Back To Blogging.

Sunday 12^th October, 2008.

It is more than five months since I posted a blog. For no apparent reason, the practice stopped. Neither I had a mental block nor did I lose interest in blogging. These things do happen as there are no compulsions or pressure to write. Whenever there is a respite, it gets stretched. I believe that is what happened.

I did ponder on this gap for the sake of analysis. I think the onset of summer then, and the high temperatures that prolonged well into a normal rainy season dampened my urge. Al Gore’s lectures on Global warming were on my mind. The weather then affected other habits too. Summer in the tropical regions is never pleasant. There are problems all around. Drought in some places, dip in power generation resulting in frequent power cuts, spiraling prices, add to our misery. There is a lack of interest in whatever we do. I felt that this summer season affected my mind and body as well. The disease- ALS - I am afflicted with was however progressing slowly and steadily. I knew this was god’s way, and I had no part in it. All I did was to hope for the best, and let the period pass away.

To keep my spirits up, my family members, my siblings, close relatives and friends were ever helpful in giving me advice and support. I took refuge in reading spiritual, and self help books. The inspirational messages that my friend was constantly sending through the net, and which in turn I shared with others helped me enormously from slipping into inertia.

Well, that was all about airing my inner feelings.

Be all that as they may be, I was keeping abreast of the news.

The events around the world keep happening. Nothing seems to stop them. Nature’s calmness and fury; men and women creating and making the news keep the people’s interests active and alive.

Barack Obama’s nomination for the Presidential Post by the Democratic Party, his speech in Denver; Choosing Senator Joe Biden as his running mate for Vice-President; senator Hillary Clinton’s unstinted support for Obama all seem to augur well for future of America.

The Texas administration’s steps in meeting the fury of the hurricane Ike is certainly praiseworthy. Evacuation of people from Galveston, reminded me of my visit to that small town way back in 2004, kindled my interest that much more. The photos - more than 300- placed by The Austin-American Statesman brought out the fury of the hurricane; the triumphs of the human spirit in a natural calamity, and the orderliness of the evacuation.

The current financial crisis that was brewing and originating from America was shocking. It unfolded the greed of some of the Wall Street’s Investment Bankers, undermined the banking system, and exposed the unregulated system. Despite protests from the American public, the bail out plan was passed, as if to reward those who were responsible for ruining the lives, careers and lifestyles of ordinary people.

In the name of innovation, schemes with fancy names were introduced luring the investors for speculative gains. American home loans and the EMI’s (Equated monthly installments paid by the people who took the loan) formed the source funds for these investment bankers to float in the market. The actions of these so called “Financial wizards” can be called “recklessness in the name of dynamism”. As of now, they are Scot free.

Finance and accounting is a fascinating subject that needs to be kept simple and understandable to a layman. Basic rules are to be followed with a conservative outlook. After all the banks are dealing with others’ money and those small investors part their money reposing TRUST. And that needs to be repaid by all means. Hopefully I aim to write more on this topic.

India and America signed the nuclear deal after lot of lobbying. In India, opinion is divided on the need for the n-power now. Much can be said on either side. What remains a scene in India is that many projects go lethargic after initial euphoria due to lax work ethics. This sweeping statement could sound cynical. If pondered, many would sigh with a remark that “nothing works in India satisfactorily”. Why so?

Many major decisions taken are political in nature, and there are always forces opposing them, just to be recognised. In every act of living, hurdles are placed for pecuniary benefits. The Indian psyche is to violate a rule. We lack self-discipline, be it at home or in Parliament. I say this with profound sadness.

A classic example in recent days is the shifting of Nano car project by the most respected corporate giant -The Tatas- from Singur, a place 20 miles north of kolkatta in the state of West Bengal to Sanand, a city 10 miles west of Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat i.e., from east to west. This is due to the protests by the principal opposition party- the trinamool congress. It is a pity that it had to be shifted at a time when the much awaited car was to roll out soon. The concerned opposition leaders are insensitive to the loss incurred by many associated with the project. Much can be written on this issue. That would only highlight the disgusting scenario.

Amidst all this, Asian Indians are god fearing and resilient. Belief in Hindu Philosophy, its religion, its scriptures keep us binding despite upheavals. All Hindu festivals are celebrated with fervour and gaiety. People visit temples as often as they can, and more so during festivals. One such festival- Dasara is celebrated all over India, for ten days. This year, 2008, it began on September 30^th and ended on 9^th October. Shankar Math, named after Philosopher saint Adi Shankara, is one of the branches located about 5 miles from my house, which has the divinity of knowledge, Goddess Sharada as the deity. Visiting this temple and worshiping the goddess all these ten days is an integral part of our life. It is a matter of pride that my wife and her elder sisters have been offering worship for over 35 years continuously for all round welfare. Every year the number of devotees is increasing. During the festival period, the temple authorities feed thousands in a well organized way, besides performing the daily rituals.

I am dedicating this blog to my daughters, close relatives and friends, who have been constantly reminding me to get back into the habit of posting blogs regularly to keep my mind active- usefully!!

I hope to maintain the habit despite progression of ALS- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.