FRUIT AND VEGETABLE STATISTICS OF INDIA - 2008

Currently upto 40% is wasted between farm and fork due to various reasons. How can the producer-farmer get a better income and the consumer get a better and fresh quality in a win-win situation? Can the new retailing format called malls replace the untidy and quality-cleanliness-averse hawker and small vendor, in the prime cities ?

Freedom from what?

Mrs Indira Gandhi was famously reported as saying "You were asked to bend a little. You chose to crawl." The Independence Day celebrations at the Juhu campus of SNDT University put me in mind of this quotable quote.

The day is also the birthday of the university's VC. Last year the celebrations (read puke-making display of sycophancy) took place within the VC's chambers. This year, it competed with the solemn observance of flag hoisting etc. The dais was groaning with huge cakes and bouquets, which individual heads of departments brought along as a "mark of respect" from their departments, paid out of their departments coffers.

This year's celebrations also saw the obscene quantum of largesse handed out by our benevolent PM to our hardworking, upright men of integrity, our babu-log. Meaning that work ethic, decorum in the work place, honesty of purpose, punishment for wrong-doing, service to the nation can all be given short shrift.

Under such circumstances, why are we so surprised at our failure to produce sportspeople or academics of acceptable level, forget world class. Why are we so shocked that our babus collude to destroy our coast lines and forests, and that our police force look the other way when a small consignment of RDX is landed? Or enable/allow a kennth Haywood to saunter out of the country?

The mai-baap culture has been the bane of our existence for centuries, and will continue for all time to come.

As for me, I am completely disheartened when I see women replicating the dominant male work culture. After all, feminism's basic premise was that women have a new, balanced sensitivity to bring to the public domain, and that, apart from notions of equitable distribution of power and opportunity, it is this freshness of vision we sought when we fought for universal education and work opportunity, and political representation for women at all levels.

Clearly I should go back to where I belong which is Jurassic Park I guess.

This is a report by Prof. Prabha Krishnan, Mumbai dated 20th August 2008. Comments will be forwarded to her along with your contact details.

The real " Rang De Basanti"

Please read and Forward to all Your Well Wishers



Late Mr. Surjan Singh Bhandari
N.S.G. Commando


During The Attack on Akshardham temple on 24th September 2002 this Brave Man fought the greatest battle of his life. Yes he was the N.S.G. Commando Late Mr. Surjan Singh , who sacrificed his life for the Nation. Sadly On 19th May 2004 he lost the Toughest and Longest battle against life exactly after 600 Days being in Coma, he lost this life.

The Bullet which hit him in the head made him Unconscious for almost 600 days. His family members were hoping that one day their Hero will open his eyes but he didn't.

It was the Longest Wait for the family members of this Brave Man. When the whole India was busy in Guessing Who will be the Next PM of the country , This man was fighting his Last battle. But it's so sad that in the hype of all the Political Drama, the News about his Death was Lost like a needle in a hay stack! Even the leading News Papers & So Called Best News Channels of India which Works on 24 X 7 basis, failed to highlight this story of the Brave Man. Unfortunately it was mentioned somewhere on the middle page of some newspaper... ..This was the Reward for the Brave task for which he lost his life.

Besides his Family members, only one thing was there with him during those toughest 600 days. It was there near his bed till the last Moment. Can you guess what it was?........ ....... It was the 'Tiranga', yes! Our National Flag, which was saluting him for his Great cause. Absolutely No words can suffice our Gratitude towards him...

If Print and Electronic media fail to give priority to such Heros, let us do our bit. This is the only way we can salute his Bravery...

Yes ... let us each act as the FIFTH ESTATE and inform eveyone of such REAL HEROS of India, so that the youth has useful and valuable role models.