A new Monday...

Having learnt by hearing from her brothers the telugu and english weekdays - Mahalakshmi started reciting them in telugu one fine morning. She went on ... sanivaaramu, aadivaramu... when Chandradithya told her the week starts with a Sunday - aadivaaramu. Then she picked up saying...aadivaaramu, sOdivaaramu, managaLavaaramu... and so on.

That's a first for me to hear sOmavaaramu as sOdivaaramu....and I couldnt' control myself :)

Yes - it's been a looooooooooong time since I wrote last. I'll try to be a little more frequent than it's been so far.

Swasti!!

The Real Shocker

6 months ago I gave a test at the local RTA office and got my learner's permit. The permit said it's valid for 6 months and I could give the road test 30 days after the permit is issued. As usual, I put the permit in my wallet and went about driving. One fine day this month, I realized the 6 month deadline must be approaching, so without even bothering to look at the validity dates I went to the RTA office early next morning and stood in line to take the date for road test.

I haven't driven a car on Indian roads before - although I drove a manual/stick shift car for many years in the USA. So, I thought I would take a few days to get familiarized with it before giving the test.

The line started moving after a long wait - and slowly, but surely, my turn at the window came. The clerk inside took my papers, checked the computer, and asked me to pay Rs. 470 for the road test and gave me a slip. I asked him for 'the available dates after next week'. He said 'come for the test at 1:30pm'. I sought clarification asking - 'which day? I don't see a date on the slip'. He looked up and down at me and answered - 'come at 1:30pm today to the chinta chettu (Tamarind tree) area near the Maseed (mosque). Do you know where it is?' I answered in the affirmative thinking I could easily find out where the Maseed is. I muttered again - 'Can I get it for a later date?'; to which he looked again with the 'don't-waste-my-time' kind of looks and called the next guy in line who was already arching around and in front of me to hand over his application. I felt so unwelcome there and came away from there.

I then immediately called a car driving school number. I saved it in my mobile a few weeks ago, seeing it on the back of a driving school car thinking I should call them and practise a few days before giving the exam.

The instructor answered my call and said he's in the middle of a class. I told him I needed immediate help and that my test is at 1:30pm. He was confused as to how I could sign up for a road test when I haven't taken any classes. I asked where he was and went to him immediately. I explained my situation and sought his help.

He completed his class and told me he will show me what's needed. I got in the driver's seat and he guided me. He also took me to the Maseed testing spot and showed me where the RTA Inspector would stand and what he would ask during the test etc. After driving around a few rounds, we came back home. I grabbed a few bites for lunch and since it's already time for my test, went on my scooter to the Maseed testing location.

After waiting for a while the RTA came with his records assistant. The RTA first cleared those who came in their own cars for the test. Then came the turn of folks who needed a car for the test. A few 'contractors' are waiting with their cars for those like us who need a car for the test. After almost all are done, my turn came. They were sending two candidates each to be tested at the same time. They sent another guy along with me.

We went to the car assigned to us. The navigator asked me to sit in the driver's seat. I sat and tried to adjust the seat and the mirros. The navigator said - 'don't worry. they don't work. Only on setting for them since a lot of people have to use the car every day.' I didn't know what to say.

My hand went to the key in the ignition and left foot went to the clutch. He then said - 'this is a very old car - so the clutch is not working well. I will control the clutch and the brake, you control the accelerator'.

I didn't understand completely what he said at first. I was very puzzled. After a few seconds, I came to my senses and all I could do was smile. Meanwhile, the RTA officer was very busy chatting away with his subordinates and elderly driving license applicants - and didn't even turn towards us. The navigator asked us to go straight and turn right - only to come back half way. All of 200 yards. Then I had to sit in the back while the second applicant came in front of the steering wheel and drove straight to the point where we started.

The navigator then said, the test is done. And collected Rs. 50 each for letting us use his car. We got down and went to the records assistant - and he took our signature in the long book he's carrying. License issued 4 days later.

End of the story.

I was really shocked at the kind of testing being done for prospective drivers. Of course, they are not prospective because almost all of the applicants are already driving the vehicles they are seeking to get the license to drive.

If this is the kind of testing going on at the RTA offices for issuing a driving license, no wonder we see drivers rushing into the 4-lane intersection without looking for the traffic already in the intersection; and coming from bi-lanes into the main streets as if it's all one straight, traffic-free street, and they're the only ones driving on it.

It's not the roads we need to upgrade first. Upgrade the RTA offices, testing and verification procedures before issuing the licenses as also renewals.

Yeah - after 9 months upon our return, we are still learning the ropes of living in our motherland!!

Swasti!!

Our First Summer

We have been looking forward to it. With varied feelings. If we can live through this summer, we would know how it is to live here. Not that we haven't lived in India and Machilipatnam before. But that 'before' was almost 17 summers ago. A lot has changed since then in India. But more so, regarding the summer weather. I don't recall summers being so brutal in those days. May be because the day time highs were not as high as they are now. Was it because there's much more greenery around, much less concrete buildings and much fewer motor vehicles and much less pollution then? Could it be that we were more tolerant then? Or was it that we were not exposed the luxuries of life and were living more in unison with the nature to not feel 'burnt'? Or is my memory just trying to gloss over the past, making the present look worse?!

Whatever be the reason, it's very very hot out here. Forget 'out'- it's very very hot in here as well. The other day, blazing hot summer heat 'waves' started hitting the doors and windows as early as 10:30 in the morning.

Just 5 days ago, I was thinking - 'It's already the first week of May. This summer hasn't been as bad as I expected it to be. May be people just get psyched out about the few days of peak temperatures and attribute those temps to the whole season......' Then, as if the Sun God sensed my silent contempt, he started coming out loud and clear and early too - every morning since then.

Today it's 110F here in Machilipatnam (weather.com says - it feels like 116F). I thought the 110F I suffered in the Hoover Dam area in Arizona/Nevada border back in 2000 summer was my worst summer day. I didn't expect my native town to outwit that weather hands down - every summer day.

Dog days of summer?! Here they are, for sure. Yeah - the kids are grounded indoors from 9:30am - 6:30pm. Well - they have no complaints of course!

Swasti!!

Fever

Whenever I sign off saying something like - 'more on that shortly' or 'details to follow soon' - that 'shortly' or 'soon' inevitably comes not so soon or shortly. Anyway...that's for later. But for now - I will talk about the new fever.

No - I am not talking about the fever I got last month or the one my son got last week. But the exam fever that's going on now. All around the state, for that matter. Since late February, I should say. Our kids have exams going on now - for the past 4 days - and will complete their first academic year in India on April 21st !! They have been great in acclimatizing and learning fast to adapt to the new environs as well as new subjects/languages. And to stand 1st or 2nd in their classes shows how eager they are to learn, setting aside the numerous inconveniences they face, coming from the USA.

Usha and I have been busy for the past couple of weeks - preparing them for some program or exam or the other. Thank God, the academic year is ending this week! (Or is it not really a respite?! now that the kids will be home all day :( )

We shall see.
Swasti!!

2010 - Another milestone

This year marked a major milestone in our lives. We returned home from our 16 year US stay. Our families are in two minds - happy that we returned; and worried we chose Machilipatnam over Hyderabad or other Metros to try and settle down. We have been facing some funny and uncomfortable questions from people we meet. 'You lost your job?' 'Is your project done?' 'You ran out of H-1 and did not get Greencard?' 'Did you make a fortune and came retired?' to list a few. Obviously some of these are uncomfortable. Some are funny. And some others are downright ridiculous.

Anyway - this is all part of the game, we feel. We can't answer all. But as long as we can answer to ourselves for all the questions/issues we face, we can live in peace. Coming to that word - one thing we felt recently is this. Ever since we went to the US, one thought at the back of our minds was - when/how do we go back to India? However, since we returned to India, we realized we are not haunted by the thought - when/how do we return to the US? That in itself gives us a semblance of inner peace.

After being in India for 3 months now, we haven't met some of the milestones we looked forward to. We are still a week away from moving into our own abode (rental, of course). Usha joined a dental clinic in November after a couple of clinics tried to get her to join them. She went and treated some cases (and made some money, of course) - but couldn't continue as the kids haven't fallen into a routine, which required both of us. She will resume later in the new year we hope. Moving into our own home should help.

The going has been slow, slower than our generous allowances. Nevertheless, we look forward to the New Year with renewed optimism and commitment. We are relearning the ropes of Indian life and confident of greater success in the coming months.

We wish you all the same - a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. 1-1-11 should ring in the positive change.

Swasti!!

Lessons learned from Mumbai attacks?

The first anniversary of the tragic Mumbai attacks is already upon us - but there's no progress in the investigation (huh?!) nor could we hold Pakistan accountable and get them to act. How much did we expect and hope our politicians would act tough and get the real culprits to pay?! Alas! It's just a distant wish and our political bandits lack the will, and it's proved once again.

Are our cities any safer than they were in Nov '08? Are there any new security measures in place to check the visitors coming in by air, land and water ways? Have the laws of the land been updated or the existing laws being enforced any better? Have there been significant improvements in how the intelligence is gathered and shared amongst the various security agencies?

Sadly, the answers are all negative - even after such a tragic incident in which just a handful of rogue militants made a mockery of our system and played with the lives of hundreds, and more so - with the sentiments and emotions of crores.

The political class in the country proves they haven't let us down to the deepest depths yet, with each passing tragedy. Every time we feel it can't get any worse, and it can only get better from here on - our 'leaders' prove otherwise.

Hope things change for the better soon and we can see some positive developments that gives us hope for a better and secure future.

Swasti!!

R I P Y S R

Setting aside political and ideological differences, my heart goes out to the sudden and tragic demise of the Chief Minister of A.P. - Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy. Here is another avoidable tragedy that could have been easily averted, if only politics is simplified and power is decentralized in India; and political leaders are not looked upon as demi gods beyond questioning. My heart also goes out to the pilot, co-pilot, Chief Security Officer and YSR's Secretary (IAS officer) who went with Dr. YSR.

I can't help but think at this juncture that had the various govt. departments been allowed to work independently, with authority, the meteorologists/security personnel/pilots could/would have forewarned and refused to fly the chopper taking into consideration the grave weather conditions. But given the power structure in India, nobody can dare dictate what a CM can or cannot do, despite clear evidence/facts available otherwise.

In any case, that argument aside - it pains me deeply at the circumstances in which Dr. YSR met his end - untraced, unattended and un-covered - in that hostile weather in the open for more than 24 hours. For someone who transformed himself into a people's person over the course of the past 6-7 years, leaving his radical/violent past behind, he deserved a lot better. However, destiny is so powerful and its ways so mysterious, one cannot fathom any rhyme or reason.

Despite the political differences, I appreciate some of his good qualities - thinking big, dynamic leadership, going after what he thought is right - being a few.

May his soul rest in peace. May the others' souls rest in peace. May their families find strength in God in this hour of sorrow.

Swasti!!

My election experience

I called the Khairatabad Constituency voters (in Jubilee Hills area) in Hyderabad (first phase). It has been a wonderful experience for me personally and made a convert out of me, from being a long-time TDP supporter. I almost felt like I was canvassing door-to-door in the constituency, meeting various folks, listening to some of their issues, their struggles, their appreciation for JP garu, their frustrations, so on and on. I also had the opportunity to talk to some veterans who saw many a party come with a lot of promise only to fool them time and again by working for their own personal gains and greed. At the end of the conversation with some of them, I was made to believe I have them convinced to give Loksatta a chance. Then there were some more who didn't hide their affinity to the traditional parties, and said they appreciate JP's work but they have their candidate finalized already.

I must say the most intriguing analysis of the situation in villages was provided by someone I talked to, who summed up thus: It's very difficult for Loksatta to gain a mass following in our villages. In most of our villages, there are predominantly two groups that fight with each other. Political parties support one or the other group to further their objectives. People have to belong to either of those groups for their survival. Getting associated with Loksatta in such villages doesn't help them - as the details of ground reality are much harsher than the ideology we paint in broadstrokes.

In this context, I must also add the following. Although calling the voters and talking them towards LSP was a good feeling, the greatest satisfaction for me came from talking to some of the contesting LSP candidates themselves. I am completely overtaken with emotions listening to their account of the sorry state of affairs for the common man, especially farmers and their plight; the selfless service they rendered for many years before and since their association with Loksatta. It showed me firsthand what a bunch of humble, good minded, passionate and dedicated candidates LSP has in the fray.

If one of the candidates felt ashamed at his inability to see more success in driving people away from money and liquor enticements thrown by other parties, after many years of service and hard work in that direction - we can understand the humility of these candidates. However, the good thing is they see these elections as just another step in their effort to bring about a change, rather than the only means to effect it. They are all determined to move on with their efforts and each one of them serve as a guiding light for me, in my own conduct henceforth.

Swasti!!

Happy New Year (India)

According to the Telugu calendar, today is the first day of New Year, titled Virodhi (meaning 'enemy', 'against' etc.) Doesn't sound like a good name for a year we all look forward to, to bring in positive change...does it?! What more?! This also happens to be an election year in India. And if positive change is not to be expected, based on predictions, then the prospects shudder me to no extent.

However, to a large extent, last year seemed to be a pretty bad year what with the earthquake in China, financial meltdown, recession, Mumbai attacks, etc. taking unprecedented toll on the common man. The politics and governance in India reached new lows as well last year.

What could go worse this year?! The politics?! The governance?! I can believe that - and we already see that in play.

But God! Save innocent lives and make this year better than last year atleast in that count. As for politics and governance - they reached such lows even God is helpless. The system has to correct itself after it can't go down any further.

Anyway, enough of the dark stuff. Wish you all a very pleasant new year! Even in the darkest clouds, we can see silver linings. I hope and wish for many such silver linings this year - so much so that the darkness could be withstood and forgotten.

Swasti!!

Goal without a plan? Yes, sometimes...

My first significant goal after getting out of my home as an adolescent (for Bachelors education) was to get out of the country. During my M.S. education and initial years of employment in USA the strategic goal was to get back to my home country while still young. As the years passed by, the desire to get back not just to my country but to my hometown as well grew bigger and bigger.

We decided to return in October, after 15 years in USA. Do we have a plan? Yes and maybe. Do we need a well structured plan to get back to our homeland? The desire to get back to our roots and become a socially relevant entity there is strong enough in us and we believe that will get us to our current goal.

Do we need to plan and execute to it always? Sometimes the excitement is in doing things as they develop, while not losing sight of the goal. And we look forward to reaching there.

Swasti!!

Let the truth come out

I received a forwarded email the other day - purportedly written by a Satyam employee and posted on www.akhilandhra.com. The gist is: how can the totally-corrupt politicians cry foul at Raju? Raju has done many great things, created 53k jobs, so on and on... and questions what fault has Raju done - other than to sacrifice himself for the benefit of the company.

I can understand the anguish of the 'employee'. But I don't agree with the email's logic. It tries to circumvent the issue at hand and casts allegations on the self-confessed-rogues (a.k.a. politicians). However, a rogue or a normal person/common man - allegations against Raju stand. And he is 'guilty until proven otherwise' - having confessed of wrongdoing himself. What remains to be known is - is the wrongdoing the same as what he wrote about, or the exact opposite?

We were all in the front row applauding Raju's great deeds, in starting the company, employing almost 1/2 a lakh employees worldwide, bringing in the much needed forex to India, taking the company to great heights, enhancing the pride of all Telugu loving people. there's no denying his achievements and on the same token, there's no dearth of encomiums for the same.

But make no mistake! Just because he achieved so much, doesn't give him a free ride when he does such a colossal blunder. Especially when it tries to bring down each and everything that we praised him for, in the first place. The rotten eggs of the society (read 'politicians') joining the blame game doesn't make it an unfair field. These rotten eggs have to be plucked and 'destroyed' as well. But let's not lose our focus here.

Let justice prevail - be it in the case of a corrupt politician or a corrupt corporate officer.

Best wishes,
Swasti !!

Sankranti Subhakankshalu

The early morning campfires on the first day of the festival - and bringing anything and everything from broken chairs to dried tree branches to neighbour's stool to all the dry leaves we could gather from the surroundings to cardboard boxes to....the list goes on.. Anything that can help raze a big fire is put into the pile and it's lit up in the chilly early morning weather. Kids gather around and elders are not far behind...

Then the colorful and not so colorful kites we made and bought to fly from the roof tops, on the streets without a care for the passers by or bicycles or rikshaws or the cows/buffalos... trying to fly our kites higher than that of the kid next door... It's usually the not so colorful, home made, news paper kites that generally used to soar high - leaving behind all those beautiful ones with long colorful tails.

I could write more about the fun we used to have for days and days as the schools were usually closed from around Christmas through Pongal/Sankranti (schools these days have no such long vacations). Not a paisa spent usually - as we used to sneak some cooked rice for adhesive, tear down newspapers for the kite (not sure which day's paper that was - who cared? not until dad scolded after realizing his editorial section is flying high in the sky), threads from the grocery packets tied together to make a long line for the kite, and then the brooms made of coconut leaves were there to provide the much needed framework for the kite.

Coming back to the present - I wish you all who know what I am talking about a very very happy Sankranti (Harvest Festival in South India) and wish you all the best this year. And for all the girl folks out there...here are a couple of pics of americanized gobbiLLu (big balls made out of fresh cow dung - only, in US we made them with fresh snow).

Have a good day!

Swasti!!

Different story line please...

Going by the seemingly orchestrated surrender of Satyam founder Raju, and the Govt/Police tactics in helping him skip the SEBI interrogation on Saturday, methinks - by Monday or thereabouts Mr. Raju and his brother will suffer some severe health problems (chest pain/heart attack being the top of the line item in these circumstances) that necessitate their corporate-hospitalization. Whenever SEBI officials approach for interrogation, the patients will be unconscious due to sedation etc. etc. You get the plot...

Haven't we seen this plot being played out in umpteen high profile cases already? I would like to see a different, 'just' plot played out this time around... but as long as the 'producers' and the 'directors' are the same, we can't expect a different kind of movie - come which ever actor plays the lead role :(

Some spice to fill the headlines when the media is getting worried about a bland January...

Looking forward to Obama's inauguration...

Swasti!!

It's a lie

Indian Software giant Satyam's Chairman B. Ramalinga Raju sent in his resignation letter culminating very troubled times at the company which were precipitated by the recent failed bid to acquire Maytas, a sister-concern (not sure why the term brother-concern is never used). His letter revealed 'facts' about falsifying the accounts over several years. It immediately reminded me of a telugu movie Nijam, with its tag line 'It's a lie'. It fits this company very well during these troubled times: Satyam - It's a lie.

However, I do feel the company has done great work, and grew phenomenally over the past decade. I feel for the Satyam employees who have to face the economic reality of this event. I hope and pray for their economic security.

It's always the greedy few, anywhere, that bring the system down. We have already seen it on the Wall Street and other world markets last year for the umpteenth time in history. The likes of Harshad Mehta, Bernard Madoff et al come to mind. I think the revelations in the letter are only a few and there are many more to follow (will they ever see the light of the day?) Why do I say that, without any basis? It's my strong feeling that a wrong, done over a period of time, is not done in isolation. A person committing it must be so corrupt in his/her thought process that it permeates to other walks of life as well. Anyway, let me not turn this into a philosophical note.

With hopes for the best and looking up to 'Satyameva Jayate' (Truth alone prevails),

Swasti !!

Dec 18th - Non-Corruption Day

As the day nears, and as we reach out to our firends, family and strangers as well - it's important to focus our efforts and reach as many as we can. When I talked to many, some of them joined readily, some were skeptical, and yet some others had questions. I will try to cover some of them here.

What is the Cause?
Non-Corruption. (Understand the evil effects of corruption and raise awareness among others at the same time exhorting them to observe a non-corrupt way of life - especially in politics and administration (as it impacts multitudes))

Why Dec 18th?
This idea of having a Non Corruption Day started about 10 days ago. At that time, Dec 18th looked like not too far off to lose sight of it; and not too close so we have time to reach out to many people. And it also happens to be a day to remember for the person (Vasantha) who came up with the idea.

What do I do for this?
Three simple things:
1) Take up the cause of Non-Corruption and reach out to as many as you can (enlist the support of atleast 5 others)
2) On 18th - make sure not to give or take bribes to get things done.
3) Discourage it and report it to appropriate authorities, if you come across any acts of corruption.

What's the goal?
- Reach out to as many people as we can;
- Raise awareness on the evil effects of Corruption;
- Educate them on what we can do as individuals to curb it

What happens in just one day of observance?
It's a good start. We intend to increase the awareness in the population by this focused effort. The intention is that people will take it forward to subsequent days, weeks and months as well.

What's the extent of Corruption in India?
India is ranked #89 among 160 nations surveyed, according to http://www.nationmaster.com/. It goes to show that we are in the bottom half of the equation. Sri Lanka is better placed than us at #81.

According to Transparency International, India scored about 3.5 out of 10 in 2007 (See image above). Again, nothing to write home about.

According to the ex-Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sri N. Vittal:
"Corruption is harmful in three different ways:

1) Corruption is anti-national.
2) Corruption is anti-poor. Rajiv Gandhi once observed that out of every rupee meant for the anti- poverty programmes only 15 paise reached the beneficiary. Out of the 85 paise may be 40 paise can be accounted for as administrative overheads. The leakage of the remaining 45 paise is definitely due to corruption. Corruption is, therefore, anti-poor.
3) Corruption is also anti-economic development."

[We know what role corruption would have played in playing out the Mumbai attacks, although it's premature to conclude about it while the investigation is still on. But we are not naive not to know where it went wrong and how corruption played a part at various levels of the food chain.]

Read more of what Sri Vittal has to say at http://www.hindustan.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2002

REMEMBER: Pass the word about Dec 18th - National Non-Corruption Day to as many people as you can, with the simple message: Don't give, encourage or take bribes - of any sort on that day.

Of course, not many of our friends might feel the effects of corruption or even this effort; but if we can touch atleast some people who have to pay to get their work done; who take to do others' work - if they can observe this day as Non-Corruption Day - and if even a tiny % of those folks feel the difference in their heart - the good feeling....the purpose would be met.

Corruption is an all-pervading evil that affects one and all in one way or the other and has reached a stage where it's crippling our society. We all want to do something about it - but don't do anything. So, this is our chance, to do that 'drop in the ocean' now and continue it - so when hundreds, thousands and millions come together, we might be able to influence the outcome.

Hopeful of a better tomorrow -

Swasti !!

Corruption - the common language

More and more cases of political corruption are seeing the light of the day in US recently. It was the NJ Governor 4 years ago (my first home state in US); the NY Governor earlier this year (my current home state); and then it's the Illinois Governor's turn today. Thank God I didn't live in Illinois - otherwise I would have felt miserable.

Add the scores of senators, members of the Congress and State Assemblies and others in public offices all across the country - and the list really grows big. Well one would say - the India CP (Corrupt Politicians) list would still dwarf the US CP list. That might be true. But still, for a country that's ranked in the top 20 non-corrupt nations - it's still a huge embarassment. For India, the length of the list is in line with its ranking (#89).

It is despicable what Rod B. tried to do - selling Obama's senate seat. It looks like two ends of the extreme - with Obama winning on the reform plank. It only goes to show that politicians across the globe speak the same language.

Don't Forget: Dec 18th is India's National Non-Corruption Day. Your part is simple: Don't give-in; Don't give-out; Don't even think about it - And keep reliving these thoughts every day thereafter. Please pass the word around.

Swasti !!

Hope and Reality

With Megastar Chiranjeevi making his entry into Andhra Pradesh Politics and forming his party setup, as with any new entrant, I look forward with hope and pray the reality that set in, in the past, doesn't repeat.

I hope Chiru:

1) brings in the much needed change in the AP politics
2) does not resort to cheap tactics of mud slinging at the opponents
3) comes with a clear and succinct agenda
4) proposes good ideas for development and welfare
5) backs them up with good plans of action
6) builds a grass roots level movement to combat the primary evils in our society - corruption, extremism and economic imbalance (poverty)
7) brings in fresh blood into the polity rather than harboring the so called 'leaders' with corrupt and criminal background
8) joins hands with the idealistic parties like Lok Satta and work for improving the politics
9) studies the issues plaguing our society and talks about them and his ideas from his heart
10) breathes and becomes the change we want to see for a Better AP

So far, the reality has been anything but reflecting my hope. Agreed, he is a novice and needs the support of the veterans who can steer him against the dirty dozens in the opposing camps. Our society needs a fresh start - fresh minds, fresh thinking - from the roots. Not from the top.

As Einstein once famously said: No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.

If Chiru is trying to bring about the change by surrounding himself with the same people who were part of the problem in the first place, he is already dousing my hopes.

However, Hope is Eternal and I continue to hope for better - until proven otherwise completely.

Swasti !!

Raging Questions

As the Mumbai siege came to an end and we sigh a breath of relief at the long and vicious ordeal, many questions run through my mind. Just jotting them down here - and if you have any you would like to add, feel free to join. If you think you have an answer - please chime in.

I understand I should be constructive and try to offer solutions. Let's raise all the relevant, valid questions - and don't be ashamed of doing so. From the questions, and our attempt to answer them, will come the thinking necessary for providing constructive suggestions. (These are not sorted in any particular order or priority)

1) Why did Hemant Karkare, Vijay Salaskar and others - who are higher up in the ranks - go into the 'battle field' at the first news of terrorist attacks? Shouldn't they have assessed the situation before blindly jumping in?

2) With their experience and 'leadership' abilities, shouldn't they be directing their forces through the operations with proper plans than taking a single step approach of "Let's all go in and take the enemy on"?

3) Aren't their services better utilized at times like these, through their strategic thinking than their mere presence in the field?

4) How could HK get hit with bullets in his chest, when he is wearing a supposedly bullet proof vest? Are our security forces equipped with such sub-standard, 'Made-in-China' type body armour?

5) Doesn't HK know what the capacity of his own body armour is? Isn't he supposedly the battle-hardened veteran?

6) How can the media show live feed of the man in charge of the anti terror wing in Mumbai - beaming his where abouts, what he is doing (putting on his helmet, talking on cell phone walking around in public etc.)? Doesn't the media have any responsibility to shield him and other strategically important personalities, who are prime targets for the militants and rogue elements?

7) Doesn't Mumbai, attacked many times by and remains a target of underworld and terrorists, have SWAT teams or special forces locally who should have responded immediately? Why did Mumbai have to wait for the NSG to come from Delhi - 10 hours later?

8) Militants/hijackers using hostages as shields is an age old, well known tactic. How can the NSG commandos and the security forces use it as a reason for their slow response that lasted days? Especially when the number of terrorists involved was at no time believed to be more than a dozen? What kind of message is it sending the rogue elements? That a major city could be taken siege by a handful for longer, if only they planned better?

9) Manmohan, Sonia, Advani, Narendra Modi and scores of other 'personalities' visited the 'battle field' while the operation is still very much on. Couldn't they have waited and focused their energies more on bringing a swifter end to the ordeal? The argument that they visited to instill confidence and raise morale in the security forces is BS at best. No sane Indian is looking to the politicians for confidence and a morale boost.

10) Couldn't the security forces have used some kind of controlled, tear gas or water ballast or something that would incapacitate the militants for a short period of time and swiftly moved in to over take them? Granted, even the hostages will be incapacitated for that period - but it must be better than having them killed by the militants, I think.

11) Will the country be vigilant here after to better repulse another militant attack or better yet prevent them?

12) Blaming Pakistan for such incidents is easy. But why did we allow it to happen on our land, so deep in crowded places? Aren't there any checks along the way that could have stopped the terrorists from reaching their chosen destination?

13) Is this attack the result of a systemic problem that needs to be addressed from the grassroots, social level? Or will constituting another institution that only adds to the bureaucratic confusion be chosen as the solution?

14) As my friend Vasantha asked on her facebook site: What can each one of us do, in our capacity, to kill [combat] terrorism?

I request each of you, who stopped by and took time to read this, to take another minute or two - and share your thoughts. Who knows where the next bright idea/suggestion for a better tomorrow comes from?!

Looking forward to a better tomorrow -

Swasti !!

Operation Over

Atlast, after 60 hours of tense and deadly moments, and continuous battle between the terrorists and the Indian commandos - the last terrorist holed up in the Taj Mahal Hotel has been gunned down and the Director General of NSG announced that the operation of taking control of the Taj is over. Now they will be scanning every inch of the hotel and sanitizing it before transferring the control to the local police.

Today a couple of the martyrs - Hemant Karkare (ATS chief) and Major Unnikrishnan from Bangalore are being cremated. I am sure we will read about their bravery and of others in the coming hours and days.

Hats off to you both and others who gave their lives so other innocent folks can live on! It's a great loss to India.

Jai Jawan!! Jai Hind!!!

Frontpages and Ads

While following all these drastic developments in Mumbai, I couldn't help but have a smile looking at the ads served on the front page of Andhrajyothi website - next to the Mumbai raging photos. Look at the following images I captured. Take it easy and share your own - if you can.

1) Are you thinking of getting married?
2) Plan your vacation better

3) Then this ad - asking if you want to send money to India, with a funny typo (pampichchadam) in telugu.