The Year That Was

The year that was defined

by pandemic,

work from home,

school from home,

and by the establishment's struggle

to show everything was normal.

But if anything,

it wasn't normal.

It was about letting go

social life,

letting go

meeting with the loved ones

even those who lived at seven kilometres,

letting go

small celebrations

and letting go

to gather and protest.

The year that was,

of misinformation,

of lying,

of burying information

of selective justice,

of denying rape and suicide,

of superstition,

of polarisation

of horse-trading,

and elections,

a marker of a new normal.

It was the 'new' normal,

for the working class,

and travellers in public services

with wearing masks,

using sanitisers, and

social distancing.

But in the new normal

we couldn't let go,

Outdated learning,

Outdated methods of doing things,

and being selfish.

When we should have focussed

on health and nutrition,

on fulfilling hobbies,

And on staying happy,

We continued

We pushed,

we fought,

to keep everything as is.

In a way we fulfilled

the ruler's wish.

The year that was

of losing people of all classes,

to suicide,

to the disease,

to fear of disease,

and to walking thousands of kilometre home,

because there wasn't another way,

or money.

The year that was,

of death,

and death alone.

#2020 #bye2020

Bharli Wangi & Bhakri

Two days ago , I was in terrible mood . As usual , Mister had no idea how to get rid of my bad temper. You see , its his responsibility as he ends up bearing the brunt of my temper . So, in his trial and error , he took me to a restaurant for dinner. This restaurant is called Garam Masala  who serves authentic Marathi cuisine alongside Punjabi food and some liquor  . Frankly, I am not greatest fans of Garam Masala , but I'd decided to not interrupt in his bid to calm me .

He ordered  Bharli wangi and Bhakri for us . This Bharli wangi turned out to be  awesome . It had  everything in proportion . So well , that it has now become a bench mark for me on next outing anywhere . Needless to say , I was back  in real world sooner and accepting my good fortunes.  So , now why I am writing this -Because Athawale and RJ Archana of 91.1 .

A few days ago , RPI has taken on its agenda to save Marathi Cuisine.  They are insisting hotels to  keep it on their Menu card .  Ofcourse we are aware how strong is our political will to protect the culture of Marathi . I precisely know why Mr. Athawale was worried , It is due to people like RJ  Archana who said , "Yeh theatre mein toh ghus gaye , ab restaurant mein bhi decide karenge." (These people have already barged in Theater and now trying to gatecrash Restaurant ) . Now, the way she said it , she didn't seem to be talking about Political Goons , but for overall "Marathi" .  So, its natural for Mr. Athawale to be more concerned .

 On my finger tips we can count 10 marathi cuisine serving restaurants who serve top food consistently and mind you at a rate which fits most people's pocket too.  So, my suggestion to Athwale sir is work to  provide these restaurants an umbrella of safe business (tax havens/ lesser corruption/more food festivals) to help them survive than rathar urging everyone to take Marathi cuisine and convert it something continental or international ultimately spoiling the taste . And for Ms. Archana , Madam , People will sniff Marathi food and Culture . Be it a fried surmai , Oily misal , Bharli wangi or dietry Bhakari. They are here to stay .

Follow #marathicuisine & @vanitabodke on twitter to know where you can get & what . 

The Alternate View

The beauty of alternate is it keeps changing . The alternate view takes centuries & generations to change & it aims become contemporary. These views exists as a folk tale , poem, an individual thought or  a book .  Today we see alternate view more prominently , thanks to internet .  The churning of these views contemporary vs alternate keeps this very Indian culture beaming and vibrant . I was witness to such an alternate view , recently .

Shivaji Underground in Bheemnagar Mohalla is Marathi drama/skit which pushes this alternate view .  This is indeed first drama I have ever seen in theatre & It completely amazed me. The technicalities are well  handled , the use of sound, light, stage & ofcourse the music score . Everything was above par . Marathi Drama industry is truly blessed . The theater was more than 70 percent full on a rainy weekday.  The drama has already won several awards and its cast include none of the stars of Marathi cinema , it says the artist are farmers of Jalna village .

The plot -Yamraj is assigned with the responsibility of bringing Shivaji's soul & thoughts from earth . While returning with Shivaji , Yam asks him whether he brought his thoughts with him, Shivaji tells he left them on earth , he needs to get it back . Shivaji leaves his "Jeere tope"  (Cap) with Yam . Needless to say Shivaji  doesn't return reminding audience of his great escape from Agra . Yam is subsequently suspended till he brings back Shivaji & his thoughts . Fast Forwarded  today's era Yam still looking for a guy on whom tope would fit & its not the size of head he is looking for , but brain . Anyone who speaks  little sense , Yam tries to fit the Tope .

Often , Shivaji is potrayed as a king who fought Muslim . He was sent by the Gods to establish Hinduism . If you follow most of the wars fought by Shivaji , former might seem true . In National History he is often treated as disillusioned king  who wanted freedom.  My school history only devoted a paragraph  to this "regional" hero and chapter on Sinhagad Fort in hindi literature. The same education , though gave me an oppurtunity know Shivaji more through curriculum project and I knew where to head , state board syllabus . Though I did do well from others however I wish , I should have been to Central Library in Mumbai . I should have researched him bit more . So, when one of my earlier bosses called him 'mountain rats' , I did not take it to slightest of my liking , sensing my dislike for comment he said , what I meant was he kept hiding from one for to another though his Gorilla warfare saved Vietnam from America in 1970s. His addition made me wonder what this king was doing by winning these forts. Ofcourse , I am not yet an enlightened about Shivaji who now I feel is a subject in itself .

The drama is an attempt to erase lots of myth about , Shivaji -The Great Maratha King . The one among it he was "Gods own form" & his sword was gifted to him by none other than Goddess Bhavani . The truth is , his Sword was world class as it was Portugal make . He was not fighting against Muslims , He was fighting against a ruler who was notorious , a ruler who was ripping common man of wealth . The drama throws light on how his army had people from across caste & how he facilitated research in modern arms in those time . 11 of 33 bodyguards of Shivaji were Muslim . Babasaheb Ambedkar rightly called him king of "Shudras" .He was one of the most un-superstitious kings, he mostly traveled on Amavasya (Considered most Inauspicious) .The drama will tell you several stories of Maharashtra's beloved king.

The drama also tels today Shivaji is lost in political mileage gaining . The drama throws light bigotry of today's political class . Hlow even common man switches side to fill his own stomach .  The drama accuses Brahmins & Marathas . The drama says these very people opposed his "kinghood" and these people are now manipulating history & glorifying Shivaji for their personal interest . Though it is not false what drama tells , but I would say its history .  For a class to rise one should not pull down the other .  The purpose is to bring equality.

At one point of time there is question asked in drama , which book is true ? which book to follow ? who writes truthfully ? It is indeed a difficult question .The writer tries to say may be a book which appeals to you or which is not biased. If the mind is biased , how do you find a true book?

The drama is ofcourse served with humour & good music. It makes your ride easier through this complicated narrative . It does gets little loud & preachy on  2 to 3 occasions , but its over all a job well done .

Husband was little disappointed .  After having Popcorn , Samosa and tea he couldn't get his hands on Garam Wada , Sigh !!!

The Story Of Chhatrapati Shivaji's Date Of Birth

On 30th March ( Falgun Krishna Tritiya), most of Maharashtra will celebrate his Jayanti . Now why only most Maharashtra will celebrate , and others won't considering Chhatrapati is respected by everyone who is born Marathi is because some have already celebrated it on Feb 19 . 
Ajit Ranade on Feb 19 tweeted this , reproduced below:

Overheard: आज राष्ट्रवादी आणि कॉंग्रेस वाल्यांची शिवजयंती आहे. एप्रिल मध्ये शिवसेनेची येईल

which means: NCP/Congress will celebrate  Shiv Jayanti on Feb 19 , shiv sena' Jayanti will come in April  . 

In response I replied with what I knew on subject : that some Historian question Feb 19  as actual DOB of  Shivaji and in response he said Lokmanya has role in this controversy . He later put this query to Raju Lokapur who has done a lot of study on subject  and he gave us some wonderful insights on this duel date and it starts with :-

Lokamanya Tilak didn't contribute to any confusion . When he started the Shiv Jayanti Utsav in 1896 time frame in Pune, the accepted date of birth of Shivaji was  Vaishakh Shudh Dwitiya of Shaka 1549 (Prabhav Samvatsara) corresponding to Thursday, 6 April 1627 based on several "bakhars"  such as 91-Kalami, Chitnis, Pant-Pratinidhee, Shiv-Digvijay, Satarkar Chhatrapthi, Shedgaonkar, etc.

 

However, VK Rajwade was the first to come across Tanjavur sheela-lekh in 1906 that mentioned the birth date of Shivaji as Phalgun Krishna Tritiya of Shaka 1551 (Shukla Samvatsara) corresponding to Friday, 19 Feb.1630

 

Then one SM Divekar went to Tanjavur around 1918 and obtained a Tamil poem called "Shiv-Bharat" that re-iterated the new date. The other evidences were :

a) The earlier date of 1627 was taken as official as famous British historian Grant Duff borrowed it from Chitnis bakhar written in 1820's, which in turn relies heavily on Sabhasad bakhar that was written at Fort Ginjee in 1697 at the suggestion of Rajaram Maharaj; however, several references have later proved to be inaccurate, probably since the bakhar was compiled during war-time and far away from Maharashtra.

b) The janma-patrika of Shivaji found in libararies of Rajasthan royal families around 1924, that were compiled in when Shivaji met Mirza Raje Jaising multiple times during 1665. The library also has janma-patrika of other 17th century personalities such as Shahji, Sambhaji, Shah Jehan and some Mughal mansabdars, and have proven to be authentic.

(c) The references of Ramdas Swami disciples. 

(d) the movement & battles of Shahji with Mughal and Adilshahi forces, notably DaryaKhan, during 1627-32 period in & around Pune, and the killing of Lakhuji Jadavrao at the Nizamshah darbar also re-inforces that Friday, 19 Feb.1630 evening (6.10 pm) as the correct time of Shivaji's birth. 

All further research has shown the latter to be the correct date based on Jedhe Shakavali, Shri Forbes Gujarathi Sabha, as also the horoscopes found at Biyawar, Badnera, Bikaner, etc. The other references of movement of Shahji and his battles with Mughal & Adilshah forces also re-confirms the latter to be the correct date of birth.

 

Lokamanya Tilak himself acknowledged that there was some confusion about the two dates in Kesari editorials in 1916 and 1920, and emphasized that more research needed to be done. The conclusive evidence, however, came about in 1924, i.e., four years after the death of Lokamanya Tilak.

 

For a few years until 1932, the birth-day celebrations continued on both dates when Bharatiya Itihas Samshodhak Mandal of Pune accepted the 1630 as birth year of Shivaji

 

In 1966-67, Govt.of Maharashtra appointed an expert committee to conclude the debate, that confirmed 1630 as the year of birth of Shivaji

 

The lunar calender date of Phalgun Krishna Tritiya never falls on 19 Feb any more as the Protestant Church of England corrected their Gregorian calender in 1752 by dropping 10-days to correct itself and coincide with the Vatican year

 

Therefore, the natural frequency of Phalgun Krishna Tritiya shifted to 4-30 March in present day calendar (2013) that creates a confusion in the minds of most people .

I found this bit interesting & worthwhile , hence shared here :) .

A Few Thoughts on An Extremist

A few weeks back millions came to pay homage to Bal thackrey . If he was hated so much , then from where those millions came from . Once someone told me no one would give a f*** about thackrey , had he born in Vidarbha .  I chuckled and said no wonder Vidarbh is not a separate state yet .  Other person said , " Had I got so much love from people , I would have really worked to change life of these people ? He never stepped out of Matoshree " . I said , "The scale of influence of thackrey on an average Maharashtrian is isn't measurable."  I might be wrong , he may not changed even single person's life or he might have.

The thing about Thackrey which I envy most is the era in which he spent his teens . He was merely 20 when India got its independence & world had just witnessed the world war . I wish I was born  around same time . On the day he died , Saam TV  was broadcasted an old interview of Balasaheb . In that interview thackrey seamlessly spoke about Stalin , Churchill and Nehru . He described cartoons of those times , explained in great detail how it created impact on him those times .It wasn't surprising that when Winston Churchill's biography was published, Thackeray was asked to contribute six of his cartoons. One just have to look at  his cartoons and you will what transpired in Indian politics in 60s -80s.

For me Thackrey is introduction page to politics . Had it  not been his speeches then , I may not have taken interest in 1998  assembly elections or thereafter many  elections that took place . For me Thackrey is an example of great orator and Free speech.  All in All thackrey always had positive influence on me  . Its what I took from him .

 It rather saddened me when there was more online cynicism & hatred for him .  So , the post. 

-A Bal Thackrey Fan

Coup

 Recently there was a coup in Maldives and in past Bangladesh and Pakistan had their share of Military coups. Infact rumours of Chinese coup were heard not  long ago. However if Someone comes to me and say there have had been a Coup in India , I'd say  you must be kidding  and go on with Day today chores . After the "C" story in Indian Express , I wonder how I may react . The "twitteratti" had gone crazy after the story broke . Its Shekhar Gupta's luck that virtual ranting doesn't kill people yet . As matter of fact , if it did , Many would have been dead . The outrage was quite disruptive .

A lot of dirty linen has been already washed  in public between Govt. and COAS Gen. V. K. Singh . Every news is converting into a Saga, courtesy Media .Anything for prime time TRP . As per Nitin Pai's blog here , The story of coup would not have been printed without the consent of Govt . Still, the Govt. allowed a press to go ahead with a story whose magnitude is equally damaging to Army and Govt.  Also he makes a point , "A Coup" is ruled out because its India .

For long , we have been taking pride for being largest democracy in the world and in recent times I have also read how we leverage being one . Alot of sighed in relief , when  " Left front " pulled out of UPA-1 in 2008 and the govt. was able to get the threshold seats in parliament . The philosophy was stability  and everyone I knew personally didn't want midterm elections. Being democratic country , we are a respected lot internationally , we counterbalance China and our market is growing steadily in terms of Investment .

The Army movements which happened on January 15th , is not a good sign. Army said it was usual where as many reports suggest , it ain't be .  The last thing this nation wants is Anarchy or a military raj , we already have had a failed govt.

Mussadi meets Gandhi

Thirty-one year old Mussadi was staring at the Income Tax notice in front of him. It was the tenth time in past two days he had read the notice . The notice said he owes income tax around  five lakh rupees for filing false returns for past nine years . 

Mussadi was sitting at his office desk, it was five to ten in the night , he was the only guy sitting on his floor . He folded the letter, shoved it in his laptop bag . He also folded the laptop without waiting for it to shut down. As he was moving out of his cubicle , he saw the "I am Anna" cap on the desk which he had purchased a month back from Ramlila ground where he had gone to register his protest against corruption .  He was so proud to be Indian then . People who were farmers, common folks , and young people like him had come there . 

When Kejriwal was taking oath , along with thousands of people he also took the oath of neither paying nor accepting the bribe. Though in his case he never paid any  bribes, except on a few occasion like when he used to make a 'jugaad' of sleeper coach ticket while boarding the train with general class ticket  and  the ticket checker used to managed it for few hundred bucks  and never accepted any kind of favours from his clients (which was indeed a difficult job in his profile of marketing). Only  Diwali /Dusshera gifts in line with festive occasion was acceptable.

 

The day Mussadi  took the oath , he decided do away with these small favours/jugaad too with considering  consequences. 

"May be truth was only for Gandhi " thought Mussadi. He took the cap , and was about to  drop it in the bin, someone called his name  from behind,  he turned . 

There stood a figure of the famous short man

from the history of the world and India, Gandhi. The Mahatma wasn't dressed in his usual dhoti, his attire consisted of Pagdi and his Suit which he wore when he practiced law professionally,  As if to protest against the mockery which was being made of  his principals and him.

 Gandhi walked towards him. He took the cap from Mussadi and asked , "you are giving up truth ,may I know why?"  

Mussadi looked at Gandhi confused, he was not drunk for sure.

Gandhi said again, "sit down, Mussadi." placing his hand on shoulder and gestured him to sit .

Mussadi finally spoke in past  two days ," Life was much easier prior to that day. " Gandhi said "the day you took the oath ?" Mussadi said "yes , much easier , happier and financially better. " Gandhi asked ,"How your life worsened after you  took the oath ?" Mussadi begun ," The day I took oath , I decided not to use any types of 'jugaad' . First my dad fixed my sisters marriage on a short notice , fllight was too expensive to travel . I didnt get tickets for train , and I had to travel in general class like a cattle. " Gandhi almost smiled , puzzled Mussadi asked , " why are you smiling ?" Gandhi said ,"Isn't Shashi Tharoor was backlashed  for using "cattle class" for  economy in flights." Mussadi replied in tired tone,"Yeah , but thts how they bring people in general compartment of train and thats not the only thing . The contractor for wedding told us that if we paid 15 % in cash , we will save some money . I told him we want a whole invoice , he agreed and we ended up paying a lakh more . Dad cursed himself for calling me for wedding arrangements . He said , they  ended up spending more for everything . And the major blunder has been income tax. My consultant repeatedly told me not to pay more taxes , I told him its what I owe to government this year. I paid  more than double tax  compared to previous year . Infact every year I get returns to the tune of 12000. And what  the department does to my goodwill of high income tax payment , slam me a notice of 5 lakhs. I dont even have that kind of a cash and Dad has refused to help . My tax consultant told me to shell out 50k to burry the matter . " Mussadi  conitinued " You know what , I am done with this corruption thing , patriotism and truth. All I want is a normal life ."

 Gandhi who was sitting on Mussadi's desk , stood up and walked around. Then he took Mussadi by arm and took him to the balcony , he looked at Mussadi and then at the populated dense city view from balcony , " Normal life means a house , car , a wife and kids." Mussadi noded slowly in agreement. After a pause Gandhi asked " Do you regret that you also refused a wrist watch , I mean a "Swatch"  from one of the clients last week ? " Mussadi replied immediately "No , absolutely not , infact , I closed an order at my price.  The feeling was ecstatic.  Why are you asking. ? " Gandhi ignored  the question ,  " You also strictly followed the 10 o'clock deadline on your sister's wedding  for sound and banned noise making firecrackers. Do you regret ?" Mussadi  " No...err where are you leading me, Sir. " Gandhi replied  ," I am  indicating  at things which money doesn't buy. " Mussadi still  looked confused . Gandhi continued ," 5 lakh is a life changing amount for a youth like you . So , I leave it to you , how you tackle the notice in today's time . We live in changed times and money is important .Living by law might be difficult especially when you know they are made by other human beings , but whatever you do please once think about that one person who lives in much worse conditions . How your decision affects him ? " and Gandhi left from the door . Mussadi who was standing at balcony was stunned. Only a few seconds later he ran to the otherside to find noone .
Mussadi returned to the desk , a security guard was standing there . Mussadi in anticipation replied " I am leaving now, you can lock ." He looked around , no one was there.  By the time he took the elevator to ground floor , he understood what he wants to do with the notice.
At home , he opened his laptop and drafted a reply to income tax .

Mumbai Blasts

I am angry , very angry . Another set of blasts and once again PC tells us Indian Mujahiddin and Lashkar behind blast . Thats a real IB work , before Diggi raja figured that there could be RSS hand in it .  No, I am not being regionalist nor am being an angry Mumbaikar . I am being citizen of this country . I am demanding for my safety which is my right and the duty of government.

How much more I need to pay for being Indian. We know the havens where the refuge  put themselves up and  for cheap vote politics they get water supply and a ration card. I put up with alive Qasab whose expenditure is my income tax . More than this is lives of 100s of people which are jeopardised in these blasts and attacks. And what we do , We conduct high level "talks" with our enemy . We send a poorly made dossier to them and they deny it simply !!!!

When this year Osama Bin Laden was killed , experts  in India  were aware  of more attacks and proxy war . Then why in world the security wasn't tightened enough?  Why there have been eyewashes of mock drills ? Why we always face those age old problems of lapse in security and communication gap betwen ATS , Police , Navy and IB ? When the govt . is suppose to wake up from the deep slumber ? Can govt. please look into security matters after it gets time from salvaging its "coalition" issues ? I want answers and am not taking  no for any of them !!!

I guess now PC will say , we are an open society and it gets difficult to trace such attacks !!!!

Delhi , Mumbai, Jaipur , Pune and Banglore . How many more major cities are to be blown up !!! Time government answered us now .

As we move towards 2011

1st Decemeber  made me realise 11 months of 2010  are gone.......its the 12th month....... and next month it would be 2011 . Time flies !! 2010 may not be the year of significant happenings in my life however this still would be an year of  significant importance  . The year was of self discovery , analysis and in changed (I changed job) scenario I had spare time.This year begun with bunking office party for night out with my girl friends . I must say it was great fun and I had office next day :-/.  So the begining was cool... :)

This year also marked itself a place Sachin Tendulkar's achievments . He became the first batsman to score 200* in the history of one day cricket.

Then we had IPL season 3 in India . IPL3 redefined marketing and advertising strategies and expenses. (yeh laga citi chauka nad "xyz" super sixes  etc...) . It was epitome of commercialisation. Hyderabad matches were moved to Mumbai , due to disturbance of Telangana formation .  A full set of matches moved to Mumbai . Only after watching Semi finals in stadium which were also moved to Mumbai after bomb scare in Banglore and I getting tickets on last moment , it made me realise what a leap expenditures in marketing had take.  The once upon a time banners were now replaced by electronic screen and I better not speak about cost of tickets.
The mess which was publicly dug out between ex external affair minister and ex IPL chairman Lalit Modi was really shameful.  The mess as well the behavior both .

Then Rahul Gandhi travelled to mumbai ,  he travelled in local train  (won my heart ) and made me rethink over taking him seriously . Just I was trying to take fellow seriously , towards the end of the year he came up with comparing RSS with SIMI . Does he even know whats the history of RSS ??? and trackrecord of SIMI??? The worst part is  , he is being tipped as "Future Prime Minister ."   What does the "FPM" do , coins new term like "Hindu terrorism"!!! . I thought terrorism has no religion

Between this our government  did pass nuclear liability bill which will ensure in future we will able to meet our power consumption requirements throug nuclear energy .Also the necessray ammendments ensure better compensations in case of accidents (still low compared to other countries like USA) .

Meanwhile amidst all this , I did mountaineering in Maharashtra .I did climb the Bhimashankar and Karnala . It was good test of stamina and fitness .I enjoyed the breahtaking beauty of Sahyadri and Maval from the peaks . I  enjoyed these treks as much as the tales of Bhimashankar , Jejuri and Karnala .

How can I forget the CWG achievements of the players . I confess , I didnt follow the games however the achievments of Indian sportsperson  made me proud .Raining of medals did compell me to take look at the games on television . Saina Nehwal , who is no.1 Badminton player made India proud by winning across the continent .
Kalmadi , I must say is the guy who should go behind bars . It brought so much embarrasment to our country. The farce of games village and mismangement of finances making India more poorer :( . Guess what Kalmadi has a company to serve in Jail. Telecom minister Raja who made us poorer by lakhs of Crores . I want to see him behind bars too.

Oh!! I forgot ,  I did once again tried losing weight :) this year . I am not kidding . I do take a lot of pride in saying that I feel confident enough in my curent apearance . However after second look in the mirror I realised ,is it bad if I can look much better and fitter . After all its for health . I did lose some but not much . its a continuous process ;)

It was an interesting  ride of sports ,politics and my life and my views on it (my blog) this year. Hope to see much better things in future . As the year is reaching its end , yet again there is much more curiosity about the new year and I hope it brings a lot of happiness &  prosperity for everyone . :) :)

If Polititians Twitted

 When I heard about twitter ; I was simply not intersted in joining one more social  networking websites. Then came Shashi Tharoor whose articles I have read regularly in Times of India ( Sunday Edition) and I was very delighted when  he got elected in LS Polls and also became minister of External affairs. The second thought was I hope the seat does not get wasted....... ....He truly paid back by keeping us updated on twitter... If  not Shashi Tharoor , I won't have been on twitter ( Twitter should make him as a brand ambassador in India :))......Though I found twitter bit complicated ( I have to still get hang of it) ..... It was fun  and absolute delight to  see Karan Johar , Mr. Birla , Chetan Bhagat and other celebrities so near to their fans and followers...... almost discussing about international Subjects ,book releases , and their personal lives too..... One of the tweets from SRK mentioned about fight between his two kids....  so sweet

then eventually a thought crossed my mind .....what if the battles which are fought on roads come to internet...........Just imagine Uddhav tweeting about possible ban on MNIK .... or on more serious front P.Chindabaram announcing formation of state of Telangana...... or Rahul Gandhi inviting youth to join congress on Twitter.... People who run the India Inc..... more nearer to a concerned & educated crowd....( when I say this , there is whole set of "right"  "left" and apolitical crowd on social networking sites ..... concerned on policies and willing to participate) .....Just imagine budget being discussed with a common man ......

May be Internet may not represent whole India ( our majority population is still in villages and lacks basic amenities  too )....but may be if politics come little more closer to this net savvy.... wanting to ask question crowd.... we could further become more professional India Inc ........ May be it  could create more nuisance....  may be not else we won't have seen so much of bollywood around......... May be the least our polititians could do is write blogs... :) :)

Regards
Vanita Bodke

PS: Ministry of power website is updated on day today basis , even the consumer greivance forum website is not bad, RTI is also a great tool....... Am just indicating may be the government is not opaque.....however certainly a transparent system works more efficiently

When Rahul Gandhi Travelled by train

Yesterday Morning (February 5th , 2010 )..... we had a news channel runnning the news that Rahul Gandhi is reaching Mumbai &  Shiv Sena will try in every possible ways to make his visit a failure.... the  channel showed text SMS where Shiv Sena directed people to welcome Rahul ( probably future prime minister) with black flags.... Wow........when I was watching news I felt congress is doing a gimmick and Sena is replying back in gimmick :)... I saw his itenary which said from airport to Juhu & then to Vikhroli by helicopter ( My instant feeling was : Polititians , I hate them they blow up tax payer's money like this ) and left for office.

As  a commoner I don't hate Rahul Gandhi ,however neither do I like him.... ... One of the major reasons ,  Rahul's area of interest are UP , Bihar and north east  as if they are the only states of India.......My Mahrashtra also has its share of problems ; Mumbai /Mahrashtra has always been denied fund , or given in a diminished amount ( 26/ 7 major infrastructure development , Railway line upgradation  ) ....Majority of my state lives in load shedding upto 6 hrs .... there were no power plant generation projects in pipeline for years..........and poor farmers taking suicide as a route to solve their problems..........He would understand this only if he visits us.........& he being from centre ( he is being promoted as future prime minister too ) makes him an important personality...........

 In the evening when I reached home , I asked so how was Rahul's Trip ( in a sarcastic tone ) ; and my sister said he travelled by local train......... I was delighted .... finally ; someone knows how to reach people and their heart .... Sena's plan was foiled too ........Ek teer se do nishan..... :) :) ....

Just adding - I hope he visits other parts of the state too as Mumbai is part of Maharashtra and not whole Maharashtra ..... I hope to Maharashtra gets benefitted from Rahul Gandhi's Visit....

Signing Off
Vanita