MonSoon Atlast....

Much awaited monsoon reached visakhapatnam yesterday. We had first rain of monsoon in the evening. There were intermittent rains for the day today. It is nice to see the downpour yet again. Reminds me of days of continuous rains back home in Kerala. Here the frequency of rains are not that good, neither is the quantity. But you can feel the smell of earth with each rain especially the starting ones. Only problem is that insects, frogs & snakes shall come in abundance ...

Hail Rain

M F HUSAIN

Maqbool Fida Husain passed away at 95 in a London hospital. His raise from a cinema hoarding painter to renowned artist of India was a tough journey. He is called 'Picasso of India'. He was living in exile in the gulf owing to threats to his life back home. Controversies remained his constant companion. He took Indian modern art to great levels. This master of very large canvas was living life to the hilt till the very end of his journey in earth. He also directed a couple of movies with leading bollywood actresses. Probably the many horses one sees in his paintings was an indication of youth & virility of his mind. With his passing away, world loses one mastero in the field.

Good Start for UDF Government in Kerala

'Moolampilly' strike for rehabilitation of displaced families were continuing for a good 40 months. A lot of litigation were also involved. It is nice to note that there had been an agreement with state government & the strike had been called off.

Kochi Metro is planned to be implemented in Chennai metro model wherein both central & state governments shall have equal share. May Kochi metro become a reality soon.

When there was a hike in the petrol price, state government decided not have the extra income through taxation of state. Though this did not result in appreciable relief to the consumer, the gesture was well received.

Overall assessment is that present UDF government in Kerala is having a good start. May the tempo be maintained & the opposition continue to play a creative role.

Will all the political parties ban bandh/harthal/whatever name it is called. Or atleast let all agree to a fixed number of hartals in a year.

Fasting is Good

It is heartening to note that protests are being done in the non-violence way as weaponised by 'Father of our Nation'. We had a series of 'fasting Satyagraha' against corruption. They were widely supported by the citizens of India. However, the recent one at 'RamLila Maidan' turned a bit sore owing to state intervention. Leader of fasting was carried away by the police & the participants were evicted. To me, there is nothing wrong in state intervening in any situation as far as the dignity & freedom of individuals are protected. It was sad to note that the eviction was done in dead night. May be state could have avoided that timing. After all people were sitting peacefully demanding action against corruption, black money etc. The issues raised by different eminent persons have been long back shoved into closets. Someday or the other, state will have to act on these issues. A developing country like ours can't have politicians acting on short term gains. Governance must have long term goals & political agenda should not get mixed with these long term goals. At least lets all agree on infrastructure developments - Roads, Bridges, Ports, Telecommunication facilities etc. If we are to get big chunks of works involving huge money, there is a need for private sector & government sector participation. There is profitability issue but more importantly there is issues regarding to corruption via kick backs. By improving upon transparency & involving as many as stake holders, we can alleviate this issue to some extent. May governments look into such directions so that issues raised by civil bodies can be addressed & redressed to a great extent.