The Pilgrimage
“Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa! Swami Saranam!” The pilgrim chanted while descending the Neelimala. He was glad that he was nearing the destination, the Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa.
The journey to Sabarimala was too strenuous, but the pilgrim, Mohan, did not need any sympathy from others. He had undertaken the rigorous ‘vratha’, knowing fully well the inconveniences involved. Once he had made up his mind, nothing could stop him from achieving his goal. He was of that sort- a business man.
This was not his first visit to Sabarimala. He had been there once earlier, but under different circumstances, under entirely different conditions. Then he was a wealthy, prosperous businessman blinded by success.
He had gone there as if on a picnic. He had not bothered about any ‘vratha’. His ‘irumudi’ had only his egotism and pride.
He had gone there to question the very existence of the ‘Infinite’, to ridicule the wisdom of the hoary past. He had gone there just to prove that Lata, his wife, was wrong in believing in all that nonsense about the pilgrimage to Sabarimala and that a businessman with his money power could purchase even the ‘darshan’ of the deity without worrying about the rituals.
Events that followed proved him wrong. He could reach the ‘sannidhanam’ safe, but could not have the ‘darshan’. He tried a number of times, but for one reason or the other, could not even catch a glimpse of the deity. Sometimes the deity was covered under a cloud of camphor fumes and at other times He shut Himself up behind a human wall of pilgrims.
Mohan did not narrate this peculiar incident to any one, for he knew he would be criticized. His people would have blamed him for his lack of faith. They would have expounded theories as to why the Lord did not give ‘darshan’ to non-believers.
His wife, Lata, was a villager brought up in the steep traditions of a religious family. When success had blinded him, she used to remind him that he was nothing but an instrument of the Lord to do what He wanted and it was His wish that made him successful.
“Whatever Ayyappa be, He is not good in business”, he used to chide her. “Let Him be there in Sabarimala amidst the pilgrims, leaving this business part to us, businessmen.”
After reaching the top rung of the ladder of success, when his fall started, he became panicky. He realized that he was plummeting to ruin, to oblivion. Even then, his wife assured him that the very Ayyappa would help him to recover.
True, even at the pinnacle of success, when life looked bright and beautiful, he did get some glimpses of how Ayyappa helped them, Mohan remembered. Only he was blind to all that experience. When the dark days of failure stared at him, he could recall one incident – how he was saved from a tragedy.
He was to go to Madras by the evening flight on that day to strike a big deal. The parties had been contacted by his representative who phoned him that if he failed to reach by night, the deal would slip out of his hands.
“Look, once this contract is signed, I shall be one of the leading industrialists”, he told his wife during lunch that day.
“May He make you successful in the venture”, she said prayerfully.
“In this I do not need His help. Nobody else need take any credit for it,” was his reaction.
When he reached home in the evening to collect his baggage, he found Lata sickly and pale.
“What happened to you?”, he asked.
“The child is not well”, she replied hesitantly. “He is running high temperature.”
“Doctor says that the boy might not survive the night”, she added. “It would be better if you could postpone the journey”.
He felt a hundred bombs exploding within him. Anger and frustration welled up within him. He was looking forward to signing that contract and what a time the child got to fall unwell? Whatever he had planned for the future would fail if he did not reach Madras that night. But the night was critical for the child, his only son.
“I am sure that Ayyappa would help us”, Lata said meekly. “By His grace, the child is sure to recover”.
He had had enough of it, her eulogizing Ayyappa. He could not stand it any further.
“You keep on telling every time that Ayyappa would help us”, he burst out. “Now look what He has done to us. My prospects are all gone if I do not sign the contract to-night. And I do not know what to do. Your Ayyappa had been a party to this conspiracy”.
He went inside to see how the boy was. It was a pathetic sight.
“After all, whatever I plan is for the sake of this child”, he thought. “Let me be with him till his last moment”, he decided.
He cancelled the ticket and gone was the big deal.
He kept a night long vigil by the side of his child. Around 3 AM. ,the boy appeared to be better and before dawn, he was almost normal!
Mohan felt let down. He expressed his anger in every word and deed.
“Only just to prevent my going, the boy was ill”, he told Lata. “This is how your Ayyappa takes care of us!”
She kept silent.
The morning news he heard shocked him. The night plane to Madras had crashed while landing, the report said. None, not even the crew, had survived!
Mohan did not have the time to analyze the significance of that incident. He was a successful businessman and had no time for philosophical flights.
When he soared high in the business world, he gave the credit to himself, for his business acumen and tact. When his downfall started and the yawning abyss of financial ruin gaped at him, he cried out of confusion and despair blaming that his friends had let him down.
It was at that moment of despair that Lata advised him to undertake the spiritual adventure to Sabarimala, to seek His blessings for happiness and guidance in life.
Mohan wondered whether it was too late to seek the blessings of Ayyappa to attain that peace for which he was pining. Yes. He would undertake the pilgrimage. The alternative was disastrous.- to sink into despair and disillusionment.
When the doors of the ‘Srikoil’ opened, Mohan could see Ayyappa, the lord of Sabarimala, shining amidst the soft, sootless flames of lamps, their wicks soaked in ghee. Camphor cubes were everywhere as though each was eager to get a chance to bow in front of the deity. They were too glad to sacrifice themselves before Him, to be one with Him, he felt.
It gave him a new insight into the philosophy of life. Those camphor cubes glorified the life of action, at the same time symbolizing the life of contemplation by dissolving into Him. It gave him the feeling that the Universe was not chaos but Cosmos.
For some time he watched the deity, concentrating on every one of the features exploring the possibility of identifying something unique which attracted the pilgrims to assemble there in thousands, ignoring the inconveniences in that long trek to Sabarimala.
There was something extraordinary about the place, something unusual about the form of the deity.
The form of the deity cast a spell on him. True, it was not made of the glittering yellow metal which could blind one by reflections. It had some extraordinary charm which he could not comprehend.
Slowly, the feeling of oneness with the Lord engulfed him, uplifting him higher and higher to the subtler planes till he glided into the experience of the transcendental Absolute.
Somewhere from within he heard something crash and he identified it as the wall he had built since ages around his ego centre to exclude the divine spark of life.
Through the chink in the wall he saw the ray of divinity peeping into his life and as the wall gave way, unable to withstand the flood light of divinity, his life stood illuminated before him; he experienced the Absolute in him; as the Cause of all creation, as the Might of all substances as originated from that deity, the Lord of Sabarimala.
Mohan understood the gains of that pilgrimage, the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, the pilgrimage to reach the Absolute.
(Bhavans Journal, January,16, 1983)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
The Opinion Poll
The Opinion Poll
There was a welcome news in the papers recently that the authorities concerned had decided to repair the portion of the A B road passing through Indore city. I was happy. This would be an ideal subject for my study- an opinion poll I was thinking of carrying out as a part of my assignment to cover a rosy picture of the concern of the ruling party on the sufferings of the Indoreans. I thought that a favorable report on the subject would improve my prospects of coming into the good books of the people that mattered.
In my opinion poll, as per existing practice, a cross section of the society involved should be covered, I knew. The samples to be examined should belong to the different strata of the society, I had been told. Hence I had no difficulty in planning the operations for carrying out the survey.
To start with, I thought it prudent to interview the economically weaker sections of the society, who are the main vote banks for any party. Raju, the mechanic, semed an ideal choice. He belonged to the OBC and he represented the working class.
Raju was attending to a car when I met him in the ‘Popular Garage’.
“Sorry, sir, I am not in a position to attend to your car to-day”. Even before I had time to explain to him the mission of my visit, he told me. “I have these cars to be repaired and delivered within this week and with the present day conditions of the roads, emergency has also to be attended.”
“Don’t worry, I have not come here for any routine repairs”, I told him. “In fact, I have brought good news for you.”
“Any election around the corner? More old jeeps to be put into operation?”
“None of that”, I told him. “The authorities have decided to repair the highway. Adequate funds are going to be provided.”
“What nonsense? The people in power have lost their sense of proportion. Repairing the roads! Why can’t they think of providing people the minimum requirements of roti, kapda and makan?.
“That means that you are not happy to hear this news?”
“How will I? These roads give me my daily bread. If they are kept in good condition, there would be no vehicle in this garage and I would have to look for some other employment”.
“Instead of making people like me unemployed, let them do something useful to the people”, he added as an after thought.
I was certainly disappointed. I thought it would prove good to meet the road users.
I went to Ramu, the ‘raddiwala’, whom I used to see every day pedaling along the road.
“I am happy with the present conditions of the road,” he said.
“At least I am safe since all the vehicles are forced to go slow here. Otherwise, the trucks and the Maruthis would have pushed us out.’
The interview with the low income group being not very encouraging, I thought of getting the views of government employees, the representatives of middle income group.
I had met Arjundas a couple of times earlier. He was a middle level officer in the Social Welfare Department.
“What brings you here?” He asked me after the usual formalities.
“I have good news for you”, I said.
“Must be about the Pay Commission”. He was excited. “So what are they recommending?”
“No, it is not about the Pay Commission”.
“Then it must be about our departmental promotion committee which met last week”. He said without losing hope.
“I have no news of that either”, I said meekly.
“Then which is that important news that made you rush to me in this cold morning?”
“The authorities have decided to repair this killer road”. I said trying to cheer him up.
I was sadly mistaken.
“They are not in a position to increase our compensatory allowances, but they have money to spend on such futile exercises”. Das screamed. “If I were to decide, I would have given priority to staff welfare measures instead of thinking of such foolish ventures”.
I thought of interviewing Jaspal, the owner of a chain of hotels in the city. Being involved in the tourism industry, he was sure to feel happy about the news, I was certain.
“Good, wide roads are necessary to improve tourism”, he mumbled. “But, why are they in a hurry to repair this road , ignoring the other pressing problems?”
Jaspal had some reservations on the subject, I could feel from his reply. I wanted to know why.
“You must understand that major part of my earnings come from my shops dealing with auto-spares”, the hotel owner said. “As regards hotels, you know very well that there is a glut at present. Tourists or no tourists, so long as the road remains like this, I have nothing to worry.”
Though the survey conducted so far drew flak, I was certain that there would be one section who would welcome the proposals. I met Govind, the PWD contractor.
“It is really a welcome news.”, the contractor said. “Thank god, at last the authorities have woken up from their deep slumber. The work should have been done in May, before the rains At least, the public would have been spared of the sufferings.”
“Why repair in May? Why not after the rains?”
“We also have to eke out a living.” He said with a smile.
Back at home, I analysed the results. Only 20% were in favour of the repairs! 60% were against and the rest were indifferent.
To conclude, let the road continue to be in the present condition in deference to the wishes of the majority!
( Free Press , Indore, dt. October 28,1994 )
There was a welcome news in the papers recently that the authorities concerned had decided to repair the portion of the A B road passing through Indore city. I was happy. This would be an ideal subject for my study- an opinion poll I was thinking of carrying out as a part of my assignment to cover a rosy picture of the concern of the ruling party on the sufferings of the Indoreans. I thought that a favorable report on the subject would improve my prospects of coming into the good books of the people that mattered.
In my opinion poll, as per existing practice, a cross section of the society involved should be covered, I knew. The samples to be examined should belong to the different strata of the society, I had been told. Hence I had no difficulty in planning the operations for carrying out the survey.
To start with, I thought it prudent to interview the economically weaker sections of the society, who are the main vote banks for any party. Raju, the mechanic, semed an ideal choice. He belonged to the OBC and he represented the working class.
Raju was attending to a car when I met him in the ‘Popular Garage’.
“Sorry, sir, I am not in a position to attend to your car to-day”. Even before I had time to explain to him the mission of my visit, he told me. “I have these cars to be repaired and delivered within this week and with the present day conditions of the roads, emergency has also to be attended.”
“Don’t worry, I have not come here for any routine repairs”, I told him. “In fact, I have brought good news for you.”
“Any election around the corner? More old jeeps to be put into operation?”
“None of that”, I told him. “The authorities have decided to repair the highway. Adequate funds are going to be provided.”
“What nonsense? The people in power have lost their sense of proportion. Repairing the roads! Why can’t they think of providing people the minimum requirements of roti, kapda and makan?.
“That means that you are not happy to hear this news?”
“How will I? These roads give me my daily bread. If they are kept in good condition, there would be no vehicle in this garage and I would have to look for some other employment”.
“Instead of making people like me unemployed, let them do something useful to the people”, he added as an after thought.
I was certainly disappointed. I thought it would prove good to meet the road users.
I went to Ramu, the ‘raddiwala’, whom I used to see every day pedaling along the road.
“I am happy with the present conditions of the road,” he said.
“At least I am safe since all the vehicles are forced to go slow here. Otherwise, the trucks and the Maruthis would have pushed us out.’
The interview with the low income group being not very encouraging, I thought of getting the views of government employees, the representatives of middle income group.
I had met Arjundas a couple of times earlier. He was a middle level officer in the Social Welfare Department.
“What brings you here?” He asked me after the usual formalities.
“I have good news for you”, I said.
“Must be about the Pay Commission”. He was excited. “So what are they recommending?”
“No, it is not about the Pay Commission”.
“Then it must be about our departmental promotion committee which met last week”. He said without losing hope.
“I have no news of that either”, I said meekly.
“Then which is that important news that made you rush to me in this cold morning?”
“The authorities have decided to repair this killer road”. I said trying to cheer him up.
I was sadly mistaken.
“They are not in a position to increase our compensatory allowances, but they have money to spend on such futile exercises”. Das screamed. “If I were to decide, I would have given priority to staff welfare measures instead of thinking of such foolish ventures”.
I thought of interviewing Jaspal, the owner of a chain of hotels in the city. Being involved in the tourism industry, he was sure to feel happy about the news, I was certain.
“Good, wide roads are necessary to improve tourism”, he mumbled. “But, why are they in a hurry to repair this road , ignoring the other pressing problems?”
Jaspal had some reservations on the subject, I could feel from his reply. I wanted to know why.
“You must understand that major part of my earnings come from my shops dealing with auto-spares”, the hotel owner said. “As regards hotels, you know very well that there is a glut at present. Tourists or no tourists, so long as the road remains like this, I have nothing to worry.”
Though the survey conducted so far drew flak, I was certain that there would be one section who would welcome the proposals. I met Govind, the PWD contractor.
“It is really a welcome news.”, the contractor said. “Thank god, at last the authorities have woken up from their deep slumber. The work should have been done in May, before the rains At least, the public would have been spared of the sufferings.”
“Why repair in May? Why not after the rains?”
“We also have to eke out a living.” He said with a smile.
Back at home, I analysed the results. Only 20% were in favour of the repairs! 60% were against and the rest were indifferent.
To conclude, let the road continue to be in the present condition in deference to the wishes of the majority!
( Free Press , Indore, dt. October 28,1994 )
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The lost city of Indore
Excavations in the year 5995 A.D.
A number of excavations recently carried out at a site about 60 km. south of Ujjain indicate the existence of a city lost to the world for the last 30 to 40 centuries. Archaeologists involved in the excavations are more or less certain that parts of the city now located by them belonged to the lost city of Indore, well known upto the 20th century as the city of pensioners, blessed with temperate climate and clean environments. The limited excavations so far carried out have revealed a network of roads, boundary walls encompassing large compounds, terraced buildings, amusement parks, etc. The findings are bound to enhance the knowledge presently available on the rich cultural heritage of this part of India.
The part of the roads now exposed present interesting findings on the then prevailing approach to building roads. Between stretches of bitumen, one could see deep cavities on these roads. Such cavities could be indicative of the root space occupied by trees planted all along the middle of the roads. If that be so, the Indoreans appeared more conscious of their environment than the inconvenience involved in finding their ways to reach their destination.
These Indoreans had novel ideas even in their concept of providing road drainage. The large pits seen all along the side walks indicate that the entire city’s drainage was to get collected in these pits and in due course enrich the ground water table. Probably mosquitoes were never there in that clean city.
The now exposed compound walls in some areas give a good account of the innovativeness of these people in the art of mass publicity. Every available wall space is filled with advertisements of some products or services. To the present generation, this may appear a queer form of publicity. But if one visualizes the situation prevalent 40 centuries ago, when even newspapers were considered as luxuries, it would be clear that they had to find novel methods.
A chance excavation at a site about 5 kms. north of the present site, has exposed the ruins of a sprawling colony. From the etchings seen on some walls, it appears that the colony was then known as Vijaynagar. Here too the roads had deep cavities dotting the entire road width.
Excavations here also revealed a number of pipelines laid much below the road levels, connecting the adjoining buildings. Pieces of pipes dug out did not show any indication of rusting. Considering the immense potential of these Indoreans in the art of innovation, it is possible that these pipes carried gases for air-conditioning these buildings.
Discussions with the archaeologists who are scanning the data, brought out a different picture altogether. According to them, the deep cavities seen on the roads were nothing but pot-holes, indicating badly constructed and poorly maintained roads. Regarding the pipes, they were certain that those were meant for water supply only. To the query as to how the city got buried when there were no historical records of earth-quakes or lava flows, the officers had no ready answers.
“The data is too meager to arrive at any plausible explanation,” they stated. “But looking at the present evidence of ill-kept roads, defaced walls, badly maintained water supply system etc., it appears that those people never bothered about their environment. Hence a safe guess could be that the city was allowed to decay and in due course of time it was gobbled up by its garbage.”
Further excavations in progress are sure to reveal more about these interesting people of the lost city of Indore.
( Free Press, Indore, dt.12- 01-1996 )
A number of excavations recently carried out at a site about 60 km. south of Ujjain indicate the existence of a city lost to the world for the last 30 to 40 centuries. Archaeologists involved in the excavations are more or less certain that parts of the city now located by them belonged to the lost city of Indore, well known upto the 20th century as the city of pensioners, blessed with temperate climate and clean environments. The limited excavations so far carried out have revealed a network of roads, boundary walls encompassing large compounds, terraced buildings, amusement parks, etc. The findings are bound to enhance the knowledge presently available on the rich cultural heritage of this part of India.
The part of the roads now exposed present interesting findings on the then prevailing approach to building roads. Between stretches of bitumen, one could see deep cavities on these roads. Such cavities could be indicative of the root space occupied by trees planted all along the middle of the roads. If that be so, the Indoreans appeared more conscious of their environment than the inconvenience involved in finding their ways to reach their destination.
These Indoreans had novel ideas even in their concept of providing road drainage. The large pits seen all along the side walks indicate that the entire city’s drainage was to get collected in these pits and in due course enrich the ground water table. Probably mosquitoes were never there in that clean city.
The now exposed compound walls in some areas give a good account of the innovativeness of these people in the art of mass publicity. Every available wall space is filled with advertisements of some products or services. To the present generation, this may appear a queer form of publicity. But if one visualizes the situation prevalent 40 centuries ago, when even newspapers were considered as luxuries, it would be clear that they had to find novel methods.
A chance excavation at a site about 5 kms. north of the present site, has exposed the ruins of a sprawling colony. From the etchings seen on some walls, it appears that the colony was then known as Vijaynagar. Here too the roads had deep cavities dotting the entire road width.
Excavations here also revealed a number of pipelines laid much below the road levels, connecting the adjoining buildings. Pieces of pipes dug out did not show any indication of rusting. Considering the immense potential of these Indoreans in the art of innovation, it is possible that these pipes carried gases for air-conditioning these buildings.
Discussions with the archaeologists who are scanning the data, brought out a different picture altogether. According to them, the deep cavities seen on the roads were nothing but pot-holes, indicating badly constructed and poorly maintained roads. Regarding the pipes, they were certain that those were meant for water supply only. To the query as to how the city got buried when there were no historical records of earth-quakes or lava flows, the officers had no ready answers.
“The data is too meager to arrive at any plausible explanation,” they stated. “But looking at the present evidence of ill-kept roads, defaced walls, badly maintained water supply system etc., it appears that those people never bothered about their environment. Hence a safe guess could be that the city was allowed to decay and in due course of time it was gobbled up by its garbage.”
Further excavations in progress are sure to reveal more about these interesting people of the lost city of Indore.
( Free Press, Indore, dt.12- 01-1996 )
Thursday, May 21, 2009
baby mail
E-mail from a new born to an unborn.
(transmitted through the medium of telepathy)
Dear junior,
I know that I am disturbing your well earned rest by seeking your attention to listen to this message while you are comfortably floating in the space station, locally known as the womb, where the temperature is controlled, lighting soothing to the eyes, sound levels within tolerable limits and your demands are met instantly through the service tube provided. I am also aware that you are eagerly counting the days for your ejection from the station and eventual touch down to terra-firma. Hence this message is to prepare you for days subsequent to your landing on this planet, since the service tube will be disconnected on your coming out and you will be left alone to fend for yourself in a world of chaos and confusion ,blaring lights and deafening noise levels. The folks around you are not intelligent enough to understand your needs for eating, resting, exercise and entertainment as well as the timing since you would not be able to speak in their language. To bridge the communication gap, it is necessary for you to train them to attend to your needs in the same way, scientists train guinea pigs to respond to human directions through special signals.
As soon as you come out, the first action to take is to cry, a signal that would alert people to scurry towards you to attend to your needs. If you come out smiling, remember, you are sure to be ignored by the same people! Hence the basic signal you have to use frequently is a shriek.
You have to train them to give you food whenever you need. The signal is to put both your hands in the mouth. If they hesitate or delay taking action, let out a scream to shake the very building. They would know that you mean business.
If you want to rest uninterrupted, yawn frequently and close your eyes. They would be glad to leave you to take rest as long as you want.
If you need to go for an outing, lift your hands up while lying, and they would take the cue and pick you up to go for a walk. But some lazy guys may simply lift you and sit comfortably elsewhere. Don’t approve of such actions. Gently tap them once or twice and if they do not respond, use the basic signal of letting out a shriek that would make them deaf. They would understand what you mean.
Whenever you need entertainment, tap your feet on the bed. This would be the signal for your people to sing and dance around you. Your grand parents would be the first to oblige you. You can make them dance like hell, make them do all sorts of tricks and jump like monkeys. If you laugh cynically sympathizing with their old age, they would take it as an encouragement to further continue ! Your aunties would find their inherent skills in dancing and singing to please you even if they have not attended any such schools. But don’t try this technique on your dad. He is a tough nut to crack.
So, memorise these signals and train the guinea pigs to respond to your needs so that you can have comfortable days when on earth. Remember always the basic signal- to cry, scream or shriek, in that order, to alert the folks.
Wishing you a safe landing and happy days there after.
Lovingly yours,
senior
(transmitted through the medium of telepathy)
Dear junior,
I know that I am disturbing your well earned rest by seeking your attention to listen to this message while you are comfortably floating in the space station, locally known as the womb, where the temperature is controlled, lighting soothing to the eyes, sound levels within tolerable limits and your demands are met instantly through the service tube provided. I am also aware that you are eagerly counting the days for your ejection from the station and eventual touch down to terra-firma. Hence this message is to prepare you for days subsequent to your landing on this planet, since the service tube will be disconnected on your coming out and you will be left alone to fend for yourself in a world of chaos and confusion ,blaring lights and deafening noise levels. The folks around you are not intelligent enough to understand your needs for eating, resting, exercise and entertainment as well as the timing since you would not be able to speak in their language. To bridge the communication gap, it is necessary for you to train them to attend to your needs in the same way, scientists train guinea pigs to respond to human directions through special signals.
As soon as you come out, the first action to take is to cry, a signal that would alert people to scurry towards you to attend to your needs. If you come out smiling, remember, you are sure to be ignored by the same people! Hence the basic signal you have to use frequently is a shriek.
You have to train them to give you food whenever you need. The signal is to put both your hands in the mouth. If they hesitate or delay taking action, let out a scream to shake the very building. They would know that you mean business.
If you want to rest uninterrupted, yawn frequently and close your eyes. They would be glad to leave you to take rest as long as you want.
If you need to go for an outing, lift your hands up while lying, and they would take the cue and pick you up to go for a walk. But some lazy guys may simply lift you and sit comfortably elsewhere. Don’t approve of such actions. Gently tap them once or twice and if they do not respond, use the basic signal of letting out a shriek that would make them deaf. They would understand what you mean.
Whenever you need entertainment, tap your feet on the bed. This would be the signal for your people to sing and dance around you. Your grand parents would be the first to oblige you. You can make them dance like hell, make them do all sorts of tricks and jump like monkeys. If you laugh cynically sympathizing with their old age, they would take it as an encouragement to further continue ! Your aunties would find their inherent skills in dancing and singing to please you even if they have not attended any such schools. But don’t try this technique on your dad. He is a tough nut to crack.
So, memorise these signals and train the guinea pigs to respond to your needs so that you can have comfortable days when on earth. Remember always the basic signal- to cry, scream or shriek, in that order, to alert the folks.
Wishing you a safe landing and happy days there after.
Lovingly yours,
senior
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Tourist's Paradise
Indore- A Tourist’s Paradise.
Every one knows that our beautiful city of Indore is a pensioner’s paradise. But very few know that it has vast potential to become the country’s leading tourist destination, thanks to the untiring efforts of our civic authorities.
In fact, many Indoreans are ignorant of the facilities created by our city-fathers for encouraging adventure tourism. Instead of appreciating and encouraging their efforts, the residents of our city criticise them and grumble constantly about their poor services.
I, for one, am sure that many of the city folks are not aware of the beauty of the city in summer months, when it is enveloped in a cloud of dust ,surpassing the beauty of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer Fort.
Which tourist would like to get roasted in dust storms to see the magnificent forts and palaces in Rajasthan, when he has the alternative of experiencing the same effects in the heart of this town, courtesy the specially constructed and maintained roads of the municipality.
In the rainy season, the city can be called the ‘Venice of Central India’, thanks again to the carefully planned and executed highways criss-crossing the city. Sheets of water flowing right through these roads, many times spill over to the courtyards, providing an unforgettable vision to tourists. With the help of flat-bottomed boats, these tourists can visit places of interest, an opportunity many cities cannot offer.
Another facility offered to tourists in rainy season is fishing in the large number of stagnant pools dotting the city roads, an arrangement specially made to attract discerning tourists.
Whatever be the reason, if the tourist is a keen student of bacteriology, then he would certainly have his money’s worth, for studying the growth of bacteria and the like in the city’s backyards as well as near its commercial centres. Mounds of garbage are being maintained for this purpose even in the face of stiff criticism against such collections.
If the tourist is an experimental biologist , he could have enough rat samples to carry on with his study, even while on a sight seeing trip. The city hospitals have been kept geared to meet this contingency. The tourist needs only to show his enthusiasm and, hey presto, like a magician taking rabbits out of his hat, the hospitalwalahs would provide the necessary numbers in no time.
Why should one go all the way to visit the lost city of Pompeii to see graffiti on its walls, when right in this town and that too in the heart of it, compound walls present an idyllic view of the creative minds of Indoreans.
Or for that matter, why should one travel all the way to Sarnath to see and marvel at the ingenuity of the workers of a bygone era who could construct buildings and pillars centuries ago without using cement, when in this city we have any number of builders still involved in such constructions.
To conclude, if this city is not able to attract adequate tourists, in spite of all facilities provided by the civic authorities, the fault lies squarely with us.
2-
We are not able to properly project the good things our city fathers are doing to attract the tourists. Instead, we are, day in and day out, criticising them, calling them lethargic and in the process discouraging them in their efforts to make this city a true tourist paradise.
(Garha Chronicle, February,1998)
Every one knows that our beautiful city of Indore is a pensioner’s paradise. But very few know that it has vast potential to become the country’s leading tourist destination, thanks to the untiring efforts of our civic authorities.
In fact, many Indoreans are ignorant of the facilities created by our city-fathers for encouraging adventure tourism. Instead of appreciating and encouraging their efforts, the residents of our city criticise them and grumble constantly about their poor services.
I, for one, am sure that many of the city folks are not aware of the beauty of the city in summer months, when it is enveloped in a cloud of dust ,surpassing the beauty of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer Fort.
Which tourist would like to get roasted in dust storms to see the magnificent forts and palaces in Rajasthan, when he has the alternative of experiencing the same effects in the heart of this town, courtesy the specially constructed and maintained roads of the municipality.
In the rainy season, the city can be called the ‘Venice of Central India’, thanks again to the carefully planned and executed highways criss-crossing the city. Sheets of water flowing right through these roads, many times spill over to the courtyards, providing an unforgettable vision to tourists. With the help of flat-bottomed boats, these tourists can visit places of interest, an opportunity many cities cannot offer.
Another facility offered to tourists in rainy season is fishing in the large number of stagnant pools dotting the city roads, an arrangement specially made to attract discerning tourists.
Whatever be the reason, if the tourist is a keen student of bacteriology, then he would certainly have his money’s worth, for studying the growth of bacteria and the like in the city’s backyards as well as near its commercial centres. Mounds of garbage are being maintained for this purpose even in the face of stiff criticism against such collections.
If the tourist is an experimental biologist , he could have enough rat samples to carry on with his study, even while on a sight seeing trip. The city hospitals have been kept geared to meet this contingency. The tourist needs only to show his enthusiasm and, hey presto, like a magician taking rabbits out of his hat, the hospitalwalahs would provide the necessary numbers in no time.
Why should one go all the way to visit the lost city of Pompeii to see graffiti on its walls, when right in this town and that too in the heart of it, compound walls present an idyllic view of the creative minds of Indoreans.
Or for that matter, why should one travel all the way to Sarnath to see and marvel at the ingenuity of the workers of a bygone era who could construct buildings and pillars centuries ago without using cement, when in this city we have any number of builders still involved in such constructions.
To conclude, if this city is not able to attract adequate tourists, in spite of all facilities provided by the civic authorities, the fault lies squarely with us.
2-
We are not able to properly project the good things our city fathers are doing to attract the tourists. Instead, we are, day in and day out, criticising them, calling them lethargic and in the process discouraging them in their efforts to make this city a true tourist paradise.
(Garha Chronicle, February,1998)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Proposals for a new University
The University of Corruption Technology.
Recently, there was a news item in the Hindusthan times that the University of Buenos Aires will include a new course on “perverse systems” (corruption) in its syllabus for Master of Business Administration, to focus on the causes and nature of corruption, and to discuss ways to combat it. The course would be based on case studies of 100 episodes and the team would be led by Prof. Jorge Etkin who had authored books on corruption. The Faculty would include businessmen, judges and government officials including the present Mayor of Buenos Aires whose predecessor was charged with fraudulent administration last week.
The news set me thinking. It came as a shocking revelation to me that in our country, where corruption has become a part of life, nobody has ever thought of giving due attention to this subject. If small countries like Argentina could start a course on corruption, a vast country like ours, backed with years of experience, could certainly establish a university for developing the technology and to facilitate the transfer of the latest know-how available for use within and abroad. When millions are spent on education, distant type, or otherwise, I am certain that a small amount could always be found for this noble cause.
You may be wondering why a university is required for studies on such a common subject, when many here could be considered as post graduates on the subject while some could even be conferred doctorates. But the fact is that there is no institution in this country bestowed with the requisite authority to coach the inquisitive learner the latest trends in this specialised field. Such a training would enable him to practise value-based, result oriented and environment-friendly techniques to achieve the desired objective without failure.
You may point out that even without having this facility, people know how to deal with such situations. I agree; but many times they get exposed unwittingly, just because they could not anticipate certain events, with the result, the media come to know of it and get it publicised. If one is trained in the subject, the entire operation would be smooth and effective, without any one becoming wiser about it. Is it not worth the trial?
A quick evaluation of the published data on corruption in the country indicates that there is an urgent need to take steps to improve the requisite skills of people engaged in the political and government sectors, where many failures have been reported causing embarrassment to all involved due to inexperienced players indulging in such practices
In view of the disturbing media revelations, you would agree that even the present well-established bribing system in our country needs to be revamped to compete with international standards. Hence the syllabus to be followed in such a university has to be the cynosure of all universities in the world. The curriculam should meet the needs of all sectors where deficiencies have been noticed in the operation of the existing well-greased corruption machinery. Apart from the history of corruption and present practices in the field, the syllabus could also include latest technologies to be adopted for trouble free performance. The syllabus and methodology to be adopted for teaching have to be crafted carefully with the help of eminent persons in the field both within the country and abroad.
The candidates to be admitted to this centre of excellence have to be preferably literates and should have adequate basic knowledge in the field chosen for specialisation. Some past experience would be desirable. The selection, as usual, would be on “merits”, except in the case of candidates ”otherwise well qualified”.
Attendance in classes need to be compulsory and could be marked either by the candidate or his proxy. Semester system of examinations allowing copying and consultations among students , practical tests etc. would be held to assess the progress of the candidates in the course duration.
As the University has to be a model in corrupt practices, the procedure to be adopted in filling up the various faculty positions and other vacancies , has to be ideal. For this purpose, it is felt that the teaching posts could be filled through call of tenders with the requisite earnest money, paid partly in 'black'. The highest bidder would be given the posting of his choice. The post of vice-chancellor could be given to the highest bidder, provided he has proven muscle power. Posts of Registrar and other administrative staff could be filled through public auction.
Any comment?
Recently, there was a news item in the Hindusthan times that the University of Buenos Aires will include a new course on “perverse systems” (corruption) in its syllabus for Master of Business Administration, to focus on the causes and nature of corruption, and to discuss ways to combat it. The course would be based on case studies of 100 episodes and the team would be led by Prof. Jorge Etkin who had authored books on corruption. The Faculty would include businessmen, judges and government officials including the present Mayor of Buenos Aires whose predecessor was charged with fraudulent administration last week.
The news set me thinking. It came as a shocking revelation to me that in our country, where corruption has become a part of life, nobody has ever thought of giving due attention to this subject. If small countries like Argentina could start a course on corruption, a vast country like ours, backed with years of experience, could certainly establish a university for developing the technology and to facilitate the transfer of the latest know-how available for use within and abroad. When millions are spent on education, distant type, or otherwise, I am certain that a small amount could always be found for this noble cause.
You may be wondering why a university is required for studies on such a common subject, when many here could be considered as post graduates on the subject while some could even be conferred doctorates. But the fact is that there is no institution in this country bestowed with the requisite authority to coach the inquisitive learner the latest trends in this specialised field. Such a training would enable him to practise value-based, result oriented and environment-friendly techniques to achieve the desired objective without failure.
You may point out that even without having this facility, people know how to deal with such situations. I agree; but many times they get exposed unwittingly, just because they could not anticipate certain events, with the result, the media come to know of it and get it publicised. If one is trained in the subject, the entire operation would be smooth and effective, without any one becoming wiser about it. Is it not worth the trial?
A quick evaluation of the published data on corruption in the country indicates that there is an urgent need to take steps to improve the requisite skills of people engaged in the political and government sectors, where many failures have been reported causing embarrassment to all involved due to inexperienced players indulging in such practices
In view of the disturbing media revelations, you would agree that even the present well-established bribing system in our country needs to be revamped to compete with international standards. Hence the syllabus to be followed in such a university has to be the cynosure of all universities in the world. The curriculam should meet the needs of all sectors where deficiencies have been noticed in the operation of the existing well-greased corruption machinery. Apart from the history of corruption and present practices in the field, the syllabus could also include latest technologies to be adopted for trouble free performance. The syllabus and methodology to be adopted for teaching have to be crafted carefully with the help of eminent persons in the field both within the country and abroad.
The candidates to be admitted to this centre of excellence have to be preferably literates and should have adequate basic knowledge in the field chosen for specialisation. Some past experience would be desirable. The selection, as usual, would be on “merits”, except in the case of candidates ”otherwise well qualified”.
Attendance in classes need to be compulsory and could be marked either by the candidate or his proxy. Semester system of examinations allowing copying and consultations among students , practical tests etc. would be held to assess the progress of the candidates in the course duration.
As the University has to be a model in corrupt practices, the procedure to be adopted in filling up the various faculty positions and other vacancies , has to be ideal. For this purpose, it is felt that the teaching posts could be filled through call of tenders with the requisite earnest money, paid partly in 'black'. The highest bidder would be given the posting of his choice. The post of vice-chancellor could be given to the highest bidder, provided he has proven muscle power. Posts of Registrar and other administrative staff could be filled through public auction.
Any comment?
Friday, January 2, 2009
Examination Reforms
Report of the Committee on Examination Reforms.
FOREWORD.
The Board of Secondary Education had set up a Committee under my chairmanship to find out the reasons for the sharp decline in the pass percentage in this year’s examination, to identify the factors responsible for the unprecedented fall in the number of privately appearing students who had enrolled for the examination and to suggest the reforms needed to improve the pass percentage. As per the Terms of Reference, the Committee is to submit the report within six months. Accordingly, I am glad to enclose herewith the said report in 20 volumes for further action.
The Committee held discussions with a cross section of students, union leaders, teachers, experts and other interested parties to facilitate in the preparation of the report. The Committee also took this opportunity to visit U.S.A, U.K and some European countries to get a first hand knowledge of the approach adopted abroad in tackling similar issues.
In the course of various meetings and discussions held with experts and stake-holders within and outside the country, it was brought to the notice of the Committee that the examination results were poor because the authorities were strict with the students who indulged in copying during the examinations and took severe action against them under the existing ‘Anti-Copying Act’. Some political leaders have also given written submissions to the Committee stating that the present examination system produced only ‘xerox’ machines capable of reproducing the notes given by the teachers and hence has failed to assess the knowledge level of the students. To improve the results, they have suggested that the present draconian ‘Act’ needs to be replaced with student friendly rules.
The valuable suggestions received from all concerned have been very useful in compiling the report.
Based on the inputs received, and taking into account the ground realities, the Committee has come to the conclusion that there is an urgent need to revise the present examination system which gives weightage to the cramming capacity of a student rather than testing the application of acquired knowledge. Since it would be ‘Utopian’ to have an educational system without tests/examinations, what is needed is to remove the fear of failure which is every student’s nightmare and this can be achieved by making the examination a ‘team event’.
To facilitate the revamping of the system, it is necessary to replace the existing ‘Anti -Copying Act’ with a modified one, and sober rules framed there- under for conducting future examinations. A draft for the proposed modified Act is given at Annexure. Some changes in the definitions of ‘student’, ‘ reference material/guide book’, etc. have also been suggested in the draft to remove any lingering doubts the authorities may have in this regard. Whenever any examination is notified by the Board, it shall be the duty of the concerned authorities to educate the students the facilities provided under the Rules to help them in writing the examination without any tension .
I am sure that the reforms suggested , if accepted and implemented, would give a pleasant, stress free, experience to candidates appearing for an examination and would bring about a better pass percentage. This would also enable the government to attract many students to appear for examinations and achieve the targets set for the literacy drive planned.
The members of the Committee have fully agreed with the Report.
The help and guidance received from various individuals and organisations have been separately acknowledged.
Sd/- Chairman.
ANNEXURE .
‘Copying Act’,1969(Draft)
(An Act to encourage consultations and sharing knowledge among students appearing for the Board Examinations.)
Preamble.
Whereas , of late, it has been recognised that the present system of Board examinations is not serving the purpose for which it is intended ie., of assessing the acquired knowledge level of a student;
Whereas, the need to replace the existing system by a suitable method has been examined and recommended by a Committee of eminent persons after due consultations;
Whereas, the existing procedures have to be amended for the efficient conduct of such examinations to achieve better results as recommended by the Committee;
And whereas, the Committee’s recommendations have been accepted by the government;
Now, therefore, it is enacted as under:
1 Name-Short Title- This Act shall be called the ‘Copying Act’ or the ‘Act of Copying’, whichever is better in the enveloping situation and in the developing circumstances.
Long Title-This Act shall have the appellation -‘An Act to regulate consultations and copying in examinations’.
2.Commencement.- This Act shall come into force on a day to be fixed by the Representatives of students in the respective areas.
3. Extent.- This Act shall extend to all states and union territories where board examinations are conducted for students.
4. Definitions.- In this Act, all words and expressions, except those mentioned below, shall have the meanings assigned to them in Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary.
(a) ‘Student’ means anyone who enters the premises of an educational institution with the intention of appearing for an examination, and excludes those who come to provide administrative and other support in the institution.
(b)’Invigilator’ means any teacher entrusted with the conduct of the examination in a peaceful manner and also includes police officials, para- military or military personnel or other staff deputed specially for the purpose.
(c)’Guide book or material’ means any document, printed or written, which may be in the form of bound books, loose sheets or anything written or drawn on the body or on the dress of a student, but shall not include, transparencies, slides , films etc. used for projecting on a screen.
5. In any Board examination ,every student shall be permitted to bring his/her own guide books or reference material into the hall in addition to pen, pencil etc. In case any student forgets to bring such material, the invigilator shall endeavour to arrange the same, if available, in the library and also provide requisite guidance to the student to clear his doubts. However, the invigilator is not allowed to write the examination on behalf of the student.
6. A student needing additional material from another seated within a reasonable distance, may be permitted to do so, provided the latter agrees to spare the same. In no case, a student who refuses to part with his /her material be forced to do so.
7. Outsiders shall not be allowed to enter the hall to guide the students in copying. However, they may be permitted to help the students in getting the needed material, or to prompt their wards from outside, so long as they do not shout or use mikes.
8. Consultations among the students are permissible, so long as they do not leave their respective seats and , provided further that the noise level does not exceed the prescribed limits.
9. Any student caught writing the examination without referring to any book or material, or not taking any help from friends, etc. is to be treated with suspicion, as he/she may be trying to sabotage the intended reforms . In such a situation, after initially warning the student, a note to this effect shall be made in the concerned answer sheets at the end of the said examination. Further, in subsequent examinations also if he/she persists with the practice, such students shall be expelled.
10.This Act shall not be declared ultra- vires of the Constitution, nor shall it be amended, abridged, abrogated, abandoned or annulled.
FOREWORD.
The Board of Secondary Education had set up a Committee under my chairmanship to find out the reasons for the sharp decline in the pass percentage in this year’s examination, to identify the factors responsible for the unprecedented fall in the number of privately appearing students who had enrolled for the examination and to suggest the reforms needed to improve the pass percentage. As per the Terms of Reference, the Committee is to submit the report within six months. Accordingly, I am glad to enclose herewith the said report in 20 volumes for further action.
The Committee held discussions with a cross section of students, union leaders, teachers, experts and other interested parties to facilitate in the preparation of the report. The Committee also took this opportunity to visit U.S.A, U.K and some European countries to get a first hand knowledge of the approach adopted abroad in tackling similar issues.
In the course of various meetings and discussions held with experts and stake-holders within and outside the country, it was brought to the notice of the Committee that the examination results were poor because the authorities were strict with the students who indulged in copying during the examinations and took severe action against them under the existing ‘Anti-Copying Act’. Some political leaders have also given written submissions to the Committee stating that the present examination system produced only ‘xerox’ machines capable of reproducing the notes given by the teachers and hence has failed to assess the knowledge level of the students. To improve the results, they have suggested that the present draconian ‘Act’ needs to be replaced with student friendly rules.
The valuable suggestions received from all concerned have been very useful in compiling the report.
Based on the inputs received, and taking into account the ground realities, the Committee has come to the conclusion that there is an urgent need to revise the present examination system which gives weightage to the cramming capacity of a student rather than testing the application of acquired knowledge. Since it would be ‘Utopian’ to have an educational system without tests/examinations, what is needed is to remove the fear of failure which is every student’s nightmare and this can be achieved by making the examination a ‘team event’.
To facilitate the revamping of the system, it is necessary to replace the existing ‘Anti -Copying Act’ with a modified one, and sober rules framed there- under for conducting future examinations. A draft for the proposed modified Act is given at Annexure. Some changes in the definitions of ‘student’, ‘ reference material/guide book’, etc. have also been suggested in the draft to remove any lingering doubts the authorities may have in this regard. Whenever any examination is notified by the Board, it shall be the duty of the concerned authorities to educate the students the facilities provided under the Rules to help them in writing the examination without any tension .
I am sure that the reforms suggested , if accepted and implemented, would give a pleasant, stress free, experience to candidates appearing for an examination and would bring about a better pass percentage. This would also enable the government to attract many students to appear for examinations and achieve the targets set for the literacy drive planned.
The members of the Committee have fully agreed with the Report.
The help and guidance received from various individuals and organisations have been separately acknowledged.
Sd/- Chairman.
ANNEXURE .
‘Copying Act’,1969(Draft)
(An Act to encourage consultations and sharing knowledge among students appearing for the Board Examinations.)
Preamble.
Whereas , of late, it has been recognised that the present system of Board examinations is not serving the purpose for which it is intended ie., of assessing the acquired knowledge level of a student;
Whereas, the need to replace the existing system by a suitable method has been examined and recommended by a Committee of eminent persons after due consultations;
Whereas, the existing procedures have to be amended for the efficient conduct of such examinations to achieve better results as recommended by the Committee;
And whereas, the Committee’s recommendations have been accepted by the government;
Now, therefore, it is enacted as under:
1 Name-Short Title- This Act shall be called the ‘Copying Act’ or the ‘Act of Copying’, whichever is better in the enveloping situation and in the developing circumstances.
Long Title-This Act shall have the appellation -‘An Act to regulate consultations and copying in examinations’.
2.Commencement.- This Act shall come into force on a day to be fixed by the Representatives of students in the respective areas.
3. Extent.- This Act shall extend to all states and union territories where board examinations are conducted for students.
4. Definitions.- In this Act, all words and expressions, except those mentioned below, shall have the meanings assigned to them in Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary.
(a) ‘Student’ means anyone who enters the premises of an educational institution with the intention of appearing for an examination, and excludes those who come to provide administrative and other support in the institution.
(b)’Invigilator’ means any teacher entrusted with the conduct of the examination in a peaceful manner and also includes police officials, para- military or military personnel or other staff deputed specially for the purpose.
(c)’Guide book or material’ means any document, printed or written, which may be in the form of bound books, loose sheets or anything written or drawn on the body or on the dress of a student, but shall not include, transparencies, slides , films etc. used for projecting on a screen.
5. In any Board examination ,every student shall be permitted to bring his/her own guide books or reference material into the hall in addition to pen, pencil etc. In case any student forgets to bring such material, the invigilator shall endeavour to arrange the same, if available, in the library and also provide requisite guidance to the student to clear his doubts. However, the invigilator is not allowed to write the examination on behalf of the student.
6. A student needing additional material from another seated within a reasonable distance, may be permitted to do so, provided the latter agrees to spare the same. In no case, a student who refuses to part with his /her material be forced to do so.
7. Outsiders shall not be allowed to enter the hall to guide the students in copying. However, they may be permitted to help the students in getting the needed material, or to prompt their wards from outside, so long as they do not shout or use mikes.
8. Consultations among the students are permissible, so long as they do not leave their respective seats and , provided further that the noise level does not exceed the prescribed limits.
9. Any student caught writing the examination without referring to any book or material, or not taking any help from friends, etc. is to be treated with suspicion, as he/she may be trying to sabotage the intended reforms . In such a situation, after initially warning the student, a note to this effect shall be made in the concerned answer sheets at the end of the said examination. Further, in subsequent examinations also if he/she persists with the practice, such students shall be expelled.
10.This Act shall not be declared ultra- vires of the Constitution, nor shall it be amended, abridged, abrogated, abandoned or annulled.
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