Doodles
Hi Friends!
CHANGEMAKERS
My heart is brimming with warmth and pride as I cast my eyes on the innumerable youngsters making it big in the national and global arena. Alongside the news of the usual worrisome occurrences such as 
burglary,feuds, wars, callousness in certain quarters, the phenomenal increase in fees in institutions of higher learning that keeps the meritorious but economically weaker students at bay and similar such myriad incidents… it is mighty heartening to read about youngsters making great achievements in various fields. Everyday newspapers are carrying out such information--- whether it is a scientific discovery by eager young minds, or success in the legal arena. or an innovative piece of literature. whatever.. Yes! We must indeed applaud young achievers and motivate them to give their best. In fact, I would not be surprised if I chanced to unearth the trials and tribulations these young hearts might have had to wade through before snaring a fistful of success.
As a writer for several years, one has had countless opportunities to interact with various kinds of people in different fields. Talent and intellect first receive opposition from all quarters. It is sad, but true, that in many instances teachers and principals have come in the way of the quest for success due to other considerations. Parents fail to understand or recognize the burning ambitions and colourful dreams that lay dormant within these petite bosoms—simply because our society encourages hardcore living--- period. Anything else that digresses you away from the pursuit of a livelihood is considered as blasphemy. Fortunately.. behind most achievers lie the arduous labor, endurance, ceaseless motivation and indomitable courage of enterprising parents, which are internalized by their able wards in their journey towards self-actualization.
It is always the sheep that strays away from the herd that finds a new path. Such a sheep may be branded as a black sheep.. but amazing changes and developments have happened by the proactive and reactive efforts of these change-makers in our society. But as long as the time machine of the world keeps ticking.. there will be many more such sheep that will find new pastures. If we can understand this fundamental truth and make up our minds to encourage these dream-makers and change enthusiasts.. our emergence as a leader among the countries of the world can indeed become a reality, because there is no dearth of talent or intellect among our youth commune. When times are hard, these are the people who would lead us out of the impasse. While we are waiting with bated breath for a global economic solution, let us hail these hidden messiahs on whom lies the intellect and strength to turn around the adversity.
Ciao
Swati Amar
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Hi Friends!
Auctioning Education
We are in the midst of an outrage that has erupted, shaking the foundations of one of the noblest professions in the world. The issue of capitation fee being extorted by medical colleges in brazen violation of the SC order is not a new one. It has been in existence for over a decade now and gone unnoticed. In fact, by keeping mum despite the knowledge that such practices are being followed by medical institutions, we have allowed the matter to reach such levels that private medical colleges are extracting whopping amounts of Rs 1 -2 crores for a post graduate seat!
What does this mean? It means that people who get into medical colleges by paying lakhs of rupees are not going to emerge as conscientious medical professionals. I dread to think of what will happen to those who entrust their lives in the hands of such doctors and medical professionals who have paid their way through their education. While we are breeding mediocrity in a profession that needs constant updating of knowledge, we are also ensuring a future wherein we have to burn holes in our pockets to get ourselves treated because these people are going to get back the money they have ‘invested’ in getting their seats. Hence we are all contributing to the escalation of health care.
Thirdly, since meritorious students are left in the lurch, those who can afford or can take loans will leave the country for greener pastures. Hence we are losing our best brains due to the avarice of a few politicians and educational institutions who no doubt have formed a nexus.
Another malaise that arises out of this is the fact that the middle class and the economically weaker class are deprived of medical education just because they cannot afford to pay such huge amounts.
In effect, instead of putting a stop to corruption, inequality and injustice we are ensuring the continuance of these ills for generations.
Medical colleges and hospitals cannot exist without the support of the society and its people. If people choose not to go to a particular hospital for treatment then its existence itself is at stake. We need not wait for the government to announce a revamp of the policies to banish the malaise of capitation fees in deemed universities and educational institutions. It is in our hands to put an end to such corrupt practices by not patronizing tainted hospitals and educational institutions.
I was a victim of the consequence of such bad practices in medical institutions once. My teenaged daughter had to have an emergency appendicitis surgery during her school days. The doctor who performed the surgery charged such a whopping sum that I went and spoke to the director of the hospital who was shocked. She said that she herself did not take a quarter of that fee for even caesarian deliveries.
When you pay heavily to get your medical seat, it is only natural to try to get back all that you have invested in getting the seat and some more. Hence doctors who come out of such institutions will try to advocate more unwarranted surgeries, tests, medicines and demand a huge fee, especially when a patient’s life is in danger. No wonder we are a country where not only medical seats are auctioned, but where organ thefts, death or complications due to medical negligence and innumerable other cruel and inhuman practices are becoming common place.
Unless we make a determined effort as conscientious citizens, nothing will ever change. And to tackle this menace, we must start at the kindergarten level, because that is where it all begins. The problem will remain unless we target schools that force parents to pay to get their children admitted to kindergarten. Everyone is aware that every private school, college, medical college, engineering college and management institutions accepts donations to give admissions. We must look at the broader picture if we have to eliminate corruption in educational institutions.
Moreover, what about the people, a substantial number of whom are doctors who want their wards to continue their profession and are ready to pay and buy the seats? Why are people so desperate to buy seats paying huge sums of money? Unless there are people who are ready to pay, these institutions cannot continue with such practices. Corruption is always two-way traffic. There is a giver and a receiver. What about the givers? How do we handle them?
It is very sad that we have to resort to laws and policies to handle every institution in the country unlike other countries where the citizens themselves have the strength of character to avoid what is considered as bad for their country and people. If the pillars s of educational institutions rest on corruption, what kind of future citizens will the teachers of these institutions groom? I leave you with this serious thought for the fortnight!
Ciao
Swati Amar
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Hi Friends!
The Right Mix?
The results might not have been predictable nor pleasing to many. For those who thought that the aura of change that had emerged just before elections might just get converted to votes and bring in a fresh brood of new-era politicians, the results were disappointing. Yet, there seems to be a subtle change in the approach of our political leaders, most of them having learnt their own lessons. The recently concluded Lok Sabha elections proved our ardent desire for a stable government. It is not by coincidence that parties that were seen to be making loud statements attacking their opponents, horse-trading and mouthing unbelievable promises were voted out.
Yet, the results are disappointing in that many politicians known for their corrupt and violent ways have still been able elected to win. This just goes to show that a change in the attitude among the masses is not coming about and that the masses still get swayed by freebies and the jingle of money. It is disconcerting that the majority party had to pander to the egos of bullying political parties and leaders to accommodate ministers who may not reflect the right image of India to the world not do any good to the society.
Despite this, there still has been a change that had earlier never happened in our Parliament. We see a new group of the young and active politicians who we hope will infuse a breath of fresh air in the people’s house of representatives. We hope that the young blood will be able to show that despite the humongous proportions of corruption, poverty and innumerable other ills that afflict our country, they can definitely take concrete measures to make a difference to our country and its people. Combined with a handful of experienced and old statesmen, we can indeed have the right mix and at least this time around start initiatives to put the country in order.
We cannot go on like this for a long time if we are to realize our dream of making it big in the global arena. For India to do this, we must be free of corruption, communal violence, economic inequality, gender bias and countless other ailments that have been crippling our progress for long . It is not difficult for us to build a New India, the India of our Dreams , if the political leaders we have elected with hope and optimism take their responsibilities in the right earnest and get down to the nitty-gritty of sprucing up our nation.
Let us hope this is the beginning of a new beginning. Let us hope that we , as citizens can do our bit in this most-needed task of building up a Global Leader. It is time we crept out of our cocoon of self-focus and look at the big picture. For, if every one of us decide to integrate the good of our society into our conscience, then the benefit will accrue to everyone of us. Jai Ho!
Ciao
Swati Amar
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Hi Friends!
Sambhavami Yuge Yuge!
We are living at a time in the history of mankind when there is all-pervading restlessness among people. While the global economy has reached its nadir due to unethical practices and loss of values, injustice and transgressions against human rights are not only rising at alarming rates, but are finding newer and newer ways of expression. Violence and aggression have escalated at a frightening pace, especially among the youth. When the moral fabric of the society is torn asunder, the world witnesses the ugly rise of fundamentalism, terrorism, mass killings in institutions of learning, abuse of women and children in family units and in the society and innumerable other disturbing trends that keep every citizen distressed at all times.
When teachers misuse their authority and go to the extent of snuffing out innocent lives, when fathers give in to the lowest form of primeval animal instinct and become predators to their own daughters, when young men go to the vilest extent to torment a fellow student and kill him and when a huge population of youngsters are tottering under the aftermath of friendships and relationships gone awry, it is time for even the most catatonic mute witnesses to be shocked out of their numbness. That is exactly what seems to be happening in the world today, which is now embracing the new mantra, ‘Change.’ In the US, we can already see it underway.
Change is the buzzword that is on everybody’s lips and is most prominent in the political scenario in our country. While politics was seen as the last refuge of rogues, India is witnessing a remarkable, yet quiet progress towards change due to the entry of a new brood of young, educated and socially conscious youths in politics.
There are two major reasons for the emergence of the new youth brigade in the political realm. The most immediate precursor for this change in attitude towards politics among the educated populace is of course the Mumbai carnage. It has jolted people out of their reverie. People have realized that they can no longer be silent victims of any and every possible way of indignities, hurdles and threat to their security. The second, but the only important reason which I think has impacted people’s lives is CORRUPTION.
A decade ago, I had meet Radha Burnier, who was then heading the Theosophical Society of India for an interview. She rightly pointed out what the consequences of corruption would be. “Corruption would slowly percolate to all levels until every common man feels the pressure and is suffocated due to its impact. Then it would be too late to do anything about it,” she said sadly.
So here we are in the midst of the monster that is threatening to mangle and contort the entire society, corruption. I feel corruption has seeped into every nook and cranny of our society and is impacting the common’s man’s life and existence in inconceivable ways. This is now erupting in the form of aggression and violence, especially among the youths.
The entry of the young team aspiring for leadership may not cause a big dent during the current elections immediately. But yes, it gives us hope that change is underway; that well-meaning people are seriously considering politics as an option. This trend gives much scope for optimism. Responsible citizens, those who are educated and are aware and those who have derived much from the society should seriously encourage the new trend and do their bit in not only electing worthy leaders, who are men and women of character, but they can also participate in the political process by encouraging people to vote, to elect good leaders and spread the word around about the new entrants. By the way, in case a few new political leaders do emerge, let us all hope that they do not get drowned under the deluge of corrupt politics but do whatever is possible on their part to lead our country out of the miserable predicament we are languishing in today.
Ciao
Swati Amar
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Hi Friends!
The entire world is celebrating love on the occasion of Valentine’s Day. The concept of love has changed in recent years; its horizons have broadened more. Earlier, the roles of the two genders were clearly defined, and within their boundaries, love flourished selflessly among couples who knew what their respective duties and limits were. Even back then, there have been role model couples who were so much in love that they were constantly motivating each other to pursue their interests in the best possible manner. The love that MS amma shared with her husband is a classic example of selfless love that propelled her to global heights. There have been innumerable couples who braved through many storms, hand-in-hand and raised families that made them proud, making myriad sacrifices and transcending all barriers on the strength of their love for each other.
True love is ceaseless, selfless and results in the self-actualization of the individuals connected by boundless affection. True love does not bind those in love, in emotional shackles. When the understanding between two individuals in love is complete, when they learn to respect each others ambitions, desires, dreams and expectations and care for each other, when they empathize completely with the other person and do things selflessly, when they reach a stage that they think of their loved one during every important moment, every decision they make and every little actions they take.. when they rise above all petty squabbles, selfish desires, anger, jealousy, suspicion and other negative emotions and attitudes... when there is a cool and mature understanding and reciprocation among two equal individuals, then they have attained the zenith of love. In such a love, there is mutual trust. There is a feeling of comfort that the partner is honest and reliable.
Prepare for a life time of togetherness by exploring the relationship in more depth. Communication, along with a willingness to grow closer together, is one of the keys to a successful and enduring bond. It is important to realize that you are not defined by your partner, but by who you are and what you stand for. If you want to be in a happy and healthy relationship you have to be happy with who you are, what you are doing and where you are going. And your partner should complement all that. And when that happens, the true spirit of Valentine’s Day is attained.
Ciao
Swati Amar
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Doodles
Mumbai Meri Jaan
Hi Friends!
I sit down before the comp, my best friend, but images of parts of the iconic heritage building of Mumbai, the Taj, going up in flames swim before my eyes, reining in my thoughts. Right now the overriding emotion is one of relief that everything is over. But when you take a deep breath and sit back to ruminate on the incidents that unfolded three days ago, you experience a conglomeration of emotions which causes a weird churning in the pit of your stomach.
Firstly I offer my salute to the brave NSG and Mumbai police personnel and all those involved in warring against the terrorist attack; personally and behalf of all those in the press fraternity and the citizens of our country. The past few days have been traumatic, trying to find out what exactly happened, if our loved ones are safe and sound and if all others are unharmed. Apart from a cursory interest in one’s work, the mind kept going back to the television again and again and that’s where I ended up for most part of the days.
Whileit was appearing that the media might just end up whipping up frenzy, the security authorities took the right step in curbing dissemination of information so that the terrorists did not get to know their movements. The media has played a restrained and useful role in the entire scenario.
As a person who has great faith in humanity and their virtues, my heart goes out to all those impacted by the gory incidents that shook Mumbai and all those innocent lives lost either doing their duty or because they happened to be at the venues of the disaster. It is sad that Mumbai has had to go through such incidents often in the recent past and the aftermath of such occurrences has begun to take its toll. Mumbaikars, who are highly spirited and united people, seem to be losing their patience for being subjected to attacks and civic disturbances. Historically Mumbaikars are hardworking people who believe in doing their duties conscientiously. There is a general aura of camaraderie in Mumbai and pleasant interactions and exchanges among the citizens. Such incidences have scarred the psyche of the average Mumbaikar who has realized that peace has been snuffed out of his life for a long time to come. There is a seething rage in his heart as to why he has been targeted to suffer.
It is time for all of us to extend our support to Mumbaikars and also start doing our own bit to keep the unity of our country intact. It is time for every thinking citizen of our country to do his or her bit in dispelling the spread of any kind of prejudice, keeping the unity of our country uppermost in our minds. And as Eve’s Times always said, it is time for us to make a choice… the right choice. So let us be proactive and ensure that those in charge of protecting our country continue to do so unwaveringly. It is also time for each one of us as a citizen of India to do our bit to keep the social fabric intact and keep looking towards greater advancement. For, every time our attention is diverted by such destructive occurrences, we lose our people, money and time that could have been deployed productively to move our nation forward. Let these occurrences be the last such events to have happened to us. Let us stand up for unity, peace and harmony. The resurrection of Mumbai will be on its way now. Let us extend our hands of support and friendship. Three Cheers to Mumbaikars.
Ciao
Swati Amar
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Hi Friends!
My mind has been disturbed for some time now, reflecting on the happenings that seem to be assailing our country one after the other. The Aarushi macabre cast a gloom over the seemingly harmonious family scenario and spewed anger and frustration at the way a family was brutally scandalized by the police and the media. While one was slowly hopping to reality, came the news of the bomb blasts and destruction of the churches. Harmonious existence seems to be slipping farther and farther away from out grips , even as we continue to grapple with communal, religious and regional skirmishes.
Amidst all these we often forget to take a look around our own little lives, observe people around us and imbibe nature’s little lessons that are supposed to help us evolve into better human beings.
Life teaches all of us little lessons during our constant interactions with many people whom we encounter along our paths. Yet, in the hustle and bustle of our hectic schedules, most of us choose to ignore these valuable incidents which have the power to alter our perceptions and instill humility in us. We are so caught up in the ‘I, me, my,’ syndrome that we do not even make attempts to look beyond our own need of the moment.
One little incident gently awakened my conscience, briefly though, but set me thinking. I gave my handbag for repair to a bag- maker who has been mending my children’s school satchels and various other items for some years now. I picked up the bag after repair and paid him a paltry sum of ten rupees, which he took with gratitude. Then I noticed that inside the bag one more zipper needed to be set right and I pointed it out to him. I also asked him how much that would cost, for which he replied that it was five rupees but he would take it later, after he had done his job. For a minute, I was astounded. In today’s world where commercial motive reigns supreme and where everything is paid upfront, there are people like this unassuming bag-maker who is not only endowed with dignity of labour but also the graciousness to make certain that he received his due after ensuring customer satisfaction.
Here was a humble bag-maker who could be the ideal role model our so-called ‘management gurus and experts’ should emulate. Life’s lessons are indeed simple. Even if one graduates from one of the world’s best institutions, nothing can beget success than a gentle smile, honesty towards one profession, personal integrity, perseverance and hard work. With these mantras one can transport oneself to any heights. Of course, if one is equipped with the smartness to handle ‘others’ who have chosen ‘different’ paths in their lives.. all the better. And to think that a self-effacing bag maker occupying a diminutive shanty in one of the city’s most bustling roads can teach such lofty lessons by setting personal example… well.. that is what Chennai’s exclusive culture is all about!
Ciao
Swati Amar
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Hi Friends!
My heart is heavy even as my fingers play upon the keyboard of the comp… words fail to spill out of my befuddled head- the result of coming across news about shocking incidents of crime, aggression and suicide by youngsters, educated folks and even the custodians of law across the country. While we Indians pride in our exclusive culture and tradition that still seem to linger in the subconscious of our youngsters, largely intoxicated with western spirit… deplorable incidents such as these that have gripped he people of our country reflect the hardening of the hearts of people.
Where is the impact of education ? Education is meant to refine human beings and help widen mental horizons. Increasing incidences of suicides, murders and other crimes among educated youngsters draw our attention to the lacunae in our educational fabric. On the home front… do parents take care to weave nuances of etiquette and virtues into their interactions with their children? Or are these incidents the result of a major lapse on the part of the family systems? Or are these consequences of the influence of the media and the Internet?
When a society is riddled with dastardly acts by youngsters and educated denizens... it is time to wake up. Only a multi-pronged approach can unseat the deep-rooted problems that seem to assail a few misguided people. What is of utmost importance is that we have to curb the decadence of moral values and when the degradation gets entrenched in the minds of the people... it is time to get deeply worried.
A word of caution to the young women out there in the world. In enlightened and educated families, parents desire to offer the best to their daughters as they would to their sons. This does not mean that they have unlimited freedom to do whatever they want for the simple reason that when you are under the care of somebody… anybody… you have certain duties towards them. Every step they tread must be with great caution. Every educated girl is a role model.. she is being watched closely by the society.. if she makes a single mistake.. the day will not be far off when all the innocent girls will have to pay a heavy price for the follies of their callous sisters! This does mean that young men are spared the need to uphold virtues. If the youth as a whole do not embrace the moral fabric that has been handed down to us by our virtuous ancestors.. then the world will become a haven for unconquerable afflictions such as AIDS, broken relationships and marriages and of course heinous crimes!
Ciao
Swati Amar
Post your feedback on editor@evestimesonline.com
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Hi Friends!
My heart is brimming with warmth and pride as I cast my eyes on the innumerable youngsters making it big in the national and global arena. Alongside the news of usual occurrences such as burglary, feuds, wars, callousness in certain quarters (such as the recent incident when innocent children from poor families had to be hospitalized due to ingestion of food which had a dead lizard)… and similar such myriad incidents… it is mighty heartening to read about youngsters making great achievements in various fields. Everyday newspapers are carrying out such information--- whether it is a scientific discovery by eager young minds, or success in the legal arena. or an innovative piece of literature. whatever.. Yes! We must indeed applaud young achievers and motivate them to give their best. In fact, I would not be surprised if I chanced to unearth the trials and tribulations these young hearts might have had to wade through before snaring a fistful of success.
As a writer for several years, one has had countless opportunities to interact with various kinds of people in different fields. Talent and intellect first receive opposition from all quarters. It is sad, but true, that in many instances teachers and principals have come in the way of the quest for success due to other considerations. Parents fail to understand or recognize the burning ambitions and colourful dreams that lay dormant within these petite bosoms—simply because our society encourages hardcore living--- period. Anything else that digresses you away from the pursuit of a livelihood is considered as blasphemy. Fortunately.. behind most achievers lie the arduous labor, endurance, ceaseless motivation and indomitable courage of enterprising parents, which are internalized by their able wards in their journey towards self-actualization.
It is always the sheep that strays away from the herd that finds a new path. Such a sheep may be branded as a black sheep.. but amazing changes and developments have happened by the proactive and reactive efforts of these change-makers in our society. But as long as the time machine of the world keeps ticking.. there will be many more such sheep that will find new pastures. If we can understand this fundamental truth and make up our minds to encourage these dream-makers and change enthusiasts.. our emergence as a leader among the countries of the world can indeed become a reality, because there is no dearth of talent or intellect among our youth commune.
Ciao
Swati Amar
Post your feedback on editor@evestimesonline.com
