A BROAD ANALYSIS OF DEMOCRACY AS A FORM OF GOVERNANCE AND HOW TO SOLVE THE ILLS OF DEMOCRACY.

Based on the presentation at GMCS by our team:

‘INDIA IS SHINING’ – Are you ready for it?

Headed by a Sikh economist,
Presided by a Muslim scientist,
Directed by a catholic Italy born lady,
With 82% Hindu population,
Proclaimed to be worlds largest democracy,
We live in a country with a rich & varied heritage,
Willing to accept everything and everyone….
It can happen only in India……….

I challenge (defy) anyone to cite another country with such diversity and tolerance to its political leadership…

Right from the evolution of human beings there evolved two traditions spiritual and technical, and there is a form of governance governing the people. A quick glimpse from the stone age to date reveals monarchy, dynasty rule, priest and common men and landlords and tenants often trying to put that they are right and thus proving their superiority or getting things done….

Today the main form of government that we see the world over is either democracy or military rule. Dynasty rule and monarchy is also seen at places, but democracy is largely accepted, Putting an end to colonialism in the year 1947, with which India lost many of her riches, monetary, cultural, intellectual, and otherwise, it become a sovereign socialist republic in the year 1950. Democracy has helped us regain our past glory…. Today ours is the worlds largest democracy…

Democracy has expanded during the last 100 years. More than ½ of the independent countries in the world are democratic today. We can see that as years roll by, more and more nations are willing to accept democracy as a form of Government. It began with New Zealand becoming the first country to give full voting right to its people way back in 1900. The map of democracy is constantly changing….

Democracy can apply to many spheres, of life, like we have heard of ‘Swayamwaras’, and it can also take many forms…

Through the presentation that follows we the team of Gauri, Mohandas, Joseph, Dhanjit, and Meera, have tried to give a sense of what it means to experience democracy and its absence, the topic of discussion being, ‘A BROAD ANALYSIS OF DEMOCRACY AS A FORM OF GOVERNANCE AND HOW TO SOLVE THE ILLS OF DEMOCRACY.’

To begin with an ANALYSIS of Democracy as a form of Governance, from which you all can understand what democracy actually means, and why democracy?

Today we are privileged to make such a discussion, practice our views, or opinion. This is possible because we have the freedom, we are democratic. Thus the salient feature of democracy, which makes it outshine other form of governance, are:

1. There could be real freedom to express our views or opinion.
2. People could choose or change rulers.

So what do you mean by Democracy?
Democracy is a from of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people collectively and is administered by them or the officers appointed by them.

Sanjay Gandhi, in an interview taken by Uma Vasudev and published in ‘The two faces of Indira Gandhi’ aptly says that by democracy one does not mean the freedom to destroy everything there is in a country but the freedom to built a country. Every individual in a democratic country has the freedom of expression and has many fundamental rights as against that seen in countries with presidents rule or military rule.

The other features of democracy are:

1. Decision making rests with the people. : There would be peoples rule, decisions taken by elected representative and not with some external powers, as in :
Ø Pakistan, or
Ø Iraq…….
But if we take this idea seriously there can be no country in the world democratic. Grama Sabha in villages can afford this as the community is small. But in bigger places, elected leaders by the people make the decisions. The most common form of Democracy in todays world is: rule through peoples elected representative. Here comes in handy, the well-known definition of democracy by Abraham Lincoln: as the government of the people, for the people and by the people.


2. Free and fair elections: In a democratic country those in power should have good chance to loose. It should not be like in:
Ø China where, a candidate needs to have the approval of the Chinese Communist Party before contesting election so that only they can win, or
Ø like PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) in Mexico, who played many direct tricks and won all the elections since 1930, and therefore the opposition parties never managed to win, though contested elections.


3. One Person, One Vote, One Value: In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote mush have one value. There was a Cartoon, When Sadam was put behind the bars, at the time of elections in Iraq some happily cried, At last ONE MAN ONE VOTE, then Sadam was thinking : ‘I liked it better when I was the One man and the One Vote’. There are many instances of denial of equal right to vote:
Ø In Saudi Arabia women do not have the right to vote
Ø In Fiji the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value than that of an Indian-Fijian.

4. Rule of law and respect for rights: A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens rights. Every Democratic country has its own constitution, which is not merely a statement of values and philosophy. It is mainly about embodying these values into institutional arrangements. It is not a sacred, static, and unalterable law.


We do not accept something just because it is famous, just because everyone else accepts it. We accept things only if it is beneficial and worthwhile.
Ø Our capability to regain our past glory, which we are trying to,
Ø how we dealt with the famine of 1958-61, the worst recorded one in world history where nearly three crore people died,
Ø When the tsunami hit us. The manner in which people just came out and rose up to the tsunami challenge, came out and helped.
Ø the recent Bomb blast in Mumbai, just a day after which, the city was back to normal,
brings out some reasons why democracy is considered the best form of government.

Thus we can gist down some of the Merits/ or arguments for democracy as:

1. More Accountable. – It responds to the needs of the people. Non-democratic governments response depends on the wishes of the people who rule. A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people. They fear the opposition party, and press who criticize.

2. Improves quality of decision making. – When a number of people put their head together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This takes time. But there is a big advantage in taking time over important decisions. Some may say, too many cooks spoil the brook, but many a hands do make light work.

3. Method to deal with differences and conflicts.- Differences are particularly sharp in a country like ours which has an amazing social diversity. Therefore preferences can clash. In democracy no one is a permanent winner. No one is a permanent loser. Differenet group can live with one another peacefully.

Thus democracies do have good positive effects on government and social life, and so also to citizens.

4. Enhances dignity of citizens – This is what democracy do to the citizens. Based on the principle of political equality, people are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves. Even when they make a mistake, they are responsible for their conduct.

5. Allows us to correct our mistake- Mistakes cannot be hidden for long, and there is a space for public discussion on these matters, and there is a room for correction. Either the ruler have to change their decision, or the ruler has to be changed.

Though Democracy is clearly better than any other alternative we know, it cannot get us everything and is not the solution to all problems. This is because of the following factors:

1. Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.
2. Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality. Gandhiji wanted morality in 7 fields, and spoke about 7 sins, one being because of politics without principle.
3. So many people have to be consulted in a democracy that it leads to delays. We know about smart City.
4. Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad decision. Leader is a part of the whole, sample may not be true representation of the population, we audit students do know that.
5. Democracy leads to corruption for it is based on electoral competition.
6. Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them; they should not decide anything. All people may not have sixth senses or foresights. Some may not even have hindsight.
7. Too many unfair practices take place during elections.

Clearly Democracy is not a magical solution for all the problems, it has not ended poverty, but it is better from other form of government.

There are four recognized PILLARS of democracy. In Political science:
Ø the legislature which frames the laws of governance through discussions and pressures,
Ø the executive (two categories, one elected by the people for specific period, called the political executive, and the other, permanent executives or civil servents) which implements the law,
Ø the judiciary that interprets the law, in India the powers and the independence of the judiciary allow it to act as the guardian of the Fundamental rights, but it is quite common in other countries for them to be nominated on the basis of well known political opinion and affiliation and
Ø the press which proclaims candidly the public opinion, totally independent in giving its views
they are referred to the First, Second, Third and Fourth estate.


If time permits, could explain how a major policy decision is taken and the role of the four pillars in the context of Mandel Commission (SEBC).

On August 13, 1990, the Government of India issued an order. It was called on Office Memorandum. Like all government orders, it had a number and is know by that: O.M. No. 36012/31/90-Est (SCT), dated 13.8.1990. This order announced a major policy decision. It said that 27% of the vacancies in civil posts and services under the Government of India are reserved for the Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC). Benefit of job reservations were till then only to SC and ST.
This office Memorandum was the culmination of a long chain of events.

i. Second Backward class commission was appointed and headed by B.P. Mandal. Hence it was popularly known as Mandal Commission, which gave its report and recommandation in 1980. Many parlimantarians and partied kept demanding its implementations. Janata Dal govt. in 1989 tried to do so.
· President, head of the state and highest formal authority announced the intention.
· The Union Cabined took a formal decision to implement the recommendations. There was a discussion.
· Prime Minister the head of the government, informed about the decision through a statement in both the house of Parliament.
The decision was not directly taken in the parliament. But Parliamentary discussions on the Report influenced and shaped the decision of the govt. and thus the role of the Legislature.

ii. The Joint Secretary, an officer in the Department of Personnel and Training in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, signed the Order, on behalf of Union Govt. (Executive).
iii. For the next few months, this was the most hotly debated issue in the country. Newspapers and magazines were full of different views and opinions on this issue. Thus the role of the press. Some favored it and others felt that this was unfair as it would deny equality of opportunity to those who did not belong to back ward communities.
iv. Who resolved this dispute? Those who apposed this order, filed cases and appealed to the courts. Supreme Court in ‘Indira Sawhney and other Vs. Union of India Case’ Eleven judges of the supreme court heard arguments of both sides, in in 1992 declared this order valid, with certain modifications like well to do persons among the backward classes should be excluded from getting the benefit of reservation.

Democratic way of selecting representatives is through elections, which is all about political competiton. A lot could be said about the same, which could go on for hours.
The Constitution of India stipulates that India be a federal polity with a central government in New Delhi, and state governments for the various states and Union territories. Consequently, political parties in India are classified as national and state (regional) parties based on their realms of influence. (Appendix)

How Other Democracy (India) Differs?

The Presidential System: Presidents all over the world are not always nominal executives like the President of India. In many countries of the world, the President is both the head of the state and the head of the government. The president of the United States of America is the most well known example of this kind of President. The US president is directly elected by the people. He personally chooses and appoints all Ministers. The law making is still done by the legislature (called the congress in the US) but the president can veto any law. Most importantly, the president does not need the support of the majority of members in the congress and neither is he answerable to them. He has a fixed tenure of four years and completes it even if his party does not have a majority in the congress.

This model is followed in most of the countries of Latin America and many of the ex-Soviet Union countries. Given the centrality of the President, this system of government is called the Presidential form of government. In countries like ours that follow the British model, the parliament is supreme. Therefore our system is called the parliamentary system of government.

To speak of democracy at the global level, there is no single world government today, but there are many institutions in the world that perform partially the functions of such a government, like UN, IMF, World Bank.. They cannot command countries and citizens, but they do make rules that put limits on what governments can do, but these bodies are not fully democratic, there is some concentration of power among the developed countries.

Another matter of debate is, democratic country do not tend to go for war with another democracy. Wars generally take place only when one of the two governments is non-democratic. It could just be a matter of chance. Democracies may have wars, but democracies tend to take decisions in such a way that it reduces the chances of war.

In India one out of every three actual voters is not a Hindu.

CURRENT ISSUES, EMPHASIZING ON THE ILLS OF DEMOCRACY.
Today democracy is government off the people, far the people and buy the people……

INDIA:
The ills of democracy are not confined to India but it is a global phenomenon. We being more familiar with the happenings around us, let us take it into consideration. Local issues will be best understood.

1. Dynasty rule: At times we wonder if it is democracy or dynasty rule that is found here….Its SUNNY DAYS FOR SONS (or for that matter daughters , in laws too)… whether it be our state or the nation, Karunakaran or Nehru…..
Well, birth has always been a factor as much in an age when kings and queens ruled as now when democracy apparently sets the rule of the game.
Inheriting physical appearances of ancestors is nothing surprising but to the Congress workers that is what could prove to be magic in the battle for votes. Many still subscribe to the charm of Nehru -Indira Rajiv name has, yet not, lost its shine as it still creates a familiar ring in the ear. They provide a throw back to the nostalgic era of Indira ‘Gandhi’ and Rajiv ‘Gandhi’
Saying that an Italian should not lead India will amount to narrow mindedness, but if Sania Maino (Sonia) had served India like say Mother Theresa or Annie Besant, i.e. in anyway on her own rights, then all Indians should be proud of her just as how proud we are of Mother Teresa. The speech given by her on Dr. Manmohan Sing becoming the prime minister was great, but what was the real reason for that is unknown to all accept a handful of people and God. Was it courtesy NCP? Why is she reluctant to give a second term to Dr. Abdul Kalam? Sonia Gandhi has been shouldering an enormous burden one of her foreign origin, sadly even after so many years of her moving into the Indira household as the daughter-in-law, and quite an amount of deadwood in the party.

Maneka Gandhi itself is being accepted by the non-congress parties not because she was a former model or an animal lover, but for her links to the Nehru family.


2. Coalition:
The path taken by Indian politics after British Rule is through single party Congress dominance to the present day an age of coalition Governments. Since 1990, the Indian electorate has consistently thrown fragmented verdicts both at the state and national levels. This has led parties with small (and sometimes fundamental) ideological differences to come together as a loose federation of parties to stake claim for power. The Congress has become a withering tree. Real power has quietly slipped into the hands of regional satraps at the cost of the Congress. Coalitions have become a norm rather than an exception on the Raisina Hills. The trend was set in motion during Rajiv days with V P Singh and Chandra Shekhar showing their ability to cobble up an alliance government. "process of fragmentation of the Indian polity is not yet over". Coalition governments in India do not spell disaster, as is widely feared and propagated. They are better equipped to deal with the tensions of a divided society while single-party governments tend to both centralise and homogenise."


3. Delay and lack of transparency: People are willing to know the terms of long run agreements like the smart city projects, why there was so much of delay in signing, which has put infopark into a debt trap, created uncertinity in real estate industrial sector, and many related issues. It is not long before, that Britishers came as traders and became our rulers.

4. People play with the sentiments of people and try to win seats in the name of caste, religion, and reservations.

5. 1/3rd of the members of the parliament are dacoits, MLA’s and MP’s who don’t keep their promises are allowed to continue in politics.
6. History is not a distillation of rumors but a play of personality. Film stars, Industralists etc. directly or indirectly , try to amend laws for their personal benefits. Death changes the course of history. Sanjay Gandhis death instantly altered the fortunes of the Indira Gandhi family and with that the dynasty destiny of India. If Madhav Rao Scindia and Rajesh Pilot had not died in their prime, would the Congress party be what it is today? If Indira and Rajiv had not been killed? What was the real cause of Pramod Mahajan and his secretarys death???
7. It is said that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. You can spend half an hour just naming the various scams in India……
8. Bandhs and Hartals, also effect the economy.

IRAQ: Was it actually ‘Helping Democracy’ as was the comment on the presence of US force during the elections in Iraq? Should a democratic country wage a war and invade other countries for establishing democracy there?

Was it right on US to hang Sadam Hussain?

The war against Iraq was not authorized by the UN Security Council. Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General, said that the US war on Iraq was illegal.

PAKISTAN: If we look into the changing map of Democracy, it is one country, which was democratic earlier but not now when other countries are opting for democratic form of government.
In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999.
He overthrew a democratically elected government and declared himself the ‘Chief executive’ of the country. Later he changed his designation to President and in 2002 held a referendum in the country that granted him a five year extension. In August 2002, he issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ that amended the constitution of Pakistan. According to this order, the President can dismiss the national or provincial assemblies.
How did he come into power? Both the earlier prime ministers, Benizer Butto, and …….. where forced to leave the country.
Violence begets violence, and inflection of death in turn leads to death road…….

It is a matter of great shame that democratic principles are married by ghastly incidents like corruption at all levels especially in top bureaucracy, assassination of our great leaders etc….

Plutocracy and not democracy is seen to be ruling our country today though she is the biggest democracy in the world.

Remedies:
We do believe that ‘Prevention is better than cure’……… It is also said, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, if the doctor is handsome keep the apple away…

1. Equality: It does not mean giving everyone the same treatment, no matter what they need. It means giving everyone an equal opportunity to achieve whatever one is capable of. We need to ensure that its not plutocracy, ruling us. We need to beaware of candidates and parties who have unfair advantage over smaller parties and independents. So also those with criminal track records, dynasty rules should not be encouraged.


1. 49’O “In a particular constituency, if a voter has dislike to all of the candidates competing there,then he can show his dislike to all of them by registering for 49’O. There could be a provision in the ballot paper itself…or Steps for doing this : 1. while registering the name by the time of voting, convey the booth officials that “I want to go for 49’O”. 2. Register your signature in the 49’O form available there.
Now, if the number of 49’O count is larger than that of the winning candidates total vote count, then a re-election is called there.
some say this 49’O is available ever since 1960, but it is in no way conveyed to the people??
As long as the people are unaware of this one/or if there is nothing of that sort, the political parties are enjoying by winning the election and ditching our country.
To stop this disaster to continue further let us have such a powerful weapon which can be used for ensuring the welfare.

We Can Create History by increasing the polling percentage.. Just look at the statistics...
Its been just 55 % to 60 % people who have voted and What happened to rest ????
This rest 40 % can make big change and this will help in electing and selecting good leaders...

Lets Create History... Caste Your Vote.. Exercise your RIGHT..


2. On the 26th of January 1950 we entered a life of contradictions.
Ø In politics, equality – principle of one man one vote and one vote one value,and
Ø in social and economic life inequality- deny the principle of one man one value.
We need to provide equality in social and economic life. We cannot long live the life of this contradictions, it will put our political democracy in peril. The big difference in Indian democracy, as compared to democracy in the developed countries, is that in a) India it is the votes from the poorer people that count. We need to remove poverty and educate people.
India today seems to have two stories:
Ø About our realities: - This is the reality of inequality and illiteracy, of poverty and unemployment of scarcity and depravation. There are still a very many have nots in our country…
Ø About our potentials:- The potential to create economic, social, cultural and ecological wealth for all our citizens and for the world.
Towards this, Constitutions (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002, sec 4 has inserted clause k in sec. 51A of part IV A. According to it, one of the fundamental duty of every citizen of India who is a parent or a guardian, is to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years. Education is made compulsory and free upto 14 years, and loans are provided for those willing to take up further education. Education brings about a change in the society. Teachers in schools can mave from teaching for exam to teaching for understanding. Undoubtedly true learning begins at home, but teaches to have a great role to play. To be educated, is to be aware, aware of oneself, ones realities, ones potential, and such awareness is only possible if we are aware of our environment, of how we are embodied in our social contest. This aware person, I feel, will manifest into a balanced human being, who is courageous and committed in spirit, in is curious and critical in thought and is creative and caring in action. Well our colleagues here, while discussing about education may highlight these points.
b. Courage, Courage, and courage, is what is needed, to rock the cradle, the corporate, and the world…As Gandhiji had once said, problem with we Indians are that we are cowards. Also everything is build on sacrifices, some go noticed, some go unnoticed. Some are rewarded, some are not.
c. At this juncture, the Grand Old Party (GOP) as the Congress is known, and even the other parties, needs not old, tried and tested hands but dynamic generation next which can electrify the voters by offering a new vision and an alternative.
d. We need to have a good, respected and influential, leader. If movies inspire people..like yuva 3 guys forming a new Political party…The journey of thousand miles begin with a single step….

3. A person should not discriminate people and ideologies. ‘Respect others, not only our faith’. This is a very important factor. Respect should be given to all cast, creed, religion or gender. So also to smaller parties, and independent candidates. Once there is respect, there would not be exploitation of sentiments. Mahatma Gandhi had, in his ‘My experiments with truth’, said, ‘Those who say religion has got nothing to do with politics, do not know what religion or politics is’. For him religion and politics was both Truth and Non Violence.
4. Basic Ethics of principles should be followed by every individual. ‘Wheteher men understands it or not, they are impelled by that power behind to become unselfish. That is the foundation of morality. It is the quinstance of all ethics, preached in any language, or any religion or by any prophet in the world. Be thou unselfish, not ‘I’ But thou- that is the background of ethical code.
5. Each individual should be conscious of the activities going on around him for the success of democracy and play an active part. Other than the voting right, people have certain other rights which should be properly exercised, like the right to equality, freedom, right against exploitation (how many or you have written to consumer grivences cell, when your pen is not working), freedom of religion (unlike countries like Saudi), cultural and Educational rights. Unless we do our duty, it is not right on our part just blaming others, for the non discharge of their duties.
6. Proper Transparancy : Since one of the basic feature of democracy is equal role in decision making, every citizen needs to have equal information, basic education, equal resouces, and a lot of commitment. Since this is not always practicable, decisions are taken by elected representative. Therefore these elected representative should keep up the trust of the people.
7. Criminals or with bad track records should not be allowed to contest elections. There should be law to call back people if found corrupt. Also Election commissioner should properly moniter the new parties coming up, and make the elections free and fair.

‘So let us then be up and living, with a heart for any race…Still achieving, still pursuing, learn to labour and to wait’

Hoping that in the future with the infusion of time, talent, imagination, money and manpower, India will emerge as a super power. It is a matter of great pride for all of us, to see, unity in diversity here, with many languages, religion and people, rich and varied heritage, geographical, and cultural differences.

To quote Rabindranatha Tagore: ‘Fear not the waves of the sea, but mind the leaks in your own vessels’ – If we were slaves it was not because British are devils but because we are weaklings’ Also ‘ It is not the parliamentary system that guarantees democracy in a state, but certain specific virtue in the citizens namely, courage to stand up for ones right, tolerance of opposition, moderation in passion and a sense of humour which refuses to take a politician at his face value. No people who lack these virtue can ever be democratic whatever their political institution’.

It is high time that we conclude, and therefore:

True, democracy cannot get us everything and is not the solution to all problems. But having accepted democracy as a form of governance, we the people or the citizens of India have the responsibility of safeguarding it.

India is shining and we are ready for it. Let us make our beloved motherland, the sun on earth. ‘Awake, Arise and stop not, till the goal is reached’……

Having put forth our views on the topic a broad analysis of democracy as a form of governance and how to solve the ills of democracy, we conclude with a prayer by Rabindranatha Tagore:

Where the mind is without fear, And the head is held high,
Where knowledge is free, where the world has not been broken up,
Into fragments by narrow domestic walls,
Where words come out from the depth of truth,
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection,
Where the clear stream of reason has not, lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit,
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever widening thought and action,
Into that heaven of freedom, my father….Let my country awake…..
Jai Hind!!!!!
Victory, Victory, Victory, to Democracy!!!!!

Appendix
National parties
i. Bahujan Samaj Party ("Majority Society Party", BSP, led by Mayawati)
ii. Bharatiya Janata Party ("Indian People's Party", BJP, led by Rajnath Singh)
iii. Communist Party of India (CPI, led by Ardhendu Bhushan Bardhan)
iv. Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M), led by Prakash Karat)
v. Indian National Congress (INC, led by Sonia Gandhi)
vi. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP, led by Sharad Pawar)
State parties
Parties that have received certain amount of votes or seats in a state might be recognized as a state party by the Election Commission. Recognition as a state party given the party the possibilty to reserve a particular election symbol in the concerned state. A party might be recognized in more than one state. A party recognized in four states is automatically recognized as a national party. 50-60
Registered Unrecognized Parties
The large number of political parties are registered at the Election Commission, without having gained any recognition as National or State parties. In many cases registrations remain, although the party in question might have disbanded or merged into another formation several years ago.
Then there are many political parties in India are never registered at the Election Commission.

Coalitions


The following are coalitions of political parties in India.
Bangla Bachao Front - an opposition front in the 2001 West Bengal state elections. Was headed by All India Trinamool Congress.
Democratic Front - the governing coalition in Maharashtra.
Him Loktantrik Morcha - a now defunct 'third front' in Himachal Pradesh.
National Democratic Alliance - headed by the BJP.
National Front - headed by Janata Dal, governed India 1989-1991. Now defunct.
Left Democratic Front - Opposition front in Kerala, headed by CPI(M).
Left Front - headed by CPI(M).
Sikkim United Democratic Alliance - political front in Sikkim, including regional parties, BJP, INC.
Telangana Rashtra Sadhana Front - a front of pro-Telangana statehood fringe parties.
United Front - the 'third front' that governed India 1996-1998. Now defunct.
United Progressive Alliance - the current government coalition, headed by the INC.
[edit]
Political parties listed by relationship

Distribution of seats in the Fourteenth Lok Sabha
Indian National Congress – 145
Bharatiya Janata Party – 138
Communist Party of India (Marxist) – 43
Samajwadi Party – 36
Rashtriya Janata Dal – 24
Bahujan Samajwadi Party – 19
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam – 16
Shiv Sena – 12
Biju Janata Dal – 11
Communist Party of India – 10
Nationalist Congress Party – 9
Janata Dal (United) – 8
Shiromani Akali Dal – 8
Pattali Makkal Katchi – 6
Telugu Desam Party – 5
Telangana Rashtra Samithi – 5
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha – 5
Lok Janashakti Party – 4
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam – 4
Independents – 5
Others – 30

QUESTION ANSWERS


1. ARE ELECTIONS TOO EXPENSIVE IN OUR COUNTRY?

A large amount of money is spent in conducting elections in India. For instance, the government spent about Rs. 1,300 crores in conduction Lok Sabha election in 2004. That works out to about Rs. 20 per person on the voters list. The amount spent by parties and candidates was more than what the government spent. Roughly speaking, the expenditure made by government, parties and candidates was around Rs. 3,000 crores or Rs. 50 per voter.
Some people say that elections are a burden on our people, that our poor country cannot afford to hold elections once every five year. Let us compare this expenditure with some other figures:
§ In 2005, our government decided to buy six nuclear submarines from France. Each submarine cost about Rs. 3,000 crore.
§ Delhi plans to host Commonwealth Games in 2010. The current estimate for its cost is about Rs. 2,000 crore.
Are the elections too expensive? You decide.


2. WHY IS THERE NO EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR CANDIDATES?
§ Educational qualifications are not relevant to all kinds of jobs. The relevant qualification for selection to the Indian Cricket team, for example is not the attainment of educational degrees but the ability to play cricket well. Similarly the relevant qualification for being an MLA or MP is the ability to understand peoples concerns, problems and to represent their interests. Whether they can do so or not is examined by lakhs of examiners-their voters after every five years.
§ Even if education was relevant, it should be left to the people to decide how much importance they give to educational qualifications.
§ In our country putting an educational qualification would go against the spirit of democracy for yet another reason. It would mean depriving a majority of the country’s citizens the right to contest elections. If, for example, a graduate degree like B.A., B.Com, or B. Sc was made compulsory for candidates, more than 60% of the citizens will become ineligible to contest election.


3. HOW RELIABLE IS THE CONSTITUTION?

The drafting of the constitution was done by an assembly of elected representative, representing the people of India, called the constituent assembly which had 299 members. It was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who prepared a draft constitution for discussion. Several rounds of thorough discussion took on draft constitution clause by clause. More than 2000 amendments were considered. The members deliberated for 114 days spread over three years. Every document presented and every word spoken in the constituent assembley has been recorded and preserved. These debates provide the rational behind every provision of the constitution. These are used to interpret the meaning of the constitution.


Some provisions of the constitutions have been questioned.


4. UNITED AND DIVIDED INDIA?

The political integration of India established a united nation for the first time in thousands of years from a plethora of princely states, colonial provinces and possessions. Despite partition, a new India united peoples of various geographic, economic, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds. The process began in 1947, with the unification of 565 princely states through a critical series of political campaigns, sensitive diplomacy and military conflicts.
There were between 570 and 600 princely states.

THE ART OF UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE…….

(Courtesy: A lesson learned in my 12th English text book; It keeps lingering)

One of the richest hours of my life was spent recently in the company of a woman who had just turned eighty. Though she had been buffeted by what seemed more than her share of ill fortune, had created more happiness for herself and her neighbours than anyone else I’ve known. For years her humble home was a refuge for the troubled in heart. I asked the secret of her serenity and she replied: ‘ I found it when I overcame the bad habit of judging others.’

Come what may, guess the most complicated relation, difficult to reconcile is that of MIL and DIL...though there may be exceptions to this rule too......

There is no other quirk of human nature so common or so malicious. All of us at one time or another have been guilty of this cruelty. And many of us have been the butt of it.

A prominent minister says, “ I have heard people confess to breaking every one of the Ten Commandments except the ninth: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour’. Yet this is the one we all break most often.”

What irreparable damage has been done to innocent people by thoughtless indulgence in this vice!

When a man asked Mohammed how he might make amends for falsely accusing his friend, he was told to place a goose feather on each doorstep in the village. The next day Mohammed said, “Now go and collect the feathers.”

The man protested, That’s impossible-a wind blew all night, and the feathers are scattered beyond recall.’

“Exactly”, said Mohammed, “and so it is with reckless words you spoke against your neighbour.”

A minor poet wrote: “ Stubbornness we deprecate, but firmness we condone, the former is our neighbour’s trait, the latter is our own.”

Why do we garnish our own traits but tarnish the other fellow’s?

The impulse to blame others is a defensive measure so ingrained in our nature that psychologists say that if you want to find out a man’s weak points, note the failings he has the quickest eye for in others.

A woman who was for ever complaining about the untidiness of her neighbour gleefully drew friend to her window and said, “ Look at those clothes on the line, grey and streaked!” The friend replied gently, “ If you’ll look more closely I think you’ll see that it’s your windows, not her clothes that are dirty”.

Lack of compassion in judging others arises from not knowing what lies behind a condemned one’s action. We need to hold in our hearts the Chinese proverb: “Be not disturbed at being misunderstood; be disturbed rather at not being understanding.” In our everyday relations with others we constantly risk blackening someone’s reputation by failing to look beneath the surface with the eye of compassion.

“ A lovely widow with three children moved into our village,” a friend told me, “ and in a few weeks she was the most talked about woman in the place. She was too pretty…..several men had been seen visiting her…She was a poor housekeeper…her children roamed the streets and ate at other peoples houses….she was lazy and spent most of her time lying on the sofa reading.

One morning, our pretty neighbour collapsed in the post office, and the truth soon came out. She was suffering from an incurable disease and couldn’t do her housework. She sent the children away when drugs could not control her pain. ‘ I wanted them to think of me as always happy and gay’, she said. ‘I wanted to pass away alone so that they would never know.’

“ The men visitors were her old family doctor, the lawyer who looked after her estate and her husbands brother. The village was kind to her for the remaining months of her life, but the gossips never forgave themselves.”

We can halt hasty judgement in its tracks by asking ourselves: might I not be as bad, or worse, if I was faced with that person’s troubles and temptations? The habit of judging others tends to reveal about us that unattractive character flaw, self-righteousness. Our very attitude seems to say: ‘I must be good, look at all the bad I’m finding in others.’ Christ’s classic rebuke to self-appointed judges was, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw the stone.” I heard of a businessman who keeps on his desk a stone with the word ‘first’ lettered on it-a strong reminder.

A recent census of opinion among clergymen brought out four simple rules for overcoming the habit of judging others.

First: Be sure you know all the facts, so that your evidence is not merely circumstantial. We share the responsibility of wrong judgements by listening to them. “ Whenever I hear a sensational story at someones expenses,” says R.V. C Bodley in his book, In search of Serenity, “ I try to gauge the mentality and motives of the raconteur and either discard everything that has been said or try to discover what started the yarn. Do it yourlsef before hastily judging the subject of gossip.”

Second: Remember that, however certain another’s guilt may seem, there may be extenuating circumstances. Years ago Sioux Indians had an impressive ritual. A brave who was about to set forth to visit other tribes would raise his hands towards the sky and pray: “ Great Spirit, help me never to judge another until I have walked two weeks in his moccasins!”

Third: Give your habit of judging others a “reverse twist” by focusing on the graces of people, not their faults. Dr. Walter Moore tells of a lecturer who began his addresses by pinning a square of white tissue paper on the blackboard. Then he made a tiny black spot in the center. Asked what they all saw, all present replied, “A black dot.” The spaker said, “Don’t any of you see a large square of paper?”

Develop the habit of seeing the good in people. Comment on it. Practise the art of good gossip. It is amazing how this habit of searching out the best in others enlarges our own souls. Look in your mirror when you are inclined to pronounce harsh judgement on another and see how crabbed you look. Then speak well of someone, and watch kindliness flood your face.

Fourth: Leave all judgements of others sins to God. Arrogating to ourselves the functions of the Deity is as presumptuous as it is irreverent. Bishop Fulton Sheen, famous in America for his broadcast sermons, says: “ The separation of people into sheep and goats will come only on the Last Day. Until then we are forbidden to make the classification”.

So: Try to know all the facts; study the circumstances; focus on the good in people, and leave all judgements of others sins to God.

Thrissur-The Cultural Capital of Kerala...

Thrissur city, the Cultural capital of Kerala, until approximately 20 years ago was known as "Thiru-siva-per-oor"; which is derived from the conjugated words thiru(sacred), -Siva (Lord Shiva), per (named) and ooru (place). It means "The place in the name of sacred Lord Shiva". It is built around a 65-acre hillock (called the Thekkinkadu Maidan) which seats the Vadakkumnathan temple. It is believed to have been founded by the legendary saint Parasurama. This area is the city's cultural and spiritual centre, offering --- in addition to religious experiencs --- an array of festivals and historical and natural sights..




Access
Air-The nearest airport is at Cochin, 78 km away.
Rail- Thrissur is linked to most major towns inside and outside Kerala.
Road-Motorable roads connect Thrissur to several important centres. Thrissur city lies on National Highways NH 47 and NH 17.




FACT SHEET
Area 3032 sq. km.
Population (1993) 274,225
Altitude Sea level
Temperature Max : 35oC
Min : 22.5oC
Rainfall 254 cm
Clothing Tropical cottons
Tourist Season September to March But Wanna see the pooram come in May..

54 km long coastal area. South East corner of the District is bounded by Tamil Nadu. Mountains-Machad, Paravattani, Palapalli, Kodeswary & Athirapalli. The Periyar, The Chalakudy, The Karuvannur and The Ponnani (Bharatha Puzha) are the main river systems in the District.



The Town Hall in Thrissur has a magnificent building in a huge area with lawns and gardens. It is a favorite among the tourist who love art. It is famous for its picture gallery or ‘chitralayam.’. The picture gallery exhibits mural paintings brought from the various regions of Kerala. The Town Hall at Thrissur is a very important building where public meetings and numerous cultural programmes are held regularly. It is located about 1km from the city center.

The Kerala State Museum and Zoo is located at Town Hall Road in Chembukavu, 2 km from Thrissur railway station. Established in 1885, the museum is spread over an area of 5.5 hectors of land. The museum complex includes an Art Section with a collection of sculptures, religious idols, Kathakali figures, traditional jewellery of the state and traditional lamps. Besides the Art Museum, a Natural History Museum displaying sample collection of different animals, a Zoological and Botanical Garden are located in this compound




The famous SakthanThampuran palace, now preserved by the Archaeological Department, highlights several interesting and outstanding attributes of the former rulers of Cochin. The palace also known as 'Thoppu', covering an area of 6 acres of land, narrates the history of Thrissur.

Vilangan Kunnu
Vilangan Kunnu alias Vilangan hill is a beautiful green hillock located 5 kms from the city premises. It is a popular picnic spot and recreation center among the youngsters. The hill gives a panoramic view of the whole city from the top.

You also find here big temples, Churches and Mosques:



Cathedral Church

Asia's highest church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours (Puthan Pally), Our Lady of Lourdes's Metropolitan Cathedral of Syrian Catholics is noted for its imposing interior. Its main attraction is an underground shrine which is a masterpiece of architectural design. The Sacred Heart Latin Church of Latin Catholics and the Mart Mariam Big Church, Indian headquarters of Chaldean/Assyrian Church of the East, are also situated at Thrissur. The district also houses the headquarters of the Malabar Independent Syrian Church in Thozhiyoor. The ancient port of Muziris or Kodungaloor is the cradle of Christianity and Islam in India. This is where St. Thomas arrived in India. Later he established the first church in India at Palayur.



Kalathode Juma Masjid

Kodungaloor houses the first Muslim mosque of the country built by Cheraman Perumaal, a Hindu king who accepted Islam. It is believed that Adi Shankara spent his last days here.




Kerala Sahitya Academy, an autonomous institution established for the promotion and development of Malayalam language and literature, is also in Thrissur.

Kerala Kalamandalam
The famous art school, Kerala Kalamandalam is located at Cheruthuruthy on the banks of Bharathapuzha at a distance of 29 km north of Thrissur. It was founded in 1930 by the Malayalam poet Vallathol Narayana Menon in order to promote Kerala arts likes Mohiniyattom and Kathakali. The school follows the gurukulam system of training and is a center for teaching traditional music, drama, Ottam thullal, Koodiyattam and Panchavadhyam. Besides regular courses the school also offers crash courses

Punnathoor Kotta
Punnathoor Kotta or Fort, once the abode of the Punnathoor Zamorin (ruler) is now home to elephants brought as ritual offerings to the Sree Krishna Temple Guruvayoor by the devotees. Here the elephants, over 50 in number are trained and groomed in the green wooded environs of the vast compound of the fort. A tour to the fort, just 2kms from the Guruvayoor temple and 35km from Trichur.

And other place near is the Peechi Dam.

Sports:
Football is the most popular sport in Thrissur city. Thrissur has a floodlit stadium, known as Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium. There are three more stadiums (Thope, Kerala Varma College and Agricultural University). It also has two indoor stadiums (V.K.N.Menon Indoor Stadium & Thope Stadium) and a Sports Authority of India (SAI) maintained swimming pool with international facilities. The veteran footballers and former Indian captains C. V. Pappachan, I. M. Vijayan and Jo Paul Ancheri hail from this city. Thrissur has contributed many national and international bodybuilding stars to India, such as T. V. Poly and V. M. Basheer.

Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple and Thiruvambadi Sree krishna Tempal are the two rival groups participating in Thrissur Pooram.








Thrissur and Pooram, (the festival of festivals with an unmatched pageantry of a hundred drums, dozens of caparisoned elephants and brilliant fireworks) are so inseparably integrated that the extravaganza of Pooram, excites you in the same breath when you hear the name of Trichur.

Wanna see the pooram visit Thrissur in May, it would be too hot here, but you will have something very memorable to cherish..

These are the pictures of Pooram, taken by my BIL...It was at Mission Hospital, in Thrissur that I was born.

DANCE…..

DANCE…..

Is life…
Interpreted in a hundred forms,
Evoked in a thousand rhythms,
Painted in a million gestures…
And expressed in endless emotions….

Dance, along with music, has always dynamically expressed the spirit and personality of every culture. Dance is a global language.

In kerala we have our own dance forms:

1. KUTIYATTAM:
One of the most remarkable traditions of the world theater. It is an artistic tradition that goes beyond 2000 years. It is the only ancient form of Sanskrit theater, which has kept alive its vibrant tradition till date. Kutiyatom is recognized by the UNESCO as one of the master pieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity…..It is a unique theater form that takes you to a world of scintillating colour immaculate dramatics and captivating orchestra.

2. MOHINIYATTAM:
Literally interpreted as the dance of Mohini, the celestial enchantress of Hindu mythology is the female classical solo dance of Kerala. Noted for its graceful and sensuous movements with no tense footwork, Mohiniyattam reminds one of the gentle swaying of the green paddy fields and coconut fronds that dot the length and breadth of kerala.

3. KATHAKALI:
This 400 year old, worlde renowned classical dance form of kerala combines facets of ballet, opera, mosque and pantomime. Kathankali explicates events and stories from the Indian epics and puranas, with an unparalled array of colour, music, drama and dance. Accompanied by facial expressions and sophisticated sign languages called mudras the characters in Kathakali are discernable through make up and costume, which transform them both mentally and physically into the characters they portray.

4. NANGIARKOOTHU:
An offshoot of Kutiyattam, it is a solo performance with an antiquity of 800 years. Nangiarkoothu is the sole domain of female artists known as Nangiars, the female members of Nambiar community. The stories for the performance are taken from the text Sree Krishna Charitam, depecting the life of Lord Krishna. During the performance, the actress presents the long winded stories of Lord Krishna through handgestures, facial expressions and body movements to the accompaniment of the resonant Mozhaavu…

5. OTTAMTHULLAL:
It is a typical solo dance performance that has themes from the puranas, which also relates to aspects of everyday life, often satirising the evils in societies. It owes its genesis to Kunchan Nambiar, an eminent poet of Kerala. In Ottam Thullal, the performer sings and dances to the sounding of the cymbals and beating of the drum and acts the incidents narrated in the song.

And now from other states:

6. BHARATANATYAM:
This 2000 year old dance form is poetry in motion. The dance is full of unfettered rhythmic movements and expressions, which is devotional in spirit, highly stylized and sophisticated in technique. The musical components of Bharatanatyam uses Sanskrit, Telegu and Kannada besides Tamil. Symmetrical lines of the body, escuberant laps and bends contrasting with subtle neck and eye movements, and crisp, intricate footwork are the hallmarks of Bharatanatyam.

7. KUTCHIPUDI:
Kuchipudi dance hails from the village of Kuchelapuri or Kuchelapuram in the Krishna Distirict of Andhra Pradesh and has a history of nearby two millennia. Since its origin, it has remained a continuous and living dance traditon of A.P. Its geneses, like most Indian classical dances is associated with religions and for a long time was presented only at temples. Kuchipudi involves brisk and rhythmic footwork with gestures and subtle facial expressions forming part of acting.

8. MANIPURI:
The dance Manipuri takes its name from the North Eastern State of India, Manipur. It is perhaps the only classical dance of India that has completely dedicated its prowess to highlight the many elements of devotion and eternal love, which is the epicenter of relationship between Lord Krishna and his Beloved Radha. The prevalent ambiance during a Manipuri Performance is very much devotional. The richly bedecked costumes, graceful moments, gentle strides make Manipuri a delightful lyrical recitation.

9. ODISSI:
This enchanting classical dance form of orissa, traces its origin to the temple dances of the ‘Deva Dasis; (temple dancers) An unparalleled grace and bewitching charm makes odissi a performers delight, often attaining postures to a sculptors delight. Odissi diligently portrays the aesthetic charm of ;Natya’(acting) and the brilliance of Nritta (dance) Taking most of its themes from Jayadevas ‘Geeta Govinda’, which is replete with elements of love and devotion, odissi serves as the ideal abode for its espression.

10. KATHAK:
Kathak carries the quaint charm of folk arts and a happy synthesis of Hindu and Muslim traditions. A centuries of old dance form moulded in time from a temple ritual to a rich and colourful courtly entertainment. Intricate footwork and rapid pirouettes are the dominant and most endearing features of Kathak.

11. YAKSHAGANA:
True to its name, Yakshagana (the music of celestial beings) is a 400 year old dance form born in costal Karnataka, South India, that enchants the discerning viewers with its blissful charm. This traditional theatre form or dance opera emphasis distinctive make up and footwork than actual dance. An intriguing amalgam of colour, rhythm, song and gestures, yakshagana is a cherished cultural art.

12. SATRIYA:
Characterized by its elegant simplicity, satriya traces its origins to Majuli, an island in the middle of the Brahmaputra river in Assam, North-East India. A 15th century discovery of Mahapurush Sankaradeva, the Vaishnavi saint, ‘Satriya’ was created synchronizing the tenants of Natya sastra and the ancient kumruki dance. Combining discipline, physical demands and the alluring grace of classical dance, satriya is a unique dance form.

These are just the 12 individual dance forms. Then there are

INDIA AND FOLK DANCE:
There is really no such genre as folk dancing. Rather, there is a large body of unrelated non-classical dance forms. The only thing common among these dance forms is their rural origins.

Many folk dances are performed by ordinary people rather than professional dancers. It is very usual that on special occasions, the villagers will gather and sing and dance, accompanying themselves on a variety of folk instruments. Such special occasions include harvesting, planting, marriages and religious holidays.
Sometimes the folk dances are performed by professionals. There is the institution of the folk theatre. Professional musicians, actors and dancers travel from village to village performing their dance dramas. This seems to be a rural extension of the ancient theatrical tradition found in the Natya Shastra. However, it appears to have degenerated into a rural tradition. One example of the folk theatre is the Yaksha Gana of Karnatika.

It would be more correct to divide these folk dances into two categories: folk and tribal. The difference between the two is cultural. Folk dances are the rural extensions of the larger Indian population. Examples are the Bhangra and the Garba. However, the tribal dances are performed by India's aboriginal populations. These people, known as adivasi, have a culture which is very distinct from the larger Indian population. Attempting to relate Indian tribal dances with Indian folk dances is very much like trying to relate the dances of the Cherokee Indians to the "Cotton Eyed Joe". A common example of a tribal dance is the Santhali
It may be academically desirable to separate tribal from simple folk dances, however this is generally not done. Artists do not concern themselves with these academic matters. Therefore the following list does not make any distinctions.
The following is a very short and incomplete list of folk and tribal dances.

In kerala we have dances like:
Thiruvathirakalli, Karshakanrithyam, Upana, Margamkalli

Dances from other parts of India:

Bathakamma
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Bihu
Bihu is a folk dance from Assam. It is a very brisk and aggressive dance performed by both boys and girls.
Bagurumba
This is a folk dance from Assam. It is performed by the Bodos and is known for its colourful attire.
Bhangra
This is a folk dance from the Northwest Indian state of Punjab. It is a lively, powerful dance.
Chah Baganar Jumur Nach
This is a Dance from Assam. It is a dance of the tea gardens.
Changu
The changu dance is a folk dance found in Odissa and Andhra Pradesh. It derives its name from the changu, which is a simple tambourine (daf) that is used to accompany this dance.
Dandaria
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Dasakathia
This is a folk theatre of Odissa. It is performed by a pair of performers who entertain the audience with dance, songs, and stories.
Dhamal
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Gair
This is a dance of Rajasthan. It is performed by groups of dancers moving in and out with an almost military precision.
Garba
This is a folk dance from Gujarat. It is traditionally danced at marriages and during the time of Navaratri.
Geendad
This is a folk dance of Rajasthan. It is very similar to the Gair.
Ghoomar
This is a folk dance of Rajasthan. It derives its name from its characteristic pirouettes.
Ghanta Patua
This is a folk dance of Odissa. Its name is derived from the large brass gongs known as ghanta. It is performed in the Hindu month of Chaitra. This dance is most notable because it is performed on stilts.
Gobbi
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Jhoomar
This is a dance of the Mundas and Mahantas of Odissa.
Kacchhi Ghodhi
This is a folk dance of Rajasthan that is performed with a dummy horse.
Kandhei
(see Sakhi Nata)
Kavadi
This is a folk dance of Tamil Nadu. It is played with a wooden pole upon which are tied two pots. The stick is then balanced upon the shoulder.
Karagam
This is a folk dance of Tamil Nadu. It is played with a pot balanced on the head.
Kela Keluni
This is a dance performed by the Kelas of Odissa.
Mathuri
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Raas
This is a folk dance from Gujarat. It is traditionally danced at marriages and during the time of Navaratri.
Sakhi Nata
This is the puppet dance of Odissa.
Terahtali
This is a folk dance of Rajasthan. It is performed by women while they are seated.
Therukoothu
This is a folk theatre from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Yaksha Gana
This is a folk theatre from the south Indian state of Karnatika.

Western Dancing

Folk dance is a term used to describe a large number of dances, mostly of European origin. Types of folk dance include clogging, English country dance, international folk dance, Irish dance, Maypole dance, Morris dance, Nordic polska dance, Ball de bastons, square dance, and sword dance. Some choreographed dances such as contra dance, Israeli folk dance, Scottish country dance, and modern Western square dance, are called folk dances, though this is not true in the strictest sense. Country dance overlaps with contemporary folk dance and ballroom dance. Most country dances and ballroom dances originated from folk dances, with gradual refinement over the years
East began to move West with the pioneers. Worldly pleasures such as dancing were often frowned upon, and when not altogether banned, were designed to keep contact and spontaneity at a minimum. Consequently, it was the minuet, cotillion, pattern dances, courtly processions, and "safe" folk dances that were favored by the early settlers.

Modern western dance is part of this global language and its roots run wide and deep. They can be traced to the taverns of Ireland and to the ballrooms of Europe, to the Czarist palaces of Russia and further back still to the fluid tribal rituals of Africa. Representatives from all of these cultures brought their native dances when they landed in America. Widely differing peoples who had little or no exposure to one another gathered and danced on common ground.
The western population included such groups as Poles, Germans, French, Irish, Jews, Scandinavians, Czechs and Russians and each still enjoyed their own folk dances, but many found common refuge in the polka. New hybrids were also developed, creating offspring such as the Varsouvianna and the Two Step. German settlers in El Paso, Texas developed the Schottische and line dances which were important precursors of modern western dances such as the Cotton-Eyed Joe.
By the turn of the century carnivals, minstrel shows, medicine shows and eventually vaudeville routines frequently showcased Black dancers or White imitators. The Black dance style was referred to as "jazz" or "eccentric dancing". These fast, gyrating, acrobatic and tap dances had names like the Turkey Trot, Grizzly Bear, Kangaroo Dip and Chicken Scratch.

Throughout the 1920's, radio brought music to the whole nation. Chicago radio station WLS began broadcasting the "National Barn Dance" in 1924. A year later the now famous "Grand Ole Opry" from Nashville was initiated.

In the late 1920's, George "Shorty" Snowden brought the entire Savoy Ballroom audience to its feet with his rapid, break-away solo steps. Charles Lindbergh had crossed the Atlantic in 1927 in one dramatic "hop", and when Snowden was asked what his dance was called, he replied, the "Lindy Hop".

A new musical tempo could be heard after the Second Word War. Be-bop, a kind of wild and dizzying swing offshoot popular in big cities quickly gave birth to "pop" music. Rockabilly arrived in the '50's and by the middle of the decade had become known as rock 'n roll
Couple dancing regained popularity in the mid 1970's with the emergence of Disco. In the late 1970's as Disco died and country music continued to rise in rapid popularity, a resurgence of interest in western dance emerged. Older dancers suddenly became models for a new generation.

Ballet is academic dance form and technique which is taught in ballet schools according to specific methods. There are many ballet schools around the world that specialize in various styles of ballet and different techniques offered. Works of dance choreographed using this technique are called ballets, and usually include dance, mime, acting, and music (usually orchestral but occasionally vocal). Ballet is best known for its unique features and techniques, such as pointe work, turn-out of the legs; its graceful, flowing, precise movements; and its ethereal qualities.

Now that swing is back, people are dancing with a smile, a hat and a friendly attitude!

Take Time.....

Two things that people often complain of being short is Money and Time. But we do find both for what we (individual perception) feel is most important. These are matters of priority. As Achan often said: Time and Tide waits for no man…..

Favourate quote as gifted by Ajex:

TAKE TIME

Take time to work,
It is the price of success
Take time to Meditate,
It is the price of power
Take time to play
It is the secret of perpetual youth,
Take time to read
It is the way to knowledge,
Take time to be friendly,
It is the road to happiness,
Take time to laugh,
It is the music of the soul,
Most important of all,
Take time to love and be loved.

What is important? Money or Happiness

I was too fascinated by this question in the community Fuzzier thought Firmer View in orkut,

What is important? Money or Happiness
Please note this is my inaugural topic. This topic is very fuzzy to me. People say both needs to be there. But there is only 1 answer and your response should indicate one or the other but not both.

My firmer opinion is money because I rarely see happy people who do not have money. If I have money, I see many faces smiling at me else no one cares about me. I see I can buy happiness for them with money because all I see is requests for material things.

I do care for someone needs to be translated only by fulfilling their wishes which requires money.


It does not matter if you are unhappy by pursuing money because if you want to be happy, the world will be unhappy with you.

From: http://www.orkut.com/CommMsgs.aspx?cmm=39276565&tid=2555366010596117930&start=1
________________________________________________

It was part of my question put ten years back, what is most important:

Money 2. Power 3. Intelligence/Knowledge 4. Beauty

Well my finding is put in the conclusion below, but first let us analyse this question:


Definitely both are needed for the existence of a comman human being. But in case one say ‘there is only 1 answer and your response should indicate one or the other but not both.’

My answer was Happiness Always!! Though I belive that Poverty is the greatest sin, the greatest curse, the greatest sorrow in once life.

To come to this conclusion, let me ask you two questions, definitely its an extreme case:

What would you prefer?

Lot of money with no family, friends or loved ones around (Remember the story of the Midas touch)
Good and supporting people around, with no money.

As rightly pointed out: ‘If I have money, I see many faces smiling at me else no one cares about me’. So definitely, only a poor man knows who his true friends are. As one of my cousin said, its easier to have many glass mates, but difficult to have good classmates.

Now let us analyse each of the above individually.

MONEY: It is very important, and essential thing in life. Money is ‘something’ but not ‘everything’ in life. It is like a bog, a mirage, once you are behind it, you will never be satisfied. Tell me how much money do you want??? Definitely cannot say!!!

Guess the theme of the Tamil movie ‘Kana Kanden’ , there are many today who like the smell of currency…….

HAPPINESS: Gambler, mystic, crook and saints all are looking for one and the same thing, though all have different ideas of what constitutes it. For example: Gambler wants money, and thus happiness…….Saint wants peace and thus happiness……

The ultimate thing for which all life searches is happiness, and it may be found only in the ourself. For some true its more money more happiness, for some solitude gives happiness, for some work, for some loved ones around means happiness, for others smoking, drinking or gambling.....it would all depend....What gives happiness for one, may be sorrow for another...Say of two siblings, one would be happy to have parents around, but other would have sorrow by having them...(Baghban- The movie that reminds me of may things)

Quotable Quote: The secret of happiness is simple, find our what you truely love to do, and then direct all of your energy towards doing it. Once you do this, abudance flows into your life and all your desires are filled with ease and grace.

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness. (Frank Tyger). Happiness is about freedom and it begins in the ... your life, what you like doing, how you want your life to be, and go for it.

‘The things that we desire in life are expensive, but the truth is that the things that really satisfy us are absolutely free…. Love, joy, laughter and friends….’ Most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or brought by us……Just as most beautiful things in the life are never seen but felt by the heart.

Money and power that you have today, you may loose tomorrow, but love and plesentness that you cultivate within you, you are not going to loose it until you want to.

No wonder life is richer for those who aspire to reach higher and higher, progess is life, stagnation is death…Do your duty, do what will make you happy, and that will not hurt others, and the reward will follow. Kochuouseph Chittalappillys family would feel that they are not rich as Ambanis, Ambanis would compare themselves to TATAS, TATAS to some international ………That’s life……So also in sports or other fields of life…Sky is the limit, we need to reach for the stars, keeping the contant, changing the format….

Yes, with regard to the children, when we ourselves are not contented, why blame them for asking more? Happiness comes into family, not when there is more money, but when the children and spouse is understanding and cooperative. Together they can overcome poverty.

Its not like parents abroad earning money, and years later once they celebrate onam together you say its the first onam!!! When there are people in front of them who do not have either of their parent- Will they never have onam in their lifetime??

I do not have money to give you, but if you have reached a firmer view as your answer to this question, guess both of us would be happy!! Right.

Conclusion:

The most essential thing is ‘DEVOTION’ , as you know, if you are devoted to your work, you will get promotion, which will increase your salary, and you will have money, so is the case with business, or those who are into spiritual path. Devotion to your loved ones, will give you their support, now and always. You ignore people today, saying you can live without them. Right. But whom you reject today, it is difficult that they will accept you tomorrow, who knows you may need them tomorrow.

Then comes ‘Intelligence’, which embodies the ability to discriminate between things as they appear to be and as they really are. It doesnot just mean the academic marks or qualifications, but the wisdom and ability to bring harmony, think big, and the use of the same for constructive and not destructive activities.......

This I suppose will give you Happiness!!!

Many fail to realise but how many of us:

Catch up with events like blood donation annually.
Visit orphanage, old age home, and govt. hospital at least once a year. Share their sorrows. Take care of your own ones and others too. Don’t be like those, who once married forget their parents. Take up responsibilities.
At home give others (underprivileged, some one who is not blessed as you in yor family or your servents kids etc.) the opportunity to enjoy what you have. Service do help gain one both happiness and money.
Need money for SMOKING??? Keep burning Rs. 3/- why do you hurt two souls?? During corporate meetings you have to run to the toilet often, and you feel ockward, and want to hide it when others come in front of you. So many times you burn this money, when there is so many in need of the same??


The moment you become obsessed by desire to play a part in society, there is always the danger that those desire will keep you too busy to attend to quiet thought. Good to have such forums, or else people would think of it too late.

Well, whichever path you choose, all road leads to the common door, Death is a common factor in everybodys life, and what is important is how you live........Which is a matter of choice+ how big you grow depends on where you stand and Your 'perception'.

And the even in the secret manthra for success 'AHA AHA AHA' the ingredient is not money but Happiness!!! Hope you are aware that AHA stands for Attitude, Happiness and Action!!!

-----------------------------------

The Secret Message:

Every human being on the planet wants to be happy. Anything that anyone desires is because they think their desire will make them happy. Whether it is health, money, a loving relationship, material things, accomplishments, a job, or anything at all, the desire for happiness is the bottom line of all of them. But remember that happiness is a state inside of us, and something on the outside can only bring fleeting happiness, because material things are impermanent.

Let go to live. Enjoy the moment. Be happy. Life happens for you, it does not happen to you.. Empty your cup. Love yourself, only then you will attract the right kind of person.

There are two parameters you can live in. If you are in a joyful state and at peace, you will get more. If you are grumpy, you will not attract the right kind of person.

Choices make your destiny. 

Permanent happiness comes from you choosing to be permanently happy. When you choose happiness, then you attract all the happy things as well. The happy things are the icing on the cake, but the cake is happiness.

Its nice to have special…..

The life cycle continues…..But its nice to have something, someone special, positive..
Again there were numerous events happening….
Yet another Independence day, onam, Rakshabandhan and Ganesh chatruthy…Well India is a land of festivals…
Well amidst this there were special events happening at home…And things were really special for us….And by Gods grace it happened as was destined….Thank you Almighty for the same…
Amidst the deadline for onam to be met, and festival days being working, illness and sickness of the near and dear once, death of dear Mutachenpengel, Vellayammas mother, and Sajeevs Vellayamma, the invitation, shopping and the arrangements for the wedding also started, with helping hand from the well-wishers. Manu (Manoj) with the invitation selection and handing things to Jayanchettan in Mumbai, Jayan Chettan, GiriUncle, Panku Uncle, Raghu Chettan, for all their help amidst the death of Mutachenpengel, it was great on his part of coordinating, and participating in the event, from Kerala. Then there was Greesh…Greeshma, who was there for everything, right from the beginning to the end, who actually made the event how it was. She was there with amma, for the shopping, along with Sarithas mother, with Thara for everything… Raghee, Geetha Aunty, Sindhu cheechi had all come for the occasion. Also there was naming ceremony, before of Nishas Son and after of Sudhis son. If one begin to name all the guests, it would be virtually impossible……But there was another happiness for many, it was seeing me in a saree, as per their desire, and finally Sujatha Ammai fulfilled her desire of changing my style. Touch wood, people admired and called the inlaws from Kakanad- Sujatha & Thanuja- sisters. Though we did not have any of our school and college friends around, it was a great surprise to get phone calls from our school teachers, telling they came to know of the wedding from the newspapaer!!! Missed taking photo of some, even could not meet every one...though spoke to most of them....Like Suresh & wife...
There were so many fans waiting eagerly to meet Varun, of the Idea star singer fame, the grooms party, family members, too would have really had a tough time coordinating events from Trichy to Kollam, Kollam to Chalakudy and all the way back, as was evident from Aruns face. Travelling is wonderful, but at time tedious, especially if there are sick people. Sangeetha looked gorgeous. They might have had some difficulty in finding places, especially the temple, which was at Potta. But hope all would have enjoyed the stage decoration by Valsan and party, Mehandi and dressing by Ranicheechi, Photo and Camera display of the events arranged by Saji and party, Sadhya by Ayyappadas and party.
Last year onam the grooms family visited us for the first time from Kolam, it was declared to be the engagement, and it was decided no separate function would be held, then in June there was kollam visit, and this Onam marriage was solominised…
Though we missed our both grandparents from fathers side, and grandfather from mothers side, It was nice to see Potta-ammavan and ammavi, for helping us be where we are today, Go Nany- Who named Thara, and Raviman & Chandha Aunty for the help and motivation while a student. They could leave Thara till Kollam.
May the Good God above pour showers of blessings on the shoulders of the wedded couple, it is not only the wedding day, but the life after that, which actually matters…Let there be peace, happiness and understanding. From Kollam back to Trichy, then to Chennai, and within a week they were back to work…..And the rain, feaver, Chittas operation, friends and relatives engagements, weddings etc…..
Well Life is our greatest teacher………Isnt it?

Thought for the day: World is a stage, we are all actors, playing our part….Almighty as we call God, is the producer…and Time is the director….We need to do our best, and play our role well in our lifetime, Which is now, can we take care of children after they are grown up, old people after they are no more, can we work when we are old…. And then there is my favorite quote as was put before……http://arunoday.blogspot.com/2006_09_01_archive.html

E=MC 2

The greatest poetry of all times is E=mc2 and I was happy to come across a book called ‘A Biography of the worlds Most Famous Equation’ by David Bodamis.

The readings of the book lead me to think about these:

1. ‘Discovery in the grand manner is for young people.’ ‘Anjil kaivathathu 50thil kayiyumoo’ We and the world….I guess was my best article till date, that I like which you will find in Sunday, January 15, 2006, The World & We. Even the same with regard to exams…


2. Why do people suffer?? For what crime of Japanes have they to face the aftereffect of the bombardment even today…Why had the Pandavas to undergo so much of sufferings in the Mahabaratha, and so also Rama in Ramayana??

Einsten said, ‘Had I known that Germans would not have succeeded in making an atomic bomb, I would not have lifted my figures – not a single figure.

Arent most of us like that?? Do not like to see others progress?
Another reason was/may be because they were comparatively weaker. I remember having put forth my view in an article, that what we need is to discover something, that can absorb and remove the after effects of such fight as seen in the Ramayana and Mahabharata fights.

Alfred Noble, for the remark in the newspaper, on the news that he was dead, because of the dangerous invention of dynamite, started the noble price. And today he is known for that. Its how positive thinking, helps. Make the constructive use of the criticisms.

3. The chapter on How Life began and how it would end was fascinating.

4. Every Hero needs an assistant, Moses had Aaron, Jesus had his disciples, Einstein got Freudlich….Krishna had Balram, Rama had Laxmana, so also in our daily life, just look at your home or office.

5. In the equation C stands for Celeritas=speed of light=swiftness=6,70,000,000/-

6. What you think is the major component of sun?? Till Ms. Paynes, through Spectroscope put forth it was hydrogen, it was belived, it was iron. ‘They said iron agaien. Things are hidden, it depends on how we interpret. Just as the ring tone of my mobile. Some think it to be ‘Narana aye ingeny’ others think it to be ‘Kani kannum neram’

7. And then there was Einstein’s remark of God as the old one! We are in the position of a little child entering a huge library, whose walls are covered to the ceiling with books in many different languages. The child knows that someone must have written those books. It does not know who or how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. The child notes a definite plan in the arrangement of the books, a mysterious order, which it does not comprehend but only simply suspects.

Orkut....

This is something that I really love and admire, of the latest findings of the internet, as it helped me get back to my old friends, of whom I had lost touch, and guessed will not ever meet again...

As our community song, in gmcs....

Every time in my orkut
I see you. I scrap you.
That is how I know you go on.
Far across the Scrap Book
And testimonials between us
You have come to show yourself " single".
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the friends list does go on
Once more you logged on
And you're here in my scrap book
And my scrap book will go on and on
Testimonials can touch us one time
And last for sometime
And never let go till we're friends
Love was when I saw your friends list
One true time I hold to
In my life I'll surely view her/his profile
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the friends list does go on
Once more you logged on
And you're here in my scrap book
And my scrap book will go on and on
There is some amazing profile that will not
go away
You're here, there's so much to fear,
And I know that my friend will know I checked her/him out
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my friends list
And my friends list will go on....

There is so much to say about this wonderful network.....

And my testimonials, Nice to read them, thanks to my friends:

16/12/2008 Sujith
see this s my chechi...ente chechiyavan ella yogyathem, stuff okke ulla my meera chechi...
aalu oru puli thanneyanu...seriously speaking very rare to see these kind of stuff.She has inspired and supported me in every walks of my life...in studying,in proffession etc etc...i strongly feel her journey of life,her perspective,attitude and purpose of life is entirely different from most of us.
Her ambition is to be a Chartered Accountant and ...i believe almighty will consider her efforts and our prayers very soon.
And last but not least she is right example of the phrase 'substance over form'...if any ca students wants to learn deeply about this concept,please observe my chechi for a while.

may god bless my chechiii and she will be always happy....
30/05/2008 prema
wellllllllll
abt meera...............
shez my support ,strength and motivation in our kudumbayogam.
A simple a person that can b defined.
softspoken,loving,friendly,creative and what not????????
Ever willing 2 accept any responsibilities.


In fact the master mind behind our kudumbayogam.



Love u Meera
Keep smiling...........:)



Neena:
she is my best chechi......when we used to meet we spend a great time with each other.
now we stay far away .........but those memories and good days are still fresh in my mind.
still we are close to each other with sweet heartly bonds.

LOVE U CHECHI...........LOTS AND POTS OF LOVE.


03/04/2007 Rashmi
chechi chechi chechi….well I dnt hav 2 say neythin more 2 all dose who kno wat dis word means.…well I startd callin u dat long b4 I even knew wat it meant… but now dat I kno its real meanin u r my meera chechi in evry way.. i rem in my childhood on ney holiday all v wud do is plan ven 2 leav 4 kalyan(ur home in mum)...i really wish u cud hav been dere durin all my growin up years too...our relationship is a proof dat no matter wher u r ..hw far ur frm ur loved ones.distance can never b a constraint..i wish u all d best in life ..so my fav chechi keep smiling nw n always (n dnt tell tara chechi i calld u my fav chechi..coz i tell her d same too hehehe)


29/10/2006 Meegha
my meeraji.she is very loving and friendly girl.She is very sensitive.luvs her friends a lot and expect the same from others.


24/09/2006 Rakesh.....
She is so simple and so calm, Very soft spoken sometimes, considerate and alwyas puts others interests before her own, she is a true friend. I am proud of it, to get such a good friend like u.


22/08/2006 Rajagopal
Meeraji, one of the most enigmatic persons that i have come across at Amlaki,adept at sailing through the mind boggling "desert" of Amlaki accounts,and our great HR! Bubbly, enthusiastic and at times into her shell draped with a "transparent" veil of secrecy i dare not question!!! She is so committed to her work and loyal to her organisation that one wonders if she is a kin of our CEO! Kudos to ur loyalty! Meeraji, in your voyage through life, may the heavenly guardians of peace and wellbeing guard you day and night and looking forward to the pleasure of seeing "CA" added to your name plate,i wish u all success!Long live Meeraji, you will come out with flying colors in the exams called LIFE! My prayers are with you!


31/07/2006 Reshmi
Meeraji..., i know her for the last 6months. She is more a friend and elder sis, than a colleague.
Very fond of sweets, children and guess what??? Sleep....
U'll alwyz find her with a smile. Hamesha apne mein masth. That's Meeraji.
U can rely on her nytime. No doubt she will be there alwayz with u.
Par ha kabhi mere kutch bathein nahi maanthi....Tooooooooooo bad.. Hope u get it dear..
Wish u joyful International rides in our 'Uddankattola'.
Mera - 'Happiness Always!!'
So chweeeeeeeettttttttttttttttt………………..
Will miss u dear..........


06/07/2006 Srinivas
I have known Meera to be very jovial , helpful and friendly person.She is a person whom you can look upon in need.But here's a caution for her!!!! , Itna bhi achcha mat bano ki log tumhare achchai ka galat faida uthane lagen.I wish her the best of everything in life.May all her dreams come true.Waiting to see a nameplate as Ms. Meera VT Bcom , CA

_________________________________

And this was the profile I really liked:

career skills:
Today's philosophy is tomorrows common sense.... no special skills required. Some foresight, some imagination, some study, some reality..... Rest is illusion!!

ideal match:
Matches are fixed these days......
first thing you will notice about me:
My loud and hearty laugh.......
turn offs:
Confused liars
my idea of a perfect first date:
1st Date...( callender date)
from my past relationships I learned:
Can relationships teach anything....I thought they only make you unlearn what you are taught........
five things I cannot live without:
Why do you think I would share my weakness with you???
in my bedroom you will find:
Keep guessing.............You are not allowed inside.

Our GMCS Programme.....Enlightenment from GMCS

View http://www.gmcs.tk/

As knowledge is incomplete without skill, learning is without enlightment. Enlightment comes from the consistent cultivation of mind, body and soul.

We are proud GMCS 25th batch team from Cochin who attended this program from May21st to June 7th, belonging to a profession which has blend theoretical knowledge with practical training and also have introduced this course and thereby enlightened us.

We are grateful to those noble Chartered Accountants who first dreamed the need for GMCS and then realized it. Our hearty thanks to our coordinators, Mr. Anatharaman and Mr. Subraminiam, all the staff of Cochin chapter, and those who arranged delicious food for us.

Many Salutations to the great linage of teachers, who made this possible.

We had with us:

Mr.Chandramohan who made learning such fun, with meditations, games, dance and songs.

Eloquent Mr. Vijay Mohan, who touched our souls with inspirational ideas and exercised a wonderful influence on us.

Power Point techniques by Mr. Sundeep

Mrs. Kanak Jinan's etiquette and manners, "Don't Kalatt", will echo in our ears for a long time.

Mr. K.P. S Nair's presentation and personal evaluation technique.

Prof. Dr. Gopakumar's communication, negotiation and Kolomon. The giving of sweets to all by those coming late each day.

Drafting of legal deeds and documents by Adv. Balakrishnan

C.A S.B.B. Prabu's future of CAs, indeed enemy of excellence is good.

The program would not have been what it was, if not for the uniform kindness, motivation and appreciation of every individual participant and also to the jarrings, which by their striking contrast made the general harmony sweeter.

Thanks to all those who participated and laboured to bring this into existence and crowned this with success. As all good things come to an end, hope this enlightment of ours will last with us till our end.


We were 22 participants in the class& very like the 22nd Alphabet "V" pronounced as "we", we also sounded "we"& there was no "I" among us. V also stand for Victory!
Dhanjith, Dinu, Geo, Gouri, Joseph, Marina, Maxwel, Meera, Mohan, Mony, Narayani, Neetha, Paul, Priya, Rajesh, Raju, Ram, Reshmi, Smitha, Sumesh, Vinod, Vish.

Life is not a bed of roses.....

Having just got down from the car of Ramesh and Anusha, happy to meet them after long, was shocked to hear the message from Sreeja ‘Srini Sirs wife passed away’ on 29th March 2007…….

It happened, it was destined, it was the will of God…whom the Gods love die young……

First I could not believe, then called up some , and later could not control myself. When my situation was such could not phantom the feelings and thoughts of Srini Sir. There were no words to console him, but could only cry…courage from within was the need of the hour.

Howmuchsoever we say science and technology has progressed we are still at the mercy of God.. Death is common to all and nothing lasts for ever.

Twice had to face incredible loss, last time when in Chennai, Muttachan expired in March 2002 and Now, Anish, both stomach pain.

True nothing comes free of cost in this life. But monetary loss is o.k. Such losses is hard to bear, monetary losses can be made up, but not such losses. Bus Dhoo Dhin khey hey zindagi hamey apna farz nibana hey…..

I shall pass through this world but once, if therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do, let me do it now, let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. – Stephen. We do not know, what will happen to a person, when and how, we need to be in good terms with every one.

Where is the time to hate…when there is so little time to love..

And back home, Chitta was having heart problem. Did not know what will happen. Why at this time?? Thank God Raghee was there with her then, and things were under control. We are nothing and do nothing. It is he, who is and does…Can only pray..

Zindaghi Main Koyi Kabhi Aaye Na Rabbha…
Aaye jo koyi tho phir jayee na rabbha…
Dene hoo agar badh main aasoo..
Tho phir pehley kabhi hasayee na rabbha….

Don’t know why amidst all this; don’t feel like attending marriage functions, and other pomp and show. Feel bad to see the amount of food being wasted in the name of various functions. But then those inviting wont understand our feelings, right.

Zindagi mein koyi kabhi aaye na rabba
Aaye jo koyi toh phir jaaye na rabba
Dene ho gar mujhe baad mein aansoon
Toh pehele koyi hasaaye na rabba

No one should ever come in life, O God..
and if one comes, should never go from life, O God..
if someone has to give tears later in life,
then one shouldn't make you laugh before that, O God..

Jaate jaate koyi meri khushiyon ko le gaya
Sooni sooni akhiyon ko gham, koyi de gaya
Aas jo lagaayi hai, aankh bhar aayi hai
Itna bhi koyi, sataaye na rabba

While going, someone took my happiness,
someone gave sadness to lonely eyes,
Since I have expected, my eyes are brimming,
No one should trouble you that much, O God..

Zindagi mein koyi kabhi aaye na rabba
Aaye jo koyi toh phir jaaye na rabba
Dene ho gar mujhe baad mein aansoon
Toh pehele koyi hasaaye na rabba

Dil lene waale pe zor nahin chalta
Pyaar ka ye sikka, kahin aur nahin chalta
Yaad teri aayi hai, tu harjaai hai
Itna bhi koyi tadpaaye na rabba

No pressure works on the one who takes heart,
This currency of love doesn't work anywhere else..
I am remembering you, you are heart-breaker,
no one should be made to go through such agony..

Zindagi mein koyi kabhi aaye na rabba
Aaye jo koyi toh phir jaaye na rabba
Dene ho gar mujhe baad mein aansoon
Toh pehle koyi hasaaye na rabba

Prime.....

Lord it is so hard for me to see all the thoughts and plans you have for me, but I will put my trust in you knowing that you need to set me free…..

Had the opportunity to be once again in Chennai- Living the home away from home, hostel Ashyana in Kakkanad…and the wonderful opportunities, was back to Mylapore, presumably the selected role, in the stage of world with Jayasree, Krishna Thara and me, all elder daughters from families of two girls.

At that juncture two things were in my mind, the Tamil movie, 12B and The road not taken….

At prime we were not being taught but groomed…so teaching were not confined to the usual subjects but even beyond…

Inspiring words were inscribed like:

Ø Even Einstein asked questions.
Ø Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it.
Ø Words have a little life of their own, think before you speak…

Though the classes are over still few words echo in our ears.


VIJAYKUMAR: - UP UP UP………….

http://rumblethegreat.blogspot.com/

1. Catch up with events like blood donation annually.
2. Visit orphanage, old age home, and govt. hospital at least once a year. Share their sorrows. Take care of your own ones and others too. Don’t be like those, who once married forget their parents. Take up responsibilities.
3. At home give others (underprivileged) the opportunity to enjoy what you have.
4. SMOKING??? Keep burning Rs. 3/- why do you hurt two souls?? During corporate meetings you have to run to the toilet often, and hide it when others come in front of you. So many times you burn this money, when there is so many in need of the same.
5. When you are demotivated remember, people are remembered not for trying to hit the target but for hitting the target. Performances are rewarded.
6. Career is branded; it is build brick by brick. In the profession opportunities are unlimited. You need to keep your image high. Act with ethics.
7. Speed matters a lot, in all walk of your life, be it exam or otherwise.
8. 8 paper – 8 battle – 1 war; 1 paper- 6questions- 1 war. No matter you loose one or two battles important is winning the war. Your maturity is in doing others even if you have messed up with one and not giving up.
9. If you have failed earlier, it is because of reasons specific to you, others need not understand that. Don’t allow past to affect you. Failure teaches you much more in life.
10. Have courage to accept criticism, become strong.
11. Never think, as soon as you pass, education is over.No. There are dramatic changes happening around you. Pick up additional courses.
12. Build up a quality of finishing up things… Execute. Don’t be just a starter.

L. VENKATESAN:

1. Rule 3+5 (working+Holiday) hours Read daily.
2. Do not omit any portion.
3. Specialize in 1 or 2 subjects
4. Do not divert you attention, concentrate.
5. Have confidence.
6. Concentrate on one book. By continuous reading, in exam the page will come in front of your eyes.

PATTABHIRAM – ‘Please take down this for whatever be its worth.’ Free flowing teaching…Incredible, unbelievable…

Their inspiring books like Advantage CA, and Getting the best out of college is simply wonderful…

1. Many things will look important now, two years from today; it will be of least importance. Nothing matters; in life there are things far more important. Even if you take the case of Rank holders, top 10- 15 ranks really do make a difference, for others, the day would make difference.
2. In life it is not important how you do in comparison with others, the minute you stop doing this you will be happy. Comparison should be with you. Constant benchmark should be yourself.
3. When you do something no need to be aggressive. Every work that you do, understand and do. Practice. Organizations will recognize you. If you don’t appreciate the trade off, things won’t work.

L. SIVAKUMAR – Simple living and high thinking….

1. Have patience and passion to learn new things. What we know is only handful, don’t be demotivated.
2. If you ask someone who know, they will say ‘ YOU DON’T KNOW EVEN THIS’ and others may really don’t know. Establish contacts, clear doubts.
3. Don’t over do. Meditation is continuous concentration.
4. Having applied for the exam, sacrifice and take care of your health.
5. Having applied for exam, don’t give up, go and write. Even though you feel you don’t know, you go and write the exam.

R. BUPATHI-

1. Habits die hard, take away H a bit remains, take a bit remains, take b it remains…..
2. Exam links: R-Reading, C-Comprehension, R-Retention, E-Expression.
3. Face is the indicator of mind.
4. ‘I can do it’- Confidence; ‘I only can do it’- arrogance.
5. For success, have vision, dedication and plan for next step.
6. Be a trendsetter and not a trend follower, booming industry today are hotel, airports and shipping.
7. Difference between obstacles and opportunities is attitude.
8. Non-understanding leads to misunderstanding.
9. In life always communication should be complete.
10. Where to invest:
i. ‘S’ –Safety FD
ii. ‘L’-Liquidity FD
iii. ‘R’-Return Mutual Fund.
iv. ‘E’ in MV- Erosion in money value – Gold, real estate.


Introductory day… At Mylapore fine arts club began with…

SKY IS THE LIMIT……..REACH FOR THE STARS….

Future belongs to those who dream…..

S. SREEKANTH….HOW TO DO WELL IN EXAMS??

1. Sincere, straightforward, hardwork. Confidence…

2. Decide what to study and what not to study…..

3. WWW/WWW – Know what went wrong and what will work……

4. Believe in yourself and not luck….

Neena Johns…Inspiring talk…

India is shining are your ready for it????

Macro view…LPG- Liberalization, Privatization and Globalizations….

1st only back office – now more than that…Intellectual labour- voice mailing

KPO- Knowledge process Outsourcing…

What do Employers look for??
KSA- Knowledge, Skill and Attitude…
Skills needed are: Literacy, numerical/Analytical; communication and Emotional…

Organizations are only as good as employees….
Personally Ethics are important, Lack of corporate ethics has brought about events like Enron and world com…

The illiterate of this century is one who cannot learn…do not keep pace. You will be on a wayside….

What India has gained today is due to large English speaking population…

You need to invest in yourself…nobody else can do that…

Learn more than what is in the syllabus…

Who are the leaders in photography?? No more Nikon, Fuji or Kodak…Now all use Nokia, Samsung, Motorola…

Invest 3% on your income in studies…Build the bridge, but talking in knowledgeable language….

Attitude, Aptitude, Altitude….

Start studying for yourself….

World is competing at personal level, corporate level and national level.

Face next tryst with destiny…

Only you can do it. Get ready, invest in yourself…

On 1st Feb 2007, MR. BADRINATH, Ex student of Prime and present Vice President of Citi Bank….One shot to getting a rank is joining Prime Academy….
In comparison to MBA this course is more about performance and not perception…
Indian market is now just at a Nascent stage…there are wide variety of products yet to be introduced like range approvals, reverse debts, and market peak…..

GAURAV TANEJA NATIONAL DIRECTOR- EARNEST AND YOUNG…….

Talk on what to expect and what is expected from us….

Future is in Bright hands…

Insight into global happenings:

World has seen fast change today…..the change in last 100 years is more than the changes in last 2000 years….

Russians conversion from communist to capitalist was difficult, In Germany everything was fantastic but today you find pesimisam there….

US have got the wonderful culture of reinvesting. Now due to outsourcing though the usual jobs have come down, and there was a trend for joblessness, they are into research….

In general Earth today is a better place, the only dark spot seems to be Africa…

India- 9% growth in real term GDP.

Most important is aspiration, confidence, vision, the ability to execute………

ISSUES:-

1. Inflation: 2% GDP – 350 billion dollar required or 8% will become 6% Need to vote for people who will do….
2. Education:
3. UPA Govt: Inclusive growth: Means need for rural growth…Engines and Wagons speed should be same.

Need a pull and push factor…Get three things right…
Ø Labor reform
Ø Difference between haves and have-nots.-
Ø Problem of health care..


Lessons to be learnt by You and me……

1. INTEGRITY :-
Ability to say ‘no’ when you see wrong.
Not getting tempted when you see wrong.

2. HARDWORK :-
CA is the first real test of hardwork. The most critical factor for success is hardwork. No one has succeeded successively, over a long period without success. Past karma will give only temporary success…

3. RESPECT:-
Learn to respect other peoples view. Whether it be seniors, juniors or other team members, or people will not respect your views. It is said give respect and take respect.

4. ENERGY
Adjust and take others with you…career is a marathon…. We need ENERGY for the next forty years plus enthusiasm.

5. SMILE & ENTHUSIASM are the two qualities needed even when things go wrong and are not in your way.

6.We need to have the COURAGE of a warrior…
Ø To overcome doubts
Ø To find solutions

It is not important as to how many times you fall but how and how quickly you get up is what matters… and for it Courage should come from within…. That is the true and self-motivation needed if you want to win.

· Learn to say no…
· Make changes when required.

Have a winning culture…Winning culture is the real sustainable, competitive advantage.

7. SACRIFICE: Road to success is lonely; we need to pay price in blood. There are no substitutes, no shortcuts. We need to go mentally beyond the pain barriers. Top place is only for one person; we need to overcome self-doubts and make decisions.

Be a nice person a good human being, whether or not you are successful. If you reach the top remember, today you are there, tomorrow somebody else will be there. This too will pass away.

Do make God a part of your daily life. Without Gods grace nothing is possible.

Life is a process of continuous learning…. Life is the greatest teacher. We learn not from our experience alone but also from that of others. Therefore there is still much more to learn, as there are miles to go before I sleep…It is like sports, you don’t know who will be the winner or looser, you need sportsmanship, and need to play hard.

What is Profit?

Undoubtedly it is the excess of selling price over cost price in monetary terms. In other words, it can also be stated as the reward for taking risk.

Life is all about taking risks, and the rewards may be positive or negative.

With cooperation, shunning the false pride, from all, if each person tries to contribute the best of what he/she can, there would be profit.

In a wider perceptive it could be understood as:

Fred I. Kent -Letter to grandson….

How there can be a profit which is not taken from the work of someone else…

Profit is the result of enterprise, which builds for others as well as for the enterpriser. Let us consider the operation of this fact in a primitive community, say of a hundred persons who are non-intelligent beyond the point of obtaining the mere necessities of living by working hard all day long.

Our primitive community, dwelling at the foot of a mountain, must have water. There is no water except at a spring near the top of the mountain; therefore, everyday all the hundred persons climb to the top of the mountain. It takes them one hour to go up and back. They do this day in and day out, until at last one of them notices that the water from the spring runs down inside the mountain in the same direction that he goes when he comes down. He conceives the idea of digging a trough in the mountainside all the way down to the place where he has his habitation. He goes to work to build a through. The other ninety-nine people are not even curious as to what he is doing.

Then one day this hundredth man turns a small part of the water from the spring into his trough and it runs down the mountain into a basin he has fashioned at the bottom. Whereupon he says to the ninety-nine others, who each spend an hour a day fetching their water, that if they will each give him the daily production of ten minutes of their time, he will give them water from his basin. He will then receive nine hundred and ninety minutes of the time of the other men each day, which will make it unnecessary for him to work some sixteen hours a day in order to provide for his necessities. He is making a tremendous profit- but his enterprise has given each of the ninety-nine other people fifty additional minutes each day for himself.

The enterpriser, now having sixteen hours a day at this disposal and being naturally curious, spends part of his time watching the water run down the mountain. He sees that it pushes along stones and pieces of wood. So he develops a water wheel; then he notices that it has power and, finally, after many hours of contemplation and work, makes the waterwheel run a mill to grind his corn.

This hundredth man then realizes that he has sufficient power to grind corn for the other ninety-nine. He says to them, “I will allow you to grind your corn in my mill if you will give me one-tenth of the time you save.” They agree, and so the enterpriser now makes an additional profit. He uses the time paid him by ninety- nine others to build a better house for himself, to increase his conveniences of living through new benches, openings in his house for light, and better protection from the cold. So it goes on, as this hundredth man constantly finds ways to save the ninety-nine the total expenditure of their time- one-tenth of which he asks of them in payment for his enterprising.

This hundredth man’s time finally becomes all his own to use as he sees fit. He does not have to work unless he chooses to. His food and shelter and clothing are provided by others. His mind, however, is ever working and the other ninety-nine are constantly having more time to themselves because of this thinking and planning.

For instance, he notices that one of the ninety-nine makes better shoes than the others. He arranges for this man to spend all his time making shoes, because he can feed him and clothe him and arrage for his shelter from profits. The other ninety-eight do not now have to make their own shoes. They are charged one-tenth the time they save. The ninety-ninety man is also able to work shorter hours because some of the time that is paid by each of the ninety-eight is allowed to him by the hundredth man.

As the days pass, another individual is seen by the hundredth man to be making better clothes than any of the others, and it is arranged that his time shall be given entirely to his speciality. And so on.

Due to the foresight of the hundredth man, a division of labour is created that results in more and more of those in the community doing the things for which they are best fitted. Everyone has a greater amount of time at this disposal. Each becomes interested, except the dullest, in what others are doing and wonders how he can better his own position. The final result is that each person begins to find his proper place in an intelligent community.

But suppose that, when the hundredth man had completed his trough down the mountain put forth his proposal, to the other ninety-nine, and they had turned on him and said, “We are ninety-nine and you are only one. We will take what water we want. You cannot prevent us and we will give you nothing.” What would have happened then? The incentive of the most curious mind to build upon his enterprising thoughts would have been taken away. He would have seen that he could gain nothing by solving problems if he still had to use every waking hour to provide his living. There could have been no advancement in the community. The same stupidity that first existed would have remained. Life would have continued to be a drudge to everyone, with opportunity to do no more than work all day long just for a bare living.

But we will say the ninety-nine did not prevent the hundredth man from gong on with his thinking, and the community prospered. And we will suppose that there were soon a hundred families. As the children grew up, it was realized that they should be taught the ways of life. There was now sufficient production so that it was possible to take others away from the work of providing for themselves, pay them, and set them to teaching the young.

Similarly, as intelligence grew the beauties of Nature became apparent. Men tried to fix scenery and animals in drawings and art was born. From the sounds heard in Natures studio and in the voices of the people, music was developed. And it became possible for those who were proficient in drawing and music to spend all their time at their art, giving of their creations to others in return for a portion of the community’s production.

As these developments continued, each member of the community, while giving something from his own accomplishments, became more and more dependent upon the efforts of others. And unless envy and jealousy and unfair laws intervened to restrict honest enterprisers who benefited all, progress promised to be constant.

Need we say more to prove that there can be profit from enterprise without taking anything from others, that such enterprise adds to the ease of living for everyone?

These principles are as active in a great nation such as the United States as in our imaginary community. Laws that kill incentive and cripple the honest enterpriser hold back progress. True Profit is not something to be feared, because it works to the benefit of all.

Guess this is how the present form of society too would have emerged.

We must endeavour to build instead of tearing down what others have built. We must be fair to other men, or the world cannot be fair to us.

Life is beautiful, if we keep it simple, and dont make it complex, also it is all about taking risk and cooperative endeavour.