23 rd MARCH

23 rd March……
It was a very important day in the history of India.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh was hanged to death by the British Empire in1931.
He was hanged as he had shot a policeman in response to the killing of veteran freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai .

There is so much that can be written about Saheed Bhagat Singh, but historians have already written volumes.

Unfortunately, Govt. of India either forgot or did not find it necessary to mention him in any forum. Not even one advertisement was released in any of the national newspaper paying homage to Bhagat Singh. Newspapers, on their own did not even release this as news item. (Space seems to be at premium during elections to be wasted on a national hero).They have in the past and recent past released advertisements paying homage to some of the most undeserving personalities.

There were more important and pressing news, apparently, though newspapers are
a mirror of the society, the society which has lost it’s values and respect towards those heroes who laid down their lives in service of the country.
As far as electronic media is concerned, it showed it’s true concern and values i.e. TRPs.
Most of the news capsules, primetime and otherwise, had covered;
IPL
VARUN GANDHI
ELECTION NEWS
NANO
WAR OF WORDS BETWEEN JAITLEY..MODI AND CHIDAMBARAM.

Reporters were running between Varun’s residence and Chidambaram’s press conference and of course,NANO launch at Parsi Gymkhana Most of the TV channels found someone or the other party to comment/discuss Varun Gandhi.No one was interested in getting either some relation of Bhagat Singh or a historian for discussions regarding life and sacrifice of Bhagat Singh.TRPs are greater with other topics than discussions on a person who laid down his life for the country.
So much for the print and electronic media.
Without politicizing this issue, one question does arise…..why is the establishment becoming so unconcerned about the national heroes?

Be it Gandhi (mahatma), Bose, Patel and so many more. Have these national heroes lost their relevance in the modern Indian society?

Your views

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW

posted.......29/03/09

author.......B K Chowla

RECESSION.....NOT FOR POLITICIANS

Whenever you ask a serving or a new entrant to politics, you will be told that they are there only to serve the country (desh seva).

Yes may be so but it seems they have not realized that recession is a big worry.

Jobs are at stake, salaries are being reduced,CEOs have been advised to take a voluntary salary cut and there is no-no to bonus and so much more. Every industry and sector is facing recession, be it manufacturing,IT,export,textile even entertainment sector.

In such a scenario, should the netas also be taking a cut in their meager salary?

Before we debate this, let us see what they get and they are paid to serve this country.

They get..
1...Salary
2...Fees when they attend Parliament
3...Free car with driver
4...Free petrol
5...Free electricity
6...Free housing with furnishing…huge sprawling bungalows.
7...Free.. air travel
8… Free. Train travel
9...Free telephone
10..Free water
11..Personal staff salary reimbursement.
I2..Foreign travel on any “study” tour on Govt account.
13.. Rs 2 crores per year (10 cr for one term) as the area development fund. That is to take care of the constituency which voted them.
14...Free security cover for them and their family, wherever they go.
15…Free medical treatment, in India or abroad.

and much more...need to research more.

Depending upon one’s power (lok sabha seats) to negotiate, one could also head certain rich sports associations/bodies and certain high powered committees etc

Now, considering what meager money/facilities the netas get……
Should they also be giving up some of the drawings?
Should they give-up part of their security?
Should they take a salary cut? Should they give-up the vehicles they use?
Should they pay for their own electricity, water and telephones?
Should they be giving-up part of their high security cover?

After all they came into politics and took important positions just to serve the country.

Let us think about it.

After all there is recession and shouldn't’t every one help the situation?
Your opinion?


.let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW

posted......23/03/09

author......B K Chowla

ROAD RAGE.........AWARNESS

It was the 8th of March 2009, I woke up with the feeling that this day is not routine, but I brushed the feeling aside thinking it may have been a remnant of a dream.

After the regular routine and breakfast I received a reminder call from my dear friend Vipin Suri inviting me to the event which was being conducted in my building premises , I stay in a beautiful place known as ‘West end heights’ in the city of Gurgaon.

As I strolled through the gardens to the venue I saw gathering of people, most of them were my neighbors. I was somewhat aware what this event was about.
However what I was not aware of was the Intensity of this Group called

‘Road Pe Rahi Bhai bhai’. http://www.roadperaahibhaibhai.com/


It began some time ago when ‘Mrs.Bharti Chadha’ the creator of this cause had the realization as to what was happening on our roads. She realized that even her family and loved ones were not safe on the roads.
Road rage may sound as a far off reality as most perceive it as a thing that happens to others but as she looked into this from a personal standpoint she glimpsed the horror that waits to happen on the roads.
As if bad driving, road kills and car jacking is not enough, this Road rage is an emerging truth that has taken over our mindset and everyday life.

Road Pe Raahi Bhai Bhai is a stand which goes beyond observing traffic rules, to create brotherhood and compassion on our roads.
She pointed out to those of us who have used aggression in our pasts to be bold enough to take it back gracefully .If we have punched some one in the past then be ready to smile after receiving the punch back with an added kick or two.
It is a much better option to settle the issue with mutual understanding than to use aggression which most of the time leads to a trauma.

If a beginner makes a little mistake on the roads then instead of being there for them to guide, people shout insults. This can actually convert them in to crippled drivers who carry their fears on the road for the rest of their lives or to a point where some people just give up driving.
Who cares if a person will miss their deadline for a job interview which may give them the basic bread and butter to run their families?

People just have to vent out their rage and that too in the most destructive manner.
The duo, Bharti and Vipin, pointed out that it is easy to spread peace by just surprising the other person with a smile and forgiving the offender for his little mistakes, bigger issues can be sorted out with patience and without aggression.

Think of the person forgiven and the trend that will start when the same person applies it in another incident.
Think of the confidence it will sow in the young minds leading to safe drivers around us.
It is easy to sow seeds of compassion by letting go or at least have a gentle approach.
As the spokespersons Mrs. Bharti Chadha and Vipin Suri spoke there was something within me that spoke to me in a very clear and loud volume.

It was clear that much of my world is connected through the road and the reality that is road rage, is present from the point I step into my car. It can happen to me at anytime, be it a short drive to the grocery store to a long drive to an important business meeting.
I realized that my kids travel the same road so do all the people I know. I woke up to a fact that I can make a difference by just moving myself from being an observer to an active participant by taking a vow to control this mad fire that has spread all over.

For people who find it easier to shout than to have a conversation, the loss is immense but for those who care to deal with a cool mind end up getting their bodies, cars or even broken egos fixed much quicker .


Road Pe Raahi Bhai Bhai is a message for all, to value the life of a fellow traveler, just like that of your own family members and to deal with a heated incident with patience and compassion.
People realized that they were mere spectators for too long and now they had woken up to realize that it’s better to participate in a race on the road to curb road rage instead of just racing vehicles and adding fuel to this fire.

I was glad that everyone present there was an active participant and even our young people were willing to shrug of their ‘generation next’ rebellious attitudes to join hands with Road Pe Raahi Bhai Bhai.

I can truly say today that I have woken up and this is an alarm call asking all of you to wake up and give it a real deep thought. It may take a few seconds off from your time set aside for procrastinating and who knows it may end up saving your life.
I hope you understand that this is not a message but this is ‘the message ‘for all including me to think twice before participating in anger on the road even in our thought. I drive with a better view and peace today.

All you need to do is just realize, you can all assist in your small ways. To begin with Road Pe Raahi Bhai Bhai provides stickers to those who stand against road rage truly from within and have taken vow to remain peaceful and calm on our roads ,this helps to promote peace and makes a connection in the minds of all those who carry these stickers on their vehicles .
I have a vision where next time I halt at a traffic signal I want to see these yellow stickers on every vehicle, as if all the drivers have decided to enjoy the drive and share our roads with peace and safety. I have made sure all my vehicles carry these stickers and so do the vehicles of all the people I know of in my city. If you wish to wake up now, all you need to do is to reach out to your cell phone and type.
Bhai your name and address and send it to 59994 for free delivery of your stickers,
For more information take a few minutes out of your time online and logon to www.roadperaahibhaibhai.com

Let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TO MORROW
Posted……22/03/09
Author…….B K Chowla

BHARAT RATNA........WHO DESERVES?

Bharat Rattan is a very prestigious award /honor given by the Govt of India to some of the most eminent personalities including some from the international community. It is for sure, from the list of awardees, the award is genuine and not with any political affiliations.
But .Hold on
Recently, one senior functionary of the ruling coalition had a suggestion to give. He suggested honoring George W Bush with the Bharat Ratna.(may be due to nuke deal)

What the rest of the world thinks of Bush is a separate issue.

Bharat Ratna deserves a greater person to be honored with.

In my opinion, this time the Bharat Ratna should be given to none other that the man in uniform in Mumbai who risked his life but got Kasab alive.

Imagine a situation, where Kasab had not been caught alive. There would have been no confession, no proof, and no evidence.
Pakistan, would have hoodwinked us again . Like on previous occasions, the terrorists would have died and with them all the evidence would have died too. Consequences/ gains of having Kasab alive are well known.There in all 60 awardees till date.

Last five awardees
Amartya Sen
Sir Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Gopinath Bordoloi
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari
Lata Mangeshkar

First five awardees
Sir C. V. Raman
Ustad Bismillah Khan
Bhagwan Das
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya

Your opinion ?

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW

posted........20/03/09

author........B K Chowla

FUEL PRICING FUNDA

It might sound a bit surprising, but it is fact that poor man’s fuel DIESEL is expensive than the AVIATION TURBINE FUEL (ATF).

It is a different issue that the airfares have not really come down, but the prices of wage goods including that of vegetables has been increasing.

By reducing the price of ATF,the aviation sector has definitely added to their bottom lines. But, would it matter if the fare from Mumbai to Delhi was to be higher by another Rs 500?

Who are the ones who take fights regularly…
Politicians………….paid by the Govt
Businessman……….Dr to expense account.
Tourist……………..Fares (pre-discounted) in India are competitive
Emergency ………..Fares don’t matter
In such case, why is the price of ATF being reduced?

Logically, it would imply that ATF is being subsidized.

Since Sept 2008 price of ATF has been reduced by 11 times.It is understood that Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum revise ATF rates on 1st and 16th of the month(HT 16/03/09).
Incidentally, most of the hotels where the fliers stay are upwards of Rs 15000/ per night stay. In such case, is there a justification in reducing the ATF rates and that too 11 times in about six months though the fares have not been brought down.

Comparative Statement

Diesel price (Rs /ltr)
Delhi............30.86
Kolkotta……33.21
Mumbai……34.45
Chennai……32.82.

ATF prices(Rs /ltr)
Delhi……….27.10
Kolkotta……34.84
Mumbai…….27.86
Chennai…….30.31

The difference between the two products speaks for itself.

Periodically, noises are made by the petroleum ministry that the country is losing crores every day as they are subsidizing the LPG and Diesel.

Question they should be asked is obvious, why not raise the price of ATF?

How does the price of Diesel affect us (aam aadmi)
Most of the goods, across the country are transported by trucks, which as you know, run on Diesel. Any reduction in Diesel prices will bring down the prices of vegetables and all other wage goods. Poor man can do with some relief on the price front.

I don’t know about the inflation percentage, yes, MEHNGAI is killing an average man.

Your opinion?

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW

posted.....17/03/09

author.......B K Chowla

VIGILANCE ON BORDERS

Since 26/11, there has been“feeling” 0f insecurity amongst the common man .However, After Chidhambaram has taken over as the Home Minister, and there is a “feeling” of security.
He has taken his job rather seriously and at least is taking stock of the situation and seems to be taking corrective steps.
There are close to three months when the new Govt will be sworn-in in Delhi.
I have no doubt that those in power would have realized that at the moment the situation in our neighborhood is far from normal and a lot could happen between now and by the time next Govt is sworn-in Delhi
Musharraf came calling.
He was in Delhi this week for the India Today conclave. (Maulana Mahmood Madani of Jamait-ul-e-hind did embarrass him) Musharraf tried his best in sending msg to India that if required, he could take over as the President again and immediately after landing at Islamabad, during the press conference he suggested that the Pak media also should support ISI and the Military in Pakistan.
Message was very clear.
Pakistan is in midst of a turmoil and paralyzed which is not in the security interest of India.
Zardari,Nawaz and Gilani are having it out over Sheriff’s long march.
Taliban also must be watching the situation with anxiety and interest.
India at the moment should not be even seen to be going soft on Pak generally and regarding 26/11 probe in specific

Our other neighbour,Banglasdesh is in no better situation. Sheikh Hasina,though is considered to be friend of India, but has her own compulsions and priorities. Bangladesh is busy trying to locate the real men behind the recent mutiny. Part of media leak suggests that it could be Pak army and ISI behind the mutiny in Bangladesh.
Again Pak.
However, US FBI and British Scotland yard are conducting joint investigation to unearth the mutiny mystery.
Another neighbour,Sri lanka is in the midst of a civil war. There have been suicide attacks only last week.LTTE and the Lankan army is giving each other a tough time.
Nepal is already under the control of the Maoists.
Reportedly, our borders, most of it, are porous.
Terror factories across the borders were looking at the God sent opportunity such as,

Elections in India,

IPL matches in India.

Porous borders with most of Indian neighbors.

Musharraf is trying to find space in Pak politics.

Indian security forces have to worry about all this.
This will be the testing times for the India security forces.

However, the nation has full faith and the confidence in the mighty force.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW

auther....B K Chowla

posted....13/03/09

FUN FILLED GRANDPARENTS.

I am taking a break from politics to have some fun on Holi.
Please read this,it will make your HOLI an enjoyable day.
This fun msg was sent me by a dear friend Surinder.I am sending this to all friends and Grandparents.....Enjoy

What is a A GRANDPARENT? (Taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds) ?

Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own. They like other people's.


A grandfather is a man, & a grandmother is a lady!

Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see them.
They are so old they should not play hard or run. It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.

When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.

They show us and talk to us about the colors of the flowers and also why we shouldn't step on 'cracks.'

They don't say, 'Hurry up.'

Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes.

They wear glasses and funny underwear.

They can take their teeth and gums out.

Grandparents don't have to be smart.

They have to answer questions like 'Why isn't God married?' and 'How come dogs chase cats?'

When they read to us, they don't skip.. They don't mind if we ask for the same story over again.

Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have television because they are the only grown ups who like to spend time with us.



They know we should have snack time before bed time, and they say prayers with us and kiss us even when we've acted bad.

A 6-YEAR-OLD WAS ASKED WHERE HIS GRANDMA LIVED.''OH,'' HE SAID, ''SHE LIVES AT THE AIRPORT, AND WHEN WE WANT HER,WE JUST GO GET HER. THEN WHEN WE'RE DONE HAVING HER VISIT,WE TAKE HER BACK TO THE AIRPORT.




GRANDPA IS THE SMARTEST MAN ON EARTH! HE TEACHES ME GOOD THINGS, BUT I DON'T GET TO SEE HIM ENOUGH TO GET AS SMART AS HIM.


It's funny when they bend over; you hear gas leaks, and they blame their dog.

Send this to other grandparents, almost grandparents, or heck, send it to everyone. It will make their day

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW

B K Chowla

11/03/09

KASAB........ MEDIA DETAILS

Since after the unfortunate attack on 26/11, a lot is being discussed and written about the role of the media.
It is a matter of opinion and a decision of the Govt in power to lay down practical guidelines.

I was a bit surprised and taken aback on reading the Delhi edition of HT (06/03/09).
The front page headlines read as “Bomb-proof tunnel to Kasab safe”.

Along side, there are graphics showing details of prospective location of…….surveillance cameras,TADA court, tunnel , Kasab’s cell etc,etc.

Please, I am not being critical at all of the HT. All I am wondering is that,…could we have done without disclosing all these details.? Does the media, unintentionally gives away too much information.?

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW
B K Chowla
09/03/09

LOK SABHA ELECTIONS 2009

Dates for general elections for the largest Democracy in the world have been announced. The entire world wonders and appreciates the deep-rooted democratic genes in India. Every five years majority quietly takes over from the minority…

Various agencies get into election mode, some want be seen on the TV, others want be read and another class is happy converting election a drawing room discussion.

Elections in India are a boost to the economy. Few thousand crores are spent( color of currency is not important) Manufacturers of .Posters,caps,etc get busy. Hoardings, be it regular or unauthorized get painted. ,Caterers get busy for the rallies .,Anyone who is in the related business is busy and happy.Perhaps,liquer vendors are the happiest lot.
In the current recession, it is God sent opportunity.
However, what must come to any sensible person’s mind in India is……….Is democracy only a game of numbers? Or is it representing the voters as per their verdict.
This is a question both the principle parties, Congress and BJP must ask themselves..

It is more than a decade that any party came to power at the centre with working majority, ,thus resulting into a situation where the coalition leading party has had to compromise on issues, ideology and to some extent taken unpopular decisions. Junior partners have, in some cases, arm twisted the coalition into taking certain decisions which have been politically right for them and their party, but the voters have felt let down and cheated.

What is it all about?
Is it about people or power by numbers?
Is it about democratic values?
Is it about governance?
What are the issues ?
For the aam aadmi, issues are those of SECURITY,

Govt can go on declaring inflation figures in percentage (no one understands those numbers) but for aam aadmi MEHNGAI is an issue.

In a recent TV interview M. J Akbar was right when he said about lighting candles.

There are people who light candles and ensure the TV cameras are present.
Then there are those who burn candles at night as they have no electricity.
For aam aadmi issue is BIJLI, SARAK and PAANI.

Issue with the likes of IIMs is that they are no longer being offered a salary of Rs 1 cr/yr
Issue with most of the educated youth is UNEMPLOYMENT.

For about 70 cr Indians......
Sensex fluctuation is not an issue.
Gold price fluctuation is not an issue
High rate of interest on home loan is an issue.

In 62 yrs ,we have not been able to provide the very basics to the common man except a bunch of well protected VIPs, and of course all the promises they never fulfilled.

Most likely, even these election results will throw up a situation where a coalition Govt will be formed ..In such an event, both the principle parties must refuse to form a coalition and if required let the country go back to polls.

Let no one be emotional by saying that country will have to spend few thousand crores again .If it so, so be it.
Country can afford those many crores for good governance.
People now want a Govt which can deliver.

There will be an additional over 4 crore voters in 2009 compared to 2004.
We are a nation of multi culture society, and the youth have a different vision of future of India.
Let us vote for a Govt who has sincere will to Govern and does’nt treat the common man as a subject and themselves as masters.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW
B K Chowla
04/03/09