Anna Hazare's Jan Lokpal Bill

Today is the 8th day of fast by Anna. His health is deteriorating. Now Govt. is worried as any serious turn will lead to widespread agitation and Congress & UPA can say good bye to its chances of forming Govt after next election. But Govt. is now short of time. A week was wasted in assessing the situation. They waited to see if the crowds would melt away and they can get rid of Anna as they did with Baba Ramdev. But exactly opposite has happened. Ramlila maidan is witnessing more and more agitators.In Civil society there are more and more voices of dissent with Team Anna. It's painful to read and hear eminent people criticizing Jan Lokpal Bill without offering any new vision or changes in the Bill. Where were they since April when Govt and Team Anna held parleys to draft Lokpal Bill ? They did not insist that their point of view be heard, discussed and added to Lokpal Bill. They would have realized today that Govt. would have treated their suggestions with contempt and would have tabled same Lokpal Bill in Parliament. All Political parties are together in enacting weak Lokpal Bill which would be like CAG or CVC- a toothless,stuffed Tiger.

I do not accept the contention Jan Lokpal Bill is flawed because it is not practical or pragmatic. We can not find honest people to be members of Lokpal, or it will be overwhelmed by cases of corruption at Lower level. Yes if you want to keep Judiciary or M.P.'s action in Parliament out of Lokpal's preview, do so. We can amend and include them in future. But we must have strong Lokpal and then we will see what happens. British never believed that We could Govern. If we had agreed to that then half the world would still be under British rule. We bit the Bullet and today imperfect may be but we are the biggest democracy in world and have changed Governments through elections.

Yes, its possible that Jan Lokpal Bill's shortcoming will hinder its implementation and reduce its effectiveness. But we will not know it till the Jan Lokpal bill is passed and becomes a Law. Whatever the shortcoming it can be corrected by amendments,addition and deleting clauses. Not to pass it because "it will not work", "it will make super dictator", "corruption will not be curbed" etc etc shows lack of guts to take the risk. We will have to take the plunge in the stormy water if we want to Cross. there is no alternative to this.--PK

Punishment to Maria Susiraj

Judgement and Punishment to accused in Neeraj Grover Murder case is out. Mathew is held Guilty of Culpable Homicide and Susiraj is held guilty of only Destroying Evidence. She was awarded Jail Term for 3 yrs and as she was in jail for more than 3 yrs , she walked out free. This has not gone down well with friends and relatives of Neeraj,They are upset about the fact that she walked out free. They held Candle Light March and are planning to demonstrate against judgement. A twitter war broke out between Suhail Seth and Pritish Nandy. Nandy rightly pointed out here that right way to protest is to demand that Govt. should appeal against the judgement. Once the Hon Court announces Judgement, only higher court can change it.

In India, Maria Susiraj, though present at the scene of crime and also probably helped in chopping and disposing off the body, could be Charged only with Homicide conspiracy or Abatement. There is no crime like Accessory to Murder ( With which she would be charged in USA). As Prosecution could not prove Conspiracy charge ( very difficult in this particular case) as this was Crime of Passion. She could be held Guilty only of Minor offence- Destroying Evidence. Though She was fully aware of Neeraj's murder when she went to Police with Missing Person complain, she could not be charged with any serious offence. In US she would have faced much stiffer punishment as Accessary to Murder is punished. in India like perjury, accessory can get off with lighter Punishment, which is Pity.

Lokpal Imbroglio

Lokpal Bill is in final stages before it will be forwarded to standing committee for consideration. There are 2 drafts of the proposed Bill- One favored by the Govt. and other Bill which is more stringent,broader,extensive is proposed by Team Hazare. This bill brings PM,Supreme Court, and almost all the Bureaucrats, M.P.s. under Lokpals jurisdiction. Obviously Govt. and Political parties do not want very strong Lokpal Bill for obvious reasons. They are also advised to reject the team Hazare Bill by IAS lobby, which as Administrators and heads of the various organizations and Govt. corporation is conduit for the enormous corruption that takes place in India. There is no branch in Govt. which is not completely corrupt. PM is wrong, there are only few Civil servants who are honest. Majority are completely corrupt. More so when they have just few years of Service left. opposition parties can play footsies with team Hazare as going against it would mean -atleast in Public eye- being with corrupt. They can relax at Center but they are vulnerable at state level. Govt. and Congress is in fix because it has still 2 1/2 yrs to complete and Lokpal Bill, if passed in this session of Parliament can result in Lokpal investigating various scams and corruption cases during run up to next Loksabha elections in 2012. This will result in complete decimation of Congress, without single case being filed in court! 24x7 News channel will get atleast one case per week for their " Breaking News".

Govt. and Political parties are in stronger position as they have to table the Bill in Parliament,discuss and pass the Bill. All the Political parties are together in this whatever may be their public posturing. They can not afford to have strong Independent Lokpal overseeing affairs of the state and M.P.s.This is the attack on the most crucial aspect of Political System. The essence of being in Politics is to have Power and Money. No political Post offers good money officially. Money comes from the patronage and favors that a Politician can provide and this has to be compensated in kind- that is the Bribe and source of Corruption. If this is investigated by a body which is not under the control of Politicians then there will be havoc. How can a Politician get money for self and party? World over the corruption is at this level. In India we have to pay Bribe for day to day events. like getting a Ration Card , driving License, a water Tap, 24 hrs supply of Electricity or even parking spots near our shops or establishments for customers. So parliament would like to have Lokpal who is like CAG,CVC etc. Janta should feel that something is being done, but in effect nothing is done and Lokpal report will be out for public, Then arrest few people and our Snail paced Judiciary will take care of the rest. Politicians popularity will end before the judgement would come.

But this corruption has to end. Many Politicians have suggested, that what we need is not Lokpal Bill but Social awareness so that Society ( not themselves) would become more honest and would shun bribe!!. Even after strong Lokpal and punishment to few, corruption will not end completely but will reduce drastically. It would be deterrent and cost of taking Bribe should outweigh benifits. Atleast serial( ! ) bribing, like in Motor Vehical dept., taxing authorities, low level administrators would end. Today corruption at this level is eating away vital parts of our life. As 1993 Mumbai Bomb Blast case has shown, it was very easy to land ammunition in Konkan because Custom Officers-almost all of them- were taking money to allow smuggled goods to land without checking.

So what will be the Lokpal Bill like? The attitude of Congress is openly hostile to strong Lokpal. They are also sure that other parties will willy nilly support them in Parliament. There will be amendments, but they will be defeated in the voting. it will be difficult to know which parties voted which way. As most of the Political parties will be together in Parliament there will not be advantage to any party. There may not be any 'whip' issued for this voting to make it more opaque for party affiliation. A lokpal on the line of CVC will be installed and Congress and UPA 2 and all Political Parties will crow about fighting corruption. For people's reaction for being made sulphate, we will have to wait till 2012.

It is this realisation which has prompted Anna to start Hunger Strike from 16th August. Digvijay Singh and Sibal would try and malign Anna and will do everything to prevent inclusion of strong measures in Lokpal Bill which will be Tabled in Parliament. If in Bofors case PM Rajiv Gandhi was not named but was held Guilty of Corruption then P.M.'s office should be under the ambit of Lokpal Bill. Mr Sing is fooling people when he says that he as PM is in Favour of including PM in lokpals ambit but party is not in favour. That means he is not in Control of Govt., party is. Argument that Anna should fight election is stupid as he neither has temperament nor necessity to do so. we need people who are outside the Govt/ parliament and can exert Moral pressure on Political class. Mahatma -had he lived- would not have fought election to become M.P.!! If India has to progress and become nation which can provide its people honest administration then Lokpal is just 1st step. It may not achieve all that Team Hazare promises that it would. But here is 1st battle against corruption and we have to win it to win the war. We can do it. Just 90 yrs ago, people gave up their jobs,comforts, education and almost everything to join Freedom Struggle. Today same people are grabbing illegally everything in sight. We have to reverse this slide in our Cultural Values,Ethics, Morals and Honesty. We owe it to our ancient Civilization.

Are you afraid of taking Medicine?

Yesterday evening I was taking my daily Medicine- I have to take some 6 tablets in the morning and 7 tablets in the evening- my friend who was with me exclaimed ' so many tablets? you dont have to take dinner.' It's different story that my medicines have kept me going at 64 while my father and Grand father died in early 50s due to Heart Attack ( MI). That's why it surprises me that people are so reluctant to take life saving Medicines. They are alive and kicking,making money for their children's education, babysitting their grand children, do multiple trips to visit children and sightseeing exotic lands- all thanks to modern Allopathic Medicines developed in last 80 yrs. When my MIL-who is 84yrs old- started Medical Practice, 99% medicines that are in use today were not known to Doctors.

At the same time Diabetics would drink Neem juice everyday morning, lauki juice for heart, Desi Ghee, Isapgol,Faki for Constipation, all sorts of Churan for Gas (!). Homeopathic and Ayurvedic Medicines everyday for years, But wont take tablets for Lowering their Sugar or Cholesterol, Aspirin ( A wonder drug) to prevent Blood Clots and Heart Attack. They complain that Allopathic Medicines are Habit Forming(!),have side effects etc etc. Show me one thing on this Earth which doesnt have side effect.

Its only Modern Allopathic medicine which compares unfavourably against old remedies. No one would dream of going to London or Nairobi or Singapore by Ship. But Ship was favored mode of transport just 50 yrs ago. Who would like to fight war today with Bow and Arrow or with those Guns which are scattered around all our Ancient Forts ?

100 years ago we would apply Hing on abdomen for Pain or take Castor Oil for Constipation because our knowledge of working of Human Body was limited. As our knowledge increases, we develop medicines which can act at target site to give best result. From Belladonna leaves we have isolated and developed medicines for Abdominal Pain. These are further refined and more effective Medicines are developed by changing the Molecule chemically.This has increased effectiveness and reduced side effects! Today Insulin is more refined and effective, delivery system is so good that one can take exact dose of insulin injection. In future its possible to have implants which will detect Blood Sugar Levels and Deliver Insulin in exact necessary dose in Real time.

So its about time to discard all these inhibitions regarding taking Medicine everyday. Whatever is prescribed for you, take it for as long as you have to- which in many cases is for your life time. But thank your stars that with this, quality of your life has improved and you are going to play with your Great Great Grand children

Me and Hindustani Classical Music

On Friday I attended Music concert in Santacruze,CA. Artists were pandit Shivkumar Sharma on Santoor and Zakir Hussain on Tabla. The theatre was full. It was gratifying that half way round the world from India, in Santacruze ,which is more than Hours drive from Bay Area,the hall was full of young enthusiastic Hindustani Classical music lovers.Indeed future of Indian Classical Music- Hindustani & Carnatic- is good. Panditji played Maru Bihag in Aalap,Jhod,Jhala and in Rupak Taal, followed by semi classical composition in Hansdhwani. With Zakir on Tabla( He is Sachin T of tabla player)it was exhilarating experience.

It took me back in time. Year was most probably 1966-67, I was Medical student in KEM hosp. Mumbai. My roomy Mukul Bodhe had complimentary tkts of Music Festival to be held in Shivaji Mandir,Dadar. They were of the front row and he wanted company to attend the festival.I had interest in the Music but it was primarily Hindi film music. I had not attended any Classic music concert. He bribed me that everyday he would take me to Chinese restaurant for dinner. I was just introduced to Chinese cuisine and for that food I did not mind torture of listening to Classical music for 3 days. That was what I thought, and agreed.

We, Me,Mukul Bodhe,Manerikar and Vasant Kulkarni went to the Music festival.Even today I remember those evenings of Music. I did not and even now cant recognise Sur or Sargam. I can now recognise few Raag. But then i was novice. But Music was sooo spellbinding. Hariprad Chaurasia's Flute, Amjad Ali Khans Sarod, Shiv Kumar sharma's Santoor- which was just introduced to Classical Music and Panditji used to describe the instrument in detail- with Zakir on Tabla. I remember there was Pt. Ravi Shankar with his famous Taal Vadya Kachehri- which was combined playing of Tabla,Mridung and Carnatic music percussion instruments like Ghatam etc. I was hooked on this music.

This was followed by period when I was collecting and recording Classical Music from any source. I had good collection of Tapes which i used to play on my Panasonic Tape Recorder. During my residency from '72 to '76 i had very little time for live music but would start the tape moment i entered my room in the evening and music would play till i fall off to sleep.

One dayin '75 Mr Tillu, Works Manager in Friends factory gave me tape recording of Sitar played by Abdul Halim Jaffar Khan. There was Yaman and Pahadi dhun. I was just captivated by that music and till today Khan Saheb is my most favorite player. Even today when i play his Tilak Kamod, it brings sukun and peace to my mind.

In '75 I got engaged to K. She is from Gwalior and has learned Vocal and Sitar.She used to sing in Collage Day Programme during college and Medical student days. In our final meeting, before our engagement was finalised, my future FIL asked me whether I liked Classical music? He was relieved to hear that I enjoyed classical music. So when I went to Gwalior after my engagement, all the evenings would start with Classical music being played on his Stereo Music System and would be in background till 1 am or so. There I was introduced to Vocal Music.

Gwalior has 'Tansen Music Festival'. It is held near Miya Tansen's tomb. Its open air festival and artists are not paid. They attend to pay homage to Great Musician. Usually 2-3 artists play/sing on particular evening. Main artiste would start at 11 pm or mid night and may continue till early morning. It is recorded by AIR for archival purpose. This recorded music is freely available in Gwalior. Listening to great artists in that Mahol is altogether different experience.Even the recorded music is great as it captures essence of Hindustani Classical music. There is no time limit. Artiste can explore a raag and can transcend. can move to other raag and finally come back to original raag. That freedom to explore and transcend is hallmark of H C music. Thats why a particular raag would sound different when played by different artists and sometimes by the same artist from its earlier or recorded version. At the top of the pyramid are Vocalist.

Then there is Semi Classical like Dadra,Thumri,Chaiti,Hori, Tappa, and even Gazal. They are more famous and enjoyed by janta than typical raag(Bada Khayal). Like India, its music is also huge, varied,different and unique.Once you start enjoying it, there is no limit.-P.K.

My niece in San Jose has to get in High School come this fall. Admission in Private High School is suppose to be very difficult and one has to consider and discuss pros and cons of getting education in these very Prestigious and Costly ( fees are in the range of 25-40 K/annually). Last Saturday ,when I visited them, the discussion was in the full swing. My other sister and Bro-I-L, whose two sons have studied here in South San Jose, pitched in. Strong and weak points of each school,the distance from home,possibility of Carpooling,time spent commuting was all discussed. It was more intense that the discussion one has in India for Undergrad education. One good thing about education in India is,that there are not too many options and Choice is limited. Unlike US where for everything there are multiple Choices and after all the discussion when you make a choice,you are not sure that it is correct one. Reminds you of your CET/GRE/GMAT ?

My niece was very tense. She was counting days for this tension to get over. March 18 or thereabout is date when she is expecting the letter informing her whether her application is approved or not. Then there is big question of Fees. At 40K/yr it was more than fees at undergrad/post grad level. Besides you cant do part time job to ease the burden. So I asked her 'what about Public School?' and She answered 'I would rather not study or study at Home.' It seems Public School of their area though good, was not preferred by many parents.

This really surprised me. When we were looking for house to buy last year, we paid so much attention to School District,Performance of the school,it's ranking etc etc. Areas in Santa Clara or in Fremont, houses were costly as they had very good school district. I remember reading edits in TOI, praising Public Schools system of US and compared them to abysmal condition of imparting education in Municipal/Govt. run schools in India. One of the reason cited was that in US even Rich and Elite parents sent their children to Public School and hence they were better staffed and equipped.If rich and Elite parents in India sent their children to Mun/Govt school then they would improve and will provide quality education ( These edits were during Nehru/Indira Gandhi Socialist era). Today parents in US, if they can afford would send their children to Private School. What a change.

Are Hindus " HORRIFIED" by Hindu Terror ?

Vir Sanghvi in his Parallax View asks,'Why are we so Horrified of Hindu terror?

Are We? I don't see any anyone being horrified by the Swami Aseemanand's arrest and confession about plot to take revenge on Muslim by violent means. Yes, there is disbeleif but what feeling Hindus have about this revelation is that of "Surprise" Vir admits that as Guju Jain, violence in any form is anathema to him but for majority of Hindus, a Hindu can plan and carry out terror attacks is Surprising. Last heard it was done almost century ago by Bhagat Singh & Co. against British. After Independence violent terror attacks was forte of Communists-Naxalites,Christians from North East trying to cede from India and recently Islamists, as part of Jihad against Infedals(Hindus).

Hinduism is not Violent religion today, but in those early years some 3-4 thousands of years ago Hindus fought with existing(Pagan-Native)religion to establish itself.More likely Hinduism is one of the first 'Religion' in the world. Hindus dont convert because in abscence of any other Organised Religion there was no one to 'convert' from. Like Indian state it was always inclusive and there is no act for which one can be kicked out of Hindu Religion. If you are born a Hindu you die as Hindu as even abusing Gods will not exclude you from the fold as there is no concept of Blasphemy in Hinduism.

We are surprised because except in Mythology,Hindus have not shown violent streak. That particular Gene is lacking in Hindus-unfortunately. we have organised locally or in particular region or community and fought with Kingdoms and people from neighbouring region ( Similar to Europe where French,Italian,Spanish,etc fought with one another, though they were all Christians). But unlike Christian Europe when Muslim tried to invade and threatened to convert, Europeans united under Christianity and Pope and carried out "Holy War" against Muslims and stopped them at the Gate-Turkey. Muslims couldnt go beyond Balkan region and Spain which was occupied by Muslims from Africa,returned to Christianity by defeating Muslims in war and used Islamic method of using sword to convert all Muslims to Christianity and Mosques to Church(reconquesta and Mezquita-Cathedral of Cordoba). But Hindus never united under Hinduism and that's the reason why India was repetedly invaded,Hindus killed and Converted in large number, temples destroyed and Mosque built on it. Coincidently both the events were taking place at almost the same time-400-600 yrs ago. In west Muslims couldnt make any progress and in East ( India) they became the ruler. If we had united and fought as Hindus,we might have stopped invaders at Afghanistan border-Hindukush mountains. Hindu kings either converted to Islam after defeat or had treaty and used time tested method of marrying of their daughters-sisters to invaders and retaind power.

British rule was more civilised and though they encouraged conversion to christianity, the basis of British rule was to co opt Princely states and allowed them to rule. If King was Hindu or Muslim, British did not encourage conversion openly and it was left to Missionaries to do the Job. Except for Dalits and Very Backward Communities ,conversion did not extend to Higher castes. So unlike South America,which was converted to Christianity under Spanish rule,India remained predominantly Hindu and is today almost a Billion strong.

But here is lesson to remember. 1857 War of Independence or Revolt by Soldiers of the British Army in India was the result of Fear of Conversion to Christianity.All over World Conversion from religion of Birth,and Religion evokes strong and Violent passions as seen for last 4 thousand years.Many wars were fought in the past.Untold atrocities were committed in the name of Religion,Lets not allow the Genie to come out of Bottle. Result will be devastating.

How can You ID Munnabhai MBBS ?

Thanks to Mumbai Mirror, the story of Munnabhai-Dr. Zuber Qureshi working as Housemen (Entry level Resident Doctor in any Hospital) by masqureding as Dr. Meraj Shaikh,in Bombay Hospital for 6 long years has brought to light one Lacuna in Professionals ID. I am working as Consultant Doctor in Mumbai. Nowhere- from my 1st MBBS to MD certificates, Maharashtra Medical Council Registration Certificate- my Photograph is present. Its absolutely easy to do Identity Theft and work as Doctor. In absence of such a ID, how can one identify the Doctor or Lawyer, Tax Consultant,Architect etc. Bombay Hospital had no means to find out dr. Zuber's credentials. On top that, when it is difficult to get Resident Doctors for non-recognized posts, Bombay Hospital has no incentive to find out. Even for Post Graduate Posts and Admission, there is no Mechanism to detect identity theft when Candidate is from out of State, small Medical College. There are Medical Colleges, whose names most people have not heard in India. As a matter of fact, in Chennai, there is Medical College,attached to Deemed University, whose Undergrad(MBBS) and Post Grad. Medical Degrees are recognized by AMA of USA( To my knowledge it must be unique distinction). I heard about it in USA when my Medical College friend told me about it as his children were studying there!!.

Bombay Hospital has promised to check the credentials of all the candidates in future. They can do for Candidates who are Registered with Maharashtra Medical Council as we all carry MMC issued ID Cards-issued after allegation in High Court of Bogus Voting in Council Poll.!! But if someone Registers under friend's name who has migrated abroad,then how this problem can be solved ?.

This problem is not unique to India. Its prevalent in US as well. Remember the film 'This Boy's Life' starring Leonardo,where Toby Wolff falsify his records to gain admission. At Job level there are agencies which do background checks for the Companies,still someone slips through. For Resident Posts,such elaborate and costly checks are not possible. Whats the 'Motive' for such identity theft? In case of Bombay Hospital i can venture to guess that Free accommodation and Food with decent salary must be the reason-as was for most out of town Doctors coming to Mumbai. Here Free accommodation in South Bombay is worth all the trouble.!!

What PM and Congress are afraid of ?

In the Congress Plenary session,Sonia outlined road map to combat corruption and PM offered to face PAC as he has " Nothing to Hide". Yes we may be sure that PM and even Sonia is personally not corrupt. Corruption is difficult to control and no one in the world has achieved corruption free society. So offer of facing PAC for corruption will serve no purpose. If congress is clean-as it claims to be- than why not face JPC which will have Congressman as Head. Problem is JPC will probe all the aspects of 2G scam,especially role of Govt. and Parliament during allocation of spectrum.

What has bothered people tremendously is the fact that Telecom Minister Raja, Like Dushashan of Mahabharat fame, disrobed Draupadi( Indian nation) of 1.2lac Crore Rupees, in Darbar(Parliament). Like Bhisma,Drona, Dhutarastra, all kauravas and pandavas, Sonia,Manmohan,Pranabda,Congress,Sharad Pawar,NCP,BJP,Left,Laloo,Mulayam, saw and heard everything,PM even advised Dushashan not to do this dastardly act. But our Dushashan went ahead with disrobing Indian Nation and all these stalwarts watched,wringing their hands, chanting " Coalition Dharma". They ignored their basic Dharma of giving "Good Governance". Lord Krishna advised Arjun in Battlefield that he has to follow his "Dharma" and do his 'Karma', whatever the consequences. Congress-nay-all politicians and Parliamentarians did not follow their Dharma and failed us. If Sonia and PM could allow Raja to carry on corruption and look in other direction so that Govt. survives and power remains than how can you expect a Soldier to lay down his life for Nation or few miles of land at Border? he is expected to do so because that is his Dharma and Karma. If following Dharma results in Death so be it !

Democracy,Fundamental rights, all the laws have no meaning if there is no Good and Effective Governance. If one is forced to take job below living wages, he can hardly be expected to insist on Freedom of Expression or Right to Form Union. If there is good governance then people will ignore even violation of their fundamental rights for time being and allow growth to take place. If there is only corruption and bad governance than time is ripe for loss of faith in the Govt.& Democracy and result will be fascist violent end.

Last week i attended a wedding reception in North Gujrat. Now wedding reception is well planned event in most of the places. These days as most of the work is outsourced or handed over to Event Manager, Host need not worry about most of the preparations. Scenes from Film like "Monsoon Wedding" are passe. BBB would be more like it. In Gujrat, wedding receptions are usually held in open spaces called " Party Plots" and in most Towns,these are close to, rather adjoining one another so if one has to attend 3-4 wedding receptions,then there is no need to rush from one venue to another,find parking space( in Mumbai Valet parking has become 'Must' these days),stand in the queue to wish newly Wed and ensure that your presence is noted by the host- with "Blessings Only" this is first thing one has to do. But in Gujrat this hassle is absent. You can just walk across to another reception. If newly wed are still in Beauty Parlour, you need not fret and fume. Have dinner,walk across to next reception and have desert there. May be stroll in Dining area and decide where the spread is to ones liking and partake as per our personal choice.

One characteristic of Wedding in Gujrat is presence of a small Band and Singers. They sing Gujrati songs, Wedding songs suitable to the ritual taking place, Bollywood songs,Gazals-both Gujrati and Urdu. This practice is absent in receptions in south of Gujrat especially in Mumbai. We have our "Sangeet" on one evening but in reception there is no Band or Singing. Usually it is recorded Shehnai music. I have come across Instrumental music or Live Shehnai once in a while but dont remember singing part. Ofcourse Christian & Parsi weddings have the band and the dance. Here i am talking about Hindu wedding.

I think in Mumbai we must adopt this and have small band and couple of singers singing nice songs during wedding receptions. It has soothing effect and more people will seat in reception area enjoying music rather than rushing off to Dining area. These days more time is spent in Dining area then in reception area. With huge spread that we have it is but natural. It takes lot of time visiting 6-7 counters!! But good music and singing will make the mahol more interesting.

Is OCI/PIO Card is Like Green Card.?

Ordeal suffered by Dr. Sujith Pandit,a 70 yrs old professor Of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan,Ann Abbor, at kalkatta Airport in June 2009, when he arrived from US is described in blog spot here. He was a US Citizen with Valid OCI card. He had forgotten his old Passport in which Indian Visa was stamped.

His trouble stems from his belief ( Shared by other NRI US citizens) that OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) is Dual Citizenship. It is NOT. OCI/PIO card scheme idea is probably based on Green Card of US. Which gives you almost all the rights of US Citizen except Voting Rights and be elected representative. But there are few differences. Two major ones are:

Like US Green Card, OCI card cant be used as Visa to enter India. OCI/PIO card holder has to send his Passport to Indian Embassy which will either Stamp or apply sticker of Permanent Multi Entry Visa. If Passport is changed or renewed than New passport should be stamped or one has to carry Old passport which has Visa stamp/Sticker. Failure to do so means you do not have Valid Visa to enter India. ( It is more like coming to US after a year with only Green Card without Re Entry permit). Carrying OCI/PIO card will not give you entry.

Second difference is that OCI Card holder is not liable to pay Income Tax on his/her Income not earned in India.

Whenever one has to deal with India ,it is always better to read ALL FAQs. They provide more info than the main page.

After Ayodhya Verdict

Its almost Two weeks since Ayodhya verdict by Allahabad High Court. The verdict has flummoxed Secularist- pseudo Secularist- in Media and Libertarians. For so often Hindus have received sermons and advice from them regarding solution to Ayodhya Conflict. Accepting Courts verdict was high in those suggestions. Now as Court has given the Verdict in favour of Hindus,its not acceptable to them.

I pity this group as it is not sure what is the meaning of Secularism in Indian Context.

* Is it Separation of State from Religion ?

But then Muslim Politics is all Religion. Even Indian Constitution is subservient to Islam-Koran and Hadith.( Mostly its interpretation by clerics). govt./parliament hasn't got guts to introduce any change in Muslim Personal Law, many of its provisions and practices are unconstitutional and blatantly anti-women.

Is it all religions are equal as far as State policies are concerned?

But then Minority groups are favoured more often then Majority religion. Different yardsticks are applied for everything. Govt. can not touch money received by Church and Christian groups. Muslim trusts can use money for Muslim's benefit. Church and Muslim group use donation money to promote(read to Convert) their religion for this they can have Schools,hospitals and have other Social schemes for poor from all communities. But Hindu Temple Trusts money is Govts. Kitty and can be used to repair roads for President's visit or to have Airport for VIP's to land for Darshan. It's Non Secular nay Fundamentalist-Communal to use this donation money to promote Hinduism. One can use it to support Christian Schools ( as was done in A.P.) but school/Hospitals can not be built as it may be managed by Hindu Fundamentalist who will capture young minds and poison them in Hindu Libertarian views.

The acceptable meaning of Secularism is to Control Hindu temple trusts, institutions and Social organisations and stifle growth of Hinduism. To allow Christian and Muslim groups to carry out their activities and convert Hindus to their faith by means Fair or Foul.

I have problem with this. In world of today, Christians are 1.5 billions,Muslims 1.25 Billions and Hindus 0.92 Billions. Unfortunately as much as 0.9 Billions( 90 Millions) are in India. and remaining 2 Millions are spread across world where at most places there are no Temples, Hindu Institutions or organisation to spread Hinduism and Its thoughts. Here we-Indians- have special responsibility. We are duty bound to spread Hindu religious philosophy, thoughts and principles. It is one of the Worlds longest surviving Religion which is Liberal and allows one to seek God or whatever you want to call it, by whatever means one chooses. There are no compulsions here. there is NOTHING that you have to do to seek your God. No doing Namaz 5 times a day, Fasting for month, attend Friday prayer in the Mosque, going to Church every Sunday, attending Mass, this or that. It is this philosophy that we have inherited and which we are duty bound to spread across world. Muslim Kings and Clerics,Christian missionaries have tried to convince us that Hinduism is inferior religion-almost pagan- and salvation is by converting to Christianity or Islam. We must spread the message of seeking God at our terms because that is also a path to Loving,forgiving enlightening Father(Mother) in Heaven or space or wherever.

I want to buy a Split A.C. Now as far as Split ACs go, there is nothing to select. I mean you dont have to go to Showroom of Croma/Vijay Sales/Sony Mony to select an AC. They all look similar. We have to just know the Technical specifications, Energy star ratings, and most important, price.

Now going to Showroom is pain as there is traffic,parking headaches and they may not have sufficient brands or brand you want to buy. As such there are full page ads in all Newspapers, informing us different models and their prices.

So I phoned Croma. The sales person was polite. He informed me the price and star rating of carrier,LG,Samsung. They did not have Onida and Voltas brands ACs in stock. So i phoned Vijay Sasles in Infinity Mall. Receptionist informed me that they dont inform prices on phone. I told her that I have full page Ad of Vijay Sales informing Price of Lloyd AC as well as price of almost all white goods like TVs,Laptops etc. If they can mention price in Newspaper than why can't they give out price on phone? its difficult to go to Showroom in Infinity Mall as there is Security and parking hassal and it will cost me Rs 40 for parking. She was adamant and informed me that I have to come to showroom to know the price.

Compare this to policy of US stores. One can know everything about a product online. Amazon,Frys,etc have website where you can know price of each and every item on sale in the store.I felt that if Vijay Sales cant give out price on phone than probably they dont care to cater to their customers. It is better to buy from store and people who care for you.

Vijay sales lost a customer cause they have adopted a stupid policy and dont know how to put it across without offending their customer.

when I saw front page News in Mumbai Mirror about " Ward boys doing Doctors work in a Hospital in Mumbai", I was more amused than surprised.Because thats an Age Old Practice in India. When I was medical Student in K.E.M. Hospital Mumbai, C.L.W. Suturing was done by wardboys in Casualty. to my knowledge practice is still continuing in all the hospitals. Most probably it started off during World Wars when such wounds were sutured in battlefields by Medical Staff.

C.L.W. is "Contused Lacerated Wound". One gets it when there is any accident,fall while playing,a brawl or any form of injury. One on Scalp are most common, they are difficult to detect as hairs hide them and easiest to suture. You have seen Stallone " Self Suturing" a CLW in Rambo I-First Blood. Next to 'taking out Bullet with Pocket/Kitchen knife', its most common method to show Masochism in movies.

In Casualty, once its established that there is no other serious underlying injury like Fracture or Bleeding, CLW suturing is done and person is sent home. CLW suturing is done to stop bleeding and wound heals in week's time with thin scar. If suturing is not done than wound may bleed and healing takes longer and may leave ugly scar. Suturing is very easy and is more like Sewing done at home. only difference is that one uses Sterilized,Surgical thread with Surgical (Trocar Pointed) straight or Curved needle. Suturing with Curved Needle requires training and skill. With straight needle- most common - it's very easy. Thats why No one wants to do it, and it ends up with Lowermost person who cant say NO. Thats wardboys in Casualty.

In surgery its most basic thing and every one starts off with it. If in casualty Intern is posted or better, if students doing Surgical posting are there then they are given this job as favour. Wardboys are asked to 'Assist' them( Nursing staff wont bother to assist such a simple operation!) with warning for CLW on Scalp that " Take Care and dont push the Bloody needle in the brain". with merriment all around as soon as Students back is turned. Procedure is done with all the surgical care and observing most of the surgical principles. hands are washed, Gloves are put on, Wound is properly cleaned, towels are used to isolate the wound and sterile Technique is used while suturing. In short everything is done as if this is a proper, major surgical procedure. only problem is that Suturing requires no great Skill, hence for busy,overworked Casualty officer, its a burden and irritant which he wants to pass off to someone.

As the procedure is simple and done by person not using skill, result is 'ugly scar". In the case of Head wound, hairs can hide the ugly scar but if its on face or other prominent visible place than scar looks hideous and may require plastic surgery in future. So any wound on face, arms, Legs are referred to Plastic Surgeon. In Public Hospital this means wasting 3-4 hrs as Plastic Surgeons are overworked and they take pretty long time to suture the scar. But they will hide it. In private Set up this is costly affair and may set you back by 10-15K + service charge! Only you will know where the scar ( proof) of abusive,violent husband is and can show him to end all future arguments and fights!

Green Environment Friedly Homes in US

Last weekend . we went window shopping for Washing Machine. These days all Machine have Energy saving rating in the form of stars and more the stars more Environment friendly machine is. Of course when you read the reviews about performance then we realise that at times more stars have resulted in Lower performance. Sometimes -as in the case of washing Machine- it may lead to use of more harmful detergents to get better wash. It's like Drinking Alcohol will reduce your risk of getting Heart Attack, but increase damage to Liver!!.

In USA I am really surprised at this nitpicking. Look at their Homes! All over US the Floor plan is almost the same. You have 1) Living Room,Dining Hall( for Guests), Family room,Dining space for family, Kitchen and it is an Open Floor plan with no doors 2) Bed Rooms on the same floor or on higher floor. Usually total area is divided equally between the two.

In most part of the USA you need Heating for almost 7-8 months if not longer and Designing of the House doesnt provide for heating only some parts of the house. So at night though only one Bedroom is in use entire 4-5K sq.Ft. house is heated to comfortable level. Same goes for Cooling and Air-conditioning. Even the houses constructed in last few years, when we are aware of Global warming and other Environmental issues have same problem. Besides the heating is done by Gas and US is dependent on not so friendly countries for it's need.

Can something be done to reduce Energy usage to heat/ cool homes? I doubt it. Its 'QWERTY' keyboard problem. Homeowners will find it very difficult and exorbitantly costly to make a switch. Only solution is to popularize Room heaters. But what can be done for Open floor plan ? it will need Central Heating as it is too large for Room Heaters.

Our only hope is that Architectural Association insists on changes in Basic Floor Plan of the homes and make it more Environment friendly.

After Death.

Last week I attended 'Chautha' of not so close relative. It was in one of the halls of ISKON.

I reached the hall. It had Solemn atmosphere. hall was full.many people were present to pay their last respect. One has to ensure that ones presence is noticed by close relatives of the departed person.2-3 Prabhujis were singing Bhajans. people gathered were talking among themselves. Such occasions are also meant to update latest social news and Gossips. i have nothing against that. Its process by which you try to bring close relatives out of grief of loosing their dear ones. life has to go on.

After some 1/2 an hour or so a senior Prabhuji came. Bhajan stopped. Now sr. Prabhuji started his discourse on life, death, How to lead life as ' human Being '. The highest form of life in this cycle of 84 lacs( or is it 84 Crores?) life forms that 'Atma' has to go through. How God has given us this most precious thing that we are born as human. and how we must utilise this life to reach God and acheive 'Moksha' i.e released from this cycle of Birth and Death. How chanting Gods Name continuously helps in this, and how indulging in materialistic lifestyle and partaking pleasures of this world will lead to rebirth as human or some lowly species.

you simply wonder. Yes i agree we should lead life in noble and pious manner. We should not harm others etc etc etc. But how do we know about God giving us this most precious highest form of life?. Who has died and has come back to this world to tell us what happens after death? or by doing this you will achieve Moksha and by doing that you will have to take rebirth road and start all over again?
Who Knows? May be its working in exactly opposite way. When you hear all that pravachan in Chautha, one realises that all this is Maya and Mithya. What is present and here is TRUTH. whats in future is just our imagination. and After Death. well its just plain.........( select your adjective).

I am really MAD at these courrier services.

Last week when I entered my home, there was a " we missed you" card from a well known,International courier service. They had a package for me. So i phoned the number and a lady answered:

Me: i have this we missed you card from you.
CS: Whats the number on the card?
me: 00000000
CS: whats the name of the delivery boy?
me: Sandeep.
CS: Ok, What time you will be available tomorrow.
Me: Before 9.30 or after 7pm.
Cs: No No No. He can come there after 11.
me: But i am not home at that time. Cant he come early? say 10.
CS: No he starts from here at 10 so can reach versova at 11 earliest.
Me: OK, ill wait for him.

with lots of effort I reschedule my day and postpone an operation to 12.30.

Next day at 11.30 he has not arrived. so I phone the CS office.
Cs: He is in Andheri. So he will be there anytime.

12 noon he has not come. i phone again. I am angry and start off with accusing tone.

CS: i will give you his phone. you talk to him. His phone # xxxxxx

I phone him.

sandeep has just reached Andheri !!. But he will come soon.

By this time I have calls from Hospital. they are waiting for me. i postpone the operation by 45 mts. and phone Sandeep again and ask him to call me when he reaches my home. I try to impress him and tell him that because he is late i have to postpone operation and i am late for my hospital work.
he promises to phone and i leave for operation.

Operation is over. its about 2.45 pm. no call from Sandeep. so I call him. So far my 5th call to C.service. He takes call when i have phoned some 6-7 times. he informs me that He will be there in 1/2 an hour. i ask him whether he will give the package to my family member who is present now in my house. He refuses, as Bank requires that he verify my ID before giving the package. i phone home and instruct them to call me when Sandeep comes.

At 4.30 pm I am leaving my Hospital. i see a courier guy walking in the society Bldg. i just call him.

are you Sandeep from xxx courier?

finally at 4.30 he has reached 7 Bunglows. i introduce myself and show my Driving License as ID. he is reluctant to give me the package. he has to give it at printed Address only.

somehow I convince him, may be he was tired as well. so he gave me the package.

its from HDFC Bank Mutual Fund. It has account Statement and letter informing me that an earlier undelivered Dividend Warrant has been dispatched by them.!!

So next week I will have to undergo same thing again.

here is Simple question.

Why cant the Courier company deliver mail/Packages between 7 am -10 am & 6Pm to 10 Pm. when most of the customers are at home.?

Will they not get delivery Boys willing to do these shifts?

Why cant they call on mobile and fix up time with receiver so that no one has to waste time waiting for delivery boy to arrive?

Why can't Banks- HDFC,ICICI,HSBC etc- insist that mails be delivered at time convenient to customer?

In a year how many days should we waste waiting for Cheque Books, Demat Delivery Instruction Books, Dividend and many sundry items.?

India's Oscar Entry and Marathi Angst

Marathi film 'Harischandra chi Factory' produced by UTV was India's official entry for Oscar. It couldnt reach the final list. This week it was released in Mumbai and got rave reviews. I wanted to see this film in marathi. To my surprise Andheri west which had 72 shows of '3 idiots' in PVR,Fun Fame and Cinemax multiplexes, did not have a SINGLE show of this Oscar nominated film HCF!!. These multiplexes had shows from unheard of 6 am to midnight for '3 idiots' but couldnt accomodate a single show of HCF. Besides HCF print is available with English sub titles. Nearest screen for me is Sun City in Parla East. These Multiplexes enjoy tax waiver from Maharastra Govt. and had charged Rs. 350/- for 3 idiots ticket. This is in Mumbai, Capital of Maharastra!!.

A week when Rahul Gandhi and RSS/BJP and all News Chennel/papers have joined issue with Thackereys of Shiv Sena and MNS, one can understand the angst of Marathi Manoos and why Shiv Sena / MNS gets overwhelming support for their cause, if not for their methods.

What Maharastra is facing today was same high handedness from North Indian politician-primarily of Congress- faced by Tamil Nadu in Sixties,Andhra Pradesh in Eighties. That phase gave rise to DMK and its dominence in TN and Telgu desam in Andhra Pradesh. Maharastrians are marginalised in Centre and ruled over by high command in State. CM Chavan had to backtrack on Domicile and knowledge of Marathi for Taxi permits.

How this issue will move in future is difficult to say. Maharastrians are intelligent and proud people. Shivaji Maharaj fought with mighty Mugal Badshah of Delhi Aurangzeb and established Marathi Kingdom. Tilak,Gokhale and others initiated and were at forefront of our struggle for Independence against British. The Indian Constitution- by which Rahul says that Mumbai is for all Indians- was drafted by Marathi/Dalit Dr. Ambedkar. He is also Father Of Dalit movt. and concept of Social Justice in India. In 19th and 20 th Century Maharastra led in initiative in many Social and Cultural activities.

Today this Marathi asmita is ignored.unfortunatelly there are no marathi leader who can inspire and give maharastra it's rightful place in India. In this Development/Business economic milieu, marathi manoos has fallen back. His strong points are of no use to this trading economy. his cultural strong points are jokes for this yappy nation. It will have to wait for that leader.

( Disclaimer: I am Guju by birth but Marathi at Heart)

C-Section Controversy

Every Year all leading Newspapers raise concern about rising C- Section rate in India. For a good measure they compare rates in other parts of World. There is no doubt that C-sections are done more often now than some 50 yrs ago. usually high rate is considered as bad thing because it is believed-wrongly in my opinion- that more c-sections are done by Doctors because they get more money. if that was the case than China should not have 43% rate as Chinese doctors are employee of the state.

Today WHO report has indicated that C-section rate in India is 18% but in Cities the rate is much higher-about 40%.Lancet in an article has pointed out that unnecessary C.S. has resulted in more admission in I.C.U and more Maternal deaths.Now it stands to reason that if more problems and even death can occur than no obstetrician would like to do unnecessary C.S. and get into trouble. i am working for last 40 yrs as Ob/Gyn. We have discussed this often among collegues and in saminars(In Newspapers as well) and frankly most of us would not like to do C.S. cause we get more money. Main driving force behind this increase is not Money but Reluctance to take Risk by both Parents and Doctors and Premium on the unborn child. For an Obstetrician in city/Metro, losing a Baby is Catastrophe. The whole aim is to see that Mother goes home with healthy baby. There is no reward for Normal Vaginal Delivery if Baby requires extensive NICU care or has Birth Injury. In 60s and 70s we used to deliver even Primi( 1st delivery) with Breech Vaginally but today we are scared to deliver Breech baby Vaginally because if Head is not delivered in less than 5 mts. baby would be dead or severely damaged. This is just not acceptable to parents and Doctors, and is bad for practice.

Assuming 18% overall rate for C.S. in India( WHO) and 40% in urban area its clear that C.S.in rural area is very low. But it's Rural region which has highest Maternal and Neonatal Mortality. If Vaginal delivery is safe and is better choice than result also should be better. Maternal Mortality in urban areas is now primarily due to Hemorrhage from Atonic Uterus( Uterus which doesn't contract) Bleeding disorder caused by Pregnancy hypertension,or some severe Medical Condition. This can occur irrespective of mode of delivery.

It's in the case of well being of the Baby that C.S.is overused. As has happened all over the world, Electronic Monitoring of Foetus( Baby) in 8-9 months in mothers who are elderly (Average age is now 30+),Hypertensive, pre Diabetic,or have Small for Dates babies( IUGR-babies weighing less than 1.5Kg at 9 monts) is routine. Most of the mothers undergo repeated Sonogram where weight of the baby(IUGR), Amount of Liquor around baby( AFI),placental Calcification,Doppler Studies to see Blood Flow to Baby is measured. NST is done. if any of these finding is abnormal than there is possibility of risk to the Unborn Child. So far we have not been able to exactly predict the risk.Even with similar findings Sometimes at C.S., baby is delivered which is absolutely normal and at other baby requires NICU care. Now who should take decision in such cases? Both Doctors and Parents tend to err on safety and go for C.S. rather than attempt Vaginal Delivery. I have had cases when I have decided to wait for a day and have lost baby. In such cases its difficult to explain loss and one is libel to face legal Action and sometimes Violence from relatives. In case of Pregnancy achieved by I.V.F.( Test Tube Baby) Elective C.S. is done.

So the debate will go on. As long as we can not exactly asses risk to unborn Child,C.S. will be done at slightest hint of any risk to the baby. In face of Abnormal Sonogram or NST Report what would you decide? If you cant take risk of (may be) loosing the baby than dont expect Doctor to do so.

If you believe that C.S. is done because doctor gets more money than pay your Doctor same amount whether Delivery is by C.S. or Normal. Put your money where your....

Sorry State of Indian Hockey.

Thank God!! At last the Revolt of Indian Hockey team is over. This brings to an end another shameful episode in our so called " National Game ". Indian Team consisting of the best players we have and who were demanding promised payment of Money for Podium finish,had to take the extreme step of Boycotting training for World cup,where India is the host. They were labeled as Money hungry. sports person by people who have nothing to show for as achievement. Hockey India washed off it's hand by saying that they dont have Money to pay. How much Money was being demanded? a measly Rs. 4.5 Lacs per player,totaling less than Rs 2 Crore. If administrators cant raise just 2 Crore,- an amount less than what is charged by item Girls in show business for Single appearance- then Mr. Matoo & co. should pack their bags and go home. This state of affairs has been brought about by former president mr. K P S Gill who treated players as bonded labour, at mercy of Hockey board. hockey is not Proffessional in this country. Most of the players have to take up job for livelyhood. Which parent would like to send their children to play such a game.? All over world,sportsperson take up and work hard because they love the game and thats their ticket to better life out of poverty and misery. In south America sports is seen as best way to riches. soccar,Baseball,Basketball is taken up as proffession. If one is not going to get any Money than why play that sport? In India as things stand today , Football has better chance to become No.2 game after Cricket because of the big Money and prestige involved. See how fast Football players of Goan club got out of Misbehavior charges ?

But what can we do ? How do we bring about some change in this set up and attitude?
you have any suggestion?