New Leader Same "Answers"

Based on my understanding or the following article in DNA India:
http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_rahul-gandhi-wins-argument-with-bangalore-students-but-not-all-hearts_1423581

(Please note that henceforth all words / sentences in italics are a direct extract from the article at the above link.)

Rahul Gandhi is the PM in waiting. He represents young India with its rapidly evolving dynamics, or does he? The saviour of the poor, he visits villages unannounced, he joins the tribal people of Orissa in their celebrations, says he will be there for them. Sounds promising. But we Indians have seen many a 'promising' prospect result in naught when it matters. So I take the skeptical view, so I dissect Rahul's interaction as given in the above article to read between the lines.

He says “Perhaps you have not been to villages outside the city. The fact of the matter is low-caste people have been discriminated against for ages. SC, ST and OBCs together constitute about 70 per cent of the population”. This is a moot point, every one knows the ground reality, the common Indian doesn't need a unannounced visit to the villages to know the reality. Its the likes of prince Siddhartha who need to wander off the usual path in order to see real India.

It doesn't seem that the students weren't aware of the ground reality, they just expected a better (although hard to implement politically) solution and a leader who is bold and capable enough to take the task. Perhaps Rahul's positive image of a educated, suave young leader prompted the students to voice such an politically incorrect thought to him. Perhaps the expectation was that he will rise above politics and talk sense.

He says “You may not agree, but discrimination is there, and it is a fact. You may not agree that the sun rises in the morning, but whether you agree or disagree, it does.” And I can't believe that the students were arguing that there wasn't any discrimination. Any right minded Indian won't deny discrimination on caste grounds. It appears to me that he was just pushing a single point home again and again instead of responding to the actual question.
Now comes the actual question and usual evasive tactic so common to politicians. “Give them financial support and provide better facilities, but why reservation based on caste?” Rahul buttressed his reply, saying there are other forms of discrimination's such as bias against women and the disabled. “Isn’t there discrimination against women, have you heard about dowry?” We know dowry, we know sati, we know every problem dear Mr. Rahul, we just don't know how to solve the problems. Stop asking questions and provide some answers if you can. I know pretty damn hard to change the system, especially something to change reservations based on caste to reservations based on economic strength. But a person like Rahul has definite advantages over the common politician. Rahul is the heir prince, he belongs to the strongest dynasty in India post independence. He might fail, Congress might stay out of power, still he has the goods to try and change the system. Hmmn .. let me stop all rosy day dreaming and get back to the argument.

Furthermore, the students were unhappy with Rahul’s views since he did not elucidate his solutions to various issues. When he asked what is biggest problem facing the country, ‘Poor quality of politicians’ was the students’ reply.

Concurring with the view, Rahul said the youth should put in place a ‘quality control’ system while electing leaders. “If you are interested in politics and if you are ready to make sacrifices, approach the Youth Congress after completing your education. There is also the NSUI, our students’ wing,” he said.

Hurrah! Hurrah! here comes the King!
Ask him, taunt him, he won't do a thing!
Welcome! come aboard, join the circus ring!
Get up, march on, become a princeling!
No care, no dare, need not do a thing!

Why do politicians ask us to become one of 'em when ever we question the horrible job they are doing? Their answer is always a question - Can you do better? If so join us and prove it. No! we don't want to join you, we with our morals and our middle class fears can't join you. But we can still question you about the quality of work you are doing. You are public servants (at least while in office) and you are answerable. For heavens sake, stop asking questions and just answer.

Richie Riches

Carlos Slim the Mexican Billionaire has become the richest man on the planet overtaking Bill Gates and Warren Buffett reports forbes.

Mukesh Ambani is placed 4th. All very interesting. Also interesting is this guy's take on the Forbes list.

World I Hate to See

I haven't written on this blog for a while now. And now, I can't but write. This is one such news which would better be in a blog named, 'World I Hate to See'. I am talking about Ruchika Girhotra molestation and suicide case.

26/11 - Aftermath

Internal-

The most important effect of 26/11 on Indian government is to awaken it to the threat's of terrorism in India. To understand how unconcerned Indian governments have been, we just need to look at a single statistic - after 2004, there have been more fatal causalities to terrorist acts in India than any other country in the world except Iraq. So, India is safer than war zone, great!!!