Chattisgarh Tragedy

The tragic sterilisation camp at Bilaspur, Chattisgarh exposes the lacunae in our health care system.  In India sterilization camps are held at health centres at regular intervals.  The local health workers and the Primary health care centre are given target and not achieving the target may be punitive to the health personnel in-charge of the place.  To achieve the target local ANMs or Health Workers motivate eligible couples, particularly women to undergo sterilization / family planning / Tubectomy operation.  Special incentives are also announced for the candidates undergoing surgery in that particular camp. 

Generally the PHC doctors are trained to do these operations.  Laparoscopic sterilizations are done by specialists specially trained in Laparoscopic sterilization.  The camps are arranged in rural or semi-urban areas.  The candidates are motivated by the Health Workers.  PHC doctors arrange for all the material and medicines.  Few well trained specialist doctors are deputed to conduct surgeries on that day.  Deputed doctors will leave after the camp (surgery) is over and local PHC medical personnel will have to provide care for the patients for another 24 to 48 hours.  When everything is planned and executed well, and the facilities for the number of patients underwent surgery are adequate, serious complications and complaints are rare.  Only when the number exceeds the facilities available and medical personnel are inadequate or negligent complaints become innumerable and occasional complications arise.  Generally any inadvertent serious complication that has occurred is immediately recognised by the doctor and the patient will be immediately shifted to nearest higher centre where due care is taken. 

Every procedure has inherent risk.  All surgical procedures have risk of anaesthesia and inadvertent injury to the other organs and sensitivity to the drugs used in the post-operative period.   Female sterilization/Tubectomy, the procedure is intra-abdominal, wherein the abdomen is opened (laparotomy) or pierced with laparoscope, the possibility of injury to other abdominal organs will be present. This is rare in experienced hands.  Rarely when it happens in the inexperienced it can be recognised either during surgery or in the immediate postoperative period.  Causing injury is not negligence but failing to recognise it is considered as criminal negligence. 

The surgeries done at Bilaspur are by a very experienced surgeon who was awarded for his skills and service.  Laparoscopic tubal ligation is done by the experienced laparoscopist within five minutes.  Here the patient is kept ready and laparoscopist simply has to pass the laparoscope and pick loop of the fallopian tube and slip the rings to occlude the tubes.  For an experienced person who had done more than a lakh sterilizations to injure the organs even in one woman is remote possibility.  The death of 14 women is tragic and what exactly has caused the death should be investigated.   

It is reported in Hindustan times that deaths associated with female sterilization during the period 2003 – 2012 is 1434, an average of 12 per month.  Only appropriate medical statistics can bring out the exact number of deaths due to tubectomy per se or just associated cause. In one study in United States (1982 to 1988) has revealed that 4/100,000 women died due to sterilization and no man died for undergoing sterilization procedure and suffered any major complication.  The cost of the procedures is also 3-4 times more for women.  Though the incidence of serious complications  is negligible and mortality is almost nil in males due to sterilization procedure, in India, men are afraid of undergoing sterilization operation even though the incentives offered are double than that offered for women. In one year, April 2012 to March 2013, the total number of female sterilizations are 4.5 millions (45,00,000) and male sterilizations were 1,20,000. This is about 2% of sterilisation operations are vasectomies (male sterilisation operation) and rest 98% are tubectomies (female sterilisation operation).   It is generally women who are motivated to undergo sterilization.  The procedure of sterilization in male – vasectomy is a very simple procedure, less painful and without any serious complications and no mortality. The surgery is done by one small nick which may not require any suturing.  It can be safely done under local anaesthesia.  They can carry on normal activity within few hours of surgery. Their virility is not compromised.  They have to take precaution for three months against causing pregnancy.  Men should be encouraged more to undergo vasectomy which is a few minutes procedure requiring minimal anaethesia and minimal post operative care.

To reduce deaths due to sterilizations

 - Improve facilities at Primary Health Centres

 - Selections of cases should be done by specialist

 - Appoint adequate staff at the PHCs.  Expert care and transport facilities at higher centres should be available until all the patients are discharged in good condition.

 - When surgical procedures, particularly female sterilizations are taken up, the facility should have operation theatre to handle any emergency that needs immediate laparotomy and extended surgical procedure.  Even in case of male sterilization facility should be available to deal with any excessive bleeding or hematoma.

 - Targets should be feasible, not fulfilling should not be punitive

 - Sterilisations should be done regularly on fixed days, at least, twice a week

 -.If ever camps are held the maximum number of cases should be fixed depending upon the availability of beds and medical staff capable of handling the cases during and after the operation, until recovery.  Post operative care involves not only nursing care but appropriate antibiotics, analgesics and IV fluids.

 -  Reproductive health care and education should be part of health education in high school.

 - Spread awareness of simplicity of Vasectomy

 - Spread awareness of non surgical methods of contraception in males and females.

In this tragedy the government instead of arresting the doctor should do some introspection and try to improve infrastructure and formulate rules in conducting such massive sterilization camps in remote areas.

Graffiti on Lorries

While on the road I watch vehicles as well as persons moving on the road.  The graffiti on the vehicles interest me a lot.  It is amusing to read different graffiti expressing the views of lorry owners (?) on the rear side of the lorry.  Here are some pictures of these taken by me on the road connecting Hyderabad and Warangal.

Kufri - Image

Kufri is a small hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh.  It is 13 KM from Shimla, the state capital.  This is a beautiful hill station with the snow covered hills and also having view of Himalayan ranges.  People who go to Shimla on pleasure trip will find it worthy when they visit Kufri. 

Here people enjoy playing and skiing in the snow.  As it is gets a good number of tourists, local people have thriving business providing horses, dresses and shoes to the tourists.  There is also an open air snack shop on top of hill to provide boiled chana, puffed rice chat, bread - omlette and tea and coffee. 

Everybody will take many photos here while playing in snow.  Some will also get local traditional dresses and take photos to preserve happy memories.

MOM - Made In India

The accomplishment of MOM has made every Indian proud.  A developing nation had successfully built the spacecraft and launched it into the Mars Orbit in its first attempt.  World wide 51 attempts were made and only 22 succeeded in this endeavour.  India is the first Asian country and fourth in the world (US, Europe and Russia – the first three) to be able to insert Mangalyaan into Mars orbit and created history.  1000 scientists under ISRO chairman Shri. K. Radha Krishnan have worked diligently and created history in world space research. 

Mars also known as red planet is the second smallest celestial body in the solar system is believed to be similar to earth in many ways and is hospitable.  Mars is moving and even earth moves.  The space craft weighing 1350 KM equipped with five instruments – a sensor to track methane (possible sign of life), color camera, thermo imaging spectrometer to map surface and mineral wealth of Mars was lifted off by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from First Launched Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.  The space vehicle traveling for 680 million KM reached the tiny circle of less than 2 KM, the right time to insert into the orbit.  MOM employed accurate navigation modeling and precision hardware to execute Mars Orbit Insertion with 440 Newton engine that restarted after being idle for 300 days (since the trans Martian insertion burn on 15 November 2013).  It takes about 25 minutes for a radio signal to reach MOM and return ground station which makes real time control and communication impractical.  MOM built with its own intelligence to manage crucial operation like Mars Orbiter Insertion, fault detection, isolation and reconfiguration of systems and operations during non-visible periods worked out successfully and created history in the world.

The Mars Orbiter Mission is 100% indigenous.  The cost of the mission is 454 crores which is less than the amount spent for the production of a Hollywood movie.  India has produced a car for $2500, a tablet for $30 and now succeeded in Mangalyaan spending just at $74.million. 

The nation is indebted to all the sincere workers who achieve unbelievable targets with limited resources and make every Indian proud. 

Mera Bharat Mahaan.

Image Source : 1) ISRO Images and photos of Mars Orbiter Mission.

                          2) Space.com

Aleru Bridge

Part of Hyderabad to Warangal route is part of National Highway 163.  The development of ring-road has made the journey smooth and fast.  I am moving by a four-wheeler on this route regularly since 1997. There are trees on either side of the road. 

In the months of July till February the greenery is soothing and the gulmohar trees make the journey on this road a pleasant trip.  As part of developing infrastructure there is great deal of change on this road with extension of width of the road and ring road formation.  Across the stretch of 135 kilometers we touch many villages and towns.  The development of ring-road has completely excluded passage through Bhongir, Ghatkesar and Bibinagar.

Bhongir Khila

 Though many changes for good have happened on this road one thing hasn’t changed.  The bridge at Aleru is very narrow and the boundary pillars are far apart. It is dangerous walk for pedestrians.      

Aleru Bridge

  In the past 17 years few bridges and culverts were repaired and widened and railings built.  But this bridge somehow missed any betterment. Moreover few pillars are damaged due to hit by vehicles.  If it is a heavy vehicle only one vehicle can move on this bridge.  Others have to wait until it is cleared off.  In the recent past one Warangal MP’s vehicle had drifted from the bridge and fell down and MP sustained injuries too.  Even after that no action is taken to make it safer for travel.  Now that Telangana government is formed and boasting about wonderful development, I hope that this bridge at Aleru will be widened and made safe for travelers on four-wheelers and pedestrians too.

Telangana Survey

New Bus Stand Hanamkonda.
It is difficult to stand at this entrance as every minute a bus will be coming out or going into the  Bus Station.
Buses from here move to all districts in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
One or two other inter state buses start from here.
Today it looks calm and peaceful all the buses and RTC staff are resting on the Eve of Survey.

Today is not a religious or national festival or Sunday.  It is holiday in Telangana to conduct 'Samagr Kutumba Survey'.  Though it is said that they will be conducting survey of about 84 lakh families,the number may be higher.  Other than TRS, all the political parties of Andhra and Telangana were trying to stall this survey or to be done for a week to months than in just one day.  The Telangana government wants to avoid duplication and did all arrangements to complete it in a day.  It is a challenge taken by the TRS government.  Intensive propaganda is done.  Many arrangements made.  People made aware of the information to be given to the enumerators by print and electronic media.  Declared holiday for all on 19th August.  The series of holidays prior to 19th and peoples' enthusiasm to register themselves as Telangana citizens has made many to reach their native place and be ready with the required information to submitted to the enumerators. 

This is New Bus Stand road - Hanamkonda.
The rear side of Hanamkonda Public Garden.
This areas buzzes with tremendous activity every day as it is the 'adda'  for daily wage labourers.
Labourers particularly construction workers gather here in the morning by 6AM till 11AM.
There will be a makeshift tiffin and tea centre.  In rainy season 'sitafal' carts are halted and fruits sold here.
Yesterday I did see few hawkers selling 'sitafal' fruits.
Today there is no sign of life here.

 People realised that this survey is done in the interest of development of all categories of people and the state of Telangana.  Each and every Telanganite want to contribute to the development of Telangana by doing their bit - responding to KCR's call to stay at home physically and furnish information.  Many are hopeful that certain government benefits will reach them and all the truly deserving individuals and families.

In the morning I had the opportunity to go out at eight O' Clock.  The situation is more like self imposed bandh.  Shops in 'gallis' are also closed.  occasional two-wheeler or car was moving at high speed as there was little traffic.  Here and there people gathered in front of houses chit-chatting about the documents they have and waiting for the enumerators.  I did see some male and female enumerators standing by the side at different areas checking their bags containing papers and books.  This is the first ever survey I witnessed where people were waiting eagerly for the surveyors and welcoming them happily.
The surveyors are friendly.  The one who had come to our house was a nice gentleman.  Had taken all the information in detail.  But the information of the persons who are physically present is only recorded.  For those who are not present they refused to record.
This survey does bring out socio-economic conditions of the people by more than 70%.  I don't expect all the people will give complete information about their economic conditions - particularly the property owned by them and other sources of income.  But caste census will be cleared off.  There is a column about health.  But, as the enumerators have little knowledge about health problems except for the few named diseases they are not recording other disease which will give social health.  They do not want to record certain chronic diseases like Hypertension, diabetes, renal diseases, epilepsy, hypothyroidism etc.  There should also have been a column for alcohol and smoking addictions.  There are many families I know that are suffering as the males in the family are addicted to alcohol - cheap liquor.  This could have helped the government for planning health schemes and improving public health facilities.
Anyway, KCR is leader with vision working for a developed Telangana that will be a model state.
Hail KCR!

Buses Resting on Survey day.

I Learnt The Lesson Easy Way

We learn and gain knowledge by hearing, seeing, reading and doing.  Our knowledge in protecting ourselves or family or others comes from different sources.  Society or experts in a field and government regulations provide guidelines or rules for safety of the individual and also society.  But flouting rules and not following precautions is quite common when law is not strict or dangers causing does not affect society at large. 

Every vehicle driver knows traffic rules.  Few strictly follow them.  Wearing helmet while riding a two wheeler or using seat belts while driving a car reduces the head injuries and deaths to a great extent.  Carelessness and overconfidence that nothing will happen to oneself, sometimes leads to catastrophic damages.  Loss of life and limb cannot be restored with money.  Physical and mental abnormalities acquired cannot be restored to perfect normalcy.  It may be near normalcy with great difficulty.  Simple precautions can avoid most fatal accidents and personal damages.

Whenever any equipment is used the manufacturer gives all the instructions.  In day to day life we use many appliances with scant regard for safety measures. Though we often hear of the fatal accidents caused due to failure of not practicing safety precautions we rarely learn a lesson from that.  Only personal experience will make us strictly follow the safety measures. 

In India most of the urban homes and many homes in rural areas have LPG stoves.  There are many precautions and safety measures to be followed when using these stoves. 

-The cylinder should always be placed vertical. 

-The stove should be at higher level than cylinder. 

-The regulator and the tubing should be checked by appropriate person for any leaks.

-The tubing should be changed every two years. 

-When the cylinder is brought in it should be checked for any leaks by connecting it to the stove.

-Turn off the LPG cylinder when not in use.

 Except the first two precautions, I don’t think even a 10% of LPG owners follow other rules.  I am one among the more than 90%.

I have double cylinders.  So if one is exhausted book for another and do with the one already stored.  I never checked the seal until once I found the seal torn and the cylinder lasted half the period it has to in general.  This made me to check the seal.  The biggest lesson I learnt with little damage is leakage of cylinder.  Once in the morning as one cylinder was exhausted, I immediately removed the regulator and connected to the other cylinder.  As I could feel the pungent smell of gas leaking I tried to adjust and readjust the regulator unsuccessfully.  I thought it was the fault with the regulator as it is old one.  As I had another new regulator (which the agent had forcibly made us buy and we never used it) I fixed it up and did not feel the odour.  I was happy to have the new regulator which had come handy and solved my problem.  Few days (4-5) passed uneventfully.  One night as I was watching primetime news and waiting for my spouse to return from his practice, I suddenly felt obnoxious odour.  I was wondering what it could be.  Just then he entered.  “Do you feel any odour?”  I asked him.

 “Yeah, may be because you have closed all the doors”.

“No, no.  It has started just now.  Oh! I feel it is increasing.  Let me check if it is from the kitchen.  It feels strong near the kitchen”.

We together entered the kitchen and near the platform I could hear a mild hiss too.

‘Zero’ bulb was lighting the kitchen.

He said, “Let me switch on the light to see what is happening”. 

Though I vehemently said no and was switching off the cylinder as first measure, he switched on the light. 

As I said it is leak from the LPG cylinder and in such circumstances we should never on or off switches.
 He said, “Sorry, I just acted instinctly.  Never should I do that again”.

 The next day I informed our gas agency and they came and checked it.  That person said the some fine ring in the cylinder where regulator is fixed is damaged and hence the leakage.  The fault was not with the regulator, but the fixture in LPG cylinder is damaged.

He took away the cylinder and replaced another one.

I was glad that the leak had happened when I was awake and I could act immediately.  Had it been in the middle of the night there could have been a blast and our life and home could have been destroyed.  Many times I read and seen in the news that leak from the LPG cylinder occurred in the night causing damage not only to that home but also the other houses in the neighborhood.  If the leak occurs when anybody in home is awake it can be detected and cylinder can be shut down.  But if it occurs in the night, when everybody is in deep sleep, will result in devastation.  The obnoxious gas will fill the lungs and causes suffocation.  It also results in dizziness, lack of coordination and loss of consciousness.  As LPG is extremely inflammable, and person who inhaled the gas in confusion making attempt to see what is happening by switching on light will result in blast causing damage to life and property.

I have made it a practice to turn off the cylinder before going to bed or leaving the house for more than 24hours which I never ever done in the past 20years   I also decided not to compromise when there is problem with the cylinder, but to inform the gas agency and rectify the problem immediately. 

If you do not have the habit of turning off the cylinder in the night please make it a habit from today itself and follow all the safety precautions while using any appliance.

'Prevention is better than cure'.

Araku Coffee

I love traveling.  It helps to have relief from routine struggles of life and enjoy leisure.  People spend a lot of money to visit new places, to relax in beautiful environment and explore Nature’s secrets.   Travel industry provides pleasure to people interested in discovering wonderful world.  In some parts of the world, tourism is so well developed that it forms the main source of income of that place.  Tourism provides employment to all categories of people depending on their ability to serve the tourist.  Not only the star hotels but the road-side hawkers and food vendors also eke out their living serving the tourists.

Many times on the journey to the destination via road there will be many stalls of local artifacts or food.  Araku valley in Vishakhapatnam of AP has many coffee plantations.  On the way to Araku on the road-side are coffee sellers.  The coffee is made from fresh coffee powder and dairy milk. The taste of coffee is so excellent that the aroma lingers in mouth for a very long time.

We had coffee on return journey from Araku.  Here is the woman who had a kerosene stoves and tin sheet to protect the flame being put out in the open air.  She had fresh coffee powder with her.  On ordering six cups of coffee, she lighted the stove, boiled some water.  He husband got half-a-litre of dairy milk packet which she emptied into a bowel and heated on another stove.  Within half an hour she made sizzling hot coffee, the aroma filling the air around, made everyone active.  The cup of coffee relieved everyone of the tiresome journey to and from Araku. 

If ever you are visiting Araku valley do not miss the delicious coffee made by the road-side coffee stalls.

On Wheels

The photo above is taken by me while I was traveling from Shamshabad to Warangal in a cab.  This is for sure in Hyderabad – RangaReddy; I do not know exact name of the locality.  I was surprised to see the number of people on the motorcycle passing in thick of traffic.  On a two-wheeler, only two can travel.  But we, in India, commonly see three and often four, if it is a family ride.  To see parents and two children on a motor cycle or scooter is commonplace.  If parents have more children and have to travel, may be they do try to go on a single vehicle as we see here.  The dangers of it – everybody is aware.

According to WHO recent reports traffic accidents is the 2^nd most important cause of death in the age group of 15 – 44 years. 1.24 million die every year and may increase to 1.9 million a year by 2020.  Only seven percent of these are happening in the countries where laws are strictly implemented.

 India has the dubious distinction of highest number of deaths due to traffic injuries.  In India, 14 deaths occur every hour; many more crippled or have minor injuries in the accidents. Every 4 minutes a person dies and one or two will sustain injuries.  All this can be minimized if only the rules and regulations of traffic are followed and implemented. 

Every one of us might know more than one person who was injured or died in the accident.  We also come to know that failure to follow the rules by one or more parties has caused accident and often it could be due to poor roads.  If the person who dies or is crippled due to injury in the accident is the sole breadwinner in the family, then the life of all the members is shattered. 

Death and grievous injuries can be avoided by following simple rules.

Strictly follow traffic rules.

Wearing helmet is must on two-wheeler.  It decreases death by 40% and head injuries by 70%.  Youngsters under 18years riding on the high-speed two-wheelers should be punished and parents of such youth should be warned or fined as appropriate.

Speed of 30KM/hr in residential and school areas.  A pedestrian impacted by a car at that speed, though gets injured, survives. 

No drunken driving.  Lorry or heavy vehicle drivers generally think they are better on highways on drink.  This is one of the most important causes of accidents on highways.  The traffic police should take up breath analysis of drivers not only in the city centre but more vigorously on the high ways.

Wearing seat belt in the front seat decreases death by 40% - 50%; restraining belts on passengers in rear seat also decreases injuries and death by 25 – 75%.  Child restraints will save more than 70% kids’ lives in the accidents.

Public transport vehicles carrying the limited number of passengers as declared by the law also helps in reducing accidents and deaths and fatal injuries.

In India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana we see auto-rickshaws which are supposed to carry 1+3 passengers move loaded with 3+9-10 passengers, causing heavy human loss in the road accidents.  The auto-rickshaws are notorious for rash driving and increasing the incidence of accidents. 

Talking and texting on mobiles has become another important cause of increase in accidents.  These distractions should be avoided while driving.  No walk the talk. 

WHO also found that people from low socio-economic conditions are more exposed to accidents and its fatalities.  This could be due to lack of awareness of driving principles and risk driving practiced by them.

The government has its role to play: in improving the infra structure, roads and transport system.  It should take prompt and strict action on those who break traffic rules irrespective of their position.  It should also improve health-care system to deal effectively with the victims of traffic accidents.

The companies should take care to improvise their vehicles for providing maximum safety to the customers. Customers also should look for safety mechanisms provided in the vehicle during travel and accidents and follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer for best/safe driving.

If every vehicle driver follows traffic rule and laws are implemented strictly, traffic accidents and deaths and injuries due to it will reduce by 70%.

Drive safely.  Drive to the destination that is aspired and not the ultimate in life. 

WHO – World Health Organisation.

Telangana Celebrations

 Sixty years of struggle finally lead to formation of Telangana state.  After the midnight of 1^st June, the aspiration of four crores of Telangana people is fulfilled. As the State and self rule is realised people of this region have their hopes soared.  The ruling TRS which lead the agitation for the past 14 years will now have to work for the welfare of the people.   

Celebrations of Telangana State formation have started on the night of 1^st June and will be continued for a week.  In Warangal as part of celebrations ‘Keerthi Stupam’ is built and unveiled by the District Collector Shri Kishan.  This is a 32 feet marble pillar built under the leadership of Orugallu Seva Samithi with the help of employees JAC, Kakatiya Urban Development Authority and National Institute of Technology.  The construction was completed in less than two months.  The District collector had shown interest in inaugurating it on the day of Telangana formation.  This is in memory of hundreds of youth who sacrificed their lives to achieve Telangana.  The is unveiled on 2^nd June at 00.01 hrs by the District Collector accompanied by other district authorities in front of the Collector’s bungalow in Hanamkonda. 

This ‘Keerthi Stupam’ is dedicated to the memory of martyrs in Telangana Struggle.

There is inscription of the following line on the pillar.

"శిరసెత్తిన వీర తెలంగాణం - అమరుల త్యాగాల సంతకం,

కాలాన్ని బంధించలేం - చరిత్రను శాసించలేం,

అమరులారా వందనం - కాలం ఉన్నంతకాలం స్మరిస్తాం,

పచ్చని తెలంగాణకై శ్రమిస్తాం - భావితరాలకు బాసటగా నిలుస్తాం"

These are the words written by poet and author Shri. Pottapalli Srinivas Rao.

Jaya Jayaho Telangana.

NaMo Namah

On May 26, 2014 new era has started in the history of Indian democracy.  Entire world watched the spectacular swearing in ceremony of Shri Narendra Damodardas Modi as the Prime Minister of India.  This is the first time people of India have directly ‘elected’ Prime Minister.  He is from the grass roots, from humble background, hard work is his ‘mantra’ and development his main agenda.  The world now has to ‘Modify’ their perception of India. 

The invitation of SAARC nations to his swearing in ceremony is a step forward in improving relations with neighbouring countries and signaling active role in carrying forward renewed foreign policy of the country.  The Prime Minister who is a strong nationalist is determined to work for ‘suraaj’.  After his party won in the general elections and he was sure to become PM of India he spoke in Gujarat rally and said, “we couldn’t struggle and sacrifice for ‘swaraj’, but we will definitely live for making our nation ‘suraaj’.  Though some groups of people working for human rights have apprehensions, the common people and young generation is mystified with his mantra of development have great hopes on him.  But the younger generation should not expect results at the ‘click of the mouse’ and feel disappointed.  It may take 2-3 years for the effect of development to be seen.

The PM of India does not want to waste a single minute in his office.  The work has begun by reviewing article 370 of Indian constitution.  This indicates we will be seeing ‘Modified’ Hindustan within few years.  As he promised to do good work and come with progress report by 2019, people of India should be ready to see many dramatic changes in the country.  Hinduism believes in world as one family, we should at least assimilate the feeling that all Indians with diverse cultures, and languages are bound by one nationality.  India becomes a developed nation when all people irrespective of their state, religion, language and caste have equal opportunity to develop and enjoy equal human dignity.

Lost (Last) Hope

Election – 2014 has given simple majority to the BJP for the first time to rule the nation.  The Bharatiya Jana Sangh formed in 1951 and later transformed as Bharatiya Janata party could come to power on its own only in 2014.  It took 63 years for the party to gain peoples’ faith.  Lal Kishan Advani had been the president of the party for three terms and a total period of about 12years.  He could not become Prime Minister for his hard-line ‘Hindutva’ agenda and Atal Behari Vajpayee had become the consensus candidate for Prime Ministership when NDA had mandate in the Parliament in the years 1996, 1998 and 1999.  In 2004 general elections L.K. Advani was the president of BJP and was presented as BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate and in 2009 being in the role of opposition leader in the Parliament had become natural choice for the top post.  Unfortunately BJP could not capture power in the Centre.    

In the history of Indian democracy this is the first time that a single party other than Indian National Congress had the mandate of the people to form government.  Also after 1984, this is the first time that a single party is able to form government in the Centre without the help of other national or regional parties.  Probably people have realised that ‘coalition dharma’ is making the nation insecure and lives of the common people miserable.  When BJP had become single largest party under his steward ship and formed government with help of other parties (NDA), Shri. A.B. Vajpayee was elected as leader of the Parliament.  This election 2014 was the only hope for octogenarian BJP leader to become Prime Minister, his most cherished dream.  From the beginning of 2013, when Shri N. Modi is declared as BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate in 2014 election, Shri. Advaniji expressed his dissent publicly more than once.  As a BJP man who worked for the party and wanted it to come to power on its own strength is a happy but could not appreciate the efforts of NaMO.  His dream of becoming Prime Minister remains unfulfilled.

Shri. Advaniji had said that he cried three times in life.  Once when India was divided and Pakistan is formed in 1947.  Second time when emergency was lifted in 1977 he cried with happiness.  Now in 2014 he has tears in his eyes.  He wanted to see a day when his party would come to power on its own strength and himself as leader of it for all the efforts he had put in for decades.  The reason for tears in 1977 is happiness.  In 1947 what could be the reason other than sorrow and loss.  His native place had become foreign to him.  And now his tears probably express his happiness for his party has come to power but overwhelmingly sad as his aspiration to become Prime Minister of India will never be realised. 

Will there be any possibility of him becoming President of India and enjoy power as the constitutional head of the nation?    

Lucky Winner

Indian democracy as usual stands gigantic in this world.  People are always hopeful and want to work towards change that can change their lives.  Election – 2014 is unique as the two contending parties had declared their leader, future Prime Minister if the party comes to power.  The oldest party which ruled the country for almost 60 years had young reluctant leader with little experience in governance.  The other party had the ambitious leader with a track record of development and good governance.  Both the parties have their set of mismanagement of a critical situation resulting in bloodbath targeting a particular community.  The issues have become old to the younger generation which is looking forward to move ahead for progress.

Congress party has faced its first ever worst debacle.  The party burdened by corruption and inefficiency wanted to project its candidate as Young Mr. Clean.  Castigating the other party for its ‘Hindutva’ leanings did not benefit them.  All the criticisms against the other Prime Ministerial candidate have boomeranged.  Mr. Narendra Modi had tactfully dealt with it making him more imposing.  In addition his development of Gujarat story has swayed the youth in his favour.  Arvind Kejriwal who had given some hope to the people a few months ago lost faith for failure to govern Delhi.  The colossal blunder he made by resigning as Chief Minister of Delhi will haunt him for many more years. 

In fact, in these elections people had little choice.  They had to elect either a man with ambition and enthusiasm to make India a developed ‘Hindustan’ or a novice who appears always busy in revival of party and bask in the glory of family ‘martyrdom’ and without any vision for progressive India.   Now Mr. Rahul has at least a decade to develop his ancestral party from grass roots and become a seasoned politician with vision.

 Congress leaders in Telangana are unable to understand reasons for their debacle in the state.  They thought that once Telangana is given they will win all seats in Telangana.  Few leaders, who took part in Telangana agitation and part of JAC for sometime, had later followed their high command’s command and withdrew from JAC.  None of the ministers ever bothered to protect the agitating students from illegal arrests. Instead they got students, who had done ‘dharna’ or ‘gheraod’ them demanding their resignation to their posts in support of Telangana, arrested. The Congress leaders or Ministers never protested Kiran Kumar Reddy’s vile statements in Assembly or Press conferences after CWC announced positively on formation of Telangana.  When youth committed suicide aspiring for Telangana none of the Congress leaders showed any concern, neither the leaders in the Centre addressed the Telangana student community or youth to not to commit suicide as the process of Telangana is on the track will be finished in due course and Telangana for sure will be reality in the future.  The unsympathetic, arrogant, dictatorial acts by the local leaders and comments trivializing Telangana issues by some Central leaders and stoic silence by the Prime Minister and Sonia G had hurt Telanganites and that is expressed by vote. 

Few leaders who won could be due to the good they have done to their segments in the past.  The few seats gained by TDP are because of the ‘settlers’.

In the democracy people do not vote just by listening to what the contestants or leaders say at the time of elections.  They evaluate them from the day they won.  Their activity/programmes/governance that has effect on their life in the past few years is not forgotten.  This is like internal assessment.  And when they contest again considering all these the party or person is given the ranking.

 The lucky winner in these elections is the ‘power star’.  Few weeks before elections he established a party.  His party's second meeting in Vizag was not a success.  He never contested nor anybody from his party.  But his party has become part of NDA.  His campaign resulted loss of votes to BJP in Telangana.  The TDP-BJP combine win in Seemaandhra had made him a star campaigner close to Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister elect of India.

Rahul G Smiles

Image source - Google images

Smile.  It adds beauty to the face.  It shows that the person is at peace and ready to accept things as they are.  It is also an expression of readiness to hear the opposite person’s views.  At times it may be deceptive and hide malicious intentions of the person.  Whatever a person feels at the time of smiling opposite person always feels pleased and encouraged to interact cordially. 

Rahul G smiled; it is obvious in his eyes.  His acceptance of defeat of Congress in the recent Elections - 2014, is graceful.  His statement was simple.  But his broad smiles and body language simply revealed his happiness.  The rout of Congress made him happy?!   Or being out of pressure to become Prime Minister?  Or that at least now the Congress party will realise that ‘Gandhi’ name is not a guarantee to win elections and force him to take up party responsibilities in future?

If the party exempts him from forcible leadership he can marry his girl friend and lead a happy family life. We can think so many reasons behind Rahul G’s pleasant smile.  Only he knows the truth.

The Vote is For....

Another few hours for the Election – 2014 results to be out.  The party which is favoured by the media and corporate houses and declared to win in exit polls is readying to form government.  The other party has not given up hope and is ready to accept the peoples’ verdict. 

Many factors have played role in the outcome of this election.  This election outwardly carried on like the presidential election in USA.  But the healthy enlightening discussions on the prevailing conditions of the nation and the partys' stand or methodology for progress of nation were missing.  One party harped on the family heritage and family ‘martyrdom’ rather than the achievements by its governance.  The other party talked of development by one person of one state to be extrapolated to the nation by capturing power in the Centre.  The person has become bigger than party and symbol of decisiveness and development.  During the past ten years people have seen a Prime Minister who appeared to have taken up the highest post in the nation as job and loyal to his appointee.  The social media also has put forth vast information regarding the personal and social details of important contestants in this election.  The present generation of first time voters supplemented with information on social media and ground realities of systematized corruption and criminality with unresponsive government had to choose a person promising development with creation of employment.  The new generation wants opportunities for employment and not happy with the doles and freebies. They have little choice. 

Whichever party wins Indian democracy should thrive as a secular nation with inclusive development of all Indians.

                                        

                                          **********************************

  The results of local body elections in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh have surprised everyone.  Those feared routing were happy to gain secure positions and the party thought to win had to lie low and wait for Assembly results.  The poor show of TRS in the local body elections could be due to the supposed alliance/ later merger of the party with Congress.  But later when it was declared to contest individually and KCR had taken up intense campaigning the result could be different.  May be there is secret understanding between TRS and Congress to contest Assembly and Parliament elections separately to prevent advantage to TDP-BJP.  As the surveys had predicted win for TRS and no gain for Congress, the triangular contest had led to loss of votes to BJP working in tandem with TDP.  Few more hours to know who will form the first government in the newly formed state of Telangana.  

Election Campaign - 2014

Tomorrow – 12^th May will be the last day of polling.  Yesterday the campaign has ended.  This Election – 2014 is conducted in nine phases, extending for more than a month, is the longest in history of Indian Elections.  The largest democracy in the world this time had more than 80 crores voters.  This is the costly election as per the expenditure by the election commission and also by the candidates splurging huge amounts in their campaign.

The election campaign this time had been the worst ever campaign focused mostly on self aggrandizement and mudslinging on the opposite party and contestant.  None of the senior party leaders or Prime Ministerial candidates ever talked about how they will tackle to free the nation from corruption and put it on the track of development.  Poverty alleviation and employment creation had not been an issue.  The talk of development is about one state and that state has deplorable human welfare indices.  In a country like India with diverse geography and culture no one model will be applicable to all states. 

During the election campaign every contestant and party spoke about the wrong doings of the other parties and contestants.  This exposed all the contestants and parties’ character and principles.  The worst trend that has appeared in the present election is challenging the Election Commission after flouting election code.  If this is the trend setter it is worrisome for future elections and democracy. 

In the past many elections there was some choice to select the party or candidate.  In the present it is difficult to understand who belongs to which party and to choose between a business tycoon, power maniac politicians and persons with criminal backgrounds.  There is little choice.  But Indian democracy is vibrant and the collective decision of half a billion people will surprise the world.

Shimla

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh is a scenic hill station.  It is about 120KM from Chandigarh.  The place can be reached by train or bus.  Generally tourists go by train to enjoy the vintage train journey passing amidst mountains and tunnels.  The train starts at Kalka, about 40KM from Chandigarh.  The train we booked was Shivalik express which was supposed to depart at 5.30AM.  We reached the station by 5AM.  But the train arrived on the platform at 7.30 and departure was at 8.30AM. 

On the way to Shimla

The waiting at the station in cold was a chilly experience.  The upper class waiting room was stinking and the 2^nd class waiting room was better to lay back.  The train is different from other regular trains.  It is toy train, seats are different and their direction can be changed.  It takes 4hrs to Shimla from Kalka.  Tea and break fast is served on the train. The train passes through hundred tunnels, small and long, the longest is the Baroga tunnel.  The journey through the mountains is breathtaking.  The scenes change so quickly that it is difficult to take the photograph of what you want.  The view of houses, plantation, fields, snow covered mountains and deodar trees apparently touching the sky are a feast to nature lovers.  Bus journey also takes us through the mountains, but the train journey is more pleasant.  The duration of journey is same by train or bus, but bus journey feels more tedious and there is always fear of hill sickness – motion sickness, which can cause vomiting.  The bus drivers here seem to be used to hill sickness, that they give pouches to passengers to vomit in to it if it occurs. 

The best time to visit Shimla is between January and March.  This is the time when there will be snowfall and tourist can enjoy the beauty of the place.  Tourists should be lucky to have sunny day after snow fall so that they can see places of interest.  If the snowfall continues the roads may be closed and roaming in the city may not be possible.

At Ridge, in the upper photograph Lord Hanuman Idol is seen amidst trees on the mountain.

All the tourists who come here visit Jakku Hanuman temple, Kufri, and Ridge.

The roads are narrow, winding with sharp curves and steep rises and bends.  It is really frightening when the driver negotiates reverse on the road that is raised by an angle of 45 degrees.  We should pray Almighty for safety of our life and limb and appreciate driver’s skill for keeping us intact.  Noticing such hazardous driving I was surprised for the driver not wearing seat belt.

“Here the roads are so narrow and steep and possibility of falling down into the valley beside the road.  Don’t you have the rule to wear to seat belt?” I asked the driver.

“We do have.  But we don’t follow.  The police here know us.  If ever there is any checking we just put the belt on.  Police will leave us with little fine or admonishment.  But if people from outside come in their car they must wear the belt.  Otherwise they will be fined heavily”, he told.

“Wearing seat belt really saves life.  Every driver should make it a habit”.  I know my advice will not enter his ears. 

At Mall Road

The mall road is for buying things for tourists.  There are other bazaars too.  But tourists visit this place as this is a level lower than Ridge the best scenic area where Himalayas are seen in all their splendour.  A level lower is the lower bazaar.  The Mall road is reached by a lift.  As we were advised by our driver we made a point to purchase ‘Kulu’ shawls and ‘pattiwali’ coats from Himachal Pradesh Khadi Bhandar, where the rates are fixed and we get genuine material.  There are steps to go down to lower bazaar, where there are many petty shops and hawkers selling woolen materials.  If we walk up along the Mall Road and take a right turn we can get on to Ridge.  There are also steps at two places to climb up to Ridge maidan.  Tourist can have horse ride here.  There are statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Lajpat Rai, Indira Gandhi.  We can also visit Kalibari Mandir, Gandhi Memorial, and also a church of British era and Scandal point.  Walking down the Ridge we reach the “Lakkar Bazaar” where articles made of wood are sold.  I found the articles were economically priced.

The Hanuman Idol on the hill near Jakku Hanuman Temple can be seen from here.  We were lucky to able to visit Jakku Hanuman temple.  Just a day before the temple was closed due to heavy snowfall.  There are many stories about the monkeys inhabiting near the temple.  Everybody advised us not hold any thing in hands and keep our bags safely closed and men not to carry anything in their shirt pockets.  We were even warned that the monkeys will sometimes take away the worn spectacles too.  We were scared to take any photographs here.  We had taken few photographs under intense pressure and in hurry. 

Lord Hanuman on the Hill

And about the Hanuman, there is a story that Lord Hanuman, as he carried Sanjeevani mountain to the battle field of Rama-Ravana, had laid for rest a fraction of a second on this hill and this made the mountain pushed down into the earth to some degree.  This is highest mountain in Shimla.  Tourists are given sticks to scare away the monkeys if necessary. 

Monkeys at Jakku Hanuman Temple

 As we climbed up the steps which were more than two hundred, we were more pressurized by the sounds the monkeys were making by running on the shelter and swinging on the branches of the trees along the path, than the pain in the legs. The scare of monkeys makes us to close the temple doors immediately we enter inside.  I felt that the monkeys know their limits and never attempted to come near the door. 

On the way to Kufri and at Kufri 

The place most enjoyed in Shimla trip is playing in the snow at Kufri.  If the drivers are interested, they will take the tourists very near to Kufri.  But they generally don’t.  Two kilometers horse riding towards Kufri will be memorable experience.  Not to wet ourselves and for better protection in snow, different boots and dress are given on rent.  When it is a holiday trip, people will be ready to spend money for pleasure.

Any person who had not seen snow before in life will become childlike and enjoys the feel of snow.  Sitting, playing, walking and skiing in the milky white snow is ecstatic.  Vision of snow covered Himalayas from here makes the person feel on top of the world.  

There are yaks at Kufri.  The owner of the yak will allow the tourists to sit on the yak and take photograph for a price. 

I feel that Shimla is a place to visit at least once in life time.

A Visit to Punjab - 2

Amritsar

 Golden temple at Amritsar is a must visit place for all Sikhs at least once in lifetime.  The temple in the centre of sarovar is awesome.  The only rule here is to remove footwear and cover the head.  Hand bags can be carried; photographs can be taken outside the temple.  But some people have taken pictures in the corridor leading into the temple which is also prohibited.  I felt happy that there is no frisking here.

We have visited the museum here which has many portraits, paintings depicting the lives and struggles of Sikh gurus and arms and armour.  At the temple the service is voluntary.  I have seen a young girl who picked the broom and swept the surroundings as service to God. 

 Wagah Border

Wagah border is about 30KM from Amritsar.  Tourists who visit Punjab will visit Golden temple and Wagah border without fail.  The parade at the border by the BSF on either side, India and Pakistan, is chivalrous.  The patriotic songs played and the dances will ignite patriotism.  Watching the parade is unforgettable experience.Patriotic fervour is best experienced than expressed in words.

Jai Hind