Though this a setback for BJP as well as the people of Karnataka but will help in strengthening the political health of the democracy in the long run.This incident will serve as a lesson to all Nationalist parties that it is better to sit out then to have anything to do with parties headed by self serving politicians.

In future whenever we will think of political blackmail then Gowda's name will come to the fore.The people of India and Karnantaka in particular will always be reminded of the flip flop antics of Gowda in order to stay in power at any cost by inventing and extending "logic" to justify his action.

If we look at the positive side of this incident then both Congress and BJP must take a cue from this incident and refrain from aligning with such parties in the future. Also the Parliament can consider enacting a law akin to "anti-defection law" for running a coalition Government.Though some votaries may cry hoarse that such a law will be against the spirit of democracy but can we or should we allow unscrupulous parties and leaders to blackmail the Government of the day and stall the governance of the State and the country?

Congress as a National party must not fall into the Gowda trap, who is now trying to woo and align with Congress to form a Government in the state.This overture on part of Gowda cannot be justified on the grounds that no party in Karnataka wants elections due to 18/19 months life of the present legislative assembly.

This piece of news forced me to assume that Lalu ji would definitely call for a press conference to castigate the anti-poor and anti-Bihar alliance Government of JD (U) and BJP for their vindictive act. I was sure he would relate the withdrawal of nearly 35 personnel drawn from the Special Branch, Bihar Military Police and Patna district police and six vehicles, including a bullet-proof car as a proof of "saazish" against him.

I visualize this incident along with the recent Judiciary's pronouncement that politicians are not an asset of the nation as a serious setback for a leader of Lalu's stature. However, on coming to know that Lalu ji will be least affected as he will continue to enjoy Z-plus category security that includes NSG commandos and personnel of the CRP due to threat perception to him from Naxalites and Ranvir Sena I was disappointed.

The issue discussed above is not an isolated incident. There are hundreds of politicians in India who enjoy and openly misuse State largesse in the name of public service. It is high time people of India wake up to this reality and force these leaders to forego such extravaganza in the name of national service. If these people feel so insecure then they can very well stay at home because they will not be missed by anyone. In case these men and women heed to this piece of advice then such an "act" will be seen as a real service to the nation.

The malaise of such pervasive actions on part of our political class also sets a bad example in the minds of the people, especially young people.They view this deprivation of public money by politician as an example for creating opportunity for themselves in the near future. Instead of working hard to achieve their dream they take the easy way out indulge in politics and as a "practising" politician do the same thing what they condemned at some point of time in life. Some even go to the extent of managing fake attacks on themselves to stake claim to X, Y, Z and Z- plus security for self and their family members at the public expense. The lure of gun toting security personnel and white Ambassadors with revolving red light is enough to make them stoop to any level in their personal and political life.

It is high time people demand an audit on the expenses incurred for providing security to our self serving political class by the past and present Governments to establish how and where taxes paid on their hard earned income was frittered away. Unless this loot and misuse of public money is immediately controlled and eventually stopped no Government or politician worthy of his/her salt can claim to be working in the interest of people and the nation.

I am sure if this great man was amongst us today he would have countered the viruses of separatism, minority appeasement, criminalization of politics and anti Indian stances of many of our unworthy politicians.

I bow before this great son of India who sacrificed his claim to Prime Minister's chair on the mere wishes of Mahatma Gandhi to allow Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru to become first Prime Minister of the independent India. When I think of his great sacrifice I just think about the response of the present day politicians (Deve Gowda and his clan) and how they would e react if presented with a similar situation.

It is most unfortunate that Congress party does not remember this great man, who was above party politics and conducted himself in true nationalist style.

Indira Gandhi - I rate Indira even a better leader than her father Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, who unlike her had a groundswell of good will of all Indians as well as enjoyed company of eminent personalities and politicians.Indira on the other hand,being a woman had to manage politicking of the Grand Old Party senior leaders of her time, opposition parties but also US sponsored tirade against her. She displayed courage and conviction by making India a nuclear capable state and by providing able leadership during 1971 Bangladesh war. Though she too made some serious mistakes like treating Congress (I) as her personal property, imposition of emergency and initiating dynastic rule but when compared to her achievements these can be overlooked.

I wish her Bahu Sonia Gandhi to learn and imbibe her qualities and capabilities even while perpetuating family rule within Congress. Indira's grandson Rahul, whom Sonia and Congress sycophants are trying to foist over the Indian nation, is an immature man and unworthy to take up the onerous responsibility.His comments during recent UP state elections on Bangladesh war were most unfortunate and damaging for the nation. I wish Sonia shows courage by allowing young Congress leaders like Scindia, Deora, Pilot, Jindal and many others to come forward to take Congress leadership because these personalities are any day better than her own son.

I think all opposition leaders who are alive today who suffered at the hands of Indira Gandhi during emergency should forgive her and acknowledge her great achievements.

Today we need leaders like Indira to lead the country, who can call the bluff of Left and casteist and communal parties.

The image of Indira alighting from IAF helicopter in December 1971 at the Parade ground in Lucknow Cantonment immediately after India emerged victorious in Bangladesh war is permanently etched in my memory. Today I remember Indira Gandhi with respect and with a fond hope wishing that the younger generation of Indian politicians take a leaf out of her positive contributions and throw the casteist, communal, criminal and anti- social present day politicians into dustbin of Indian history.

The subject that I am going to broach is not about Men in Blue, who have been recently crowned World 20-20 Champions or Vishwanathan Anand becoming World Chess Champion. It is about 4 doctor couples Jains, Bhargavas, Katarias and Chatterjees running a community healthcare programme "Jan Swasthya Sahyog" some 20-30 kilometres outside Bilaspur in Chattisgardh state.It was also about Dr Binayak Sen and his doctor wife's "Rupantar", which had inspired the 4 ex-AIIMS doctor couples to chuck their stable job to work in rural Chattisgarh.

In my opinion these are unsung heroes and heroines of present day India, who go about their work in a selfless way to make a difference to the lives of the poor and improvised rural folks.

I am sure there will be many such people belonging to different walks of life who go about carrying out with their mission without looking for any help and recognition from Government or others.

Through this blog I wish to draw attention of my readers to join me in appreciating these brave hearts.I also take this opportunity to appeal to our Indian Judiciary for a fair trial for Dr Binayak Sen, who is at present languishing in jail on charge of being a pro Naxalite.

It is my conviction that ultimately with the help of extra-ordinary people like Sens, Jains, Bhargavas , Katarias and Chatterjees the Central and State Governments will be able to win over people from the clutches of Naxalites and Maoists in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar and not by force alone.

Can we look forward to help from the pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer, Dr Reddy's,Ranbaxy, Sun Pharma,Glaxo, etc to come forward and provide assistance in the form of free supply of medicines and surgical & medical implements and equipment to take forward the selfless work being done by these great heroes and heroines of modern India?

Jai Hind!

Having said this, I also hope that Tamil Nadu Crime Branch will register a case against MK, DMK and Congress (I) for hurting the sentiments of millions of Indian citizens. I am not prescribing any specific IPC rule under which these individuals and parties can be booked, the Tamil Nadu Crime Branch would know how to proceed further.

It is a shame that leaders of all main stream political parties - Congress(I), BJP , RJD, Left Front member parties, AIDMK and DMK etc are doing nothing to "calm down" frayed nerves of millions of Indians.I can read the writing on the walls!

Unfortunately today Indian politicians and political parties are least bothered about peace, safety and prosperity of the citizens. Their sole aim is to further their quest for power through any available means.They have already done so much damage to psyche of Indian citizens that citizens have started doubting their credibility. At the same time, the three Constitutional Pillars have been unable to inspire confidence in the eyes of the citizens.The proof of lack of credibility and confidence is the increasing incidents of "public rage" which are being witnessed /heard on a alarming frequency.

It is my appeal to all well meaning citizens irrespective of their caste, community, regional affiliations to reflect on the present state of affairs and to act in a manner that does not further aggravate the already vitiated atmosphere.

Jai Hind!

It is true that sports persons have been honoured and given gifts, money and endorsements in the recent past but these have mostly gone to cricketers and few individual sports players. This special treatment to cricket at the cost of other sports in India is disturbing because it makes "other" sport persons to feel that they are being treated equivalent to a "girl child" in the Indian sports family (I respect the sensibilities of a girl child, however I am drawing this parallel to share with the readers that inspite of many well meaning initiatives of the Government , various NGOs and public men and women the treatment given to girl child in majority of Indian households is still a matter of concern).

To rectify the situation I am not advocating that it should be done at the cost of cricket. Let all sports in India blossom and let us all appreciate and give generous incentives to all deserving sport persons.

I have few recommendations to offer for consideration for obviating hardship to Hockey coach and some players who have now decided to go on "dharna" to register their protest (this is not been done to placate these personalities but to recognize their contribution to Indian Hockey) and from now onwards to all "other"sport persons presuming that the nation will continue to look after the cricket players in future also. Firstly, let Men in Blue pass on 50% of their collection to Hockey players who were members of the Asia Cup winning team.

Secondly, Sharad Pawar (BCCI President), Lalu Prasad (President of Bihar Cricket Association) and Arun Jaitley (President of Delhi Cricket Association) and other politicians (only politicians) who are heading BCCI and various State Cricket Associations to relinquish their positions immediately and take on the Presidentship of any Sport Association of their State for the balance period of their term. An exception in respect of Sharad Pawar (BCCI President) is to take over the Presidentship of Indian Hockey Federation, no choice to select a sport of his choice basically to meet the long pending demand of past and present Hockey players to have President FIH incumbent to retire in the interest of hockey. Though this recommendation singles out politicians, however it has been made keeping in mind the resourcefulness and the right connections of the politicians.These attributes are considered necessary to turnaround the state of affairs and financial health of the sport in a short period of time.

Thirdly, FICCI and similar organizations to use their clout to have cash strapped Corporate to volunteer as a "god father" for any sport of their choice for atleast a minimum period of five years.The Government of India and State Governments can offer some tax sops to these Corporate for taking on this objective as part of their Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) agenda.

Though I have more ideas, however I am not sharing these now because I wish to see some forward movement to negate "Are other sports and especially HOCKEY a "girl child" of Indian Sports?" keeping in mind the fact that "strike when iron is hot" (read till cricket euphoria lasts).

Being a keen observer I am going to marshal my creative ability to speculate how India Pakistan 20-20 finals will mean differently to people from different walks of life?

Political parties as usual will try this opportunity to put each other in a tight corner. Congress (I) has already fired the first shot .The appointment of Rahul Gandhi as Leader of Youth Congress will be interpreted by the party loyalists read family loyalists as Congress Leadership's faith in Indian youths. The behind the scene shakers and movers will correlate Rahul Gandhi's emergence as India's future with Dhoni's men in blue domination on the ground. Rejuvenated BJP Leadership just back from Bhopal will be looking for a young face in the party but in the end will reconcile and settle for all time young leaders "Vajpayee and Advani". These leaders will invoke Dhoni's home state Jharkhand's "latent resources" fond memories comparing them to Indian team's superiority on the field.Left Front will surely miss the opportunity even though it has young leaders in its "kitty" since these names will require ratification by the Politburo first , indirectly suggesting to Dhoni to get the team's strategy endorsed by BCCI President first before its implementation.DMK will be ready to showcase its young emerging leadership.The party cadres who took part in ransacking BJP's office have been already identified to take this onerous responsibility , thereby sending a clear cut message to Tam India to ransack the opposition. RJD party has no "young leadership" problem!.The Honourable Railway Minister will surely pick and choose from dozens available within his own family and through him convey "chara" strategy "catch me if you can" to Dhoni.

Betting syndicates on both sides of the border will have a field day. The Indian Betting Syndicate Chairman doubling up as Pakistan betting Syndicate Chairman , presently holed up in Karachi will make sure that between the two countries which delivers maximum profit to his Corporate wins the Championship.

All mobile companies including state owned BSNL will be too busy delivering millions of "coded bets" in the form of SMS choking networks.It is a different thing that they will be required to send a "call details" printout to RAW and IB in respect of international calls to Pakistan and South Africa lasting more than one minute after the match.

The media all over the world will make "moolaha" (fast buck) by hosting competitions and contests.The Indian TV Channels will compete with each other to improve their TRP ratings since all "Comedy, Music and Melodrama" shows today will have few audience.

The Government employees all over India will take a break from their normal practice of leaving office "half an hour early" by deserting office one hour in advance today.

The restaurants and dhabas will be geared up to do a roaring business today evening, waiters tipped to earn heavy tips and their owners hiding cakes behind the counter, ready to spring a surprise on the customers in event of India's win.

For a change housewives will be resting in the afternoon after a marathon cooking session, with dinner cooked and stowed in Microwave all set to watch the grand finale.

The common Indian and Pakistani with no axe to grind will wait with baited breath to saviour Yuvraj's , Dhoni's , Sharma's , Imran's ,Malik's and Afridi's four's six's and Sreesanth's, Pathan's, RP Singh's, Asif's , Gul's and Tanvir's deadly bowling.

Let us wish both India and Pakistan teams' good luck and respecting the victory of the team that performs better on the field today.

Till now only on few occasions I have had the opportunity to watch TV. This happened while passing through the market place and joining a crowd standing in front of a shop watching "men in blue". It was during one of this occasion I came to know about astrology. Since then astrology has always fascinated me. I have taken a serious liking for astrology and have decided to request the white Khadaar, Pyajama and Topi Netas when they come visiting us next time for our votes, to provide Government paid astrologers in every corner of the country for predicting "aam admi's" future over the counter. I was in dilemma whether to believe the grapevine which suggests early elections or look around on my own for an astrologer who can give free astrological advice. Rather than wait for the Netas to do something about it, I decided to take heed of my sixth sense and consult an astrologer. My concern going to a well known astrologer was not only restricted to "fee" amount but also the doubt about hi fi astrologer's capability to deal with an aam admi! I had heard about astrologers specializing in forecasting for aam admi were back in business. So with the decision made, I decided to avail of their free service even though their Headquarters being based in different parts of the country one in New Delhi, one temporarily relocated to Bhopal, one in Chennai and two of them shuttling between Kolkatta and New Delhi. "With ladies first" in mind I decided to visit Headquarter of the "First Family Private Ltd. Astrolgers"At the outset I informed the lady astrologer she should not predict something similar to that forecasted in respect of "123 Agreement" because I too was expecting "spoilsport" action by my "outside left supporters". Being forewarned, I was mentally prepared for no reaction from the lady astrologer.It was a common knowledge that she left predictions to her "in-house supporters" from down South and Bihar. Next stopover was at temporary Headquarter of "Ram Rajya Inc" at Bhopal. Here too I made myself clear to the Chief Astrologer, who was asked to make specific instead of "India Shining" type of forecast. Assured of "Ram Rajya" days in the near future, I left for the next astrologer in the list. It took me a while to meet the Chief Astrologers at the Headquarter of "Left Hardliners Cooperative" because the two partners were always on the move between New Delhi and Kolkatta.My astrological session ended in fiasco as more time was needed to get their "mathematical prediction model" authenticated by their mentors residing in Russia and China. This was a pre-requisite for predicting my fate on scientific lines rather than one based on faith and belief. Though I had more astrologers on my list, I decided to meet the last one because of disappointing rounds with other astrologers; at random I picked up one located down South. Before I walked into Headquarter of "Atheist Family Ltd." I consulted my notes and braced myself for a stormy session with the patriach.Contrary to my expectations, the meeting turned out to be a "no show" as the Chief Astrologer was not prepared to distract himself due to ongoing duel with the Chief Astrologer of "Ram Rajya Inc". Before I returned home I paid a visit to the road side astrologer who used his "bird trick" to inform about my "status quo fate" for many more years due to the prevailing "Rahu Kalam". Today when I look back at the whole astrological adventure I feel cheated because instead of "spirit lifting" future assurance I got confirmation of a "bleak" one.

Long live the "aam admi"!

I am not sure whether such a suggestion coming from the highest level was appropriate? I found this unlike Manmohan Singh's character, as he is known to be a strong votary of merit and believes in progressive thinking. I fail to understand his logic or compulsion?

Today in Corporate world salaries are on the rise, this is basically to check employees attrition rate as well as aimed at retention of the talent. It is a well accepted fact that salary alone cannot help in retaining "right" type of Executives in Corporate world because work life balance, encouraging working environment, interesting work and fair play also play an important role in keeping attrition rate within a reasonable level. It is also true that besides salary, the other mentioned factors cannot be quantified or totally taken care by framing favourable Corporate policies since retention of the employees to a certain extent also depends on the working relationship between the individuals.

Assuming that other factors are addressed equally well by the various Corporate entities then salary alone can become a clinching factor for hiring and retention of employees.

On the basis of this logic, it is therefore safe to conclude that payment of high salaries by Corporate to their employees is justified as it recognizes their merit as well as their usefulness to the Corporate.

Today by paying high salaries Corporate's are able to get the best available talent. This alone is responsible for industry's willingness to go to any length to hire talented people as well as to retain them once hired. Those organizations which do not pay well will naturally have the disadavantage of not getting the best people in their field. It is not very uncommon these days to see HR Managers pushing their case to Senior Management for payment of high salary in order to hire and retain the best, otherwise, "peanuts" meaning low salaries will lead to hiring of "monkeys" mediocre people.