Please join the Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=313719393935

A group created at promoting reduced usage of news consumption through the Paper media. Now is the time to switch and move.

FAQs below:

How will it help? This group is just a medium to promote the idea. The idea that we CAN stop reading the physical newspaper. It is possible to change a habit that we had put on since our school days. The real change comes when we stop subscribing to physical Newspapers. When a lot of us do that and switch to online media, the change will force the Newspaper agencies to stop delivering news through that medium. That is when we will have far less number of trees to be cut down. Eventually we can be in a position where the rate of cutting down trees will be lesser than their growth and plantation. We can regain a greener and cleaner world. Newspapers are just the first step, but a big one at that.

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This is in response to an article by Sagarika Ghose

First of, after reading all goodie goodie stuff about this movie, I am glad to read a different opinion. However, I find it to be a one-way analysis of the movie. I think Sagarika Ghose has got it incorrect. The movie doesn’t say “Don’t Study”, it says “Do what you love to”. If she thinks a movie, however powerful it is, can make India a nation of idiots, her entire career as a journalist understanding India has gone for a toss.

Many of us have not been part of those “elite schools - the IITs,IIMs, AIIMS, NIFTs, Design, Mass media and Architecture schools”, and have seen first hand, how rote learning in our regular engineering, science or arts colleges diminish our ability to learn the subject, whereas creativity and innovation go for a bounce.

We have seen the effects of complying to what teachers say as god’s word and textbooks as religious scriptures. They suppressed our ability to question and stand on our own. Remember the hysteria of writing the incorrect year for a historical event because our faulty text book said so. We did that to get marks, we killed factual truth to obtain success.

Those elite schools I mentioned above are certainly better off then the rest of the system, but if 3 idiots is a reflection on our larger education system, it has certainly struck a point. After all in a democracy, “masses are always right”.

Of course Rancho is a super human, but that is what most Indian movies are about “escapism”, and we love escapism, so that we can get back to the grind of our daily reality refueled with more determination.

The bigger message of the movie was “Purse excellence, Success will follow”. It doesn’t say pressure is bad, but one that leads to student suicide is certainly not worth it, wherever it comes from. Student suicide rates are way too high in India. Though this is also a problem in East Asia (South Korea and Japan especially).

Our target should be to develop as a nation, coz once we reduce poverty and inequity, population is under control and in harmony with nature, we will be able to say “Alll izzz well”

I am a proud gujarati, who occasionally feels ashamed when reminded of what happened in 2002. As a resident of Ahmedabad during those horrible days, I am fully “authorised” to speak my mind and thoughts on it.

This website, www.gujaratriots.com, represents the “state of denial” of many of my folks in Gujarat. This website looks to be created with the agenda of “rewriting the history” probably funded by well-wishers of the “honourable CM”. I certainly admire him for his non-corrupt, pro-development leadership style, which some like Nandy see as a dangerous trend. Everyone knows the truth about what the CM did in 2002

I have a clear message to owners of this website: “Have some shame……….Don’t deny what the murderers did. Every single resident of gujarat knows the truth. Whom are you trying to fool? There is absolutely no difference between the Pakistanis, who are in a continuous state of denial of their own terrorist activities and you. Do a little service to humanity by bringing the actual “real truth” instead of the truth that you are trying to create through this website. Atleast fear God and Karma, if you believe in it.”

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that India is a civilization where impossible things happen; who still wonders if the dreams of the great men, who once wandered on this land are alive in our times; who still question the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It’s the answer told by people waiting for dozens of minutes on their computer screens, watching the timer, to cast their online vote; by people who touched the computer screens for first time in their lives in order to vote; by people who spent their pre-paid balances to cast their vote, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

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“Fighting ahead, rising up, giving India the honour it deserves” - My patriotic jingoism for our economic achievements only got a boost with Tata Nano.

1907 - Detroit, USA ——— Ford Model T

2008 - Delhi, India ——– Tata Nano

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Note: This movie will not release in India, because it is a Pakistani production and it is banned in India. But for me and millions of others, Internet is here to empower. No, I am not advocating piracy, but simply speaking “Internet boldly goes where no media has gone before”. This is a political movie and this post is political.

About the Movie: The movie is about a moderate, progressive Pakistani family residing in Lahore and their brush with fundamentalism in Islam. It does carry forward an important message about how a common Muslim is equally affected by “Religious Fundamentalism”, just as in other religions. Mansoor and Sarmat are two musician brothers, caught in the perils of time. Samrat turns into a Taliban guy, whereas Mansoor, who is pursuing a degree in music in USA, is suspected of being a terrorist. Cousin Marry(Mariam), who is wanting to marry her gora boyfriend, is deceived by her father Hussain Khan to join him for a trip to Pakistan to see his long lost family and in turn she is forcibly married to Sarmat. Somethings dont change, and some people are determined to make that change. Marry returns to the village where she was forced to stay up and decides to educate the women there. Sarmat returns to the music and also starts praying everyday. Extremist Shershah brings his daughters to the school. A blend of progressives upholding their religion is a winner in the end. More about the Plot, Cast and Background at the Movie’s Official Site or Wikipedia or IMDB. The movie also has a good soundtrack and some fantastic visuals of areas bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan. The acting has been fairly good, however Mansoor and Shershah are the characters that have been acted best along with our very own Naseerudin.

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Most of you would know who Adnan is, if you have been watching TV around this days.

Here is his profile, incase you wish to put in your condolences: http://www.orkut.com/Profile.aspx?uid=14160249575654797975

A community dedicated to him
http://www.orkut.com/CommMembers.aspx?cmm=38032969&tab=0&na=3&nst=16&nid=0

But I am not going to talk about Adnan here. I was instigated to write this when I was watching this show Face the Nation hosted by Sagarika Ghose on CNN-IBN (one of the better news channels in India). The discussion of course started of with the host quoting some random blog post titled that “Orkut killed Adnan”. Duh!!! When I heard things spoken by the host during the discussion like “Should Orkut be banned?”, I felt outrageous, annoyed and eventually laughed out at shallow insight that some of our well groomed journos have about the Internet. They also listed down some other crimes like a Dope Party in Pune being organised on Orkut. The “Hate India” community on Orkut got much more popularity in newspapers then it ever had on Orkut users.

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Approximately a month back on 13th July, I attended the first ever National Conference on Open Source Software held in Ahmedabad organised by CII. Its a rage these days for techies to defy everything Microsoft. (Only till Gates looked after Windows, the world was a good place for MS). So, naturally the conference was jam-packed. India’s top advocates of OSS were there along with some “goras” from IBM and Mozilla. AMD, IBM and Red Hat being the organisers got a fair chance to promote themselves and pitch their products against the WINTEL dominated Personal Computing World. Prof Krishnan of MIT-Chennai, who runs NRCFOSS and Sivakumar of IIT Mumbai were humorous and made lighter presentations, but the most inspirational stuff came from Prof G. Nagarjuna of HBCSE and C. Umashankar of ELCOT both being radical believers of FOSS way of life. A video report showcasing Linux Usage Implementation at ELCOT has got me into thinking whether I too can help replicate that in my organisation (Ofcoure, I need to begin with my laptop first). Entrepreneurs like Atul Chitnis of Geodesic and Hardik Sanghavi of Vmukti were a delight for their ideas and products. Mozilla guys Seth and Chris rewarded the audience by mozilla goodies to some quick quizzes (I failed to get one), but their need for understanding us Indians as a Mozilla community is well-noted.

Ofcourse I feel more comfortable attending barcamps when it concerns technology, but then this was in Ahmedabad itself, so I could not miss this one. Hopefully, we will soon have a barcamp in Ahmedabad.

The training sessions arranged in next 2 days were a total flop(atleast for me). I hardly learnt nething hands-on about Drupal or Redhat, but did some networking with guys from OSS Resource Centre based out of IIT Mumbai and fellow geekies.

This is getting cooler. Now right here in India, we have silicon valley styled unconferences for networking, demonstrating new technologies and now showcasing startups. After barcamps that started last year, its proto.in. Looks like a lot of action is happening out there.

Budding entrepreneurs, take a look at this:

http://www.proto.in/

The second version of this event is happening this weekend:
Dates: 21st and 22nd July.
Location: Chennai

I did come across this site sometime back, but only realised the power of it, when I heard about it from Atul Chitnis of Geodesic at the National Open Source Conference in Ahmedabad last weekend. Well am sad that I am unable to attend, as the bookings are over and the event is packed to full. I just wish some last minute capacity increments happen and I get a chance to receive a tank full of inspiration.

Best of Luck Startup Participants!!

Finally, a phone launch that makes me POST on my blog. It’s been a little more than 3 days and 5,00,000 iPhones have been sold. In the meantime, I have spent 8-10 hours reading pre-release reviews, watching user-help videos and pondering about what all things I can do with such a gadget.

No one will agree less, it’s a revolutionary product, especially because Steve Jobs did a brave job launching the world’s first no-keypad, 1-button touchscreen phone. (I know LG is there with Prada)

Suddenly, it seems all the Mobile Handset Majors (Read Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola) were fools, in not taking this practical next step early on. I am sure they will launch their own models of touchscreen cellphones in next 6 months. A person like me, who is not a major Apple fan, would certainly go for a Nokia release of such a phone. So Apple really needs to speed up its entry. I thought they made a mistake showcasing the product 6 months before its availability, but looking at how things have gone, well I salute their marketing strategy.

Though, Apple will not be in a position to serve the Mass Market of Emerging Countries with the iPhone, but then does it really want that mass market? The MAC is certainly a fabulous product, but is ultimately is a niche product, when you compare it with the wholesome market. Even with its large popularity in the west and excellent functionality, iPod still remains an unaffordable luxury for vast majority of people on the planet. In a CNBC interview, Steve Jobs did wish that he could make it available at $100, but I dont trust his intentions to serve the mass market by compromising on the brand or styling or Profits. Apple products are for the classes and not the masses, globally speaking. I assume it will remain so for sometime to come.

Eventually, if Apple becomes a company for the masses, it will not happen because of companies efforts to create products for the BOP. It is more likely that the masses have reached Apple, which means the world will be a much richer and stylish place!!!!!

The SC verdict on OBC quota issue on delaying it is a strong populist action taken by the court. Dear CJI, we salute your passion to uphold the value of equality enshrined in our constitution.

One of the most impressive comments on the subject is from a guy, who claims to be an OBC yet opposed to the reservation bill. His comments on a Rediff Discussion Board, in a way showcases the fact that the caste politics is not supported by any castes.

.. that with over 90% of Hindus being called ‘Backward’, we still play by the rules set 1000s of years ago on a different context. It’s a free world, U don’t like caste system, then start a new religious belief or reform Hinduism by litigation! If u don’t like Hinduism at all, convert to a religion of ur choice or call urself an atheist! No business (except politicians) asks u which religion/ caste u r from (I have been in business for a fair amount of time). I frankly, don’t see how reservation will help root out 1000 of years of ’social inequalities’. It’s plain crap! It has to come internally and it applies from Brahmins and other FCs to SCs and STs including the OBCs…

I belong to an ‘Other backward caste’ and I have many FC friends, including many Brahmins. Knowing them, I can tell u many of the ‘Brahmins’ I know are nearly atheistic and I am more religious then them! For a fact, they never asked my caste before forming deep friendship with me. One of them has married a girl from a caste which even my parents would scoff at! And yes, none of this came about by reservation or governmental involvement. It was just plain education (friendship at school level btw!, so dont bring the crap of reservation in higher studies)

Anyways, future is’nt promising with such backwards thoughts running all through!

Luv
Inflamed Backward guy

Bravo…..Fight up people and serve the cause of eternal truth of equality and unification

I somehow have a disbelief in a migration theory that we all have our ancestors hailing from Africa. I believe that human beings have evolved simultaneously on various parts of earth from similar ancestors. I am no Gene Scientist or an Anthropologist, but based on my current level of knowledge and logic, I am strongly convinced that what I said above has a chance to be true.

However, being a man of science, I am going to give a shot to the genome project, a 5-year long research study by National Geographic and IBM, started in 2005. The study is based on the hypothesis that Africa is the motherland of all human beings. It will trace migrations of our ancestors thousands of years ago, based on our DNA samples and computer databases.

I plan to participate in the genome study and trail my ancestory to Africa and will have no surprises, if at the end of 5 years, this study reveals something different than the African motherland theory.

This post is rather late, but I want to begin by thanking all the donors, who helped me raise almost Rs. 28,000 for donating it to a charity Child Aid Foundation in Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh. Special thanks to an anonymous donor, who contributed 1/3rd of that amount raised.

Now about the marathon. This is the first time I ever took part in a Marathon, ofcourse, it was the 21 Km half-marathon. Full Marathon is still 2 years away.

After running half-marathon (21 Kms) in Mumbai Marathon, I am reminded of my earlier experience of being a part of the long distance Skating Rallies as a school kid. Endurance is the key in such events.

The route started from VT Station thorough Marine Drive, Chowpatty, Pedar road, Haji Ali sea face, we took a u–turn below Worli flyover and came back on the same route.

The journey was NOT tiring as I expected, but instead my legs were giving up, especially in the second half. At times, I feared a muscle pull or similar injuries. I managed by slowing down or simply walking small stretches in between.

Some moments captured in my mind:

1) Passing the start line, along with thousands of other half-marathoners.

2) Taking a turn from Pizzeria Circle onto Marine Drive, with Kingfisher cheerleaders pumping up the spirits.

3) The sight of the leaders of the race I participated were already returning back (had completed 16 kms from start), when I had just cleared Chowpatty (8 –Kms from the start),

4) The Western Naval Command had its own Band playing live for us, near Haji Ali Juice Centre, provided us a feeling that we were a part of the Republic Day Parade.

5) A group of around 30 leading runners in the full marathon (42 Kms) passed by our side, when we reached half-distance, even though they started an hour late. They were led by a range of stout security men on bullet motorcycles and open jeeps.

6) Residents of Pedar Road (Annie Besant Road) coming out in full force to support the runners. Children were excited to see so many people running.

7) Peddar Road was the most difficult part to run, due to its hilly structure.

Residents shelled out Banners written with “Never, never, never give up”, “Run Mumbai Run” & other inspiring thoughts.

9) While on track, the two languages I heard the most were: English & Gujarati (Yes, Gujjus are becoming sporty too)

A Photographic Essay Follows:

Thousands gather in the dark. Spirits are high. Start time 6:45 A.M.

Towards Starting Line

The dawn

Entering Marine Drive

Too many people, we had to walk in certain stretches

Haji Ali Seaface

Some Inspiration

Full Marathon Race Leaders. They overtook us near “The Atrium Mall”. Boy, these guys are real fast, they started an hour after us, the half-marathoners and the caught us in like 10 kms.

This guy ran full 21 Kms carrying the tri-colour on his shoulder. Salutes to you buddy.

The Atrium Mall and some audience for us loosers

“We are Tired” Camp

Qadbury’s office on Peddar Road. They should have distributed a few “Bandhan ki Mithas” to us tired runners.

Wilson College. This one is for my grandfather. He studied here.

Me with My “Number Plate”, after reaching the finishing line. The Bib number was actually 9154.

When thousands of people run, you need technology to time each one. Well they gave us a chip, for which we gave them deposit. To get our money back and a certificate that we ran, we sweated 3 hours more in a queue under the sun after the run.

Summary: Let’s have marathons in each city above the population of 10 lacs. Lets all run, always!!

One of the bravest movies of “redefining bollywood” era, Black Friday, is a one more must watch documentary-styled drama after Kabul Express. One should watch it for the event it reflects, which reminds us of the grim days Mother India saw, difficult to imagine in the now fast moving Post-Godhra India. The intentions of its makers to display the truth bypasses media coverage of such events. The movie is an educational tool for the 1993 Bombay blasts as they come alive for our generation, which was then too young to understand the events of those time and relate it to the current context, but who saw it all repeat in Gujarat riots, 9/11, and the series of bomb blasts in Mumbai and elsewhere. (The world never seems to learn from its past mistakes.)

Based on a book by the same name, which documents the investigation and proceeding in tremendous detail and authored by an Indian Muslim Hussain Zaidi, the movie helps bollywood enter a new stream, which uses multiple strong actors (kay kay menon, aditya srivastava, pavan malhotra of nukkad fame) rather than stars, which was the case with Kabul Express.

From any normal viewer’s eye, every actor has performed great. Cinematography has been fabulous with great background music from Indian Ocean. An interesting addition in the movie were real life footages of important political personalities of that time giving out statements on national TV. The footage of demolition of Babri-Masjid was embedded in a striking manner in the movie. Though the movie is about catching and punishing the “Muslim Terrorists”, many parts of the movie sufficiently show the “Hindu Fundamentalists” as the cause of the problems. Surprising, how the Sangh Parivar tolerated this, but banned Parzania in Gujarat (there’s no official ban though!!)

The movie sounds realistic, except for one discussion scene between the cop(kay kay menon) and terrorist(aditya srivastava), where the jihad is once again justified by the terrorist, and the good Indain cop claims Allah to be on the side of good, even though he was not a muslim. Police is not a super-hero as it gets tired while chasing the bad guys, it uses abusive methods to interrogate, work in 24×7 schedules after the blasts and show a tendency to be complacent. All this reflect the reality.

The element of drama or humour is scarce in the movie, foul words used whereever necessary, and blood-litted bodies describe the moments of pain. The scenes of blast have been made in an exemplary method, using sounds that tremble your senses and visuals that melt your heart.

Bravo!! Censor Board, for letting this movie go through. Though released two years after its completion, the movie has already won prizes at International Film Festivals abroad in the mean time and is already receiving a lot of critical acclaim in India. Watch it to save India from this madness once again. Fundamentalists and Terrorists are a curse for every religion and this movie reminds us that we still have work to do even if we have 10% GDP growth.

This time, though, India is taking over Britain. Be it softpower of Shilpa Shetty or Chicken Curry or Corporate wins like Tata over Tetley and Corus. The two countries share a love-story that contains both affection and enmity on a variety of issues.

The already well-established South Asian Diaspora led by Gujaratis and Punjabis is a highly visibil force in UK. BBC is flanked by a good number of journalists and anchors of Indian Origin. Indias reach many part of Americas and Europe via London. There is just so much activity between the two countries, that it compels me to say that Britain’s Soft Colonisation by India might lead to a day, when Britain becomes the crown in India’s Global Soft Crown.

One can only therefore, conclude that the Raj seems to be Re-established and that too the other way round.