaba- a sensitive area from the Defence Point of View.It seems that the Municipal Corporation insists in Counting the Chickens before they are hatched.Where was the need of buying the Doppler Radar that too from the Chinese(may be to save Costs)when the location of installing the same was not known???
The IMD has become the object of ridicule by consistently Churning up wrong forecasts time and again and people rely more on their own instincts rather the Crap dished out by this outdated Organisation.
The Govt should recruit eminent scientists and Combined with the use of weather Satellites and State of the Art Technology try to revamp this Department in the interests of the Country.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Differences in the Oil & Gas Tragedies
The massive Oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico on the night of April 10th 2010 resulted in a oil slick that drifted across the Shores of US ruining some of the exotic beaches and endangering the flora and fauna surrounding the waters.
It is well known that whenever USA has suffered losses on a/c of some third Party callousness they swing into action and try to impose the maximum Penalties and get things sorted out to suit their way.Like wise President Obama is seeking nearly 20 Billion Dollars from the British Oil Giant BP to compensate the 11 rig workers who died in the halocaust and to clean up the resulting environmental mess.
Similarly in 1984 nearly 15000 People died and about 500000 people were badly affected by the Methyl isocyanate Gas Leak in Bhopal,India the Perpetrators of the Crime namely the top boss of Union Carbide Warren Anderson was huddled out of India by the then Congress Govt on the instructions of the US Govt.The Congress Govt was the main culprit in letting go off the arrogant CEO who reportedly uttered the words"" BYE BYE INDIA'' at the airport.
The Compensation of 470 Million dollars worked out to a measely INR 25000 per person.Even the Supreme Court was shocked at the out of Court Settlement for such a ridiculous amount.
After 25 years the people of Bhopal are still running from pillar to post to get their due.
The western Media never projected the potent nature of this tragedy which wrought havoc amongst the natives and many innocent People Perished in their sleep as the killer Gas made its way through the narrow alleys & slums and till date about 370 tonnes of chemicals lie in the Union Carbide Compound contaminating the Ground water and with it marauding the future of lacs of powerless people who feel resigned to their fate.
How come Obama is mum over the protests and the muted screams of the infected People of Bhopal when the perpetrator of the Crime is a US Company?Is the value of an Indians life Cheaper than that of the affected Ducks off the louisiana Coastline?
Ironically we have to learn a lesson or two from the Americans who raise a huge alarm over trivial events affecting their nation or their People any where in the world and then manage to strike a bargain that is always favourable to them visa vis the loss suffered.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Discrepancy in Our Education System
Come May & June and the annual ritual of ""RESULTS''is awaited by the anxious Parents and their wards with bated breath.The exams are veiwed by many as a stepping stone to Success and rankers vie with one another to get admission into the best of the Colleges which is one of the factors which propels them in shaping and moulding their Cherished careers.
In the last few years many Parents have switched their wards from the SSC Board to the more MARK-FETCHING CBSE/ICSE Boards.These Boards have a properly designed and better managed Curriculum which gives a more realistic and balanced education to its pupils.
However while awarding marks the system is more linient compared to the SSC Board and hence prestigious seats are gobbled up by the CBSE/ICSE Students leaving many of the Brilliant Students affiliated to the SSC Board a miniscule chance of making it to the TOP educational institutions.
Incidentally to avoid this melee the Union Minister For Human resources Kapil sibal had initiated a Campaign to go for an Education Curiculum which would be Common for all and which would eliminate the Unfair Advantage,however miniscule it may seem in the genuine interests of all the Students.
Sadly all of us Indians are resistant to Change and this Welcome step of Kapil Sibal was relegated to the ''back burner''by vested interests and elitist factions prevalent in the CBSE/ICSE .
Hope better sense pevails amongst the elite and reforms towards intiating a Common Curiculum finds more and more supporters and takers.
In the last few years many Parents have switched their wards from the SSC Board to the more MARK-FETCHING CBSE/ICSE Boards.These Boards have a properly designed and better managed Curriculum which gives a more realistic and balanced education to its pupils.
However while awarding marks the system is more linient compared to the SSC Board and hence prestigious seats are gobbled up by the CBSE/ICSE Students leaving many of the Brilliant Students affiliated to the SSC Board a miniscule chance of making it to the TOP educational institutions.
Incidentally to avoid this melee the Union Minister For Human resources Kapil sibal had initiated a Campaign to go for an Education Curiculum which would be Common for all and which would eliminate the Unfair Advantage,however miniscule it may seem in the genuine interests of all the Students.
Sadly all of us Indians are resistant to Change and this Welcome step of Kapil Sibal was relegated to the ''back burner''by vested interests and elitist factions prevalent in the CBSE/ICSE .
Hope better sense pevails amongst the elite and reforms towards intiating a Common Curiculum finds more and more supporters and takers.
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