Platonicverse

Rock and Roll with the Nosferatu

2011-02-09T16:42:00.005+05:30

Of late, I have been 'enjoying' watching the Egyptian revolution. Not that I am sadistic overtly sadistic, but at least some people are fighting against oppression and nonsense. The Grinch smile on the right side of my jaw emanates from this faint hope that maybe, we can also have a Tahrir Square one day, to fight against corruption and government in adequacy.

Of late, I have made a special someone rather annoyed with my political rants and about as to how we need a 'revolution' in India. A basic clarification, revolution can mean anything that changes the fabric of a system {http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolution}. The revolution that I talk about is the moral revolution needed within the country. As the advent of the engine brought about the industrial revolution, we need to create the ecosystem for a 'social revolution'.

What is it that needs to be changed? Not our consitution (maybe a few amendments but is a fundamentally decent document), not our state boundaries, not our military or financial structures (at least not as much) but the philosophy of accountability. We need a major cleanup. Generally, most countries have a particular type of corruption that is massively prevalent (Political, Moral, Police and/or Judicial, Finance, etc.). In India, all of them are massively prevalent and unless something changes, the country will 'implode' into a state of nature once again.

It is not a political debate (All parties are more or less as bad and hence, we are certainly between the devil and the dead sea), but a harsh look at what is happening around us and how corruption has made its way into the very fabric of society. The only way to get rid of mad stains from a intricate piece of work is to dry clean it. Meaning, we need to get rid of almost all our current leaders and make room for an entire new crop. We need to lay some major guidelines on selecting those running for power and focus on enforcing them. Corruption in the government needs to be treated as treason and be equated as such with the regular punishment as life imprisonment and all embezzled money returned to the treasury. The normal question asked upon finishing this rant, who.

The answer, we all have to. Congress is SHIT, BJP no better, NCP even worse, etc. etc. etc. Our ministers are shit for the most part and their families are more or less shit as well since they will also continue the parasitic growth. The only way for us to get rid of these parasites, is to fight against them and against corruption from a grass root level. We must fight for a massive anti-corruption drive within the government, police and judicial system. If 30% of ministers have a criminal suit against them then they all must be sacked immediately. A citizens charter based Gestapo organization must be formed to look into various departments and any sign of corruption must translate to immediate action. The guilty must not get away.

I am not in favour of rioting but I do believe that Gandhiji's ideals are truly noble in this regard. We need to protest against those that have done injustice, against those that fail to protect us, against those that help and abet those that cause injustice or harm. I salute the men and women that have faced social stigmas and slaps at every corner when trying to get justice. At least, they tried. It is sad that almost all of us don't even do so. It is sad, that most of us just write on blogs and have debates on them. It is sad, but most of us really do need Viagra, but of the MLK, GANDHI and Mandela sorts.

The Emperor Has No Clothes

2011-01-08T22:40:00.013+05:30

Of late, the burgeoning Indian economy has manifested itself into many new faces within and outside its borders. Although on the outside we seem to be smart doctors and merry making wedding revellers, the inside seems to be little different other then that we believe that we are smart doctors and merrier making wedding revellers. The rant this time focuses on the concept of diversity and the belief system within a community or group. Call it my luck or misfortune, of my 26 years of existence, 5.5 have been outside of India. Also, these 5.5 years have been the formative ones for me and giving credence to my snobbery, I consider myself to be an Indian global citizen. It is probably for this reason I call Delhi a shithole at times yet loving it as a home.

My reasons lie in the weather of the city, 10 degrees with a rare chance of realism. The history of Delhi is quite impressive, 2500 years old with a distinct blend of Islamic and British architecture. However, the over the last two generations, the history of Delhi was primarily categorized by migration, leading to a genesis of what we call Delhi today. The migration was predominantly from the neighbouring states, namely UP, Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana. Since migration happens in bunches and generally attract similar communities, various colonies were formed as small island versions of Indian communities and / or states. CR Park was invaded by Bengalis, Mayfair Garden by the Sindhis, GKs by Punjabis, VV and Hauz Khas by Punjabis and Marwaries and so forth. However, this migration pattern was unique in one single point, they did not become Delhi, they defined Delhi.

The migrants outweigh the locals by far (3 is to 1 I think), leading to Delhi expanding itself to include many new customs and redefining of its culture. This metamorphosis also meant the destruction of some older customs and a dominance of a new Ideology, trading (including brokerage and agenting). I am trader myself and don't disregard the profession, but my fellow patrons can at times put the industry to a bit of shame, especially the real estate and marriage kinds (The last ones being blood sucking vipers)

During a rather informative conversation with a Jew last year, I came to a realisation that one of the major reasons for them to command so much business prowess was to do with the fact that for 2000 years, they only had a permanent (so to speak) home for 50. This lead to them becoming rather astute in trading (the only form of business that is mobile yet versatile) and assuming risks that befell any such job. Most of the migrants to Delhi were middle class village or town folk that came here to seek a better life (probably with the dismal hope that the government would be of some use). Being a socialistic economic ridicule, the only options were to do trading and some sort of manufacturing. The license raj beneficiaries managed to become rich and buy homes in Lutyens Delhi while the rest tried to find their own spots.

These entrepreneurs became what is known as the wealthy traders of Delhi and through their roots in Punjab, UP, Haryana and Rajasthan, were able to create small empires. After listening to a hundreds of older entrepreneurs (its amazing what 4 pegs of JW can do to make a great party rather boring at times), I believe that they indeed worked their guts out, made sacrifices and went through harrowed times. I think all of us have heard the partition stories and even dripped a tear or two. This sort of spunk gave them tremendous confidence and at times uncalled for audacity. The biggest fallout of the rags to riches story lies in the level of laughter that the protagonist displays at a party.

However, the emperor was indeed naked in the fact that Jews differed from Delhi traders in one single difference, the focus on education. Since most of the latter were not educated and yet achieved financial rewards, the importance of education never achieved the status that is enjoyed in the West or even in East Asia. The second generation of many of these traders never learnt the importance of education besides what was 'practical' for survival or for a 'stable' future. Hence, engineering, medicine, CA for a boy vs. homemaking for the most part for women. Little regard was given to social sciences, language or culture and that was what Delhi needed the most. Hence, we see a plethora of ugly brown bags, clumsy pencil heels, big butt cellulite, bra and pantylines that speak volumes and a language that closely reminds me something that Holly Golightly would say, except with BMW and Porsche dropped somewhere along the way.

The Jews understood the values of social sciences as they had their culture to protect (and it was the most important thing for them) while many Delhiites believed that culture corresponds to spending easy money on consumables and not building assets. Hence, despite being home to a dozen billionaires, I don't see a DLF center of arts or a Mittal Hall. Most of the government officials get their names on streets and avenues but many of us hardly bother to see what their contribution was with the view that there was none really. Contrast this to the Carnegie halls, the Rockefeller centre and plaza or the Baron Thyssen Museum. John F. Kennedy sent 400 marshals in 1962 to secure racial integration at a school where a black girl was refused enrolment. I have yet to hear an MP or Politician do anything of the sort in Delhi, be it for cheap fame, a city of 500 rape cases a year.

The nakedness of Delhi is evident to most people in the country and is frequently heard about at crowded parties in Bombay, Chennai or Bangalore. My mom, a lady from Bombay still cites that Delhi is quite a village when compared with Bombay and probably has to do with reasons cited earlier. As I came back from the 32 degrees of warmth in Tirupur, the cold of Delhi strikes me to my core, but more so than that of the -5 degrees at Dusseldorf that struck me two months ago. I guess the heaters don't function very well as it might be a bit too expensive.

Alright, its not that bad. We are not all Scrooges and yes there is some light coming about within the heart of Delhi, but it is probably our job to make sure that we create this new culture and redefine our home into something that we can proudly leave for our children.

Dreams and 'Surrealistic' Pleasures

2011-01-04T10:47:00.006+05:30

Yesterday, during one of my several 6 hour-night-long conversations with a special someone, many interesting questions were raised which were forgotten over the past year or so. Some of them, pertaining to my 5 or 10 year goals, managed to provoke my lethargic brain into finally getting some rust of it. I suppose the wringer that has started to consume me from my core was about what I want to do or accomplish over the next decade.

Since I have been back from Barcelona (August 1, 2010), I feel as if I have been on a wild doze of Acid, loosing a bit of grip on truth and reality. I guess, the simulacrum is giving way, leaving me to hang on the edge for the moment. Work, social-life and personal indulgences have been at a peak giving me a longer high than usual. I can assume that this might be the low afterwards but something is markedly different this time. I can't really describe it properly but the trough has a blend of irrational tribulations mixed with a fear that is reminiscent of a period I went through briefly in college wherein one is lost. I guess I had Dante, Homer and a host of philosophers to guide me through then but this time they might already be a bit exhausted. This time, I am afraid that I have to discover the path alone and alone not by chance, but by choice.

My character as a person revolves around change and wanting to be different, something which has a mix of my father and other people that I admire. The common elements between all great people of this world is passion and passion alone. It drives them towards a personal goal (detouring at insanity routinely) with such ferocity that the world does not seem to exist. Its like a car at 250 km/Hour where even the asphalt blends in with the green surroundings. I feel like that driver, thrilled but in danger of getting lost and crashing.

I have also come to realise that I particularly am not fond of this city and am worried about what India is becoming and stands for. I see it at every traffic light, that despite my car going beyond 20 km/Hour, there is still despair all around and much needs to be done. It is for that matter that probably, the direction I need is in front of me but that I am hesitating in choosing that path yet. Churchill once said, 'the empires of the future will be empires of the mind' and it makes sense to me instinctively. However, there is much to be done.

........

Do I belong here..!

2010-04-21T11:35:00.002+05:30

Upon the ending of the film Gattaca, Vincent says, " for someone who was never meant to from this world, I am having a hard time leaving it" after he embarks on a year long mission on Titan, one of the moons of Saturn. His feelings had more to do with the sacrifice of Jerome Morrow and the love, Irene, which surfaced over the past few years.

As small cog in the wheel of life, be it Vincent or any of us, the question that begs an answer, life goes on no matter what and so what of any of us?. Civilizations come and go, heroes emerge and fall, destinies change overnight and the only thing that remains are memories or stories. Acts become anecdotes, anecdotes become stories, stories legends, legends myths and then they perish. If this be the case, I pose the question that I posed myself 8 years ago, what is the purpose of life? What I choose it to be....What do I choose it to be...? I don't know because with the previous logic, does it matter?

No offence to Europeans or otherwise, to me life is not really about working 7 hours a day and then having a pint or glass. Thats the same as becoming an ascetic (somethin which is more appealing to me at the moment) and escaping from the troubles of life. The truth is that I enjoy facing problems in life and many of them are self made since ignorance in many ways is bliss, but not for me.

Right now, a surreal world seems more logical than my own and as I embark upon my journey into the next phase of life, I step upon a challenge that hounds me day and night.

You ill-breedingly morbid lizard-blood sucking mongrel

2010-02-12T15:59:00.006+05:30

The title of this post reflects on a major discovery which I encountered while talking with a friend about the Bose-Einstein Condensate (of which I still understand little about). The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy has been discovered by me, to be discovered more in the coming weeks (I just got a copy) and delve into the world that I truly belong to (probably).

The topic came up shortly after my seemingly ignorant brain (and a blasphemous one at that too) did not realized that Bose, in the Bose-Einstein condensate was Satyendra Nath Bose, one of the greatest minds in Indian science. However, what caught my fancy was not only his brilliance but something alluding to the lack of attention given to people such as him.

While explaining quantum physics to his students, he stumbled upon an equation that was correct in theory but vice versa in practice. While explaining the equation to a student, he realised that the equation was needed to be written a bit incorrectly (or differently) so as to make the experiment right. He had little idea as to what significance his mistake would have on the world of quantum science.

He tried to get the University of Dhaka to understand his work but got no support. He then sent his work directly to Albert Einstein who realized it and got to publish it in Zeitschrift für Physik, a prominent physics journal. (75 years later, a team of scientists at MIT would try to create this condensate in practice, winning the Nobel prize in physics in 2001 and creating a branch of physics relating to super-fluidity)

It was after this that he was able to go to Europe and meet De-Broglie, Curie and Einstein himself. When he returned, it was a recommendation from Einstein that got him to become a professor as he wasn't a PHD. Bose, to me is a man that makes me proud to be an Indian and also dismayed.

The definition of Genius is someone have an IQ of above 136 or about .1% of the population. The Indian population in 1925 (when Bose was active), was about 120 million (extrapolated based on population growth 1961-2009 and backwards). Thats about 1.2 lakh geniuses in the country. That was 85 years ago.

Today if the same logic was to be used, the country would have 1.2 million geniuses hovering around with only China having more. Yet all the Nobel awards, Pulitzers, science awards naming of scientific terms go to the Americans, Germans, French and the Brits. When all of their population combined does not yield even half of the geniuses that India produces.

The National Science Foundation of the US gave USD 32 billion for R&D in the US for colleges. The entire Indian education budget is less than USD 10 Billion meaning that these geniuses will wither away. These 1.2 million people are the key for mankind's progress, the key for India rising up as a nation of truly brilliant people, as a nation that gave something to the world that is timeless, that one day we will have more people like Bose,Einstein,De-Broglie, Heisenberg,Pauli,Roentgen, Curie, Gauss, Raman, Chandrasekhar, Fermi, Chadwick, Thompson, etc. etc. etc.

Happy New Year

2010-01-18T00:19:00.001+05:30

Hey Guys,

A warm welcome to 2010. To celebrate, I also thought of changing my blog a bit towards more philosophical stuff and hence deviate a bit from the education bashing.... :)

Hope to meet you all soon,

Adi

Canned Tuna and Audioslave

2010-01-17T20:19:00.005+05:30

By now, I think that almost all the people i know, know that I love Audioslave. Why, well, the same reason as I love canned tuna. After being in Barcelona for about 5 months, a lot has changed. So much so that I don't remember myself anymore.

Today, while reading a blog online, a question was posed as to which are my happiest memories and as whether they were with someone. I was a bit dumbfounded by the question as I did not know what the question meant. I really did not have any real happy memories. Don't get me wrong, I am quite happy and content with my life and have been for the most part but despite being a visual person, I have no such images in my head. I like to believe that maybe there are too many to keep track but then thats what i say to myself.

The truth is that seeing so many people from different backgrounds (again), I think my learning has been more towards psychology then actual business. It poses too many questions and I keep losing myself within this bottomless well. As the strategy guys said, the Chesire cat answered alice, that depends on where you want to go. Where do I want to go?

The world is moving, ever changing and evolving. Where I wanted to be yesterday is no longer relevant as today the path doesnt exist, nor does the world be the same. Chris cornell recites:

if you're free you'll never see the walls
if your head is clear you'll never freefall
if you're right you never fear the wrong
if your head is high you never fear at all

in Exploder.

There are no walls, but is one really free. The head is clear but the feeling is of freefall. I know I am wrong and hence fear the right. The head is high but built on a leviathan of fear.

I think I need a shrink, or maybe the little white rabbit is moving too fast for me.

Dried up, Tied up and Dead Tooo..............

2009-12-06T05:14:00.004+05:30

After returning back from a relaxing and sweet concert by Marylin Manson, it occurred to me that in many ways, life is supposed to be entertainment with each person having his own favourite forms. Some call it busweiser, others friends and most, something away from doing finance or accounting.

Well, the more I think of it the more I realise that at 25, the world is about as round as it gets. To me, doing finance is fun for that was mostly what I was here for but then most are here for their own agenda (be it Eating, Drinking, Sunbathing or Fucking). As of now, I have yet to have a meaningful conversation regarding dante, herodotus or even about apple (apart from fixing compatibility issues) which has added some serious points for me to ponder over or take back (the most interesting business conversation I have had was about infosys and their PR division from a fellow Indian classmate). Well, to me doing business is psychology and the latter is understanding people be through history or communication and maybe sometimes completely surrealistic logic.

As I move towards the second half of the program, there is a vicious circle forming with each word that emanates from my mouth. I like to use logic but well the point is get the work done right. The more I differ with others, the more I ostracize myself, hence setting in condescension in others towards me and vice versa. Its a challenge and I relish it since its new to me and probably be a major one (in life as well). My father is quite good at this part but then hes had about 25 years of experience more than I do so need some catching up to do.

The weird part is, I wish the program was only 6 months long and that I could be back in Delhi working and more so 'Innovating'. I know that Gatech was really something and that few places around the world are like that but the fact is that this was my choice and I have to handle it.

But life is mine as others is theirs. I have to handle it, have to live with it and more importantly so have patience to deal with it. To me, the biggest thrill is create something that is unique and appreciated (even by just another person) and just getting things done is more a factor of execution. In many ways, I see that the world is the same everywhere and that we as Indians need to see that this is a good sign. Coming here has put in me a great sense of confidence in India and its future, not only because of learning of its potential, but more because of the loss of some in the rest of the world's potential (Well maybe not Germany, US and a few others, I like Hollywood and Kolsch Beer).

The perspective of an imbecile or rather, an imbecilic perspective

2009-11-06T04:36:00.005+05:30

After going through an education system know as an MBA, I have come to some revelations, that the system in my country is more prevalent as a result of history and roots and that education might be the tool to enable us to create history as only the daring can imagine it.

With 47 nationalitites, I am amazed at how the word is indeed so similar and that I am no different than the other 200 odd countries and their ideals. A man is so because of his dreams and passions, less than he is of his achievements or as contrary to practical belief. I fathom that we have to dare, to face our problems, to answer questions that have been made difficult by those that see nothing, or those that see everything only in their minds.

With me I have 5 other nationalities that represent 3 continents (At least those that matter more than the other 4). These souls are diametrically opposite and are a recipe of disdain for one and another by virtue of their being and experience and time is the only saviour. My learning is that this virtual world will make all of us only stronger and enable each of us to do more (as long as one is able to change for the better). I feel that this situation is what we face in India and that we are all different, inherently by virtue of choice or destiny.

Our system needs to evolve in focusing on differences, not on becoming one. We each have qualities that are unique and most importantly, useful in the construct and leviathan of life. Be it empathy or structure, be it passion or corrosion, be it conviction or ego, they all have a place, and a place they must have in order to dream beyond that is comprehensible.

Dream that which is unimaginable, dream that what is unreal, dream that is devoid of truth, that is devoid of practicality, but which has only magnificense. These are the only fantasies that bring true ecstasy, if not today, if not tomorrow but in future, forever.

POLITICS

2009-05-18T17:42:00.003+05:30

In the last 3 days, I don't think I have had as much fun in watching politics as I have had ever before. The fact that the likes of Mayawati, Mulayam, jayalalitha and Karats are losing favour and might finish off is something that not only inspires me but also leads me to believe that the Golden Age might be cometh (Read Last Blog). With Rahul Gandhi, some sort of a saviour might arrive although a lot is still yet to be achieved before any applause is due. But in times as such, any optimism should be taken advantage off.

The election results have been for the most part, a success of India's growing focus on economic and social reforms as opposed to caste or communal politics. Money, jobs, infrastructure, education have become the desires as opposed to 'dalit' supremacy, 'Muslim' minority rights or Hindu righteousness. The reasons are quite easy but is something that a 70 year old or older will not be able to understand.

India is primarily a young country (over 80% are below 50 years of age) and have been born sometime after independence and many also in the era privatisation. These people want choice, options and service which leads to better lives. Roads for travelling and transporting, trains and planes for reaching far off areas, fast food chains for convenience, super markets for choice and access to information to broaden their horizons (in order to probably prove that they are better than any other race of people).

We are a nation that is showing its intolerance of mediocrity, desire for change, and want of a vision desperately so that there is some pride. Although this might take another 20 years, some of the Ideas that occur to me in making things easy are as follows:

1. Focus on R&D to develop 'Indian' IP. We need to create a brand India which can be appreciated worldwide and something that is not to do with IT, History or Poverty.
2. Focus on Internal Security and Armed Services. I advocate harsh punishments (including capital punishment), higher security for the 1.2 billion people and would say that actually, some sort of conscription should be made mandatory. Defence spending also brings in high end technology to the country and gives terrorists something to worry about.
3. Infrastructure and development. I don't think we need to touch this too much.
4. A national policy of inclusion. No reservations, no exclusion of the eastern states, no using words like dalits (demagoguery should be punishable by death), no showcasing India as a nation that speaks different languages but a nation that speaks one common language and knows 25 others as well.
5. Development of freedom of expression. Remove censorship, legalize pornography and prostitution (this will reduce rape and STDs), broadcast parliament sessions on TV like in the US and Europe and make government records even more transparent.
6. Last but not least, create wonders of the modern world to showcase our talents. Be it metro systems, bridges, buildings, centers, institutions, etc.

I think that we shall see much of this in the future and I at least am getting excited about it.

Aditya

The Golden Age Cometh or Misseth

2009-04-15T15:54:00.003+05:30

I recently saw a documentary on the Medici family of Florence and their influence in Europe during the renaissance period. I have always been fascinated by golden ages in the history of the civilized world and this was one window into the one that today also brings in a huge tourism boom to Europe. My favourite ones include 400 - 500 BC Greece, 0-100 AD Italy, 300-400 AD Gupta Dynasty, 1400-1500 AD Italy, 1600-1750 Mughals and to some extent 1950 to 2000 US.

Since its been 250 years since we saw this in India, its high time we get our turn again. China might see this closer to 2025 onwards and somewhere down the line, I feel that India may also see this period after 50 odd years or maybe we have missed to boat completely. To understand this phenomenon, I propose to do a more in depth analysis of a golden age, what goes on and what happened in this time period.

The golden ages are characterised by a environment of supremacy either of military strength, economic strength and development of arts and sciences to such an extent that it creates famous personalities, landmarks and social conditions that change the course of the world forever. The Spartans and Athenians marked it by military wars (Peloponnesean wars). The spartan myth, Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, military guidebooks ( Thucydides), great architecture and the first books on governance came in this period. The period came to an end when Alexander of Macedon died on his way back from India and the Ottomans took over command. The Gupta's characterized the period with development in architecture (Temples), mathematics (Inventing zero), sciences, arts (kamasutra, Chess) high caliber governance and flourishing trade. It was probably the most free that India ever was when the local censor board didn't care of what sculptures were put onto temples.

The golden ages come rarely for a simple reason, the conditions have to be right and need to be favourable for a considerable amount of time. A strong ruler has to be in power with a vision and determination for something beyond what is immediate. The interesting part is that these nations never cared for GDP growth at these times but had a vision that was so strong, that it eclipsed everything and brought about extreme nationalism, patronage and focus on internal weaknesses and strengths. I see this in China where the seed have been sown for their golden age to repeat itself (their greatest one was the Song dynasty, Tang Dynasty in 7 and 8th century). They have shown technological strengths (Hangzhou Bridge, Maglev Trains, Tallest Buildings, Roads, Airports and a host of others). Our problem is that Mr. Mulayam Singh wants to remove computers, english medium schools and his competition is Mayawati.

I feel very saddened that these folks are our rulers and they probably have never read Machiavelli, Thucydides or Caesars records on how to run a government and as to what is meant to be a ruler. Personally, India's golden age will only come with a change in mindset and although it will come, it might be too late and and not benefit the whole nation in the ways that it could have. The first thing is make sure all get access to FREE education and it should be made a law. Second is to make sure of universal access to Free health care upto a diagnostic level and then insurance to cover the costs. Third is to strengthend our internal security and root out the corruption in the system (think American Gangster) so that kinks and larceny can be forced out of the system without fear of the individuals power. Fourth, the center must establish exemplary standards of higher education to train geniuses to give an output within in India. Whats the point of having an IIT or an IIM when the result wants to work in the Labs or institutions in England, US or Germany, bringing glory to those countries. Fifth, we must find a strong leader and this is the toughest part. Unfortunately, these leaders only come about once in a century and so far, no one seems to be up for the job (this job is not for political dynasties or powerful businessmen).

The last part is to for Indians to introspect and see what they really want in the future. I want India's golden age to return and take us ahead and that's what is my dream and so far, no political party has come out with a manifesto that is remotely in this line.

Till death do us Part

2009-03-27T10:54:00.008+05:30

Hmmmm,

Forgive me for saying this and I am sure that many will consider this post as the highest form of blasphemy but, yes I have dared to go where few have gone, the lack of parenting skills in India. I for one, maintain that many Indian parents can safely take home the trophy for the worst parents in the world. Of course, most will vehemently oppose my views while others will rubbish the sayings of 24 year old as immature banter. However, as a human being and as the owner of this blog, I exercise my right to an opinion.

Firstly, Indian parents are like an American wedding celebration (only more real) where vows are taken along with flowery oaths in the background of Norah Jones music (and gothic chants for a little duration) only that the Indian counterpart actually sticks to their unsaid vows, till death do us part. The indian joint family system is a great system for certain kinds of people and in certain situations. It does give support, guidance (more than required) and love (more then all the chick flicks and yash chopra movies can offer). However, the system (through observation) seems to have stifled freedom and creativity for many. The system relies on stability while success in ones life is more about taking risks and control of one's own destiny.

I will take a case where some of my friends decided to go for a masters program to Warwick, masters in marketing. The program is a theory program and is meant for a certian kind of student who pursues a PHD afterwords or goes into a certain job. Its not a substitute for a MBA which is an end degree in itself involving more. The point is that in this case, where the parents should have guided the student, they become liberal. However, when it comes to going out late at night, there is a curfew even though more men die on Delhi streets then women do (news reports are sensationalized and cant be taken whithout a lot of salt). In another case, the parents go overboard where the parent wants the child to become a super human. Taking him for golf lessons, tennis lessons, ballet for the girls, horse riding, even cooking and etiquette, all at the age of 5 or at times a bit younger.

Now after falling off my chair (I think it was my weight that broke it) I also realise one more thing, over protection can lead to huge emotional blackmail of sorts. You cant say that I dont want attention (cause it leads to embarassment), and you get so much of it that anything you do becomes a big deal and causes emotional 'atcyachar'. The deal is, parents need to let the child develop his own identity (I know mom and pops, you dont know and care what is identity but then think of yourself at that age) which is imperative for a stable growth.

Since our parents generation have grown up in a different era, words such as space, identity, exposure, risks and solitude are not positive words when actually, these should be a part of all to have a balanced life. Everyone should get enough space to reflect on their thoughts and actions and at times risks are necessary to reach somewhere. The modern day entrepreneur can't survive without some risks and solitude at the time times. Exposure, although seems to be high on everyones list these days needs to be understood. A fashion designer needs a different type of exposure than a an engineer wherein the latter needs to be in an MIT, NASA or Raytheon type of environment while the former needs to be in Paris or Milan (and not FabIndia or Rohit Bal, no offence to either of them) to develop eomotionally.

I went to the louvre the first time at the age of 10. My parents thought it was good exposure. I got thoroughly bored, thought the mona lisa was a piece of shit and as to how boring grown ups are. I went again last year after reading homer, dante, plato, etc and studying the history of greece, italy, egypt and mesopotamia. To me now, the Louvre is fantastic and a real marvel (possibily the greatest wonder of the world), possibly because I actually understand some of the pieces and what they represent.

The solution in my opinion is for most parents to create a parenting style in sync with the childs personality and development. Try to see if the child prefers a social environment or more of a loner (its not a bad thing) or if she is design oriented as opposed to right brain oriented. Most importantly, don't over train the child by having high expectations. Children have a natural tendency to let people know, the parents need to be the mature ones to realise what they are saying.

Of late, the talks of my marriage keep coming up at my home and it scares the hell out of me, and mostly because of what kind of parent I may be (I am optimistic but then, you wonder about the mistakes your future kid might make that you got of scott free after making) or the kind of husband you would make. At 24, I have seen a lot of the world but I also know that is always will be infinite more to learn.

The Fagin and His fangs

2009-03-05T21:24:00.000+05:30

Not to bore the intelligent audience with the usual humdrum but I would like to write a bit about a movie that I saw recently, which touched me deeply and which I despise deeply, Slumdog Millionaire. A directorial masterpiece with a relatively good job in the fields of acting, music and cinematography and one that has brought some pride to me as an Indian with 3 of my fellow countrymen winning Oscars, the movie however, is just what it is, a movie.

The movie is indeed a grim look into reality, somewhat of a despair of irony and our government's folly (being it for political gains or mockery of human emotions and values), although Dharavi, being the haven for "slum gods' as its probably now become, should really be rejoicing at their own misery? My friends tag line on skype is " tolerance becomes a crime when it is applied to evil - Thomas Mann" and in my mind, the people of Dharavi and similar slums actually have become acquaintance to probably the crime of the century, something even Moriarty wouldn't have thought and something that Mr. Holmes probably would split hairs about too, the tolerance of mediocrity and under achievement.

There are tales of men making crores while running businesses out of a slum of a million residents. I ask you, if that be, is that a life worth living? with disease, without art and colour, wit fear and hate, with an uncertain future. Surely, mr. crorepati from Dharavi wouldn't want his kids to grow up there, or maybe he might now that Hollywood has caught its fancy. In my mind, any life is good, as long as you convince yourself it is. As you think, so you are, a popular Tantra T-shirt tag is probably at work here. But then, is that a life?

The purpose of man, in my mind, on this planet is twofold, one biological and one psychological. The former, quite simply alludes to man passing on his genes to the next generation so that his legacy remains, hence the love for a menage e trois and promiscuity. The latter of the two purposes is the more complex strategy which in the words of one of the men I admire the most, my room-mate at Georgia Tech, Joseph, the purpose of man is decided my himself and none other be there a god or not since in the former case, one chooses to do his bidding in the first place. The caveat being under the circumstances as it may or through luck, since all factors taken into account, luck is perhaps the most prominent one.

When Fagin inducted 10 year old Oliver into his gang, it was perhaps what the determined lad had not hoped for but desired after walking 70 miles to London on foot, starving and after some wretched folks not really caring for the orphan. The truth is, in some regard, many of us are Fagin's for our disdain of slums and for their residents although we require their services. I have started to reach a point where I feel guilty of making my maids (I have a staff of 8 at my bidding) do work for me although my large house is in the hands of my borderline "Monica from FRIENDS" syndrome mother. Its just that maybe I am learning to respect human beings, after realising that I am one too.

The one challenge that I find is the lack of personalised education in our society; personalised in the sense of society being the parent, but in a more Darwinian sort of way. In today's world, I believe that we cant live without each other, although a billion folks can be quite annoying, and that we should try to work together in all forms. Being the kind of people we are, Indians don't like team work and like to gain control, something evident from our parenting methods, which in my opinion are the worst in the world as it teaches us not to respect other human beings by and large. If the kid wants a chocolate then let the guy have it, unless he's a juvenile diabetic.

The few that try to help the unfortunate slum dwellers are those with sympathy and compassion but honestly, guys you are fighting a losing battle. This is a battle of the mind, which means that you have to first teach these kids to respect something, anything for they have not seen a life that is worth living for. It is for this reason that some members of our society can become suicide bombers or that they can actively kill others, they do not respect themselves nor others. It is a fault of no one but for our education system which teaches one to follow, but not to lead and leaders are what we lack. Mr. Singh, should come out and at times say address the nation as Obama does or as Churchill used to do but for him I suppose a simple thumbs up would do after signing a deal about which only some people, whose IQ are equal to their height in centimeters can understand.

Our leaders take great responsibilities but I fear that they are too caught up in their own political drama's to really see our problems which at times needs a look from a different perspective. Mr. Arjun Singh and his fangs need to pay heed, not to the budget but also to the methods of teaching. The fact that my cousin cant come to a family function because he has his 8Th class exams tomorrow is a worry for me. My other cousin can't come down from Bombay to visit me as his high proud christian school (I want to allude to a particular school, not to the religious affinity of the school) believes that it is a sin to take a day of from school to visit family.

The fact that all take tuition's is a direct indicator of the fallacy of the system. Tuition's are for people who perform below average but if the average is 90 then I suppose all need tuition's. But then our slum dwelling friends need to get a big L tattooed on their foreheads, since their money is spent on food. How will they ever make it into this world.....!!!!

The solution, to the slum problem, to the tuition problem, to the cousins not meeting us problem is simple, Get the NINTENDO WII (Just kidding). The solution is to change our ideologies, to believe that each human being is of value to us, to society and to himself. I had reasons to not like myself, because I didn't achieve all that I wanted to. Through some very nice people, I learnt to love myself and come to terms and move on. I hope that others will so the same, as all of us are not born geniuses (only 1% maybe).

My message, learn to love yourself and others and teach others to love themselves. Give them compliments, give them reasons to be proud of. It will go a long way for our society (You will have a wait of a few decades but then, its worth it right!!), and for you and me.

Dragons and Demagogues

2009-01-30T09:34:00.000+05:30

Idi Amin titled himself "His Excellency, President for Life, Field Marshall Idi Amin Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas and Conqueror of the British Empire in General and Uganda in Particular" in 1977. His regime saw over 100,000 deaths in Uganda and he was rumored to have suffered from cannibalism (Do see the Last King of Scotland with Forest Whitaker). In a very congruent manner, India is also seeing a new wave of such self styled (gramatically although not politically correct) demagogue's rise to power. I talk of none other than Mr. Raj Thackery, Mr. Ashok Gehlot, Mr. Yeddyyurappa, Mr. Muthalik, Ms. Sadhvi and others. According to one news channel, Mr. Thackeray juniors cost to the taxpayer is little over 100 crores since his perceived acts of hooliganism started, brings immense satisfaction to me as I am one of the country's largest taxpayers on account of my family business and don't believe in good infrastructure or health care. On education, I differ just a little.

I have tried to reason out why such Fascists exist in life and the answer comes inevitably as the need of power. But maybe it is not as simple. It could be that some of these guys are just not getting laid for free or that their wives are highly unsatisfied. Or that they are tired of them in which case, their frustration is vented out on poor innocent pub going girls or the poor and illiterate Biharis and UPwalas who have so rudely taken away the jobs from the Marathis. In a more benign manner, some of the South Indians (those who don't dress smart, have pot bellies and don't like wearing shoes) could be frustrated as to why perhaps they can't pick up women as lets say the Spanish or the English or even the chewing gum munching Yankee. But lets delve into the psychology a bit deeper.

I think that there is a bit of sexism and some basic lack of sex education that is coming into the picture here. That and a complete lack of knowledge of economics and development studies (but these are less relevant for the moment). In my opinion, men and women are born equal (if the latter is not superior) and are capable of doing pretty much everything that each other can (except for a few small things) and set exemplary standards. I would attribute a sizable contribution of India's growth in the last decade or so to the millions of women coming into the workforce. Not only do they add value to the organisation, bring in entrepreneurial enterprise but also make the office atmosphere a lot more pleasant and friendly (Sorry IT folks). Also, women have some natural advantages that lead them to be better at certain matters. They mature earlier, are better at empathy and can and have shown amazing leadership abilities (Soniaji, Thacherji and Bhuttoji). And, yes without women, well without them, there wouldn't be a workforce.

The problem I see is the big brother syndrome creeping in where Mr. Muthalik believes that he is in fact protecting his sisters from the lecherous eyes of others. Same goes with Mr. Gehlot and maybe Khomeini. What I think they fail to ignore (due to lack of adult education) is that maybe, a woman wants to be noticed, given affection and attention and that maybe she also wants to have a good time as the guys do. Now, our esteemed politicians (excluding Ms. Dikshit) forget that men and women are there to be together before or after marriage as marriage as an institution is also a man made concept so as to make the bond a more official one. Religion, moral policing and more traditional ideologies may bring about some level of security but it is not a long term solution as at home, men and women will desire more freedom or become the nice mother in laws in Ekta Kapoor TV shows. In all fairness, with all the nonsense that men have done in the last 5 thousand years of religious dictatorship, it is our duty and priveledge to make them feel superior (maybe not for the next 5000 years) and give them the respect they deserve.

As a suggestion to the women haters of Indian politics, women account for about 600 million of the population and it is not in the best interest of some of these factions to persist with their ideas. Women are more sensitive to these issues and it will have a backlash including lack of funds coming in to political parties (From ICICI and Biocon for starters), losses of vote out of pure spite, bad publicity, reporters going after certain parties quite ruthlessly and maybe even lack of sexual activity. Bangalore already has a definition of being a boring city and this will lead to Hyderabad and Chennai coming up in the ranks, both for business and tourism. Mumbai is a fantastic city but with Mr. Thackeray, it's probably more backward then Delhi at the moment.

As a conclusion, I would suggest that our highly revered education minister, Mr Arjun Singh, should include sex education as a major course so that children know what the hell it means and what to do, not do and at what age. Secondly, the government should legalize prostitution and pornography so that at least the authorities know who all are involved and take measures to protect the workers and yes! create jobs (Legalizing pornography will also let to a reduction in sexual assaults and rape as is the case with the Japanese and the Dutch http://209.85.175.132/search?q=cache:K-M9wxowXAkJ:www.hawaii.edu/PCSS/online_artcls/pornography/prngrphy_rape_jp.html+pornography+and+rape&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=in&client=firefox-a). I urge all the women of the country to not vote for these useless egotists and stand up for your rights.

No, I am not allowed to say...!

2009-01-23T13:00:00.000+05:30

Recently, a colleague of mine was working on a video for a non profit cause (www.careforindia.com). She, alongwith a friend went around Delhi - NCR shooting film footage of people in distress, asking them questions and delving into their past.

One set of people that they interviewed were the beggars on the street. Even upon some payment of money, they were hesistant to talk on film. I would have imagined them to be loud and vociferous about their predicament and would have wanted ears but here, they were almost scared. One even said they were not allowed to say.

This incident caught my attention and probably would go one day and talk to one of them (maybe by giving them a sizable amount of money but then I would be hypocritical of my own views). However, this does lead to many questions about the integrity of poverty in India. Is it controlled by unseen forces (some of which maybe related to mafia and intern, certain politicians or parts of the beaurocracy). I realised as there are positive things to discover in life, there are some dark sides to them as well of which some seem to too unpleasant.

I have proposed to my colleague to make more films and I will actively pursue in marketing them to spread the message. Please do visit www.careforindia.com for more information and in case you would like to help as well.

Resolution

2008-12-31T09:43:00.001+05:30

Hypocrisy at its best. I was in Bombay a few days ago visiting my family and going around the city. I was rather pleased to see that there were protests still going on and that people were quite moved by the Fidayeen attack. With suicide bombers available for hire, assasinations now can be done with style, accuracy and class, unlike the Parliament building where the real culprits got away scott free (the 800 odd MPs (major pissers) and beaurocrats). The hyprocrisy of the entire event is that only when some very wealthy folks in a major landmark of the city get killed and injured in a lonig drawn out battle (since our internal security sucked), people start to protest. With the Delhi, Ahmedabad and Jaipur blasts, this sort of outburts was nothing as no one 'important' was injured.

If by knowing people who died, if by seeing your favourite restaurant and cafe being destroyed is the way to stir the politicians then I say, Mr. Militants please go after some more prominent places such as the residences of Polticians in UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, MP and others. I am sure that these people kill more Indians when bribes are not paid then you would through suicide attacks. When I see the hopelessness of Human Beings and the tolerance of mediocrity (TOM), I cant help but feel that India is destined to fail and that we don't have a future. Corruption is such a major part of the country that unless our politicians grow some balls, things will get worse. The mumbai attacks have already lost that buzz and TOM is back in business.

We all know that Mayawati will go scott free, that Shekhar Tiwari will get some leniency and that the bozos that let 26/11 happen will also not get anyting except some bad 'rep'. I laud the Press for at least telling us the truth but unfortunately, we all need to do something.

Do I have the right to say or blame anyone at all?

2008-12-24T12:16:00.000+05:30

Of late, whenever I have had some discussion on the India / Pakistan issue or about Indian politics, one side of the story that came up repeatedly is what have I done to improve the situation and only if I have, should I make any criticisms. Some of these people are friends, family and colleagues. Needless to say, I get really frustrated as at the age of 24, I really don't have much to show for myself except for the some money going to charity every year. But then I introspect and realise that I am not a national level cricket player and hence don't have the right to criticise our cricket team for not performing (things have changed for the better in this regard :) ) or that since I was in the US at the time of voting, I don't have a right to criticise the elected government (BJP vs. Congress is not the same as democrats vs the Republicans as in the latter case, a choice is worth something). I endorse voting and did do so this month.

According to our Constitution, I have the freedom of speech and expression which gives me at least enough liberty to express some views. But it seems that any speech that some of us give hurts the sentiments of someone, maybe even friends. Hence, as it is suggested, maybe we should all shut up. To me, the argument becomes hypocritical as most people who vote don't really know why they are voting for that person. I attended a few sessions where the political party representative gave a speech and even read parts of his manifesto. As a lay man, how does one make a difference so as to be qualified to say something. Who gives me the right and who taketh. Of all the vices that we indulge in, tolerance of mediocrity is something that belongs in the 10th circle of hell. I have been told by people that Indian bureaucrats and politicians work hard and that they are intelligent folks. Sure, but then why is that the system has holidays like Valmiki Jayanthi ( The Greeks and Romans don't celebrate Homer's or Dante's birthdays) and the like, or whenever I go to the RTO or Passport office, the guy behind the counter is busy chatting or simply not there.

If actions speak louder than words then maybe we should all shut up and let our civil servants continue their draconian ways of corrupting the ever 'efficient' system. A gentleman from the business industry told me that the most sought after jobs in the bureaucracy are in the income tax department and that candidates pay lakhs to get this job. This is not something From my own knowledge, I don't think that there is any part of the Indian economy, system or society that does not have corruption. If that's the case then maybe we are a lost country and need another Gandhi to show us some light. I respect the opinions of my fellow friends but don't have to agree with them especially if it alludes to tolerance of Mediocrity.

of Lies and Deceit

2008-12-15T10:42:00.000+05:30

Socrates states (my favourite quote) that the objective of a government is make its people better. it is a vague thought but quite true from every point of view, even through the eyes of cheats, thieves, murderers and betrayers (I do regard them as the worst of fiends). The events pertaining to the India, Pakistan disputes over the years and over the Mumbai blasts have brought about a question in my mind that I don't have an answer to and am afraid that my (and others) emotions should not be mixed with. The question is " What should we do with Pakistan ?". If these guys were 10,000 km's away, I would be content with focusing on a strong internal security reformation process but that these guys/gals/terrorists (All three different categories mind you) are present about a few feet away from us really puts a knot in my neck. War is something that my emotions really want but not my head. With our military might, I think that we might loose a few million Indians (might ease some burden on the country, devilish of me) but in the process, we might create another Iraq and an even more permanent parasite. Hence, maybe the solution might be (oh lord) is more troublesome and frustrating, Talking.

Fareed Zakaria (Newsweek) has a good point (in my opinion) that maybe the Muslim community is indeed facing some discrimination in India and that the government (Congress) is in Denial, which is not to say the BJP is any better (They think that all Muslims are terrorists just short of Shah Rukh Khan maybe). As a man of Hindu upbringing (I am more of a nonbeliever than anything at the moment), I don't think that I am the right person to say that I know of their plight or what they face from the 8:1 majority of Hindus. However, since there are 400 million Indians below the poverty line, I do think that 260 million Hindus are not much better off that the 140 million Muslims (assuming that all of them are in this economic zone). There are dalits and other perceived lower caste citizens that face discrimination as well (not to mention lynching and honour killings).

Hence, the one common point which outlines this post is the hidden deceit portrayed by our ridiculously uneducated and stupid media (exceptions do occur but rarely in India's case). The best part is, they themselves don't have any idea of their own stupidity. I mean, golden dyed hair, fake accents, funny looking faces and, of course, the utter lack of intelligence in asking decent questions to public figures, really brings out the Hanna Montana in them. Our media is biased, wrong on many counts and irresponsible, which is the perfect recipe for propaganda. Rumors that certain premier dailies put any article for the right price is probably true since the increase in circulation doesn't justify the increase in profits and more often than not, rumors of corruption in India turn out to be true. However, I do give them credit for bringing out the assholes in our society and uniting the country in some form. But in the words of Stan lee, 'With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility' and these guys need to learn this.

I think that the media can actually help stem out terrorism (A bit) in the following ways:

1. Show the plight of poor India (Hindus, Muslims, Christians etc) not as a single case study at a time, but statistically and factually (deaths, number of children, infant mortality, etc). I suspect that the numbers will change little through the religions.

2. Maybe take cues from politicians and interpret them as a positive message (like maybe a politician saying that the Babri Masjid demolishing was a big mistake and uncalled for or that the Godhra riots were an injustice).

3. Create websites that don't have shaadi.com adverts and other colourful banners and instead, get leading journalists (including economists, anthropologists, professors and maybe political heads) to talk constructively, instead of finding superficial proof of our neighbours terrorist activities through dead beat and unknown loosers (we know that terrorism comes from somewhere but not the sky).

4. Last and the hardest, go after our politicians with some guts. I wish there were more journalists like Vineet Narayan (Hawala Scam) who were not afraid of the consequences. (Sorry Barkha Dutt or Ms. Roy, but we have enough FM channels already).

I just want to say that as a nation, Media is a channel for interpreting facts and hence, this medium needs to be as unsimulated as possible.

of Facts and Misconceptions

2008-12-09T14:43:00.000+05:30

In the last 6-7 years (the years when I say I got access to education, I am 24 as of now), amongst the many debates that I have come across, one that baffles the life out of me is about the significance of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in India's history. Although I regard him in very high honour for his views and work, I also believe he was the reason for a lot of change in the country (be if for the worse as some say).

My discourse is not whether he was influential or not, but as to why do people perceive him to be 'useless' in our history. First of all, Gandhi (Born 1869, Died 1948) was not the most highly educated of men in terms of technical education. When studying at the university college of London, he used to read the works of Islam, Hinduism (Gita), Buddhism and Christianity and other faiths more than his technical readings. It was due to his lack of success as a lawyer that he went to South Africa to take up a basic job. His upbringing bred many attributes such as vegetarianism, fasting and overall tolerance levels. Which is rather ironic as it was due to the lack of tolerance by others (due to aparthied) in South Africa that he started his movement.

In India, one common problem that we seem to routinely adhere to is swimming with the waves assuming that the direction is correct, without realising if the destination is going to be one that is desired. To criticize Gandhi, either you must be a genius or a complete fool since Gandhi was well read in the works of Thoreau, Religious Texts, Henry Salt, Bhramacharya, Ruskin, Tagore and had a philosophy based on non-violence and truth which is what gave India, freedom from our British guests.

Of the issues where Gandhi is denounced on occasions are his family life, his role in the partition and his role in siding with present India. I would like to present my views on each:

1. A man who wanted to change the lives of 300 million Indians (mind you, no one has been able to do that since) has to sacrifice. His philosophy was about truth and his emotions were true only to him and his family but would conflict in the truth south after by his people. He was a strong man and that is something that is tough to deal with (the worlds greatest empire realised it). He respected his wife (that is why she joined him and encouraged him in his endeavours) and trusted her. It was her that he needed to side with him the most. His children came much later and should not be confused with the reason why he has so much fame reverence.

2. During partition, a large community in India wanted a separate state (it doesn't happen with one, two or even a dozen men) comprising mainly of Western and Eastern India. Jinnah, also believed in this cause and desired that his people get a separate state. Gandhi, Nehru, Patel etc did not want this but realised that civil war might break loose. Had the Prime minister been Jinnah of independent India, the Hindus (Majority) would have started the civil war for the environment was tense due to propaganda by Indian fundamentalists and British leaders (Churchill as well). The civil war was inevitable and it was out of the hands of anyone. In all fairness, he did what he did because he thought he could avoid it (the civil war ended on his indefinite fasting) but then, great as he was, we are talking about 300 million people.

3.He had no choice. It was his home.

One can debate these points to death and maybe he was not the benevolent loincloth clothed man which the world glorifies, but his policies of non-violence are remarkable. His policies are the opposite of terrorism which is significant in today's scenario. In my experiments with truth, his last line says that my life from this point on has been so public and that nothing has been left. This is a man who was mad, mad about his philosophy. He wasn't driven by emotions or greed. His wealth was his philosophy. Compare him to Socrates or Plato, who came from wealthy backgrounds but were driven by the desire to learn and impart knowledge. Gandhi was a man of books, principles and truth. He had a vision and found a unique weapon to implement it, something that our leaders lack even toady.

Lastly, as a fellow citizen and admirer of philosophy and philosophers, there is no point in debating when the facts are not out. Unless one has read My experiments with truth, Young India, Indian Opinion, Harijan, Indian home rule or seen Richard Attenbrough's Gandhi or read the accounts of TG Tendulkar, Nayar or GB Singh and Tim Watson, one should not malign this prominent figure or anyone for that matter. He did inspire Mandela, MLK Jr. , Suu Kyi, Ghaffar Khan and many others to fight for civil rights, something that has been taken again from Indians.

Stats - Use them wisely and after much scrutiny

2008-12-08T11:33:00.000+05:30

Some random stats (please, do use statistics wisely and after much scrutiny).

The public spending on education in 2007-08 was Rs. 34,400 Crores. Harvard just lost Rs 40,000 crores in its endowment this year due to the financial crisis.

The education qualification in India is that any person who can read or write above the age of 15 (hence 10th pass). Hence the 64.8% literacy also includes many of our maids, bus and taxi drivers, watchmen, liftmen, peons, small retailers, etc, some of whom may not even be able to construct a correct sentence in English or Hindi.

The private spending is close to Rs 100,000 crores (my guess) and is probably going to rise at 10-15% per year. out of this Rs 100,000 crores, about 15,000 crores goes to overseas colleges for the lack of seats and overall education options in the country.

The salary of a professor in DU after 10 years of training and lecturing - Rs 4-7 lakhs besides consulting.

The salary of a professor at Georgia Tech (My University) after 10 years of training and lecturing - Rs 30-50 Lakhs besides government grants and consulting.

The IIT's and IIM's budget is close to Rs 150 crores for each location with another 11,000 crores earmarked for 5 more IITs and 6 more IIMs. (http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=37684)

The government is also setting up 16 central universities (12,700 students each) and 14 world class universities. This all adds to up to a grand total of an additional 6 lakh seats by 2018 when the additional capacity is ready. With a population addition of 18 million a year and average life expectancy of 70, we need about 3 Lakh new seats a year alone which is about 40 lakh seats by 2018.

Basically, the Congress is doing a bit but as usual resorts to BS to fool the population (the loan waiver and now bogus feel good education spending (we will see the lack of results in 10 years)).

In my opinion, we need at least 1-2 IIT, IIM, NID, etc in each state with a capacity of 2000 students each. The central universities need to take in at least 40,000 students each and the world class ones should take the same number. Research should be mandatory in each university and people from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, China, South East Asia should pay 50% rates than those of US colleges. Furthermore, in states such as UP, Bihar, Kharkand, MP, Chattisgarh, Andhra etc which are heavily populated, more universities need to be set up with focus on overall development in the first few years and vocational training subsequently.

The universities should allow the student to change his degree mid year as is the case in the US and should actively search for a job that he she will perform well at (and not just about money initially) so that he or she has a good future in the industry.

In addition, a national education institution (in all states) should be set up so that people can get a masters and PhD in teaching so that our faculty doesn't suck as much and that we dole out research papers to prove that we do can be pioneers.

Folks, if we want our leadership to be better, then we first need to churn out good leaders. Education is the first step in this direction and we don't have much of it. If we are a country of 1.2 billion people, THEN LETS THINK LIKE A NATION OF 1.2 BILLION PEOPLE.

Sources: Wikipedia, PIB, Government of India

26th November, 2008 - Socratic Irony

2008-12-01T17:07:00.000+05:30

In Plato's Gorgias, Socrates argues that the sole purpose of a government is make their people better as a human being which subsequently leads to self fulfillment and happiness. Callicles on the other hand believes that a government needs to pass on an agenda that the people agree with which at times endorses monarchy and dictatorship if the people have no objection.

5 Days after the worst terrorist attack in the history of India, I create this blog to discuss the real reason for why it happened and why it will happen again and again and no amount of security measures will prevent it.

In 1947, when India got Independence, the country's literacy rate was abysmal and the government needed to establish control over the people. Hence the establishment of a mixed economy. At the time, it was working as we need to upgrade to the next level and that was sufficient. In 1984, (the year I was born) the worst enemy of India in his independence era history (Indira Gandhi) following in the footsteps of her father established controls that was a decade to late. Instead of opening up the country and letting knowledge come in, she barricaded the country leading to near bankruptcy, religious tensions, rampant corruption and complete destruction of entrepreneurship. The latter, which was/is the foundation of India (70% of Indians are entrepreneurs) was stifled leading to country's miserable state of affairs.

As a nation, we have some natural gifts. We have land, not as much as some (6 of them) but quite a lot. We have good weather in most places. We have a long and year the round non frozen coastline. We have some resources but have neighbours that can provide us with more. Most of all, we have a lot of people. Of the largest economies in the world (US, China, Japan, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, South Korea) one thing which is common is that their population density all lie in the region between 200 and 400 (US, China and Russia are exceptions due to massive amounts of land). India is 338 which is in that region. Hence, with all our people, we are not short of land.

However, as a nation, we have some natural problems that we cannot remove easily. We lack clean water. We have some of the worst neighbours (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal) in terms of political instability and terrorism. We are located in a region that is a hot bed for natural disasters, political instability and religious fanaticism which cannot be avoided (although mitigated to some extent).

Despite these, we have some problems that are self created. We have political, economic and social strife. We have created a brand name which represents cheap and low quality labour. We have more corruption and fraud then countries in sub Saharan Africa. We do not believe in team work and we certainly view people by their last names and by the car they drive (urban India). More so, we promote a system which is tolerant of nonsense and mediocrity.

I blame our politicians entirely for this chaos as they have taken advantage of the inherent weaknesses in India while reaping material gains (an honest politician is about as rare as a dodo). However, I blame two politicians more than anyone else. Our education minister and his jerk of a boss, the PM. I can't give any one name as the list extends from the 1960's till today which adds up to dozens of them. My disdain towards these jokers is so strong that I blame them for all of my countries shortcomings and perceived loss of economic and social growth which shall lead to political growth.

I know this that many IIT and IIM grads will disagree with me that our education system is mediocre and abysmal but in my opinion, it is just that and worse. Why do I call it so? It is because I am frustrated that these people (Many of the so called elite of India) don't see it themselves. If Shah Rukh Khan is considered to be a great actor, it does not mean hes the best in the world. In the same way, if IIT is the best in India then it does not mean its the best in the World. Why not? nobody bothers to check the parameters.

I regard the quality of faculty, the facilities, the peer group, parenting and the social ideology to be the parameters of good education. Our system fails in each one of them. let me elaborate,

Faculty: How can non industry people who have not written published papers be qualified to teach. There are a lot of teachers but I think their quality is pathetic. They don't' encourage anyone to question (especially the book) or think out of the box. Cheating is let off leniently and at times is seen to be an acceptable practice while disciplining is at its best. How can a man teach another when he doesn't himself know what to teach.

Facilities: Due to lack of infrastructure, high costs and low budgets( India's education budget is USD 6 billion), this is a given. Harvard's endowment is USD 30 billion , Gatech is 1.2 Billion, Yale is 8 billion (I think) and Emory is 5 Billion. That adds up to more than 45 billion which educates close to 60,000 people only. Ours is supposed to teach over 300 million (More than half of India is younger than 25).

Peer group: Unless a good faculty is present and good parenting is prevalent, how will the peer group also fall in line

Parenting: Its quite a paradox. Every Indian feels that this is our strong point but actually, its the biggest weakness of the system. I ask one question, ask your parents about sex and see their reaction. Ask them about religious tolerance and see their reaction. Ask them about homosexuality and see their reaction. And do record the number of times they say, why argue? A parent who does not allow his or her child to think for himself is a failed parent. When open mindedness is not promoted at home, when discussions and seeking answers is put down at home then how can the educational institute do anything. However, this also boils down from education that the parents received.

Social Ideology: This reflects the society's views and maturity level which comes again from the education they have received.

The main point here is that I am not referring to education as physics, chemistry or maths. It is not science or philosophy or religion. It is also not about sitting in a classroom hearing a lecturer talking about demand or supply. Its about you.

What Socrates meant was that the government has to educate the society so that the people become more aware of the world and make better choices and hence propagate their future. The survival of the fittest refers to the one who knows the most, not the one who knows best. Many society's have followed this path and managed to achieve a level of maturity that is enviable. Europe, Australia, US, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand etc. The system needs to become a living breading thing organism that nurtures itself. At the moment, our education system is like a Hammurabi's code and which is about as old.

When a child is born, his first 5 years are his physical formative years and hence care has to be taken to make sure he is healthy. The next 5 years are his playful years where he learns to express himself. The next 5 years are his learning years where he needs to understand his surroundings. The next 5 years are his (i call it so) confidence years so that he has that to make a life. However, it doesn't end here, it will never end. He must learn always so that he can better himself. How can a system that does not encourage self betterment lead to long term sustainability. Half of our brains go to the US for studying advanced sciences and the other half generally go to another field to take up a paying job. This in itself is about USD 5 billion loss to us (This year, over 150,000 Indians went overseas for studying spending an average of USD 30,000 in those countries each).

All of us are not engineers ( i realised it in my 3rd year in college). All of us are not managers and all of us are not doctors. Some of us are designers, singers, artists, dancers, mechanics, plumbers, photographers, sportsman, models, teachers, electricians, drivers, chefs, pilots, sailors, colonels, divers, bird watchers, philosophers, writers, copywriters, clerks, assistants, lingerie salesman, carpenters, masons, and more. Our society needs all of them and they all need society to propagate. Our system prohibits out of the box thinkers, team work, overall smart work etc, by putting boundaries on us which are not supposed to be there. Why can't I question my teacher? Why can't I question my parent? Why can't I question my leaders?