Obama's 2nd green revolution

If any further data on the self-centered nature of USA govt. global policies is needed, here is a lead from a reputed web link.  All means are used to push GMO on to the global citizens ... even levering developing nations to mis-guide other developing nations.  Corporate profits from  useless research must be obtained for USA groups, for which their Govt. spares no effort in lobbying.  All in the name of an 'evergreen revolution' which is a 'self-destruct revolution' as opposed to 'natural evolution'.  Read on ...

http://www.naturalnews.com/030695_GMOs_Obama.html

(NaturalNews) The Obama Administration is working towards a second "Green Revolution" in agriculture known as the "Evergreen Revolution". This sequel to prior agriculture industrialization efforts in India in the mid-20th century is being heralded by some as the next step in sustainable food production for the populations of the world. But a closer look reveals that one of the primary thrusts of the initiative is to push GMOs both in India and around the world.

In a recent Joint Session of the Indian Parliament, President Obama briefly explained his plans in the new Evergreen Revolution, which include exporting India's "hard-earned expertise" in agriculture, much of which was wrought during the first Green Revolution. But now, the goal is to allegedly improve upon these efforts and bring them to other developing areas like Africa that seem to be on the verge of an agricultural revolution.

But the main problem with the efforts is that they include exporting the same genetic modification technology that was thrust on India, but this time to the nations of Africa. In fact, a series of leaked reports from Wikileaks recently revealed that Africa is on the U.S. radar for GMO expansion efforts, which highlights the real agenda (http://www.naturalnews.com/030683_G...).

A recent Scientific American report on the subject explains that a former chief scientist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is pushing the Obama Administration to focus heavily on GMOs in its efforts with the program. Gale Buchanan is a huge supporter of GMOs and is quoted as saying that the only way the Evergreen Revolution is going to have a "real, revolutionary" impact is if it makes GMOs its top priority. And since Buchanan has already expressed support for the initiative as it is, it is likely that GMOs are already part of the plan.

Sources for this story include:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press...
http://www.scientificamerican.com/a...  

Jairam Ramesh to blame for no GM crops

It is shocking to read a report dated Tue 09th Dec 2010 attached here, with the above subject line at the link: 

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/--Food-security-needs-to-be-addressed-on-priority--/722495  

The promotion of GMO products, GM seeds and foods is a game that the Corporates and the Govt of USA have been playing all across the globe for sometime now.  It is sad to see able leaders of Parliament and Research Labs in India falling for such traps; makes one wonder at the probable cause for such position they take.  If they truly wish good for the India Farmer and the health of future citizens of India, they would work towards educating the farmers on better farming methods and levering existing tech which alone would raise the farmer profits and yields by over 30%.  Better marketing methods and food storage chains will ease the burden of the nation on food security.  No such activity is found attractive to these gentlemen.  Instead they are comfortable in blaming the 'only man of the India union cabinet' who sees fit to look at the long range picture in citizen interest.  

Much has been written and enough evidence in easily available to disprove what ever Shri Sharad Joshi, NRCPB and  NSAI Directors have to promote.  One has only to 'google it' on the internet and evidence to show the probable liability for any nation and its living organisms is easily found.  Shri Joshi would have us believe that all such reports are wrong.  The unfortunate news report of Directors of Research Institutes who recently had given 'copy paste' reports approving GMO to Environment Minister Shri J. Ramesh is not forgotten by intelligent citizens.  

It is urged that the following blog be visited to discover some uncomfortable truths which should cause Shri Sharat Joshi to hang his head in shame.  

http://thinkunderstandacceptadapt.blogspot.com/2010/10/view-point-on-gmo-foods-and-plants.html  

http://thinkunderstandacceptadapt.blogspot.com/2010/05/gmo-products-and-their-pain.html  

http://thinkunderstandacceptadapt.blogspot.com/2010/05/it-will-be-revealing-to-read-link.html  

http://thinkunderstandacceptadapt.blogspot.com/2010/04/genetic-roulette.html  

http://thinkunderstandacceptadapt.blogspot.com/2010/03/cultivation-of-genetically-modified.html  

http://thinkunderstandacceptadapt.blogspot.com/2010/02/caution-is-not-complacency.html  

A point by point rebuttal is useless when certain 'leaders' refuse to acknowledge that Earth with its bio-diversity is our only home and 'collateral damage' with 'unintended outcome' cannot be determined without decades of global study.  The last 'green revolution' has cost India much in terms of use of humongous amounts of 'pesticides', 'chemical fertilizers', 'water' and 'pumping power'. More grain came with a price, which India is paying today (subsidies is only one of them).  The time tested means of hybridization, which even simple farmers have carried  out does not get the prominence and support, which should be the job of such 'farmer loving' leaders.  Please review the news report attached herewith of Shri Dadaji Khobragade of Chandraput Dist, Maharashtra who invented 11 hybrid rice varieties without using GMO processes of splicing genes from unrelated species 

(http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_maharashtra-finally-gives-inventor-of-11-rice-varieties-his-due_1477148).  This GMO process does not exist in Nature which has evolved other processes over millions of years.  The need for careful citizen monitored research over decades, at various locations with special focus of effects on other organisms, is the need before such products are imposed on the six billion citizens and millions of other organism of the Earth.  The greed for profit on incomplete research by multi-national Corporates, should not be promoted by India leaders.  

It is hoped that the media in India will broadcast such mis-deeds and citizens will take up same with their elected representatives.  India does not need more scams now.  

Babus failing the citizens of India.

Today, Fri 03rd Dec 2010 leading newspapers have a report on the 'so called action'  proposed  to be taken against some dozen Babus (IAS, IPS, IFS) of Maha-rashtra.  It seems a 'notice' is to be issued and the concerned officers are to respond on 'source of funds', 'failure to inform on controversial actions' of obtaining flats / immovable property, in names of family members - close or distant.  After one full month, this is the outcome - proposed action.  I could write the responses without any sweat, even before the 'notices' are sent.  This is a joke! 

The shocking behavior of the 'tainted' Babus is contrary to their service rules.  Remember they are public servants.  If the coalition-Govt in Maha will not take action with 'extreme prejudice' ... its a month now and sending notices is not action, its procrastination ... the job of the Governor is to call each of the 'tainted officers' and demand their resignations or fire them on the spot.  They have behaved contrary to public expectations (of prudence and integrity) and deserve to be criminally proceeded against ... any business, office or family head at home, would do so.  Let them rot in the Courts (to get a feel of what the citizens have been used to for decades).  Their families who benefited, must be humiliated and these Babus, should lose their pensions and be marked 'unemployable'.  Is this not what happens to employees who are caught with their 'hand in the till'?  I expect Maha- to take the lead for other states in India to act similarly.  

All along for the past fifteen years, Activism has taken root in the major urban areas to address the 'bad governance' plaguing India and preventing its normal growth.  First, the junior officers were coerced, then the courts were filled with PILs, then the Politicos were targeted, even elections were fought to get to the seat of power - so that meaningful outcome could be got.  None seems to deliver the expected results because we all know the 'system' is bent to prevent delivery of expectations of the citizens. 

It is again clear that all along, some of the Babus and their cohorts have been manipulation not only the system of governance but also the politicos and businesses, so that they remain in control and can keep destroying the institutions.  For the past three years at least, many Babus have been analysed to have been working contrary to the interests of the citizens, but this was attributed to the 'system'.  The month of November has been filled with core issues which all point to 'system and babus'.  None of the serious scams could occur without the oversight of the Babus who should have refused to participate in them.  That is their job!  Now Activists must not fail to target these very persons who have tried to remain anonymous and have worked to wreck every progress that the citizens desire and have a right to.  

I have reports attributed to some retired babus, which confirm that a large section of the Maha- babudom is lost to self-development and not state or citizen development.  It is my firm belief that if key rascals are treated with 'extreme prejudice', the rest will soon become citizen centric and Maha- and India as a whole will see positive results.  The rusted steel frame of India needs to be rebuilt urgently and its only the 'citizens', who own the nation, can do so.  More important, our ancient culture demands it. Let us work to have a better life for ourselves and our generations to come. The greatest  innovations and solutions have throughout history always come from 'concerned citizens' and private groups ... never by waiting for government to take corrective actions. ACT NOW.

Get ready for the mother of all battles.  The earlier 'tough battles' will seem to have been a walk in the park.  Please share this with your well wishers and think deeply about your comments ... which are welcome.  

response to BLIND FAITH

Apropos your report "Blind Faith" (Blind faith, Small Smokescreen, Sunanda Poduwal, THE ECONOMIC TIMES, Mumbai, Sun. 21st Nov 2010, page-6. reproduced hereunder), I wish to congratulate you on taking up a very sensitive topic and for pointing out the failure of the 'regulators' to act forthwith. It seems the usual obfuscation, this time between the: I&B Min., ASCI and the CCC, has won again. It seems again and again that, for every governance issue, the citizen has to knock on the doors of the Judiciary at various levels. The fact that this is causing the Judiciary to interfere in 'executive functions' is forgotten till the politicos start howling whenever it pinches them personally.

Once a law is in place (The Drugs & Remedies ... Act ...), it is for the executive branch of the government and its regulatory bodies to act with haste to uphold the law of the land. This is where a 'soft state' like India fails time and again, in implementation of the law with a 'big stick' and with 'overwhelming force'. Why should any regulator have to wait for 'public complaint' for breach of law? This pertinent issue is never discussed; always some silly protocol is referred to. The onus on implementation thus gets subtly shifted to the complainant, who can struggle for years to be heard. England used this method to rule the nation and got away with many wrong doings. It seems our Constitution is being wrongly interpreted and the Judiciary is overwhelmed with such cases of lack of action by regulatory and statutory bodies who believe in waiting for public complaints and public follow up. This root cause must change for governance to improve and 'human development index' to change for the better.

In this particular case, I request you to study the following link:

http://thinkunderstandacceptadapt.blogspot.com/2010/03/regulation-for-paranormal-activities.html

A simple 'cautionary warning' is not yet in place. Janhit Manch, a respected NGO associated with JNM has been working on this very issue. Even though the matter is before the Judiciary for some time now, the onslaught of mis-leading adverts carries on relentlessly, with gay abandon. I have copied this email to Janhit Manch and their key Volunteers. The youth are thus taught not to respect the law since it seems impotent to take action for obvious wrong doing. They are further convinced that fantasy and magic will improve their quality of life. The fact that charlatans are twisting unexplored / unexplained powers for pecuniary gains is rarely understood.

A simple solution is staring everyone in the face. The broadcasting channels are bound by a code of conduct and it's their primary duty to obey the law. A warning and cautionary message must be presented at the start and end of such programs. Any clarification if needed is to be made by the Ministry or its regulatory bodies, which must be approached by the broadcaster. If the I&B Min. prosecuted just one broadcaster, the game would be up. It will be worthwhile to file an RTI to determine how many infringements of the said Act have been recorded, prosecuted and its outcome, and the database for the same. Publicity of such info might shame the Ministry to act in haste from the fear that the same might be questioned by the Judiciary. This can be validated by the actions of the Courts in the recent Rathore and Telecom scam cases.

Will the Courts take suo moto notice of this protest by a concerned citizen? Is a cautionary message too much to ask for ... at least to make citizens think about what they are attempting to depend upon? Corrective approach often has few associates ... but wise action since historic times has not waited for all to approve of a change ... for it to be suggested to the population. The change when it comes will find many partners ... as usual. Change is the only thing permanent and past practices are good only for reference ... not action or plan.

The original report in The Eco Times ....

Blind faith

Small Smokescreen

The govt may have wielded the stick on a few reality shows, but when will it wake up and take note of telemarketing agencies grabbing precious TV slots to promote products of dubious magical powers, questions

Sunanda Poduwal

THE ECONOMIC TIMES, Mumbai, Sun. 21st Nov 2010, page-6.

THE NUMEROUS babas and quacks wielding semi-magical powers—publicising their abilities on walls, modes of public transport, through ill-written fliers and even in newsprint—are being given a run for their money it seems. Unfortunately, human beings acquiring a scientific temperament is not the glorious reason behind it. It is the alternative and perhaps the most convincing medium for publicity, television, that is perpetuating blind belief today.

If you wish for material success and wealth, try installing Kuber Kunji in your house. It helps increase the flow of funds and the ability to accumulate wealth. Mata Kawach not only gives maximum benefit, it also bestows wealth and property and protects the person from all sorts of dangers. People suffering from black magic, charms, negativity and psychic attacks will get relief from the unexplained powers of the Shree Panchmukhi Hanuman Kawach. And if you wish to ward off evil "looks" try the Nazar Suraksha Kawach.

One of the prominent tele shopping networks producing and advertising such delusional products dodged all queries and clarifications sought. An executive who requested not to be named ensured that the products were well researched. He was quick to add that more than the research and development that went into them, it was the faith people had in their products that bore the buyers positive results. Further questions broke his wall of defence and he ended the conversation with a candid admission—"Hindustan hai madam, sab bikta hai (This is India, everything sells)".

The products are marketed and sold by numerous telemarketing agencies which have been allotted precious TV space by various channels. The simple fact that these tele-shopping networks are able to buy time slots in these channels say a lot about the salability factor of such commodities. Television channels refused to comment on the issue presumably because tele-shopping networks sit on valued sales slots.

According to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (objectionable advertisements) Act, 1954, "No person carrying on or purporting to carry on the profession of administering magic remedies shall take any part in the publication of any advertisement referring to any magic remedy which directly or indirectly claims to be efficacious for any purposes". The Act clearly says that such advertisements are offences and attract punishment in the form of imprisonment or fine.

The information and broadcasting ministry has put the onus of bringing such advertisers to book on the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). Ministry officials say they act only if the offending parties do not listen to ASCI's orders. Founded in 1985, the self-regulatory body has adopted a code for self-regulation in advertising in its commitment towards honest advertising and to fair competition in the market place. The organisation believes that "as the Code becomes increasingly accepted and observed pro-actively, three things will begin to happen: fewer false, misleading claims; fewer unfair advertisements and increased respectability." The body has set up a Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) which acts on complaints and also has the power to direct advertisers to discontinue or modify their advertisements.

"The usually discerning Indian consumer is sometimes gullible when it comes to matters of faith and make-believe products. However, we can pass a judgment on whether a particular advertisement is misleading only once we have a formal complaint," says Dilip Cherian, image management expert and member of the governing board of ASCI.

According to him, the process is fairly evenhanded, where empirical and statistical evidence from both sides—the complainant and the advertiser—are invited. So a lucky charm or a "nazar surakhsha" advertisement must be able to defend itself on the basis of evidence it provides. "The key here is that we must receive a complaint first! In such cases the question is: who will bell the cat, since clearly there are quite a few takers for such products. And those who don't 'consume', neither care nor complain," he adds.

"We have acted on numerous cases and have been successful in getting them off-air. But the advertisers change the form and move to other channels," says Allan Collaco, secretary general ASCI. Shree Panchmukhi Hanuman Kawach, which was being marketed on an entertainment channel, came under ASCI's scanner and the television commercial was subsequently withdrawn. But the product is freely available online. "The only way people will stop advertising such products would be when Indian audience stops buying them," says Collaco.

Paritosh Joshi, member of the council that looks into the complaints, echoed Collaco's views and put the responsibility on the public since the council doesn't have the power to act without a complaint. Joshi himself heads a shopping network, STAR CJ Network India, a joint venture of News Corp owned Star TV and South Korean firm CJ Shopping. He says the sheer magnitude of such advertising activities is what makes it difficult to keep track of them and act upon them. He goes on to give examples of products such as Morning Walker and Roopamrit, advertisements of which were taken off post CCC's decision to ban them. "The issue has acquired a Sisphean angle considering it is an endless loop. Also, the volume of consumer complaints are low," he says with a hint of frustration.

He said such advertisements are a subject of central laws and the complaints can be taken, not only to the CCC, but also straight to the police. "The broader issue is that the learned classes display a sense of apathy towards such activities. They should take the responsibility and come forward with complaints," he says. He doesn't mince words when he says that self-regulation is a better option than expecting the government to act. "If the government has its way, it will wield a big fat stick like it did with a few reality shows recently and we all know we don't want that," says Joshi.

sunanda.poduwal@timesgroup.com

WHOs new initiative

I am concerned at the thinking of the WHO which is reported in The Eco Times, Mumbai, Mon. 22nd Nov 2010 under the heading: LEVY ON FOREX TRADE COULD FUND HEALTH SCHEMES IN INDIA ... from Geneva. (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/Levy-on-forex-trade-could-fund-health-schemes-in-India-WHO/articleshow/6971225.cms) A similar report also appears in The ToI, Mumbai.

Basically the report brings out the growing poor health care, rising costs for the same all across the world and the push to poverty for many households due to uncontrollable medicare costs. The solution for India is offered by way of a tax on Forex Trading in India. It is admitted that health care facilities are poor in India and a large population has negligible reach for Primary Health Centres. Further the awareness for hygiene and basic health care which should have been passed down by the senior family members and schooling, has been destroyed in the past century. The current Government is addressing this lacuna with greatly increased social spending as never before. Substantial improved results will come with the end of the 12th Plan in 2017.

It is shocking that a global organization should think of cross-subsidy as a means of achieving a limitless aim. This could be stretched to all kinds of other spending, all over the world. Would they suggest this for USA where this same issue has been dominating the past three Governments? WHO is right in suggesting that efficient spending, reducing misuse of medicines could be used to control costs of medicare. This should have been the only focus of their attention instead of an after thought.

It is accepted today that the human body and mind tend to find natural equilibrium in good health. This applies for all living organisms, that is why they multiply as has been the humans to over six billion today. Evolution and Nature have taken care of this naturally. Natural remedies are low cost and more effective. The current living habits all over the world are shifting towards 'processed foods' and sedentary work, with their attendant problems. The health issues actually needing special-intervention are few. The focus therefore should be on means to reach and maintain health equilibrium thru proper life styles and intelligent living standards, instead of spending billions on useless pharma research to find means to fight infection. Almost every medication 'invented' in the past one hundred years had to be abandoned due to 'side effects' and 'unintended consequences'. This fact should have enlightened WHO to think innovatively ... instead we find they are thinking like any 'bean counter' or tax authority ... finding new means of taxing the citizens or corporates.

I humbly suggest that WHO focus on educating the world citizens on finding health equilibrium instead of spending on expensive medications to fight infection. They could focus on natural remedies as are used by all living organisms. If taxing is their new forte, they could think of 'taxing' the pharmas who have minted billions thru 'so called research and patenting' and also taxing the medical profession whose living standards are many times that of any national average per capita income. I am sure billions would be realised which could be used for treatments where natural health equilibrium is not possible. This would avoid cross-subsidy totally and turn humanity back to better living standards.

‘Growth sans gains for poor mere nos': Pranab Mukherjee

Just read a remark in todays' EcoTimes, by the FM Shri PranabM: "...If I would have got that money, I would have spent it in social response (social sector schemes) ..." referring to additional funds from sale of 2G spectrum. It is clear that the rhetoric is aimed at the recently resigned TcM Shri Raja A.

A thought occurs to me ... if the telecom corporates were made to pay more, would they have been able to provide mobile phone services cheaply to the growing demand pull for such services? Let us not forget that the explosive growth of the mobile phone user base from some 300 million to 600 million came about because the user rates are so low ... in fact lowest in the whole world. This can now be validated against the rates the telecom corporates will charge for the 3G services, for which they have paid the GoI the highest auction amount in the world. How will this useful service be available to the majority of citizens in the nation, when the proposed data rates are so high, at one rupee per MB ?

It is my thought that the FM would be better advised to focus on reducing the 'bleeding of national resources' which are already directed for existing social schemes. The national health, education, agro and employment schemes probably do not deliver 20 paise per rupee to the actual user. He could focus on raising this to say 50 paise within a financial year. For this no new funds will be needed, only a big stick and firm will to punish the grasper's. This one act alone will be a great CBM (confidence building measure) for the citizens of India.

There is also the issue of India funds secreted to safe havens abroad on which taxes have not been paid. Recent reports from International Orgs. talk of some USD 650 billion. If the FM can focus on a scheme to negotiate settlement of say 40% taxes on most of this amount and simultaneously create a strong bias against corruption in the Excise, Customs, Tax departments; more money will not leave the nation, tax unpaid. Such settlement amount will give him ample funds to not only spend on social schemes (with more grand names of old congress party leaders), but also clear out national debt and raise our GDP to double digits, due to easy funds for infrastructure investments.

I invite comments on my thoughts.

"Sarve bhavantu sukhinahaa"

MCGM URBAN QUALITY OF LIFE ACT ... of 15th May 2010.

Just over one year ago, I had proposed this QoL Act for Mumbai, during some email exchanges with local Activists. I am now elaborating this idea below, hoping I will get some pro-active response.

Citizens using any public space have a right to go about without being forced to:

1. hear loud music, traffic sounds, azaans, religious incantations, spiritual speeches, fire-crackers, celebratory drums-taashaa, etc.

2. view adverts., mis-leading publicity, ‘fair and lovely’ type adverts, raunchy posters and hoardings, adverts diverting children, divisive adverts, hoardings promoting: politicians, religions, paranormal and blind faith remedies, etc.

3. absorb bad smells, open cooking smells, butchers working in open, rotting garbage, etc.

4. walk thru muck, rubbish, dust, rubble, open garbage, scavenging insects and birds, stray animals (dogs, cats, pigs, cattle, goats, sheep, horses, camels, rats), insect clouds, etc.

5. taste foul polluted air and water and have to wait for incessant noisy processions of all kinds, at all hours of the day and night, anytime during the calendar year.

6. see and touch badly maintained streets, footpaths, water fountains, building facades, parks, trees, public toilets, street signage / furniture, etc.

7. get caught up in extended traffic jams and wait for multiple green signals (upto 6 minutes per cycle), with incessant junction hawkers, beggars and eunuchs as company.

8. hardly ever get to use the footpaths, city bus or trains without anxiety and trauma.

9. do without easy access to information or guidance from the Regulatory, Statutory and Security Institutions, even after having powerful citizen friendly Acts like: RTI and Disclosure Law in the legal statutes.

10. do without adequate: libraries, health care, courts, education opportunities, job training, safety, recreation, sports facilities, housing, gardens, open grounds and spaces, city infrastructure, street furniture.

Surely ... more such points can be added. All our five senses are overwhelmed and minds distressed. Need for facilities for the handicapped and the distressed / deserted is only a dream. Children between two and fourteen are wandering the streets begging and ensuring they will be unemployable when grown up due to lack of work skills.

There is yet no holistic act / policy dealing with mis-use of public spaces or spaces in private areas which impinge on citizens at large. In a democratic society, citizens have a right to some minimum quality of life. All the points above prevent basic quality of life. I think, Mumbai needs a MCGM act to cover this basic right.

It is my hope to work on a 'green paper' for this cause ... MCGM Urban Quality of Life Act. I believe the existing MCGM Act is some one hundred twenty-two year old, and now has a patch work of amendments to cover each and every demand of the politicos, many citizen unfriendly.

We now need to get beyond such petty activity and go for something fresh and citizen-centric and friendly. Illegal banners, unwanted foot bridges, rusty city water pipes, encroached footpaths and inadequate agro-markets, bad roads, mis-managed Municipal Schools and Civic Hospitals, in-equitable home taxes, zero tolerance for pedestrians, vandalism, these are only the tip of the change that all citizens would wish to see.

QoL is described in Wikipedia at the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality_of_life and a QoL-Index is shown at link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality-of-Life_Index where India is at lowly #73 for year 2005 and also at link: http://www1.internationalliving.com/qofl2010/index.php where India has a low score of 58 for year 2010. The Mercer QoL ranking for year 2009 shows Mumbai at a low #148 rank, see the link: http://www.mercer.com/qualityoflivingpr Various factors and categories are used, some may not be relevant for Mumbai today. The International Living Magazine places India at rank #88 out of 194 nations for the year 2010 at the link: http://forum.globaltimes.cn/forum/showthread.php?t=11938

I desire to have a limited debate; Activists could present papers on various angles to this basic premise of mine. Such a debate can be an essay ‘mail in’ from which ‘collation paper’ can be made for points to be covered. A five point grading (1 to 5) for various factors and categories with time lines and do-ables to improve on the grading should be included. I am not sure how one can go about this and request experts to guide this at the formative stage. A decent format-spreadsheet would be useful. Once a Citizens’ Document is ready, it can be taken up with the MCGM and the State Govt. for analysis and implementation.

I request all concerned well wishers to write on this topic: MCGM Urban Quality of Life Act (as a subject line in the emails) and email: jnm.movement@gmail.com Please include your Name + PIN code + Mobile Code so the same can be included in the 'contributors list'. If a standard document is referenced, please include its details for the 'bibliography'. Such a thread will enable me to follow up and hopefully make a summary collation :) for deeper study. Requesting your indulgence and comments.

Chanakya's Quotes - Worth reading a million times… (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BCE -275 BCE)

"A person should not be too honest.

Straight trees are cut first

and Honest people are victimized first."

"Even if a snake is not poisonous,

it should pretend to be venomous."

"The biggest guru-mantra is:

Never share your secrets with anybody. !

It will destroy you."

"There is some self-interest behind every friendship.

There is no Friendship without self-interests.

This is a bitter truth."

"Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions -

Why am I doing it,

What the results might be and

Will I be successful.

Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead."

"As soon as the fear approaches near,

attack and destroy it."

"Once you start a working on something,

don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it.

People who work sincerely are the happiest."

"The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind.

But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction.."

"A man is great by deeds, not by birth."

"Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years. For the next five years, scold them.

By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend. Your grown up children are your best friends."

"Books are as useful to a stupid person

as a mirror is useful to a blind person."

"Education is the best friend.

An educated person is respected everywhere.

Education beats the beauty and the youth."

PANCHATANTRA - Gems of Verses

As a young boy I was facinated by a paperback copy of THE PANCHATANTRA in English, given to me by my late father. On 31st May 1963 I had given my 'qualifiers' for the IIT-Mumbai and was hoping to be selected. On this day, I had jotted down a few short verses from the book, which appealed to me then ... they do so even today. I am sorry to say, I cannot trace the original book today.

Here are some of the limericks, hope they point out to you the reader, a better understanding and way of life.

Gems of Verses selected from the Jaico edition of 1949, edited by Ryder A.W. 

ü Whoever learns this work by heart

Or through the story-tellers art

Becomes acquainted,

His life by sad defeat – although

The King of Heaven be his foe –

Is never tainted.

… Introduction to the Panchatantra

ü Release the money you have earned;

So keep it safely still:

The surplus water of the tank

Must find a way to spill.

ü Death pursues the meddling flunkey;

Note the wedge-extracting monkey.

ü Bravest bosoms do not falter,

Fearing heavens threat:

Summer dries the pools; the Indus

Rises, greater yet.

ü Do not act as does the grass blade,

Lacking honest pride,

Drooping low in feeble meanness,

Lightly brushed aside.

ü Whoever leaves the righteous path

For some unrighteous course,

Will meet calamity in time

And suffer much remorse.

ü He strikes or stings with hasty fear

When warning has been heard;

‘Tis wise to warn an enemy

By action, not by word.

ü The serpent sandal-tree defiles;

In lotus-ponds lurk crocodiles;

The slanderer makes virtue vain:

No blessing lacks attendant pain.

ü A friend in need is a friend indeed;

Although of different caste;

The whole world is your eager friend

So long as riches last.

ü A fire will burn, though kindled

In fragrant sandal-wood;

A rascal is a rascal,

Although his birth be good.

ü Wrong is wrong, the wise man never

Wrong as right will treat;

None would drink, however thirsty,

Water in the street.

ü Do the right, the right, the right,

Till the breath of death;

Shun the wrong, although the right

Lead to death of breath.

ü When once the mind is gripped by fate,

The judgment even of the great,

In moral meshes fettered, wends

To unintended, crooked ends.

ü Whoever trusts a faithless friend

And twice in him believes,

Lays hold of death as certainly

As when a mule conceives.

ü Like a pots of clay, the wicket friend

Is quick to smash and hard to mend,

Like pots of gold, the righteous flash,

As quick to mend, as hard to smash.

ü Six things are done by friends:

To take and give again;

To listen and to talk;

To dine, to entertain.

ü No friendship ever comes

Without some kindly deed:

The very Gods respond

To gifts they have decreed.

ü As soon as presents cease

So soon does friendship die,

The calf deserts the cow

Whose udder has gone dry.

ü What’s duly his a man receives;

This law not even God can break;

My heart is not surprised, nor grieves;

For what is mine, no strangers take.

ü Bestow, or use your wealth for pleasure,

If not, you hoard another’s treasure:

As in your home, your lovely girl

Awaits a stranger, his dear pearl.

ü The miser for another hoards

His bags of needless money:

The bees laboriously pack,

But others taste the honey.

ü A calf can find its mother cow

Among a thousand kine:

So good or evil done, returns

And whispers: “I am thine”.

ü Better with the learned dwell,

Even though it be in hell

Than with vulgar spirits roam

Palaces that Gods call home.

ü Better to the servant of the wise

Than the master of a fool.

ü The parrots and the grackle birds

Are caged because they utter words:

The stupid herons go scott free –

For silence is the master key.

ü From cows expect subsistence;

From Brahmans, self-denial;

From women, fickle conduct;

From relatives, a trial.

ü Money gets you anything

Get it in a flash:

Therefore let the prudent get

Cash Cash Cash.

ü Scholarship is less than sense;

Therefore seek intelligence:

Senseless scholars in their pride

Made a lion, then they died.

ü He who lacking wit, does not

Harken to a friend,

Just like weaver Slow, inclines

To a fatal end.

ü If senseless quarrels rend

A house from day to day,

The folk who wish to keep alive

Had better move away.

ü A rolling stone gathers no moss.

(I am not a stone and anyway,

Do not wish to gather moss –

Only rich experience).

ü However skillful the disguise,

However frightful to the eyes,

Although in tiger skin arrayed,

The ass was killed – because he brayed.

ü Plant your works where profit lies:

Whiter cloth takes faster dyes.

ü Naughty meddlers suffer,

Destruction swift and sure.

ü No man reaps a harvest

Plowing barren soil.

ü Whoever will not take from friends

Most excellent advice,

Will gladden foes, and falling soon,

Will pay his folly’s price.

ü A man convinced against his will

Is of the same opinion still.

ü There is no toy, called happy joy.

ü A man must thrive – to keep alive.

ü To extinguish a fire and leave a spark,

To kill the snake and preserve its offspring

Is not the wisdom of the wise.

ü Wisely move one foot, the other

Should its vantage hold;

Till assured of some new dwelling,

Do not leave the old.

ü No fish was caught,

Who didn’t open its mouth.

ü Knowledge makes a wise man wiser,

and a fool more foolish.

ü Great humans like diamonds,

Are products of pressure. 

FELICITATION OF LOCAL IDOL APPOINTED RAJYA SABHA M.P.

In a rare display of affection, citizens from Western Mumbai got together and felicitated Mr. Javed Aktar (Padma Shri -1999, Padma Bhushan - 2007 and dozens of other Film and National awards), on Sat. 08^th May 2010, on his being nominated M.P. to the Rajya Sabha. What was unusual was that the local politicians too were present with greetings for Javed Saab as he is popularly known. There were the local MP and Union Minister – Mr. Gurudas Kamat, local MLA – Mr. Ashok Jadhav, local Corporators – Mr. Adolf D’Souza and Mr. Devendra ‘Bala’ Amberkar. All know Javed Saab as a Urdu writer-lyricist-poet, but now he showed his thinker-reformer-politician side, during his acceptance speech. The audience of about 120 was made up of many Activists and well wishers from all over Western Mumbai, including Mr. G.L. Raheja a well known local businessman and philanthropist.

Volunteers from the Juhu NGO: Juhu Citizens Welfare Group, namely: Ms. Zahida Banatwala, Ms (Dr.) Sindhu Daftary, Ms. Bindu Parikh and Ms. Shabana Azmi took pains to organize the program with the support of local anonymous donors. A special plaque was presented to Javed Saab and saplings of the Lakshmi Taru (Simarouba glauca DC) were presented to the honoured local elected politicians. The Paradise Tree as it is also known is very good in CO2 absorption among other things. More can be found at the web links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simarouba_glauca http://aswathikasimadom.blogspot.com/2008/07/lakshmi-taru.html

A civic activist of decades Prof. Hansel D’Souza made a presentation, covering some of the local needs of consumers and citizens, cutting across all social strata. The idea was to present the focus areas to the new Rajya Sabha MP who is also a resident of the western suburbs. The issues covered implementation of: highway through the Pawan Hans Airport (instead of a Juhu Beach highway which would destroy the beach which happens to be the haunt of the poorer social strata and cost some twenty-three times more); re-development of local agro-markets (to reduce the incidence of illegal hawking on the new pavements); further development of local Municipal School (in view of increasing population and need for English medium education for the lower strata); control on illegal slums and encroachments along with cheaper mass housing; protection of mangroves, open spaces and Irla Nulla Beautification; development of a local Sports Complex at the location shown in the DP-1981 plan; further strengthening of the Nagar Raj Act in the local zone; banning of plastic bags of all sizes and specifications and banning of paan and gutka; decongestion of the city by development of the hinterland by a Central Planning Authority; stricter implementation of the ban on ‘land reclamation’ in view of Mahim Beach being lost to the monsoon seas; a common Beach Authority for the city and an integrated city transport authority for the extended business district of Greater Mumbai.

Local MP and Union Minister Mr. Gurudas Kamat after congratulating Javed Saab, mentioned the secular principles of the INC lead UPA Govt. at the Center and also the coalition Govt. in Maharashtra State. He expressed his willingness to sit with citizens for a dialogue and impressed on all the need for balanced development with minimum pain for the project-affected-persons (PAPs). He informed the august gathering that only the Union Govt could bear the costs of subsidizing the city rail-transport system which has not increased costs in the past six years and the impossibility of a ‘bullet train’ to cover the extended hinterland of Greater Mumbai. He confirmed that he was regularly visiting the constituency every weekend and interacting with citizens to understand their problems and guiding them.

The new MP - Javed Saab, talked of the need for all citizens to recognize the concept of ‘my country’ also being the ‘local area’ where ever the citizen resides and said patriotism also meant doing the best in ones’ own area instead of only looking for some big picture. He too showed interest in meeting with citizens to discuss in detail, their needs and plans for the area.

During the general fellowship following the felicitations, Mr. Adolf D’Souza, a first in India, consensus elected Corporator while congratulating the local hero Javed Saab, told the citizens of the need to be ecologically friendly and showed a Rs.2 cloth bag that he had just introduced as a viable alternative to the eco-polluting plastic bags. A token lot was launched the same day earlier, in the presence of over one hundred citizens from the Western Suburbs. The local MLA Mr. Ashok Jadhav interacted with many of the activists who knew him well. Mr. Shankar an activist from the local Nehru Nagar slum also interacted with the guests.

The program was anchored by Ms. Nita Bajpai and the vote of thanks was offered by Ms. Bindu Parikh, both local civic activists.