Sunday, August 29, 2010

Please don't cheer Commanwealth games 2010, show them people's might

Whatever has gone wrong with Indian sports since independence is visible in full force in Organization of CWG 2010. The CWG 2010 is, by far, the biggest and most blatant, exercise in corruption in independent India's history. Not only have they stolen public money, they've made a mess of the job at hand. Our hearts cry when we see the plight of our non cricket sports players. A billion plus population producing only one gold medal winner in all Olympics held till now. We are forced to enjoy football world cup, Olympics without our team there. Who are responsible for this mess? Without any doubt these are our great sports administrators of various sports federations. The organizing committee (OC) of CWG 2010 is the true face of Sports administrators. Mr Suresh Kalmadi is the leader of this mess. Government says he is indispensable .Is there anyone in the world who is indispensable? Sports administrators like Mr Kalmadi are termites (deemak) of Indian sports and have been destroying Indian sports since decades
· This is a golden chance for citizens to put this corrupt and insensitive government and OC to shame.

The CWG is an amazing opportunity because all Indians have been robbed at the same time. Add to that the fact that the government is desperate to save face. Now is when we can get them. And the way to do it is simply what the father of our nation pioneered in his time — non-cooperation. Yes, and i've deliberated long before saying this — do not watch these Games. Do not go to the venues. Do not watch them on TV. You cannot become a cheerleader to an exercise in cheating. The Indian people have been exploited enough, but to expect us to smile through it is a bit much. If they can walk out of Parliament, we can walk out of stadiums. We can boycott their brand ambassodors, sponsors

Central Bank of India, Hero Honda, Air India


Some might say, shouldn't we support the Games on account of our country's pride? The word 'pride' reminds me of a little story. When i was a child, our neighbours were a violent man and his battered wife. The woman would cover her bruise marks with make-up, suffering silently. Whenever we visited them, the couple presented the perfect picture of a happy couple. She even praised her husband. I asked my mother why the woman behaved in that way and didn't expose her husband to show him in his true colours. My mother told me it doesn't look nice to portray an unhappy home. She has to save the family pride. Over time, the bruises turned to fractures, and the fractures became near-fatal injuries. Until one day, police cars and ambulances came in and took both husband and wife away respectively.
Yes, such is Indian culture. We are ready to cover up injustice on account of a fake sense of honour that needs to show everything is in order. In the case of the CWG, the organizers are the oppressive husband, the Indian people the battered wife. But modern Indian wives do not stay silent and suffering anymore.


College unions, schools and individuals should take a stand and make clear — we do not support these Games. Just as Gandhiji figured, the oppressor can oppress us; it cannot make us cooperate. Brand ambassadors and sponsors lending their names to these Games should think twice before lending their image to cover up corruption. The foreign media could present the full picture, namely that it is not the Indian people's fault, it is a bunch of losers who didn't think twice before looting the coffers of a poor country. The foreign media could use the situation to explain why India doesn't win Olympic medals — not because we don't have the talent but because people who run sports would rather stuff their pockets with stolen gold than help their country win a gold medal.

And if the ruling party wants to get out of this mess, there is only one way. No, it isn't to execute the Games well — nobody cares about the silly Commonwealth club anyway. The only way to get out of this is to punish the people who did it, irrespective of their stature, and punish them hard. Use this as an opportunity to kill corruption, not to put on a grand, fake show. Otherwise, those holes you are digging in Delhi will be nothing but your political graves. People in India tolerate a lot, but when they get upset, they cause upset. Fix the mess, or the Indian people will soon be telling you — game over.

If you are really concerned about the plight of Indian Sport then boycott CWG 2010, their sponsors and brand ambassadors completely, inspire others to boycott, Hit forward button and circulate this mail to all of your associates.


With warm regards
Anand Lakhmani

Monday, March 2, 2009

Election Day - Another Holiday

The date for Lok Sabha election has been announced. The first phase is on 16th April and last phase on 13th May.

It is most likely that we the "URBAN EDUCATED" voters will treat the day of voting as Holiday and Take rest at Home or will go out for the Picnic. We will do that because there are genuine reasons to do so:

1. The only option we have is of electing a criminal/corrupt MP out of so many similar candidates.

2. The only option we have is of electing MPs who will fight among themselves inside parliament.

3. The only option we have is of electing an MP who will be never seen in our constituency for next five years.

4. There is no option in voting machine which is labeled as "None of the above".

Corrupt/Criminals in election fray, we don’t vote , they elected.

Again the same bunch in election fray, again we don't vote, again they elected and the same cycle continues.

This is a vicious cycle. If this cycle is not broken then who are the losers. Its WE and only WE. Therefore the responsibility of breaking this vicious cycle is with US only.

Whether this vicious cycle was always there since 1952! when the first general election held. The deterioration in quality of candidates started during late 1960s and became worst in subsequent years. However the "URBAN" "EDUCATED" at that time also voted in very few numbers. Since this deterioration was not arrested at that time, we have been suffering. If we don't break this vicious cycle, the coming generation will suffer all the more.

To break this cycle there is no other option but to VOTE. Select the least corrupt/criminal candidate/party and VOTE. Once we URBAN EDUCATED start voting in big numbers, political parties will be forced to take note of this development and do something for URBAN voters, the way they have been doing at least something for their present VOTEBANK. It is very important for us to be treated as VOTEBANK who think and elect the candidate/parties on its real merit.

This will trigger the political cleaning process, which we all badly requiring. There is no doubt that the cleaning process will be slow and gradual. It will take years to get the kind of candidates we deserve. The way it deteriorated since late 1960s will be reversed in similar way. We have to accept the challenge of shortening this cycle. However the most crucial part of this reverse process remains the same that is to VOTE. At the same time to make a lasting and significant impact we all have to inspire and motivate others to VOTE and be part of this cleaning process.

The best thing which is there at present is INTERNET. This medium will help us in shortening the reverse cleaning cycle significantly. "The times of India" group has taken an initiative of "Lead India'09"(www.lead.timesofindia.com). There is another movement "Jaago Re" (www.jaagore.com). These initiatives will definitely make an impact on quality of political leaders, who will rule the country. These initiatives requires our whole hearted support.

It is high time to be part of this movement because the next generatl election will come only after 5 years. Should we wait for another 5 years to become part of this revolutionary change!

Therefore

Lets take an oath
- To wipe out the dirt
- To stop pointing fingers
And instead VOTE for a better future for us and our children

Let we all take pledge that "I’ll VOTE and not let my VOTE go waste".

Those who wanted to participate more actively in this movement for next 2 months may drop an email to alakhmani@gmail.com

and before closing the window, forward this link (or message by copying it) to your near and dear one's.

"Those who have the privilege to know, have the duty to act" - Albert Einstein

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Blog review of Ghajini - 3.5/5 stars

It is an un-typical of Aamir's film . There is no message in it rather it is having High Action, BLOOD, GORE and a simple story.

No hint of his path breaking movies like RDB, Lagan, DCH(Dil Chahta Hai) at all. It is in the category of films like Tejab, Ghayal.

The story is based on the revenge for his lover's murder by a villain named "Ghajini". A very simple story but brilliantly executed by the director.

There could be natural comparision between 6 pack abs of Shahrukh and 8 pack abs of Aamir. The difference between SRK and AK charecteristics has been maintained as the 8 packs abs is the compulsory requirement for the Hero in the Movie. The film wouldn't be a Hit had this element been absent.

The transformation of Aamir from QSQT to DCH is visible. He tried to lay his hands on pure action films in QSQT era through a film called "Bajee" but failed miserably. His body structure failed him.

But in this film he is very convincing in action sequences because of one and half year dedicated work on his physique. He recognized the compulsory requirement and worked very hard on the fulfilment. Hats off to him.

I will give it 3.5 out of 5. Watch it after removing RDB, Lagan like expectations.

Terrorist's Most Audacious Attack in Mumbai - India's 9/11" dated 28/11/08

It is easy to be cynical and think that no real action can be taken to prevent such attacks in future because of present political set up. How ever there are long and painful solutions, in which We, the Citizen's of India are involved and if implemented in true spirit, will certainly prevent these attacks.

The root cause: Failed Justice System

Upholding of the rule of the law is the foremost differentiator, not only between a First and Third World Country but also with First and Third Country State within India. Justice delayed is justice denied. Injustice breeds anger, frustration and encourages the aggrieved parties to take the law into their own hands.

Irrespective of Religion, Caste, Creed or State, person who has taken law into his own hand should be punished in time bound manner. When Godhra Kand's, Parliament attack's culprits (Muslims) are not punished, Hindus take the law in their own hands because they think, present justice system can't punish these criminals so let we ourselves punish them.

Similarly when Gujarat Riot's, Mumbai Riot's culprits (Hindus) (indicted by Sri Krishna Commission) are not punished; Muslims take the law into their own hand. The same rule is applicable on Raj Thakery's Violence.

Solution: Reform Justice System Radically

Measure to be taken:

1. Establish Thousands of Fast Track Courts, across India - Present Bihar Govt has proved the effectiveness of this measure

2. Bring the Bill in the parliament about the time boundness of any case in the Court - Under any circumstance within 1 year judgment of Supreme Court (if applicable) should be delivered.

3. Bring radical reforms in police system - Present system breeds corruption and in- efficiency. Their salary structure should be commensurate with the risks they have on their lives.Which is not the case at present. Polical Interfernce has made their life diffcult because they are answerable to their political masters. Equip them with required Infrastructure and latest gadgets. Highly qualified and motivated people should enter into the police force. Make them answerable to an Indepencdent Body similer to election commisson.

Now question is who will bring these changes.

It is only WE, the educated who can bring these changes, by

Forcing present government to take above-mentioned measures in this regard through PIL and Media.

Taking active part in the Voting Process. This is the foremost factor to bring the desired change. At present the educated class is completely disconnected from the political system. Which is why the government is accountable only to the Caste, State and Religious Vote Banks. Unfortunately there is no vote bank, which is called EDUCATED VOTE BANK.


Therefore let we accept that, the ultimate responsibility lies with us because we
have HARDLY EVER VOTED and instead of voting on voting day, we go for
outing and we have thousand of excuses for that.

We should identify the least harmful candidate/party and vote for him/her.

3. Particpating in the active politics too. We all know, in corporate sector, for any company to succeed in this fiercely comptetive enviroment, it should have right leaders. If CEO and Top Management is inefficient, no one can save the company from dooming. The same rule is applicable to country also.

At present the politics as career option is not opted by our talented educated class and for right reasons. But this has to change , some of us have to join the mainstream politics.



Let us take a pledge that not only we will VOTE but motivate our family, near and dear one's to VOTE, if we want to safeguard own and family member's life from terrorist attacks in distant future.


please visit http://www.jaagore.com/ - the innovative and powerful web-site by an NGO (run by highly educated and motivated youngsters ) to make a difference in Voting Process


Please forward this link to as many as possible, if you are convinced even partially.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Bihar Flood - Children ~ Future @ Present

Excerpts of one of the relief worker (Mr Chandan Singh) - Sep 6, 2008:

Last fortnight death was not something that happened to others, it was a neighbor, constant companion…almost touching every part of the body; of every body who got in touch with river Kosi.

Kosi has started to settle down; people are coming out from places which shielded them from Kosi…uncertain about what the future holds for them.Children bring hope, they are the "beginning" one looks at, when everything around you tends to end.

Three children were born in the last twos day at relief camps :)One child will have 'chatthi' ( 6th day celebration after birth ) today… and there is happiness around...amazing to see how even an iota of happinessspreads around in a sea of distressed humanity at the camps....and around 200 mothers are expecting babies in the days to come :)

The floods are not over yet…its still very bad…but these are glimpses of hope, of happiness .. lifts you up. Those of you who want to send clothes, try to get clothes for children, colorful bright clothes. Happy dresses !

Those who want to send medicines, try to get Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate tablets. Preferrebly in blister packs of 10's 25's or 100's. ; These are water purification tablets for hand pumps, tube wells and large water tanks.

The bigger challenge is long term rehabilations.

`chandan+919931763070

Please come forward and help the affected infants, child, women, men to survive, to re-start life again. Let them feel that they are not orphan.

We all indians do rise to occassions like these and not only critisize every damn thing in the world.

Best Regards
Anand Lakhmani
98191 28191

Bihar Flood - SOS to all of my near and dear one’s

The situation in flood-affected areas of Bihar is getting precarious day by day due to wide array of human, animal corpses. There is a real danger of outbreak of epidemic. Infants are not getting food; milk is being sold at Rs 400 to 500 per liter, acute shortage of drinking water, Medical Support like Doctors and Para Medical.

Army, Government, NGOs are doing their job but every effort is becoming futile against this havoc. It is the need of the hour that wholehearted efforts from people from all walks of life should be harnessed together to combat this great onslaught of nature.

There are more then 35 lakh people affected, out of which more than 10 lakh people are un accounted, around 5 lakh people have been evacuated till now and approx 2 lakh people are feared dead.

Those committed people who are working at the grass root level need unstinted support from us so that they can sustain their relief work in terms of the following provisions:
1. Infant food - Cerelac (No food is available for thousand of infants)
2. Safe Drinking Water
3. Inflated Boat (still many are trapped deep inside where even after 15 days no one has reached, as water is receding, mechanized motors are unable to be moved deep inside)
4. Doctors and Paramedical forces

To start with we are mobilizing the resources from as many persons as possible for purchase and distribution of baby food to the affected people. Very soon we will focus on other requirements.

To oversee the distribution I myself am going to the ground zero on 08/09/08 from Mumbai, for effective monitoring and ensuring that it reaches to the right people. I make an appeal to every one of you to join our journey to the affected area. Together we will certainly make a big difference:

There are various ways to contribute:
1. Donate Money, Food, Cloths, Medicines
2. Volunteer your self
3. Mobilize others also

One can donate the money through following channels:

First Channel: Bihar Chief Minister Relief Fund as per following details:
'Chief Minister Relief Fund, Bihar' A/C No. 10839124928, SBI Secretariat Branch,Patna.
Address:Chief Minister Secretariat4 K.G. Deshratna Marg,Patna -800001Bihar
The cheque can be deposited to any SBI Branch. If you are unable to deposit, then inform us. We will send someone to collect the cheque and deposit slip will be provided after depositing the cheque in the account.
The money sent to government may not be as effective as we all desire but some part of your money will certainly reach to the needy through this channel.

Second Channel: My personal account with ICICI and Bank of Baroda:

Whatever amount is donated in these accounts, there will be continuous sharing of the donated fund and expenses with everyone concerned. This will be through email attachments and an online google excel document containing details of fund donated and expenses.

The details of my personal accounts are as follows:
ICICI Account Name: Anand Lakhmani
ICICI Account No : 015101038506
Branch : Vashi

BoB Account Name: Anand Lakhmani
BoB Account No : 290404 0000 0714
Branch: Bandra Kurla Complex

In narration, while transferring funds online, please write "Bihar Flood Relief and Your name" and send me an email on alakhmani@gmail.com to update the relevant records.

Those who are confident that their donated fund will be in safe hand and will reach the needy should use this channel.
Else the first channel should be used at least.

Let us try to do every bit to support the worst affected people .

Best Regards
Anand Lakhmani

Please forward this link to all of your acquaintance to inspire them for their whole hearted support for this unprecedent calamity.

Senior Manager,Risk Management Dept,
Bank of Baroda Corporate Center, Mumbai – 51
Ph: 98191 28191, 022 – 6698 5220 (off)