Monday, August 4, 2014
IT Policy suggestions
The IT policy laid out by the State of Andhra Pradesh is very exhaustive and encouraging and covers a lot of good points. I humbly submit suggestions for adding a couple more:
The Industrial or IT policy of the newly formed state should be encouraging to employ local Andhra Pradesh students/professionals. For a very long time, the cream of the crop from Visakhapatnam , Vijaywada, Tirupathi, Ananthapur and other big towns of A.P have been going to Hyderabad or may be Bangalore and Chennai for jobs. It is very important that we provide employment opportunities for people to stay back in these big towns and be a part of the growth. . Therefore, the IT Policy should address that ‘local’ employment for both short and long term. I suggest –
a. The policy should request at least 50% employment from ‘local’ professionals graduated from local colleges or professionals that belong to that area. ‘Locals’ are defined by graduates who have done their college in the region or part of their schooling in the region or parents worked or lived there for at least 2 years in the region. This may be cumbersome to provide the data, but it helps the local people quite a bit. The idea is that local people get a fair chance in the development. This should apply for new companies to start in the region who are expecting Govt.subsidies.
b. Practical Training program: Govt. should do a matching grant for fresh local hires. As an example: If WIPRO is going to hire 2,000 fresh graduates in the region – The policy should say that any hire from local colleges in Vizag, Vijayawada, Tirupati or Anantapur regions; Govt pays Rs.5000 per month (as matching grant) and WIPRO pays Rs.5,000 to make monthly salary of Rs.10,000 for the first one year. The contract is only for one year and trainees will be confirmed at the end of one year based on their performance. This matching grant is only for local college graduates. After one year of confirmation, there is NO Govt.match. This will help local people get their first job, we will have more trained resources available in the region. This can also to be tied to your ‘One job per house’ electoral promise that you made. As a part of this PT (Practical training) program, if the program is able to employ 50,000 fresh graduates every year, the Govt.spends only Rs.300 crores a year. Long term this will create a huge ‘employable’ talent pool.
c. It is imperative that Govt. focuses on ‘upgrading’ human talent continuously and showcase it for Corporations. Corporations look for skilled Human Resource availability in the region to start their operations not just Govt.Subsidies. The Govt. should start a portal (example: Http://www.apgovonline.com/itresumes ) for logging resumes . The Govt. can also take one step forward and make these resumes tested over a period of time. Govt. can have testing centers across big towns similar to –eseva centers. Professionals working in other regions can also log in their resumes on that portal. The resumes should be tested for basic skills and rated. Govt. college programs should focus on improving the skills that are lagging behind. The database also should consist of support skilled persons like receptionists, security professionals, drivers, maids, garden services, cooks, etc. Existing Govt. sponsored programs (if any) can be clubbed or modified to roll into this. One STOP to showcase skilled resources of Andhrapradesh.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Social Responsibility
A doting father
Friday, August 1, 2014
How far is Singapore from Andhrapradesh?
How far is Singapore from Andhrapradesh is a obvious question! Mark the location you want either Vijayawada or Visakhapatnam on Google maps and get the distance. What is the question then?
The Cheif Minister of Andhrapradesh and his esteemed ministers keep talking about building another Singapore either as a capital city or a stand alone city in the newly formed state of Andhrapradesh. The obvious of Singapore that people visualize and get excited about is the tall buildings, neat and clean roads, technology infrastructure, tourist destinations, etc. It is very important for any leader to have a vision and paint pictures of future for its citizens.
What we all need to understand is what lies behind Singapore, its growth and what made the city/country one of the best countries to live in the world? For beginners, the population of Singapore and A.P is not comparable. We cannot build one singapore in an island with 50 lakhs population and let other cities dwell away in dirt and non-growth? For the land size and population, Singapore has very diverse occupations including manufacturing and financial services but very little agriculture.
To reach Singapore, we haave to start taking stock of our occupations, what we have and what we don't and what our underlying strategy for financial success of our own 'Singapore'..Singapore is not about buildings or infrastructure..even if it is, are we going to make our development one city centric again?
Cities like Singapore are built on clear cut vision and startegy and not just dreams...Strategically planning occupations based on the natural and human resources available and these resources linked to education(production) and Government. Singapore consists of more than 25% population born outside of Singapore which means they bring or take business 'from' singapore to their native country. (Import and exports). With very little dense population, it is easier to track all citizens and bring about sense of discipline.
Now, where do we start off in terms of corruption? How many decades will it take India or any small part of India to become non-corrupt with all the monies spent in elections? How can we inculcate discipline amongst our citizens? Where do we start off with the 'human' element that defines a country or a city?
It requires proper planning to develop one city into an IT hub or industrial hub. It is not enough for the Government to allocate land and invite industrialists. It requires proper policy and doing the right things first. We need to upgrade or modify/add support skills that requires an industry to run. The Government should bring the industry and education centers together to measure, estimate and develop skills required to make such IT cities or industrial hubs. New and creative programs to make the city affordable for the industrialists and employees is a must.
The list above is just a beginning -
I am not a pessimist, but an eternal optimist. I dream about great things for my country and love to improve the employablity for students comming out of colleges. However, I like to see the Government start off on our strenghts, have a practical strategy and direction to achieve what we have set out to -
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Brand Extension 2
This is my second note on 'brand extensions'. Brand extensions in politics are two ways. The first being extending one’s own brand from one field to politics- example of Chiranjeevi extending his brand from movies to politics and the second being expanding/extending a personal brand to their offspring/siblings.
The recent victory of Akhilesh Yadav's campaign in U.P and his new position as the new C.M of U.P is a brand extension of the later. Personal brand extensions should be dealt carefully. The negativity associated with the parent brand will be carried forward with the new extension. Akhilesh Yadav's has handled it like a 'pro'. He maintained his reverence to the party and party head by acknowledging his dad's knowledge and acumen in U.P politics while brining about the change required in recent times. He has not only talked about wiping off 'goonda' image of the party, but acted on it and refused seats for many of the aspirants with criminal records.
Another brand extension that is talked most in last few days and compared to Akhilesh Yadav is Y S Jagan. YSJ has formed his own party after his futile attempt to become the CM of Andhra Pradesh post his father's death. He has been touring the state of Andhra Pradesh consoling (Odarpu) people that died of news of his father's death when he and his mom are working hard to bring their party to power. Brand extensions work on 'continuity with change'..continuity of some good principles and 'change' towards modern times. Let's see how this is working in YSJ's case.
YSR has earnt acceptability in Congress party and political circles due to his presence in the political system for over 30 years and his struggle in various posts before he became the CM. On the other hand, YSJ has never taken to the politics or it's affairs until his dad became the CM. He has contested only in 2009. He clearly lacks the experience and struggle that his father garnered to become the CM. There is no extension of such good will here. However, he can credit himself with founding a party
YSR has projected himself to be a man of words and commitment. He has paved way for all his followers and friends even if he had to bend the rules or break them. YSJ is trying to project such image through his Odarpu yatra. He is trying to cash on the image that his father built on this point. People may trust him on this point.
YSR had a personal charisma by the way he dressed like a true Telugu person in dhoti and ‘kanduva’. YSJ on the other hand is trying to imitate his father's smiles, gestures and his blessings (though not suitable for his age). The personal association that one feels with YSR from his 'looks' is not extended here. There is nothing significant in the way that he presents himself that can bring personal association with YSJ. This may not be very relevant in the big picture, but an important factor as long as he tries to project himself as an extension to his father.
YSR's electoral skills were excellent and nurtured through experience. His ability to manage party men and the way he connected to his loyalists was unmatched in the party. It looks like there is good chance that YSJ must have picked up on that.
YSR gave personal attention to his loyalists and went any extend to support them. His visit to the jail to grant pardon to a criminal was one such example. On the other hand, YSJ doesn't have the ability to connect personally with his party men and loyalists. Apparently he doesn’t maintain personal rapport with many people in the party. You don't see him praise anyone except his dad or mom. When the situation came to save his friends, he distanced himself from them. When Gali Janardhana Reddy was arrested, he refused to be associated with him. He has definitely distanced his industrialist loyalists.
YSJ is trying desperately to cash on YSR's brand of populist schemes and minority backing. There is NO clear strategy or explanation on what YSR would have done or how their party would handled such a financial crunch time. He is trying to convince people that YSR would have continued the schemes no matter what. He may be doing a good job of this.
There is a huge resentment from people towards Congress party about corruption scandals and lack of governmental support towards common man's problems. The young and fire brand image that YSJ projects is a huge winning stride for him. He is pretty much the only one in the country that criticizes Sonia Gandhi on a personal level. Timing of his dis-association with the Congress party couldn’t be better. He is riding and cashing on anti congress wave with his youth and ability to criticize congress party.
The 'newness' or ‘change’ required of the brand is not seen in organizing the party or newness of the policies and approach (compare to Akhilesh Yadav). The newness is limited to starting a party and youthfulness. I think this will be the biggest challenge for YSJ. What newness can he offer? He has gone too far with his father’s image.
Political leaders make personal mistakes when they are riding on a high. YSJ is at the peak of his popularity now in the state. The future of him and his party depends on
• How much he can convince people that he is very different than the Congress party
• His ability to manage his party infrastructure when elections roll out in the entire state or country.
Chiranjeevi's PRP had cut into fortunes of TDP in 2009 and failure of Chirajeevi's brand extension into politics damaged his original brand. YSJ's brand extension success or failure in the next 2 years will determine the fortunes of Congress, TDP and also YSRCP.
The party spirit is at all time high with YSR's statues installed everywhere in the state. Typically, after initial excitement is over, reality sinks into voters. In the long run if the statues are going to be a reminder of populist schemes or of severe corruption leading to national waste of resources determines the future of YSJ and his party. The decision by Akhilesh Yadav to retain all statues of Mayawati in U.P is a brilliant stroke of genius to remind people of national waste..brand recollection good or bad is the key.
The recent victory of Akhilesh Yadav's campaign in U.P and his new position as the new C.M of U.P is a brand extension of the later. Personal brand extensions should be dealt carefully. The negativity associated with the parent brand will be carried forward with the new extension. Akhilesh Yadav's has handled it like a 'pro'. He maintained his reverence to the party and party head by acknowledging his dad's knowledge and acumen in U.P politics while brining about the change required in recent times. He has not only talked about wiping off 'goonda' image of the party, but acted on it and refused seats for many of the aspirants with criminal records.
Another brand extension that is talked most in last few days and compared to Akhilesh Yadav is Y S Jagan. YSJ has formed his own party after his futile attempt to become the CM of Andhra Pradesh post his father's death. He has been touring the state of Andhra Pradesh consoling (Odarpu) people that died of news of his father's death when he and his mom are working hard to bring their party to power. Brand extensions work on 'continuity with change'..continuity of some good principles and 'change' towards modern times. Let's see how this is working in YSJ's case.
YSR has earnt acceptability in Congress party and political circles due to his presence in the political system for over 30 years and his struggle in various posts before he became the CM. On the other hand, YSJ has never taken to the politics or it's affairs until his dad became the CM. He has contested only in 2009. He clearly lacks the experience and struggle that his father garnered to become the CM. There is no extension of such good will here. However, he can credit himself with founding a party
YSR has projected himself to be a man of words and commitment. He has paved way for all his followers and friends even if he had to bend the rules or break them. YSJ is trying to project such image through his Odarpu yatra. He is trying to cash on the image that his father built on this point. People may trust him on this point.
YSR had a personal charisma by the way he dressed like a true Telugu person in dhoti and ‘kanduva’. YSJ on the other hand is trying to imitate his father's smiles, gestures and his blessings (though not suitable for his age). The personal association that one feels with YSR from his 'looks' is not extended here. There is nothing significant in the way that he presents himself that can bring personal association with YSJ. This may not be very relevant in the big picture, but an important factor as long as he tries to project himself as an extension to his father.
YSR's electoral skills were excellent and nurtured through experience. His ability to manage party men and the way he connected to his loyalists was unmatched in the party. It looks like there is good chance that YSJ must have picked up on that.
YSR gave personal attention to his loyalists and went any extend to support them. His visit to the jail to grant pardon to a criminal was one such example. On the other hand, YSJ doesn't have the ability to connect personally with his party men and loyalists. Apparently he doesn’t maintain personal rapport with many people in the party. You don't see him praise anyone except his dad or mom. When the situation came to save his friends, he distanced himself from them. When Gali Janardhana Reddy was arrested, he refused to be associated with him. He has definitely distanced his industrialist loyalists.
YSJ is trying desperately to cash on YSR's brand of populist schemes and minority backing. There is NO clear strategy or explanation on what YSR would have done or how their party would handled such a financial crunch time. He is trying to convince people that YSR would have continued the schemes no matter what. He may be doing a good job of this.
There is a huge resentment from people towards Congress party about corruption scandals and lack of governmental support towards common man's problems. The young and fire brand image that YSJ projects is a huge winning stride for him. He is pretty much the only one in the country that criticizes Sonia Gandhi on a personal level. Timing of his dis-association with the Congress party couldn’t be better. He is riding and cashing on anti congress wave with his youth and ability to criticize congress party.
The 'newness' or ‘change’ required of the brand is not seen in organizing the party or newness of the policies and approach (compare to Akhilesh Yadav). The newness is limited to starting a party and youthfulness. I think this will be the biggest challenge for YSJ. What newness can he offer? He has gone too far with his father’s image.
Political leaders make personal mistakes when they are riding on a high. YSJ is at the peak of his popularity now in the state. The future of him and his party depends on
• How much he can convince people that he is very different than the Congress party
• His ability to manage his party infrastructure when elections roll out in the entire state or country.
Chiranjeevi's PRP had cut into fortunes of TDP in 2009 and failure of Chirajeevi's brand extension into politics damaged his original brand. YSJ's brand extension success or failure in the next 2 years will determine the fortunes of Congress, TDP and also YSRCP.
The party spirit is at all time high with YSR's statues installed everywhere in the state. Typically, after initial excitement is over, reality sinks into voters. In the long run if the statues are going to be a reminder of populist schemes or of severe corruption leading to national waste of resources determines the future of YSJ and his party. The decision by Akhilesh Yadav to retain all statues of Mayawati in U.P is a brilliant stroke of genius to remind people of national waste..brand recollection good or bad is the key.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Youth empowerment
Today's youth are the future of our country.They are going to be future policy makers, economists, leaders of our country..They are going to form significant part of the consumer base in our Country and a base that will change the political future as well...
Is our youth ready for the changes and challenges. Are they empowered with the knowledge, the character and the discipline? Do they have enough dreams to change their destiny and our country's? Do they dare to dream the impossible? Is the information age giving them enough knowledge and information or making them lazy? The sociology-economic changes making them more grounded or rude? The challenges int he society making them more enthused or de-motivated? The unethical dramas in the society making them more principled or setting the stage for more corruption/unethical path for the future?
Let me present my thoughts in Youth Empowerment series...
Is our youth ready for the changes and challenges. Are they empowered with the knowledge, the character and the discipline? Do they have enough dreams to change their destiny and our country's? Do they dare to dream the impossible? Is the information age giving them enough knowledge and information or making them lazy? The sociology-economic changes making them more grounded or rude? The challenges int he society making them more enthused or de-motivated? The unethical dramas in the society making them more principled or setting the stage for more corruption/unethical path for the future?
Let me present my thoughts in Youth Empowerment series...
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Nationalization of 'Factionists' assets
TV9 - Telugu has captions comming up now and then..kind of their Tag lines..I saw yesterday " Factionists properties/assets should be nationalized".. Its been a habit of media especially TV9 to give some fancy one liners and give an impression that they care..
To begin with how can one define a 'factionist'? IS there a true factionist today? Most of them are disguised as business men and politicians. Some of them are so called popular leaders are biggest factionists who are amassing huge assets and literally looting the country and its citizens...
On top of it...Government who is responsible for protecting national/natural resources is colluding with people who are amassing such wealth by not sharing profits/revenue with the country appropriately. Government should bring in strict rules/regulations to feicerly protect natural resources and create laws to protect revenue/profit that is generated out of such resources.
The current Government is supporting and parterning with businessmen/factionists who are doing such lootery. Today, factionism is "required" to loot these resources and make such profits. Ethical busniness leaders like TATA's are not in such businessses since they cannot resort to such means.
TV9 instead of researching such a huge issue and educating the masses on how seriously we are being looted by such politicians and their supporters comes up with filmy/good to see comments and pave way for irresponsible journalism. Media should bring in pressure on the Government to act responsibly with proper solution and not loosely defined terms.
To begin with how can one define a 'factionist'? IS there a true factionist today? Most of them are disguised as business men and politicians. Some of them are so called popular leaders are biggest factionists who are amassing huge assets and literally looting the country and its citizens...
On top of it...Government who is responsible for protecting national/natural resources is colluding with people who are amassing such wealth by not sharing profits/revenue with the country appropriately. Government should bring in strict rules/regulations to feicerly protect natural resources and create laws to protect revenue/profit that is generated out of such resources.
The current Government is supporting and parterning with businessmen/factionists who are doing such lootery. Today, factionism is "required" to loot these resources and make such profits. Ethical busniness leaders like TATA's are not in such businessses since they cannot resort to such means.
TV9 instead of researching such a huge issue and educating the masses on how seriously we are being looted by such politicians and their supporters comes up with filmy/good to see comments and pave way for irresponsible journalism. Media should bring in pressure on the Government to act responsibly with proper solution and not loosely defined terms.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Hindu Swami's and scandals
The recent outburst of scandals on 3 or more Swami's including Swami Nitaynanda and Kalki Bhagawan is a shame.
The timing of the scandals and the way in which these scandals were published leaves no doubt that it is a planned attack on these institutions. Being a staunch Hindu and a person who visits Swami's for preachings, this was a big blow to my confidence in them.
Particularly about Swami Nityananda, after the sex video, as series of allegations including murder and land occupation were seen on the TV. Swami has later on (after 10 days!) cleared the air about murder mystery and land occupation, both of them which seem like fabrication and not facts.
The thing that disappointed/impressed me the most was his answer on the video that he hasn't done anything illegal and that he was served/taken care by that woman and may be parts of it were fabricated.. I was impressed because he used the right words of "illegal".. implying that even he was physically involved with the woman, it is nothing illegal and there was No force used in the process.
I am utterly dis-appointed that it looks like parts of the video is true and I fully believe that No force would have been used on this woman or any woman. Everything must be on "free will". Swami's , particularly the ones wearing orange (Kaashayam) are supposed to have renounced all material pleasures including sex. The general perception/belief is that they have mastered all indriyas and can help others (normal people like us) detach ourselves from these attractions and seek path to renouncement. Each swami shows different paths and tools like meditation, yoga, etc.
Though I agree that it is a gross invasion on Swami's privacy in the name of media, the fact that all these things are very much part of his life and in a secretive manner (not that other people have sex publicly..) is a shock and dis-appointment. Masters need not behave as if they have renounced everything... Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is a best example of being a master and who lived with his wife who served him and followed him and lead him in his journey.. His organizations are still thriving without any scandals decades after him..
There are lot of GURU's that wear white or any other colors and imply that they may not have renounced everything... sets a better expectation..
The interviews that followed the event and his explanation that abstinence is what he thinks that suit him and the same video confessing that he may be present in parts of the act...are disgusting to the least..
I hope the Swami's come up with better expectations with people seeking knowledge and live up to the rules set forth by them..the concept of GURU becomes an illusion/disappointment otherwise.
The timing of the scandals and the way in which these scandals were published leaves no doubt that it is a planned attack on these institutions. Being a staunch Hindu and a person who visits Swami's for preachings, this was a big blow to my confidence in them.
Particularly about Swami Nityananda, after the sex video, as series of allegations including murder and land occupation were seen on the TV. Swami has later on (after 10 days!) cleared the air about murder mystery and land occupation, both of them which seem like fabrication and not facts.
The thing that disappointed/impressed me the most was his answer on the video that he hasn't done anything illegal and that he was served/taken care by that woman and may be parts of it were fabricated.. I was impressed because he used the right words of "illegal".. implying that even he was physically involved with the woman, it is nothing illegal and there was No force used in the process.
I am utterly dis-appointed that it looks like parts of the video is true and I fully believe that No force would have been used on this woman or any woman. Everything must be on "free will". Swami's , particularly the ones wearing orange (Kaashayam) are supposed to have renounced all material pleasures including sex. The general perception/belief is that they have mastered all indriyas and can help others (normal people like us) detach ourselves from these attractions and seek path to renouncement. Each swami shows different paths and tools like meditation, yoga, etc.
Though I agree that it is a gross invasion on Swami's privacy in the name of media, the fact that all these things are very much part of his life and in a secretive manner (not that other people have sex publicly..) is a shock and dis-appointment. Masters need not behave as if they have renounced everything... Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is a best example of being a master and who lived with his wife who served him and followed him and lead him in his journey.. His organizations are still thriving without any scandals decades after him..
There are lot of GURU's that wear white or any other colors and imply that they may not have renounced everything... sets a better expectation..
The interviews that followed the event and his explanation that abstinence is what he thinks that suit him and the same video confessing that he may be present in parts of the act...are disgusting to the least..
I hope the Swami's come up with better expectations with people seeking knowledge and live up to the rules set forth by them..the concept of GURU becomes an illusion/disappointment otherwise.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
News Channels - A drawing room watch or not!!
The recent stories rather videos of Swamy Nityananda and the other two Swamy's is quite disturbing to parents who watch news channels with children. AndhraJyothi and a few other channels kept telecasting the videos of so called Swamy Nityananda's sexual involvement with an actress along with liquor and drugs (may be)!!
One, I am irritated to see the same video again and agin repeated untill it lost its meaning. For this discussion, I want to keep away - if this video is true..how safe are our ashram's and swamy's? Where does it begin and end? lets just leave that aside for now..
Seriously, it feels that the channels donot do any research before they telecast any such videos'? Is media accountable for transmitting any wrong videos? (If it is a fabricated video). Even if it were true, can the news channels invade any popular person's privacy by giving anyone a video camera and paying a sex worker to seduce the popular one. As long as somebody is not cheating anyone or committing anything illegal, do they have the right to protect their privacy?
The ability to look into anyone's personal lives in the name of "media" without proper regulations and legislation definitions becomes a dangerous proposition. They can blackmail literally anyone.
Media on the other hand should figure out a better of brining these things to light without loosing the sanctity of such news and making it acceptable to watch in everyone's drawing room!!
The world is entangled in so many serious problems like global warming, food crisis, culture crisis and severe corruption at every level. Media can cover wonderfull stories and enlighten everyone of their viewers rather than repeating sex scandals for 24 hours again and again...
One, I am irritated to see the same video again and agin repeated untill it lost its meaning. For this discussion, I want to keep away - if this video is true..how safe are our ashram's and swamy's? Where does it begin and end? lets just leave that aside for now..
Seriously, it feels that the channels donot do any research before they telecast any such videos'? Is media accountable for transmitting any wrong videos? (If it is a fabricated video). Even if it were true, can the news channels invade any popular person's privacy by giving anyone a video camera and paying a sex worker to seduce the popular one. As long as somebody is not cheating anyone or committing anything illegal, do they have the right to protect their privacy?
The ability to look into anyone's personal lives in the name of "media" without proper regulations and legislation definitions becomes a dangerous proposition. They can blackmail literally anyone.
Media on the other hand should figure out a better of brining these things to light without loosing the sanctity of such news and making it acceptable to watch in everyone's drawing room!!
The world is entangled in so many serious problems like global warming, food crisis, culture crisis and severe corruption at every level. Media can cover wonderfull stories and enlighten everyone of their viewers rather than repeating sex scandals for 24 hours again and again...
Saturday, February 20, 2010
India - 1835
A country envious to the rest of the world..education system better than any other country...values that everyone wanted to emulate..How many years will it take current India to go back to 1835...???
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Political School
Anne Anjayya political School
o A place for aspiring politicians
o Increasing the ‘mind-share’ of politicians.
o ‘Democratization’ of political parties.
o Ideology/Issues based politicians.
Vision:
• To infuse massive influx of educated, dedicated politicians into all political parties.
• To increase knowledge, professionalism, dedication in politicians.
• A place where aspiring politicians can learn about the needs of the hour and the mechanisms.
• To create centres of excellence in various people issues like irrigation, public health, education, health, urban infrastructure, jobs, etc
• Training in political conduct and speaking mechanisms and better way of presenting themselves in the political dias.
Today, educated and sensible people are moving away from politics as a career and choosing other lucrative careers like IT, advertising, media, etc. They feel dejected about our political system and are not willing to take a chance. Political parties are open to their own kit and kin and influential film stars or moneyed local players to face the challenge. An average dedicated person has no chance in any party. They seldom get to meet the senior leaders and get inspired by them.
It is not enough to have one or two great leaders ( if we do)! They also change due to the election pressures and seat pressures. Our society at large should change; we need leaders and dedicated people at every place. We need great thinkers and leaders who can do it in every party!! Not just one or two parties. The level of discussions should change for the better. Our accountabilities should change drastically. Our ability to have a decent intellectual and responsible conversation should change. Our leaders need to have the guts to accept truth and take flak from people, if needed. They need to make them think in the true leadership manner. We do not need leaders who crave for popularity or the power. We need leaders who can lead us and tell us what is right and wrong!!
Anne Anjayya political School named after a dedicated freedom fighter - Anne Anjayya, just aims at that. We will be open for anyone who wants to join politics. We teach process. A process to understand what is what in each constituency. What are the local issues, how are they tied to the state level issues and centre issues? How do we have any discussion with other political party leaders. Lets demand principles from leaders of political parties. What they stand for and how they are planning to achieve it? Discussion of shorter term effects to longer term effects?
‘
o A place for aspiring politicians
o Increasing the ‘mind-share’ of politicians.
o ‘Democratization’ of political parties.
o Ideology/Issues based politicians.
Vision:
• To infuse massive influx of educated, dedicated politicians into all political parties.
• To increase knowledge, professionalism, dedication in politicians.
• A place where aspiring politicians can learn about the needs of the hour and the mechanisms.
• To create centres of excellence in various people issues like irrigation, public health, education, health, urban infrastructure, jobs, etc
• Training in political conduct and speaking mechanisms and better way of presenting themselves in the political dias.
Today, educated and sensible people are moving away from politics as a career and choosing other lucrative careers like IT, advertising, media, etc. They feel dejected about our political system and are not willing to take a chance. Political parties are open to their own kit and kin and influential film stars or moneyed local players to face the challenge. An average dedicated person has no chance in any party. They seldom get to meet the senior leaders and get inspired by them.
It is not enough to have one or two great leaders ( if we do)! They also change due to the election pressures and seat pressures. Our society at large should change; we need leaders and dedicated people at every place. We need great thinkers and leaders who can do it in every party!! Not just one or two parties. The level of discussions should change for the better. Our accountabilities should change drastically. Our ability to have a decent intellectual and responsible conversation should change. Our leaders need to have the guts to accept truth and take flak from people, if needed. They need to make them think in the true leadership manner. We do not need leaders who crave for popularity or the power. We need leaders who can lead us and tell us what is right and wrong!!
Anne Anjayya political School named after a dedicated freedom fighter - Anne Anjayya, just aims at that. We will be open for anyone who wants to join politics. We teach process. A process to understand what is what in each constituency. What are the local issues, how are they tied to the state level issues and centre issues? How do we have any discussion with other political party leaders. Lets demand principles from leaders of political parties. What they stand for and how they are planning to achieve it? Discussion of shorter term effects to longer term effects?
‘
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Janaganamana
We sing “Janaganamana’.on all republic days and independence days.. What does it mean to all of us… a lot of us may have forgotten this National anthem after we have graduated from schools and colleges..
‘Janaganamana’ used to be sung on every occasion including every movie theatre for every show when people raised to attention and sung the song..
Today, we have a lot of citizens who do not know the National Anthem completely..
This great poem was written by Rabindranath Tagore, one of the greatest sons of mother India in 1916. The song that is adapted as national anthem is a part of a big song written in a combination of Bengali and Sanskrit.
What does it mean?
It means “praise to mother India” praise to “the spirit that guides our country”.
Praise to this country that spans Punjab, Sindh, Gujarath, Maratha, Dravida(all southern states today), Utkal, Bengal and the holy mountains of Vindhyas, Himalayas and the holy rivers of Yamuna and Ganga that join the ocean and its waves.!! Our country is higher than any one region and our may our tri-colour flag raise above all regions…
We need the spirit of national integration today more than anytime in history… we are enjoying independence and not taking responsibility ….we need to think as one nation while respecting our individual culture.
This song has a profound psychological affect on every Indian if we respectfully sing it every day.
There are a lot of controversies around the song that it was written by Shri Tagore in praise of King George when he was visiting India. People like me who have read about Tagore and his patriotism and his life dedicated to Indian independence will refuse to beleive the allegation..I cannot even imagine Shri Tagore writing such a great song in praise of King George at a meeting of Indian National Congress??Stories of Indian national Congress and its leaders...and their sacrificial lives are a great inspiration to all of us. Lets not look at the controversies but, understand the true meaning of this song and see in what little ways we can be true children of this great country....
‘Janaganamana’ used to be sung on every occasion including every movie theatre for every show when people raised to attention and sung the song..
Today, we have a lot of citizens who do not know the National Anthem completely..
This great poem was written by Rabindranath Tagore, one of the greatest sons of mother India in 1916. The song that is adapted as national anthem is a part of a big song written in a combination of Bengali and Sanskrit.
What does it mean?
It means “praise to mother India” praise to “the spirit that guides our country”.
Praise to this country that spans Punjab, Sindh, Gujarath, Maratha, Dravida(all southern states today), Utkal, Bengal and the holy mountains of Vindhyas, Himalayas and the holy rivers of Yamuna and Ganga that join the ocean and its waves.!! Our country is higher than any one region and our may our tri-colour flag raise above all regions…
We need the spirit of national integration today more than anytime in history… we are enjoying independence and not taking responsibility ….we need to think as one nation while respecting our individual culture.
This song has a profound psychological affect on every Indian if we respectfully sing it every day.
There are a lot of controversies around the song that it was written by Shri Tagore in praise of King George when he was visiting India. People like me who have read about Tagore and his patriotism and his life dedicated to Indian independence will refuse to beleive the allegation..I cannot even imagine Shri Tagore writing such a great song in praise of King George at a meeting of Indian National Congress??Stories of Indian national Congress and its leaders...and their sacrificial lives are a great inspiration to all of us. Lets not look at the controversies but, understand the true meaning of this song and see in what little ways we can be true children of this great country....
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Proposed changes to school education system
Indian education system has moved from traditional ‘Gurukulas’ to missionary schools to Government schools and private schools to numerous International schools.
What seems to have worked for India is our strength and capabilities in Mathematics, Sciences and Logical reasoning primarily dominated by rote and memory. This ability has helped us do well internationally in pure sciences and our famous IT field. However, last 60 years, we didn’t have any milestones for cutting edge research. Our education system has given us strength to remember, relate things, and develop logical thinking to compete in the world markets.
Mr.Sibal, a post graduate from Harvard, whose children are Cambridge graduates and post graduates from Stanford and Harvard, is proposing to over night banish existing systems and bring in a new system. His plan is to scrap Xth class board exam and replace it internal assessments.I appreciate his will to change things for better in his opinion. My suggestions are as follows:
1. Do not change what is working. Please consider research done by Malcom Coldwell and others on this subject as to why Indians are doing so well in Science and Mathematics. Do not change anything that has traditionally been working for us for centuries. Competition is good. Competition breeds competency. However, if there are a minor few, who are feeling stressed because of marks, they should have separate schools that do not give out ranks but, just give out grades. Changing it for the entire country damages existing system. We cannot implement strict and consistant assessment systems for schools over night. We have schools that donot have basic infrastructure for attending classes. It will not be a fair assessment for students wanting to change locations and goto better schools for XI and XII.
2. Children can accomplish a lot more today. We have to supplement them with more learning activities before we take away what is working. Kids of the west are tremendously stressed due to their social circumstances and hence the addition of marks stress may derail them. Their system is based on different needs and skills. Our social/economic situations are different. It is foolish to imitate the west and focus on communication skills, presentation skills, etc while loosing our fundamental sciences and mathematics. Let’s not trade one for the other.
3. We are loosing quality in our education system. Children know less of any language now than previous generations, their strength in sciences is reducing, etc and the list goes on. Lets look at what is working, retain it and add some more for improving on other thingslike communication skills, etc.
4. One system doesn’t suit or is not enough for entire Indian school system. We have different sections of students coming from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Based on the capacities and background of students, we need a tiered (levelled) learning system. Students who can accomplish more should have advanced and gifted programs by various boards. This is what we should ape from the west. Right now, our education system is reduced to the level of ‘passing’ everyone possible to encourage enrolment. This should change.
What seems to have worked for India is our strength and capabilities in Mathematics, Sciences and Logical reasoning primarily dominated by rote and memory. This ability has helped us do well internationally in pure sciences and our famous IT field. However, last 60 years, we didn’t have any milestones for cutting edge research. Our education system has given us strength to remember, relate things, and develop logical thinking to compete in the world markets.
Mr.Sibal, a post graduate from Harvard, whose children are Cambridge graduates and post graduates from Stanford and Harvard, is proposing to over night banish existing systems and bring in a new system. His plan is to scrap Xth class board exam and replace it internal assessments.I appreciate his will to change things for better in his opinion. My suggestions are as follows:
1. Do not change what is working. Please consider research done by Malcom Coldwell and others on this subject as to why Indians are doing so well in Science and Mathematics. Do not change anything that has traditionally been working for us for centuries. Competition is good. Competition breeds competency. However, if there are a minor few, who are feeling stressed because of marks, they should have separate schools that do not give out ranks but, just give out grades. Changing it for the entire country damages existing system. We cannot implement strict and consistant assessment systems for schools over night. We have schools that donot have basic infrastructure for attending classes. It will not be a fair assessment for students wanting to change locations and goto better schools for XI and XII.
2. Children can accomplish a lot more today. We have to supplement them with more learning activities before we take away what is working. Kids of the west are tremendously stressed due to their social circumstances and hence the addition of marks stress may derail them. Their system is based on different needs and skills. Our social/economic situations are different. It is foolish to imitate the west and focus on communication skills, presentation skills, etc while loosing our fundamental sciences and mathematics. Let’s not trade one for the other.
3. We are loosing quality in our education system. Children know less of any language now than previous generations, their strength in sciences is reducing, etc and the list goes on. Lets look at what is working, retain it and add some more for improving on other thingslike communication skills, etc.
4. One system doesn’t suit or is not enough for entire Indian school system. We have different sections of students coming from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Based on the capacities and background of students, we need a tiered (levelled) learning system. Students who can accomplish more should have advanced and gifted programs by various boards. This is what we should ape from the west. Right now, our education system is reduced to the level of ‘passing’ everyone possible to encourage enrolment. This should change.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Relationship Series Tip1
My best friend from college never agreed with my relationship style..she and I used to have a difference of opinion from school days...both of us grew into separate individuals over this period of time and right when we were hitting the BIG 4, she said that i should document my thoughts about relationships..she went ahead and said that I should write a book on this topic. I took it as a compliment although I am not sure if she meant it as a compliment?? You know how best friends are???!!
We all have mental list of people that are very important in our lives..like parents, spouse, children, sibling, friends and business associates.. I apply the 80-20 rule. Spend effort and time on 20% of most important relationships in life..make no quams about it and do not cheat yourself about important people..spend a lot of quality time with spouce and kids, they need to feel very important and nurtured in life. If you are spending to much time in a relationship that may not last or not so important, think about it..
Do not let ego ruin a relationship. da!!!I know that's what all books say...how do you truly apply it? For me it is very simple- I always try and look at the reason for conflict in a relationship. Go deeper and deeper and keep asking why??? You will always get an answer that you could have done something better and not let ego come in. Give up yourselves truly in a relationship. There should be No room for ego. The benefits are truly amazing... the other person also gives in...Don't beat yourself for any mistakes committed. Apologize to yourself and the other person and let it go... and take it forward as it goes beautifully like a paint brush....
There are also some tactical stuff that are very tough with aging parents and growing children...I live with my parents and children together in the same house..The relationship is complex... parents need to be taken care and disciplined like young children. However, if kids watch you do that... they will do the same thing to you..Therefore, we need to adopt different tactics with aging parents. One thing i have learnt is that they are always protective about us and will interfere in our decisions to "protect us". Listen to their suggestions and 'truly listen". Need not follow them. No matter how they irritate you and have conflicting opinions from you, find ways to treat them. Shower them with compliments and remember that our children are most likely to treat us the same way that we treat our parents No matter how better we think we are from our parents.
We all have mental list of people that are very important in our lives..like parents, spouse, children, sibling, friends and business associates.. I apply the 80-20 rule. Spend effort and time on 20% of most important relationships in life..make no quams about it and do not cheat yourself about important people..spend a lot of quality time with spouce and kids, they need to feel very important and nurtured in life. If you are spending to much time in a relationship that may not last or not so important, think about it..
Do not let ego ruin a relationship. da!!!I know that's what all books say...how do you truly apply it? For me it is very simple- I always try and look at the reason for conflict in a relationship. Go deeper and deeper and keep asking why??? You will always get an answer that you could have done something better and not let ego come in. Give up yourselves truly in a relationship. There should be No room for ego. The benefits are truly amazing... the other person also gives in...Don't beat yourself for any mistakes committed. Apologize to yourself and the other person and let it go... and take it forward as it goes beautifully like a paint brush....
There are also some tactical stuff that are very tough with aging parents and growing children...I live with my parents and children together in the same house..The relationship is complex... parents need to be taken care and disciplined like young children. However, if kids watch you do that... they will do the same thing to you..Therefore, we need to adopt different tactics with aging parents. One thing i have learnt is that they are always protective about us and will interfere in our decisions to "protect us". Listen to their suggestions and 'truly listen". Need not follow them. No matter how they irritate you and have conflicting opinions from you, find ways to treat them. Shower them with compliments and remember that our children are most likely to treat us the same way that we treat our parents No matter how better we think we are from our parents.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Residence of Elected representatives
Most of the elected representatives (MLA's) live in Hyderabad. They have a secondary residence in their constituency and primary residence in Hyderabad. Their kids most often study in Ooty public schools and Hyderabad Public schools. MLA's spend most of their time in hyderabad doing 'deals' for themselves.
We should make it compulsory for MLA's children to study in the constituency schools untill 12th. They should be treated in local hospitals (unless some specialized disease that need specialists) and their families should be based in the town/city of their constituency. I will go to the extent of saying that thier time spent in the constituencies should be recorded...
One may argue that MLA has other life and businesses and their children's oppurtunities should not be limited, etc, etc. However, I beleive that it is a choice that he/she should make. The reason for it being that just this one step alone will change (improve) basic facilities like schools, junior colleges and hospital, connecting roads will improve. The MLS will start thinking about it. if anyone is not able to follow this, they should be dis-qualified from participating int he next election.
We should make it compulsory for MLA's children to study in the constituency schools untill 12th. They should be treated in local hospitals (unless some specialized disease that need specialists) and their families should be based in the town/city of their constituency. I will go to the extent of saying that thier time spent in the constituencies should be recorded...
One may argue that MLA has other life and businesses and their children's oppurtunities should not be limited, etc, etc. However, I beleive that it is a choice that he/she should make. The reason for it being that just this one step alone will change (improve) basic facilities like schools, junior colleges and hospital, connecting roads will improve. The MLS will start thinking about it. if anyone is not able to follow this, they should be dis-qualified from participating int he next election.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
AVATAR
Finally, I watched Avatar 3D at INNOX. I didn't want to raise any high expectations for myself and hence restrained myself from reading too many reviews before I watched the movie.I kind of guessed that the movie is going to be technically outstanding.
The movie started and by the time I understood what was happening..(kind of understood that we were into the future..) we were taken into a new planet...New planet was very colorfully and extremely pleasing to the eyes and I was still trying to understand what the hell was happening in the new planet and relationship to the old planet...while enjoying the brilliance on the screen. In between, I think i dozed off for a few minutes..
I understood that technically, the movie was so far outstanding that it may take another decade or two before Bollywood can attempt anything close to that...If Cameron had really thought about this 15 years back.. I cannot imagine what he is made of.... I have No qualification or stature to give a review on this movie since it is beyond me and my capacities....However,
I was watching my kids reactions and their questions after the movie... I was hoping that they will ask questions about other planets, life on them, creatures on them,...etc, etc.. I was feeling very happy for the kids that they should be lucky to watch such a movie - dream about a different planet, characters,...etc how to get there, etc...
I have talked to other kids of my children age... I was poking them to see what they liked....story.,,etc They seemed to have liked or loved the movie..however, I felt none of them really understood what was happening... there was a hurry and complexity in the story with too many details...
As a teenager, I remember being awed by Star Trek, Jurassic park and it didn't leave me for many weeks if not months. I don't get the feeling that the kids today had such experience after watching AVATAR. Whatever, the case may be.. they are not excited, although everyone watched it...
Predictable story..
Superb/Meticulous technology and execution..
Brilliant marketing..
Also, the characters did not look very real... the animals...the birds...were too colorful and too unreal. The message however is loud and clear not to mess with nature!!!
The movie started and by the time I understood what was happening..(kind of understood that we were into the future..) we were taken into a new planet...New planet was very colorfully and extremely pleasing to the eyes and I was still trying to understand what the hell was happening in the new planet and relationship to the old planet...while enjoying the brilliance on the screen. In between, I think i dozed off for a few minutes..
I understood that technically, the movie was so far outstanding that it may take another decade or two before Bollywood can attempt anything close to that...If Cameron had really thought about this 15 years back.. I cannot imagine what he is made of.... I have No qualification or stature to give a review on this movie since it is beyond me and my capacities....However,
I was watching my kids reactions and their questions after the movie... I was hoping that they will ask questions about other planets, life on them, creatures on them,...etc, etc.. I was feeling very happy for the kids that they should be lucky to watch such a movie - dream about a different planet, characters,...etc how to get there, etc...
I have talked to other kids of my children age... I was poking them to see what they liked....story.,,etc They seemed to have liked or loved the movie..however, I felt none of them really understood what was happening... there was a hurry and complexity in the story with too many details...
As a teenager, I remember being awed by Star Trek, Jurassic park and it didn't leave me for many weeks if not months. I don't get the feeling that the kids today had such experience after watching AVATAR. Whatever, the case may be.. they are not excited, although everyone watched it...
Predictable story..
Superb/Meticulous technology and execution..
Brilliant marketing..
Also, the characters did not look very real... the animals...the birds...were too colorful and too unreal. The message however is loud and clear not to mess with nature!!!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Hyderabad... Telangana or Andhra Pradesh?
Life has come to standstill if you are living in Andhra Pradesh, especially, if you are politically interested or if you were a non-telangana person but have significant investments in Hyderabad.
I have moved to hyderabad in 2004 from the United States of America, hoping to raise my children in India with Indian values and culture and with the promise of India raising to become an economic super power. We had choices of going to Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai or any other city in India. I personally wanted to move back to Chennai since I really love the hard working nature of Tamilians and the city offers great culture and education for children. My grand parents lived in Chennai during the composite Madras state. My husband on the other hand put is hands down for Chennai and threatened that he will only move back to Hyderabad and NO other city in India. His argument was that Hyderabad has as good schools and the oppurtunity to speak Telugu every single day and oppurtunity for kids to grow up as 'Telugu's. I decided to support him and move back to Hyderabad. I have really enjoyed living here for the last 5 years and I realize that I am a true Hyderabadi and so are my kids..
KCR started fast in December and December 9th, there is announcement that process has begun for the formation of sepearte statehood of Telangana.
Is there a representation for "settlers" in Hyderabad? If so, what do we demand in the wake of new statehood?
I have moved to hyderabad in 2004 from the United States of America, hoping to raise my children in India with Indian values and culture and with the promise of India raising to become an economic super power. We had choices of going to Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai or any other city in India. I personally wanted to move back to Chennai since I really love the hard working nature of Tamilians and the city offers great culture and education for children. My grand parents lived in Chennai during the composite Madras state. My husband on the other hand put is hands down for Chennai and threatened that he will only move back to Hyderabad and NO other city in India. His argument was that Hyderabad has as good schools and the oppurtunity to speak Telugu every single day and oppurtunity for kids to grow up as 'Telugu's. I decided to support him and move back to Hyderabad. I have really enjoyed living here for the last 5 years and I realize that I am a true Hyderabadi and so are my kids..
KCR started fast in December and December 9th, there is announcement that process has begun for the formation of sepearte statehood of Telangana.
The industry is going through a very difficult recession and unemployment phase. Companies have stopped hiring, real-estate has plumented and virtually no new investments are coming into Hyderabad. The Indian market primarily depends on "Growth" factor. The announcement without a "process" explanation has put all a lot of people in dielema. We have been hearing a lot of statements like "Settlers Bhago". What do such statements mean to us? It looks like some Telanga people want "Andhra" and "Rayalaseema" people to run away leaving our properties behind... properties that have been acquired after paying nearly 50% taxes in the U.S? Whose land is it anyways? Is the market going to come back again with growth? Most business are running in losses and how does te economy move back to positive gains with such fears and disturbances?
Is there a representation for "settlers" in Hyderabad? If so, what do we demand in the wake of new statehood?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Electronic Voting Machines (EVM’s)
We have used EVM’s for the last two general elections – 2004 and yet again in 2009. The idea of going to EVM’s from a paper ballot is obvious – moving from low-tech to hi-tech to enable faster counting and better organization of election process. However, the bigger question is – Are they right for India?
EVM’s are suppose to deliver accuracy, transparency and more than all – tamper-proof by anyone or any entity. The very idea of going to Identification based Electronic voting was to provide more transparancy. The current EVM’s are obviously tamper-able by anyone who knows a bit of technology as demonstrated recently to Election Commission. Whether or not EVM’s have been tampered is not the question, but giving a tamper proof voting mechanism is the basic right of every voting citizen.
Now, we need to either go back to paper voting or make tamper-proof voting machines. The software that runs behind the machines should be an open source code and should be determined that nobody can tamper the results of voting. With such a huge talent of software programmers in India, it should n’t be difficult.
However, I wonder what the process is to challenge the exisiting system and bring about corrections in the flaws of the current system. Where should we go for putting a stop to the current EVM’s or bring about a change in EVM’s?
EVM’s are suppose to deliver accuracy, transparency and more than all – tamper-proof by anyone or any entity. The very idea of going to Identification based Electronic voting was to provide more transparancy. The current EVM’s are obviously tamper-able by anyone who knows a bit of technology as demonstrated recently to Election Commission. Whether or not EVM’s have been tampered is not the question, but giving a tamper proof voting mechanism is the basic right of every voting citizen.
Now, we need to either go back to paper voting or make tamper-proof voting machines. The software that runs behind the machines should be an open source code and should be determined that nobody can tamper the results of voting. With such a huge talent of software programmers in India, it should n’t be difficult.
However, I wonder what the process is to challenge the exisiting system and bring about corrections in the flaws of the current system. Where should we go for putting a stop to the current EVM’s or bring about a change in EVM’s?
Sunday, November 22, 2009
GHMC elections
Today is the day for GHMC elections... went and voted.. It is inspiring to see people qued up and exercising their votes. This is the part that makes me excited about Indian democracy and politics... Elections is a festival in India..Grander than any religious festival.. People sincerely go for voting although our % of voters are lower compared to what we would like it to be.. In general, we Indians are believers in this country and our system although we are frustrated every single day with things that don't work, aspiring for better things, irritated with leaders who constantly make meaningless comments...etc.
I am excited about launching the political school... a dream and an aspiration for so many years... that did not die after 18 years of corporate life and love for business and money... I get frustrated, angry when leaders don't focus on what they need to... improving lives of our citizens..both short term and long term...I want to change their mind set, change their thinking, corrupt them with issues that actually matter..increase the mind share of politicians from their personal agendas to people's issues... Dreaming about the day when political system discusses about issues and not about themselves... who cares what the CM thinks who is going to win the GHMC elections... We only care for what matters....no matter who wins..people should win!! they should get better facilities and live in a better city!!!
I am excited about launching the political school... a dream and an aspiration for so many years... that did not die after 18 years of corporate life and love for business and money... I get frustrated, angry when leaders don't focus on what they need to... improving lives of our citizens..both short term and long term...I want to change their mind set, change their thinking, corrupt them with issues that actually matter..increase the mind share of politicians from their personal agendas to people's issues... Dreaming about the day when political system discusses about issues and not about themselves... who cares what the CM thinks who is going to win the GHMC elections... We only care for what matters....no matter who wins..people should win!! they should get better facilities and live in a better city!!!
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