Cheerleaders, performing at the Indian IPL T20 cricket matches is a new trend in India. As usual, the self–styled moral brigade, purists, including some political parties are objecting to the performance as obscene. Their main hue and cry is against the scanty dresses worn by the cheerleaders. Too much exposure to young minds watching the cricket matches!
The cheerleaders are going to have designer look. They are likely to perform in the Hyderabad venue with designer’s dresses to fully cover their body. This is ridiculous and foolish by any standard. Women of glam, the stars, item-girls in reality shows are all performing more vulgar movements or dances and every one including the younger ones seem to be enjoying it. The media is full of the so-called vulgar display of women body. Naked men are shown on TV, advertising for branded under-wears, that too with their hard-on bulges! Why this extra-special opposition to the cheerleaders performing in the cricket matches? This type of moral policing by politicians should be stopped. There is no law to ban the performance of cheerleaders. If there is a law, then it should be applicable to Rakhi Sawant, Bipasa Basu, Malaika-Arora-Khan and Mallika Sheravat also.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Government freezes sex education
The title above was one of the important headlines in one of the Indian well-read newspapers. The state government wanted to introduce the sex education in Standards IX to XI across Maharashtra State. The proposal remained controversial for long. There was lot of opposition from the legislators and elders for the move. It was felt that the education is against the cultural and social background of students in the state.
The opposing members are of the opinion that there is already a lot of awareness about sex among the school children. As such, the children are exposed enough through internet, magazines, news papers, HIV awareness programs, films and entertainment shows on the television. Additional sex education, which may promote avoidable sexual acts among teenagers, seems to be unnecessary. The members are now calling for a debate among experts and academicians on the issue. Parent Teacher Associations can play a major role to draw up an acceptable sex education syllabus for children of different age groups, keeping cultural diversity in mind. It is a tough job indeed.
There are many incidents reported on the atrocities on girl students by senior students and even by teachers. There are many parents advocating sex education in schools so as to empower the children with the knowledge of what constitutes sexual abuse and harassment, and make them understand what actions are unacceptable. The subject should be put in the right perspective so that the children should not hesitate to discuss the sex related issues with the parents.
The opposing members are of the opinion that there is already a lot of awareness about sex among the school children. As such, the children are exposed enough through internet, magazines, news papers, HIV awareness programs, films and entertainment shows on the television. Additional sex education, which may promote avoidable sexual acts among teenagers, seems to be unnecessary. The members are now calling for a debate among experts and academicians on the issue. Parent Teacher Associations can play a major role to draw up an acceptable sex education syllabus for children of different age groups, keeping cultural diversity in mind. It is a tough job indeed.
There are many incidents reported on the atrocities on girl students by senior students and even by teachers. There are many parents advocating sex education in schools so as to empower the children with the knowledge of what constitutes sexual abuse and harassment, and make them understand what actions are unacceptable. The subject should be put in the right perspective so that the children should not hesitate to discuss the sex related issues with the parents.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Doctors on strike
The resident doctors across the Maharashtra state went on strike protesting against the dip in the number of post-graduate seats. Patients thronging the public hospitals suffered the most due to the strike. Seats were reduced because some of the courses recognized by the state-level Medical Council are not recognized by the national Medical Council of India. The courses were derecognized because of the inadequate teacher:patient ratio or poor infrastructure available in the medical colleges. The doctors called off the 4-day strike after the state government assured them that problems would be sorted out soon. The doctors apologized to patients inconvenienced by the strike.
Can the striking doctors turn away emergency cases such as the one reported widely, i.e., turning away a woman gone into labour. The woman gave birth to a baby in a taxi. Surgeries were postponed; dialysis had been stopped, serious cases such as a child suffering from acute diarrhea, was not admitted, there were not enough people for post-surgery care. There were many more of such incidents. Private clinics made money in the process.
Who should be blamed for this? The doctors who toil day in and day out in the hospitals without much rewards? Even the post-graduate courses they have taken up may not be recognized!
As usual, the government takes the resident doctors for granted and care less about their living conditions in the hospitals and not paid enough even to take care of themselves. The media, television and news papers are busy chasing the cricketers and film-stars, highlighting their incomes in crores of rupees.
The doctors are left in the lurch by everyone.
Can the striking doctors turn away emergency cases such as the one reported widely, i.e., turning away a woman gone into labour. The woman gave birth to a baby in a taxi. Surgeries were postponed; dialysis had been stopped, serious cases such as a child suffering from acute diarrhea, was not admitted, there were not enough people for post-surgery care. There were many more of such incidents. Private clinics made money in the process.
Who should be blamed for this? The doctors who toil day in and day out in the hospitals without much rewards? Even the post-graduate courses they have taken up may not be recognized!
As usual, the government takes the resident doctors for granted and care less about their living conditions in the hospitals and not paid enough even to take care of themselves. The media, television and news papers are busy chasing the cricketers and film-stars, highlighting their incomes in crores of rupees.
The doctors are left in the lurch by everyone.
Your carbon footprint
Alexandra Shimo –Barry in her new book, The Environment Equation, teaches readers how to calculate your carbon footprint. Eight Multiplication factors are provided to multiply the various bills, number of flights undertaken, etc and add them up to get your carbon footprint. Many attempts are made to scale back on energy use.
For example, the multiplication factor for monthly electricity bill is 105, the monthly oil bill by 113, the number of flights undertaken (4 hours or less) by 1,100, etc. A number below 6,000 (reflected in pounds per year) excellent and over 22,000 not so great. Good is anywhere from 6000 to 15,999.
For example, the multiplication factor for monthly electricity bill is 105, the monthly oil bill by 113, the number of flights undertaken (4 hours or less) by 1,100, etc. A number below 6,000 (reflected in pounds per year) excellent and over 22,000 not so great. Good is anywhere from 6000 to 15,999.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Beijing Olympic Torch Rally peaceful in India
The Olympic Torch Rally was peaceful in Delhi, India on 17/4/08. The capital city of India kept the Olympic spirit alive. Disruption was expected in India in view of the fact that India has been home to over 150,000 Tibetan refugees over the past fifty years as well as for Dalai Lama. China has been looking suspiciously at India as the country which is responsible for the unrest in Tibet, to destabilize China’s hold over Tibet.
Unfortunately, a film star’s photograph, holding the Torch was shown in the front page of one of the widely circulated dailies. Media to be blamed. The news paper could have published P.T. Usha carrying the Torch. Why Amir Khan? There were two Bollywood stars amongst the 49 participated in the relay. There were 21,000 security personnel to guard the torch and the runners and 1,500 protesters. The protesters had a lighted-lamp carrying campaign, which was peaceful. The length of the run was 2.3 km.
For one, the participants in the rally should have been only sportspersons and no celebrities like film stars and politicians. It should not be made to look like a ramp walk. They got in only for cheap publicity. Already, the game is being politicalized a lot. Any way, Tibetans do have a genuine reason to protest in view of the human rights violation issues concerning Tibetans. In the right spirit the Tibetans protested peacefully in true Gandhian way. Let us dream of “One World” – one day.
Unfortunately, a film star’s photograph, holding the Torch was shown in the front page of one of the widely circulated dailies. Media to be blamed. The news paper could have published P.T. Usha carrying the Torch. Why Amir Khan? There were two Bollywood stars amongst the 49 participated in the relay. There were 21,000 security personnel to guard the torch and the runners and 1,500 protesters. The protesters had a lighted-lamp carrying campaign, which was peaceful. The length of the run was 2.3 km.
For one, the participants in the rally should have been only sportspersons and no celebrities like film stars and politicians. It should not be made to look like a ramp walk. They got in only for cheap publicity. Already, the game is being politicalized a lot. Any way, Tibetans do have a genuine reason to protest in view of the human rights violation issues concerning Tibetans. In the right spirit the Tibetans protested peacefully in true Gandhian way. Let us dream of “One World” – one day.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Stray dogs – a costly global problem?
Stray dogs are one of the major eyesores of cities like Mumbai in India. There is a ban on killing stray dogs by the courts because of animal rights-activists. Typically, in Mumbai, the municipality is unable to tackle this problem in spite of spending millions of rupees on sterilization programs entrusted to some NGOs. Now, the municipality is building Dog Shelters to house the stray dogs. There are about 600,000 stray dogs in Mumbai alone.It is reported that two plots totally measuring 47acres were earmarked for the purpose. The municipal Corporation is going to spend 90 million rupees on catching the dogs, transporting them to the shelters and feeding them.
A parallel situation was reported from Moscow, Russia. Moscow is spending $64 million to castrate as many as 50,000 stray dogs because rising number of attacks on people. More than 22,000 people were bitten last year, with one-third of those were hospitalized with severe injuries. The city is building 15 shelters to house 30,000 dogs by the end of next year. The dogs will be sterilized and returned to the place where they were caught.
People with common sense and a business mind say: This is madness. It is better to spend that money on building kindergartens or schools for children. Is it ethical when there are thousands of people in Mumbai sleeping on the footpath, and the stray dogs will sleep in cozy shelters? If one can export meat (of goat, sheep and other animals) to other countries, why not export dog meat to some countries (where dog meat is a delicacy) and get some revenues?
A parallel situation was reported from Moscow, Russia. Moscow is spending $64 million to castrate as many as 50,000 stray dogs because rising number of attacks on people. More than 22,000 people were bitten last year, with one-third of those were hospitalized with severe injuries. The city is building 15 shelters to house 30,000 dogs by the end of next year. The dogs will be sterilized and returned to the place where they were caught.
People with common sense and a business mind say: This is madness. It is better to spend that money on building kindergartens or schools for children. Is it ethical when there are thousands of people in Mumbai sleeping on the footpath, and the stray dogs will sleep in cozy shelters? If one can export meat (of goat, sheep and other animals) to other countries, why not export dog meat to some countries (where dog meat is a delicacy) and get some revenues?
Friday, April 11, 2008
"Quota" Raj in India
In India, every other community wants to be included in the specified list to get the innumerable benefits of Reservation in education and employment. Reservation or Quota system in education was started initially to benefit the so-called deprived/suppressed/disadvantaged communities so as to improve their quality of life. But, soon the governments at the centre realized that the RESERVATION based on the caste system is the buzz word for getting elected to the legislature or parliament. So, the reservation policy started in early fifties continued for the past few decades. Today, may be more than 50% of the voting population belongs to this reserved categories.
The supreme court of India, on 10/04/08 has upheld the 27% additional quota for “other backward classes”, OBCs) in educational institutions. The court also asked to exclude children from “creamy layer” (whose family’s annual income exceeding 2.5 Lakh rupees as well as children of big farmers) in the OBC quota. This shows that the he apex court is against a few privileged among the backwards hogging all the quota benefits. The court also stipulated that the quotas will not apply to post-graduate courses, and the continuation of the reservation policy should be reviewed every five years.
The court’s verdict has created confusion in the premier educational institutions like IITs, IIMs and AIIMS. Admission processes are under hold in some institutions.
Sixty years after independence, it is time that one should look beyond caste. The caste system was based on a hierarchy of occupations and used to dictate whether a person belonged to a socially and educationally advanced class or not. The situation is no more remains the same. Old social hierarchies based on occupations are becoming irrelevant. Occupations are changing. Public policy should recognize these social changes.
Sometime in the future, the reservation policy, based purely on caste and creed should be scraped. Let there be adequate number of good quality colleges and institutions so that children and parents don’t have to go after these quota seats. However, economically backward class will continue to remain in view of the exorbitant fees charged by these quality institutions. I am sure that nobody wants to become poor to get the quota benefits.
The supreme court of India, on 10/04/08 has upheld the 27% additional quota for “other backward classes”, OBCs) in educational institutions. The court also asked to exclude children from “creamy layer” (whose family’s annual income exceeding 2.5 Lakh rupees as well as children of big farmers) in the OBC quota. This shows that the he apex court is against a few privileged among the backwards hogging all the quota benefits. The court also stipulated that the quotas will not apply to post-graduate courses, and the continuation of the reservation policy should be reviewed every five years.
The court’s verdict has created confusion in the premier educational institutions like IITs, IIMs and AIIMS. Admission processes are under hold in some institutions.
Sixty years after independence, it is time that one should look beyond caste. The caste system was based on a hierarchy of occupations and used to dictate whether a person belonged to a socially and educationally advanced class or not. The situation is no more remains the same. Old social hierarchies based on occupations are becoming irrelevant. Occupations are changing. Public policy should recognize these social changes.
Sometime in the future, the reservation policy, based purely on caste and creed should be scraped. Let there be adequate number of good quality colleges and institutions so that children and parents don’t have to go after these quota seats. However, economically backward class will continue to remain in view of the exorbitant fees charged by these quality institutions. I am sure that nobody wants to become poor to get the quota benefits.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
XXIX Olympaid – Beijing Olympic Torch Rally
The Slogan of the Beijing Olympaid is: One World – One Dream. It expresses the common wishes of people all over the world. One of the most recognized symbols - the Olympic emblem is truly international. The five rings represent five continents of the world and the six colors combined represent all the countries in the world.
The 29th world games are slated to start on August 8, 2008 at Beijing, China. The Olympic Torch Relay started on March 24 at Olympia and it has just concluded (April 7) the fifth leg of the relay at Eiffel Towers, Paris, France. The relay in Paris was disrupted repeatedly by the pro-Tibet activists and campaigners protesting against the human rights violations by the Chinese Communist Party. There are concerns over the potential for boycotts of the games from pro-Tibetan organizations. China has also been battling problems with air pollution both in the city of Beijing and in neighboring areas, which needs remediation before the games.
The true spirit of Olympic movement seems to have taken a beating due to the disruptions caused to the relay. The Relay may see more of these disruptions on its way to China. In view of the disruptions, the International Olympic Committee president called for unity in the worldwide Olympic movement.
Yes, it time that politicians should stop politicizing the sports, particularly the international events like Olympic Games. Violence in whatever form and for whatever reason is not compatible with the values of the Torch Rally and the Olympic Games. Let us strive for One World – One Dream.
The 29th world games are slated to start on August 8, 2008 at Beijing, China. The Olympic Torch Relay started on March 24 at Olympia and it has just concluded (April 7) the fifth leg of the relay at Eiffel Towers, Paris, France. The relay in Paris was disrupted repeatedly by the pro-Tibet activists and campaigners protesting against the human rights violations by the Chinese Communist Party. There are concerns over the potential for boycotts of the games from pro-Tibetan organizations. China has also been battling problems with air pollution both in the city of Beijing and in neighboring areas, which needs remediation before the games.
The true spirit of Olympic movement seems to have taken a beating due to the disruptions caused to the relay. The Relay may see more of these disruptions on its way to China. In view of the disruptions, the International Olympic Committee president called for unity in the worldwide Olympic movement.
Yes, it time that politicians should stop politicizing the sports, particularly the international events like Olympic Games. Violence in whatever form and for whatever reason is not compatible with the values of the Torch Rally and the Olympic Games. Let us strive for One World – One Dream.
Friday, April 4, 2008
No Honking Day in Mumbai on April 7, the World Health Day
On Monday April, 7 all of us driving vehicles will have to observe No Honking Day as per Mumbai Traffic Police. Mumbai has 1.5 million vehicles. The permissible decibel limit of horns is 90-100 decibels. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, motorists in Mumbai can be fined for using the horn needlessly. Generally, Silence Zones in the city cover 100 meters from each of these places: educational institutions, hospitals, courts and residential zones.
Experts say that continuous hearing of the honking harms the ear. Doctors estimate that 50 percent of cases of impaired hearing are because of noise pollution.
Experts say that continuous hearing of the honking harms the ear. Doctors estimate that 50 percent of cases of impaired hearing are because of noise pollution.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
India is short of 6 lakh doctors!
It is reported that India faces an acute shortage of manpower in healthcare sector. The shortfall in the country is as follows:
Doctors – 6 lakhs; Dentists – 2 lakhs and Nurses - 10 lakhs
The patient – doctor ratio (number of doctors for 10,000 people) is 1 for India, while for developed countries, the ratio varies from 548 (USA), 209 (Canada) and 166 (UK). The situation in India is pathetic. However, about 60,000 India doctors are estimated to be working in these countries. For example: 5 in every 100 doctors in the US and UK are India physicians. The Health Ministry estimated that there should be one nurse for every 500 people. As such India needs 21 lakh nurses in 2007 and only 11 lakh nurses were available. The government is envisages the setting up of 6 AIIMS-like institutions and upgrading 13 existing medical institutes in the 11th Five-year Plan. Is this enough?
There are also very great demand for medical and paramedical personnel such as, lab technicians, radiologists and physiotherapists abroad and the “export” potential for such manpower is very high.
The only solution seems to be to open more and more colleges, particularly in smaller cities and towns. Government should open up the medical education sector for private participation, particularly big industrial houses. Public-private partnership should be encouraged. The question is: How to motivate bright students to take up medicine in comparison with other lucrative sectors like IT, Manufacturing and Finance? It takes about 10 years for a full post graduate super specialized course to complete and the earnings (except a few) of medical doctors are not tempting commercially.
Doctors – 6 lakhs; Dentists – 2 lakhs and Nurses - 10 lakhs
The patient – doctor ratio (number of doctors for 10,000 people) is 1 for India, while for developed countries, the ratio varies from 548 (USA), 209 (Canada) and 166 (UK). The situation in India is pathetic. However, about 60,000 India doctors are estimated to be working in these countries. For example: 5 in every 100 doctors in the US and UK are India physicians. The Health Ministry estimated that there should be one nurse for every 500 people. As such India needs 21 lakh nurses in 2007 and only 11 lakh nurses were available. The government is envisages the setting up of 6 AIIMS-like institutions and upgrading 13 existing medical institutes in the 11th Five-year Plan. Is this enough?
There are also very great demand for medical and paramedical personnel such as, lab technicians, radiologists and physiotherapists abroad and the “export” potential for such manpower is very high.
The only solution seems to be to open more and more colleges, particularly in smaller cities and towns. Government should open up the medical education sector for private participation, particularly big industrial houses. Public-private partnership should be encouraged. The question is: How to motivate bright students to take up medicine in comparison with other lucrative sectors like IT, Manufacturing and Finance? It takes about 10 years for a full post graduate super specialized course to complete and the earnings (except a few) of medical doctors are not tempting commercially.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Greenpeace study predicts watery grave for Mumbai
A study titled “Blue Alert” was commissioned by International Greenpeace and prepared by an IIT – Chennai Humanities Professor S.C. Rajan predicts global temperature rise of the order of 4 to 5 degree C by the year 2100 if the present rate of greenhouse gas emissions continues. It is reported that the data is provided by NASA.
The report resulted in wide coverage in the Indian newspapers. Papers report 5 to 10 meters rise in the sea levels by 2100. According to the Indian organization, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) authored study; the impact of the climate change may result in the sea level rise of 0.8 meters by 2100. The spokesperson from NEERI says that the Greenpeace figures were exaggerated. However, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate change (IPCC) estimates a rise in sea level by 1.4 to 5.8 degrees C by 2100. Whatever one looks at the numbers, there is bound to be rise in the sea levels and the low-elevation coastal areas worldwide are going to be submerged under the sea. The Greenpeace organization is already launched a campaign to mobilize public opinion and awareness on the issue.
The coastal areas and reclaimed land in many India cities are expected to be submerged. In Mumbai, areas such as Colaba, Bandra, Worli, Marine Drive and Gateway of India are all under the threat. Other cities which are going to be affected are Chennai, Kolkata, Goa and Cochin. The report is bound to create unwarranted mass hysteria. The Geological Survey of India has been keeping track of 50 glaciers on a regular basis and their findings show that none of the glaciers has shown any high rate of retreat. The fallout of the coastal submersion and submersion of the agricultural land and forests is the management of millions of the displaced people from the country, and migration of the similarly affected people from other neighboring counties such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to India.
The practical approach to such a situation is adaptation to the scenario, and be ready with a comprehensive plan of action at every level, to minimize the consequences, including threat to national security by the migrating population and possible submergence of defense establishments generally located in the coastal areas.
The report resulted in wide coverage in the Indian newspapers. Papers report 5 to 10 meters rise in the sea levels by 2100. According to the Indian organization, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) authored study; the impact of the climate change may result in the sea level rise of 0.8 meters by 2100. The spokesperson from NEERI says that the Greenpeace figures were exaggerated. However, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate change (IPCC) estimates a rise in sea level by 1.4 to 5.8 degrees C by 2100. Whatever one looks at the numbers, there is bound to be rise in the sea levels and the low-elevation coastal areas worldwide are going to be submerged under the sea. The Greenpeace organization is already launched a campaign to mobilize public opinion and awareness on the issue.
The coastal areas and reclaimed land in many India cities are expected to be submerged. In Mumbai, areas such as Colaba, Bandra, Worli, Marine Drive and Gateway of India are all under the threat. Other cities which are going to be affected are Chennai, Kolkata, Goa and Cochin. The report is bound to create unwarranted mass hysteria. The Geological Survey of India has been keeping track of 50 glaciers on a regular basis and their findings show that none of the glaciers has shown any high rate of retreat. The fallout of the coastal submersion and submersion of the agricultural land and forests is the management of millions of the displaced people from the country, and migration of the similarly affected people from other neighboring counties such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to India.
The practical approach to such a situation is adaptation to the scenario, and be ready with a comprehensive plan of action at every level, to minimize the consequences, including threat to national security by the migrating population and possible submergence of defense establishments generally located in the coastal areas.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
