tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79998944481685085392024-03-14T00:17:07.118-07:00Devi CherianDevi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.comBlogger403125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-21970541607237273602012-12-25T22:14:00.001-08:002012-12-27T00:12:06.027-08:00The Sunday Pioneer – Dilli Billi – 23rd December 2012 – “Daily buzz of entertainment”<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 36pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;">Daily buzz of
entertainment</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 22pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular; mso-bidi-font-size: 36.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 22pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;">Watching shows on small screen gives a break from mundane
activities. Unfortunately, it is also making people forget traditions and
values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;">Last week, I called my aunt. I was shocked when she took the
call but disconnected it immediately. I was a little put off but let it go. I then
called my mother and mother-in-law. Both told me that they would call me later.
This is the standard answer that I get whenever I call them in the afternoon or
evening. It was then that I realised that it is prime time for soap on satellite
channels.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;">Ever since the introduction of <i>saas-bahu </i>serials and reality
crime shows like <i>Crime Patrol, Sansani </i>and <i>Savdhaan India, </i>housewives
in India can never get bored now. The serials have entertainment quotient and
the reality shows are diverting. They help to bust the stress of everyday life.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;">I understand that the shows on the telly help people forget
their hassles for the number of hours spent in front of it. Watching women in
their fancy saris, <i>bindis </i>and perfect make-up go about their daily
chores with a lot of drama thrown in for good measure gives the woman at home
necessary break from household work. Television shows are definitely a source
of entertainment for the middle class families.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;">I remember when we were young and only had options like Krishi
Darshan, Chitrahaar and a movie on Sunday on Doordarashan. Today, things are
different. There is entertainment for all ages 24X7.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;">The news channels, that on most occasions sensationalise the
news, are also entertaining in their own way. Then there are shows for
children. It is sad that they are more interested in watching TV than reading books.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;">Gone are the days when there was emphasis on good handwriting,
vocabulary and reading. Texting or keeping in touch with friends on social
network sites, it appears, is the favourite pastime of teenagers. Today, every
child over the age of eight has a mobile.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;">Though soaps and reality shows are doing their bit, one wonders
whether they are doing more good than harm. Crime shows are a way to educate
the people to be on guard at all times. One only hopes they are not making
people taking to crime in real life.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MinionPro-Regular;">There was a time when girls where taught needle work, knitting
and how to cook. I don’t know a single girl of this generation who knows any of
this craft. In their free time they are busy watching shows on the small screen.
It’s alarming to see mothers switch on the cartoon channel whenever it is time
to feed their child or putting them to sleep. The days of telling a story are gone.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-23175549013261267032012-12-20T23:39:00.000-08:002012-12-24T00:03:37.841-08:00The Pioneer- Dilli Billi-16th Dec 2012- “Media needs to put checks on itself”<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 31pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Media needs to put checks on itself<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Journalists
should stop sensationalizing news. It needs to rethink its strategy and apply
the unwritten code of ethics<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The whole
nation watched with interest the war between two big industry giants. One is
Member of Parliament and chairperson of the Jindal industrial empire Naveen
jindal. He has money, influence and power. The other is Subhash Chandra, a
media king. He belongs to the industry that is powerful and feared. Therefore,
it is natural that the extortion case against the two reporters of Zee TV is
being talked about in Hushed tones. No one can dare to publicly take sides as
both are extremely powerful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aam aadmi</i> has praised the role of media
in bringing to public knowledge issues of corruption, violence and crime by the
people in power and positions of influence. The media has played a major role
in educating the ordinary man, the value of his vote and showing the real face
of the leaders. The media has made many heroes, who it picked up from the
streets and many heroes lost their place. The law and order situation has
improved because of media intervention. Many criminal cases have reached the
right end only because the media took the cause.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Journalists
became kings and the public looked at them as their heroes. Many big names lost
their seat of power due to the media. But this meant that the media was
becoming aggressive and arrogant. The news started to be sensationalized. The
channels created news where there was none to increase their TRPs. Many a reputations
were ruined due to wrong reporting or because not much effort was put in while
chasing a story.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Absolute
power corrupts absolutely. A few people in the media felt that since they were
lords, nobody would dare to point a finger at them. Unlike the modern-day
journalists, the old-timers still have ethics in place. They know the
parameters and work within that with respect. People, who toyed with the media,
didn’t realise that they were playing with fire. Today, the media with its
newbie reporters are in taken by the glamour and power. They have lost their
ethical code of journalism.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is sad to
see fresh-out of college graduates make a fool of themselves on new channels. I
have seen a young anchor insensitively ask a mother who had just lost her
child, as to how she was feeling. Is that a question to ask? There is no depth
in there journalists and the questions they ask appear to be meaningless.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Journalism today
has lost its sheen. No one knows the true picture anymore. Media houses have
become centers of making money. The reputation media had is lost forever. Media
houses don’t have many friends. Wherever they go, they are looked at with
suspicion. People are always on their guard while talking to a media person.
They fear that their statement may be used in some context and be distorted.
The fight between a business house and a media house has brought to the light a
whole new game that is being played out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all know
that media carriers paid news and planted new which is bad enough. Now, the
public has to contend with news being aired on the amount of money that has
been paid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But there is
always a silver lining to everything. This whole episode has united the
politicians and businessmen alike. The media really needs to rethink on its
strategy and apply the unwritten ethical code. Otherwise, the common man would
soon start treating them with contempt.</span></span></div>
</div>
Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-76436835132393858372012-12-20T23:34:00.000-08:002012-12-20T23:34:36.705-08:00The Pioneer- Dilli Billi-9th Dec 2012- " Cong in a state of disarray”<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 36pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cong in a state of disarray<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is sad
that the oldest and largest national party in the country doesn’t have its
house in order. The conflicting signals given by its leaders are not in
national interest<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
countdown for the 2014 General Election has begun. It is more or less clear
that the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate would be none other than Gujarat
Chief Minister Narendra Modi. As for the Congress, it is still not decided who
its prime ministerial candidate would be. Though there is speculation that
Rahul Gandhi may don the role, it is said that he has still not decided whether
he wants to head the oldest and largest political party in the country. There
are rumors that he would prefer to rule from behind the curtains like his
mother. Why be the king when one can be king-maker and there is someone else to
take the rap for every wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s a shame
that one of the biggest national parties in the country doesn’t have its house
in order. It is the party worker who suffers. He can’t decide who the real head
is – is it the person who is ruling or is it the person who controls from
behind the real power centre.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the
Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections, after crossing many hurdles and giving
into pressure at the last minute, the congress had fielded Himachal Congress
chief Virbhadra Singh. Though it was the right thing to do, it came a little
late in the day. In Gujarat, Modi wants to know who will lead the Congress, but
as usual the party is in disarray. Its partymen are becoming masters of
goof-ups.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One doesn’t understand
how the people in the advertising campaign could make such major blunder? Nothing
could have hit the party more than the fact that the picture they used for the
poster was picked up from Sri Lanka and UNICEF. Why did the company not take
fresh photographs would probably remain a mystery. Every news channel splashed
the pictures of the advertisement. If this was not enough, the news that the
BJP had amassed wealth meant for the poor Gujarat took centre stage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is
unfortunate that the money meant for the upliftment of the poor has been
diverted into useless schemes and projects by Modi. One hopes that the locals
in Gujarat watched the news and are aware of the ground reality. It is time the
people saw the true picture of their leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile,
the Congress would be in a dilemma if Rahul Gandhi says no to be the Prime
Minister and lead UPA-3. The question is – who would become the Prime Minister?
One hopes that whoever sits on the chair has people’s interest at heart. In
fact, I wish the person would have certain traits of a dictator. The country
needs a head who can rule with an iron hand, who can take spot decisions, who
can lead the nation by setting an example himself and take the youth in
confidence and move forward. We need a person who can take a leaf out from the
experience of the senior leaders and combine it with energy of the young
Ministers at the Centre.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When one
talks to the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aam aadmi</i> on the streets
of Gujarat there is a startling revelation – the people may have forgiven but
not forgotten Modi’s role ion Godhra riots even though his name has been
cleared. They have forgiven him because of the developmental work that has been
undertaken in the State. His authority over administration and the confidence
has impress many. The business houses who have invested in his State are happy
with how smoothly things move in the State. Unlike other States where there are
many leaders and hence there are conflicting signals, in Gujarat Modi’s word is
final. This makes it easy for things to move. The projects undertaken are
passed with a single nod from Modi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many say
that Modi is like a lion who has smelt the power of success even though there
is a hint of arrogance in his stance. This is because, for now, he is the
undisputed king in Gujarat. One will have to wait and watch how much time it
takes him to reach the power corridors of Delhi and who are the people who
would act as roadblocks I his journey. Let’s see how many hurdles he would have
to cross since he is man who is in a hurry to reach the top.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Would Rahul
Gandhi challenge him or will the regional parties, who have their own agenda,
be able to stop him? This is an era of collision politics; the real heroes are
the regional parties who will have the last laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sadly the Congress appears to have become more
of a regional party than a national one. Count the number of States it is in
power. In Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh the party is in a mess. No Congress
Chief Minister today has confidence in the High Command that even if he is
elected he would be Chief Minister again. The High Command is capable of doing
another Bhajan Lal or repeat what they did in Uttrakhand.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-34224402227844377432012-12-20T22:47:00.000-08:002012-12-27T00:12:48.745-08:00Punjab Kesari Jalandhar Article 13th December, 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-14271074555002946342012-12-18T22:51:00.000-08:002012-12-18T22:55:13.222-08:00The Pioneer- Dilli Billi-2nd Dec 2012- " Politics is about vested interest”<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 36pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Politics is about vested interest<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The nexus
between politics and corporate always existed but, today, it has become a norm.
So much so that politicians can’t see anything beyond their selfish needs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The preparations
for the Lok Sabha elections are underway. The UPA-2 Government has also started
gearing up for the elections. And those who had expected a lot of excitement
around the Cabinet reshuffle are disappointed. Many had thought that the
elections would be held in 2013 and not in 2014. It is said that the Budget
session of March 2013 would be a people-friendly budget. The message from the
Finance Ministry would be clear for all to read – it would be the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aam aadmi</i> who would benefit the most. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One waits
for the day when the prices of essential commodities would be slashed and the
benefits of various schemes started by the Centre manage to reach the common
man easily. As is common, many wannabes join the political bandwagon just
before elections. This is because today, there is no better business than being
a politician. Joining politics is rather tempting; it is an easy route to
making money and having a lot of power. We know that politics today is dirty
but it has its advantageous.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is
impossible to stand for an election without a strong financial backing whether
it is national parties, regional parties or even Independents who are backed by
business houses who have their own agenda. Many demand and push for policy
changes to suit their purpose. Recently, many businessmen have started to openly
associate themselves with politicians and political parties so that they can be
nominated to the Upper house. Rajya Sabha, at one point of time, was reserved
for the elderly statesmen today, unfortunately has many businessmen as its
members. A lot of their time is spent dining and wining with policy-makers. As
a member, they can easily meet the people who matter. This is one of the reasons
that the kind of people entering into politics has gone down leaving a bad
taste in the mouth of the ordinary man. It is difficult for the common man to
be able to identify with the leader who travels in a private jet without a care
for the public who voted him to power. Such leaders can’t see beyond their own
selfish needs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The media
and some activists have exposed the nexus that exists between politicians and
businessmen. In this era of coalition Governments, it is known fact that the
Capital has its share of people who liaisons with different Ministries get the
maximum benefit for their business house. Lobbying is a reality today. In fact,
in countries like the US, it is legal and is political parties openly made use
of it. I believe that as long as the Government protects the interest of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aam aadmi</i> and works for the betterment of
the nation, it is okay to lobby. The public is not so innocent to believe that
the Congress is the only party which can deliver. It is no doubt the oldest
party in the country but regional parties, which work only in a selective area,
are gaining ground.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Congress
really needs to get its act together. It is a difficult task but with hard work
and commitment it can change its image.</span></span></div>
</div>
Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-33201732722978095312012-12-16T22:28:00.000-08:002012-12-16T22:28:19.513-08:00The Pioneer- Dilli Billi-25th Nov 2012- "Cong, BJP losing ground"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 36pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cong, BJP losing ground<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Regional
parties are gaining ground because the two national parties – the Congress and
the BSP – are losing touch with grassroots workers & the common man<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most
political leaders wonder what annoys the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aam
aadmi</i>. The sad part is that even though these leaders claim to have caught
the pulse of the public, they are yet to fathom the reason for anger. While
regional party leaders who have grassroots connection appear to have some sort
of understanding, the two national parties – the Congress and the BSP – are at
sea.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Probably,
the fault lies with the fact that leaders at the centre have never been in
touch with ground reality. They prefer to stay in New Delhi and become advisors
to their High Command. When State leaders who are the main workers, come to New
Delhi to meet senior leaders, they have to wait for days on end to get an
audience. And, often, they return disappointed. It is then that one gets to see
the difference in thinking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Grassroots leader talks with conviction and authority and the problems he faces
when he goes asking for votes. It’s easy to sit in Delhi and give out orders.
There is no understanding on any side. People who come from the States don’t understand
the reason for the arrogance that central leaders have. It leaves the worker
disillusioned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is
unfortunate that the top leaders in the BJP and the Congress are unable to put
a stop to the infighting. One has to remember that strong leadership is able to
do way with any negativity as soon as it starts. Time and again we have seen
that problems are created for a strong State leader by leaders in New Delhi.
Whether it is created by a few men who vested interests, on doesn’t know. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For such
people it is always self before the party welfare. The wrong information given
by such people only irritates the real leader because he has a strong base and
doesn’t need to ask for any favours from anyone. This is because he brings
substance to the table which no baseless person can ever bring. Begging for a
meeting with the top brass is humiliating and demeaning for a strong State leader.
They get tired of the decisions that are forced upon him and then snubbed in
full public view. Under such a situation, many self respecting leaders break
away from the party and float their own.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If the
Congress and the BJP wants to survive they need to start respecting their State
leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is because of these
grassroots level people that others are able to rule at the Centre. It is sad
when senior leaders like Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Vir Bahadur
who can deliver are put to test time and again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is here
that regional parties gain. They don’t have to report to anyone. They are
responsible for their actions. It is their decision that means a win or loss
for them. They are their own bosses. Hence, it is not surprising that many
congress and BJP leaders would love to change places with them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many leaders
are of the opinion that time is fast approaching when Gujarat Chief Minister
Narendra Modi would win the Gujarat Assembly elections and change the number
game for the 2014 General Election.</span></span></div>
</div>
Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-74771563408556801032012-12-13T23:50:00.000-08:002012-12-14T00:14:04.732-08:00The Pioneer- Dilli Billi-18th Nov 2012- "Festivals have lost meaning" <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 30pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Festivals have lost meaning</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Gone </span><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">are</span><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> the days when festivals like Diwali were celebrated with
simplicity. Spending time with the family has been replaced with getting drunk
and gambling away lakhs of rupees.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Diwali is
one festival that I look forward to. And for one reason – the entire family
comes together and for the next three days, it is celebrations all around. The
festival is so simple yet there is much to rejoice. Days are spent eating <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">alu puris</i> and lots of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mithai</i>. In our family, it is a tradition
to play <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">teen patti</i>. Of course, since
every family member plays, the stakes are not too high – it is limited to </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">₨</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">10 board. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s bonding
time for my family and my husband’s too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Strangely,
these kind of celebrations are seen as old fashioned and boring now. Today, for
most, Diwali means getting drunk and playing cards where stakes are in lakhs. I
am told, sometimes, it goes as high as a crore. I have some friends who chartered
a plane and took their card playing friends to a resort so that they would not
be disturbed. The question of spending time with family was zero.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Their life
is so different. I feel sorry for these parents and their children. For me,
festivals like these are family time. Those who don’t bond on these occasions
usually find themselves at a loose end. If parents are busy elsewhere, who will
teach the children importance of bonding with each other? Who will teach them
the meaning of giving, patience and tolerance towards each other?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For me, the
biggest gift an elder can give to the younger generation is values. Unfortunately,
over the years, the meaning of Diwali has undergone a change. For many,
especially in the Government, it has become a means to bribe officials and politicians
by giving them expensive gifts. Love is weighed not by affection and hugs and
cares but how much the Diwali present cost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Therefore,
our generation is confused. Studying in foreign universities and exposure to
the western culture means that these children have not been able to fully adopt
a single culture. Being modern, to them, means freedom which in turn means that
all their demands must be met – a Mercedes or a BMW and pocket money to spend
at pubs with no questions asked. And if a parent does ask for an explanation,
the usual retort is ‘stay out of my personal life’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Till date, I
have not understood what is personal between a parent and a child, especially if
the child is financially dependent on the parents for everything. I wonder why
a parent allows a child to bully or emotionally blackmail them. Parents who
give in to their child’s demands every time usually end up ruining their ward’s
future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was a
child, I was never given a choice of missing prayer times, meal times, and any
festival or birthdays. Today, some parents ask their teenage kids if it would
suit them to attend a particular family function.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most of the
children today, don’t’ know why some of the festivals are celebrated. Our rich
heritage and traditions has been lost to them. The west wants to learn our
culture, values and traditions. Our own children are running away from it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I felt
ashamed when my friend’s son said that he didn’t know why Diwali is celebrated.
What is sadder still is that he knew why Christmas is celebrated but ignorant about
festivals in India. Faulty upbringing and giving wrong values is the cause of
many problems in the society today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is time
we took pride in celebrating our festivals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-69911881592551307782012-12-12T00:32:00.000-08:002012-12-24T00:02:31.385-08:00The Pioneer- Dilli Billi-11th Nov 2012- "Make Accusations if they can be proved"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Make
Accusations if they can be proved<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Today, politics has become a game where leaders make
personal attacks without thinking of the repercussions. It is time that
elections are fought on more concrete grounds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One watched the campaigning for
Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh with a lot of interest. What was shocking was, of
course, the bad and foul language used at Press conferences where the leaders
had nothing to say but make personal attacks. This kind of behavior is
shameful. The politicians need to understand that the youth are major voters.
They are educated and are aware of ground realities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile, the news channels have
become channels of entertainment especially when they discuss politics and politicians.
One can see which side a particular channel is inclined towards. Candidates
always complaint that news channels play favourites. The personal equation that
many channels have with a particular media house, obviously with gains forming
a major part of it, affects the coverage of the news. It is sad that the media
has sunk to such low levels that people are doing sting operations on the media
heads. Nothing can be more shameful than this. With so much bias shown on news
channels, many prefer to watch a serial than watch the news. These people rely
on Doordarshan for the news of substance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other day at a dinner party, I
attended, people were discussing that there was a time when a whistleblower
would address the media, people would want to know what he had to say. Today,
People are tired of self-proclaimed heroes who have taken it upon themselves to
be conscious keepers. There is no doubt that they are doing the nation a
service, but people are not interested in accusations. The public is not
concerned with whether the person involved is good or bad in personal life. As long
as he is working for the betterment, what he does in his private life doesn’t concern
the common man.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It takes years to make a name for oneself.
We are humans and make mistakes. This doesn’t mean that a wrong should not be
highlighted. But to tarnish somebody’s image with frivolous charges is not in
good taste. Ours is a democratic set up which the whole world respects. So unless
there is concrete proof, one must resist the temptation to speak ill of the
person. And if the charges are proved the Government must take strong action
against them. As for the people who blow the cover, they too have a duty towards
the society- to put portray the correct and true picture if the corrupt politicians,
businessman and or the official involved.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat
election campaign, personal attacks were made. A Senior State leader was
insulted by a young MP. The young leader said that the senior leader was
mentally unstable and resembled a monkey. Who appreciates this kind of talk? It
just shows bad upbringing and the voter is completely put off by the party
which gave the young MP courage to say something like. After all, a person who
has been in politics for 50 years demands more respect than shown by the
first-timer MP.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is sad that allegations are
carelessly made and it is left to the accused to prove his innocence, in my
opinion, if the accuser is proved wrong he should be punished and the media
that was instrumental in carrying such fallacious news needs to apologise to
the person concerned on the TV.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I is high time that elections are
fought on issue based grounds rather than hurling insults and making personal attacks
just to score points on a new channel.<span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-90897666174974408062012-12-07T00:41:00.000-08:002012-12-07T00:41:05.511-08:00Punjab Kesari Jalandhar Article 30th November, 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-8835931025046183682012-12-07T00:31:00.001-08:002012-12-07T00:41:51.245-08:00Punjab Kesari Jalandhar Article 22nd November, 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-70926370484679265192012-11-06T01:13:00.000-08:002012-11-06T01:14:14.949-08:00The Pioneer-Dilli Billi-4th.Nov.2012- "WORK,NOT PERSONAL ATTACKS,GETS VOTES"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"WORK,NOT PERSONAL ATTACKS,GETS VOTES"<br />
<br />
<strong>The common man is not concerned with what politicians do in personal life. They just want the leaders to deliver what they had promised during the campaign.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
The much-awaited Cabinet reshuffle of the UPA Government didn’t make everyone happy. Many had been anxiously waiting for the reshuffle. It had to be postponed many times over due to various complications and compulsions of running a Government on crutches.<br />
<br />
But in the end, the hype about the reshuffle was whether the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was given a free hand for this exercise or it was the Congress’ general secretary Rahul Gandhi who had taken charge of the re-vamp before the 2014 Lok Sabha election. One thing was clear, the reshuffle showed the party allies where their stood.<br />
<br />
To be honest, the end result of the reshuffle was a mix of both what the Prime Minister wanted with leaders like Ashwani Kumar and Pawan Bansal given responsibilities with promotions and Rahuil’s young brigade when the High Command placed faith in Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot. They have been given new responsibilities which they are very capable of handling. MM Pallam Raju, the new Human Resource Development Minister was supported by his godfather, Defence Minister AK Antony. And then there is Manish Tiwari. Nobody in the Cabinet knows better than him on how to deal with the media. Hence giving him the I&B Ministry was a master stroke.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the preparation for the 2014 General Elections are underway. The BJP and the Congress along with their allies have already started to point fingers at each other. With charges of corruption being levied, the leaders have lost control over their language. It is impossible for somebody with integrity and honesty to try and make a place for themselves in today’s politics. It is remarkable that politicians have not realised yet that the public is not interested in listening to derogative remarks made about opponents. They don’t cast their vote because a leader is targeting another on the personal front. The public may have got used to corrupt politicians but not the ones who do not deliver on what has been promised. The common man wants results. It doesn’t matter to him what the leader does in his personal life.<br />
<br />
Coming back to the reshuffle. The new list of Ministers in the Manmohan Singh Government are young, educated, bright and honest. None of them are likely to use abusive language, unlike the senior leaders whom we see on TV fighting, rushing into the well of the House and sometimes even throwing <em>chappals </em>at each other.<br />
<br />
What the public wants today is development. Development in the name of progress. He wants that the Government should have a fullproof system which makes it possible for him to be able to provide his family basic needs.<br />
<br />
Any leader who is able to deliver what he promised would win hands down. For the <em>aam aadmi</em> nothing else matters. Even the uneducated youth who forms a major votebank today, are aware of what is happening around them.<br />
<br />
In Himachal Pradesh, the statement made by Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi have not gone down well with the locals. The people in State respect their womenfolk and live with dignity. The politicians would have to change their way of thinking and think twice before they open their mouth.<br />
<br />
The leaders today need to live by example for the youth of tomorrow.</div>
Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-56427508444282837122012-10-31T03:50:00.004-07:002012-10-31T03:50:46.889-07:00The Pioneer-Dilli Billi-28th.Oct.2012-"PARENTS TO BLAME FOR AGGRESSION IN KIDS"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong>Siblings fighting on petty issues has become common place. The language used and the physical fights shows that being offensive has become a way of life for them.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Last week, I visited my cousin who has two sons aged five and nine. Looking at them, I realised that children today are so different from the children of yesteryear. My first impression of the two boys — there was no shyness or awkwardness and they knew what they wanted. The two were fighting with each other over a video game. The fight was aggressive and the words they were using were not very kind to anyone’s ears. I was a bit taken a back with this kind of bad behaviour.<br />
<br />
At the end of the evening, I realised that this generation is being brought up in an environment where there is terror, violence and aggression. It is possible that they are picking up the vibes from around them. After all terrorism and violence is so much in our face. We switch on the TV and all one hears is news about rapes, murders, thefts and acts of terror. Pick up magazines and newspapers, the headlines scream of killings and violence. One watches movies for entertainment but they, too, are so full of violence.<br />
<br />
In such a situation, how can we blame our children for being aggressive? In schools, they have to fight in sports; competition is at its peak when it comes to marks and on top of that they have to compete on who has the best of things. The children today want all the luxuries and comforts. Not that there is any harm but they need to understand that whatever comfort they are getting is because of their parents’ hard work. The children can’t demand things as if the world owes it to them. But they are impatient and in a hurry. They don’t want to work for the comforts they want. They prefer if it was provided to them.<br />
<br />
But my generation struggled and we are at this stage because we worked hard for it. Today’s generation wants everything ‘now’. And it is this ‘now’ that is channelised into aggression and sometimes makes them take to crime. It is sad that teenagers today are taking to a life of crime so that they can ‘enjoy life now’. It is not about <em>roti-kapda</em> but motorcycles, latest mobiles and money to spend in night clubs to relax and chill.<br />
<br />
Alcohol and drugs are a common phenomenon. They bully their parents into giving them expensive things and make it sound as if they are doing a favour by taking the gifts from the parents.<br />
<br />
The abduction and murder of a five-year-old by a 19-year-old in Pune is a case in point. The toddler was kidnapped because the 19-year-old had wanted money to buy a bike.<br />
<br />
And a majority of the blame lies with the parents. There is lack of communication and no understanding between the child and the parent. And this different is due to values given, the way a child is brought up and exposure.<br />
<br />
It is unfortunate that our surroundings and exposure have made our new generation irresponsible and frustrated. It is impossible to reason with them. Teenagers want to wear designer clothes and drive swanky superfast cars. All this can’t be just due to peer pressure. A lot, in my opinion, has got to do with showing off. It’s a shame how they insult their parents by calling ‘values’ old fashioned and not giving in to their demands as ‘stingy’ and ‘selfish’.<br />
<br />
It’s high time we did an introspection and made changes in how we are bringing up our children. We need to be strict and less giving however guilty we may feel that we are not providing for our children.</div>
Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-77113857831840119582012-10-23T00:17:00.001-07:002012-10-23T00:17:16.900-07:00Punjab Kesari - October.17th.2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-88322947985878771222012-10-23T00:15:00.004-07:002012-10-23T00:15:52.060-07:00Punjab Kesari - 3rd.October.2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-48861778076082875152012-10-22T01:41:00.003-07:002012-10-22T01:41:50.641-07:00The Pioneer-Dilli Billi-21st.Oct,2012-"CLEAN ELECTIONS & IN-YOUR-FACE-ATTACKS"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>"CLEAN ELECTIONS & IN-YOUR-FACE-ATTACKS"</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>It is sad that political parties today are more interested in attacking the personal lives of leaders rather than talking about their political non-performance.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
As the election campaign in two States — Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh — gain momentum, the nation watches in silence on how clean or dirty the campaign is going to be. What is astonishing are the vicious remarks made on personal lives of the politicians. It is impossible today to expect a campaign that is free of personal attacks and what a political party would do for the common man once it is in power.<br />
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However, for now, the Congress appears to be keeping away from making personal attacks. Instead, it is concentrating on its various achievements in the last two years. The party is busy undoing the negative propaganda spread by the BJP on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In fact, it is the Congress’ top priority.<br />
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Even though the Congress is doing its best to explain the economic reforms, including the FDI, which is the easiest to sell, it is finding it difficult to explain to the public why there is price rise in everything. The Opposition is united when it comes to attacking the Government on inflation even though the Government defended its reforms and price rise.<br />
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Today, politics has become a mudslinging match. It is sad when leaders like Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh fight on trivial matters like travel expenses and health bills. Using bad language and attacking each other has never benefitted anyone, it always boomerangs. But these issues make no difference to the<em> aam janta.</em><br />
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What makes a difference is the kind of candidate a political party fields, how it tackles corruption and controls price rise. It is unfortunate that even after 65 years of Independence, the Government can’t create enough jobs so that a man on the street can feed his family, provide shelter and educate his children. Why would a political party think that the public is interested in a leader’s personal life when he has too many problems of his own boggles the mind.<br />
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But what the common man wants to know how a man who entered politics only a decade back has managed to amass millions in such a short period. Those who enter politics are living in the lap of luxury. And it is not just them who are enjoying the benefits, their children too enjoy all the luxuries. It is interesting to see how power goes to their head. The huge bungalows, swanky cars and a lifestyle these people are leading is unbelievable. The common man is left wide-eyed. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening.<br />
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There is no concept of men being equal. It is more like the lord and his slave now. This attitude is pathetic. What is worse is that just before elections, the lord stands with folded hands in front of the slave begging him to vote for him. Of course, the latest and fastest way to lose weight and gain votes is to go on a <em>padyatra</em>. Once back in the drive’s seat, empty promises that were made are easily forgotten because they have a foreign trip to go on.<br />
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The elections in the two States are a precursor to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The stakes for Modi and Singh are high. For Modi it may be a step closer to the power corridors in New Delhi. For Singh, it is his last chance to prove himself. But let’s hope that despite personal agenda’s the leaders would also think about the <em>aam aadmi’</em>s survival.<br />
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-11623927313114026042012-10-16T00:20:00.001-07:002012-10-16T00:30:02.850-07:00The Pioneer-Dilli Billi-14th.Oct.2012-"WHEN WILL THE WOMEN IN INDIA RISE?"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong>It is unfortunate that women in politics prefer to take a back seat despite the fact that they are more talented and let the men in the family dominate them.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Crime against women is rising by the day. Gangrapes have become a daily affair. Delhi is one of the most unsafe cities in the world for women. Haryana is another story. Politicians getting involved in dubious land deals, affairs with women and rapes are not looked upon as anything unusual. Last month, two educated young women like Fiza and Geetika involved with two Ministers (now former) in the Haryana Government met with a brutal end.<br />
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What is sadder still is that the society is not blaming the men. What leaves me even more confused is how the rich and the powerful manage to get away with heinous crime. I have heard many horror stories about what the poor or even the middle class women have to endure even today.<br />
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I have a friend who comes from a fairly influential background but her husband beats her up regularly. Her in-laws side with their son who is living off his father’s money. The fact that he gets away with wife bashing is an example of his father’s influence. My friend’s parents don’t want their daughter to return to them. The reason — what will the neighbours and relatives say? The fact that they don’t want to antogonise the influential in-laws is an added woe. Her two children always side with the father. He is the one who provides for their luxuries. She is smart, educated and yet hapless. There is a perpetual look of fear and sadness on her face. I see her wilting in front of my eyes and all I can do is lend her a shoulder to cry on when she visits me.<br />
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Many times, she has talked of ending her life. But the love for her children, the heavy responsibility of not maligning her father’s or in-laws’ names stops her from taking the ultimate step. I feel helpless for my friend. But then she is not the only one who finds herself in such a situation. Every third woman in India faces a similar situation.<br />
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Of course, one doesn’t get everything in life but this kind of life, where one dies a little bit everyday is not really worth living.<br />
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Today, we talk about Women’s Reservation Bill and rights for women. Until we change the mindset of our society, nothing will change. Women are taken for granted and actually treated as doormats. If a woman takes the bold step of leaving her husband, she is labeled as easy prey. It is sad that in a country where we have powerful women like Sonia Gandhi, Kiran Mazumdar, Pratibha Patil and Meira Kumar, we are still unable to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill. Elections have come and gone but women of this country are still waiting for the Bill to be passed as promised by the UPA Government many times.<br />
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Forget the Bill, even the tickets distributed by political parties, including the Congress, are not in accordance to the percentage set for the women.<br />
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Whether it is the BJP or the Congress, the Women’s Reservation Bill is not something that the leaders are interested in pushing. Men are insecure about losing their seats and, may be, the women also have a lackadaisical approach. If women do not get rights when a leader like Sonia Gandhi is at the helm, it is unlikely to ever happen.<br />
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Even women who are in politics today are wives, sisters and daughters of established political leaders. But they prefer to take a back seat even though they are more talented.</div>
Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-21711096635508027872012-10-07T23:55:00.000-07:002012-10-07T23:55:28.569-07:00The Pioneer-Dilli Billi-Oct.7th.2012-TIME TO TAKE A TOUGH STAND"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong>It is time for the Congress to make tough decisions. In order to win, the party would have to keep its personal relationships aside and work for the betterment of the common man.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
The Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi comes into his own by taking up the Kashmir issue. He contradicted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s statement on the death of sarpanches and panches much to the everyone’s astonishment. It has been taken for granted over the years that Rahul lets his personal friendship with Omar come in the way of how things run in the Valley. The J&K Congressmen are not happy with the party leadership at the Centre for not ticking off the National Conference over their lapses in running the Government.<br />
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It is very difficult for the State party leaders to keep the party floating when one has a Chief Minister who is an ally and to top it all, a good friend. Rahul and Omar are both young, educated and of course, have many common interests other than just politics.<br />
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Politics for them is something that the family is involved in. Their fathers, late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Energy Minister and former Chief Minister of J&K Farooq Abdullah both shared a good rapport and as did Sheikh Abdullah and Jawaharlal Nehru. But in politics nothing is forever. Hence, political ambitions and welfare of the partymen creates tension in friendship. As of now, the grassroots Congressmen in the Valley are praying that Rahul realises that the elections are fast approaching. If he doesn’t encourage his people and dissuade his ally from taking harsh decisions they will sit in Opposition. The Peoples Democratic Party is watching every move.<br />
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As it is if ‘a’ party is not in command in the State for six years their workers at the grassroots level get disappointed and frustrated as their work is never done by any official. If one wants to keep the party alive, it is a must to even stand up to your allies whose agenda may be self-centered. The State is an extremely sensitive and each death is blamed on the militants. It is a terrible signal to send to the outside world when they have just started to visit the Valley thinking it is safe. Tourism has boomed and improved the economic situation. But the Chief Minister can’t take anything for granted. The NC and the Congress are two parties who would fight the elections individually.<br />
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According to the Congressmen in the State it was a wrong decision by the Centre to make Omar the Chief Minister for so long. It was very discouraging for the workers. Under such circumstances keeping the flock together for six years is a big achievement. Omar needs seasoned and experienced leaders for better results even when he has full support of the Center.<br />
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With the elections approaching fast, if the Congress wants to gain more seats it must forget that they are an ally in the Government and must behave as a responsible party in the State that takes up every issue that is not for the welfare. It must start make a noise it the party’s agenda is not being fulfilled. Give the running of the State to local leaders who understand the problems. The Congress always gives in to its allies. If this continues it would be very difficult for it to win. The fact that the Prime Minister is going ahead with the reforms despite West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s tantrums is a good signal for the Congress and a has sent a tough message to the allies. For elections the Congress has to take more harsh decisions.</div>
Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-56244398882893128962012-10-01T03:45:00.003-07:002012-10-01T03:45:34.258-07:00The Pioneer-September.23rd.2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-62885141248689074862012-10-01T03:44:00.002-07:002012-10-01T03:44:46.340-07:00The Pioneer-September.16th.2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-60320763738853000652012-10-01T03:43:00.002-07:002012-10-01T03:43:59.432-07:00The Pioneer-September.9th.2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-71762158245662063502012-10-01T03:38:00.003-07:002012-10-01T03:40:20.009-07:00The Pioneer-September.2nd.2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-85502672837520682672012-10-01T03:37:00.001-07:002012-10-01T03:37:47.874-07:00The Pioneer- August.26th.2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-21900990812940855972012-10-01T03:36:00.000-07:002012-10-01T03:36:12.839-07:00The Pioneer - August.19th 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-8795387322189454182012-09-30T03:30:00.007-07:002012-09-30T03:30:58.775-07:00The Pioneer- Dilli Billi -30th.Sept.2012 -"THAT'S HEAVY PRICE FOR SURVIVAL"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>"THAT'S HEAVY PRICE FOR SURVIVAL"</b><br />
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<strong>The recent price hike has upset the budget of the aam aadmi. But
the rich continue to live life king-size at the cost of the hardworking
middle class.</strong><br />
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<strong>The Prime Minister’s address to the nation on September 21, 2012 was
welcomed by all. This is because Manmohan Singh rarely speaks and it was
a good idea for him to address the country, more so, after the price
hike of various essential commodities which has affected not just the
poor but also the rich. Manmohan Singh is a master of reforms and the
business community has been waiting for economic changes. But whether
the message sent by the Prime Minister was well-received by the urban
population is not clear but I am told that people living in rural areas
listened to him.</strong><br />
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<strong>But it is sad the people have stopped listening to an address by a head
of State. There was a time when citizens would be glued to their TV set
or radio to listen to Jawaharlal Nehru or Lal Bahadur Shastri address
the nation. We were children at that time and made to sit to listen when
these leaders spoke. Today, the public has lost all respect for the
politicians. Unfortunately, even an honest man like Manmohan Singh is
looked upon with suspicion because of his Cabinet colleagues. The public
wonders why Singh bows to non-entities.</strong><br />
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<strong>Coming back to the price rise. The increase would affect the common
man’s budget. Prices of essential commodities have sky-rocketed to an
extent that even eating <em>daal-roti</em> has become difficult for the <em>aam aadmi</em>.
Poor man’s dream is to give his child good education, clothes and
two-square meals a day. But it continues to elude him. On the other hand
the scams, corruption charges and the lifestyle of the rich is like
slap on the face of the hardworking middle class.</strong><br />
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<strong>What adds to the woes of the working class is when big industrialists
like Vijay Mallya don’t pay salaries to their employees for months but
continue to lead life king-size and travel all over the world in their
private jets.</strong><br />
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<strong>The fact that the Government continues to have a non-committal attitude
towards the people means that the plight of the common man refuses to
improve. One can only imagine how the families manage their household
expenses when the bread-earner has not been paid for months.</strong><br />
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<strong>What is even worse is that the Government protects the corrupt Ministers
and doesn’t take action when businessmen don’t pay their employees
salaries on time. The fact that they have palatial houses in various
countries and yachts docked at different shores means that they have the
money for their personal use but not for the man who makes it possible
for them to live that kind of life. The nexus between the Government and
the businessmen is not good. And as much the Congress President would
like to put things back in order, it is going to be an uphill task.</strong><br />
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<b>For the common man it is about immediate relief. He wants a better life
for his family and, at present, he is unable to provide that. The fact
that he sees no improvement in the coming months only adds to his woes.</b></div>
Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999894448168508539.post-91985644672028555242012-09-24T02:06:00.000-07:002012-09-24T02:06:44.006-07:00The Pioneer- Dilli Billi -23rd.Sept.2012 -"INDIA NEEDS AN IRON MAN AT HELM"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong>"INDIA NEEDS AN IRON MAN AT HELM"</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
The problem with the Congress is that there are too many people who call the shots. This means that no work gets done and it is the common man who suffers.<br />
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With Assembly Elections coming up in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh in November end or early December, all political parties have gone into prep mode. What would be the end result is obviously the main concern.<br />
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In both the States, the BJP has an upper hand and the Congress’ presence is negligible. In Himachal Pradesh, with the late change of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president and Virbhadra Singh taking over, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has reason to feel insecure. The Congress only rules in 10 out of 28 States. Big States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Tamil Nadu are out of the its reach in the near future. Hence, it’s crucial for the Congress to win in Himachal and Gujarat.<br />
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But the problem is that after the defeat in UP’s Assembly elections, the morale of the Congress worker is at its lowest. Even though Himachal Pradesh is a small State, one win here would go a long way in lifting the party’s spirits. The NSUI win in Delhi proves a point. It is a small win but a win nevertheless. It showcased Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit’s magic wand at work. A free hand to an experienced leader can have only one result — victory.<br />
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It is amazing that the UPA-II continues to remain in power despite so many scams and charges of corruption. The fault lies with Opposition parties who have let down the public with their inability to bring a no-confidence motion against a corrupt and non-performing Government.<br />
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No governance, no control over price rise and corruption rampant from top to bottom in the Government machinery has frustrated the public which has become intolerant to everything around it. There is no fear of anything today. The Government has tried to use, or misuse, several investigating agencies to control its opponents or friends. This has made a mockery of these agencies. Even the public can see through the arrangement that the Government makes.<br />
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It is shameful that politicians who are party to thousands of crore worth of scams go scotfree while a small-time thief languishes in jail for months. The fault lies with not just the ruling Government but all those who are a part of the bureaucracy.<br />
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The sorry state of our country is a direct result of poor governance. One can say whatever one wants to about Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi but fact is that his iron rule in the State has done wonders for Gujarat. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik have also worked towards the betterment of their States.<br />
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Unfortunately in the Congress, there are too many people calling the shots. Therefore, confusion and complications prevail and the Congress candidate loses. To improve the image of the country, to get the economy going again and to build the confidence of the common man, we need a leader who can rule with an iron hand.</div>
Devi Cherianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793265496300419412noreply@blogger.com0