A tragedy and some facts...!

It was with an intense feeling of disappointment I watched the news flashing across all channels last week.The havoc created by the unexpected rains in summer that inundated most of the crops across the paddy fields of kerala, left behind some hapless victims in the merciless hands of fate.The visuals of the ruined crops were hard to believe and one could imagine the amount of disappointment it would have created in the minds of the farmers who had to suffer a major loss, when they were just about to reap a bumper harvest this time

The shock was so severe that it has already claimed two lives in the form of suicide.First it was one Gopi who could not take the blow and succumbed to the pressure of the loans a potentially bleak future.

It is believed that the unfortunate was left completely helpless as he did not get either the workers or the reaping machine in time to make it.

The unfortunate loss of property also exposed the stinking unscrupulous face of dirty kerala politics once again. The opposition was quick to gleefully make use of a wonderful opportunity in terms of blaming the government just ahead of an election year.. The faces of Ummen Chandy and Co were conspicuous with concealed happiness and as the went to kuttanad and stood on the reaping machines for photo sessions , it clearly conveyed to an independent observer how the meanest would make use of a great tragedy to their own advantage.

The Goverment , or rather The ruling party made it a point to give tit for tat to the opposition forgetting that their precious time should be spent on addressing the issue rather than fighting with their political opponents.It also clearly showed that there were not much concern for the people who were suffering as party blamed it on the rains, though one knows clearly that it is only the Red army that can provude the manpower which can beat any disaster when put to work. After all it is a party that takes immense pride in the human power to fight against odds.A communist party of the 60s could have brought in an army of workers in no time (if they chose), which would have cleared the entire kuttanad in one day. But the party just raised it hands in helplessness and assumed that it is the role of Govt alone to address all these issues. If one thought Communist party was one with a difference when it comes to human sufferings, then he is still frozen his memories in 60s and 70s.

And to add to that, party was quick to dismiss the suicide as a result of personal reasons and nothing connected with the crop loss. Not only that such silly statements from party headquarters shows its insensitivity , it exposes its attitude towards human loss and sufferings. Also, it had to be read in the back drop that Gopi was expelled from party due to some differences in the past

What all these incidents leaves behind us is a terrible image of an highly politicized, insensitive and helpless kerala society. Individuals are sitting ducks to the uncertain events that comes as big blows to their life, however the support systems are completely absent. And whatever the accepted (and much hyped) mechanisms of democracy that is available, is in a state pathetic insensitivity.

And yesterday we had one more instance of a farmer-pushkaran- committing suicide,who had taken loans from many quarters. It is also note worthy he had even availed a loan worth 5000 from SNDP micro finance at such a low interest. And in spite of this, he was not able to with stand the blow he suffered from nature.

If one look at these two instances closely we can see the following:

1.Both had respectable positions in the locality.
2.Both had commitments and obligations
3.Both were expecting good harvest this time
4.Both were felt isolated in the tragedy
5.They did not have any cash reserves to fall back
6.There no spiritual escape routes that could have helped to temper the blow
7.People felt overpowered by two powerful forces. One the nature and other the organized power of unions

And what is more striking, is also a fact which is glaring but overlooked in these tragedy.When I had a look at the extend of crops they had cultivated, one can see that it do not go beyond 2-3 hectors. these is not that huge a land. Any I presume that respective families had at least 4-5 members who are perfectly capable of doing the work themselves. If 4-5 people just struggle for 10 days day and night I think 3 hectors is not that hard to reap. (Okay, if one can forget collecting hay ,then reaping the grains will be pretty fast ) It is interesting that they waited for the workers , knowing that things are getting bad. And they resorted to do it themselves pretty late... (Allmost 10-15 days late ) which is too late for a perishable crop like paddy

If we look at the mindset of a malayali ,we have strong aversion to do hard labour.everyone would like to play a landlord .It is high time to realize that putting our body to use is the best way we can appreciate ourselves and to beef up our self esteem

Raghuvaran leaves behind an image frozen in time

It was with a certain element of disbelief that I heard about the demise of Rahuvaran..Having been an ardent viewer of mallu films of the 80s and 90s , I could not let this news slip away just like any other any piece of mundane news item.

Raghuvaran, many would agree was different from other actors..Could be his appearance, could be the careless but stylish mannerisms, Could the uncombed and un disciplined hair style..Or was it that swooping drunken eyes , with an air of utter disregard for everything else that captured one's imagination..

For sure, though Raghuvaran was a villain in the mallu films of those times, for every young kid going to school..He was a hero ...Not withstanding his addiction to drugs ..

Not sure he got his appearance and style as a result of the drugs he took , or was it his attitude that took him to drugs ..Not sure.. But one thing..The lanky actor, was a much admired villain in spite of ( or gifted with...??) a thin skeleton, that was most often covered with a jacket around his chest and with his hands in pockets...

The mystic hype around raghuvaran's 'looks' helped him quite a lot to act his dare devil villainy to the perfection. And added to that was his hush hush..half legible oration..a Sylvester Stallone for that matter..? or a Kamal...? when u have a pronunciation that goes half legible and out of ordinary, it adds to ur character strength...

Yes, like other kids, I too had admired Raghuvaran and his daredevilry , that depended more on his plotting skills of his characters than a physical one..Yes we had a villain who do not flex his muzzle ,yet he delivers a chilling shiver down your spine with a gaze from the corner of his eye..A villain with intellect and a master mind hard to beat..That was Raghuvaran for u...

But wait..we hadn't seen Raghuvaran as an actor yet..till year 1994...Mallu films , were still in its good times, though the early signs of downward slide was popping up.. Lenin Rajendran tried to be adventurous yet again and tried to visually portray a grate literary work of its time.." Mayyazhippuzhayude Threenagalil" In fact he chose to film the second part of this novel..?daivathinte Vikrutikal"

M Mukundan, the great novelist of that time ( almost negated all his literary skills of late ...) had created a stir on the literary world with his amazing ability for story telling..But when the story telling was about Mayyazhi and about the life of pre and post colonial French colony, it portrayed how changing situations would expose human's ability to adapt or not..It would throw up questions on one's identity and one's own space and what triggers one to strive for existence on earth.... "Asthithvavadam " is great not just for philosophers but it can make even the common folks uneasy if it is told as a story...

Raghuvaran, the central character - Alphonsachan" a priest of a local church...lives like just another man for the ordinary (or was he...?)..But he was different ...his environment to whcih he was connected..was much bigger...and he let himeself was defined by it..Hence he cant adapt....and the dilemma he faces when the life changes around him...as his family breaks down...and his frame of reference changes...He succumbs to his innate desire to cling on to the deeper elements that connected him to the universe ...

That was great a role ,and a dream of any actor.. The challenges posed by those character were great..It calls for an actor , to know the character in its entirity and not in parts before he can start portraying it..Kind of roles where the actors would require some extra nuerons..And to meet the expectation of a Novelist, to show justice to his characters was indeed a demanding task...

It was with usual skepticism I went to see the movie..Thinking that the celluloid form would never match up to the novel..I had to say that the overall movie was okay though with lots of shortcomings that was a result of fitting the entire story line into a 2 1/2 hours movie.Many characters were trimmed and lost their original 'character' in the process .But Raghuvaran stood out with his extraordinary performance..For which he was even considered for the national award till the last minute.

It is hard to believe that he is no more...But guess the "Raghuvaran style" will remain a passion for some more time..as long as those movies are played on cable...

From Daivathinte Vikritikal:
Poem by ONV, Sung by poet Madhusoodanan nair

"Irulin Mahanidrayil ninnunarthi nee
Niramulla jeevitha peeli thannu
Ente chirakinnu akasavum nee thannu
Nin aathma shikharathil oru koodu thannu
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
Adaruvan Vayya nin hridayathil ninnenikku..
Ethu swargam vilchalum
Uruki nin aadmavin azhangalil veenu
Poliyumbozhanente swragam....."


I will try to translate it....it is catchy lines:

"You woke me up from the deep darkness of unending sleep
And you gave me a colorful feather, called 'life'
And You gave me skies for me to fly ..
And You gave me a little space in your soul, for me to nest
.........................................................................
.........................................................................
Not I can, leave your heart and go...
Be it the heaven that comes calling .
Yet,I have my heaven made, when
I melt myself and fall deep into of your soul"

***************************************************
Quick translation....Excuse the mistakes...But this one moves me every time I hear it..

Here are links for the interested

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqaks-Vf2i0 (poor quality)
http://www.devaragam.com/vbscript/MusicNew.aspx?MovieId=1493 (second song)
http://music.cooltoad.com/music/song.php?id=244525

123 ---- Mr.PM, Just Sign on it !

This post is from my message I posted in one of news groups, I am a part of:



I remember an old book published in 90s, by none other than Mr. MP.Veerendrakumar former MP and Mathrubhumi's Manging director.

"GATT- um Kaanaa charadukalum" (Means GATT and hidden strings )

It was the time when discussions were ongoing about India signing GATT( general agreement on Trade and tariff) And about free trading agreements. Discussions were held how to allow easy trade og goods and services across boarders which were otherwise too restrictive.

It was a time, when almost all of the nation was opposing India signing as a party, forget that, even discussing these points in any international forum..Almost all intellectuals and knowledgeable persons predicted doomsday for the country, They feared that the colonial powers would soon eat up India and that the once again the Indian markets will be flooded with foreign goods and the Indian manufacturers and producer would not be able to match up.

The reasoning behind all these arguments were so logical and appealing that very few doubted that opening of the economy would make India a begging bowl after a few years.

It is another matter that the same Veerendra kumar became Minister of state for commerce an year later and then participated the GATT meetings and signed the agreements - But he is a politician- who somersaults without an iota of shame. Not withstanding the awards he got for this book and the intellectual exercise he carried out in that.

But it was when, ultimately, the foreign debt mounting and India on the verge of a economical bankruptcy, the IMF agent turned finance minister Manmohan Sigh took a decision with the support of a powerful prime minister of that time - To open up the doors and for allowing many a protected business to be done partnering forigeners be as partners or as customers.

While this increased the number of jobs and new avenues..And ten years later most indians believe that they are already a super power( a far fetched imagination though) which they wouldnt have ever said 15 years back.

Now many would see Aussie cricketers queuing up after india cricket money..And Many would dare to call Aussies names for sledging Indian players of an emerging India.. the new found assertiveness has much do with what happeend over last 15 years since we opened the door.

At the same time, with the increased financial mussle and assertiveness, India has become the mouth piece of the developing world against the developed in the latest round of trade talks. Any proposal which is seen unfair to the interest of India and developing world is strongly rejected and shot down..India has amassed its power to do that and that power has come because we opened our doors and we grew stronger .

To make a long story short, to protect our interests we have to make ourselves strong..The opening up of the economy has made India strong and its voice is heard now, so that it can now protect its interest be it in trades or in cricket. If we remained as a idealistically socialistic economy with an aversion to capital markets we wouldn't have achieved this. Now we can protect our farmers better that Nehru has ever imagined.

Look at yesterday's Budget and we have an interesting perspective

Now,Mr Chidambaram ,the admirable articulate and statesman like finance minister of India,can boldly write off the loans of farmers to the tune of 50000 crores because Indian tax payers have enough income now to support it..And this income has come from new found jobs and business (read IT- telecoms_ infrastructure etc.. which is post 1990 scenario

This is not to say that everything is hunky dori with our agriculture sector. Our farmers are still not finding regular sources of income. Our state of agricultural planning is abysmal at the village level, and the landless laborers are still exploited unscrupulously.The economic benefit of the growth have not trickled down to the poor and needy and still limited to a urban India and its illusions

But this can be sorted out by effective planning-Sure, the much talked about decentralization of power has done literally nothing.I am still a votary for centralized planning, You can not expect effective, corruption-free spending just because your local bodies are budgeted with lots of cash. Especially when the monitoring and auditing of such spending happening at the village level is effectively impossible and hence the money would find its way to the pockets of the village chiefs and associates.Ultimately to make effective development happen at the village level, a macro level planning is a must.

Major problems the farmers are facing now is about finding market for their produce. The cost of transportation of the farm goods to its major market(urban) is currently high and far exceeds the margin of profit. What is required is well networked channels to move the goods from farms to the markets there by enabling the farmers to leverage on better margins especially on perishable commodities.This infrastructure development has to happen for any kind of up liftment to be made possible in rural India .And the investment for the infrastructure can only come from tax payers money of an emerging India.

So the emerging India with lots of disposable and taxable income can make this possible.But then for that we need to make sure India really has the ability to sustain its growth, and needless to say power the basic and most important constituent of it.No growth possible without power.So, let us not stop deals that will help us to generate more and more power

So if we need a developed India, we need to have developed rural india, Now for that we need roads,for that Govt need money, for that tax payer has to pay the taxes.for that we need to more taxable income ,for that we need industries, for that we need power and for that we need nuclear fuel among other sources, and for that 123 agreement is a big help

To repeat,during early ninetees many feared that after liberalization India would become subservient and would lose its sovereignty. Instead we have become more assertive and more recognized (and even feared!!!) across the world.


It may be understood that, Indian scientists ( if there are still some) can continue their research of nuclear technology without any issues even after 123 deal is inked. However they cant use the newly imported technology for their research..But that is fine I think, anyway we wouldn't have it now, So by signing to the agreement our research remains uninterrupted.It is another matter that..Americans are also hinting that make use of this opportunity get technology from other now under this pretext and later use it secretly..as they consider India as a potential alley in future bound by the opposition from same kind of forces, which is anyway inevitable

Once Indian financial muzzle goes up, the technology you got via the deal can even be put to use for your research as it happens in every other country and it is a common knowledge (It is another matter that many of the self developed technology are in fact obtained via not so formal and legal channels -)

We have to get out of the mindset that we can be always controlled and hoodwinked by other big powers..We know now that we are too big a country and a potential economic power to be treated like that. granted that our colonial hang over make us feel victimized and exploited and we tend to stretch this fact of the past to our future, which is a great mistake.It is time to get out of this mindset

Now, when we discuss about the nuclear power in the same way we discussed about liberalization a few decades back..well it means we haven't learned anything yet..And I hope it wont require a energy crisis to wake up the Indian state to act just the way did in 1990s..Humans have the ability to learn from their mistakes..Let us use it for a change!!