Murali - Best spinner the World would ever see

There are only few cricketers everyone love to watch. even the opponents want them to suceed. No matter what I dont want them to retire. I never get tired of watching them repeatedly. Muttiah Muralitharan is certainly one among them. This Blog is a tribute to one of the best spinners in the world. As I write this, Murali will be trying with all his experience to become the first bowler to take 800 test wickets.

Muralitharan - The two things that come to my mind when I hear his name.
1. The big eyes that roll out when he shouts for a wicket which reflects his confidence.
2. His unorthodox batting style and the big smile he gives after missing the shot.
According to me, Murali is all about confident cricket. Certainly Murali tops the list who nurtured Sri Lankan cricket. Murali leads all the way in developing Sri Lanka who were once minnows of test cricket to one of the best. All these years he had lead his team from front. None of their test wins would have been possible without Murali. I hope Murali is the only one who is destined to this kind of glory.

Murali obviously holds every record possible for a bowler in Test cricket.He is the leading wicket taker in both forms of the game. As i write this he is 795 and counting in test and 515 + in ODIs. He Holds the record for most number of five wicket hauls in the annals of test cricket and also against every test playing nation. He is also the highest wicket taker in losing cause too, 210 wickets (thanks cricinfo). He is the only player to get 50+ wickets against every test playing nation. Muralidaran remains the only bowler in the world to capture at least one five wicket haul against each opposition he has played at home. Thanks to yahoo for these stats. Any combination of record that you come across in test bowling, Murali will be the holder of all those.

Murali's career has seen ups and downs like any other cricketer. He was blamed for chucking due to his weird bowling action. But he has never let those trivial things to bog down his career. He came back strongly and he went on to break every record as a bowler. Murali is well known for his competitive cricket. His variations , change in pace, doosras all were too hard to pick for even the best batsmen in the world. Even though many cricketers suggest Murali has been overlooked as best bowler in Test history as he holds around 200 test wickets against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, we can never under-estimate his remaining 600 wickets which has come against best cricketing nations.

Murali is extremely dedicated to cricket. He is one of the most enthusiastic player I have seen. His on-field presence can be seen with utmost dynamism and vigor. I have not seen a single moment where he gives a dull , awry look. He is also one of the best fielders I have seen. The spirit with which he chases the ball brings cricket alive. His expressions on the field tells how much he loves the game of cricket. Murali had always played the game of cricket in right manner. He can never be tagged with any kind of foul activities, be it ball tampering or sledging. He has always done the talking with the Ball.

Murali's off-field gesture always suggest how humble and down-to earth guy he is. The atmosphere around him is always as lively as his. We may not see Murali bowl with his white dress, but what keeps me going is that he can be seen bowling for my home team CSK for some more years. No one can emulate him in future. He is like Bradman with the ball.

I hope Murali gets his 800th wicket before bidding adieu to Test cricket. No one deserves it more than him. According to me , an era has ended in Test cricket as Murali leaves. I wanted to see the smile on his face as he gets his 800th wicket. Its indeed justice for a nation to lose against someone like Murali for the one last time. Thanks Murali for the decade long entertainment.

செம்மொழியான தமிழ் மொழியாம் !!!

வணக்கம் . என் முதல் தமிழ் வலைப்பதிவு தமிழ் செம்மொழி மாநாடு பற்றியதாக இருப்பதில் மிகவும் பெருமைப்படுகிறேன். தமிழில் உருப்படியா ஒரு வாக்கியம் எழுதி ஆறு வருடங்கள் ஆகுது . அதனால சின்ன சின்ன தப்பு இருந்தா மன்னிக்கவும். முதல் தமிழ் செம்மொழி மாநாடு இன்று கொங்கு மண்டலத்தின் ஒரு பகுதியாம் கோவையில் சிறப்பாக துவங்கி இருக்கும் . 21 ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் தமிழை விட வேற எந்த மொழிக்கும் இந்த பெருமை கிடைக்காது . இவ்வளவு செலவு பண்ணி இப்படி ஒரு விழா நம் தாய் மொழிக்கு தேவையா என்பது பத்தி நான் எழுத போவது இல்ல. ஏன்னா தமிழ் மொழியை விட வேற எந்த மொழியும் இத்தகைய பெருமைக்கு ஆளாக முடியாது .

தமிழ் மொழிக்கு இணையாக வடமொழி சமஸ்கிருதம் இருந்தது. ஆனால் இன்றோ அது வழக்கழிந்து போய்விட்டது . அந்த நிலை நம் தமிழ் மொழியை நெருங்கி கொண்டு வருகிறதோ என்கிற கவலை எனக்கு மட்டும் இல்லை ,பலருக்கும் உண்டு. இரண்டாயிரம் ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன் இருந்த தமிழ் மொழியின் அருமை பெருமைகளை சொல்ல வேண்டியது இல்லை. ஆனால் இன்றோ நாம் பேசும் ஒவ்வொரு தமிழ் சொல்லிற்கும் இணையாக ஒரு ஆங்கில சொல் சேர்த்துக்கொள்கிறோம் . மாற்றம் என்பது இயற்கையின் நியதி . மொழி வழக்கு மாறுவது ஒன்றும் புதிதான செய்தி அல்ல. மாறாக அந்த மற்றம் மொழியின் முன்னேற்ற பாதையில் உள்ளதா என்பதுதான் கவனிக்க வேண்டிய செய்தி.

தமிழ் மொழியின் இன்றைய நிலை என்ன மொழியின் வளர்ச்சிக்காக நாம் செய்ய போவது என்னென்ன ? குழந்தை தன் பெற்றோரை அம்மா அப்பா என்றழைத்த காலமெல்லாம் முடிந்து விட்டது . குடும்பத்திற்குள்ளேயே ஆங்கிலத்தில் பேசிக்கொள்ளும் காலம் இது. பள்ளி செல்லும் சிறுவர்கள் மிகவும் வெறுக்கும் பாடம் தமிழ் தான் . காரணம் இன்று உள்ள பாடப்பகுதிகள் பல மாணவர்களுக்கு தமிழ் மேல் ஆர்வத்தை கொண்டு வருவதற்கு பதிலாக அச்சத்தை உண்டாக்குகிறது . பதினெட்டு வயது வரையிலும் தமிழை படித்தும் எழுதியும் பழகினாலும் பிழை இன்றி பலரால் எழுத முடியவில்லை. நம் தாய் மொழியில் வெளிவரும் கவிதைகள் , கட்டுரைகள் , நாளுக்கு நாள் குறைந்து கொண்டும் , தரம் தாழ்ந்து கொண்டும் செல்கின்றன. பள்ளியில் இரண்டடி திருக்குறளை படிக்க கஷ்டமாய் உள்ளது. திருக்குறள் உணர்த்தும் நன்னெறியை தெரிந்து கொள்ள விழையாமல் , இரண்டு மதிப்பெண் பெறுவதற்காக விருப்பமின்றி மனப்பாடம் செய்யும் நிலையே இன்று பரவலாக உள்ளது. அதை கூட choice ல் விட்டு விடவே பலர் நினைக்கிறோம் .


இப்படி மொழி மேல் ஆர்வமே இல்லாத நம்மால் , நாளை எவ்வாறு தமிழை பேணிக்காக்க முடியும் ? என் அப்பா எனக்கு சொல்லிக்குடுத்ததில் பாதியாவது என்னால் என் மக்களுக்கு சொல்லி தர முடியுமா என்று எனக்கு தெரியவில்லை. நான் என் அம்மாவிடம் தமிழில் பேசுவது போல என் பிள்ளையால் பேச முடியுமா என்றும் தெரியவில்லை. ஆனால் இவை அனைத்தும் நாம் மொழியை பாதுகாக்கும் முறையில் தான் உள்ளது. தமிழ் சான்றோர்கள் போல கவிதை , கதை எழுத முடியவில்லை என்றாலும் , நம்மால் முடிந்த அளவில் தமிழில் பேசுவது, நாளிதழ்கள் வாங்கி படிப்பது , பிள்ளைகளுக்கு சொல்லி தருவது போன்ற விதத்திலாவது தமிழை வாழ வைப்போமே !


நாலாயிரம் ஆண்டுகளாக வாழ்ந்து வரும் நம் தமிழ் மொழியின் சிறப்புகளை பற்றி புகழ் பாடும் இடமாக மட்டும் இந்த மாநாடு இல்லாமல் , அது அழிந்து விடாமல் இருக்க மேற்கொள்ள இருக்கும் நடவடிக்கைகள் பற்றியதாகவும் இருக்கும் என நான் . 380 கோடி ரூபாயும் தமிழ் மொழிக்கு செய்யும் செலவாக கருதாமல் , அதை காக்க நாம் செய்யும் முதலீடாக எண்ணுவோம் . அரசியல் உள்நோக்கம் இருக்கிறதோ இல்லையோ தெரியவில்லை , எனினும் தமிழை காக்க கலைஞர் மேற்கொண்டுள்ள இந்த ஏற்பாட்டினை பாராட்டுகிறேன். எதோ , என்னால் முடிந்த அளவு , ஒரு வலைப்பதிவு எழுதி இருக்கிறேன் . மறந்த தமிழை ஞாபகப்படுத்திய செம்மொழி மாநாட்டுக்கு என் நன்றிகளும் வாழ்த்துக்களும்.

"செந்தமிழ் நாடென்னும் போதினிலே , இன்பத்தேன் வந்து பாயுது காதினிலே"

Honour Killing : Crime or Accolade ?

Honour killings have captured national headlines in recent days. Eloped couples were stoned to death in Andhra recently. Nirupama Pathak, journalist from Jharkhand was strangulated to death after she was found pregnant with someone from low caste. 100s of Unknown killings are happening regularly. The reason behind all these killings are same: to save the pride and honor of the families and villages. Laurels of their creed and caste are indispensable than the lives of their son/daughter.

Do the families really hate their children to the extent to kill them or is it the leaders of Khap Panchayats who write the rules that are so insane and act like diktats. Is falling in love with someone from other caste a fault? Is Death in the name of honour the punishment they deserve ? Females are always the pawns in such incidents. Always women are seen as persons who carry the family honour. Even today in rural India, women are seen only as home makers. They dont have the responsibility to choose their own partner. Their conditions are so pathetic that they are always at the receiving end.

The below news caused goose bumps to me.
Seventeen-year-old Pushpa was allegedly murdered by her own brother in Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur district for refusing to marry a man chosen by her family because she was in love with someone else.

But perhaps what is more chilling is the reaction of the mother who cried, not for her dead daughter but for the son who she says defended the family's honour.

"I am not upset about my daughter but I am upset about the loss of my son, who only did this to save my family' honour. If he had not killed her I would have," said her mother Prana. She was killed with a sickle and buried. When Pushpa was killed, prana was out distributing her wedding card.

The murder has found support in the family and village. Pushpa's brothers are glad she is dead; they believe in punishment to those who dishonor their family, even if it's their sister. "We are glad she is dead," said her brother Sachinidra.

In the name of cultural heritage ,traditions and family honor, the physical and emotional feelings of women are neglected. The Khap panchayats doesnt want anyone to break age-old barriers. God has not created humans with differences, But these stupid year old practices which created divisions in society based on Birth, caste has lead to the sufferings of many. Even Gods, Krishna, Rama had love affairs. Hindu religion has never taught anyone to distinguish people on basis of caste and color. It has not said killing people brings honor to it.

Not only Khap Panchayats justify the killings, but also seek changes in Hindu Marriage Act. They want the act to be mended, banning the marriage among same Gotras. Human rights activists are pressing hard for strict laws against Honor Killings. But the politicians are mute spectators to these issues, since they depend on these Khap Panchayats, as they are their main vote banks.

Can Strict laws stop these Honor Killings ? I guess not. Basic change involving the way people look at caste, creed has to happen. Deep rooted faith in caste and traditions and their dogmatic faith in social status has to change.India can never become progressive nation until such simpleton beliefs like killing people for defying traditions that is total non-sense change. The present generation people can't be changed as caste and creed are present deep in their blood. Coming generations has to be the change themselves, what they want to see.

Operation Green hunt turns RED

Are Maoists terrorists or revolutionists ? Are these killings occur for a cause ?
Do maoists come from families deprived of basic needs like food, health, freedom and dignity ? Are these blasts and killings outcome of their rage towards government's marginalised behaviour to them ? Or is it some rebel leaders who are crazy about holding powers misuse submissive nature of poor to achieve their goals?

In the last 10 years in Chattisgarh, Maoists have killed more than 1000 civilians and more than 650 policemen besides blowing up 132 electric towers, 106 school buildings and three hospitals in the state. These activities really make them a major threat to our country ahead of some Pakistani terrorists. History is full of revolutionists. Those who dont get basic amenities fulfilled, are ready to take guns in their hands for fight back before throwing their life to death by rampant poverty.

What has the government done in curbing the maoists ? Has the government alotted time in hearing what their requirements are ? Land mines have been planted every where. Who knows well about the forests other than local maoists. Sending SPOs and CRPF men to overcome naxals under operation Green hunt has backfired for the government. IEDs are blasted by maoists at their will. They get high technological warfare and their attacks show they get advanced training from some technical people. Day after 72 hour ceasefire was called by Home minister, Maoists killed 4 CRPf men and had blasted Rail lines. Maoists wont lay their guns down until all security forces are evacuated. Having peace talks with maoists as government suggesting will never be a dream come true.

A win-win situation seems impossible the way things are going. Government has to react soon, as everyday maoists impose their voices through blasts. Using Air-force for curbing maoists force seems way too far as this may bring worries to life of tribal people who live in forests. Either peace talks or wiping them by force. The decision has to be made soon. Whatever step is taken, should be at the best interests of the common people occupying the area. Maoists are no terrorists who take innocent lives under the name of religion. They make attacks for self defence and rights. But that is no way to kill innocent lives. Better the government take judicious decision before more blood is spilled.

The U.S.-India Partnership: It Matters

Partnership between India and US is today viewed as the most essential for many global issues and stable global system. These two countries share lot of things in common like vision, core val­ues of freedom, anti-terrorist policies, democracy, trade, opportunity and growth. India-US relationship has been on positive side of growth for a long time. This partnership trend allows huge oppurtunities for both countries to recover from recent financial slump ,to remove global terrorism, and to contribute to world growth. Let us look into various fields where their partnership exists and how it really matters.


The U.S.-India Economic Partnership
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There is no question that the U.S.-India economic relationship is strong. Year by year, overall trade with American exports to India and American imports of Indian apparel, textiles, gemstones, and jewelry increases. This makes America as India's largest trading partner and India one of America's top export destinations. The growth in two-way trade between the countries, which has crossed $40 billion annually and is expected to grow at double-digit rates well into the next decade.

The private sectors of both countries have been pioneers in bringing together the two largest free-market democracies. Many American IT companies such as Microsoft , Dell ,Cisco ,IBM are investing more in India. Technically Banglore in India is the Asia's Silicon Valley. Its the 4th best IT hub on which many US companies rely on. India is a vital market for US companies.

"India is a vital market for American companies and increasing bilateral trade and investment ties is necessary to driving job creation and innovation in both countries." says Thomas J. Donohue Donohue, president and CEO of world's largest business federation.

India hopes to target more foreign direct investment on infrastructure projects that will make its econo­my even more attractive to American firms. India is demonstrating a new global economic presence. India needs to pick up the pace of reform. Faster privatization; better enforcement of property rights; and elimination of restrictive labor laws, high tariff rates, export subsi­dies, and import taxes will allow the Indian econo­my to achieve its full potential.

For more increased results US has to open its markets by eliminating harmful subsidies and barriers to trade, including those in agriculture that affect the U.S.-India economic rela­tionship. More free trade agreements has to be passed with interests of both countries. US and Indian companies have to increase trade and investment, expand infrastructure, and leverage technology to create jobs in both countries.

Developing infrastructure and technologies at India is the need of the hour that will integrate American businesses of all sizes into supply chain. This is high time for both governments to take step towards accelerating mutually beneficial commercial relations.

The U.S.-India Nuclear Partnership
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Nuclear power source is the only dependable source of power in upcoming years. India and US share a very healthy relationship in the Nuclear powered world by signing 123 agreement which was a big leap in nuclear power generation. 'Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill' is on the verge of conclusion, which will lead to a major stepping stone towards expanding trading opportunities and enhancing energy security in India. Data says this nuclear agreement represents $150 billion in business potential for US companies which will invest in India.

There were many hurdles before reaching an agreement on nuclear terms. Neither America nor India got everything they wanted in this deal. Nuclear-armed China and Pakistan as its neighbors, India cannot reduce its fissile material production. That is typical, of course, for any diplomatic effort for historical change.

Nuclear Security Summit was a sign of healty relationship ahead. They both share the common idea of nuclear security as both were threatened repeatedly by terrorist activities. Nuclear terrorism is one of the most challenging threats to both. Protecting nuclear materials and preventing nuclear smuggling was one thing both countries will always wanted to happen to erase global terrorism.

The U.S.-India Defense Partnership
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Security cooperation between two countries has seen tremendous progress in recent years. Washington and New Delhi have signed a landmark defense framework agreement in 2005 that calls for expanded joint military exercis­es, increased defense-related trade, and establishment of a defense and procurement production group.

In area of naval and air-force, US has helped India by supplying their defense armaments. US has transferred an amphibious transport ship which was welcomed as it started a new era in naval cooperation. The United States has also offered F/A-18 and F-16 aircraft with the possibility of co-production arrangements, which could help India meet its advanced fighter jet needs.

In the past, Indian defense industrialists and officials were deterred from buying American military appliances. The pas­sage of the civil nuclear cooperation legislation had opened the door for a major boost in defense trade. Of course, there has been many areas of dis-agreement with both their strategic interests. One of those areas of disagreement has been over America's evolving relationship with Pakistan like the willing­ness of the United States to transfer military hardware to Pakistan, including F-16 fighter jets. Indians, as they believe they have to deal with Pakistani terrorist day and night all years, this type of military sharings between US and Pakistan has caused little hiccup in their relationships. But these mis-understandings has to be brought to an end with proper bilateral talks on where they stand on Pakistan.

The U.S.-India Political Partnership
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India has an out-reaching foreign policy with all countries. India is looking out­ward in all directions, cultivating partnerships that serve its interests. India's policy with Russia and China has always been looked by US as to counter-weight its influence around the world. India often hosts trilateral meetings with Russia and China. Certainly, India and Russia have had long relations, and India and China are in the midst of a rap­prochement.

It has been looked upon by US as a note of caution that China-India-Russia are grouping as an effort to counter U.S. influ­ence in the region. US always points out that Beijing shares neither India's vision of a peaceful world nor its values of freedom, human rights, and non-proliferation. China continues to have issues in long-time border disputes with India. China is actively engaging India's South Asian neighbors in military and economic ways that may be destabilizing.

Mr Barack Obama, described India - US ties as “robust”, with lots more to share in times ahead not just in bilateral relations but also in India making a contribution to addressing key international issues. US and India have to set aside the differences regarding the trilateral meetings and have to not get caught up in the fog of anti-American rhetoric. This would really be appreciative on their part.

The U.S.-India Anti-terrorist Partnership
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This is one area where both US and India co-operate to counter global terrorism.
These two countries have been the victims of terrorist's man-slaughter actions regularly. Over the last two decades, India has consistently sought to prioritize the need to combat terrorism in international forums, particularly in the United Nations. India and United States pursue the campaign against terrorism, they established a Joint Working Group in Countering Terrorism in early 2000. The Joint Working Group has proved to be a useful mechanism for exchange of information, intelligence sharing, anti-terrorism training programmes, etc. and for strengthening institutional links between crime prevention agencies in the two countries.

The issue of access to David Headley, on which the Americans have appeared ambivalent, has once again raised the concerns of Indians, although Mr Obama have responded sympathetically to Dr Singh’s expression of concern.

The Headley issue coinciding with the gifting of armaments to Pakistan — although to fight terrorism in the Pakistan-Afghanistan belt — has heightened concerns here. The history is that Pakistan has used US-supplied arms against India. Mr Obama has given the impression that he understands India's concerns about the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and other terrorist groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan and said the US was engaging Pakistan on these issues. India hopes for the best from Mr.Obama and they expect the results to be productive.

The U.S.-India Educational Partnership
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Apart from political , economic and defense ties, US has also supported evolving field of international education with fellowship support and facilitating academic dialogue between them.

India - US educational council which has kindled the interests on both countries to share the areas of collaboration that include research, distant education, vocational education, skill development, exchange of faculty, models of public private partnership and also expertise for the setting up of universities. Industry and education should come together for the bilateral relationship to move forward. Because there is a lot of private sector industry and the university system in the United States, which is very, keen on collaborating with India. And there are lots of people at this end both in the industry as well as in the private sector which are keen on collaborating with the United States. So this way we can bring the industries and the education sector together.

India is also keen in Foreign Educational Institution (Regulation of Entry and Operation) Bill, 2010 which will allow foreign universities to setup campuses in India and offer degrees. This is a milestone which will enhance choices, increase competition and benchmark quality of education in India.

Thus these partnerships will always lead to a win-win situatin for both countries. America and India both have much to gain from their growing strategic relationship. This doesnot benefit only them but the world indeed. Together, they can show to the world the value of free­dom and democracy. Together, they can better deal with economic crisis, global terrorism , technological developments and the proliferation of nucle­ar weapons. Together, they can create greater growth, stability, knowledge, freedom, development, peace and more. As the two largest democracies in the world, India and the United States have to fight for global peace and stability with joint hands and make world a better place to live in. They owe it to the rest of the world.

I roar for CSK

CSK has been so inconsistent with their performances in IPL3. But last week , we saw ruthless cricket by CSK. The ball was hit all over the M.A.Chidambaram stadium by our home boys that led to 2 clinical victories. CSK showed their determination , will-power and what they are really upto in the last week matches with RCB and RR. Batsmen as usual won the battle between the ball and bat. With those 2 consecutive wins, CSK has made itself clear that they are on the top on the contention for their place in semis.

Murali Vijay - a class act:
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M.Vijay was the unsung hero of the last 2 matches. Endless hitting over the ropes and all were perfect cricket shots. No single slog shot was hit by him. All came from the sweet spot of the bat. He deserves special applause for shadowing 'Mongoose Man' for 3 matches consecutively. Worth mentioning are the support provided by Raina,Hayden and Albie.

Bollinger - valuable asset:
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On the day against RR ,when over 450 runs were hit, Bollinger's figures of 15 of 4 overs with 2 wickets was simply out of the world. His line and length and variations are impeccable. CSK has found a solid pace spearhead in him. I am sure, they will start of with flying colours with new ball hereafter.

Still some work has to be done with the bowling department. Having hit 246 runs, all would have expected to bowl RR out within 180 or so. But CSK let them to hit 223 runs. Have not Bollinger removed Watson, the game would have been a nail biting one. Even Murali was hit all over the park. Though the pitch had nothing to offer for the bowlers, we should not have leaked so many runs. Hope this will be a lesson for the matches to come.

Dhoni's cool captaincy:
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Everyone were on their nerves as Watson was getting RR towards victory. But the cool captain made a smart move by bringing Bollinger into attack. Can't imagine what would have happened if Bollinger was reserved for 18th and 20th over. He was brought into attack rightly during 16th over and he did his job for the captain.

Keeping the winning momentum going:
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Boys are in terrific form now and have a home match against MI. They would be keen to take revenge on MI like the ones they did during last week. Keeping the plan simple and some disciplined cricket should fetch them the victory over Mumbai which they require to remain in the contest. Team selection will be the toughest job for Dhoni. Hussey is waiting to prove a point. Albie has proved what he is worth in last match against RR. But I hope Dhoni should stick to the winning combination instead of trying new plans.

CSK have been a consistent team for the past 2 years. They made to the finals in IPL 1 and to the semis in IPL 2. They have a fair chance of going into the semis this time too . The boys are boosted after the two wins at home. Their confidence level are as high as Everest. I can't wait for the match against Mumbai which I am going to see live at the ground. Will update this Blog after that. I wish CSK for their upcoming performances. Whether they win or lose, as my home-team I will always roar louder and louder for them. JAI HO CSK !!!

Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill (CLNDB) 2009

Nuclear power source ,though dangerous is the only dependable source of power in upcoming years. Present Indian government is trying in all possible ways to make India march forward in the Nuclear powered world by passing CLNDB. 123 Agreement signed with US last year was a big leap in nuclear power generation. From the current level of 4,120 MW to 63,000 MW by 2032, is a commendable goal in our sight. this requires 50 to 60 nuclear plants to be installed. But this should not be achieved by risking the lives of the people into hazardous nuclear industries. Also, in case of any accidents or damages, the operators have to cap the losses with maximum amount. This is were 'Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill' comes. The bill is necessary to operationalise the 123 agreement. American companies will not enter the Indian market unless a liability cap or bill is in place. Hence, to make 123 agreement active, present government want to pass the liability Bill without any concern for people's safety or making the points public.

What does the Bill promises ?
According to the bill, in case of any nuclear damage or accident that results in loss of lives or properties, it provides for civil liability for nuclear damage, the establishment of a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission, the appointment of a Claims Commissioner and refers matters to them. The nuclear liability bill, as per the reports, proposes to cap the total liability amount to 3 hundred million Special Drawing Rights (defined by International Monetary Fund). This works out to about US$ 450 million or Rs 2100 crore per accident. Further the maximum liability of the operator reportedly would not exceed Rs 300 crore or thereabout.

Flaws in the Bill
Nuclear damages are always complex. Hence, its always difficult to pin point the causes . Also, many will come into the picture of nuclear power installation. Hence, the bill has to be as clear as crystal. There has to be some order in bill, so as whom to sue in case of damages. The victim cannot run after many who were all involved in installations. Also, the bill also has to limit the compensation amount that can be lured from the operator. Also, the damage may affect future genarations too. The fertile land once may become uncultivable after nuclear accident. Genetic diseases may occur for many generations. The bill has to answer them too. They should also take care of terrorist activities.

Above all, the total liability cap amount now being proposed, $450 million, is marginally less than the amount awarded in the Bhopal Gas case way back in 1989. No one takes interests in the life of common people. Safety and security of Indian people must be given due priority. No compromise should be made on the life and properties of innocent people. Making India a nuclear power by 2030 should not come at the cost of sacrificing lives. Since, Indian people's life, health, human rights and safety are put in danger, public consultations are necessary before passing the bill. Iam happy with the way BJP opposes the bill and they should not extend their support until necessary amendments are made in the bill.

3 Idiots

You may gaze at this picture wondering who are these 3 guys and why are they greeted with garlands ? We have not achieved anything great to be treated like this. All we did was attend our friend's sister marriage. I came across this photo and thought of sharing my experience at the wedding through this blog. Venkat had invited us for his sister's marriage. Initially, it seemed like most of our college friends will go & attend the function. But as usual, many had their last time commitments and only we 3 Idiots finally made it. This was the first marriage, we friends gathered and attended after our college days. We always wanted to have this kinda get together. The one in the middle is Vishnu (Idiot no 1), the one to his right is SaiVinoth(Idiot no 2) and me ofcourse (Idiot no 3).

3 IDIOTS from 3 CITIES

Marriage was held at Kumbakonam. I started a day earlier from Chennai and reached Kumbakonam the next morning. Its been 2 years, I have met Venkat. I still remember the last day of our college when we parted our ways. It felt like same old days when i met Venkat in the bus-stand. Vishnu who was on his way from Bangalore. We were waiting for Sai who was on his way from Cochin and he reached that afternoon. We stayed in a AC hotel which was more like a religious spot, where people across come to visit temples in and around Kumbakonam. As soon as I entered the hotel, i got stunned for a sec by seeing the board saying "NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING". But i didnt ask Venkat about it. We both shared a smile. Vishnu too was stunned. Then we got clarified that doesnt matter anyways. After all marriage is all about partying and breaking the rules right. We spent the afternoon going to Venkat's home, meeting his parents, relatives and his sister and roaming the streets of Kumbakonam in search of wedding gift which was a daunting task.

Evening, we got ready to attend the 'Maapilai Azhaipu'. We entered the marriage hall not knowing a pleasant surprise awaits us. Venkat weared us silk clothing (hope so) and garlanded with graceful flowers. We were stunned for a second by his gesture. We felt like we weren't worth for this kinda reception. Later I felt , the way Venkat greeted us, made me feel how special we are to him. Everyone were busy with the function, which went great with fireworks all around. After heavy dinner , we settled in the room and boozed. We thought of having groom with us, to give him his bachelor party, but he was busy and tired.

Though many of our friends didnt attend the wedding, still we felt great to be there at the marriage. Leaving all our work behind, to be there at the wedding like old college days, with friends, talking non-sense, remembering old memories, doing things which we were good at :), made us feel nice. The memory of this marriage will always be etched in my mind. Thanks to ammanji(Venkat) who rolled the clock back.

Re-deeming Universities

"Education system of the country was being revamped to make India a knowledge power by 2020" - Kapil Sibal. But with the present education system and policies of UGC in granting deemed status to universities, Sibal's words appear like mirage to me.
Indians are pioneers in educational fields, be it astronomy, science or medicine. But , even after these many years, we dont have a world class university where studs from other countries love to study. I dont dream to have a university like MIT, stanford or Harvard, But i want to have universities that dont corrupt in imparting knowledge. Months ago, Tandon review committee was asked to submit report on the state of existing deemed-to-be universities. The report was shocking as it reported that 44 of 130 universities have been recommended to be shut. As per the Tandon report, HRD has asked SC, to take necessary action against those universities.

Tandon committee has seperated the existing deemed-to-be universities into 3 levels.
In that only 38 have justified their presence as deemed university. All the other universities didnt have proper management structure, facilities, syllabus and infrastructure. They seemed to have unrelated course programmes and allocated more no of seats than they are allowed to have. Many universities have approved distant education without getting proper permission from Distant education council of India. The committee has also put 44 other unversities under probation period for 3 years. They are asked to improve their academic results , else they would be labelled affiliated colleges under the state gvnt universities.

There is no idea how UGC has granted permision to these universities which are below par level to attain such status. Education today has become more like a commodity in a market which can be sold to those who have power and money.
Out of the 44 which are to be scraped from deemed-to-be status, 19 are from TamilNadu. It seems like around 2 lakh students are studying in these 44 universities. If the status is removed from these universities, all those students have to be moved to other affiliated colleges in their state universities.

It seems like no educational improvement is in sight with these corrupt commissions and authorities. Bold decisions like university shut down has to be taken. In the period 2000 -2010 around 20 universities have gained deemed-to be-status. Its totally useless in increasing the university merely in numbers without improving the standards. Strict policies in granting the university status has to be implemented to maintain the standards. More has to be done in order to improve the educational system of India. Th foremost thing is, granting power only to those institutions that are really into imparting knowledge. If found, increasing the seats exponentially without proper permission, their university status has to scrapped.
The government should look into UGC draft regulations and alter them necessarily. I wish this down-trodden path from Deemed to affiliated will never happen again in our system.

IPL - Get Addicted

8 teams, 20 overs/team, 45 Days, top Players from International cricket, ruthless cricket for 3 hours and above all Mad Crowd who can watch cricket for their whole life. IPL. The battle between the ball and bat that can make the crowd go crazy will start in a day. For the next one and half months, nothing will occupy the front page of the newspaper, no Telengana issues, no Women's Bill, no politics, no budget controversies except for IPL. IPL will be the talk of the country.

Unlike any other game, cricket has varieties in it which makes it the unsung religion of India. 20-20 cricket is no divine like test cricket, it doesnt create emotional innings like ODIs, still it has its own advantage of pulling in the crowd. Endless hitting over the ropes, Unexpected fall of wickets, Players running themselves out in critical situations, breath-taking catches, nail- biting last overs , dancing cheer girls, all make people more interested towards this format.

Eventhough I am not a big fan of T20 cricket, but to see people from all countries playing for their franchises makes me believe that this is a good platform for players to mingle with varieties of culture. This is a good positive sign for international cricket. Its glad to see when Indian and pakistan players hug each other, Aus and English players pump their fists. This sportsmanship gets carried even when they play international cricket against each other.

In the next 45 days, IPL will become regular in daily life of every Indian. It will assure guaranteed endless entertainment for people around the world. So people, be ready to get addicted.

The Women's Reservation Bill

March 8. It would have been the apt day, if the Women's Reservation bill has been passed. 33% reservation for women to possess seats in state assemblies and lok sabha still remains a daydream. The thing which surprises me the most is that eventhough many top positions like president, speaker, chairpersons of leading polotical parties are all occupied by women, still the Women's bill has taken a decade time to get its approval.

Its not that the opposing parties are against the empowerment of women, but they have their own political theories behind for denying it. The fear of UPA and BJP getting more advantage in elections has made SP and BSP to think against the Bill.
I was surprised to know that there was no single women minister under BSP. SP and BSP doesnt seem to have a well organised women's wing which would make them difficult to find a women's candidate for the elections. This would reduce the oppurtunities for other expexted male candidates in the party.

But they have started accusing , saying the Bill has its own advantages for women from upper castes alone. They want seperate reservations for women belonging to OBC, SC and ST within that 33% reservation. This seems somewhat Ok to me as, no seperate reservation is needed for Upper caste women to make their mark in our electorate. Its only SC/ST women who gets affected the most. But we cant expect the Bill to be perfect the first time. Gradual improvements to the Bill can be made only if we allow the Bill to pass.

Also, these parties say that they have denied it in interests of OBC's and Muslims , who are yet to receive definite reservation. They have termed UPA government as Anti-Muslim and Anti-minorities. But they themselves have become Anti-women by not allowing the Bill to pass. Keeping these things aside, the behaviour of the MP's in parliament is undigestable. We have always had a proud history of fighting senselessly in the parliament. That continued when passing Women's Bill too.
I dont understand why do they have to show such dis-interest by jumping and tearing the Bill. Meanwhile, Janata Dal(U) president Nitish kumar has supported the Bill saying he doesn't want UPA to get the credit all by itself by passing the Bill, as it was Janata party under Deve Gowda first initiated the process. DMK, AIADMK has extended their support to women's right as they always do.

Whatever political reasons, these parties are interested in, I have always had my opinion that women should be given the right to represent asap. If women, caste, religion are the major criterias in electoral system of India, then why should we have a system that is based on region. Its good to see UPA and BJP have joined their hands in this issue. Already in panchayat systems , the reservation for women has been passed and is happening effectively across the country. Whether the Bill is passed or not, One cannot deny that only by increased participation of women in political parties allow them to fight against discrimination and abuse. With increased support from sociologists, political scientists, feminists and historians and almost everybody , it can be seen that the Bill cannot be delayed for ever. Its today or tomorrow.

Am I an Atheist ?

I had never thought of writing blogs, until i started following My best friend's (Vishnu) blog. Thanks to him for inspiring me to write some non-sense like this :)
I was not thinking for long time on choosing the topic to start my blog. I had my own opinions on the existence of GOD. I tried to question myself on it. So, aptly it struck rightly in my mind, that this has to be my first blog.

I was brought up well in religious environment. My mother does poojas daily. It was a tradition in my family (still is) to bathe the bronze idols of God which we have in our pooja room daily. Even i used to do poojas for more than half an hour till my 11th std. I dont feel shame in telling this. I used to believe that if i missed doing pooja on anyone day, i will be punished by god. The basic belief with me at that time was, God was with me all the time and he will take care of my things.

But there was a sudden change in my attitude, when i finished my schooling. I never had the feeling for God , after i entered my college. I am not sure, why that thing happened. I stopped going to temple and even thinking or praying to God , even during auspicious days like semester exams :) I started questioning the people's belief on God. I thought about the things that people used to do like piercing their body, mouth with things . Does God expects all these things from us ?

I have always believed that the power of nature is far superior than us. But many things pertaining to God never makes sense to me. Temple has always been a place , where people come to tell their problems. Some things are there in life which are beyond hope. These things related to God are in our blood. No one can deny that, the strong belief in God has been the roots of many problems in the world like communal, caste and terrorism.

I am not a big fan of Periyar or kalaignar, who believes rather in people than God.
The religious history of our nation seems like more of fantasy than reality to me.
Belief is the best companion to anyone who is in a bad situation. I dont blame on the beliefs of the million peoples. But Iam very surprised to how they take these beliefs to next level like senseless things like hurting themselves in name of God.

Also, I always had the aversion towards people who call themselves as gifted from God like saamiyars. Many have been proved to be guilty of sexual harassment. I don't see how people fall for their trap. Religion has become the easiest way to lure people nowadays.

I think I am neither religious nor atheist. I just like to question the beliefs of people as to why they do these things that makes complete non-sense. This is the first thing that has strike to my sixth sense.