India - Focus on agriculture for a strong Future

The Turn of centuary saw India emerging as a strong economy. This was attributed to the strong policies and a young and vibrant democracy; Acadmically inclined youth and a desire to succeed. But one of the main reason other than the opportunities for business here is the fact that wages were lower compared to the more developed economies. But has anyone wondered why the wages are low. Its simply coz the food cost is low. Food consumption is the major driver of the economy. Consider this, The money earned by a person is primarily spent on food , clothing and shelter. As far as India Is concerened food and clothing we are self sufficient. This helped us in keeping the prices of these commodities low.

So here is the catch. In this season of inflation we should ask ourselves what is happening? The country is not able to meet the food requirements of this nation with a vast poppulation that with sufficient spending power. The continued increase on prices of essenstial commodities would result in an upward salry demand. This would on the long run result in India not being a preferred partner in trade as salary would match that of developed nations. This may happen within the next 25 years at the current inflation rate. The prices of goods are expected to be 5 times of what it is now.

The only way to prevent that and protect the country's growing stature is to ensure food security. There should be a strong focus on agriculture, and the next 5 year plans should give prime importance to this. A green revolution and a white revolution made India what it is today. Thanks to the efforts of Swaminathan and Kurien we are a nation that rarely imports food. But times are changing and if we are not prepared to meet the increased demand, a good chance that the inflation would consume us and result in slowing down of industrialisation. A consumer state is always on the tenter hook. This is what happened to US in the recent times. A reason why they had  to go for outsourcing.

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HELP ANYONE.. INSANE MEDIA ON THE LOOSE !!

As I present this blog, I’m fully aware that this topic is of mediocre interest to most of us, as its repeatedly debated topic on all forums. But being a mute spectator does not in any way make a change… I am guilty about the fact that this is just being read by a fraction of the population coz internet is a relatively new media that’s still virgin in terms of connectivity with the masses..

Leave apart the flaws… I do not wish to remain silent…

The year is 1990, CNN has set up shop in India, bringing live footage of the gulf war… it was the days of DD; the only national network… People were appalled by the coverage and since it was a US network they painted themselves as saints and protector of democracy... Far from being democratic...I would say…

As I write this there are ‘media reports’ of differences in the Indian team that’s playing the world cup. I have a sense of déjàvu…would this be the repeat of Ganguly - Chappel story? The past few years have seen a sporadic growth electronic media primarily the TV channels; at current count there are nearly 40 exclusive news only channels in almost all languages including English. {At this juncture I believe most of us watch the so called national channels NDTV; CNN IBN; TIMES NOW; HEADLINES TODAY & AAJ TAK}

These channels are almost 24*7 providing only “flash news”; not the real picture . An internet article says during the 7 days after the death of a girl Aarushi; these channels combined devoted nearly 300 hours of air time to exclusively follow this story repeatedly interviewing the mother of the victim, uncle, lawyer and the went as far as ‘talking’ to the victims friends. Such blunt brutal and insensitive coverage lead to protest March by some students against the media. When quizzed about such insensitivity, all Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai had to say was “why shoot the messenger”. A question; does he really believe he is a messenger when all he does is exert pressure to give a sound byte so he can run the show for a couple of more hours.

When the Mumbai attacks happened if Barkha Dutt could have stopped ‘panning’ her camera to the Oberoi hotels and the surroundings--as the NSG puts it “we lost the element of surprise, because the terrorists used the television to watch the movement of troops” .

I am not here to blame a few, but on the contrary I have deep respect for both these journalist as they are icons in their own terms… these people have been instrumental in making news reach a wider society and have acted as the true agents of 4^th estate when the brought out various issues. If one remembers; nearly a year before the Mumbai attacks NDTV ran a 2 hour investigation show pointing out how vulnerable the coastlines of the country were. If someone had paid a heed to it, may be 26/11 could have been prevented.

But when one looks at the larger picture don’t you think these people have caused us to live in constant fear. Have they not made a criminal out of a doctor? That profits matter, so sensationalism is a way out. That breaking news is as much as a sneeze by some actors. That privacy and exclusivity is only for them and not others.

I’m proud that news and media have been a great employment opportunity and is a growing sector. Yes they have encouraged us to speak up. But at times just like all of us catch flu, these people become insane at times. SO IS THERE A DOCTOR @ HOME??

P S: I am ending this blog with a question mark awaiting answers from you.

IPL--INDIA'S PRIZED LEAGUE

Let me tell you a story of a young man who makes juices on the roadside in Chennai. his name is Murugan who makes sugar cane juice near the marina beach for a living. I had been to Chennai several times the last time being on march 6th. he has an interesting story for me.I casually ask him what his daily income would be and he said around 500 rs mind you, he charges 10 per glass of sugar cane juice. he said he is waiting for the cricket season to start.He does not know its called IPl. He just says that last year April -may there was lots of cricket matches and he has not seen so many people coming regularly. {HE Sold sugar cane juice outside the stadium}

Many may feel IPL is good,for some its a waste of time and for few others it does not matter.But i have a confession to make. I was not a great enthusiast of IPL. I had my own views;But it all changed after meeting Murugan.

Yes the bosses of IPL and the Cricketers are making millions at the same time people like Murugan make a living. For a change lets look at IPL as a source of income. Consider this.
IPL generates income for the following people: {what i can observe}

1. Sweepers who clean the stadiums day in and day out. {usually a match happens and the stadium is forgotten for a year.}
2. Boys and Men who prepare the pitches.
3. Small scale units which makes the posters/pamphlets etc.. {also the people who distribute em}
4. printing shops who make the huge banners
5. House hold industries that manufacture those semi-circle caps with rubber bands.
6. Companies that make similar kind of t shirts {same color texture ET AL.}
7. people like Murugan who makes juice and similar kind of people who sell juices, water bottles, eatables etc.

On a better and less visible scale.

1. Transport companies who move the teams around {their drivers cleaners mechanics do benefit}
2. Hotel industry {ya agreed its the Taj and like wise.. but still }
3. The broadcasting/coverage team { the equipments weigh loads and so they have loads of helpers,local technicians, electricians,people who assist the cameramen etc.
4. the banks and other commercial establishment that sells the tickets merchandise etc.
5. Companies that make the the boundary advt boards and its the local carpenters and others who assemble them.
6. HEY ENOUGH ..JUST IMAGINE HOW MANY MORE..

IPL is boon for many.. lets see it as an employment opportunity for thousands of common people { I am leaving out the team managers, organizers,various associated staff as they are better called white collar jobs..ya but IT COUNTS>>} whenever such huge carnivals/circus (as many refer to it) happens.

Idiotic premier League , International Premier league and what not..

FOR ME ITS SHINING INDIA'S GIFT FOR THE NOT SO SHINING INDIANS.

JAI HIND