To defend democratic institutions and practices »

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has lately been on his many foreign missions. He paid an official visit to the USA and had discussions with Obama. Then, he flew to Moscow where he met both the President and Prime Minister Mr.Putin. In the Russian scheme of things, it is perceived that Mr.Putin is more powerful and [...]

Where are the reformers now? »

They have gone away?
Or hidden under some bush!  So, we are all now populists!
Yes, that is how we have to describe the Delhi scene!
There is more news or clamour now about the austerity drive launched by Pranab Mukerjee, the unflappable one man for all seasons!
He travels economy class while some of his colleagues at any [...]

After reading Prof.M.N.Srinivas »

Family values
I am just a bit embarrassed by this theme! Why?
Just before I typed this page, I saw a new book with the title:”Family values”. By whom? By one Jain muni and Dr.Abdul Kalam!
They don’t both have familes! Then, how they can talk genuinely?
So too our other greats: Mahatama Gandhi, Nehru and Dr.S.Radhakrishnan. Though they [...]

What Rahul Gandhi is doing now? »

What is his karma?
He can help electoral reforms? Help judicial reforms? Can help Parliamentary reforms?
Not the least help reform the Congress party!
There is much expectation from Rahul Gandhi after the recent elections which brought the Congress party to near absolute majority.
This happened after 20 years and at a time when Rahul Gandhi was entrusted to [...]

Power struggles within the BJP »

Younger age group captures the levers of power!
Indian democracy is real or just a facade of capturing power
By undemocratic Methods?
Indian democracy is becoming stronger? In what sense?
Is there democracy in the major parties?
Yes, the Congress got a near majority and is in power.
But the party is not genuinely democratic.
It is a made-up power management.
The BJP [...]

Food security in times of general elections! »

Yes, there is always this glib talk. Talk of ensuring food security.
That is a fine sentiment, provided you really ensure also security to the farming profession.
Is there now food security?
Yes, there is. The godowns are overflowing with excess grain stocks. The food security issues crops up every now and then, no, every year almost!
In 2005, [...]

The festival of Poland in India! »

The first-ever “festival of Poland” in South-east  Asia, offering music and poetry, movies and seminars on Polish history and culture, was held in Bangalore just recently.
Oh, what an experience! And Poland? Yes, Poland is a great tragedy once it was!
Poland that was destroyed from the world map, history and politics for over 125 years! Poland [...]

Terror attacks: More heads must roll! »

People must get at the truth fully!
PM’s talk of rate of growth, convening of teams and a lackluster image no inspiration!  Terror strikes India in a massive way!
Shakes our confidence and our collective response needs some hard questioning!
Is the government as it has responded enough of a guarantee for future security?
It is not easy to [...]

How much culture matters? »

Private initiatives are making waves in the Indian scheme of politics and national life?
It is good that the Bangalore-based government and private partnership in culture promotion, namely, the Bangalore Habba was postponed in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attacks.
The mood in the country is not suited for any celebrations of sorts. It is a time [...]

Ranga Shankara theatre festival »

A remarkable Kannada book publishing house
Karnataka’s literary heritage multi-faceted!
Literature, music, theatre unparallel!
It is a happy news that the latest Bharat Rathna went to the legendary Hindustani musician, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. With this recognition and also with the announcement of Kannada as a classical language, the state emerges to the front rank as a cultural powerhouse.
From [...]

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