ASSMBLY ELECTIONS - CONGRESS NEEDS TO BE CAUTIOUS NOW

I am a bit surprised with the result of the assembly elections. Having been in Delhi for about 3 years during the Shila Dixit regime (which will be there for the next five years hopefully) my gut feeling was that Congress would have been ousted unceremoniously this time. However my guess fell flat as Congress again enjoyed a thumping victory there.I think the Delhiwalahs are least bothered about power cuts, water crisis, high living costs, otherwise the result would have been different.Even a year back while I was in Delhi I heard common people saying "Cong bhagao, BJP ko lao". Even the business communities were becoming sick of Congress especially after the Sealing fiasco. Add to it the nationwide protests agains the Government after the terror attack. I think congress managed to win there mainly because common people stayed aloof from voting as their faith on the politicians is diminishing. The result in Rajasthan was not surprising though.Well, Jaipur blast might have made a longlasting impact on the Rajasthanis!!! The Gujjar crisis played a crucial role in favour of the opposition.Moreover, the complacent former CM did little to gain the popular support there. BJP was expected to retain their supremacy in MP and Chattishgarh. And Mizoram? Well , I dont think it makes much difference to the national politics.

Congress after retaining Delhi and snatching away Rajasthan must be feeling confident before the Lok Sabha Elections. But remember what happened in 2003 assembly elections. BJP won in Rajasthan, Chattishgarh and MP and the over confidence that they showed afterwards cost them the power in the centre. So it is expected from Sonia & Co that they have learnt from the past and won't repeat the mistakes BJP made earlier. So in a nutshell, the result of the assembly elections might not have much impact when citizens of this nation will go to the booths to elect the new government in 2009.

TIME TO TAKE A BREAK AS RNBDJ IS ARRIVING SOON

RAB NE BANA DI JODI...the countdown begins.

As we wait eagerly for the government to take necessary steps to satisfy the common men, here is a nice opportunity to talk about something different.And a lil bit of gossip about RNBDJ which hits the theatre on 12th december is an amazing idea.Please dont think that I'm sidelining our priorities and that the passion I was talking about even a couple of days back is dying. Its there and it will be there until and unless our government satisfies our needs. You can say its just a lil break to reinvigorate, to rejuvinate.

Well, it seems that the King is gonna reclaim his territories once again with this Adi Chopra flick.When I had first heard about this movie I was expecting it to be another big budget YashRaj dhamaka shot in some foreign locales,actors dancing on the Alps,most expensive cars and clothings.But who could expect that we would indeed get a nerd looking SRK in the cheapest shirt,equally weird trousers and shoes?And that makes this flick different. I think it is the time for the critics of SRK to stop writing those craps like mannerism and all about SRK. He mesmerized us with a once in a lifetime performance in Chak De just a year ago.His stunning performance in Swades or Paheli though often underrated come in the first category of acting.And now with RNBDJ, I think the King has taken the challenge of playing two opposite characters in the same movie. Mind it if rumours are true this is not going to be a double role.Hats off to Mr SRK.
The debutant Anushka Sharma looks fresh and fabulous in the promos. Adi did a wonderful job in finding her. It looks like that Adi this time is on a venture something different for what he is known of. Yet the promos tell that the romantic flavour for which he is famous is not at all missing. The presence of such diverse factors make all of us wait so eagerly for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

What impressed me the most is the wonderful music of this movie.The music director duo Salim Sulaimaan who earlier rocked the nation with Chak De India made arguably the best score of 2008. All the songs are excellent. While Chance Pe Dance make you dance even when you are in the gloomiest mood, the title song sung by Roop Kumar Rathod reminds you of the golden era of music. Haule Haule which is already rocking the nation will surely be remembered as one of the best songs of Sukhvinder Singh. The remix song,the cameo tune by Shreya and that wonderful medley-all make you feel good. If you haven't yet listened to the songs of RNBDJ, you are really missing something.

It looks like that in the movie a 40 something Surinder Saini working in some government office tries to look and behave young to please his 20 something modern wife. Sounds interesting, isn't it?It promises to be the biggest blockbuster of the year( yes, keeping in mind the Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini). Lets wait and see. But for the wonderful start cast(Don't forget Vinay Pathak who did splendid jobs in Dasvidaniya and Bheja Fry will be teaching SRK how to be smart in this flick), excellent music, the name of the Director ( Adi gave us DDLJ and Mohabbatein) , brilliant promos the film has already won our hearts. And the King Khan factor is always there. So start counting days and get ready to welcome RNBDJ.

The movement showing signs of lapsing into passivity

Well,the government is in a dire need to divert the attention of the common people from the security related issues.The drama over who will be the next Maha CM or sudden cut in petrol/diesel prices clearly indicate the mood.And as I heard these developments I started apprehending that the government is seizing every opportuity to make people forget their claims over certain basic issues and thereby chances are getting brighter that the post 26/11 movement might just lapse into passivity.May be the cynics who predicted that the nationwide protests would last for just a week and then everything would be as usual would be proved right."Arrey yeh India hain bhai" -they said and we are showing every sign to prove them right.The India awakening movement as I call it might just be nipped in the bud and if it is so then future generations would not spare us.I think media has a bigger role to play in such a scenario.They have shown us the way and they should strive for not letting the passion die.Please don't be befooled by the unexpected generosity of the government-this is my humble request to every citizen.May the spirit of the awakening India never die. Jai Hind

China's suggestion-last thing India needs at this moment.

Well, just got the news that China has asked India and Pakistan to solve their problems thorough dialogue.Well, the last thing we want now is a suggestion from China how to solve our very own problems.I would rather suggest the commies out there to solve their Tibet crisis first before lending us such advices.The Tibet upheaval a few moths back prior to the Beijing Olympics and China's brutal use of force to suppress the protesters most of whom were monks are still fresh in our mind.WHo does not know Pakistan tops the list of China's blue eyed boys in international politics?More pathetic is that China has even castigated India for blaming Pakistan incessantly without any evidence. Now what should we say on this? "Shut up and mind your own business" would be the apt reply to such idiotic comments by the headstrong commies.

Meanwhile, as the US Secy Of State intensifies pressure on Pakistan,India has confirmed that now they have "incontrovertible" proof of ISI involvement in the 26/11 incident.Let's keep our fingers crossed to see what happens next.It is good to see that Our PM Dr Manmohan Singh has kept a mum over the whole issue except a brief address to the nation shortly after the tragic event.It seems he will talk once things are at his command and India is ready to take on Pakistan in the international forums with every evidence to buttress their claim.We all want Dr Singh to be the king again.Let's wait and see.

India awakening: Unprecedented protests rock the nation

While I wrtite this article my eyes are still moist with tears-tears of joy,of hope and of unbound satisfaction as we just noticed an unprecedented form of protest in the cities of India to show solidarity against terrorism, against government non-action and for a positive change to ensure safety and security of every Indian.I still can't believe what I just witnessed-hundreds of thousands of people from all the sections of the society are coming together with thousands of banners,shouting slogans of unity.I truly beleive that this is the defining moment of our democracy,of our nationhood.After decades of negligence by the crooked politicians finally real India has woken up.And trust me this is not going to end soon.The flames of fury of the masses can't be extinguished with empty promises this time.India wants results at any cost.Emotions flew high in all the rallys be it Mumbai,Delhi,Bangalore or Hyderabad.A group of muslims taking a morcha asking the Government to declare Pakistan a 'rogue state',a 10 year old kid calling the Kerala CM a 'dog',well off corporate guys asking for war,college girls shouting "Hai hai Pakistan" slogan,senior citizens asking the youth to lead the movement;boy,oh,boy,never ever in my life the thought of being an Indian gave me such confidence and self belief as I am feeling now.And hats off to the media.Be it Times,CNN,NDTV,Zee or any other news channel-everyone came in support of the protests and this time portraying the events in the true spirit of journalism-without prejudice, bias or unnecessary emotions.Thanks to the India Inc. for extending hand of cooperation to the commonners making them feel they are not alone in this battle.I would sign off with a gentleman's comment broadcasted in Times Now-"Thanks to the terrorists for awakening a nation that has been sleeping over the years". Jai Hind.

Kerala CM Comment:Mr Unnikrishnan shows the way

Well,it seems that our politicians are determined not to learn from mistakes.V S Achuthanandan, who by chance happens to be the Kerala CM set an example of stupidity and made a comment that defines the state of orders in the political system of our country.The CM, who had been criticized for his delay in offering condolences to the bereaved family of the slain NSG commando Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who hail from Kerala, tried to make up by calling on the Unnikrishnans. But he failed to anticipate the rejection he would meet at the residence of the fallen soldier. The dead commando's father did not tolerate the CM's presence and shouted at him to leave at once.Unnikrishnan refused to allow police sniffer dogs into the house when security personnel came there ahead of the Kerala CM's visit to perform their duties.Achuthanandan then said publicly that even a dog would not go to the dead man's house if he had not been a "martyr".

Well,what crap was that?What did the idiot CM want to prove?Insulting a person who just gave up his life for the sake of this nation tantamounts to humiliate the nation and her values.But this egotist old duck hardly bothers about the nation or the values.And what was the purpose of taking sniffer dogs to the martyr's house?Did he fear an attack on his life from the bereaved family?

He could have easily avoided a controversy by seeking apology from the Unnikrishnans.Any wise politician would have done that.But who will teach a nonsense stubborn?Time is ripe for the commies to sack this buffoon.

And its time to thank Mr Unnikrishnan senior for his act.He has shown the way how a crooked politician should be treated.Entire India stands by him.Hats off to the family for the indomitable spirit and courage they have shown.

Ramu creates "Aag" again

Well guys,two things to start with.First, Aamir Khan has suggested that we should reciprocate the gunshots of the terrorists with roses of love.Second,our very own RG AAG Verma visited the Taj possibly to get new ideas about his another 'realistic' (horrific) movie.What has happened to these people man?I never bacame so sick as I am now after seeing the real face of some people after the tragic Mumbai incident.
Aamir khan in his recent blog has mentioned that terrorists have no religion(which he actually copied from Shah Rukh's article published in India Today a few while back) and his 'wonderfully innovative' ideas made his fans cheer about their hero only to get dumbed by his foolish comment on that rose thing."Heal,boy,heal".I have noticed that this man although a self proclaimed' media shy' suddenly becomes media savvy just before his films release.
And what to say about RGV? Sooner he understands that gimmicks dont make films hit and the 'masterpices" he has been making over the years are torturing the filmgoers and critics alike is better.Poetic justice,the man who took him to the Taj,the Maha CM Mr Deshmukh has just resigned setting an example before Ramu how to quit.Hope Ramu gets the message and puts an end to his pathetic efforts of making 'realistic' films.
Lastly its my humble appeal to certain people of the society.Now after years of inactivity real India is waking up and the civil society is finally playing the role of the protagonist in this strange drama of life.We stand united against terror come what may.If you can't be a part of this effort please go away.We can win this battle without these Ramus and Patils.Jai Hind.

Mumbai-the end or the beginning?

Sorry guys, I am back with my blogs after such a long time and I might have kept u waiting.However, I promise to be regular with my blogs from now onwards.

Ok, now let's come to the point.What happened in Mumbai?Isnt it really spine chilling and horrific what we just witnessed for 60 long hours.But there seems to be a silver lining even in the darkest clouds as finally our Mai Baap Government has woken up from sleep and at least giving some hints of taking a tough stance against terrorism. While we witnessed one of the most heinous acts of crime in India,many questions came on my mind.Firstly,isn't it yet the time to call it Islamic terrorism now?Look what happened in USA post 9/11.They didnt refuse to call it Islamic terrorism and give me one instance of organised terrorism on the soil of USA.Why votebank is still more important to our politicians than the lives of innocent people?

Another question I would like to ask our honourable politicians, what is the law to combat terrorism in India?Wait,it's not over yet.The NSG commandoes did one of the most bravest jobs I have witnessed in my whole life.But why can't they be raised in every metro cities of India?They took nearly 9 hours to reach the spot from Delhi and by that time most of the bloodbath had taken place.Now think how many lives would have been saved minus that nine hour delay. And what an example of solidarity our politicians exhibited?Our PM and the Leader Of The Opposition could not go to the site together just because that might have left a negative impression on the minds of their supporters!!!Isn't it weird?You must be aware of what the Dy CM of Maharashtra had to say after the attack."Mumbai is a big city and such small things will happen.We can not call it a total failure".Bullshit! that's the thing I had to say.

Now lets face a reality.Just 10 young terrorists shook the very base of our nation.Doesn't that make our security system look Galiath in front of the David named terrorism?What was our IB men doing over the years?May be the impact is to a lesser degree but the failure of intelliegence this time tantamounts only to their previous major failure that resulted in Kargil War. Just got the news that our fashin icon Home Minister has resigned.Will the situation improve by this?Only time can tell.But until we the civil society does not wake up the chances that another such incident would not happen looks bleak.

Enough criticism.Now let's look at the challenges ahead and also time to pay respect to our martyrs.They are the real heroes of our nation.Kudos to the NSG commandoes,policemen and all those who sacrificed their lives to save others.Hats off to the employees of the Taj,the Oberoi.The eye witnesses account revealed how they risked their lives to save others.God bless them.I must appreciate the bravery of the journalists who were in the warzone to show us what exactly happened.Barkha Dutt again showed why she is unparellel in journalism in India.After long time I found Indian journalism becoming mature and presenting views without bias or prejudices.Its hard time that they understand that people now have become sick of BREAKING NEWS(?) like who has kissed Rakhi Sawant, why Rahul Mahajan quit the Big Boss show or whom Deepika Padukone is dating these days.Enogh is Enough!An this is for journalism also,not only for the mean politicians.This single event has raised the importance of investigative journalism to a great degree.Its for the media now how they can handle this new situation.

Last but not the least, a battle agains terrorism is here.Its upto us how we react.If we dont wake up from sleep even now,India will go down the history as a nation that failed only because it did not take care of the lives of the innocent.

Zoonoses

Yesterday we had a discussion on fish borne zoonoses.Now lets have some discussions over other agents of zoonoses.Bird is known to be a very potent cause of zoonoses as they carry various tick vectors.Diseases like Kyasanur Forest Disease,West Nile Virus,Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis,Tick typhus, Q fever,tularaemia,Crimean Haemorrhoeagic fever are often carried by birds.It is widely believed that Kyasanur Forest Disease was introduced by birds in India by carrying the tick vector Haemophysallis spinigera.We all know how migratory birds and wild waterfowl can carry the dangerous bird flu.Besides monkeys also carry zoonoses like Group C and Guama group of virus,Venezuelan Equine Infectious encephalomyelitis and Kyasanur forest disease.Antibodies of Dengue has been found in monkeys as well.Small mammals carry Largat ,Powanan,Naples,Gr-A,B,C and Guama group of virus,Colorado tick fever,Russian Spring Summer Encephalitis etc.Rat carrying the vector Xenopsyla cheopis is a potent agent of Yernsinia pestis causing plague.

Below is a list of zoonoses by domestic animals
Dog-Hydatid cyst,coenurosis
Pig-Cysticercosis,Taeniasia
Cattle-FMD,Cow pox,Brucellosis,Anthrax
Sheep-Contagious ecthyma,pasturellosis
Fowl-Bird flu,psittacosis-ornithosis,New Castle Disease

So beware of zoonoses, take proper care and stay healthy.