In this issue………………… · Swami Ramdas was an Indian saint and philosopher. Giving up...

Nandini Voice For The Deprived, November 2015

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Dedicated to the cause of marginalized and downtrodden

Volume-XXI Rs.10/-

ISSUE 2

NOVEMBER 2015

In this issue…………………

* Give space for saner voice

in Indian media

* Need for national campaign

to prevent salary hike for MPs

* Whither Narendra Modi’s governance ?

And more………


SERVICE TO THE DISTRESSED IS WORSHIP OF GOD

Swami Ramdas

We see the world and the majority of human beings in it are in a state of acute pain and misery.

Wherever we turn, distress in one form or other meets our eyes. Death and starvation are stalking

the earth.

In this deplorable state of things, what should a true devotee do ? He should offer and sacrifice all his

available power for the service of suffering humanity.

Wealth is nothing, if it is not poured out for the relief of the starving and destitute.

Prayer and devotional practices accompanied by selfless service awaken Divine love in the heart.

Therefore, let all of us join together in the great task of putting out the vast conflagration of war that is

causing havoc and devastation among the people in different parts of this globe, by laying our lives at the

altar of God and thus create an atmosphere of peace and harmony to counteract the work of the

destructive forces that are now at full play.

Our real welfare, enlightenment and happiness solely depend upon our achieving this attitude towards

the existing state of things around us.

God can be ours only when we become His through utter self surrender. Surrender signifies the

transformation of the narrow egoistic vision into the all developing cosmic vision.

It is now that life flows spontaneously like water from a hidden perennial spring, sparkling with the light

of love Divine, bringing solace and joy to whomsoever it touches and on whomsoever it falls. Such is the glory, power and sublimity of Love.

Courtesy: The Vision, October 2015

Love of God means love of all beings and creatures, for He resides in them.

It is by the attainment of this love that the soul is released from the

bondage of ignorance and realizes freedom.

The nature of this love is, therefore, universal. It embraces and pervades all

animate and inanimate things in the world. It is this love that expands the

heart of its votary and fills it with infinite peace and joy and imbues him with

the vision of God.

Verily, service to the distressed is worship of God.

.

Swami Ramdas was an Indian saint and philosopher. Giving up worldly possessions at a young age,

he became a wandering monk.

He was born in Kanhangad, in northern Kerala, India on April 10, 1884. His practice was to view the

world as forms of Ram – and thus to see everything that might befall him as the will of Ram.

His mantra practice also gradually became a round the clock practice.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanhangad

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala,_India


READERS’ FORUM

Kautilya’s Arthashasthra

Sir,

I read the article on Kautilya’s Arthashasthra (October issue 2015) with interest, particularly with regard

to Kautilya’s scheme of taxation.

Is one animal superior to other ?

Sir,

Those owing allegiance to Hindu religion think that cow slaughter and eating beef is unacceptable act.

At the same time, they have no objection to slaughtering goat or chick and eating it.

Muslims think that killing and eating pig is a heinous crime. But, they have no objection to slaughtering

cow or camel , deer or chick or goat for eating.

Now, there is a clamour that horse slaughter should be banned in USA. 20 Republican and

50 Democratic representatives in USA have jointly introduced a bill in the lower house in April,2015,

for an outright ban on horse slaughter and it’s export.

Readers’ forum provides space for the readers to give expression to their

views on a variety of socio economic issues that are of relevance to the

society.

Further enrichment of the journal with your thoughtful inputs would

certainly go a long way in promoting the cause that the journal seeks to

espouse.

I am not able to understand the logic of demand for ban

on the slaughter of some animals and non objection to

the slaughter of some other animals, for eating by

humans.

Just like human beings, all animals are the creation of

God .Why should a distinction be made between them ?

***** R. Mony

In Germany before World War II, Adolf Hitler was able to reduce taxes

especially on the weaker section and was also able to eliminate

unemployment. His principles for levying taxes were as follows: * Trade and industry give a portion of their profits, as the Government

has to expand economic activity to reduce unemployment.

* Wealth tax, as the Government spends on policing for the protection

of their property.

* A small poll tax as a voter is protected by the state.

* No indirect tax on items of mass consumption.

****** Vinod Bansal


READERS’ FORUM

Those paying US dollar get preference in Tirupathi temple

Sir,

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is set to make key changes to the VIP darshan system and

introduce a special feature for NRIs.

In the temple premises, nobody should be treated as superior or inferior. Paid darshan and more

darshan for those who pay more is the worst thing happening in our temples.

Obviously, Tirupathi administration, which wants to amass income by enticing those who pay dollars is

under the control of people, who should not be there,.

***** K.Raju

To draw national attention to the anti corruption drive and to put fear in the mind of the corrupt

people ,Prime Minister should immediately issue an order that no ministers in his cabinet nor any

central government official should accept gift from businessmen and others during the forthcoming

Diwali festivial.

***** R.V.Shaw

TTD wants to introduce VIP darshan facility

for NRIs against payment in dollars.

TTD is reported to get about Rs.one crore

worth of donation annually from Indians living

abroad and now wants to draw more of them

to the temple town.

Providing preferred treatment to the wealthy

and rich people and so called VIPs in temples

is an obnoxious practice, which should be

totally avoided.

Stop Diwali gift to officials and ministers

Sir,

Graft continues to be a major hazard confronting

the country. One of the big challenges faced by

the Prime Minister is eradication of corruption.

It is known that businessmen and others present

expensive gifts to the officials and ministers before

the Diwali festival to win their favours. This is one

way of corruption. Obviously, none of the

ministers or officials would receive such Diwali

gift, if they would not be in power.


VIEWS OF STUDENTS ON LEARNING HINDI

Three language formula is the best

I am grateful to you for sharing the views of the college students on learning Hindi. Ideally, we should

have followed from 1947 the three language formula. Even now it is not too late.

***** Prof. M.S.Swaminathan

A wise articulation by the students. Unfortunately ,our politicians do not understand.

The three language formula is perhaps the best. Many decades ago, Tamil was taught up to class 6

to non Tamilians and Hindi was taught to non Hindi students.

This gave basic understanding of the language and enough skills to communicate for every person.

***** D M Mohunta

In the competitive IAS etc exams now, many students write answers in languages other than English.

Result is that once they join the training school , they are unable to communicate .

Kendriya Vidyalayas (Central Schools) teach Hindi for all students and I am told that those students

stand better chance of Jobs everywhere.

***** Devendra Oza

Creative views

It is indeed a very creative and composite report. Congratulations for the same.

***** Dr. V. Mohini Giri

Article on “Can Tamil Nadu students be indifferent to learning Hindi ?” was published in the

blog and many persons from all over India responded with their views.

Highlights of some of the observations are provided .

No need to be dogmatic

I read with interest the views of the college students in Tamil Nadu

on learning Hindi We should not be dogmatic about any language

English has become our language now--Indian English. If some one

wants to function at All India level and wants to converse with the

numerous Biharis and Nepalis, he or she should know Hindi;

they too may learn Tamil.

***** Dr G.Sundaram.

We should learn Hindi

Congrats for this BOLD step to elicit student’s views on a "sensitive "

subject. This subject is imporant . Should we learn Hindi ? Yes, I think so.

Young people can pick up a new language easily. Many Tamilians enjoy

Hindi movies. Once by accident , I was near a theatre in Chennai, where

Shah Rukh Khan’s "Chennai express " was being shown. The queue for

tickets was long and the usual black marketing was going on!.


DESPERATE CALLS

For further details, please contact: Mr.V.Nagappan,S/o.Mr.N.Veeran, 101/2, Mettu Street, Kadaganoor

(Post), Tirukoviloor (Tk). Villupuram District , Tamil Nadu, Pin:605 755 Cell No.9943661464

*****

Poor lady need sewing machine

Ms.A.Rajina Mary hails from poor family.She recently lost her job.

She requests for donation of sewing machine for self employment.

Contact address: Ms.A.Rajina Mary,3/30, Anthoniar Kovil Street, Pallavaram,Chennai-600 043

*****

* Miss Ishwarya, D/o.Mr.Narayanan , 13 years old, has to undergo open heart surgery at

Ramachandra Medical Centre , Chennai. Estimated cost of the surgery is Rs.3,00,000/-

* Master Abhipriyo Saha, S/o.Mr.Pradeep Kumar , 9 years old, has to undergo chemotherapy

treatment at Apollo Speciality Hospital, Chennai. Estimated cost of the treatment is Rs.10,00,000/-

* Master Duraisamy, S/o.Mr.Rengasamy , 4 ½ years old, has to undergo chemotherapy

treatment at Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Centre , Madurai. Estimated cost of the

treatment is Rs.3,00,000/-

Cheque may be drawn in favour of concerned Hospital and sent to the following address: Secretary,

Women’s Welfare Syndicate, Flat No.GF-1, Corddel Apts., Old.No.13, New .No.29,

Py Crofts Garden Road, Greams Road, Chennai-600006.Phone:044-42137401 / 044-28235324

You can enjoy your prosperity, only if you share your income with the

deprived and thus discover the satisfaction that it provides.

Differently abled persons need support

Both Mr.V.Nagappan and his wife are physically challenged persons.

Mr.Nagappan has studied B.C.A and B.Ed. and his wife Alamelu has

studied Diploma in Teacher Education and DCA. Both are

unemployed.

Mr.V.Nagappan requests for donation of well conditioned used

computer and printer and Xerox machine for self employment.

Need support for medical treatment

* Miss Akshaya Sri, D/o.Mr.Senthil Kumar , 10 years old, has to

undergo chemotherapy treatment at Meenakshi Mission Hospital &

Research Centre , Madurai. Estimated cost of the treatment is

Rs.4,00,000/-


GIVE SPACE FOR SANER VOICE IN INDIAN MEDIA

As a matter of fact, the preference of the media to highlight the activities of the corrupt people and

hooligans give sort of respectability to these offenders , who should be really despised and ignored with

the contempt that they deserve.

Recently, Shiv Sena , Maharashtra based political outfit, exhibited atrocious behaviour by throwing ink on

the organiser of an event, where the former minister of Pakistan government participated. While one

is entitled to have different view on entertaining a guest from a neighbouring country, which appears to

be in eternal conflict with India, any protest should be done in a civilised and dignified manner.

The behaviour of Shiv Sena is only one of several such ugly behaviour of many political outfits and

religious groups in India and they are really encouraged to indulge in such behaviour due to huge media

publicity they get.

There are many social activists, scientists, engineers, doctors , teachers and others who silently work in

very productive way and they are rarely known to the public. It is sad that Indian national media is

seldom interested in them

What is urgently needed today is to give top priority in the national debate to the saner voice and the

voice of wisdom. If one were to remove the darkness, light has to be thrown. If evils have to be

eradicated, good deeds have to be highlighted. No doubt, the criminals and corrupt should be caught

and punished severely. But, in the process, let them not get huge publicity and national attention, which

the country can do without.

As one opens the newspapers or television , it is seen that the corrupt dealings , murders , rape ,

assault , dacoity and several such unsavoury incidents are given all the prominence .

Inevitably, the good deeds , praise worthy efforts and lofty behaviour of individuals or groups are

given no importance or recognition and such good news are either pushed to background or not

mentioned at all in the media.

In such circumstances, many in India and abroad are made to think that India is only a country of

conflict and misbehaving people. Indian newspapers and TV media are entirely responsible for

portraying India in such manner, which is unhealthy journalism.

.The problem today is that most of the

Indian media are now under the control of

politicians or business houses. Gone are the

days when media persons in the country

were respected and believed and were

considered as the conscience keepers of the

society. Most of the Indian media today are

not neutral or without any motivated

agenda. The credibility of Indian media is so

poor that people are sceptical about the

news , which are really not news but views

in several cases. Even some of the most

respected newspapers in the earlier days

are now suspected to be partisan.


NEED FOR NATIONAL CAMPAIGN

TO PREVENT SALARY HIKE FOR MPs

At present ,MPs get monthly salary of Rs. 50,000/- irrespective of the number of days they

attend parliament and number of hours that they remain in the House during the parliament

session.

In addition, during the session, just by signing the register , they get Rs. 2000/- every day.

Further, they get Rs. 45000/- every month as constituency allowance.

Further, they get Rs. 15,000/- every month towards stationery and other expenses and

Rs. 30,000/- towards the salary for the assistant. This is not all.

They get a free housing in Delhi. They get 34 single journey air tickets for MP and kin, 8 for

spouse. They also get unlimited rail and road travel facility for official business.

Further, they get 3 free telephone connections and 2 free mobile connections, with

permitted 1.5 lakh phone calls . In addition, they get 4000 kilo litres of water every year and

50,000 units of electricity. They also get Rs. 4 lakhs as loan for purchasing a car.

There are also several other benefits like medical facilities.

To cap it all, they get subsided food in parliament canteen !

Cut the salary and perks for

MPs

Whereas the government

employees get pension after

several decades of service, MPs

get pension and several other

perks life long after retirement,

even if they happen to be MP for

one term.

It is good that the Government of

India proposes to constitute an

independent panel to decide MPs

salary. One only hopes that the

panel would take appropriate

view and cut the salaries and

emoluments for MPs instead of

increasing it , due to the

following reasons.


NEED FOR NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT SALARY RISE FOR MPs

* It is absolutely wrong on the part of the MPs to compare their salaries with those working in

private or public sector or the income of the business men. These MPs are supposed to be “different

tribe”, dedicating themselves to the cause of the country men and sacrificing their personal comforts for

the larger social good. Why should such “tribe” demand more income, when 30 crore people remain

without getting square meal a day ?

* Most of the MPs are known to spend several lakhs of rupees for their election campaign and

obviously they are not poor people. As a matter of fact, it is well known that several candidates give

huge amount of money to the political party to get nomination to contest the election. Many MPs face

criminal and corruption charges and sometimes their behaviour in parliament are no less than that of

the street rowdies. Do these people deserve more salary ?

Instead of increasing the salary, it should be insisted that MPs should attend minimum hours every day

in the parliament during the sessions, to become eligible for the daily allowance. If they do not attend an

entire session, their salary and perks for the corresponding months should be totally withheld.

If the speaker would reprimand the MP for misbehaviour and ask the person to leave the house for any

reason, the particular MP should be denied salary for the period covering the entire session.

If the judiciary would pronounce judgement against any MP on corruption or criminal charges even at

the lower court level, the M P should be denied salary and all perks until he would be exonerated of

the charges in the appeal court.

Why should it be cut ?

* Around 30 crore people in India live below poverty line, facing

extreme economic hardships. These MPs get elected to the parliament by

assuring the people that they are motivated by service to the country and

seek the vote to serve the cause of deprived and downtrodden people.

Is it not obnoxious for these “service minded MPs “ to get so much of

salary with least consideration, as to how the poor people would view

them, whom they have promised to serve at the time of getting elected.

Huge anger

There is huge anger in the country about the behaviour and

performance of the MPs and the privileges enjoyed by the

MPs , who now have a jolly good time and live like kings

and queens at the cost of the tax payers.

But ,the MPs seem to be so thick skinned that they do not

care about what the country men think about them.

They seem to think that public opinion in India is impotent

and this should be proved wrong.

There is need for strong national campaign and several

thousands of protest letters should be sent to the proposed

panel to decide MPs salary, asking it to not to increase it

but to reduce it in an appropriate manner.


READER’S VIEWS ON SALARY RISE FOR MPs.

We are with you

We are fully with you as it is high time to start protesting on rational basis against the salary hike for

MPs.

***** Dr. Kamal Taori

I will sign your protest letter

If you draft the protest letter against the salary increase for MPs , I will sign it.

My fear is this: The panel will say that they must get more. !!!

****** D.K. OZA

I agree with your view I agree with your views in this matter of raising the salary of MP's. ***** P.C.Cyriac

I agree

***** P.K.Dorai

Pay MPs well to prevent them being corrupt

I will not speak on India as obviously I am unqualified and I am a guest. However, on the subject itself,

in general, I have a opinion and it is a long held one..

Good pay, the highest pay, to those in elected office, serves in my opinion, to lower the incidence of

corruption. A well paid MP is less likely to take bribes and hand outs and also is less inclined to take

employment with a company who does business with the government.

Many are making judgements on the spending of multi millions of rupees in each and every legislative

session. If they are not paid well, the temptations thrown their way by the business houses and others,

may be a bit much to handle.

Should they all be forced to attend legislative and committee sessions, to which they are part certainly.

But that is another issue. Why governments do not pass laws requiring compulsory attendance,

is beyond my understanding.

***** Ron Humphries

Not in favour of protest

I am afraid I am not in favour of any protest in this regard.

If a MP has to visit his constituency regularly and keep an office to receive the representations made to

him , track them, undertake extensive tours for that purpose etc.,etc., he needs to be compensated

adequately.

The article on NEED FOR NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT SALARY HIKE FOR

MPs was published in the blog.

Many readers from all over India responded with their views on the content of the article.

Highlights of the selected views are provided.

http://rivr.sulekha.com/ron-humphries_13175214


READER’S VIEWS ON SALARY RISE FOR MPs.

The argument that there is 30% population that is below poverty line is a poor argument against the pay

hike to MPs .

Need for commission

There is lot of weight in the arguments and these need to be considered thoroughly, before any increase

in emoluments is made to legislators and parliamentarians.

A commission would do away with self recommendation and approval of such matters by legislators

themselves, as has been the practice so far.

I would welcome creation of such an Independent commission, presided over by a former Judge of

Supreme Court with couple of other competent members / economists and social activists of repute to

make recommendations regarding salary etc. of legislators from time to time.

***** R.C. Tripathi

No need to hike the salary

Thanks for raising the issue. One look at the average assets declared by MP would make it clear that

there is no need to hike their salary .To do it in sly ,commission has been set up.

Indians must oppose the salary hike for MPs, when so many Indians live below poverty line.

***** R.K.Datta

On that ground, you have to cut down salaries all

round in the bureaucracy and elsewhere.

Same can be applied in private sector too ; after

all they enjoy the infrastructure created by the

state from its revenues, for which even the poor

contribute disproportionately, more through

excise duty etc.

If you pay peanuts , you will get only monkeys to

do your job is a trite but true sentiment.

Let us demand that MPs should show more

responsibility to their constituencies and more

public work but not grudge the salary hike.

***** N.Gopalaswami

What proportion of budget they eat up

I agree with you 100%. The diligence with

which bureaucrats and MPs enrich themselves

take one's breath away.

It is disgusting to know that many

government servants are entitled even after

retirement, to get medical treatment abroad.


READER’S VIEWS ON SALARY RISE FOR MPs

.

Not merely they but close relatives too. Air fare and hospital charges for the patient plus one family

member (care-giver) are borne by the government.

Considering the size of the bureaucracy, both functioning and retired and the number of

parliamentarians, present and past, I wonder what proportion of the annual GOI budget they eat up.

Can a poor country like India afford to pamper anyone thus?

****** S R Madhu

Not only MPs, you may have to raise voice against the increase of salary (pay commission

recommendations) for Government Servants.

The unorganized persons working in shops and private offices are the victims.

Along with increase in salary, the prices are also increasing. Nobody seem to be looking

at these matters.

Thanks for your initiative.

***** K K Nair

Prevent this

Yes, very few of the MPs really need these perks to do their job. Why should they get more?

How do they justify the revision ? It should be prevented.

***** Uma

What about the pay rise to civil servants ?

What about the unnecessary and undeserving pay

rise to the civil servants and the freebies to the

super rich?

What about the sky high salary given to President,

Vice president, Governors , Judges of High Court

and Supreme Court ?

***** Sankara Narayanan

Like water off duck’s back

MPs, as I know them over many

decades, are known for self-preservation

and don’t care what people say about

them. All such campaigns, news channel

comments are like water off duck’s back.

***** Dr. D M Mohunta


READER’S VIEWS ON SALARY RISE FOR MPs

.

Do they deserve ?

You have listed what they get officially. Unofficially, there are lot more things and considering them,

the salary and other perquisites listed is nothing.

If only the MPs serve the nation honestly and

sincerely, allowing the parliament to function,

working towards the prosperity of their

constituencies above caste and political

considerations, the nation may not mind these

expenditures on the elected representatives.

Only when the whole expenditure is unfruitful and

the MPs continue disruption of parliament without

rhyme or reason, people get frustrated and question

even the basic amenities provided.

***** N .Venkateswaran

Need for strong national campaign

I agree with the views expressed by you.

The free travel, electricity, water etc. should be

reduced. There is hardly any day when the

parliament session goes on fruitfully.

Yes, we really need a strong national campaign.

***** Hemalatha

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WHITHER NARENDRA MODI’S GOVERNANCE ?

Focus of governance :

During the last sixteen months Narendra Modi has been talking about the need for economic

development and has been trying to give an expression to the country men that every step that he

takes has been to improve economic and industrial activity in the country and achieve global standards.

Obviously, Modi thinks that lack of economic growth has been the basic reason for all the problems

faced by the country and growth in industrial, services and agricultural sector is the only way of building

up strong and resurgent India. Certainly, not even the pledged critic of Modi can find fault with such

objectives, which Modi claims is the focus of his governance.

Strategy to influence the mindset of people :

Modi appears to think that it is necessary to raise the thoughts and aspirations of an average Indian in a

positive manner ,which will undo slowly and steadily the variety of negative factors confronting India and

create the right climate for positive governance.

This view has resulted in several campaigns such as Swatch Bharat (Clean India campaign), providing

toilets for women in rural areas, yoga movement etc. His monthly talk (man ki bhath) over All India

radio to reach the masses is yet another attempt to focus the people’s attention to progressive aspects

of life and the nation.

His appeal to the affordable income group to give up subsidised LPG connection is also an effort to

promote an idea, that the upper income group should give way to the need of the poor and

downtrodden.

Of course, these moves have been well appreciated by the cross section of country men and help in

creating an image that Narendra Modi is a down to earth leader.

It is now sixteen eventful months, since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India.

Obviously, his stewardship of India’s governance is being viewed very closely both by his critics

and admirers as well as dispassionate observers.

While his critics even go to the extent of calling Narendra Modi a “great event manager ,”

his admirers describe him as honest crusader for India’s cause .

The dispassionate observers have mixed views. Such dispassionate observers are now keeping

their fingers crossed, as to how Modi’s governance would shape in the coming months.

Positive economic measures in

the making :

The make in India campaign is an

imaginative exercise, to bring focus of

the investors and entrepreneurs to

make India a manufacturing hub.



Opening of the bank accounts for millions of poor Indians is a laudable initiative that make the poor

people in the country think that they are part of mainstream of national life. This will also enable the

government to transfer the monetary support to the poor people in a transparent manner and eliminate

middle men and corruption.

There are many meaningful initiatives in the energy front, particularly the focus on promoting solar

power projects in a big way , steps to set up off shore wind power project etc.

While Modi government has been able to carry out coal mine auction, 2G auction in a transparent

manner , the problem is that considerable corruption in the country is at state level, on which Modi has

no control. Even at the central government level, there are still corrupt conditions at middle and lower

level and Modi government has not been able to put fear in the mind of the government staff.

The disappointment is that Modi government is yet to punish corrupt politicians, bureaucrats and

business men in a way that would create fear in the mind of the corrupt persons. This has certainly

disappointed the common man , particularly belonging to middle and lower income group.

Lack of adequately efficient government machinery:

One problem for Narendra Modi is that except handful of ministers in his cabinet, others seem to be of

ordinary caliber and not capable of meeting the standards that Modi has set for his government.

The fact is that Modi has limited talent at his disposal amongst the MPs .

At the time of becoming the Prime Minister, Modi said that he will have a small size cabinet and there

would be “less government and more governance”. He has gone back on this promise and expanded

the cabinet to a jumbo size now , which is not appreciated by the discerning observers.

Frequent visits abroad :

Eyebrows have been raised about the number of overseas visits that Narendra Modi has undertaken in

a short period. However, this criticism may not be fully justified, as overseas investments in India is

required to boost economic growth and these days, political diplomacy and economic diplomacy

go hand in hand.

Without building image of India as a forward looking economy , it is not possible to build overseas

trade and bring overseas investment in a big way. Obviously, Modi has nobody in his cabinet who can

do this job as well as he can do and therefore, such frequent overseas visits have become necessary.

Anti corruption drive

Certainly, even the dispassionate observers are disappointed

that Modi’s promise to bring back black money from abroad has

not been met.

Even though Modi government has taken some steps to

unearth black money, it does not look like happening even now.

Modi government has not been able to make any dent in the

level of corruption in administration in the country in any

significant way.



Political compulsions:

With very vocal media, strong lobby doing motivated anti Modi campaign, Modi has to necessarily

manage his political stance very carefully.

Modi is banking for grass root support on RSS and some Hindu group and there are a few elements in

them, which make counter productive and hate campaign, in the name of protecting Hindu culture and

Hindu religion. This often leads to communal tension at local levels and provide gist to media and

opposition parties to criticise Modi.

While Modi has repeatedly deprecated such tendencies , he has not been able to do anything more than

this and such people in his party and his supporters have caused considerable damage to the reputation

of Modi government.

Quite a few ministers in his party at state level are facing corruption charges and quite a few MPs and

MLAs of his party have shown deplorable behaviour in public. For all the misdeeds of these people,

Modi is being accused of inability to control such elements. This may be partly true.

Modi’s silence in the light of such happenings is inevitably being compared to the silence of Manmohan

Singh and this criticism is sticking.

What shape of things to come ?

Certainly, Narendra Modi has already lost some of the sheen , that he commanded at the time of

assuming Prime Minister’s post. Of course, this is inevitable as the expectations that Modi raised earlier

were high.

However, it is not possible to achieve economic miracles in a short period by Modi government or any

government for that matter.

While the focus of Modi’s governance is seen as oriented towards economic and industrial

development, this is not by itself adequate for leading the country of India’s complexity and diversity.

Modi’s task will become easier if he meets the mood of the country men, which is that corruption and

nepotism should be put down with heavy hands.

While Modi’s personal integrity remains

unquestioned and he remains as the supreme and

most towering leader of the party, he not only

should put down corruption but should also

appear to be doing so.

All said and done, Modi’s overall performance

during the last sixteen months is positive but he

still has a long way to go to meet the expectations

of the people. He cannot relax or assume that his

hold over the people would remain strong all the

time. People, if disappointed, would be unforgiving.


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Edited & published by N.S.Venkataraman

You must help anyone

who comes to you, as

much as lies in your

power.

Selfishness is the chief

sin, thinking of ourselves

first.

He who has more of this

unselfishness is more

spiritual and nearer to

God.

Whether he is learned or

ignorant, he is nearer to

God than anybody else.

Swami Vivekananda

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