IHA Logo HERITAGE-CARTMAN CARTMAN Logo
Vol. 6 No. 1 March 2010
CONTENTS
Editorial
Response from Readers
Birthday Greetings
Performance, Promises & Predictions
Indian Railways
Journalism - Professional Ethics
Media Seminar
A Vision of India in 2020
Climate Change
Indian Heritage Academy & ICM
Vande Gomatharam
Culture Shock
Reduce your Kid’s Exam Stress
Editorial Photo of NSR
In this issue, we are not including the ICM Booklet, which will be included in the April issue on the theme of “Indian Civilization”.
India’s print media is one of the best in the world, comparable in content and quality of production to the best in the advanced countries. Circulation of Dailies, Weeklies and Monthlies is in thousands and lakhs – both in English and regional languages. India can legitimately be proud of her print media, which is functioning well as the fourth estate of our democratic system.
But our journal does not belong to that category with mass circulation, operated on commercial lines, with huge revenues through advertisements, which are popular all over the country. Ours is a humble effort to present our views on a wide variety of topics. Our Journal is being sent as complementary to top policy and decision makers in the country, who decide the fate of our nation. Our objective is to give them an assessment and analysis of the present needs of our nation, concurrently suggesting feasible solutions, which can be implemented in an open and democratic society. We consider our journal as a mission with high ethical and moral values, published in gratitude to our motherland.
We do have a few hundred subscribers, some of whom have conveyed to us that our views are profound and worth consideration by sensitive citizens, leaders and policy makers. We cover almost all sectors of the economy and various segments of society. We are not sure whether our leaders, decision makers and influential personnel read our journal. We are also not sure whether we are useful to them. But we do our duty in the true spirit of Bhagavad Gita, which postulates that we have the right only to work and not to expect results or rewards. This is our guiding spirit for the last 20 years. We shall continue this mission as long as we have ideas and ideals to suggest and as long as we can sustain with our meager resources. We are carrying an article on Journalism - Professional Ethics and a Report on a Seminar held recently in Bangalore.
In February, cold weather recedes and warm and hot seasons begin, with Shivarathri as the transition point of such a change. We are carrying an article on Climate Change, which is another dimension to weather. February is also a busy month for business and industries, since targets are to be completed by March end. It is also the month in which the Annual Railway and General budgets are presented to Parliament. We are giving our comments on the Railway budget. We seem to have an edge over European countries, since we have the largest proportion of young people who will be productive, while many nations may find shortage of work force because of their ageing population. But our students are put to heavy stress due to exam oriented and rote based systems. We are carrying an article on Kid’s Exam Stress.
Funded by Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation, we have produced six booklets as part of our India Century Mission. Four more are scheduled for this year. Though the political system is dividing India along linguistic, communal and regional lines, there are many factors which are uniting India, such as our culture, Armed Forces, Central Government establishments, Business & Industries (B&I) sector, Cricket, Movies, Temples and Pilgrimage, etc. After liberalization, the B&I Sector is playing an important role in the growth of the economy. One of the business houses, which emerged and grew rapidly, is the empire built by Dhirubhai Ambani who, from small beginnings, established a huge industrial complex. His two sons – Mukesh and Anil – have further expanded and diversified their operations. We are carrying summary of a speech delivered by Mukesh Ambani in1998, which will be relevant for the B&I sector.
In the last issue, we compared the economic and social performance of India and China, which shows that China is at least 20 years, if not more, ahead of us. Our leaders and B&I sector feel confident that we may be able to narrow the gap. The whole world is comparing China, which is a single party (Communist) controlled state, while India is a democracy, which is struggling to go forward with 100 political parties ruling the country. The whole world is watching whether India can catch up with China. We are giving some cursory comments in the article on Performance, Promises and Predictions. Though we admire China for her progress, we wish to retain our system, with some modifications, so that FREEDOM of individual for religious choice can be retained.
82% of Indians are Hindus. Hinduism is not a religion, but is an aggregation of ‘way of life and views of life’, given by hundreds of saints and sages who, sitting in Himalayas and Vindhya mountains, in meditation, gave us one million pages of spiritual literature, which has enabled Indian Civilization remain vibrant for 10,000 years, in spite of 69 invasions and 1,000 years of foreign rule. We are giving some of the indicators of the brighter side of India’s progress so that we can be optimistic of developing a positive outlook. According to us, we have committed Adharmic acts after independence. India’s destiny will be unfolded in this decade. It is not out of arrogance that we make this bold comment, but out of sheer anguish and despair that our ancient civilization should not suffer so much as at present, in spite of a high degree of religiosity, ethics, spirituality, culture, philosophy, heritage and civilization. But our Destiny and Law of Karma would prevail. We are helpless. Still we continue our mission silently.
On the first day of every month, one young lady teacher used to bring a bus load of students to the Wagha–border between India and Pakistan. Every time the Indian flag was hoisted, she made them sing in chorus patriotic songs - Janta Ooncha Rahe Hamara and others -. One Commandant, who was leaving his posting there asked her as to why she was doing this exercise every month, to which she replied “This is all I can do to my mother land. I am poor and weak. I am hoping that one of my students would become a great leader and save our country from further humiliation”. Our Journal’s hope and mission are the same.
N.S. Ramaswamy – Editor
RESPONSE FROM READERS
From : Mr. A. Padmanaban, IAS (Retd), Ex Chief
Secretary of Govt. of Tamil Nadu and former
Governor, Mizoram, Sastri Nagar, Adyar, Chennai
Dear Professor,
Many thanks for sending Heritage-Cartman regularly. Your editorials in the issues have been thought-provoking and exceptionally elevating. Your efforts to bring back India’s glorious Heritage and culture are laudable. Your clarion call is timely and appropriate. In the present situation in the country, the task to reform and rejuvenate our society is very difficult. But this should not deter us from continuing our efforts. One day sanity will return. Love, brotherhood, harmony, unity and human values, I am sure, will permeate and sanitize people, particularly the fanatical sections in society.
A. Padmanaban
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From : C.B. Dyuthikar, 39, 15th Cross Road,
Malleshwaram, Bangalore – 3
Sir,
I have been reading your journal, Heritage-Cartman, for quite sometime. It is interesting, informative and enlightening. The sweep of its content is wide and the examination of issues insightful. It deals with a variety of subjects of interest to one in search of enlightenment. Such comprehensive coverage is rare. HC belongs to the old class of journals like the Modern Review, the Indian Review, etc., appropriately polished for the twenty-first century and is of interest to the old as well as the young.
It encompasses Environment, Ecology, Animal Welfare, Politics, Public Administration, Legislators’ conduct and so on. Ethics, spirituality, culture and civilisational heritage are dealt with in a manner interesting to the informed and exciting to the novice.
A periodical with such comprehensive coverage of serious matters without making the reading heavy is rare to find. I pray that Heritage-Cartman may grow from strength to strength, spreading the message of Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu far and wide for long years to come.
Fraternally Yours,
C.B. Dyuthikar
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From : Sundaramurthy V.T, ‘Sri Vaishnava Sri’, 23, Maniyakarar Street, Veerakeralam, Coimbatore-641 007, Tamil Nadu, India E- Mail :< vtsmurthycbe@yahoo.co.in
Respected Sir,
The theme presented on the front and back cover pages of February issue of Heritage-Cartman is appealing one. The rain bearing clouds and green biodiversity alone sustain to save the Parliamentary Democracy. The partly immersed picture of the most respected soft spoken Chief Executive in the world Mr. Clean (Dr.Manmohan Singh) shows that he will not let down the biodiversity at the cost of development.
The Agriculture needs to be reformed by way of identifying new species of Food Crops in our biodiversity. Reducing the crop growth period with less foliage and high photosynthetic ability, the drought, flood and salt tolerance must be our research priority to face the phenomenon of Global warming as the modern varieties maybe eroded from our system under this situation.
The reform discussed in the pages of Heritage-Cartman may yield the expected results with reforming current Westernized agriculture. Encouraging organic farming and traditional methods may help to cut carbon to provide healthy environment and foods. The uninterrupted growth of clean agriculture alone get more Ambani (s).
With Respectful Regards
Sundaramurthy V.T.
From : Kalyani Moorty (Email: kalyanamoorty@yahoo.com)
To : indheritage@hotmail.com
Dated : 21.2.2010
Our Dear Professor,
Your editorial on “Public Perception of Politics” is Excellent, Educative, Emulative, Energising, Encouraging. Evoking Expectation and Eye opener to the Electorate.
May we be blessed with guidance to see the dream of “Indian Century Mission” come true.
With Namaskarams Kalyani.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
TO PROF. N.S. RAMASWAMY FOR HIS 84TH BIRTHDAY
A Poem Composed by T.N.K. Kurup
A person of rare vision far ahead of his times
Prof. Ramaswamy ushered in Management in all aspects
Of Human endeavour to factories, offices and Communities;
During a span of six decades of his professional life.
A graduate in Engineering, his foray into management
A blessing to industries, Municipalities and professional bodies
In erstwhile Bombay, where he donned many hats
As Consultant, teacher and head of prestigious Institutions.
No activity or endeavour was beyond his comprehension,
His clear analysis and simple solutions spelt in perfection;
He traveled to World Capitals for wider perception,
And spoke to audiences who listened in rapt attention.
Multifacets of learning, lectures and presentations
Brought him laurels, when he moved to Bangalore as
Founder Director of I.I.M. where he spent memorable years
In finding solutions to rural, urban and teaching professions.
A visit to mainland China opened his eyes to reforms
Accomplished by Mao’s intervention in the lives of men, women
And beasts of burden which he strived to emulate by innovations
In alike sectors in motherland for higher productivity and returns.
Departing from Computers and Management of earlier domain
His concerns now became that of beasts of burden and their plight,
He plunged into livestock productivity, welfare and carts
Modernization and to find humane solutions to slaughter of animals.
CARTMAN, an N.G.O. he founded, stood for Symbiotic relation
Between Man, Animal and Nature, the only solution
For harmonious existence and sustainable development –
Of the fragile planet – where countries compete only in exploitation.
The Culture that is Bharat – spoken in inimitable Style and devotion
By Swami Vivekananda inspired Professor to start an Academy
Of Indian Heritage for promotion of Culture, art and dance
Music, drama and discourses all that is Indian in theme and content.
A barren land transformed now into a veritable forest
Of trees and shrubs, a pride of place, a niche in Professor’s heart
Where tree tops sway in grace in contrast to concrete scapes
Outside, a quiet place for young and old to walk, meditate and relax.
Today, the Second of March Two Thousand and Ten is his
Eighty fourth Birthday, having seen thousand moons
We wish him all that is best for his health, longevity and Wisdom
Which he carries on his broad shoulders with dignity and grace.
For Officials & Staff of CARTMAN & IHA
From Shri M.N. Unni Nayar, a life time colleague and friend:
Dear Raji,
This is to wish you a 84th B’day that is satisfying to you and family as a Happy and Peaceful occasion.
Also, we wish you a daily half hour “audio visual” treat of “Gayathri Manthram” and 84 floral offerings conceived by Dr. Leela Ramdas and her talented gardener, Sri Sreedharan, in Perintalmanna.
From : Mary Ann and Francis Daniels
To our dear friend Prof. Ramaswamy,
Thank you for your friendship, support and encouragement over these past 15 years! Your courage, vision and determination to create awareness and change things for the better is truly an inspiration to us. You have persevered and been undaunted through every difficulty and set back and that has in turn given us courage. We greatly appreciate the time, thought and hard work you put into publishing your journal regularly and it is a wonderful education and enlightenment for my husband and me. We both look forward to reading each issue. We do want to wish you a very happy and love filled 84th birthday and pray that the year ahead will be one of continued success, good health and happiness.
The way you have dedicated your life to helping others, man, animals and the environment is a wonderful declaration of what one man can do through hard work, dedication and sacrifice. It seems to me that the energy and the enthusiasm whelms up inside of you, born from this deep passionate concern for others that you have. A person may look and see that in your life you have sacrificed so much, given so much of yourself, even your health to reach out to man, animals and nature, but it seems to me that the more you have helped and cared for others that goodness has come back to you in an amazing energy, vitality and wisdom that emanates from your life. It is my prayer that others who have seen your struggle and hard work over the years will also be inspired to give of themselves for others with the confidence that the rewards are returned in invaluable and immeasurable ways as you have proved with your life and work!
With warm regards,
Excerpts from some appreciation letters received from eminent persons and institutions about Prof. N.S. Ramaswamy:
Letter dated December 4, 2000, from Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, addressed to then Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr. S.M. Krishna
“I write this letter to introduce you to Prof. N.S. Ramaswamy who was the first Director of the Institute of Management in Bangalore. Frankly, he is an intellectual of a high order, a scholar admirably informed in Indian wisdom, particularly Hindu culture. One of the rarest in compassion for living creatures, Ramaswamy has devoted himself soulfully, striving for relief to suffering creatures especially of the sub-human brotherhood. One of the India’s silent sons totally devoted to the cause of animal welfare preservation of species and other noble pursuits, this learned man has placed many of us in debt by the practice of karuna for which he is a paradigm”.
Letter dated 27th January, 2010, from the Principal, SNT Global Academy of Management Studies and Technology, Coimbatore
“It was a great pleasure to meet a great person like you and our Academy is indeed honored by your visit on 21st January 2010,. We are grateful to you for accepting our invitation at such a short notice to speak to our students. It was a very valuable and inspiring talk. We would like to express our gratitude to you and hope that our Academy will continue to be associated with you in the future.
“Your visit was covered in some of the local dailies. We are enclosing the cuttings of these papers for your retention : “Known in the academic circles as the Bishma Pitha of Management, he emphasized the need to manage one’s own body and body as a first step. His message to the budding managements is “develop the qualities of compassion, respect, patience and build ethical relationships with family and friends”.
Letter dated 1st February, 2010,from President, Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Ashrama, Tumkur.
“I am highly indebted and thankful to you for graciously coming over to Tumkur and participate in the valedictory function of the “Citizenship Training and National Integration Camp” as Chief Guest on 30.1.2010.
“Nearly 1000 Teacher-Trainees participating in the workshop have found more light in their lives by your enlightening speech where you stressed on the Role and Duties of a Teacher. They are very much inspired by your thoughts which go a long way in making them good teachers in their professional life. They can make their students better citizens of India.
“We hope to have you back in our Ashram in the near future and listen to your enlightening words and guidance”
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PERFORMANCE, PROMISES AND PREDICTIONS
Professor N S Ramaswamy
The first quarter of the year – January to March – is a busy period. In January, astrologers are busy predicting prospects for the year ahead for individuals and groups. Wise newspaper columnists express their opinions and predictions for nations and political parties. They do it in journalistic language so that readers have the freedom to interpret their words as per their own views. Leaders in the government are optimistic, while those in the Opposition are pessimistic. The Governments at the Centre and States continue making promises, knowing that citizens and themselves too, do not take them seriously. Business and Industry assess their past performance, find scapegoats for failures and appoint new managers and give them targets for next year. Speculators look at Stock Exchange indices and invest in stocks, donating a tiny part to gods to help them to bring them luck. Most people begin the year making vows, such as “I shall go for regular walk, I shall not scold my wife, I shall not drink liquor, etc”. These are forgotten after a few days. They pray loudly and hope that the future may be better. Religious people and India’s poor millions are indifferent, as they know that their fate is usually the same as in previous years. The ‘Law of Karma’ has decided their fate, which they accept as irrevocable. Orthodox Hindus resign to their destiny and continue offerings to gods, occasionally changing their chosen ones. They fervently appeal to Gods to be merciful and to do the needful by bestowing good results. Intellectuals ridicule astrologers in public, but consult them privately. Clubs welcome the New Year with wild celebrations. Modernised Indians start the year in the clubs with western music and dance, i.e shouting with deafening noise which thumps the heart and jumping and jerking as mad monkeys, playing housie, some sipping liquor, merrily, feasting and exchanging gifts. Such indulgence gives them headache next day, which make traditional ladies smile and dismiss as their Karma Phala. The commercial classes rejoice, as the beginning of the year gives them increased sales and profits. However, after a week, the harsh reality of struggle for existence, conflicts, competition, growth, money making etc., appears, leaving the New Year revelry a bad dream. But they do not learn, as they blindly repeat this exercise year after year till they become too old to enjoy food, liquor and noise.
Kaliyuga (iron age) started on 17 February, 3102 BC. India’s ancient rishis had predicted then that mankind’s values would degenerate in this Yuga to such an extent that Man will kill man, families will break down, man will become lonely and alienated etc. Hence our present situation was already foreseen long ago. However, astrologers predict that India would do well this year, and there are obvious indications that they may be right after all. In addition, Swami Vivekananda had predicted that this Century will be India’s, when the whole world would look upto India to give solutions to the problems created by man himself to satisfy his greed and ego.
In 2009 itself, India has been recognized as a Super power, though the unpleasant reality remains that we are still a super-poor country, full of problems with no solutions. Our scientists continuously say that they discovered water on the moon. Meanwhile, billions of cubic metres of water are let into the ocean. Drought and floods take away lives with monotonous regularity, which make our Politicians shed crocodile tears. Our system has failed to provide safe drinking water, sanitation, health and schools to 50% of our population. Life for them has not changed much since independence. Leaders change where successors are worse than predecessors. But our respected leaders have been working hard for 62 years to help the poor, by giving them the same schemes with different names. Everybody is worried about Aam-aadmi, who continues to get lip sympathy but leads a miserable existence. But most of them have resigned to their terrible fate, as they are told by Swamijis that it is their past Karma that is responsible for their present misery. Number of Swamijis and TV channels are consoling them “Blessed are the poor and meak, as they will see God”. There might be some respite in the near future as constant change is what Prakruthi is, and we cannot but improve from the present cattle level of living for 300 millions, because we cannot go worse.
The business and industry sector has been doing well, and will continue to take India forward. India will produce two million cars, although there are no roads to use them! It is not surprising that Bangalore is referred to as ‘Jaamaluru’. Our IT/BT sector has changed the world, and earned our engineers world recognition. Indians simply become great once they are outside the country, since the environment there supports them. But, in our country, the all-pervading government obstructs or suffocates them in order to stick to rules and precedence. The most unfit leaders lay down policies, who constantly interfere with imprudence.
It is worth noting that India and China started development at the same time in 1950. Around that time, India had an excellent economic and administrative base, while China was in ruins after two hundred years of internal strife and external aggression. But today, India is 30 years behind China:
• China grows at 12%, and we struggle to achieve 7%.
• China produces five to ten times India’s output in every item and sector, has solved social backwardness.
• China’s per capita income is more than double that of India.
• China has brought down its poverty line to 8%, while we still hover at 25%.
• China has 8 metro lines in Shanghai, while we are unable to even build enough flyovers.
• China’s excellent highways are double that of India, while parts of our highways look like the surface of the moon.
• Shanghai Airport has 82 gates, while Mumbai has only 20.
• China runs a train at 309 kms per hour, and has built a rail line at 11,000 feet above sea level. Most of India’s Express trains run at an average of 60 kms per hour. The few trains that run at 100 kms per hour are called ‘super-fast’! Our progress in expanding and modernizing the Railways system has been marginal, as it is a government monopoly. India has increased route-kms by 18%, while China has trebled (90,000 route kms). Chinese trains and stations are clean, while ours are filthy.
• Overall, India’s infra-structure is miserable and deplorable. But leaders are happy and people are resigned to their fate.
• India has over 500 million mobile phones, as we are fond of talking continuously, called verbal diarrhea. Chinese are quiet, while we are noisy, boasting or arguing. Clearly, we have a long way to go to meet standards achieved by China, including efficiency, thoroughness, sanitation, courtesy etc. China conducted Olympics more dramatically than any other country, winning maximum number of medals. We got only one. We are struggling to organize Commonwealth Games this year.
Praising China does not mean that we wish to be like China. Chinese eat frogs and snakes. They do not have a culture like that of ours. We do not wish to work like ‘slaves’ as in Chinese factories. They work 300 days a year and 48 hours per week, while our government employees work for 200 days a year and 36 hours a week. We can work double shift in educational institutions to expand our capacity. We can punish anti-social elements who burn public property and obstruct work by declaring Bandh. We can enforce one side parking. We can bring discipline on the streets and congregations. Right to food and shelter is more important than right to criticize government. We have made democracy a shame by purchasing voters with money and liquor. Good people cannot get elected or justice, while the system gives leeway and opportunities to the deviants and musclemen. Such minor problems can be easily solved if only our leaders and systems observe Dharma, and enforce law strictly. But we have a weak state, and a strong mobocracy.
Recently, an International Conference of 200 Deans of Business Schools rated our Government as the ‘most obstructive to development’. A drastic change from the bureaucratic to a managerial system and style is essential to tap the enormous potential of our 20 million governmental employees who control the economy by blocking the productive section. Further, they are hostile and rude. Public servants treat the public as servants (naukar). Our businessmen and managers are world class. But they cannot perform in a hostile environment.
Our gentleman PM, a rare ruler of ideals and competence, has confessed that reforms are difficult. We are struggling to contain terrorism, the Maoist menace, political intrigue, mob violence etc. Since Independence, our leaders have undermined most institutions, including the Administration, Police and Judiciary. Our Democratic system elects several people with criminal records. Money power openly runs and rules the political machinery. Primary function of Government is governance. But our leaders are mainly interested in business and industry, where there is good scope for making money and prestige. We continuously boast of being the largest democracy in the world. Our middle classes are criticizing the government. We choose corrupt leaders, burn public property, indulge in vandalism even within the Parliament, Government sponsors hartal. The rule of law is ignored, without fear of punishment: Strangely, our people adhere to the law in the US and Singapore. But they merrily break laws here, which clearly indicates that our law-enforcing machinery is weak or inactive.
The basic human rights required for the 300 million poor are jobs, food, clothes, primary health care, schools, sanitation etc, which our democratic system may not be able to provide in this decade. China has solved such basic problems to a great extent. Our values and priorities are obviously wrong or lopsided. Foreign observers are full of praise for Chinese achievements, which are hidden by our ‘China watchers’. The press carefully avoids comparison. Our learned intellectuals dare not criticize our government, as they may lose chances of appointments in the government. Leaders respond with a standard retort: “what use is China’s progress and prosperity without democracy?” Leaders assume that our 300 million voters prefer democracy and poverty, rather than a decent life. In fact, the middle class is the major beneficiary of development, and they want this democracy, as they can enjoy life and indulge in grievances and criticism.
As a positive step in this decade, we should settle our border dispute with Pakistan and China. We need not copy China’s political system. But there are hundreds of Chinese practices to be learnt, which can be implemented by us. But government should govern, and leave development to others. Government should take care of the poor, which the private sector will not do.
The West is looking to India for ideas and ideals and to live in peace. Our modern Indians are imitating the wrong habits of the West; but are diligently avoiding emulation of good ethics and behavior of the US. We should realize that our problems are not the fault of our leaders and bureaucrats. They mean well. But the political-economy system compels them to resort to corruption and make us drift into chaos and violence. The only sector, which can help to change the political-economy system, is the Corporate Sector. The media can help with campaigns for educating people, rather than merely entertaining readers and viewers with violence and sexuality.
So in conclusion, the predictions for India in 2010 are as follows:
– Rich India will prosper and Poor Bharath will continue to suffer.
– There will be marginal improvements; even Bihar is showing progress.
– Ethical leaders may rise to power and overthrow the present set of opportunists.
– In the midst of selfish pursuits, corruption, violence, vulgarity etc, ‘Spiritual Bharath’ will slowly emerge, as predicted by Swami Vivekananda in 1895. There are now more ashrams, temples, discourses on ethics in TV Channels and journals etc, heralding the birth of a Spiritual Bharath. Even the West will turn to ‘Spiritual Bharath’ for guidance.
Our hope for a better tomorrow lies in the Business and Industry sector, which may rescue India from further degeneration of values and societal chaos. Under these conditions, concrete action programs are required. The India Century Mission, spearheaded by the Indian Heritage Academy, Bangalore – 560 095, is working on that Movement to usher in a prosperous and peaceful Bharath.
Fortunately our tottering political system of coalitions of 100 parties is till functioning. Thanks to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Congress is still alive and active. She should be admired and thanked for saving the Congress Party from disintegration. It is India’s Cultural maturity to have accepted her. Though a foreigner and novice in polities, she is ruling UPA with dexterity and diligence. Even BJP recognizes her competence. After all, we are used to be ruled by foreigners for one thousand years. Hence it is not difficult to accept her.
Besides tiny Maoist Nepal, India is the only country where Hindus are a majority (82%). 2.4 billion Christians rule 120 countries, 1.2 billion Muslims 60, and 800 million Buddhists 9 countries. The inability of Hindus to administer and manage is evident from the fact that 1000 big Hindu Temples are administered by government, with IAS officers and government officials. What more evidence Hindus need to show their inability to rule. When will Hindus develop maturity and competence? This has not been predicted yet by astrologers or rulers. But there is no harm though. Why not leave temples to Government management and devotees rule their heart and soul? A clear separation of spirituality and secular work is a feasible solution.
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INDIAN RAILWAYS (IR)
Prof. N.S. Ramaswamy
As per the tradition of her predecessors, the Railway Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has presented a pedestrian and insipid budget, giving special favours to Bengal. We cannot blame her for partisanship, since successive Railway Ministers have largely favoured their home States for pampering voters and capturing power, which incidentally is the main motive of most of our political leaders. They use government controlled undertakings for political purposes, which is the defect of the political system and not that of individuals. Only solution is Corporatisation of IR and privatisation of many functions of Railways. IR is now used as a tool by politicians to grab power by favouring their home States. Lalu Yadav and Mamata Banerjee clamoured for the portfolio. Lalu got credit and applause for making Railway profitable. But he did the so-called miracle by overloading the Railway system, and neglecting its growth and health. Fares were not increased just to please the so-called Aam Admi. He did not increase passenger fares during his period, a policy which unfortunately has been continued by the present Minister. Merit has no place in India’s political economy system.
IR needs more than one lakh crores of rupees immediately for replacing obsolete and worn-out permanent ways and rolling stocks, upgrading the technology of IR, modernizing the signaling system, repairs and maintenance of dilapidated Railway stations, providing minimum of amenities, removing the filth in coaches and around Railway stations, etc. Hundreds of such improvements need urgent attention, on which nothing has been done since the British left. Further, expansion has been negligible. Social demand for long distance express trains (LDET) is three to five times the present capacity. It is not economical and appropriate to freeze Railway fares. Cost has gone up by 30% due to inflation during the last five years. Value of earnings has come down. Already passenger fares are being subsidized by freight earnings. Therefore, increase in fares was well justified not only for compensating inflation but also for providing the massive investment required for rehabilitating, expanding and modernizing the Railway system.
There is some justification for not increasing the fare of slow moving passenger trains, since poor people travel by that mode. There is also some justification for not increasing the fares for unreserved Second Class long distance trains used by pilgrims to go to holy shrines and centres, such as Varanasi, Rameshwar, etc, since the bulk of the religious people in India are poor. But the major beneficiaries of development since liberalization in 1991 is the upper and middle classes, whose income has increased substantially, with sufficient surplus for luxuries. They can easily afford a 30 to 40% of increase in Railway fare in two and three tier AC and non- AC sleeper second class in LDETs. The present condition of slow moving LDETs is deplorable, with very little space to move about. Passengers cannot get a ticket even months in advance. It is a shame on IR’s part to punish innocent people of India, who are at the mercy of the monopoly – IR. Minister proudly proclaims “No privatization”, as though privatization is a crime. Privatisation liberated people from monopolies like telephones, Civil Aviation, etc. It is high time that parts of operations of IR are privatized and IR is rescued from its present condition of being in ICUs for 60 years. China has trebled route kilometers, while IR has achieved only 18%.
From Bangalore alone, hundreds of buses ply to Kerala, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and other stations in the south. It is well known (which Railways themselves pointed out) that Railway is six times more fuel efficient. Diesel and pollution can be reduced . Thousands of buses wasting precious diesel, and further adding to pollution. Accidents in IR are also more due to heavy rush and congestion at stations and inside trains. One of the major reasons for accidents is overloading the system far beyond capacity. People are resigned to suffer, as IR is indifferent.
Whatever be the motive of the British, they gave us an excellent Railway system connecting the whole of India, which is one of the contributing factors for uniting India as a single nation. IR is considering Railways merely as a device for moving people and goods. Actually speaking, the very unity of the country depends on Railways. First of all people from one part of India should settle in the other parts of India so that over a period of time, we can have a more homogenous population.
Language is the greatest divider of peoples all over the world. European nations are formed on language who fought each other for centuries. Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Pakistan broke on language. In India there is a visible inter-linguistic divide, where people from different states are behaving as if they belong to separate nations. The Thakarays in Mumbai have done immense harm to India’s emotional unity.
Unity of the country is largely depended on Indian culture, which, in turn, is based on the four religions born in India, namely Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. India is a religious country where 80 million go to temples every day. They undertake pilgrimage to over 100 important pilgrim centres, such as Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi, Dwaraka, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rameswaram, Srirangam, Kanyakumari, etc. The IR ought to provide rapid transport with reasonable facilities and amenities for travel. This dimension should be one of the missions of IR. Pilgrims undergo untold and unimaginable suffering. They are treated like cattle, stacked in trains like sardines. At least 50% of pilgrims are old people and quite a number sick and handicapped. Railways ought to improve facilities and amenities with lifts for those who cannot climb, escalators in busy stations, etc. Flooring, lighting, lights, seats etc have to be improved. Maintenance and house keeping should be privatized. It is silly for IR to undertake catering.
Railway has a lot of land. IR could build high rise buildings as transit hostels for pilgrims (which will earn them goodwill), and give them on lease to professional hoteliers. This would not only bring income, but also prestige to IR. Pilgrims are prepared to spend more money for travel, and hence fares can be increased. At present, people are severely punished by IR. Pilgrims curse IR when they have to travel in intolerable conditions.
Railway Stations are outdated, filthy, badly maintained and crowded. They are to be expanded and modernized. Most of them are in a dilapidated condition, with no improvement done for passenger comfort.
The British had one hundred year-long vision, while our IR Ministers do not have even a one-year program. The Railway Board ought to have a Think-Tank that could prepare plan for the next 30 years. But they are helpless, since Railway budget and growth are decided by the Minister and not by the Railway Board. I recall my convincing one Railway Minister on 40 improvements. He wanted me to present the same before the Railway Board and senior officers. After my forty minute presentation, the Minister asked the Chairman to respond to my ideas. To my great surprise and sadness, the Chairman said “Sir, we not only agree with Prof Ramaswamy’s views but also point out that these are our ideas”. The Minister asked the Chairman as to why these have not been implemented, to which the Chairman replied that it was not possible to make improvements and innovations in IR. What a shameless admission. Once I sat three hours in the Chamber of the Chairman. 50% of his time was spent on phone, arranging for special quota for MPs, MLAs, VIPs and friends. One should travel in European countries and Japan to realize how backward is IR.
When the first train started in Bombay in 1853 from VT (CST) to Thane, there were hardly 50 passengers. But IR Management had provided 18 platforms and waiting halls, which is now able to handle one million passengers. They had broad platforms, since British found that for every train carrying 2,000 people, there were 10,000 friends and relatives to see them off or to receive them. Such is the profound culture of India, built over 10,000 years. Our decision makers are destroying that filial culture by not expanding the Railways. IR’s mission should be to foster unity and culture of our country and not merely profit.
IR can stick to the policy of owning the Railway. But they need not manufacture coaches, wagons, equipments, etc which can be safely left to PSUs or private sector. They should own and manage Railway track. But they should allow movement of wagons and passenger coaches by private parties. Railway can earn a great deal by this policy, and save the scarce capital for modernization and expansion, rather than on manufacturing. It is difficult to manage such a huge system with 1.4 million employees, with high degree of vertical and horizontal integration. It is good that the present Minister has accepted the principle of PPP. Catering, cleaning, announcing, housekeeping, running a hotel nearby in Railway land and thousands of such petty things should be handed over to the private sector, which can do an excellent job.
IR has one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the world, transporting over 18 million passengers and more than 2 million tones of freight daily. It is one of the world’s largest commercial or utility employers, with more than 1.4 million employees. The I.R traverse the length and breadth of the country, covering 6,909 stations over a total route length of more than 63,327 kilometres (39,350 miles). As to rolling stock, IR owns over 200,000 (freight) wagons, 50,000 coaches and 8,000 locomotives.
At the time of Independence, route-kilometer of IR was about 53,596 km. The increase during the last 62 years has been only 18%. Compared to this dismal performance for expansion, China increased from 27,000 route-km to 90,000 route-km, which means an increase of more than three-fold. In China, 28,000 route-km (34%) is electrified, compared to IR’s 18,000 route-km only. This is an indication of the pathetic state of IR. Funds allotted for new Railway lines are meager. Political considerations compel IR to start uneconomic Railway lines, which was not completed for long periods resulting in huge losses. China recently built a railway line to Tibet over a terrain which was 11,000 feet above sea, and also started train with a speed of 309 km per hour, as against 150 km which is the highest speed achieved by a few IR trains (like Rajdhani and Sathabdhi). Most of the Express Trains achieve only an average of 50 to 60 kms, which is shamefully low to a large country like India. In busy routes, two-way tracks are required. Signalling has to be modernized.
Most Railway stations and coaches are in gross disrepair, dirty, outdated and overcrowded. Passengers travel hanging on to the window rail, on foot boards and even on top. The interior is poorly maintained, very dirty, toilets are filthy, loose wires dangling in passenger trains, etc. Most Railway Stations stink due to poor maintenance.
IR has not been able to meet the growing demand for more trains. Accidents are also high due to human error, poor equipments, outdated signaling devices, unmanned level crossing etc. IR themselves have accepted that, given the present state of affairs, curbing accidents is impossible, which are mainly due to human error (83%). Trains run over antiquated bridges which ought to have been replaced long ago. At least half the coaches and wagons ought to have been replaced twenty years back. Thus Railways ought to invest large amount of funds for expansion, modernization, upgradation of technology, providing minimum facilities and amenities, ensuring hygiene, speeding up of trains, etc.
It is practically impossible to improve the Railways without corporatizing it and freeing it from obsolete government rules and regulations. It is absurd that government runs the Railways, when it has so many other important functions to perform.
IR have no public relation programme. Nobody knows what happens in Railways. Only during the budget time, people come to know some thing about Railway operations and finances. It is true that passenger traffic is subsidized by extra earnings in freight movement. IR can easily increase long distance passenger fares by 30%, which will provide enough funds for minor improvements and expansion. IR should borrow, promising to increase fares. Immediately, a development cess can be imposed. Special Trains can be run with increased fares. First class AC should be introduced. As an example, passengers from Bangalore and Chennai are prepared to pay 50% more to travel in comfortable trains, rather travel in buses. For any improvements to happen, the mandate of Railways should be one of preserving the unity and culture of the country and not merely for moving people and goods. It should be removed from the clutches of political interference, which is practically impossible, since all aspirants to the Railway portfolio want it only for becoming popular by favouring their home states. Lalu continued his policy of a populist budget without increasing fares, which the present Minister continued, neglecting the health and growth of IR.
Indians believe in Law of Karma. They have committed sins in previous births. And Dharma Raja, God of Death found IR a convenient method to punish them in this birth by compelling them to travel by IR.
We wish our Ministers and IR Board, travel to China and Japan to study what can be done. Alas we have been dreaming for 60 years to have a better IR, in vain. IR is to satisfy the politicians and indifferent employees of IR, and not to serve people. Thanks to Britain, we have at least the IR, which has stagnated for 60 years.
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JOURNALISM – PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
Prof N S Ramaswamy
India has produced outstanding Journalists in English and Regional Languages, who are comparable to the best in the world. Apart from their competence in their field, many of them are men of excellent character, who observed independence and ethical standards. In fact, India’s media - electronic, celluloid and print – have achieved world standards in quality of content and production standards. India’s journalists played a key role in developing our media as the fourth Estate of our democratic system. In fact, our standards are higher than most developing and advanced countries. Our journalists are recognized all over the world for their ability, courage and professional ethics.
Commercialisation Of Media
But this is the commercial era of Kaliyuga, where most transactions and relationships are commercial in nature, where ethical and moral values in all areas of human endeavour are gradually but surely declining. Naturally, the media cannot be an exception to this general trend. Popular media is established and sustained as a commercial enterprise. As is the policy of ‘Market economy’ news and views have to cater to the private interests of important segments of society and tastes of masses, ignoring societal considerations of the negative impact on planet and people. Professional journalists cannot easily adhere to well known ethical norms, since the media has to go by commercial viability and profitability. But even here, there are many journalists, who have resisted pressures of vested interests and stood upright, fighting against commercial considerations, pressures and temptations, which invariably affect professionalism and ethical standards. For instance, TV serials and films have tremendous influence over people’s way of thinking and behaviour. In order to survive and prosper, they stoop down projecting sensationalism, scandals, violence, vulgarity, etc. At times, the press publishes rumours and speculations, exaggerate conflicts and misunderstandings, peep covertly into private lives, make heroes of cricketers and movie stars, ignore good work done by sincere and honest citizens, exploit tragedies for feeding curiosity of people etc. Also, they cannot adhere to societal priorities as such news are not interesting to readers and viewers, who relish gossip, scandals, perversions etc. Unfortunately, there is no effective regulatory mechanism to control the declining trends in values in all the three segments of the mass media. Journalists can be upright and bold and restrain and resist this unfortunate tide, retain or restore ethical standards. It is in this context Seminars on Journalism and Professional Ethics are to be held which are rare. I have been associated with the Indian Working Journalist Federation for a long time, where I did not find them interested in such discussions. They give undue emphasis to politicians and juicy stories which excite readers. I recall a World Conference on “Work animals and bullock carts’, held in Bangalore, in 1980. A donkey kicked a journalist who was taking a photo of a procession. That was the only report; and not one line on the proceedings of the Conference. Eight articles were written against me on “ Institute of Mis-Management”. A high level Committee found that every accusation was based on wrong information. I was not given a chance to reply. By exaggerating a small point of lapse, good work done is ignored. Not a single comment has appeared on the pedestrian budget of the Railway Minister. A short report on a recent Seminar is included in this issue.
Society and Media
The most important and powerful segment of a country to take it forward is the political system, parties and politicians. Unfortunately, India adopted a totally inappropriate Political Economy Model, which functions well only in advanced countries, because they are mono societies and where government does not participate directly in economic and social development. India is a highly plural society, hopelessly divided along religions, castes, languages and ethnicity. Further, Government is directly and actively participating in economic and social development as owner, businessman, entrepreneur, builder, banker, insurer, manager, controller etc. In fact, the Government is neglecting its primary function of “Governing the Country”. All the energy and resources are spent in economic and social development activities. Government is in big business, as it gives power to Ministers and in many cases opportunities to make illicit money. Government business is perhaps larger than that of the Private Sector.
22 millions are employed in government, administration and defense with Railways, Ports, 200 PSUs, 19 Banks, Electricity Boards, Road Transport and hundreds of sectors. Large and medium scale business employs only 10 million workers. Age old saying is : “Yadha Raja Vyapari, Thadha Praja Bekhari”. It is largely true of India. Therefore, in spite of the best intentions of the government and its massive investment and subsidy to economic and social development, one third of our people are still below poverty line, illiterate and in deep distress, without basic facilities, such as housing, water, , clean air, toilet, clothing etc. People are getting restless and more and more violent. In certain parts, mob mentality and rule have taken over the role of the government. India is surrounded by hostile neighbours and enemies. Internally, Naxalites, Maoists and militants have unleashed terror, disturbing societal peace. The political system itself is fragile and unstable, with coalitions and regional parties creating conflicts and confronting the Center. Linguistic parochialism is cutting the roots of our unity. Our democracy is still functioning in spite of anarchy and chaos, which is a miracle. Journalists can help by fostering and strengthening good institutions and condemning those which destroy unity and stability.
Next to politicians and the political systems, the most important and powerful segment of the country is the Media, called the Fourth Estate, particularly, the Print media and a part of TV dealing with news, public affairs, debates on political and economic policies etc. where journalists are the main functionaries. If Journalists can take a pro-active role, with courage and appropriate priorities, our country can be saved from fatal outcomes, such as fragmentation, destabilization, decline in values, crime, violence etc. Therefore, Journalists have to take a more effective, dynamic and ethical role in order to save our country from political collapse. Politicians are compelled to be evasive and unethical in order to retain their vote bank, sectarian interests, loyalty to caste etc. They have to pamper their followers, raise money to purchase votes provide money and liquor to buy votes etc. But Journalists need not stoop to such methods. They are safe and can be free. They can protect the people by using their tremendous power to expose fraud, encourage good people, foster unity and culture etc.
Media as a Catalyst
The meaning of Ethics is fairly well known, though it is difficult to define it. Some of meanings of the word ‘Ethics’ could be Dharma, culture, concern for others, virtuous conduct, truth, humanism, compassion towards animals, respect for nature, adherence to good values of the society, self restraint, helpfulness and cheerfulness etc. From the point of Journalists, they could protect those who are oppressed and exploited by giving publicity and exposing fraud and corruption. Good citizens should be recognized and encouraged by giving them publicity, which they are not doing now effectively. A large number of dedicated citizens, serving the nation, do not get any recognition in the Press. Social celebrities, politicians, cricketers, cinema stars, scandals, scams etc get enormous publicity. Such lopsided presentation and space allocation affect morale of the people. Sensitive civic conscious citizens feel let down. After all, they work freely, spending their own money. The present policy “we report what will sell” is unethical. Deviant and violent incidents need not be given so much publicity. Veerappan got publicity every day. What is the end objective? One illustration can prove these points. The Aurushi murder case consumed 3,000 hours and the Bofors case perhaps 10,000 hours of TV time and thousands of pages of newspaper space. Cricket is given two pages everyday and get front page status. However, thousands of selfless citizens, who contribute a great deal to society, do not get any coverage. Instead, non-consequential events are covered and given importance. This is unethical by any definition. Indians should not imitate this western practice.
The Press has an unofficial code of conduct that they should not write anything, which would create enmity between sections of society. For instance, in an inter-religious conflict, the Press is careful enough not to write about “who started and who should be blamed”. But in the case of an inter-caste rivalry between the upper and lower caste Hindus, newspapers invariably report “Dalit beaten up and murdered”. It may be a personal dispute, and not a conflict between the upper and lower caste Hindus. Hundreds of upper caste organizations help Dalits. Not one word is reported. In our Academy, we showed respect for Dalits by doing “Pada Vandana”, where my wife and I honoured 100 Dalit couples by putting “chandan and kumkum” to them and touching their feet. This was not reported. Newspapers give an impression of hostility to Hindus and Swamis. Profound ideas of intellectuals and experts are dismissed with a sentence “so and so also spoke” This is not justifiable. Press and politicians are in league. After the speech of the politicians, journalists go out of Seminars. They favour each other. Press are given favours by politicians. It was reported in the Press that I&B Minister, Ms Ambika Soni informed the Rajya Sabha that the phenomenon of “paid news” was influencing the functioning of free Press and that there was an urgent need to protect public’s right to “correct and unbiased information (TOI dated 6.3.10). Policemen are always blamed, while politicians lead agitations and raise mob frenzy. Speeches of politicians, who are eager for publicity, are published by journalists, though they make innocuous and meaningless speeches. Cricketers and film stars get wide publicity for their opinion on political and social issues.
Write with a Service Motto
Sathya Sai Baba’s Birthday was celebrated all over the world, where forty million participated. Baba gave Rs. 200 crores to Tamil Nadu to provide water to Chennai city. Baba went to CM’s house. The Press did not cover this gesture, not even with one line. They refer to him as a God-man and often portray him as a magician. Thus there is a universal contempt for Hindu values and sentiments. Hinduism is an orphan, which can be beaten and humiliated. The English press is indifferent to Indian culture and promotes degenerated parts of western culture, which are vulgar and ugly, as can be seen from the semi-nude photographs being published in all India papers and TV Ads. In the name of art, one’s religious sentiments should not be hurt. There cannot be different yardsticks for different sections of the society.
It is recognized that the Press & newspapers have to cater to what the public wants, as they need to increase readership and revenue. Thus, cricket is glorified. Private lives of film stars get greater importance and ample space. This is obviously unethical, since basic values are distorted. Recently, there was even a talk of newspapers selling space to politicians for payment. This is against the value system of any country. A recent report described the tremendous ill-effects of vulgarity in media in the behaviour of children. Experts have pointed out the harmful ill effects of mass media on societal moral values.
Indian civilization is twenty thousand years old. 69 invasions by conquerors and 1000 years of foreign rule, destruction of 3,000 temples and looting could not destroy Indian culture, which has withstood the tyranny of many barbarians. But, in this commercial era, politicians and the media may pervert and even destroy our ancient civilization. As a part of modernization, westernization, globalization, commercialization etc. our culture is undergoing a change for the worse.
From the dawn of civilization, activities progressed from vocations to occupations, to mercenary work, to career, to professions, to service and finally to a mission. It was a gradual transformation from pure selfishness to pure selflessness. Professions come in between. The definition of Profession is “An activity which can be delineated with a distinct body of knowledge & skills, acquired and imparted, tested and certified, legalized etc. Professions should gain public acceptance and esteem. Public gain should be more than private benefit. Professions should have a high ethical and moral values, as well as worthy goals, ideology and philosophy.
Only during the last 20 years, Journalism has been included in the University education system. Even now, there is no serious research on its responsibilities and duties and its impact on society (beneficial or detrimental). In 1960, the US Federal Commission on Media reported that violence on New York streets used methods portrayed in the movies. Such is the slow permeation of media’s influence on public mind. During Christmas and Easter, 70% of sales take place, thus converting these holy celebrations into commercial events. Part of the Press gives a lopsided and perverted presentation of people and events, thus lowering public taste, which is unethical. Negative impact on society through excessive exposure of sex, crime, violence etc is ignored. Increase in readership and viewer ship is the only criterion for allotting space.
Value Based Journalism
Many low standard newspapers have no ideology, philosophy or ideals. Just like education now, the media has also become pure business. Even in the University, Ethics are not taught. Journalism is considered a craft. I recall Ramanath Goenka saying “What we require is candidates with good language skill, and we shall take care of the rest”. In recent times, power of media rests with the Department of Advertisement and Circulation. News editors have lost their age old prestige and power. Some have become mere instruments to promote increased sales.
From being a mere career, as of now, it is possible for journalists to become professionals in order to serve society. A politician cannot do it, since he has to pamper the electorate, while journalists are fairly free. They can be independent to serve the public. While they can continue to cater to the needs of readers by providing them with some violence, scandals and sensations, they should set apart some space for truth, noble values and justice. It should be their mission to maintain the unity and culture of the country. The electronic and celluloid media openly declare that they are in business for profit making, and not for reforming society. “We shall write what public wants” seems to be their policy.
Journalists are generally skeptical and cynical. Their concern is more for creating news. They often put wrong words in to the mouths of celebrities, thus producing news out of nothing. All this is unethical journalism. Unfortunately, there is no control over them. A Vice Chancellor is controlled by the Syndicate. PM and CM by the Cabinet, Chairman of a company by the Board of Directors etc. In the case of a journalists and editors, no such body exists. The Press Council is not useful for regulation and control. Journalists still consider themselves as workers, as they have formed as “Working Journalist Federation”. The least they can do is to organize regular monthly meetings, where the Editor or one of the colleagues can meet sensitive citizens for a couple of hours, when they can hear readers, views on the way the newspaper is presenting news and events.
Newspapers are expected to inform, interpret, expose fraud and scams, and entertain. They should also add education and protection of society and promotion of unity and culture as part of their responsibility. If that is done, Journalism can become a Profession with ethical values. At present, anybody can be a journalist, as in the case of politics. Giant business Corporations control major newspapers. Though owners did not interfere with Editors’ freedom in earlier years, slowly the owners’ influence is increasing.
Citizens are eagerly looking forward to Editors and Journalists to arrest this trend. Very few journalists have succeeded as entrepreneurs and owners of large newspaper claims. It is the businessman who has the resources and sustaining power to slowly attract readers. In a ‘market economy’ based society, ‘what will sell’ would be the only criterion. In such a situation, the Journalist has to bend or succumb. What they can possibly do is protect ‘human interest’ in whatever way they can. Till that time, this unfortunate trend may continue.
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MEDIA SEMINAR
B.K. Warrior
“Both print and electronic media have a big role in helping social and economic development of the country as well as strengthening the hands of the judiciary by bringing out unknown miscarriage of justice happening in the society,” said Dr.(Justice) Shivaraj V.Patil, former Supreme Court Judge and former Chairman of Human Rights Commission of India. He was inaugurating a seminar on “Journalism and Professional Ethics” organized by the Society for Professional Ethics & Management on the 24th February at the Jain College in the city.
While negative journalism has become order of the day, he said that journalists can help even judiciary to take corrective steps in the miscarriage of justice at administrative level. In this connection he explained the case of a person who was kept as an undertrial for 54 years. When a news item appeared in the press on this, the Supreme Court suvomoto took up the case and ordered for investigation and report. The report stated that this was a forgotten case and the court ordered immediate release of the undertrial. He gave few more such examples to explain the positive benefits that professional journalism by socially committed journalists can bring justice to individuals and the society at large.
Prof.N.S.Ramaswamy, Management Guru and exponent of Indian Heritage, who delivered the keynote address said that the ultimate aim of Legislature, Judiciary, Executive and other govt. and non-governmental institutions, is to ensure peaceful and happy living of the citizens and overall development of the society. Over one million pages of recorded values of Indian Heritage through Vedas, Upanishads, teachings and writings of great Rishies and Saints, explain threadbare how one should conduct as an individual, member of a family, society and a good citizen of the country.
Elaborating the life experiences of citizens of independent India, which ranked 147th among 170 countries of the world in corruption, he explained that man made failures at every level bring miseries to the common people. While getting political and administrative systems corrected is a Himalayan task, the media can empower the citizens to face the challenges and lead a happy life in the given circumstances through positive journalism and empower them to fight against injustice.
“Committed and positive journalism can also inspire patriotic minded and socially concerned officials to muster power to open doors closed by corrupt system and vested interests, and deliver benefits to the public at large. But for this media owners must give more importance to social gains rather than private gains they can make through advertisements and circulation or viewership. Journalists also must accept the challenges and give importance to positive happenings in the society. Political stability and technological and economic advancement and their accompanying growth of material wealth alone will not bring prosperity, peace and joy to the people. For real prosperity, peace and joy to come, the mindset corrupted by the wrong systems and way of life must change. More than any body else it is the journalists and the media who can play the real role of the changers. But for that they must convince themselves on the spiritual strength of India and must ponder deep into the great spiritual assets of the country, rather than trivializing the virtues of it and blowing up the misdeeds of a handful thereby sensationalizing rather than sensitizing the readers’ mind,” he added.
Dr.C.G.Krishnadas Nair, Chairman of the Society for Professional Ethics & Management, compared the pre-and-post independent era journalism and lamented that the spirit of patriotism and positive journalism has vanished as the country progressed in material wealth after independence and becoming a republic. Journalists should use their freedom to educate and enlighten the society on day to day problems, challenges and opportunities on administration, development and social living. Only such a society can sustain the economic growth and the super power status that every body is eagerly looking forward by the third decade of this century. In this context professional ethics should lead journalists to promote social values through positive journalism, he said.
Dr.Sundararajan, Vice-Chancellor, Jain University, said that journalists should file only authentically verifiable stories, particularly when the news can bring shockwaves in the readers’ mind. Sensationalising of socially unimportant things may be a part of circulation and revenue generating strategy of the media management but stories carried should not consist of only such news and views. Overall weightage on editorial content must be for news that can generate positive vibrations in the society at large, inspire and encourage citizens to contribute their might for spreading peace and prosperity to one and all in the society.
Dr.Ali Kawaja, Career Counsellor and trainer explained with examples the transformation of journalism profession from a Rs.180/- salaried job to attractive emoluments and other perks that come along with journalism profession. “There are lot of good things happening at every segment of the society. It is a natural law that good things empower human psyche. So if the journalists can focus on good things and highlight such stories, they will be doing a great service to the society. You need not tell lies but you can ignore them and tell the truth of good happenings,” he exhorted the audience.
Dr. Muralikrishna, Retired Director of Forensic Lab, Police Dept., gave an audio visual presentation on crime investigation and reporting, emphasizing that crime reporters must educate themselves on the scientific methods adopted by investigating agencies and do their home work coupled with analysis before filing their report on the crime.
A VISION OF INDIA IN 2020
Swamy Vivekananda Had Proclaimed That The 21st Century Will Be India’s Century
With a similar goal called A VISION OF INDIA IN 2020 the astute business leader and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Reliance Industries Ltd., and the eldest son of Late Shri Dhirubai Ambani, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIM-Bangalore, Shri Mukesh D Ambani laid the foundation for his mission to take India to greater heights of name and fame. Today, he leads the largest private sector conglomerate in India.
Excerpts of the talk delivered by Shri Mukesh Ambani under the auspices of the Ladies Wing, Indian Merchants Chamber, & the Indian Merchants Chamber, Mumbai, on 2nd April 1998 are published in this issue as part of our series on India Century Mission.
Standing at the threshold of the next millennia, Shri Mukesh Ambani gave a clarion call to his audience and to all Indians to share his dream to foresee a changed country and a changed world.
THE CHANGING WORLD
The whole world had shrunk to a global village seen through the window of one’s PC and laptop. IT boom had redefined the way we thought, acted, worked and played, triggering massive social, economical and political changes.
Children spend more time before their PC, surfing the internet with no time to indulge in childhood activities. The child’s mind would become limitless and they live in a borderless world learning and unlearning things at a fast pace. They will be self confident, self absorbed and IT savvy.
On the other hand, people would be consuming the same array of worldly goods than at anytime before in history. Side by side, the spiritual hunger would also grow. Secrecy in governance will be a thing of past. Transparency will be the order of the day (His prophecy has come true with the implementation of Right to Information Act). Growth in trade would outstrip growth in output world over.
WHAT GLOBALISATION WILL MEAN?
A Paradigm shift is taking place with growth in foreign direct investment. IT forays in every facet of human life, shifting job from western to developing countries, global dominance by brands like coca cola, CNN, Reebok and Nescafe. Every step towards globalization increases the responsibility of the corporate world to be ever more vigilant and challenging turbulence. An evolution is taking place in the way business is done, an industry is conceived, wealth is created. Knowledge is imparted in a creative and technologically innovative manner.
THE TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION
Future generation will have newer technological developments leading to unprecedented power and opportunities. Genetic engineering, genome mapping with gene probes that will predict who will get what disease. Anti aging through genetic manipulation; embedded insulin pumps for diabetics and so on. Miniaturization will be the order of the day. Non-conformists too will be absorbed in these momentous change.
All these global changes are going to help realizing my dreams. These will free our people from poverty, illiteracy and drudgery.
Our country should be one of the five leading economic powers by 2020. There could be cynicism about my vision, due to the ills that are afflicting our economy. But these difficulties do not dispirit me.
FOUNDATIONS OF GROWTH
We know that the future of the nation is carved by young people. By 2020, 400 million Indians will be below 35 years. Present youth are preparing to take on the world. The dream to make India an economic super power is the motivation. India has a growing domestic market. Unlike other developed countries, we should strive to double our per capita income every 5 years. Let us usher in the information age through plurality, tolerance, democracy and hospitality which are essential properties of Indian ethos. Traditional values of joint families system could act as a powerful shield against the adversities.
Education is now accessible to all. We should not be complacent with 7% GDP growth. Rapid growth and the motto “Perform or Perish” should be our guiding principle. Let us look forward and strive for a quantum leap. Agriculture and IT could generate maximum wealth with modest investments.
FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE
With natural wealth like varied but favourable agro-climate conditions, 329 million hectares of land area of which nearly half is arable, we can innovatively increase our agricultural output five fold. This needs dismantling of trade and tariff barriers.
Developing 40 million hectares of wasteland for agriculture will provide employment to 120 million people. This could reduce urban migration and rural development will increase.
HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY
Indian’s fluency is the English Language enables them to favourably relate to job market in IT. The job opportunities will open up to 50 million young people in the next twenty years which will bring 20 billion dollars into India.
Therefore agriculture and IT are the two important growth areas for prosperity.
CHANGING PRIORITIES
Not only economic reforms, but reforming the education sector is also required in the knowledge economy of the 21st century. This needs a national crusade. (After 10 long years, the country has woken up to this need and changes in education sector are on the anvil).
By 2020, our population will reach 1300 million of which 200 million will be new entrants to the job market. They will be propelled by communication revolution, demand for nourishing food, meaningful education and gainful employment.
Internal and external disturbances too could harm our growth and needs to be tactfully handled.
Our political, economical, business and religious leaders need to join hands in this transformation.
This also needs modernization of the state apparatus drastically. Let us discard the view that Government is the benefactor and people are supplicants.
The Government ought to be responsive, transparent and accountable. Democracy must percolate much deeper. The regulatory frame work of the government at macro economic management is welcome. But it should not act as a spoke in the wheel. Ethical competitiveness in the corporate world needs encouragement. The disconnect between technology and business needs bridging. NRIs should be welcome to fill up this disconnect. India has the potential to achieve technological excellence.
CRITICAL ROLE OF WOMEN
Time and again Indian women have proved their competence. Inclusive growth must therefore be assured. There are innumerable examples in various fields. One great example was that of a shy little Haryanvi girl Kalpana Chawla becoming an astronaut. For Indian women sky is not the limit. They would blend cultural traditions and modern feminism for a Vibrant India.
I hope my vision 2020 will stimulate one and all.
QUANTUM LEAP
Few mantras that hold the secret of my success are :
THINK BIG - not just a best in India but for the whole world
DEMAND EXCELLENCE - never compromise
DO NOT FEAR CHANGE OR THE UNKNOWN
EMBRACE IT
PRACTISE TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
WORK HARD, WORK SMART
The New era is not for the feeble hearted. Think adventurously and act decisively. My optimism springs from my in faith in youth of India. My dream is possible to be realized. Let me challenge you all to think and contribute to our INDIA 2020 VISION - WORKING HAND IN HAND - TOGETHER WE CAN.
===
CLIMATE CHANGE
Ramalingam R
“Don’t despair. Get angry. Anger can lead to Change”
Shalmali Guttal, an Indian Environmentalist
1.0
Introduction
1.01
The UN Conference on Climate Change, which was held in December 2009 at Copenhagen, took note of several important and urgent issues, but did not conclude any legally building agreements among the 194 participating countries.
1.02 On India’s part, the PM announced that
a) “Our target includes installation of 20,000 MW of solar energy capacity by 2022, improving energy efficiency by 20% by 2020 and adding an additional six million hectares of forests over the next several years.
b) As responsible citizens of the globe, we have agreed to take on a voluntary target of reducing the emission intensity of our GDP growth by around 20% by 2020 in comparison to 2005”.
(Courtesy: Environment News Service (ENS) 2009)
1.03 In the annual Budget presented in the Parliament on 26.2.2010, Finance Minister announced a slew of measures for combating global warming and Climate Change. One of them being implementation of the National Solar Mission leading to setting up solar thermal power generating units and other incentives for initiating measures that are environment friendly.
2.0 1.0 THE HOARY PAST
Long ago, it is believed forests covered the land. The atmosphere contained large amounts of a CO2 and Methane. It was warmer and the sea level was sixty meters higher than today. Gradually, algae, plankton (very small plant and animals living in water) and plants captured the carbon and released Oxygen. In some places, the fossil remains of plants became coal, gas and oil. The concentration of Greenhouse gases reduced, the earth cooled and sea levels fell.
2.01 In the past 10,000 years, through land cultivation and civilization man exploited resources like land, water and air. With the onset of industrialization and unfettered use of fossil fuels, things changed tremendously around the world.
3.0 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING
The science of Climate Change is reportedly 180 years old. A Swedish Scientist had coined the phrase “greenhouse effect” and predicted that if concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere doubled, the climate could warm up by 4ºC to 6ºC – which is remarkably close to recent predictions.
3.01 A group of international scientists first met on Climate Change in 1985, followed by the Earth Summit in 1992 at Riode Janeiro and at Kyoto Protocol 1997.
3.02 In 2006, a British Govt. Report had predicted that at 450 ppm CO2e( parts per million of carbon dioxide equivalent, which included methane), the global temperatures would have a 50 percent chance of rising 2ºC above pre-industrial levels and 5% chance of reaching 3.5ºC.
3.03 In its Special Report on the Carbon Economy published by “The Economist”, London – December 5.11.2009, data on green house gas emission per person – country wise for seven countries are as follows.
It’s a wicked world
Greenhouse-gas emissions per person, 2007
Tonnes of CO2 equivalent
Total, tonnes bn
Source: WRI *2005
3.04 In another article “The Green slump” in the same Journal, three main reasons are attributed to failure of 1997 Kyoto Protocol and rising global carbon dioxide by 20%. First, the rich countries have exported some of their dirty industry to the developing world. Steel, Cement, Cars, Fridges, and Computers, Toaster, kettles and all paraphernalia of modern life style of developed countries are now made in China and other countries, where emissions are not applied – and have risen partly as a result of that shift.. Secondly, the world’s biggest emitter when Kyoto was signed, America, has not ratified the protocol. Australia did so 2 years ago. Thirdly, some countries have failed to cut their emission as promised.
3.05 Governments around the world are finding it hard to workout how to send business the right signals. Policies that are efficient, effective and politically palatable have proved elusive everywhere.
3.06 Although the urgency to initiate mitigating steps to reduce carbon intensive activities is well taken, the scientists are unsure of the scale and consequences of global warming. Further, the scientists, economists and the politicians have their local interests – such as developed countries versus developing ones; the rich versus poor, the oil rich countries and the others and so on.
3.07 In the context of India, natural disasters like earthquakes, floods accompanied by shifting course by rivers (like Kosi in Bihar) droughts, Tsunami could be fully or partly attributed to Climate Change as well as human induced problems.
3.08 Dwindling water resources and unchecked population growth are adding to the difficulties and challenges facing the present and future generations. Water an important resource, is not unlimited but fast receding.
4.0 CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
WATER
“The wars of the next century will be about water”
-Ismail Serageldin
Vice President, World Bank
4.01
LIFE-SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDED BY RIVERS, WETLANDS, FLOODPLAINS, AND OTHER FRESHWATER ECO SYSTEMS
• Water supplies for irrigation, industries, Cities and homes
• Fish, waterfowl, mussels, and other foods for people and wildlife
• Water purification and filtration of pollutants
• Food mitigation
• Drought mitigation
• Groundwater recharge
• Water storage
• Provision of wildlife habitat and nursery grounds
• Soil fertility maintenance
• Nutrient delivery to deltas and estuaries
• Delivery of freshwater flows to maintain estuarine salinity balances
• Aesthetic, cultural, and spiritual values
• Recreational opportunities
• Conservation of biodiversity, which preserves resilience and options for the future.
Global warming is already impacting the planet’s water resources. Droughts and deserts are spreading, crops are failing. Freshwater is diminishing and millions of people will be forced to migrate to survive. Water Resources Management and Agricultural planning based on sound research on global warming will prove increasingly vital as Climate Change takes effect.
5.0 OUR ROLE IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
It is in the above scenario, a few of the measures found in some of the publications acknowledged in the end of this article as well as that of the author are listed below for the information and consideration of all concerned.
5.01
1. At Macro levels
Three important and critical commitments made our PM at the Copenhagen pertain to:
a. generating 20,000mw solar thermal power by 2020 and energy improvement by 20%;
b. add additional 6m hectares of forests over next several years; and
c. Voluntary target of reducing the emission intensity of our GDP growth by around 20% by 2020 in comparison to 2005 levels. These could be easily converted to derive at the individual commitment.
2. But these targets would involve huge investments. Therefore, instead leaving it to the government to mobilize resources to fulfill these commitments all organizations - Business & Industry, educational institutions, religious bodies, Trade and Commerce, NGOs, Philanthropists and the common man need to support the government realize the above and make this planet livable for some more time.
3. Creation of a National Corpus Fund or issue of 5 or 6 year Environment bonds by the Central Government, making all Citizens buy them mandatorily and/or also introduce an environment tax on all vehicles and other plants and machineries polluting the atmosphere till 10 or 15 years.
A moratorium needs to be imposed on the volume of air traffic that could be handled by airlines - apparently at a breakeven level. Air Cargo transport to be restricted to medical goods and military accessories and perishable goods.
4. Like Tamilnadu, make it mandatory for all households to have rainwater harvesting all over the country
5 The discharge of sewerage waste into rivers and open sea has to be curtailed through appropriate measures.
6 Polluting industries to work on alternative resources on a time bound basis
7 Grant legal status to genuine NGOs in India devoted to environmental protection
8 Encourage commuters all over the country to use public transport and trains. Give incentives to those who forego using personal vehicles at least once a week to commute to work. This could be done by a subsidized ticketing system, using innovative technology for effective administration.
Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation has already experimented the concept of “Bus Day” once a month on 4th February, 2010 and the response was reported as good.
9 Appoint honorary environment wardens in each street in the villages and cities and educate others and involve all to reduce pollution.
Slogans such as “Fight Global Warming. Save fuel - Minimize use of Motor Vehicles” etc., should be advertised by the media as a social obligation - make this a part of government and non-government advertisements and hoardings in three languages Hindi, English and one state language to create wide spread awareness.
10 Many of the trucks/lorries and three wheeler emit heavy smoke – may be due to adulterated fuel. This should be curbed strictly.
11 Encourage innovation in areas connected to Pollution control and alternate renewable energy
12 Environment officers of municipal administration need to be designated as brand ambassadors and propagate Environment friendly disposable policies. Every ward zone in the country to have one environment-officer as has been done by Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
5.02 Micro levels
At Homes
1 Periodical checking of taps and pipes to stop leakages.
2 Waste water such as that of washing machine, kitchen use, to be stored and used for flushing toilets on a day to day basis
3 Use multi-lever cistern flush out tanks.
4 Avoid wasting surplus food.
5 Supermarkets to minimize waste of vegetables and other perishables.
6 The concept of bio-fuel itself had caused maize shortage in 2008. Therefore, unlike western countries, we should not opt for bio-fuels until the consequences are taken care of
7 Since about 10 years, CFL was reported to be better than fluorescent tubes. But CFL too has mercury used in its manufacture. Therefore environmentalists are now recommending LED bulbs. This should be popularized. Practice using and stair cases in homes / apartments and work places.
8 To make all these workable chant a daily prayer and enjoy the positive improvements in your environment
“Samudra Vasane Devi
Parvathasthana Mandale
Vishnu Pathni Namasthubyam
Padha Sparsham Kshameswame”
“O Mother, you are adorned with Ocean as your attire;
the body denoted by the high mountains;
you are the consort of the Protector, our Pranams to you;
we touch you by our feet – pardon us”
Our tradition of calling our Planet as “Mother Earth” is now an universally accepted terminology.
9 Stop Smoking. Go Vegan.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
1 The Economist December 5-11th 2009
2 The Big Earth Book - ideas and solutions for a planet in crises by James Bruges.
3 Living with the Planet - making a difference in a time of climate change
By Catherine Von Ruhhans
4 Environment News Service 2009.
“IT IS NO USE SAYING, ‘WE ARE DOING OUR BEST.’ YOU HAVE GOT TO SUCCEED IN DOING WHAT IS NECESSARY.”
Winston Churchill 1954
INDIAN HERITAGE ACADEMY AND INDIA CENTURY MISSION
A.V.Balakrishnan
“Twenty first century belongs to India and India Century Mission will work as the prime facilitator for this transformation, which of course is a natural phenomenon as Swami Vivekananda has declared a century ago,” says Prof.N.S.Ramaswamy without any doubt or hesitation. His sharp eyes and glowing face reminds one of what Jawaharlal Nehru said about Ganhiji – Bapu’s determined declaration that India will get freedom during his life time. Prof.Ramaswamy who has completed a thousand full moon circle on 2nd March 2010, and turned 85, has in fact been quietly working for quite a long time to achieve this dream. Many would not have known it, but it is sure that he founded the Indian Heritage Academy 17 years back with this dream. And by the time the India Century Mission was ready for its launch, a strong base or launch pad was readied.
The uniqueness of Indian Heritage Academy
The Indian Heritage Academy (IHA) situated on the 20th Main in 6th Block of Koramangala, is a milestone in the spiritual and socio-cultural repertoire of Koramangala (one of the fastest grown suburbs of Bangalore) today and is growing as a national epic centre of imparting and instilling India’s great spiritual and cultural heritage to hundreds of growing Indians.
Any one who study the history of IHA will find that its focus is on spreading the aroma and aura of India’s cultural heritage through teaching medium, a line of Prof.Ramaswamy’s passion and specialization. We are again reminded of Gandhiji’s words here - “freedom and growth without ‘samskruti’ (culture) will be like the garland in the hands of the monkey.”
With a vision that real power of the nation can be built only by imparting education to the lower strata of the society, who always have been the real contributors (like our farmers) both in preserving the socio-cultural fabric of the nation and its economic base, a road map for promoting training on spiritual and cultural ethos of India such as Yoga, meditation, music, dance, etc. was drawn and implemented at IHA. The Gurukula or direct teacher-student relationship without any third party (management) interference was adopted by encouraging entrepreneurial teachers in various disciplines to conduct their classes using IHA facilities. This in turn has helped the teachers to conduct classes at affordable fees for the middle and lower middle class; of course many from the higher strata of the society also attend various classes conducted at IHA today.
The importance of IHA in promoting socio cultural activities can be rightly judged when a reality study of such activities in the nineties, before the first IHA hall was built and inaugurated. There were handful of music classes and music programmes conducted in houses with very limited students that too from the neighbourhood alone. Today both teaching activities and students have multiplied to more than ten times than what used to be in Koramangala before the beginning of 2,000. One may say that without any announcement IHA heralded the arrival of India’s Century as predicted by Swami Vivekananda.
The world has changed with advance and achievements in science and technology. Spirituality alone will no longer hold sway to keep India on the top of the conglomeration of nations. In spite of the fact that the country is at a very low ebb of 147th rank among the most corrupt countries in the world, economic growth and development of public service activities have made tremendous progress and inroads to the day to day living of the common citizens. Lack of professionalism and passion for upholding ethics among the erudite and educated men and women of the country, are sources of great hindrances in delivering benefits and services provided by the governmentto the common people. Accepting the fact that to make India reach her deserving position this phenomenon must change, HR training programmes with focus on ethics and professionalism for ground level public servants like pourakarmikas, public transport workers, management students as well as HR programmes for senior executives are also conducted at IHA.
From individuals to society at large, a number of other activities have become a regular feature at IHA, with focus on the welfare of the entire humanity, invoking powerful but forgotten rituals of ancient Indians that generate positive vibrations, scientifically proved but not believed or accepted by the erudite and secular Indians, who have secured places in the forefront of leading India to be the super power of the world.
With a number of halls ranging from 30 to 200 seating capacity, many socio-cultural activities including spiritual discourses, music and dance performances, community service meetings and programmes, too are regular at IHA today.
The IHA campus has two places of worship within it – a Sathay Sai prayer hall and a Saraswathi temple.
All in all a miniature form of India Century Mission activities make the Indian Heritage Academy a perfect launching pad for the big bang in India’s cultural renaissance.
===
VANDE GOMATHARAM
T.N.K.Kurup
The venue of the National Conference on GLORY OF GOMATHA was the Thirumala Thirupathi Devasthanam’s Auditorium, Tirupathi, organized by S.V. Gosamrakshana Trust on December 1st 2007. On the dias were seated distinguished Swamiji’s representing various Ashrams which included Sri S.A.R.P.V. Chaturvedi Swamy and Vishwa Thirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt, Prof. N.S. Ramaswamy was also an honoured guest seated among the Chairman and officials of T.T.D. Trust. After the invocation, Sri K.V. Ramachary, IAS, Executive Officer of T.T.D. while inviting the dignitaries for lighting the lamp remarked “the Swamiji’s present and the organizers of the Conference would be extolling the virtues of GOMATHA and her importance on the daily life of every Hindu. The major concern is for the welfare of the cow and Livestock which is addressed by Prof. N.S. Ramaswamy only. He had been campaigning for the welfare of the entire Livestock system through introduction of technology and management for over three decades. Therefore, I would call up the eminent Professor to lead others for lighting the lamp”. There was a great applause from the audience and the lamp for GOMATHA was lit on this auspicious day..
This takes me sixteen years back when I attended the National Conference on Draft Animal Power on March 2, 1994 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi which was attended by Ministers of Agriculture and Non-conventional Energy Sources, Members of Planning Commission, etc where Prof. Ramaswamy the Organizer spoke eloquently of the contribution of Livestock and associated systems and the meager contribution to the Livestock sector from the National Exchequers. He stated the need for the establishment of a Livestock Development Board to look into the pathetic condition of Livestock sector and chanellise development actions at the National level. He has been advocating this at many forums and through a Paper to the National Planning Commission. But to this day nothing has happened. It would be worthwhile to restate the anomaly in the disbursement of funds for the crop and livestock sector with total disregard to the sterling contributions of the Livestock sector in the national economy as projected in the PAPER submitted by Prof. N.S. Ramaswamy to the Planning Commission in the year 2006.
A comparison of the two systems CPS and LAS is given below:
CPS LAS Total
Value of output – Rs lakh crores 4.5 1.6 6.1
Contribution to the GNP – percentage
15
7
22
Plan Allocation Rs ‘000 crores
13.2
2.5
15.7
Plan allocation as percentage of Total
1.4
0.3
1.7
ICAR budget- Rs. Crores
1700
200*
1900
Agri Universities
38
No. of Vet Units
6 6
Agriculture Research & Education (including ICAR) Rs.’000 crores 4.64 0.54 5.18
Credit –Rs ‘000 Crores 53 4.5 57.5
Subsidy Rs. ‘000 crores
45
1.3
46.3
*including fisheries
CPS - Crop Production System
LAS - Livestock and Associated Systems.
CARTMAN founded by Prof. N.S.Ramaswamy is the only N.G.O. working for the up-gradation of livestock sector which will enhance the rural productivity and ensure better welfare of the work animals. It is in this context CARTMAN is at present working on a Project “Centre of Excellence – Animals & Environment” for the Ministry of Environment and Forests,Govt. of India. This linkage between Livestock and Plant Life for their mutual benefits has not been studied by any other organization. The contribution of Prof. N.S. Ramaswamy in this vital sector need be taken up by the States and Centre for better rural output and welfare of the animals.
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CULTURE SHOCK
S.N. Tekur
The differences between the public sector industry and the private sector are mind boggling and moving from one to the other can result in a CULTURE SHOCK.
The middle level employee in a public sector is totally insulated from the cost factor and is perpetually worried about his next promotion, incentives and goes about with the feeling of being cheated, petty differentiation in terms of perks, office space, telephone ,his talents not being recognized etc.
In a private enterprise the focus is on holding on to the job, looking to the value added for the total task, becoming more effective, improving the CV, bringing more business for the company and so on. There is no differentiation in seating, amenities, and perks at different levels(except the highest levels). Each person understands that his value to the company is determined only by the performance during the last quarter and not on past glory.
In big private enterprises, the ‘paperless office’ concept has been adopted and implemented. As a result all communications, clearances, clarifications happen through the ‘system’ without much confusion. The need for visits to the HR department are practically nil resulting in much better utilization of the working time of employees. In the public sector considerable time is lost in attending to ‘personnel’ matters.
Task requirements and the compulsion to get the job completed within the schedules are top priority coupled with a lack of hierarchy problems and interaction between levels makes it much more efficient. Interaction between all levels and across departments and disciplines in a transparent manner is a very strong feature in the private sector.
Resource capturing , rigid control of manpower and poor reallocation depending on work needs, a high degree of ‘grade consciousness’ makes working very difficult in public sectors.
In the recent past, the period of recession has resulted in applying severe ‘cost cutting’ measures across all industries. The consciousness down to the lowest paid employees in the private sector is extremely high. Simple measures such as switching off unnecessary lights, taking great care not to use company transport without good cause and avoiding waste of water, paper and other material are enthusiastically and voluntarily implemented.
In the public sector, if these measures are imposed by rules it may cause resentment, as they may not be followed by senior officers.
The need to improve the company business, and create a favourable impression with all visitors as they represent income for the company is also high within the private sector. Although strict security measures are followed and thorough checks are made, it is done with a lot of courtesy and without causing the customer to feel uncomfortable.
In a public sector, getting into the organization past the security after the due formalities leaves one with a sour taste and in no mood to interact positively. The customer focus and treatment are very poor.
The employee in the private sector, though salaries are much higher, is subject to much higher levels of stress as his job is never guaranteed in spite of doing very well. He may receive the ‘pink slip’ at any time due to changes in the external circumstances. Holding on to his job depends only on how much value he can bring to the company at that juncture.
In the public sector , the job is so safe, that it is very difficult for anyone to be ‘sent home’. There is too much complacence and consequently efficiency is low.
The private sector is very highly profit oriented , particularly in the ‘near term’ and makes few investments for long term growth. The public sector has very low profit consciousness.
If the private sector could lean a little more towards the public sector thinking, and the public sector shift more towards private sector patterns of working, the country would benefit a lot!
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Reduce Your Kid's Exam Stress
Niranjan Babu Bangalore
Are your kids preparing for their ensuing exams? Do you find them getting stressed up? Do you find that their concentration is taking a back seat? Are they fretting and fuming at you? Do they say 'I can't remember whatever I study'? Do they feel that the red stop sign is constantly displayed before them when they study? Does all this stress you too?
As the exams get near, you (and the teachers too) tend to constantly advise the youngsters to study better and harder so that they excel in their class. You tell your kid that he or she has to study more and more, else the kid may not even pass the exam. This not only over-stresses the child but also causes him or her to be afraid of and feel anxiety of the ensuing exams.
It is necessary that the child is relaxed and does not feel the strain of studying and at the same time is able to assimilate comfortably, whatever it studies without getting stressed up. Too much motivation can stress the young mind and can cause more harm than good.
Some simple Vastu (and other) guidelines can contribute to better concentration of your kids and make them go to the exam hall without fear and write their exams with courage. Tell them to follow these golden rules.
10 Commandments of Vastu
1. Never sleep with the head to the west and north.
2. Study facing east or north.
3. Keep the study table and area extremely clean without dumping books and papers around.
4. Have a lukewarm shower before going to bed if stressed up.
5. Make liberal use of green and yellow color (dark and light hues) in the bedroom and study areas. These colors can be used as bed linen, study table cloth, indoor plants (herbal), floor mats, curtains, pillow covers, clothes, etc.
6. Never allow others to make use of the kid's study and bed area.
7. Eat a few leaves of Tulasi plant each morning on an empty stomach
8. Never play loud music that can contribute to mind distraction and stress,
9. Have soft lilting music at minimum volume in the bedroom during night. This can be the Gayatri Mantra too.
10. Avoid sleeping or studying in a room that has the door at an angle to the attached walls
Tell your kid that you are there to support him or her and always make positive comments of the kid's better points. Never ever make the mistake of advising or commenting on the kid's shortcomings while the kid is on the dining table. Make them feel that you love them.
Allow them to have some relaxation like playing sports and music or taking them out to a restaurant without compelling them.
Don’t promise rewards to your kids for the outcome of the exams. On the other hand during the period of preparation give them small gifts or non financial encouragement like patting on their backs now and then. Tell them they are indeed hardworking and intelligent. Give them positive and encouraging suggestions and make them feel that your support is there always.
Encourage (but never force) them to exercise, meditate and be relaxed. Avoid anything that is likely to distract your kid in the study area — be it the visual or audio media.
Okay parents, here's wishing your intelligent kid all the best in the ensuing exam. Let Vastu assist in making your kid a stress- free leader!
Prof. Ramaswamy Padma Bhushan & National Research Professor in Management , Founder Director IIM Bangalore, Director NITIE. Kindly become a Member of INDIAN HERITAGE ACADEMY (IHA) and give donation to IHA and support our Mission in order to protect India’s Unity and Culture Monthly Journal will be sent free. We welcome your Feedback/views/articles and we shall publish them.
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