The other day, I saw a video having an American standup comedian. This guy started off like this; THE MAN I FIND STRANGEST ON THIS PLANET IS OUR PRESIDENT BUSH! I MEAN, WE HAVE A PRESIDENT, WHO’S EYES ARE AS IF HE IS ALWAYS DIRECTLY LOOKING INTO THE SUN… Later he said this; IMAGINE OUR PRESIDENT GETTING INTO A MONICA LEWINSKY KINDA SCANDAL. HE’LL BE PUT ON THE STAND AND INTERROGATED; HE’LL SAY “AHEM! WHAT WAS THAT THOSE GUYS TOLD ME TO SAY HERE?”
The entire video lasted for about 4 minutes, and every second was hilarious and of course insulting to Mr. Bush. I was left wondering at the fearlessness this guy showed, in deriding the world’s most powerful man. What would happen if someone tried that on the PM or some other powerful politician of India? Would there be no protests by the parties? Would it be business as usual?? I doubt it.
There are plenty of issues that need to be looked at. But our NETAs would spring into action only when they are mocked at. We are a nation of more than a billion, but still we talk at great lengths when we win a gold medal at the Olympics. Why is this happening? The citizens are paying their taxes alright, but how much of this is used for bettering the pathetic infrastructure we have; let alone having a budget allocated to create potential Olympic winners. Talk about this and you will get no answers; tease a minister and the police will be at your a**.
Every day when I travel I am continued to be amazed. Amazed at the commuting problems that never seem to end; Trains are never on time. They are getting more crowded. Roads are pathetic. Just some days back my friend told me about a motorcyclist falling down badly, after riding over a pothole thinking it’s not too deep. I see the Pune railway station and the first word that comes to my mind and mouth is YUCK. I don’t know the actual figure but supposedly 36 crore rupees were allocated to Pune railway authorities to make the station a WORLD CLASS one. The money is still resting in the bank accounts (which one; I am not sure).
We need to change. Is someone listening?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
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4 comments:
A recent campaign called 'Lead India' conducted by TOI was a big hit. Remember its motto?
"BE THE CHANGE"
That's an answer to your last question. So, are you listening? :)
@anonymous: Yes I am listening! I am paying my taxes too... May be I can plant some more trees, use water, power etc resourcefully...but infrastructure and the other glaring issues...How can I be the change, when those are the concerns?
Yes, agreed with you. A country with a good mix of world renowned personalities and hypocrites. Given the large population and varied income groups it is indeed difficult to bring about a sudden change, to fight against a "system" ruled by plain money and muscle power. Just received an email forward about the modified version of the age-old grasshopper and ant story. Quite relevant in this context, the number of grasshoppers staying back here is increasing and all the ants are seeking better prospects in rest of the world. It is not a question of plain "patriotism", it is a question of "humanity" at large. And whats wrong with the ants moving away..isn't the World a larger home? They are just going to a different place where they find living worthwhile.
@mythoughts: I hope those ants return. Our's isn't such a bitter country. As far as the grass-hoppers are concerned, I hope they don't start finding the grass on the other side of the fence GREENER!
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