2008- What did we learn?
Indeed, one of the most trying periods in the history of modern times. I call this as trying since the world was subjected to events that called for extreme patience and caution. In a way, perceived as a great leveler by many. Rich and developed societies were dealt with in exactly the same was as the not so rich and the not so developed ones. In fact, if one delves deeper, one is tempted to believe that there was greater testing time for the more privileged one. As a student I did study some one and his theories of nature having its own unique way of settling the scores. Then I was skeptical. But today, something seems to be touching me somewhere which makes me feel that perhaps, he was correct? Nature cradles existence. And nature , perhaps, is aware of those whom it cradles. And when these people test Nature, it reacts. Disasters surface. What we see across the globe today is a consequence of our very own doing. If reports are to be believed, then close to 250,000 people would have been killed in some kind of a disaster or the other before we close the year. Cyclone Nargis which swept through Myanmar accounting for more than half the deaths, and the earthquake in Sichuan, China was the second most serious, killing 87,449 people. Looking across the world, we saw hundreds killed in Kenya due to violent rioting, Tornadoes in various parts of the US, the severe snowstorms in Southern China, earthquakes in Congo, dengue and Cholera in Brazil and Zimbabwe. I suppose almost every region was hit,be it Philippines, Japan, South Eastern Europe, India, Pakistan, Spain, Canada , France. Just name the country and you will find a disaster. However, the worst year of natural and man-made catastrophes was 2005, with 374,042 people killed.
However, one disaster which never gets reported and known to the people in the world is the man made catastrophe on the Palestinians. What happens in the Gaza strip is nothing short of what happened in Mumbai, India. The world was outraged and shocked to see how man can kill a fellow human being without even batting an eyelid. How his eyes would light up in glee when he knocks yet another innocent fellow human being. Palestine faces brutality of another kind but of similar dimension. Perhaps more sadistic and gruesome for it is planned and executed over a long period of time. Here, no terrorist are behind the killing. And that makes this even more unpardonable. Imagine over 1.5 million people living on subsistence level? It is said that around 70% of the people of Gaza live on the UN relief! There are virtually no hospitals to care for the weak and the sick. Children have long lost dreams of going to school, as no such thing exists for them. And children have no idea what a playfield is all about. They see none and they see no games except war games. They are growing up with gunshots as part of their daily lives. No innocent laughter or even the small curving of these small lips. They know not what is happiness. Perhaps happiness to them is when there are no burials on a day. No industries, No commerce. No electricity. One lives for another day not in hope but in despair. Yes, only hoping, that tomorrow is not worse than today. But the ruthless blowing up of living beings on the 27th of December shatters whatever dreams might have existed for this battered community. Even their modern day "ghettos" are targeted with vengeance by the marauding soldiers. This is a part of a nation? Is it? And yet, the world waits. For what?
The world is talking about the great economic meltdown, the horrendous, cold blooded, inhuman terrorist attacks in India, Pakistan, Palestine. Let us add the shrieks of the small maimed Iraqi kids and the desperate howls of the weak in Afghanistan. This is our world of 2008. Natural disasters coupled with man made destruction. And the world looks on-in despair, in disgust, in shame. Perhaps, in frustration as man realizes how the Frankenstein devours the world and he can just look on. We can do nothing? Are we ourselves responsible, by our own deeds, for the natural punishments which we are incurring? Maybe it is time to remember the fate of the people of Luth, Aad and Samud. Allah reminds us in Sura Raad,chapter 13, verse 11, that .." Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves".
Come the 1st of January 2009. And probably history will repeat itself. But is there nothing that a normal, sane, citizen of the world do? Are we impotent to a degree of no return?
Let me assure you that no Obama or Sarkozy or Putin or Brown can really address the situation if we, the world citizens, do not seize the initiative. India has shown the way. The people woke up and addressed their problems themselves. They dropped the politicians aside. They understood that no one fights for a cause better than he himself. He is now ready. This attitude needs to spread worldwide. Let us hear the howls of the weak and the sick. Let us, as world citizens give a ear to the poor beleaguered Palestinian, the skin and bones only hungry African, the terrorized Iraqi, the shocked and awed Afghani and the rest of the weak world.
Ducking is an art that comes in handy when confronted with flying size 10 leather missiles, but the Arabs need to get out of their "ostrich mode" and be more upfront when taking on to their real problems-head on.
Join all voices and make it be heard. This world of today is callous to the core. It cares not for the weak. But it fears the strong. And then, does it hear.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Haj 2008: A new dimension
Haj 2008: A new dimension
Many would think why am I wanting to take this year’s hajj out of the pack. And I would not blame them for such a thought. After all, by the grace of Allah, hajj has been going on for centuries. Well, what makes this year’s hajj different?
The governor of Makkah region, Prince Khalid Al Faisal set a new tone when the rolled out the slogan,” No permit, No hajj”. And it is from here that the entire hajj took a new turn. By the way, the concept that he has promoted is not new. It has been going on for a long time now. But the difference was in the spirit of his attitude. And this rubbed on to his colleagues. He led by example and was seen on the TV showing his own hajj permit. Such an example set the trend. And this is why I see this hajj as adding a new dimension, the touch of personal attention coupled with a professional management attitude.
For long we have been hearing cynical comments from different quarters. It seems that everyone else knows how to handle the Hajj except the authorities!! And since in the past we have had mishaps, the cynics got emboldened. Hajj 2008 was different because it has silenced the critics in many ways. Prince Khalid and his team went about the whole issue very meticulously and methodically. They reviewed each and every aspect of Hajj especially the stoning. And they came out with some excellent solutions to ensure that crowd controlling and management was handled with due diligence. Movement of the hajjis was streamlined to ensure that there were no bottlenecks and each hajji was comfortable and at ease. Each hajji who went for stoning was free of tension and performed his act devoid of any stress or panic. I especially single out the Governor because he has shown what determination and good planning can do. He had a plan and he did not allow any deviation from that. Perhaps this is what was lacking in the previous years? Controlling crowd movement is always a tough task. And this becomes even more when the movement has to be done within a time frame. Imagine 3.5 million (unofficially) people moving at the same time!! Indeed, there must have been some problems and this is but natural. But the Governor and his team was up to the task in ensuring that people moved to their destinations within the stipulated time. And with NO ACCIDENTS. Perhaps this is the only of its kind in the world when 3.5 million people have collected and disbursed in one day! And then to have NO mishaps...NO shortage of food and drinks… NO black marketing of essential commodities…Almost a miracle! Let’s be fair and offer heartfelt kudos to those who made this a reality. We salute you all!!
The check points were strict and sent back many who came without their permits. Sure, many also managed to slip in unnoticed. But the success, I felt , lay not in sending back those who were sans the permit but in the fact that a huge population realized that the Government was serious and hence they just did not start at all. This is where the true success lay and I feel that in the coming year, this will be felt more. One of the many reasons why people were dissuaded from even trying was the highly publicized penalty and punishment for the violators. The policy of deterrence worked. The government spent a lot of money on publicity. And this paid rich dividends.
“ There were young boy scouts and other volunteers who ensured that anyone lost was restored to his camp. I believe that there was some kind of an incentive schemes for these volunteers which resulted in them going out of the way to help the lost ones”, said Dr.Rasheed, a hajji from Dammam.
“Over 17,000 hospital beds were available for attending the sick. Best of medical facilities were rolled out for the needy. And what more would one expect when serving a huge sea of humanity”? asked Abdul Majeed, a young hajji from India.
Indeed, this hajj was different. But I am sure that the authorities would be looking at this as just the beginning…not the end. Indeed, many vociferous critics have been silenced. But the magnitude of the task at hand cannot allow complacency. With the right attitude and planning, much more awaits to be achieved. Well, a Six Sigma attitude is all that we need….rest falls in place!! I remember Robert Frost who said, “ Miles to go before I sleep…Miles to go before I sleep”
Many would think why am I wanting to take this year’s hajj out of the pack. And I would not blame them for such a thought. After all, by the grace of Allah, hajj has been going on for centuries. Well, what makes this year’s hajj different?
The governor of Makkah region, Prince Khalid Al Faisal set a new tone when the rolled out the slogan,” No permit, No hajj”. And it is from here that the entire hajj took a new turn. By the way, the concept that he has promoted is not new. It has been going on for a long time now. But the difference was in the spirit of his attitude. And this rubbed on to his colleagues. He led by example and was seen on the TV showing his own hajj permit. Such an example set the trend. And this is why I see this hajj as adding a new dimension, the touch of personal attention coupled with a professional management attitude.
For long we have been hearing cynical comments from different quarters. It seems that everyone else knows how to handle the Hajj except the authorities!! And since in the past we have had mishaps, the cynics got emboldened. Hajj 2008 was different because it has silenced the critics in many ways. Prince Khalid and his team went about the whole issue very meticulously and methodically. They reviewed each and every aspect of Hajj especially the stoning. And they came out with some excellent solutions to ensure that crowd controlling and management was handled with due diligence. Movement of the hajjis was streamlined to ensure that there were no bottlenecks and each hajji was comfortable and at ease. Each hajji who went for stoning was free of tension and performed his act devoid of any stress or panic. I especially single out the Governor because he has shown what determination and good planning can do. He had a plan and he did not allow any deviation from that. Perhaps this is what was lacking in the previous years? Controlling crowd movement is always a tough task. And this becomes even more when the movement has to be done within a time frame. Imagine 3.5 million (unofficially) people moving at the same time!! Indeed, there must have been some problems and this is but natural. But the Governor and his team was up to the task in ensuring that people moved to their destinations within the stipulated time. And with NO ACCIDENTS. Perhaps this is the only of its kind in the world when 3.5 million people have collected and disbursed in one day! And then to have NO mishaps...NO shortage of food and drinks… NO black marketing of essential commodities…Almost a miracle! Let’s be fair and offer heartfelt kudos to those who made this a reality. We salute you all!!
The check points were strict and sent back many who came without their permits. Sure, many also managed to slip in unnoticed. But the success, I felt , lay not in sending back those who were sans the permit but in the fact that a huge population realized that the Government was serious and hence they just did not start at all. This is where the true success lay and I feel that in the coming year, this will be felt more. One of the many reasons why people were dissuaded from even trying was the highly publicized penalty and punishment for the violators. The policy of deterrence worked. The government spent a lot of money on publicity. And this paid rich dividends.
“ There were young boy scouts and other volunteers who ensured that anyone lost was restored to his camp. I believe that there was some kind of an incentive schemes for these volunteers which resulted in them going out of the way to help the lost ones”, said Dr.Rasheed, a hajji from Dammam.
“Over 17,000 hospital beds were available for attending the sick. Best of medical facilities were rolled out for the needy. And what more would one expect when serving a huge sea of humanity”? asked Abdul Majeed, a young hajji from India.
Indeed, this hajj was different. But I am sure that the authorities would be looking at this as just the beginning…not the end. Indeed, many vociferous critics have been silenced. But the magnitude of the task at hand cannot allow complacency. With the right attitude and planning, much more awaits to be achieved. Well, a Six Sigma attitude is all that we need….rest falls in place!! I remember Robert Frost who said, “ Miles to go before I sleep…Miles to go before I sleep”
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Mera Sheeshay ka Ghar
Mera Sheeshay ka Ghar
I have had the urge to put pen to paper. Every time I cajoled myself into procrastinating it. I knew that whatever would have flowed would have been less objective and more emotional. Hence off target. Letting the dust settle was my mantra to ensure objectivity and avoid the path of almost all, most notably the TV channels. Even seasoned campaigners like Barkha Dutt fell prey to emotional mudslinging. Rather sad and unfortunate. Why the rush?? Things have happened. No way we can rewind and relive. Can we? Then why the sudden haste in all matters? And that brings me to the one in maximum hurry. The otherwise reticent and cool, MM Singh-the PM, wasted no time in pointing a finger in the most obvious direction. Why?? We were still amidst the drama being unfolded. We were still fighting the enemy. We were still capable of apprehending the callous terrorists. Why, even before we could really say we have hard core evidence, did MMS go to the nation and cried foul against the obvious nation? Indeed, we believe that this time we will certainly nail the scrip writers to their coffin-Lock stock and barrel. But somehow I get the feeling that the haste by MMS was perhaps more out of political frustration? The prospect of loosing out on the assembly elections??
Anyways, what hurts me most is that we have been blasted as a nation. Not just Mumbai. I feel distressed to see that almost all the voices seem to be talking about Mumbai being jolted. Indeed yes. But I see as my nation being taken to ransom. My nation cried. My nation bled. Not just one city. Indians cried, not just Mumbaikars. Let’s mourn for India.
Now the other moot issue. How did it happen? And this is where the public anger and disgust is most visible. And rightly so. How come such a huge operation is unknown to our intelligence agencies? "Alex Neill, head of the Royal United Services Institute's Asia security programme, . . . reckons up to 100 terrorists would have been involved in the planning and execution of the attack and said it was surprising they had managed to keep it a secret." Strange but true. Incompetence or corruption leads to ears and eyes being closed? Regrettably, we wait for an event to occur and then we galvanize into action. We cry over spilt milk.
Emotions are running high. The “aam aadmi” is shell shocked yet he realizes that something is bizarre, totally wrong. Indeed, violence is a part of the world today-Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq all have learnt to live with violence. But we Indians have always been the “seedha saadha innocent aadmi” types. Each very happy in his own small world. And suddenly BANG BANG and the dream is shattered! Who does this to us? Realization has dawned that some one is taking us for a ride…Someone has not his duty for which we have elected him. Someone has a rather casual attitude since he is safe and protected. And then the ‘Aam Aadmi” responds….and this anger will be felt across the nation. Believe me, what one is seeing just now is just in the Metro cities. This will engulf the entire India. Where will you run away, Mr. Politician? The Goliath has finally woken, albeit after a huge price.
But let me briefly touch some very sensitive issues. I am reminded of a lovely and beautiful house which has many neighbours. Some good, some unsure, some jealous, some envious. The we have a Joint Family living inside this wonderful house. Unfortunately, this family has difference of opinion between the family members. Sometime, these differences get accentuated and the internal affairs become public. This goes on over a period of time. Most of the neighbours pay no heed and go on with their own chores. But some envious ones start relishing the discord. And one day, one of them throws a small stone in the house. This does not do too much of a damage just breaking some small items. No family member really takes exception. The neighbour realizes that there is no unity in the house. After some time, he throws a huge stone. This not only shatters the external glass but also the exquisite historic chandelier that adorned the living room. Still none of the family members approach the neighbour as a family. The family is badly split and infighting resulted in them not realizing the loss that they have incurred-the exquisite historic chandelier has breathed it’s last. Gradually, the beautiful house is battered from all sides. The only sound one hears now is the shouting and hurling of abuses between the family members. This house is doomed. Will WE allow this?
Anger managed is resources harnessed. Let me become “Angry Young Indian”. Each should feel this way. Let the movement permeate into the rural India. We need to save our house, our own very beautiful house- from within and from the neighbours-near and far.
I narrated this story as I felt we as Indians need to relook at our huge joint family. Tom Alter and many more sensitive Indians have expressed similar anguish. Our family seems broken….Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs need to be reassured that the family cares for each other, feels for each other and hides or cradles no animosity towards the other.
I wish to end with a note for Hemant Karkare. Reading the way he was shot, all does not seem ok. Seems that some one was actually waiting for him and the other top shots of the ATS. Moles in the ATS? People had threatened to blow up his house. They actually blew him up. Heavy price for honesty indeed.
By the way, any idea what happens to the Malegaon enquiry after Karkare?
Long Live our Bharat….the land of Unity in Diversity….the land of warm and affectionate people, the land of honesty .
I have had the urge to put pen to paper. Every time I cajoled myself into procrastinating it. I knew that whatever would have flowed would have been less objective and more emotional. Hence off target. Letting the dust settle was my mantra to ensure objectivity and avoid the path of almost all, most notably the TV channels. Even seasoned campaigners like Barkha Dutt fell prey to emotional mudslinging. Rather sad and unfortunate. Why the rush?? Things have happened. No way we can rewind and relive. Can we? Then why the sudden haste in all matters? And that brings me to the one in maximum hurry. The otherwise reticent and cool, MM Singh-the PM, wasted no time in pointing a finger in the most obvious direction. Why?? We were still amidst the drama being unfolded. We were still fighting the enemy. We were still capable of apprehending the callous terrorists. Why, even before we could really say we have hard core evidence, did MMS go to the nation and cried foul against the obvious nation? Indeed, we believe that this time we will certainly nail the scrip writers to their coffin-Lock stock and barrel. But somehow I get the feeling that the haste by MMS was perhaps more out of political frustration? The prospect of loosing out on the assembly elections??
Anyways, what hurts me most is that we have been blasted as a nation. Not just Mumbai. I feel distressed to see that almost all the voices seem to be talking about Mumbai being jolted. Indeed yes. But I see as my nation being taken to ransom. My nation cried. My nation bled. Not just one city. Indians cried, not just Mumbaikars. Let’s mourn for India.
Now the other moot issue. How did it happen? And this is where the public anger and disgust is most visible. And rightly so. How come such a huge operation is unknown to our intelligence agencies? "Alex Neill, head of the Royal United Services Institute's Asia security programme, . . . reckons up to 100 terrorists would have been involved in the planning and execution of the attack and said it was surprising they had managed to keep it a secret." Strange but true. Incompetence or corruption leads to ears and eyes being closed? Regrettably, we wait for an event to occur and then we galvanize into action. We cry over spilt milk.
Emotions are running high. The “aam aadmi” is shell shocked yet he realizes that something is bizarre, totally wrong. Indeed, violence is a part of the world today-Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq all have learnt to live with violence. But we Indians have always been the “seedha saadha innocent aadmi” types. Each very happy in his own small world. And suddenly BANG BANG and the dream is shattered! Who does this to us? Realization has dawned that some one is taking us for a ride…Someone has not his duty for which we have elected him. Someone has a rather casual attitude since he is safe and protected. And then the ‘Aam Aadmi” responds….and this anger will be felt across the nation. Believe me, what one is seeing just now is just in the Metro cities. This will engulf the entire India. Where will you run away, Mr. Politician? The Goliath has finally woken, albeit after a huge price.
But let me briefly touch some very sensitive issues. I am reminded of a lovely and beautiful house which has many neighbours. Some good, some unsure, some jealous, some envious. The we have a Joint Family living inside this wonderful house. Unfortunately, this family has difference of opinion between the family members. Sometime, these differences get accentuated and the internal affairs become public. This goes on over a period of time. Most of the neighbours pay no heed and go on with their own chores. But some envious ones start relishing the discord. And one day, one of them throws a small stone in the house. This does not do too much of a damage just breaking some small items. No family member really takes exception. The neighbour realizes that there is no unity in the house. After some time, he throws a huge stone. This not only shatters the external glass but also the exquisite historic chandelier that adorned the living room. Still none of the family members approach the neighbour as a family. The family is badly split and infighting resulted in them not realizing the loss that they have incurred-the exquisite historic chandelier has breathed it’s last. Gradually, the beautiful house is battered from all sides. The only sound one hears now is the shouting and hurling of abuses between the family members. This house is doomed. Will WE allow this?
Anger managed is resources harnessed. Let me become “Angry Young Indian”. Each should feel this way. Let the movement permeate into the rural India. We need to save our house, our own very beautiful house- from within and from the neighbours-near and far.
I narrated this story as I felt we as Indians need to relook at our huge joint family. Tom Alter and many more sensitive Indians have expressed similar anguish. Our family seems broken….Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs need to be reassured that the family cares for each other, feels for each other and hides or cradles no animosity towards the other.
I wish to end with a note for Hemant Karkare. Reading the way he was shot, all does not seem ok. Seems that some one was actually waiting for him and the other top shots of the ATS. Moles in the ATS? People had threatened to blow up his house. They actually blew him up. Heavy price for honesty indeed.
By the way, any idea what happens to the Malegaon enquiry after Karkare?
Long Live our Bharat….the land of Unity in Diversity….the land of warm and affectionate people, the land of honesty .
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Faith flows fearlessly
Matters of religious faith have started becoming increasingly significant as they have been perceived as impinging not only on our daily lives but perhaps the future too. And it is indeed a pity that if one one hand religion breeds compassion then on the other hand a misinformed individual or group breeds hatred! I have always wondered how any man can actually kill another??? From where does he get the heart to slit the throat of a fellow human being? From where does he borrow the courage to create a bomb that will wreck havoc on his own fellow humans?? and then, another group of people, the politicians, take over. Their role in the carnage that follows in indescribable.This group is lke a vulture who waits for the living to die. And once dead, the patient vulture takes over and leaves only when the carcass is devoid of any further eating matter. Just the skeleton left.
Killing of innocent is totally unpardonable. And indivduals who kill over matters of religious faith need to actually do some introspection and re reading of their scriptures. And then maybe a re interpretation of thier own actions and deeds.This may lead to a relook at the societ in which they live.If only we had a video camera attached to oursleves in our daily lives and then we could rewind and see what we did and how we did what we did.Many an action would be abhorrable! And we would give whatever it takes to erase and expunge those moments when we lacked sanity,justice and the feelings of a normal human being.
We all need a more compassionate, warm and hospitable world. And I am impressed with the actions of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia. His second effort in reconcilliation between faiths has been a great act. He brought the matter to the notice of the world in a very subtle manner. He has actually appealed to one and all, especially the influencers of opinions and beliefs, that mutual trust resides very much within all of us. Just that some trample on it so severely that trust breathes its last. Some of us are scared of the others and push our feelings into a comatose condition. The King has been forthcoming and straight forward. Let us all introspect and see how we can weed out the little satan from our own lives. That satan which grows and prods us to evolve into a dracula!!
I am grieved at what happens across the world.I am particularly depressed when I see how politicians first vitiate and then mutilate. I feel sad when these politicians speak a differnet language depending upon to whom they speak.I am reminded of the Batla house( New Delhi,India) episode. When the VC of the Jamia volunteered to stand by the students untill proven guilty, many politicians hurled accusations against him and came close to labelling him a traitor. Now, following the sensational revelations by the ATS in the Sadhvi Pragya and Purohit case, the same politicians are saying that they will provide legal support to the accused untill proven guilty!! What better case of double speak!!
No one has the right to take the life of another.
No one has the right to create an atmosphere of fear and terror.
No one has the right to suppress the emotions and beliefs of another.
No one has the right to breed hatred.
In matters of faith, let the faith flow fearlessly!!
Make this a more comfortable world. Make this a more warm and livable world.
Killing of innocent is totally unpardonable. And indivduals who kill over matters of religious faith need to actually do some introspection and re reading of their scriptures. And then maybe a re interpretation of thier own actions and deeds.This may lead to a relook at the societ in which they live.If only we had a video camera attached to oursleves in our daily lives and then we could rewind and see what we did and how we did what we did.Many an action would be abhorrable! And we would give whatever it takes to erase and expunge those moments when we lacked sanity,justice and the feelings of a normal human being.
We all need a more compassionate, warm and hospitable world. And I am impressed with the actions of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia. His second effort in reconcilliation between faiths has been a great act. He brought the matter to the notice of the world in a very subtle manner. He has actually appealed to one and all, especially the influencers of opinions and beliefs, that mutual trust resides very much within all of us. Just that some trample on it so severely that trust breathes its last. Some of us are scared of the others and push our feelings into a comatose condition. The King has been forthcoming and straight forward. Let us all introspect and see how we can weed out the little satan from our own lives. That satan which grows and prods us to evolve into a dracula!!
I am grieved at what happens across the world.I am particularly depressed when I see how politicians first vitiate and then mutilate. I feel sad when these politicians speak a differnet language depending upon to whom they speak.I am reminded of the Batla house( New Delhi,India) episode. When the VC of the Jamia volunteered to stand by the students untill proven guilty, many politicians hurled accusations against him and came close to labelling him a traitor. Now, following the sensational revelations by the ATS in the Sadhvi Pragya and Purohit case, the same politicians are saying that they will provide legal support to the accused untill proven guilty!! What better case of double speak!!
No one has the right to take the life of another.
No one has the right to create an atmosphere of fear and terror.
No one has the right to suppress the emotions and beliefs of another.
No one has the right to breed hatred.
In matters of faith, let the faith flow fearlessly!!
Make this a more comfortable world. Make this a more warm and livable world.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Calling the Industrialists!Hello!!
Yesterday I wrote about the senseless and sadistic killing of Rahul Raj.And the response from the readers was overwhelming. Especially from my very old friend Thakur Pushpender K Singh. And Thakur had a point and I thought of sharing that with the readers.Let me first quote him, then we shall see how his point really makes a lot of sense and may have actually been overlooked by one and all!!
QUOTE
"However, its ironical that quite a large Mumbaikars also feel that they have the first right on Mumbai ---be it jobs, petty business, reservations (Perhaps also in the theatre for a newly released Bollywood Film!!!),. The logic they put forth is that Mumbai contributes the largest revenue ---almost 40 % ----of Corporate Tax, Excise, VAT to the centre earnings. The logic makes sense for ' One up Man ship' ----However, the fact is that it’s all by default. The Ambanis ( Both Mukesh & Anil ) , TATAS , Godrej , ACC , Aditya Birla , Bajaj , Nestle,,Raymond ,Sterlite etc etc have ZERO manufacturing or Wealth Creation activities in Mumbai ---They merely have their Head Quarters & the Tax returns are filed from Mumbai .
I at times wonder on 'the Social responsibility' commitments of these large Business Houses. Why the hell, HINDALCO should have HQ in Mumbai, when the bulk of manufacturing (INDO GULF -- SULTANPUR & HINDALCO ---MIRZAPUR) are in UP? I am sure that tomorrow if they decide to have their HQ in BARABANKI, even a common BARABANKIAN shall have the same pride as the MUMBAIKARS!!!! Why will then a BARABANKIAN go to Mumbai & indulge in Buffalo Business !!!! Moving out from West Bengal, NANO has broken the ice. It’s high time other large Industries move base from Mumbai & disperse all around the large geographical area, who shall welcome them with open arms."
UNQUOTEWell, what do you say?
I think that Thakur has a point and a valid one at that.This strange imbalance needs sorting and settling.Ambani saheb, Gujarat beckons you! Ah,yes.All the technicians in the Mumbai film industry need to move out.....see what happens?!! And if only the Industrialists act and move their units all over the nation, then we probbaly will have a more universal prosperity than "prosperity in pockets"!
And the role of the media.Unfortunately the role of the media has made things worse. The lynching of a UP lad in a train in Mumbai today may actually be linked to the role of the media. ALl the TV channels have given huge chunks of time to the Mumbai matters. The story of Raj was almost like a serial film in progress!! A sort of a code of practise should be made mandatory on the channels and they should be made to feel rsponsible. TV's should be allowed to show limited footage of such incidents.SOme channel even went to the extent of giving a 30 minutes programme showing the similarities between the Uncle and the nephew!Preposterous! This is how young and impressionalbe minds are influenced. The lynching mentioned above probably was due to such influence.
QUOTE
"However, its ironical that quite a large Mumbaikars also feel that they have the first right on Mumbai ---be it jobs, petty business, reservations (Perhaps also in the theatre for a newly released Bollywood Film!!!),. The logic they put forth is that Mumbai contributes the largest revenue ---almost 40 % ----of Corporate Tax, Excise, VAT to the centre earnings. The logic makes sense for ' One up Man ship' ----However, the fact is that it’s all by default. The Ambanis ( Both Mukesh & Anil ) , TATAS , Godrej , ACC , Aditya Birla , Bajaj , Nestle,,Raymond ,Sterlite etc etc have ZERO manufacturing or Wealth Creation activities in Mumbai ---They merely have their Head Quarters & the Tax returns are filed from Mumbai .
I at times wonder on 'the Social responsibility' commitments of these large Business Houses. Why the hell, HINDALCO should have HQ in Mumbai, when the bulk of manufacturing (INDO GULF -- SULTANPUR & HINDALCO ---MIRZAPUR) are in UP? I am sure that tomorrow if they decide to have their HQ in BARABANKI, even a common BARABANKIAN shall have the same pride as the MUMBAIKARS!!!! Why will then a BARABANKIAN go to Mumbai & indulge in Buffalo Business !!!! Moving out from West Bengal, NANO has broken the ice. It’s high time other large Industries move base from Mumbai & disperse all around the large geographical area, who shall welcome them with open arms."
UNQUOTEWell, what do you say?
I think that Thakur has a point and a valid one at that.This strange imbalance needs sorting and settling.Ambani saheb, Gujarat beckons you! Ah,yes.All the technicians in the Mumbai film industry need to move out.....see what happens?!! And if only the Industrialists act and move their units all over the nation, then we probbaly will have a more universal prosperity than "prosperity in pockets"!
And the role of the media.Unfortunately the role of the media has made things worse. The lynching of a UP lad in a train in Mumbai today may actually be linked to the role of the media. ALl the TV channels have given huge chunks of time to the Mumbai matters. The story of Raj was almost like a serial film in progress!! A sort of a code of practise should be made mandatory on the channels and they should be made to feel rsponsible. TV's should be allowed to show limited footage of such incidents.SOme channel even went to the extent of giving a 30 minutes programme showing the similarities between the Uncle and the nephew!Preposterous! This is how young and impressionalbe minds are influenced. The lynching mentioned above probably was due to such influence.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Sadistic felling of Raj "Hindustani"..mera bharat mahaan???
The sadistic felling of Raj "Hindustani" is poignant and tells a heart wrenching story. The story of apathy and arrogance. The story of stupidity.
India stands a mute spectator to the whims and fancies of individuals. Ironic indeed.
On a macro scale, it was not the savage and brutal murder of a youngster but of the nation. The seeds of regional hatred and intolerence has taken it's first toll. And this is a hydra headed monster unleashed by the petty politicians of today who would continue to tear the breast of our nation with glee. Today it is Raj T of Maharashtra. Tomorrow it will be another Raj in another part of India. And the story will go on. We will protest for a while and then all will be quite and cold again. We will accept another plunder of the motherland.
Politicians get away with anything and everything. Why? Ask yourself. WHY?? The answer lies in our "buzdili" our cowardice. The answer lies in our "khudgharzi" our selfishness.We are unable to face the issue squarely. We keep ducking and playing the role of an ostrich as and when the situation arises.
Our nation grieves but we only sigh and moan. No action.It is writ large all over.We are "darpoks" who only make noises but lack substance.
I wonder how many "Raj Hindustani's" will be sacrificed before we finally wake up.
The Lallo, the Paswan, the Nitesh make a good picture of "marriage of convenience" with a divorce even before consumation !Again, this is pathetic. We can all see through this..cant we? Will this achieve anything? I wonder..
The sleeping Junta of Bharat has to realise that our Mahaan Bharat khatray mein hai. Not from anyone across the border. But from within.From oursleves...the politicians who will trample the nation sans any compunctions and the sleeping junta who lacks the guts and the will..and perhaps the love for the nation.
Let us compose a new national anthem. An anthem which shows us bare.Our inner and true self which harbours no intensity for the nation.
India stands a mute spectator to the whims and fancies of individuals. Ironic indeed.
On a macro scale, it was not the savage and brutal murder of a youngster but of the nation. The seeds of regional hatred and intolerence has taken it's first toll. And this is a hydra headed monster unleashed by the petty politicians of today who would continue to tear the breast of our nation with glee. Today it is Raj T of Maharashtra. Tomorrow it will be another Raj in another part of India. And the story will go on. We will protest for a while and then all will be quite and cold again. We will accept another plunder of the motherland.
Politicians get away with anything and everything. Why? Ask yourself. WHY?? The answer lies in our "buzdili" our cowardice. The answer lies in our "khudgharzi" our selfishness.We are unable to face the issue squarely. We keep ducking and playing the role of an ostrich as and when the situation arises.
Our nation grieves but we only sigh and moan. No action.It is writ large all over.We are "darpoks" who only make noises but lack substance.
I wonder how many "Raj Hindustani's" will be sacrificed before we finally wake up.
The Lallo, the Paswan, the Nitesh make a good picture of "marriage of convenience" with a divorce even before consumation !Again, this is pathetic. We can all see through this..cant we? Will this achieve anything? I wonder..
The sleeping Junta of Bharat has to realise that our Mahaan Bharat khatray mein hai. Not from anyone across the border. But from within.From oursleves...the politicians who will trample the nation sans any compunctions and the sleeping junta who lacks the guts and the will..and perhaps the love for the nation.
Let us compose a new national anthem. An anthem which shows us bare.Our inner and true self which harbours no intensity for the nation.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Mumbai burns! India Shining? India Burning!!
Mumbai burns! So what? Let it burn!!
National property is burnt. So what?? Lives are lost. So what??? We have come to such a pass that our skin has acquired the sensitivity of a Rhino. Mumbai will burn, lives will be lost but the "chosen" rulers will turn a blind eye and a deaf ear. Why? Why is it that the power corridors have people who are gifted with such automatic sensory faculties? See and hear only when you want to! Mahatma Gandhi would have to review his famous "bandar"!
People who take law into their own dirty hands should be made to show their ugly faces in full view. But the problem is that our governance is pathetic and does not inspire confidence. The Maharashtra government has been as successful as Ponting in Mohali.
I am reminded of the great romantic poet wordsworth. He said," when oft upon my couch I lie, in vacant and in Pensive mood, they flash upon an inward eye, a bliss of solitude...." I really do not even need to lie...I see it large and huge. I cry. I feel for the nation. We elect people whose mission is not good governance. In fact, governance is not their mission at all. Yet we elect them and feel proud of having used the ballot ...after all we boast of a democracy! It it the duty of the government to ensure the safety adn security of not only the citizens but also the national property. I wonder if a PIL could be admitted where we claim all the lost property from the memebrs of the government? How would it be if money is levied on the ministers? Say the property destroyed in Mumbai is worth Rs 10 crores. Then this amount should be distributed equally on ALL members of the ruling cabinet. After all they are the custodians of the national property. Hence they should be accountable for each penny.Yes?
We must remember that as Indians, we have some very unique characteristics. One is that we feel no pain when national assets are looted or pillaged. But if anyone even attempts to steal even a penny, then the percieved thief is bashed till he is black and blue all over!! How ironical!!
Another feature of us Indians is that as citizens, we fail to utilize our full potential. We also lack the attitude to put the dirty politicians in the dock. Hence, the politician cares a damm. The onus is on us citizens to ensure that a national perspective is established and each one of us plays a role. Each means you and me.
The nation prepares for the next General elections. We should be ready to assess on performance. Prepare a balance sheet of the parties, their candidates. Value your vote. Urge your conscience to talk to your heart. Decide on merits. Trample those who are opportunists.
India needs you, your attitude, your vote for the Best. India Burning.
Yes..India burns not India Shining
National property is burnt. So what?? Lives are lost. So what??? We have come to such a pass that our skin has acquired the sensitivity of a Rhino. Mumbai will burn, lives will be lost but the "chosen" rulers will turn a blind eye and a deaf ear. Why? Why is it that the power corridors have people who are gifted with such automatic sensory faculties? See and hear only when you want to! Mahatma Gandhi would have to review his famous "bandar"!
People who take law into their own dirty hands should be made to show their ugly faces in full view. But the problem is that our governance is pathetic and does not inspire confidence. The Maharashtra government has been as successful as Ponting in Mohali.
I am reminded of the great romantic poet wordsworth. He said," when oft upon my couch I lie, in vacant and in Pensive mood, they flash upon an inward eye, a bliss of solitude...." I really do not even need to lie...I see it large and huge. I cry. I feel for the nation. We elect people whose mission is not good governance. In fact, governance is not their mission at all. Yet we elect them and feel proud of having used the ballot ...after all we boast of a democracy! It it the duty of the government to ensure the safety adn security of not only the citizens but also the national property. I wonder if a PIL could be admitted where we claim all the lost property from the memebrs of the government? How would it be if money is levied on the ministers? Say the property destroyed in Mumbai is worth Rs 10 crores. Then this amount should be distributed equally on ALL members of the ruling cabinet. After all they are the custodians of the national property. Hence they should be accountable for each penny.Yes?
We must remember that as Indians, we have some very unique characteristics. One is that we feel no pain when national assets are looted or pillaged. But if anyone even attempts to steal even a penny, then the percieved thief is bashed till he is black and blue all over!! How ironical!!
Another feature of us Indians is that as citizens, we fail to utilize our full potential. We also lack the attitude to put the dirty politicians in the dock. Hence, the politician cares a damm. The onus is on us citizens to ensure that a national perspective is established and each one of us plays a role. Each means you and me.
The nation prepares for the next General elections. We should be ready to assess on performance. Prepare a balance sheet of the parties, their candidates. Value your vote. Urge your conscience to talk to your heart. Decide on merits. Trample those who are opportunists.
India needs you, your attitude, your vote for the Best. India Burning.
Yes..India burns not India Shining
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Big B a role model for youngsters and the old!
Age normally leads to seclusion, far away from the spotlight so that one can really ease off. But that is for any normal man. Not for the Phenemenon...the super star...the one who rules the hearts and the minds...not for Big B.
Once again the shadow of the Colie accident has cast itself on the legend and his intestines cried out. He battles the pain and the disease. Never one who gives up.
But the fact that is truely remarkable is that even the good old age of 66 does not deter this star from being in the thick of events- live shows, shooting for films, TV, advertising. I really do not know many 66 years old ( or young?) who would be jofully dancing across the globe? He performed on stage across the world- "The Unforgettables", shot for films and yet has time to blog! Whew!
He is a lesson to those who have to make a mark in this world. I look upon him not just as a super star of the film industry but as a model for the GenNext. Indians normally consider 60 years as that benchmark from where expectations begin to decline. Once a Senior Citizen, one gets or rather desires to get, the concessions for non performance. But the Big B has set a new vision, a new attitude to even those who have spent their life well. He becomes a role model for those in the age group of 12 to 72!!
Perhaps a new definition of ageing?
A new attitude towards work where age is of no consequence.
He shows how discipline in life is to be valued. How a systematic approach coupled with dedication brushes aside the rambling of age.
There is actually no age for retirement. It is all in the heart, in the attitude, in the approach.
My one very dear friend may label me as a Big B fan and hence prejudiced. But the fact remains, this man is an enigmatic performer, who is the very fountainhead of energy and vision.
He preaches that laurels of the past need the committment of today to build the laurels for tomorrow.
Can this be denied?
Once again the shadow of the Colie accident has cast itself on the legend and his intestines cried out. He battles the pain and the disease. Never one who gives up.
But the fact that is truely remarkable is that even the good old age of 66 does not deter this star from being in the thick of events- live shows, shooting for films, TV, advertising. I really do not know many 66 years old ( or young?) who would be jofully dancing across the globe? He performed on stage across the world- "The Unforgettables", shot for films and yet has time to blog! Whew!
He is a lesson to those who have to make a mark in this world. I look upon him not just as a super star of the film industry but as a model for the GenNext. Indians normally consider 60 years as that benchmark from where expectations begin to decline. Once a Senior Citizen, one gets or rather desires to get, the concessions for non performance. But the Big B has set a new vision, a new attitude to even those who have spent their life well. He becomes a role model for those in the age group of 12 to 72!!
Perhaps a new definition of ageing?
A new attitude towards work where age is of no consequence.
He shows how discipline in life is to be valued. How a systematic approach coupled with dedication brushes aside the rambling of age.
There is actually no age for retirement. It is all in the heart, in the attitude, in the approach.
My one very dear friend may label me as a Big B fan and hence prejudiced. But the fact remains, this man is an enigmatic performer, who is the very fountainhead of energy and vision.
He preaches that laurels of the past need the committment of today to build the laurels for tomorrow.
Can this be denied?
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Monetary Madness
Friday is a day when I normally keep of the TV. Having spent innumerable hours gazing before the idiot box, fridays I devote to some more fruitful chores. But the 10th of October was a Friday with a difference. I was glued to this monstrous creation for the better half of the day!!
I was aghast at the Domino effect visible cutting across regional barriers! I could visualise others like me watching as the drama unfolded across the world! Probably the only ones sleeping with no worries in the world must be the dwellers of the African Jungles or the Eskimos who have no access to the TV nor the stock exchanges!
Indeed, this is the price of industrialization. Lost are the wonderful days of complete relaxation with no worries picking on you even in your sleep. Let me admit, I am not great investor or one who really follows the ECG of the stock exchange, but the unusual turbulance in the financial markets had everyone shivering- I being no exception as I tried tovisualize what happens to my account held declining Euros! And to top this, I received an e mail from one well wisher who was doling out free advice on how to remain calm amidst all the chaos. His Nostradamus instinct smelt a rotten future. And yet he opined that inspite of the strong possibility of world wide recession, there was no need to panic.
Well, of all his suggestions, one did really hit me somewhere. Hold on to your money as a hungry man does to his only small peace of bread! Cash or Gold should be the products of demand in the days to come. Close your ears to real estate, stock exchange and so on.
The Monetary Madness did pose new questions about the possible new world order in the days to come. Is the concept of Global Village a bane or a boon? Would this have happened in the good old days when economies across the world had no iota of information about what happens elsewhere? And yes, the role of the US dollar. And for us uninformed earthlings, the whole scenario is baffling, to say the least. Savour this- The Indian rupee was emerging real strong just some time back as the poor Uncle Sam was loosing value by each passing moment. The rupee roared whislt the Dollar cringed! And now? In a short time, Uncle Sam's country is faced with the most fantastic financial crisis and yet the Dollar Roars as the not so long ago roaring Indian Rupee has bottomed as never before!!?? What a contradiction!!
I was aghast at the Domino effect visible cutting across regional barriers! I could visualise others like me watching as the drama unfolded across the world! Probably the only ones sleeping with no worries in the world must be the dwellers of the African Jungles or the Eskimos who have no access to the TV nor the stock exchanges!
Indeed, this is the price of industrialization. Lost are the wonderful days of complete relaxation with no worries picking on you even in your sleep. Let me admit, I am not great investor or one who really follows the ECG of the stock exchange, but the unusual turbulance in the financial markets had everyone shivering- I being no exception as I tried tovisualize what happens to my account held declining Euros! And to top this, I received an e mail from one well wisher who was doling out free advice on how to remain calm amidst all the chaos. His Nostradamus instinct smelt a rotten future. And yet he opined that inspite of the strong possibility of world wide recession, there was no need to panic.
Well, of all his suggestions, one did really hit me somewhere. Hold on to your money as a hungry man does to his only small peace of bread! Cash or Gold should be the products of demand in the days to come. Close your ears to real estate, stock exchange and so on.
The Monetary Madness did pose new questions about the possible new world order in the days to come. Is the concept of Global Village a bane or a boon? Would this have happened in the good old days when economies across the world had no iota of information about what happens elsewhere? And yes, the role of the US dollar. And for us uninformed earthlings, the whole scenario is baffling, to say the least. Savour this- The Indian rupee was emerging real strong just some time back as the poor Uncle Sam was loosing value by each passing moment. The rupee roared whislt the Dollar cringed! And now? In a short time, Uncle Sam's country is faced with the most fantastic financial crisis and yet the Dollar Roars as the not so long ago roaring Indian Rupee has bottomed as never before!!?? What a contradiction!!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Obama is raw, McCain is over the hill.
Did you have the chance to see the debate between Obama and McCain last night? well, I did. And I am a wee bit umcomfortable. Why am I feeling like that? well, yes, the signs were both depressing and dangerous. On the one hand I see a sinister hidden agenda lurking ominously. Pakistan and Iran had better watch out!! And the other is the lack of total realisation of the gravity of the financial crises. Questions posed by the audience revealed that the average American is still living in a make belief world. I would have thought that they would have grilled the two hopefuls on firstly WHY such a huge crises was allowed to develop, what about the accountability of those responsible, and then finally, what would be the strategy that such a misadventure is not allowed again. But no. The audience lacked participation and intelligence. Perhaps a rigged audience? An audience that does not ask uncomfortable questions?
McCain reveals a personna that is unsure of the future. He was tentative and probably a wee bit melodramatic when trying to touch the chord of the audience. He was moving in circles!! He would always try to come back to attacking Obama on his inexperience. Obama, was more confident and sure. And was trying his best to reach out to the rather cold and "drugged" audience. I felt that Obama won the day, though marginally.
But, the question that looms large...Is either of the two really Presidential material? McCain is far too old and Obama is far too raw!!
And the audience was far too drugged, cold and withdrawn toreally test the two.
McCain reveals a personna that is unsure of the future. He was tentative and probably a wee bit melodramatic when trying to touch the chord of the audience. He was moving in circles!! He would always try to come back to attacking Obama on his inexperience. Obama, was more confident and sure. And was trying his best to reach out to the rather cold and "drugged" audience. I felt that Obama won the day, though marginally.
But, the question that looms large...Is either of the two really Presidential material? McCain is far too old and Obama is far too raw!!
And the audience was far too drugged, cold and withdrawn toreally test the two.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Babu Mushai( Ganguly) ko Alvida
There is a huge song and dance about Ganguly's retirement. All the TV channels are tripping over each other to show the "Great Bengal Baumushai". Why? Why?
Sure Ganguly was an able cricketer who served the nation well. He was aggressive and poised. Indeed. But there is where it ends. There were better batsmen than him. There were better bowlers than him. There were better all rounders than him. And, in my opinion, there were better captains than him( Pataudi, Wadekar,Shastri to name a few).
Ganguly was scheming and plotted against those who posed a threat to him. Azhar was one case. Dravid was another. As a team man, he was lethargic and lacadiasical and emerged only when it suited him. But he led well as he was a good leader( he would have been great had he been less selfish). But nothing as dramatic as the media wants to portray him.
Just a small query...would Ganguly be the same( hyped with a halo effect) had he been from say, Orissa or UP???
However, best wishes to him and perhaps now he could cuddle up a little more with Shahrukh and the Kolkatta Knight Riders
Sure Ganguly was an able cricketer who served the nation well. He was aggressive and poised. Indeed. But there is where it ends. There were better batsmen than him. There were better bowlers than him. There were better all rounders than him. And, in my opinion, there were better captains than him( Pataudi, Wadekar,Shastri to name a few).
Ganguly was scheming and plotted against those who posed a threat to him. Azhar was one case. Dravid was another. As a team man, he was lethargic and lacadiasical and emerged only when it suited him. But he led well as he was a good leader( he would have been great had he been less selfish). But nothing as dramatic as the media wants to portray him.
Just a small query...would Ganguly be the same( hyped with a halo effect) had he been from say, Orissa or UP???
However, best wishes to him and perhaps now he could cuddle up a little more with Shahrukh and the Kolkatta Knight Riders
Indian Muslims need to shrug off their lethargy
Muslims situation is distressing as it exists today. It is indeed appalling. Where do we stand( or rather hide) in today's burning scenario? Some indulge in self pittance whilst others may adopt an aggresive stance whilst some may even pretend to be descendents of an ostrich. Truth is that we have failed to grow as a community, as one who can assert themselves. We need to take stock of the stark realities of life today. We need to be brutally honest in assessing oursleves. Then, we can begin from there.
I strongly advise against a stance that is demeaning. Nor do I suggest an outright aggressive demeanour. It is time to do what we call a SWAT analysis of oursleves, our environment.
Muslims needs to emerge stronger. A challenging envorenment should spur us on. We need to actually create a mission. where do we wish to oursleves in the next five,ten years...and then we work accordingly. Rampant allegations of "terrorists" should be treated with disdain and shruged off as water flowing off the back of a duck. Muslims( especially Indian muslims) are a peace loving community and we shall live by it. Muslims have always been and will always be an integral part of India. It is our right by performance, by our committment, by our sacrifices, by our love for our nation.
Let divisions be dead and buried and a thing of the past. Unite with all your might. Treat the community like a product. Make is saleable. Make is attractive.
For the above, the primary requisite is education. Make education as neccessary as eating food. Ensure that each child in each family of each village of each region of each state values education and strives hard to achieve it. Education is the fountainhead of progress. And yes, do not be selective in education and preclude our womenfolk from becoming a part of the " seek education campaign". An educated and wise mother is the mother of all future progress.
I strongly advise against a stance that is demeaning. Nor do I suggest an outright aggressive demeanour. It is time to do what we call a SWAT analysis of oursleves, our environment.
Muslims needs to emerge stronger. A challenging envorenment should spur us on. We need to actually create a mission. where do we wish to oursleves in the next five,ten years...and then we work accordingly. Rampant allegations of "terrorists" should be treated with disdain and shruged off as water flowing off the back of a duck. Muslims( especially Indian muslims) are a peace loving community and we shall live by it. Muslims have always been and will always be an integral part of India. It is our right by performance, by our committment, by our sacrifices, by our love for our nation.
Let divisions be dead and buried and a thing of the past. Unite with all your might. Treat the community like a product. Make is saleable. Make is attractive.
For the above, the primary requisite is education. Make education as neccessary as eating food. Ensure that each child in each family of each village of each region of each state values education and strives hard to achieve it. Education is the fountainhead of progress. And yes, do not be selective in education and preclude our womenfolk from becoming a part of the " seek education campaign". An educated and wise mother is the mother of all future progress.
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