Government to Monitor Toilet Use With iPads, Mobile Phones-news

'Government to Monitor Toilet Use With iPads, Mobile Phones'-news.

Phir to toilet jana bahut mushkil ho jayega!

'Rx. Extra strong cup of coffee for the New Year' by K.J.S.Chatrath

If you drank too much last night, or ate excessively or over tired yourself dancing or under slept - then what you need this morning is a strong black cup of coffee. Happy New Year.

Senior IAS officers should learn how not to bend, stand erect and tall from IIT Delhi's Director

IIT Delhi’s Director Mr. K. Shevgaonkar has quit instead of reportedly acceding to two demands of the HRD Ministry- to provide the IIT ground for a cricket academy Sachin Tendulkar wanted to open and also pay nearly Rs 70 lakh to former IIT D faculty and now BJP functionary Subramanian Swamy as his "salary dues" between 1972 and 1991.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/IIT-Delhi-director-RK-Shevgaonkar-quits-over-demand-for-Sachins-academy-Subramanian-Swamys-dues/articleshow/45663599.cms

Bravo Mr. Shevgaonkar, you are my new hero.

Senior IAS officers should learn how not to bend, stand erect and tall from him.

'How to lose friends in the New Year' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Now that New Year is just round the corner, some friends are going to flood the internet with 'Motivational Quotes' and 'New Year Resolutions'....Bah!

I often wonder if such 'inspirational' quotes, quite often from little known foreigners (mainly Americans), circulated by some friends on the Facebook, are of any use... ...

I would love to know the views of my FB friends, and not the views of say Paulo Coelho..

Any day is as good as another for starting to improve one's life style...So let us not get into the 'My New Year Resolution is...' crap!

'It is raining discounts...' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Convicted actor Sanjay Dutt gets 15 days parole (News)

Late Jessica Lall's convicted murderer Manu Sharma gets 30 days parole (News)

'Some comparative budget allocations made this year by Govt of India' by K.J.S.Chatrath

In this year's budget, Govt of India has provided an outlay of Rs 50 crore for the safety of women in public transport. Besides Rs 150 crores were provided for larger cities.

The budget allcoated Rs 100 crore for ‘Beti Bachao, beti padhav yojana’, a scheme to protect the girl child and her future.

Government of India announced in July 2014, the setting up of a 'Rashtriya Gokul Mission' (for cows) with a budget this year of Rs.150 crores.

Govt of India announces a 20% cut on health budget in December 2014 (news)

Kuch na kaho, bus kuch bhi na kaho... ... ...
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'Today is Saheed Udham Singh's birthday' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Today is Saheed Udham Singh's birthday. He was born on 26th December 1899.

Let us bow our heads in respect.

'Christmas’ joys and killjoys' by Samar Halarnkar

"Today, as HRD ministry celebrates ‘good-governance day’, they might want to consider the effects of pigeonholing India’s diversities and setting a precedent for segregated celebration" writes Samar Halarnkar. http://origin-www.livemint.com/Opinion/FDh4BuT91nKGHoZgPb2WHP/Christmas-joys-and-killjoys.html?utm_source=copy

"Again, a white cop kills a black in US"- news

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Again-a-white-cop-kills-a-black-in-US/articleshow/45634947.cms

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells... ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PgNPc-iFW8

"Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."

"Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."

Possible List of Good Governance Days

Here is a possible List of Good Governance Days (arranged alphabetically):

Baisakhi
Bijoy Dashmi
Christmas
Guru Nanak’s birthday
Idul Fitr
Idul Zuha
Krishna Janamashthma
Mahavir Jayanti
Pongal
Ramnavmi
Shivratri

With deep reverence and respect to all the religions in India.

Welcome Mr. Adviser U.T. Chandigarh, Sir!

‘Diu road named after new UT adviser’ - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Diu-road-named-after-new-UT-adviser/articleshow/45611204.cms

‘Dev to join as new UT Adviser today …the UT deputy commissioner and the SSP would receive him at the Chandigarh-Zirakpur boundry in the afternoon…’ http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/governance/dev-to-join-as-new-ut-adviser-today/21969.html


Kuch na kaho, bus kuch bhi na kaho!

“Hindu Mahasabha to build Godse’s temple"- news

“Hindu Mahasabha to build Godse’s temple” by Rajiv Srivastava,http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Hindu-Mahasabha-to-build-Godses-temple/articleshow/45610617.cms

Hey Ram!

Joe Cocker R.I.P.

Singer Joe Cocker dies aged 70-news

R.I.P. Joe Cocker- "You can keep your hat on... ..."

'Kids of Peshawar' bring silent tears in my eyes... ...

My dear friend Lalit Joshi has sent another heart rendering post. Thank you Lalit. May those kids lie in eternal peace.

Kids of Peshawar

SAD URDU POETRY AND GHAZALS

Kalam ro padi aaj meri

"Maa kaash mai aj school na jaata,
Shayad tumhe phir se dekh pata

Teri awaz sunney ko kaan taras rahe hai,
Dekho na maa baarudo ke gole baras rahe hai

Saare baache apni apni maa ko pukar rahe hai,
Maa ye log hume kyu maar rahe hai

Tiffin me di tumari roti bhi nai khaai hai,
Maa aaj golio ne meri bhuk mitaai hai

Papa se kehna ab mujhe school lene na aaye,
Dekh nahi paunga unhe mera janaza uthaaye

Mere jaane se apna hausla mat khona,
Maa mujhse bichhad kar tum mat rona

Mere khilone ,meri kitabe , mera basta,
Janta hu teri aankhe dekhti rahegi roz mera rasta

bhaiyya se uska sathi rooth gaya hai,
bachpan ka humara sath chhott gaya hai

Appi se kehna mere liye aansu na bahaye,
Roz meri tasveer ko chota sa phhol chadaye

Teri yaado me, khwabo me, zikr me, reh jaunga,

Maa mai ab kabhi wapas nahi aaunga…
Maa mai ab kabhi wapas nahi aaunga…

'Alleged torture, anticipatory bail versus anticipatory jail' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Have you ever heard/read about any allegation of torture in police custody in India by any rich/politically abled/ film actor? No, I have not. Suspects belonging to these categories are politely asked if they would like to take a lie detector test.

The maximum allegations of torture come from the very poor,rickshaw pullers, petty thieves etc.

As some say mockingly 'It is anticipatory bail for the rich and the influential and anticipatory jail for the poor'!

सुना है जंगलों का भी कोई दस्तूर होता है (There is some etiquette even in the forests)

The massacre of children in Peshawar, Pakistan was, so terribly sad. May the little ones rest in peace.

My great friend Lalit Joshi has sent a very touching and timely link. Thank you Lalit.

Take a look:

सुना है जंगलों का भी कोई दस्तूर होता है ... पाकिस्तान की शायरा ज़ेहरा निगाह की मशहूर नज़्म।


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_ndBVveDYQ

India is a secular democratic republic and the State has NO religion

http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/citizen-can-declare-that-he-does-not-belong-to-any-religion-bombay-high-court/

'Ego major cause for marriage breakup in Karnal: Police study'-news

'Ego major cause for marriage breakup in Karnal: Police study'(news in the Tribune 18.12.2014))

How stunningly original, my dear Watson!

'Cliches, cliches and cliches'' by K.J.S.Chatrath

I read an article by a senior journalist in a newspaper yesterday. I found the following concluding paragraph as very interesting. It reads:

"Jammu and Kashmir is ready for an all-new chapter in its tortured history and the key players must seize the moment and work towards a grand vision that would bring the long needed peace and prosperity to the state, the nation and the region." (Emphasis supplied)

My take- Cliche's, cliches and cliches!

Now this is a secular country. Bravo France!

http://francophilesonly.blogspot.in/2014/12/now-this-is-secular-country-bravo-france.html

The entire IAS fraternity across India is looking at Bihar Chief Secretary...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2701963/Court-rescue-Bihar-babu-took-builders.html

Mr. Chief Secretary Bihar, Sir, the entire IAS fraternity across India is looking at you!

'Public Interest Litigations...' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Wouldn't the Hon'ble Courts get more time to dispose off old pending cases with them if they stopped entertaining the 'Public Interest Litigations'?

The 'so-called' Public Interest litigations could be filed before a Special Forum, say something like the Consumers Forum, and only cases referred by such Fora could go to the Hon'ble Courts... ...

'Another white cop kills a black man in US' by Chidanand Rajghata

This happened in Phoenix, Arizona . (Times of India, New Delhi, December 6, 2014)

Malala Yousafzai

"I am pretty certain that I am the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize who still fights with her younger brothers."- Malala Yousafzai

The speech writer has surely done a good job!

Gita as the 'National Book'?

Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Ex Governor West Bengal and Ex-President IIAS, Shimla is quoted in today's Times of India as having said: "A country which is in the process of making a holy book as the national book is tinkering with the loom of India's diverse republic'

'Death be not proud etc.etc.' by K.J.S.Chatrath

At 71, I know that I am inching towards death. I am not afraid of dying (till now) though I do not know how I would behave when the time actually comes.

But one thought definitely perturbs me. Being so used to a morning cup of hot tea, how would I manage in Hell?

'Sorry. No bed tea in Hell', I was informed when I checked up its website (www.GoToHell.com) which added, 'it is served only in Heaven!'

So let me enjoy my morning cuppa while I am still here!

'Forgive me Lord, for I am a foolish ignorant old man' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Watched Mr. Kailash Satyarthi on the TV last evening coming out with phrases which earlier used to make the likes of the UN Agencies happy. This time these seem to have found favour with the Nobel Prize Commiittee also.

I am happy that an Indian has made it to the top of this List but I still do not know the wonderful work for which Mr. Satyarthi is being given the Nobel Prize.

Or may be when it comes to India, the Committee makes mistakes. It made the first one by not honouring Mahatama Gandhi and maybe has now made the second mistake by choosing Mr. Satyarthi!

Forgive me Lord, for I am a foolish ignorant old man! (With apolgies to William Shakespeare)'

'Raman Lamba, R.I.P' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Late Raman Lamba

The sad demise of the Australian cricket player Phillip Hughes reminds me of a similar loss that India faced in 1998.
Raman Lamba (2 January 1960 – 23 February 1998) was an Indian cricketer who played in four Tests and 32 One Day Internationals, mainly as a batsman. He also represented Ireland in unofficial One Day International matches. Lamba died after slipping into coma due to internal haemorrhage, three days after being hit on the temple by a cricket ball while fielding in Bangladesh's league cricket.

R.I.P.

'Gau Mata' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Government of India announced in July 2014, the setting up of a 'Rashtriya Gokul Mission' with a budget this year of Rs.150 crores (news)

Cabinet Secretary gets another extension- news

Mr. Cabinet Secretary, Sir, I wish you had said 'No, Thank you!' The entire IAS fraternity would have admired and respected you all the more for such a stand.

'Intrude or Transgress?' by K.J.S.Chatrath

"Chinese troops did not intrude, but transgressed: Parrikar" (News..The Tribune, 3/12/2014)

Playing with words, Mr. Minister, Sir?
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'Pappa, Pappu & Thanksgiving Day' ? by K.J.S.Chatrath

Pappu: Happy 'Thanksgiving Day', Pappa.

Pappa:Do you know what is 'Thanksgiving Day'?

Pappu: Yes Pappa. It is for thanking God for giving us a good harvest.

Pappa: And what are 'Baisakhi', Pongal' & 'Nuakhai'?

Pappu: Well, Indian festivals relating to good harvest.

Pappa: So should we not celebrate our own Indian festivals instead of just copying the Americans and the Canadians?

Pappu: Yes Pappa.

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'Sector 17 Chandigarh conceived of by Le Corbusier is so ugly' by K.J.S.Chatrath

A friend was asking me last week if I had made my peace with Le Corbusier. Hell No, was my reply. And here we go-

This is what Times of India has quoted Ms. Neena Sahai as saying (TOI, November 24, 2014),

"I do not know why we are so concerned about Le Corbusier's vision. I have travelled and lived in so many countries. I find the City Centre, Sector 17 , the ugliest form of architecture with grey square buildings (emphasis supplied). Except for the assembly building which has some character, the secretariat and High court are extremely ugly buildings..."

Kudos to Ms. Sahai for calling a spade a spade. I must also concede that Times of India, which has been shouting about Le Corbusier, has, perhaps for the first time, realised that a counter view, and a very plausible one too, exists.

And now some retired people want an Urban Arts Commission to be set up for enforcing the 'vision' of Le Corbusier on the Tri-city... ...

Oh God!

By the way, the above is NOT, the over publicized 'Open Hand' designed by Le Corbusier. It is the 'hand of Fatima' a common symbol in the Middle Eastern and north African countries used for warding off evil. This photo was taken by me in 2013 in Casablanca, Morroco.

So much for originality of Le Corbusier!

'Mumbai road named after Priyanka Chopra's late father' by K.J.S.Chatrath

A road in Mumbai has been named after actress (I prefer to use this word and not 'actor') Priyanka Chopra's late father. A few years back a road in the same Mumbai was named after the son of singers Jagjit Sigh and Chitra Singh who had died in a tragic road accident.

Of course every Indian town has a Mahatma Gandhi road as every French town has a Charles De Gaulle road. But they had done something substantial for their respective countries.

I am not aware of the contributions of the two deceased persons after whom roads have been named in Mumbai. No disrespect is meant to them. May the departed souls rest in peace.

But this is not the way to name roads.

'Rlys told to speed up bullet train project'- news

'Rlys told to speed up bullet train project'- news in Times of India.

But what about first providing some basic amenities, cleanliness and safety in the existing passenger trains?

'Dumb argument to avoid kissing' by K.J.S.Chatrath

'A 10-second kiss can transfer 80 million bacteria, my wife told me as we shook hands' said the US television host Conan O'Brien.

But those are bacterias of love and affection silly!

'Look who is quoting scriptures?' by K.J.S.Chatrath

'The World according to Gita- by Henry Kissinger'(Times of India)

Look who is quoting scriptures!

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'UNDP wants to post Technical Officers with State Chief Electoral Officers' by K.J.S.Chatrath

My impression is that India has one of the best election processes in the world and has a large number of officers who have developed expertise in holding of fair and free elections.

So I was really intrigued to see an advertisement from the UNDP asking for applications from "technical experts to support Chief Electoral Officers" in ten states including J&K.

(i) Do the Chief Electoral Officers really need any support from outsiders? (ii) I presume that these 'technical officers' would be sending their reports to the UNDP.

Some how I am not comfortable with the idea.

'Badal in China to study fish farming' (Tribune news)

'Badal in China to study fish farming' (Tribune news)

'Dan Brown disappoints' by K.J.S.Chatrath

In April 2004, a very dear person sent me a copy of the then bestseller in India - Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code as a birthday gift. I read it and became an instant fan of Dan Brown’s way of story telling and his depth of research on the subject.

Years passed and I saw the movie version starring Tom Hanks and French young lady Audrey Toutou. Frankly I was disappointed as it does happen when you read the novel and then see its movie version. I felt that Tom Hanks, though a brilliant actor, was not the right choice for the film. I would have liked to see Harrison as the Professor. Toutou was average- both in acting as well as her looks.

Now in 2014, I heard a few days back that Dan Brown would be visiting India and making a presentation, I was thrilled. Last week, I saw the event on the TV.

Well I was disappointed when he used the well worn out and over used cliché’ “I feel like I’ve come home”! He instantly fell quite a few notches in my estimation. His assertion that 'science and religion were partners' too was nothing very original. I know that at times when the expectations are very high, we get unfairly disappointed. But his performance was just so very ordinary. Bringing out his parents’ licence plates along to prove it: his mother’s spelt out “Kyrie”, Greek for Lord and his father’s said “Metric” or his first ‘book’, were all too contrived.

And too watch one of my favourite authors read from a prepared text was something I was not prepared for. I suspect that the text from which he spoke (read out at times)was not written by him, as I believe he just can not write that badly.

Sadly my take is that not all good writers and reserchers are good speakers.

And now what?

I will have to read ‘Inferno’ to give Dan Brown the writer, another chance.

'Kim Kardashian' by K.J.S.Chatrath

I always used to wonder why were the internet/newspapers/magazines always talking about Kim Kardashian...

Ah-ha...Now I know! ;)

'In praise of tasty South Indian food'by K.J.S.Chatrath

The tastiest South Indian food that I have had is at 'Nisarga' on Brigade Road, Bengaluru.

This is the time of the year when I start missing spicy South Indian food and begin planning for a trip down South in January...Though it seems a little uncertain this time... ....

'Pappa, Pappu & AMU library' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Pappu: Pappa, Pappa.

Pappa: Yes, Pappu.

Pappu: What would you call AMU Vice Chancellor's decision to bar girl students from entering the library on the grounds that if allowed then four times more boys would enter the library?

Pappa: What would you call it?

Pappu: Anaap-Shnaap!

'Refurbishment' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Good to be back after a bit of refurbishment....

'Halloween and a repenting rude old man' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Last year around the Halloween time my doorbell rang in the evening. I opened the door and found some small school going children who said almost breathlessly, something like, 'It is Halloween Uncle...Trick or treat'.

My reaction was instant 'Come back on Lohri. Halloween is not our festival.'

They left sheepishly.

I have been feeling sheepish and embarrassed ever since.

Yesterday was Halloween and I was hoping that the same bunch of kids would come in the evening and ring my doorbell and I would give them a treat.

No,the bell never rang.

Mr. Kailash Satyarthi & the Nobel Honour

I had not heard of Mr Kailash Satyarthi till he was awarded the Nobel Prize.

May be other Indians had known about the good work being done by him and I was the only ignorant one.

Or maybe the foreigners know more about people doing good work in India than we Indians do.

'Govt's latest austerity measures' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Pappu: Pappa, Pappa. You had worked in Govt of India and in a state government for 36 years, did you ever come across such tough austerity measures- No travelling by First Class when going abroad, no fresh purchase of cars, no holding of meetings in the five stars hotels, 10% cut in non-plan expenditure, no creation of new posts etc. etc.

Pappa: Dozens of times. In fact it used to be a yearly exercise.

Pappu: Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose (The more things change, the more they remain the same)

Pappa: Yes Pappu!

"Chandigarh a 'heritage' city? You must be joking!" by K.J.S.Chatrath

Every now and then there is an attempt by some to talk about Chandigarh as a heritage city.

Heritage generally refers to practices or characteristics that are passed down through the years, from one generation to the next.

What is so special about Chandigarh? Rows of identical square houses? I understand there are many towns in eastern Europe where square, identical houses were built during the Soviet area. And what is special about Chandigarh?

Open Hand symbol? Unfortunately it is a copy of the wellknown symbol of 'Fatima's' hand' found everywhere in the Middle East, as the photo below shows.

Fatima's Hand.


Chimney design atop the Secretaiat? It is a copy of the chimneys of Atom Power plants.

Chimney of a power plant.

Chandigarh a 'heritage' city? You must be joking!

''Pistorious-Pistorius'- western media should stop making a hero of a murderer' by K.J.S.Chatrath

'Pistorious-Pistorius'- western media should stop making a hero of a murderer.

'Silly non-news' by K.J.S.Chatrath

'Is Varun Dhawan Dating Lisa Haydon?'...shrieks an NDTV news headlines.

Who cares!

'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan & Sucre'- the capital of Bolivia' by K.J.S.Chatrath

I was in Sucre', the capital of Bolivia in the last week of September. I read on the internet about the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to be soon launched in India .

Early in the morning I went for a walk in the main park of the town. I noticed a lot of activity and saw a number of municipal helpers cleaning up the place.

It was surely a special occasion or a VIP was coming to the park, I told myself. I requested our Spanish knowing guide to ask one of the workers what was the special occasion for the cleanliness drive and weather the President of the country was to visit that park during the day.

The reply that I received put me in my place. No there was no special occasion and it was just the daily cleanliness routine, I was told!

'Shatabadi going down the hill' by K J S Chatath

I travelled by Shatabadi Express Ex Class on 22nd Oct. from New Delhi to Chandigarh.

A few minutes after the train left the station a smartly dressed young man in a coat and tie followed by an attendant carrying rose flowers, went to each seat and gave a rose to each passenger. I refused to accept the flower as I feel that the amount spent on it can be better spent by railways in many other ways, or price per ticket reduced.

I understand that these two gentlemen have no other role or duties assigned to them except of distribution of roses. If this is true then the cost per rose per passenger works out to about Rs. 500/....

By the time the train neared Chandigarh station a serving attendant with a tray circulated from passenger to passenger saying 'Happy Diwali' and collecting money...

Shame....

'Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi and Athiesm' by K.J.S.Chatrath

On the one hand I profess to be a non-believer in God and in all religions and on the other hand I also feel that participating in mass religious festivities is a part of our cultural heritage.

Yesterday was Diwali. I had a very quiet day. Having just returned from a trip abroad, I was half asleep and trying to get my household back on the move.

At around 5 pm I went to the nearby depot of Vita Milk to buy some,milk and juice. Having paid the money and collected the packet as I turned back, I saw a ten rupee note, a five rupee note and a coin of two rupees lying in front of my feet.

I quietly picked up the money and handed it over to the shop-keeper. No Sirji, you keep it, he said. No, Lakshmiji has come to your shop today on Diwali day so you must take it, I insisted.

Incidently this is a about a dozenth time in the last ten years or so that I have found money lying in front of me- no big amounts just ten rupee notes... ...

To believe in Goddess Lakshmi or not? I am confused.

'By God' by K.J.S.Chatrath

After a 42 day tough trip in South America, I reached Chandigarh by Shatabadi train at around 9 pm. Tired and exhausted my first worry was to look out for an auto or a taxi. I was also dying to have a decent Indian meal after surviving for weeks on boiled/half cooked stuff called Western Food

Then suddenly a lady addressed me, is some one receiving you? That was my gracious neighbour from the next apartment who had spotted me....she had come to pick up her daughter coming by the same train...she gave me a lift...

And on reaching my flat she sent me a few excellent apples, a biscuit pack...water bottles and dinner....peeli daal, chappati and paneer bhaji...Alas! I still dont believe in God....

'Hyderabadi young ladies stun the world' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Sania Mirza
Saina Nehwal
P.V.Sindhu

These brave young ladies of Hyderabad have stunned the world and brought glory to their country.

Bravo young ladies!

Bravo Hyderabad!

Proud to be an Indian....

'Indiscretions' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Certain things which are quite normal in younger days, when relished in old age, are labelled as indiscretions.... ...

.

"Activists of Fringe Hindu Groups Burst Crackers to 'Celebrate' Ananthamurthy's Death"- The New Indian Express

"Activists of Fringe Hindu Groups Burst Crackers to 'Celebrate' Ananthamurthy's Death": http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/Activists-of-Fringe-Hindu-Groups-Burst-Crackers-to-Celebrate-Ananthamurthys-Death/2014/08/23/article2393152.ece

India can beat China!

P.V. Sindhu has shown that India can beat China!

Bravo young lady! You have made your country proud.

And now GO for the GOLD!

Ice-bucket challenge

While the idea of collecting funds for researching a disease may be very noble, the process chosen appears to me to be downright silly.

Tell us what 'you' think of it and not what Paul Coelho said about it!

'Ganapati Bapa Moria' by K.J.S.Chatrath

I am a staunch athiest. But it does not stop me from participating in the religious festivities of all religions.

Ganapati Bapa Moria!

.........

IRON Sharmila re-arrested...no, No, NO!

IRON Sharmila re-arrested...no, No, NO!

'Pappa, Pappu & Degree' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Pappu: Papa, Papa..

Pappa: Yes Pappu.

Pappu: When I pass my 5th class will I get a Certificate or a Diploma or a Degree?

Pappa: You are again taking interest in politics...Go and finish your home work.

Pappa: (Shouts)...You will only get a School Leaving Certificate because you will never pass!

'Gul Panang throws a googly'

Gul Panang throws a googly- 'RSS has a women Wing?'
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/RSS-has-a-women-wing-Gul-sparks-Twitter-debate/articleshow/40385713.cms

'Keema Karela' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Last evening I was watching a Pakistani play on the TV channel 'Zindagi'. In the play one of the young persons tells his mother that he will not have dinner at home because he had gone to the neighbour's house and the aunty offered him 'Keema Karela' which he ate. Oh it was so delicious, he added.

I have never had 'Keema Karela' and my mouth is watering ever since. Any address in the Tricity making/selling 'Keema Karela'?

'Slurp-slurp'

Irom Sharmila Must Be Released, Says Court, Rejects Attempted Suicide Charges

Irom Sharmila Must Be Released, Says Court, Rejects Attempted Suicide Charges....

Bravo IRON Sharmila

'Late Robin Williams' by K.J.S.Chatrath

I remember the limerick:

Of the gone and the dead,

Nothing but good shall be said.

But to be very honest, I never liked Robin William's style of comedy.

May his soul rest in peace.

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Unconventional Poll Issues

The 'murrah' breed of buffalo is part of the pre-poll ad campaign launched by the CM via FM radio.... ...The state is proud of 'murrahs' which produce upto 32 kg of milk a day... (The Times of India, Chandigarh, August 8, 2014)

Bolivia declares Israel ‘terrorist state’, scraps visa exemption agreement

Bolivia declares Israel ‘terrorist state’, scraps visa exemption agreement
http://rt.com/news/176852-bolivia-israel-terrorist-state/

'Bravery medals earned but not distributed' by K.J.S.Chatrath

I was Sub-Collector (SDO) at Panposh (Rourkela) in Sundargarh District of Orissa for a year in 1971-72.

I remember that just a few days before leaving on transfer, I chanced to see a bundle of old (army?) medals in one of the office almirahs. Those appeared to be medals awarded by the British Indian Government, meant for distribution amongst the the ex-armymen/ their successors of that Sub-Division. The name of each awardee was engraved on each medal. So far as I remember, the names indicated local tribal names. Since this was almost 44 years back, the details are hazy in my mind but the I do remember the basic facts.

We got a list of these medals prepared awardee wise and I sent a letter to the Collector & DM Sundargarh informing him of the medals and suggested that these be taken charge of and got distributed after suitable verification/following of procedure.

I left that assignment within a few days and do not know what happened to the medals thereafter.

Then about 15 years back I happened to remember this and wrote to the then Collector & DM (a Lady Officer) of Sundargarh district enquiring what had happened to the medals. I did not get any reply.

Now that I am working on the lists and graves of the Indian soldiers who died in France during the First World War, these medals have once again come to my mind.

Maybe some younger officer of Orissa Cadre could throw some light on it.

Mr. Natwar Singh

I have a strange feeling that Mr. Natwar Singh is going to join the BJP.....

Bravo Phogat sisters

Bravo Phogat sisters from Bhiwani, Haryana - Babita, Geeta and now Vinesh ...you have done Haryana and India proud.

The India Gate- All India War Memorial

India Gate New Delhi, India. Photo source: Wikipedia

Did you know that The India Gate, New Delhi was originally called the All India War Memorial?

Pappa, Pappu & Acharya Dina Nath Batra

Pappu: Pappa, Pappa do you know who is the most talked about person in the country today?

Pappa: No I dont know....Perhaps Mohinder Singh Dhoni....

Pappu: No...Acharya Dina Nath Batra!

Pappa: Quiet.....Go and finish your school home work.

' Women- Not the Second but the Superior Sex' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Yes, you can do it!

American Wartime poster by J. Howard Miller, 1943. Photo source: Wikipedia.

YES, YOU CAN DO IT!
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'Fall of standards of Times of India' by K.J.S.Chatrath

"Has Kala Kachha Gang Returned?' shrieks the headline of todays's Times of Chandigarh?

Oh, what a fall in standards, Times of India (With apologies to the Bard of Avon)!

...

Sartorial elegance of my late father Sardar Gurbux Singh Chatrath

My father had been conferred the tittle of 'Sardar Sahib' by the British. He dressed well and had a sartorial elegance of his own. This is his photo (in a 'turra' turban) with Lala Amarnath and others when the MCC cricket team visited Amritsar to play a match- circa 1950s.

He wanted his sons too to dress up appropriately. Here is a photo of mine (right) and my younger brother Sarvjit (left) taken about 60 years back.

Did you notice the neat double breasted suits?

Alas, dressing up well is not one of the things of my father that I follow. My preferred dress is comfortable, and as my friends will say -even sloppy at times. But I am happy the way I dress up.

Sorry Dad!

Gujarat panel suggests ban on jeans for primary teachers for improving the quality of education

A committee set up in Gujarat to suggest measures for improving the quality of education at the primary level has suggested a ban on jeans for primary teachers.

Please click at the following link to read the full article:
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140728/nation.htm#21

Kuch na kaho, bus kuch bhi na kaho... ...

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"Kala Kachha gang strikes again" by K.J.S.Chatrath

A bold headline, in the Chandigarh supplements of both The Times of India and The Tribune dated 27th July, 2014: "Kala Kachha gang strikes again"

Kuch na kaho, bus kuch bhi na kaho... ...

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Ms. Kirron Kher, Hon'ble M.P. seeks red beacon

‘Kirron Kher seeks red beacon: Supreme Court has banned the use of red beacon, hooter on cars of MPs…’. For reading the full story please click at the following link: http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140726/cth1.htm

Kuch na kaho, bus kuch na kaho… …

..

'Guess what is it?' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Lo kar lo baat! / Lai kar low gul! (Now what!)

'Queen(of Britain)Elizabeth's racehorse Estimate, the 2013 Ascot Gold Cup winner, tested positive for the banned substance morphine, Buckingham palace said on Tuesday...' (Source: The Tribune, July 24, 2014.)

'Poor monsoon- a cospiracy theory' by K.J.S.Chatrath

I suspect that the brouhaha over impending poor monsoon may have been fanned by the black-marketeers, hoarders and anti-social elements for raising the prices and fleecing the public.

My gut feeling is that the monsoon would not only be normal but a little better than normal.

'If you like swimming...' by K.J.S.Chatrath

If you like swimming, then here is some must read information for you: '1 in 5: Ratio of American adults who admit to peeing in pools: No data is available for those who do so and deny it.' (Source: Time Newsmagazine, June 18, 2012, page 7.)

No, I do not like swimming!

'Sartorial views & a medical precaution' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Just saw photos of our Hon'ble P.M. Shri Modi in a smart brown buttoned up suit in Brazil. But somehow I feel that a brown pair of shoes would have gone better with that suit rather than the black pair that the P.M. was wearing....

And one does hope that the Hon'ble P.M. and his entourage was appropriately vaccinated for Yellow Fever before leaving for Brazil.

Khas Aam- ख़ास आम (Special Mangoes) by K.J.S.Chatrath

Though the Moghul Emperor Babur did not like many things of India, he conceded that mangoes were something special. This is what he wrote about mangoes in his ‘Baburnama’: Mango (anba in Persian) is one of the fruits peculiar to Hindustan. The Hindustanis pronounce the ‘b’ in its name as though it as though no vowel followed it (i.e. anb in Sanskrit). This being awkward to utter, some people call the fruit as Khwaja Amir Khusrau Kukuldash, the poet, does, ‘Our fairling , the beautifier of bustan (orchard), the fairest fruit of Hindustan…’.

And he went on to write ‘…Mangoes, when good, are very good. But of the many that are eaten, few are first rate. They are usually plucked unripe and plucked in the house. Unripe, they make excellent condiments, are good also preserved in syrup. Taking it altogether, mango is the best fruit of Hindustan…’

It is fashionable to do a lot of Ooh and Aah about alphonso mangoes. I for one am not fond of alphonso mangoes. In fact I do not like the peculiar almost stink like smell that it gives. I would prefer Langra and Chausa to Alphonso any day.

But my favourite are the desi mangoes or choosnay walay mangoes. The beauty of these mangoes is that each fruit tastes different from the other. Unfortunately the production of these mangoes seems to be on the decline. There are a large number of desi mango varieties- some with interesting names like zard ameen, surkha, chand gola, tuhru, mujjad ameen, ramkela, seb jannat, desi bambaiya, zardalu, tukami heera, deshi mitthu, sharifa, maldaha, haathijhul, aamil lamba, ajayab, surkha maliyara and sahed ki kuppi, just to name a few.

I was happy to see, the variety called the sahed ki kuppi (goblet of honey) or just kuppi in the market yesterday and promptly bought some.

Take a look:

Mangoes in Peru in February

Mangoes in Cambodia in December

Two personal anecdotes about mangoes before I finish. When I was a young kid, there used to be no refrigerators. Mangoes were usually chilled in a bucket filled with water and ice. My father would organise a special yearly treat for us. He would send a few kilos of mangoes to the local ice factory with a request to let the mangoes be studded into an ice slab . This slab would be brought home on a rickshaw and as it would gradually melt, mangoes would come out. It needed a little thawing as the mangoes too would be frozen, but it used to be an occassion, we 5 brothers and sisters used to look forward toduring summers.

The second story is from Orissa. I was posted in a district called Phulbani for my Survey & Settlement training during summers. I was surprised to find both sides of the main road lined up with mango and jack fruit trees - fully laden with fruit. Further enquiry revealed that those trees were got put by an English Collector who was posted there for two decades. He used 'begar' or forced labour and made people to plant and water the trees initially. Once the trees grew up and started fruiting, then there was no problem of hunger in that tribal district. One had just to go to the main road and pluck the fruits. Mangoes are also cut dried and used during non-mango seasons. Interestingly that Collector is locally remembered as 'Sukla Sahib' as he was was very lean and skinny and looked almost dried up to the local inhabitants... ...

Statue hi statue...by K.J.S. Chatrath

Rs. 200 crores in the latest Government of India budget for Sardar Patel's statue...

Rs. 100 crores to be spent by Maharashtra Government for building Shivaji's statue in Mumbai...

The British Chancellor of Exchequer, not to be left behind, announced during his recent visit to India, the decision of the British Government to set up a grand statue of Mahatama Gandhi in London...

Our 'neglected' departed leaders and icons never had it so good.....

'A narrow escape' by K.J.S.Chatrath

I had a favourite chair, a folding one but very comfortable. I used to watch TV sitting in that chair.

Three nights back I had a dream with a premonition of an accident.

Two days back, while watching the replay of football match, I suddenly got up from the chair and inspected to see if its nuts and bolts were in place. Yes, I did not tell you that it was an old chair, old but much younger than my 71 years.

Last evening while watching the replay of Brazil vs. Germany match, after the fifth German goal, I could not take it any longer and got up from the chair. At the same time, the chair also could not take it any more and suddenly broke into two.

I did not fall onto the ground and break my old backbone, as I was in the motion of getting up from the chair.

Have I told you about one of my unfulfilled but fulfillable desires of life? To watch Tv sitting in a 'Lazyboy' recliner chair. Maybe now the time has come... ...

No, I still do not believe in God!

American & European football coaches!

American & European football coaches!

(Thanks Anurag Chatrath)

'Ms. Richa Chaddha in TATASKY Ad' by K.J.S.Chatrath

I have just seen the TATASKY ad about a pretty young working woman preparing to leave on a 15 days holiday to Nainital and TATASKY not charging her for that fortnight. The young lady, Richa Chaddha has put up an excellent performance in those 60 seconds.The ease and synchronization of her dialogues with her body, facial and eye movements is just amazing.

I believe she also acted in Gangs of Wasseypur, a film which I have not seen yet, but intend to do so now.

My compliments Ms Chaddha.

My God, it’s full of planets! (From The Economist)

"The latest batch of results from Kepler is both illuminating and baffling
A group led by Erik Petigura of the University of California, Berkeley, having crunched the numbers, told the meeting that around a fifth of sun-like stars in the Milky Way are likely to host planets roughly the size and temperature of Earth. By the researchers’ definition, sun-like stars are a fifth of the total, so that means only about one star in 25 would have such a planet. But the galaxy is a big place, so if they are right there are billions of Earthlike planets in it. The closest is expected to be less than 12 light-years from Earth…. …"(Emphasis supplied)

Imagine just 12 light years away...Wow!

For full article please click at the following link: http://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21589384-latest-batch-results-kepler-both-illuminating-and-baffling-my-god

'The rising food prices, the UPA, the BJP and the learned Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia' by K.J.S.Chatrath

What did the UPA governemnt say last year on the rising food prices- 'We have advised the state governments to take strict action against the hoarders, black marketeers and profiteers'

And what has the BJP government said now: 'We have advised the state governments to take strict action against the hoarders, black marketeers and profiteers'

But the most memorable statement has been by the learned Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia...'Rising prices indicate a mismatch between the supply side and the demand side'

The poor and the underfed would really thank you for this revelation, Dr. Ahluwalia.

Hansana Manaa Hai ji...

14.2% rail fare hike

Remember you have to add the Service Tax on the 14.2% as well as on the 6.5% hike in the freight .....

'Englaaand & Football' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Bahut football khail liya, ab wapas Englaaand jaoo

India at the World Cup 1948 & 1950 by K.J.S.Chatrath

In 1948 World Cup India had played and lost to France 2-1.

India was invited to participate in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil considering the high standard of football those years and also keeping in view the appreciable performance of the Indian team at the 1948 Olympics. In the 1950 World Cup India were to open their campaign against Paraguay on June 25, 1950. But, as legend goes, FIFA did not allow India to take part as boots were mandatory and most Indian players were used to playing barefoot.

Those were the days my friends... ... (with apologies to Mary Hopkins).

Later....Corrigendum:Ooops....1948 was not the World Cup but the London Olympics. Sorry for the mistake.

‘Men drop their jeans, go for coloured trousers’ by Anshul Dhamija

‘Men drop their jeans, go for coloured trousers’ by Anshul Dhamija.

No thank you. I wouldn’t like to be seen dead in shocking pink or banana green trousers…uck…

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Men-drop-their-jeans-go-for-coloured-trousers/articleshow/33302838.cms

'Mera Bharat Mahaan!' by K.J.S. Chatrath

This is how 'The Hindu' put it in its edition dated 14th May, 2014.

What a gracefully smooth transition! Bravo to Indian democracy in spite of all its shortcomings!

Yahoo predicts 46 degrees C. in Tricity during the weekend.

Yahoo Weather is predicting mercury touching 46 degrees C. in the Tricity on the coming Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

Hope Yahoo weather desk is wrong and we get a good shower instead!

'Shamefull news from U.P.' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Yes, toilets need to be constructed.

But these 'Goondas' need to be taught a lesson. After due process of law:

(i) These 'Goondas' convicted of rape need to be awarded 100 whip lashes on their bare buttocks;and

(ii) They should be physically castrated by the State; and

(ii) Faces of such physically castrated 'Goondas' should be shown on TV and published in newspapers so that they dont have the courage to look any one in the eye for the rest of their lives.

Yes the human rights activists would term these suggestions as barbaric and claim that such punishments have no place in a civilized society.

Do you want the girls, right from their birth till death, to live in the constant fear of rape and physical assault or you want a society where they have a right to live a normal life free of fear from rape. The choice is yours!

I am for re-introducing the "Whipping", which was on the statute book in India as a punishment since 1860 and the Punjab Whipping Act of 1909 to be reintroduced only for punishing the convicted rapists.

  .....
My websites & blogs:
www.fiftyplustravels.com,
www.gravematters.in,
www.traveltalk.co.in
www.anaap-shnaap.blogspot.in,
www.francophilesonly.blogspot.in,
indianrestaurantsworldwide.blogspot.in/
www.indianheritagephotos.blogspot.in
Email: kjschatrath@yahoo.co.in; chatrath@gmail.com

'Eating the crow' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Mr. Kejriwal seems to have eaten crow... ...

'Look what I saw in Iran' by K.J.S.Chatrath

I came across this somewhere in Iran. It reminded me of a particular political party back home which wanted to sweep the polls.......

'The silliest TV show' by K.J.S.Chatrath

I happened to see an episode of the Tv serial 'Tarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashma'.


I found it to be the silliest, shrillest and the most humour less serial seen by me ever.

Or maybe I have lost whatever little sense of humour I had!

'Pappa, Pappu & Hypertension' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Pappu: Pappa, Pappa we missed it.

Pappa: Missed what?

Pappu: 17th May was the World Hypertension Day!

Pappa: So what?

Pappu: We did not create any hypertension nor did we celebrate hypertension.

Pappa: Quiet. Now go and finish your homework.

Changing with the times.....by K.J.S.Chatrath

Some call me 'Chatrath' which is my surname. Some others call me 'Dr. Chatrath'. Friends call me 'Chat' and close family members call me by my first name-'Kanwal'.

Now with the Hon'ble Shri Narendra Bhai Modi becoming the Prime Minister of India and Hon'ble Ms. Anandiben becoming the Chief Minister of Gujarat, one can see that the change is on.

I have decided to flow with the change and would invite all to call me 'Kanwal Bhai' now on.

After all, as the Bard said, what is there in a name... ...

Kaun jeeta, kaun hara?

I have switched over to 'The Hindu' since the last few days hoping to see some more objectivity in news reporting.....though the price of Rs. 8 for daily paper does pinch me, but its cartoon alone more than makes up for it....Bravo 'The Hindu' and bravo Mr. Surendra, the cartoonist.

A Gandhi's letter to Mr. Narendra Modi

Mr. Gopal Krishan Gandhi's open letter to Mr. Narendra Modi....worth a read.

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/an-open-letter-to-narendra-modi/article6022900.ece

Cartoon from 'The Hindu'

(Source The Hindu, May 20, 2014)


I am tempted to quip...'Party with a difference?' or office seekers with a difference?

'Master & servant' by K.J.S. Chatrath

"In order to become the master, the politician poses as the servant"- Charles De Gaulle.
(Quoted from The Times of India, May 19, 2004)

'NOTA or a negative vote?' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Why not introduce a 'Negative' button to be pressed against a candidate known to be corrupt/communal/criminal?....each negative click could cancel one vote polled by such an undesirable candidate....
22 secs · Like

'Arun Jaitley compares Baba Ramdev to Gandhiji'- news

Hasna mana hai!

http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/election-2014/arun-jaitley-compares-ramdev-to-mahatma-gandhi-526481?pfrom=home-lateststories

'Chatta Chaap sycophants' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Now that a new government is going to take over, we would find a flush of sycophant politicians, academics, intelligentia, bureaucrats, media & film personalities et al rushing in to show their support. One would also find hundreds of articles and dozens of books on Shri Narendra Modi hitting the stands in the next few days. One suspects that many would be doing this only for gaining personal advantages......

'Sab ko sanmati day Bhagwan..' by K.J.S.Chatrath

'Sab ko sanmati day Bhagwan..'

'Mr. Manik Sarkar surely gets my admiration' by K.J.S.Chatrath

I am not a Leftist, but the story of Mr. Manik Sarkar surely geets my admiration. http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/election-2014/communist-leader-in-india-stands-firm-as-his-party-shrinks-524739?pfrom=home-topstories

'Too hot for my dog' by K.J.S.Chatrath

'Colombia's Vice-President said he had turned down an ambassadorship to Brazil because it would have been too warm for his dog (Orion, a German Shephard). Colombia's Foreign Minister issued an apology to stop Brazil too hot under the collar.' (Source:The Economist, London, March 22nd 2014)

'Objectivity comes at a price' by K.J.S.Chatrath

It is so easy to move over from one TV news channel to another. Just a click of the remote and you get a different perspective. But it is more complicated in case of newspapers. One gets addicted to the newspapers that one reads and finds it very difficult to switch over to different papers.

I have long been reading the Times of India, and staying in Panchkula, The Tribune for the local news. With the election news elbowing out every other news, and there being serious talk of 'paid news',I decided to move over to, what I feel is a more objective newspaper- The Hindu.

I have been reading The Hindu for a week now and find its handling of stories, especially of the political ones, much more objective and balanced with considerably less advertisements.

This morning, for the first time I saw the price tag of this paper. I was taken aback. A daily edition of this paper is priced at Rs.8. The Times of India is priced at Rs.3 and the Hindustan Times and The Tribune at Rs.4 each.

So the objectivity comes at a price. So be it.

I have decided to continue with The Hindu.

Twitter joins Rajnikant says Hindustan Times

People just spreading false rumours that Rajnikant is on twitter. Actually twitter is on Rajnikant @superstarrajini

From 'The Hindu', May 7, 2014

'Flying (Crawling) in anticipation... ...' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Travel/Food expert and a friend Puneetinder Kaur Sidhu www.cuttingloose.in/ ‎sent me a post a few days back informing about IRCTC's newly announced trip from Ayodhya to Sri Lanka.

My caustic comments were: "Sniffing a possible change in Government, the IRCTC babus have come out with this new idea.....".

Now today's newspaper mentions that another government undertaking is doing something exactly on the same lines. The news is (http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/air-india-to-fly-to-bhuj-after-12-years/article5970449.ece) that Air India has decided to resume flights of its subsidiary Air Alliance to Bhuj in Gujarat. The flight was discontinued after the terrible earthquake in 2002 and is now being re-introduced wef 15th May, 2014, just a day before the results of the general elections are to be declared!

Oh, come on! How can the babus (I am an ex-babu myself!) complain of 'political pressure' when they start flying (crawling) in anticipation, without having even been asked to walk (bend)!

Bravo Officer Mamta Sauda, ACP Panchkula!

Ms. Mamta Sauda scaled the Mount Everest in 2010, followed by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Elbrus in 2012.

She was appointed as an ACP in Haryana Police.

Now she has been honoured by GOI with a Padam Shri.

Bravo Officer Mamta Sauda!
Bravo Haryana Government!
Bravo Government of India!

"Pope Francis declares 2 predecessors saints"- news

His Holiness Pope Francis has declared his 2 predecessors Saints- news.

AAPs Nainital pick sent to jail for poll code violation- be even handed

AAPs Nainital pick sent to jail for poll code violation(s) (news): And what were the violations? Could not produce vehicle papers and had two loudspeakers instead of one-while candidates elsewhere in the country making crass communally provocative sentiments are merrily roaming around....Come on Deputy Commissioner Sir, don't be high handed...be even handed in strictly enforcing the law.

http://mobiletoi.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=13§id=edid=&edlabel=CAP&mydateHid=23-04-2014&pubname=Times+of+India+-+Delhi&edname=&articleid=Ar01302&publabel=TOI

“Letters: A Narendra Modi victory would bode ill for India's future, The Guardian

“Letters: A Narendra Modi victory would bode ill for India's future, The Guardian”- ; http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/11/narendra-modi-victory-bode-ill-india

' this newspaper cannot bring itself to back Mr Modi for India’s highest office…’-The Economist:

‘ … this newspaper cannot bring itself to back Mr Modi for India’s highest office…’-The Economist: Click to read the full story: http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21600106-he-will-probably-become-indias-next-prime-minister-does-not-mean-he-should-be-can-anyone

'Babus must wet their pants when MPs call them: SP neta'- news

Babus must wet their pants when MPs call them: SP neta : http://mobiletoi.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=7§id=edid=&edlabel=TOIL&mydateHid=23-04-2014&pubname=Times+of+India+-+Lucknow&edname=&articleid=Ar00704&publabel=TOI



Uncouth, uncivilized, provocative .... .....SHAME on this man!


...


...

'Smile please' by K.J.S.Chatrath

For some reason I find it hard to smile and there is a permanent semi-growl on my face. My dear ones keep on trying to improve me but they haven't succeeded till now.

This morning my dentist fitted a clip with two teeth in my mouth. It did feel uncomfortable.

On return home I just happened to see the mirror in the bathroom. Well, I didn't quite recognise the face that I saw. There was a smile, albeit a faint smile on my face. It appears to be lasting. It is more like the 'Mona Lisa' smile than the 'Julia Roberts' one.

I shared this development with a friend who, tongue in cheek advised that I should quickly take a selfie before the faint smile disappears.

So here you are....

Shakespeare's 450th anniversary

A homage to William Shakespeare on his 450th anniversary:

Learned commentators view,
In Shakespeare, more than Shakespeare knew!

D.C. finds samosas in empty liquor cartons...news

If you are fond of 'samosas' then you would like this one.

D.C. finds samosas in empty liquor cartons.... http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Home/Lok-Sabha-Elections-2014/News/EC-officials-report-on-liquor-distribution-at-SAD-rally-finds-no-booze/articleshow/34088623.cms

'Rajinikanth was the first voter in this polling station, mind it'- news

'Rajinikanth was the first voter in this polling station, mind it'

Election anaap-shnaap

http://www.storypick.com/modi-rahul-kejriwal-walked-restaurant-can-guess-happened-next/

UK PM David Cameron calls Britain a 'Christian nation'- news

UK PM David Cameron calls Britain a 'Christian nation'- news

Do as you please - you are free nation.

We in India are proud to be a secular country.

'God has chosen me bless me'- Narendra-Modi

“God has chosen me, bless me: Narendra Modi”- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/God-has-chosen-me-bless-me-Narendra-Modi/articleshow/34126724.cms

Hints of 'hubris’* ?

(*'Hubris, from ancient Greek, means extreme pride or self-confidence. Hubris often indicates a loss of contact with reality and an overestimation of one's own competence, accomplishments or capabilities, especially when the person exhibiting it is in a position of power'. Wikipedia.)

English translation of the lyrics of a popular hindi song

Supreet Dhiman has shared this amazing English translation of a Hindi film song. Thank you for sharing Supreet.

Mera kuch saamaan tumhare paas pada hai
some of my luggage is wid u

o o o ! saavan ke kuch bheege bheege din rakhe hain
i have kept some wet days of the spring

aur mere ik khat main lipti raat padi hai
also there a nite wrapped up in a letter

vo raat bhujaa do, mera vo saamaan lauta do
plz finish that nite and return me my property

mera kuch saamaan tumhaare paas pada hai

patjhad hai kcuh ... hai na ?
theres som autumn tree , isnt it there?

o ! patjhad main kuch patton ke girne kee aahat
also theres the soung of the leaves falling off the tree

kaanon main ek baar pahan ke laut aai thee
once the sound got to ear and returned

patajhad kee vo saakh abhi tak kaanp rahi hai
the stem of the tree is still shaking

vo saakh gira do, mera vo saamaan lauta do
plz drop that stem and return my luggage


ek akeli chhataree main jab aadhe aadhe bheeg rahe the
when we were getting half wet in a siingle umbrella

aadhe sookhe aadhe geele, sukha to main le aaye thee
half wet half dry, the dryness was browght by me

geela man shayad bistar ke paas pada ho
the wet mind mite be lying down at the bedside

vo bhijwa do, mera vo saamaan lauta do
plz send me the mind


ek so sola chaand ki ratain ek tumhare kaandhe ka til
the 116 stars nite and one is the mark on ur neck

geeli mahendi ki khushbu, jhoot mooth ke shikwe kuch
the fragrance of wet mehandi, n some virtual madness

jhooth mooth ke wade sab yaad karaa do
make me remember the trufalse promises

sab bhijwa do, mera vo saamaan lauta do
return me eveything, send me my luggage


ek ijaazat de do bas, jab isako dafanaaungee
plz give me permission, wen i burry this

main bhi vaheen so jaungee
i will too ly by the side

main bhi vaheen so jaungee


Yes, translation is an art!

The Guardian U.K. says Modi as PM 'will bode ill for India' in open letter:

The Guardian says Modi as PM 'will bode ill for India' in open letter: http://www.hindustantimes.com/elections2014/election-beat/the-guardian-carries-petition-against-modi/article1-1206866.aspx

'Dread' Narendra Modi coming to power, say Indian-origin academics in open letter

http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/election-2014/dread-narendra-modi-coming-to-power-say-indian-origin-academics-in-open-letter-512362?pfrom=home-topstories

'Feel Good' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Saw it somewhere in Iran last fortnight.

'Those against Modi should go to Pak' says BJP's Senior leader Shri Giriraj Singh....What NONSENSE!

'Those against Modi should go to Pak' says BJP's Senior leader Shri Giriraj Singh.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Home/Lok-Sabha-Elections-2014/News/Those-opposed-to-Narendra-Modi-should-go-to-Pakistan-BJP-leader-Giriraj-Singh-says/articleshow/33971544.cms


What NONSENSE!




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'Guess whom did I bump into in Tehran, Iran? by K.J.S.Chatrath

why-modi-will-become-pm-of-india-uzair-belgrami/

http://kafila.org/2014/04/17/why-modi-will-become-pm-of-india-uzair-belgrami/

Buddha Chal Bussa Kya (Has the old man conked off)? by K.J.S. Chatrath

My friends would have noticed, I hope, my absence from the internet during the last three weeks. I was away on a fantastic trip to Iran. Returning to my flat laate last evening, I remembered one of the first posts that I had pout up on "Anaap-Shnaap" on 11th June 2011. Take a look:

'I stay alone in a fifth floor flat. There are three other flats on this floor, out of which two are locked. That leaves my flat and one bang in front of me. The owner and sole occupant of the flat opposite mine is a deeply religious and spiritual person. I am a hard boiled atheist and self-professed rationalist. So both me and my neighbour politely ignore each other. And this has been going on for good eight years.

Yesterday we had a short chat when he told me that he was going abroad for 3 weeks and was in a hurry to leave. He requested me to water his flower pots while he was away. I wished him a good journey and he left with a small suitcase. I soon got busy in my daily routine of doing nothing.

But as the evening turned to night, I felt that all was very quiet on my floor of the building. And then around 9 pm there was a bell at the door. That is the time for my ‘dabbawalla’ to bring my dinner. So almost mechanically I opened the door and found that the person who pressed the bell was not the ‘dabbawala’. I found a somewhat plumpish old gentleman in white Kurta-Pajama staring at me. He gave me a deep look and then asked “Chatrath Sahib Ka flat kaun sa hai?” It was my turn to give him a deep suspicious look as he was standing just a yard away from my name plate. May be at that time I started sweating more than usual.

And then I said softly “Gupta Sahib” and then ‘Arre O.P. tum?” yes he was OP Gupta an old friend of 35 years who retired from a senior position in the railways. We became friends when we attended a year long Group training programme for government officers together. Thereafter OP, as every one calls him, has been taking the initiative of organising a yearly or two-yearly get together of all the Group members.

OP chided me for not responding to his phone calls. I told him rather sheepishly that I had changed both my land line and mobile numbers and somehow could not inform him. He told me that he had really started getting worried about me, so while on way to Shimla he decided to drop into my flat. I asked him if he thought that “Buddha Chal Basa Hai” and we had a hearty laugh. In fact about ten years back when one of the Group mates could not be located the two of us had feared that the old man had passed away.

He was in a hurry to leave and said rather casually that there was someone with him in the car. And before I could make a naughty guess he said, “Lacchu Maharaj is with me”. The great tabla Guru, I asked. Yes was his brief reply. I went with him to the car and touched the feet of Lacchu Maharaj who was extremely soft spoken and accepted my greetings with immense grace. I was dying to tell him that I too had been forced to learn tabla by my father when I was a kid - but there was no time.

The car left and I returned back to my fifth floor flat. I was strangely happy and there was no trace left of any feeling of loneliness.'

'The Last Supper' by K.J.S.Chatrath (with apologies to Leonardo Da Vinci)

I am going out on a 20 day trip abroad tomorrow. I am proudly primitive in my food preferences and feel that Indian cuisine is the best in the world.

Before leaving I had my last supper a little while ago. Take a look:

Believe me, the very thought of this is going to sustain me for the next three weeks.

Mera Bharat Mahan.


..

'Homage to the martyrs of Ajnala, Panjab, 1857' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Homage to the 282 Indian soldiers, martyrs of Ajnala, Panjab in 1857.

Shame , Shame on Frederick Henry Cooper, the then Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar and Colonel James George Smith Neil, responsible for this brutal and inhuman massacre.

'Journey Towards Soft Fascism' by Kanti Bajpai

Worth a read...
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Home/Opinion/Edit-Page/Journey-towards-soft-fascism/articleshow/32863642.cms

'Election Commission & samosas' by K.J.S.Chatrath

All praise must go to Mr Seshan who gave a new life to the Election Commission of India (ECI)- not so much by obtaining new powers for the ECI but by using the existing powers to the hilt- without fear or favour. Law has to be strictly enforced and obeyed was the message that he was also able to send down the line right up to the polling booths.

After him came a number of Election Commissioners, and it must be said to their credit too that they kept taking the ECI in the right direction. Now that no one even talks of booth rigging is a great compliment to all the Officers and men of the Election Commission.

Let me end by saying that there comes a time when one has to draw a line between issues and non-issues to be tackled.

In this connection the latest endeavour of the ECI in issuing orders that offering of tea, coffee and samosas during elections would be calculated as an expense seems non-serious. In attempting tostandardize samosas further into samosa with chutney at Rs.7/- and samosa with chaanay at Rs 10 per piece is getting into non-issues.

Respected Election Commission, Sir, please keep the focus on the core issues and dont get involved into trifling non-issues.