My First Caricature

Cartooning @ Office

I love and appreciate the support that i get at Infosys for my cartooning activities. People at Infosys (esp. Chandigarh DC) have encouraged me at times and have helped me evolve as a better cartoonist over the time. Thanks to you all. I love Infosys.

India and the Tax Theft

India, in the world, has been known for its traditional knowledge and use of herbs and medicinal plants as remedy and precaution. Perhaps, it is one of the richest countries in terms of traditional knowledge of medicines and science.

Today, though India lags behind other developed nations when it comes to research and development in medicines and food products, but still our indigenous process to combat diseases is doing wonders. Ayurveda is one of India's most precious achievement.

Once ayurveda & yoga were a regular practice in India. In recent times, ayurveda and yoga have sharply risen up in the lives of the citizens of India and also the belief of common mass in these practices has strengthened.

It feels great to be part of the society which is so rich in terms of heritage. But, the most important matter of concern is that the market captured by the firms dealing in yogic and ayurvedic products & services is quite huge and few instances of unfair practices suggest that it could be very dangerous for us in future.
For example, I have been visiting a ayurvedic clinic for a pretty long time and i have purchased things from more than 4 branches of their clinics. It is disheartening to note that despite being one of the biggest name in the market for ayurvedic products and yoga, they are involved in unfair practices of business either intentionally or unintentionally. I have seen many instances where the clinic persons refuse to provide printed bill or the cash memo for the purchased items. The few of the reasons they quote are 'Printer is not working', 'We donot have cash memos printed currently', and they hand over a handwritten sum of amount on a rough sheet which has no credibility later. If this is the clear case of tax theft and profit maximization, then it must be dealt seriously as these biggies are playing with our faith in them and their appearances in the masses.

The same practice has been found at various branches of their clinic. We Indians treat every great person like god, but they, who have some hidden intention of making money out of public faith are not worthy of it. This is the time when we should become aware of the rules and policies which are useful for our own benefit and which are meant for the prosperity of the country. Tax saving/Theft is a crime. Lets stop it here itself. Do not let this plague spread further.

'BEWARE! Always ask for a printed bill whenever you buy some article. Don't get caught in the trap of tax theft.

Contribute to the welfare of the nation.

Are we moving towards destruction? What does this pic suggest?

A Salute to Mothers

I got this article through a e-mail. Most of the times our mailboxes are flooded with nonsense craps but only few of them make sense reading them. I would suggest you to read it till the end and with concentration.

Here it goes..


"I am Sorry MOM"

As I got up today, I felt the smell of fresh coffee. I woke up to see a cup of coffee with some biscuits kept at my bedside table. This reminded me of home. The old school and college days, when mumma used to wake me up by serving a steaming cup of coffee. The aroma, the taste, so refreshing, still so fresh in my memories. A sudden thought hit me, "I was in bed, so who prepared this coffee for me? Is it a dream?" I pinched myself and that hurts, which meant I was not dreaming. I walked out of the room with the cup of coffee, in search of my roommate. I asked him whether he prepared that for me, and the answer was YES.

I was relaxed but somehow my heart wanted him to say NO. A no because I wanted to be in a belief that my mom prepared it for me. The whole scene reminded me of mom, and I missed her at that moment. I got ready for the office and all set to leave, when I noticed a lunch box kept at dinning table just for me. I thanked God saying, "finally he(cook) turned up". I took the box and left for office.On my way, I was thinking about those days, when mumma used to cook my every meal. All her possible ways by which she could stuff her son. I could not remember any single day when I slept without food. Maggi, chips, biscuits, all junk food was banned and I always cooked maggi when I was sure that mom was not around. But now, I no more enjoy cooking maggi for myself. Almost everyday I eat it, not because I like it, but because I am left with no other option at times.

This very thought brought tears to my eyes and I decided to call up mom.
I reached office and gave mom a call. The first thing she asked was, "Is everything alright?". I was speechless. And I thought, how the time has changed. When I was with her, I used to nag her by calling after every hour when I was out with friends. In those days she never asked me what was wrong, as she knew that it was my habit. My call at this point of day to her, means that I am in trouble. Time has changed, she is still the same, its me who has changed. But I continued my conversation saying that I just called up to ask how she was, and how are things going on with her. And we continued our conversation. Then suddenly an ice-breaker came when she asked, "Don't you have any work today?" I was shocked and asked her why she asked that, in reply to which she said, it was almost 30 minutes, I have been talking to her.

I hurriedly ended the conversation saying I have to attend a meeting. I lied to her and deep down I know, she knows that I lied to her but what else can I do? The lady with whom I used to have endless conversations, sleepless nights of gossips... has all ended. I am so occupied with my new life that I forgot to spend few hours with her.

I roll backed the time and thought of every single day that I have not spent with her. This made me realize that there was not a single day when I was busy, busy in a sense to neglect my mom. The lady who gave her whole life just for me, I could not even give her the time that she deserved. I remembered how I used to tell her about all my daily happenings and how I always failed to ask about her day. It left me all in tears. I missed her and missed her to core.

I was feeling ashamed, because it was a cup of coffee that made me realize her presence in my world.

We all are here, away from our family, living with our friends, who are our new family. We spend our lunch time with them gossiping about what's going in and around, weekends, shopping with them and even festivals as most of us are staying too far from home. And when we call home, we are in a hurry to hang up as most of are BUSY. Are we really that busy?

Think of the lady whom we have left back at home. She still misses her son/daughter at the dining table, although most of us enjoy our meals with our friends and colleagues. She still waits all day just to hear her son/daughter's voice at the end of the day and we, we spend our time on phone with friends

Is it really that we don't have time or is it just we are too busy with our new life?

I apologize to all the mothers in this world and thank them for what we are today.............

(Photograph Source: Internet, google)

Recruitment time at Jai-IIT, Khoda

This script of conversation does not target any person living or dead. Neither any institute nor any person is in the scope of the script.

We bring to you the exclusive script of interview conversation between the recruiting staff of Jai-IIT Khoda and the candidates. Believe it or not, the two conversations were found to be the most hilarious and worthwhile. Thats why these two candidates were selected as most potential candidates for the teaching staff. Check it out.

This work was scripted by me while i was in college. Just because of unavailability of time, i'm publishing it now.

Recruitment Venue: VC Cabin, Jai-IIT, Khoda
Shift One:

Panel: Mr. Thakur Sahab, Sri Gabbar Ji

Candidate 1: Mr. Check-Race (here abbv. As CRJ)

Thakur Sahab: Welcome. Good morning. Please have your seat.
CRJ: Good morning. Thankyou.
Thakur Sahab: So, tell me about your qualifications.
CRJ: Doubly qualified
Thakur Sahab: What does that mean?
CRJ: Sir, I have done double masters degree (MCA and MSC) from double stream (that is biology and computers), dual in personality and if you place me in your institute then I shall play dual roles.
Thakur Sahab: What are those two roles?
CRJ: First I will ask the students to teach me then secondly, they will teach their friends also. So, I will play as a teacher and a learner too.
Thakur Sahab: Impressive. But, why did you opt for two degrees every time.
CRJ: Please don’t tell anyone but I couldn’t complete a single degree completely.
Thakur Sahab: Okay. If we select you as a lecturer, then what will you teach students?
CRJ: Only one thing, Algorithms. That’s the only word I know.
Thakur Sahab: Can you name some algorithms?
CRJ: Yes. Sure. As many names as you want. Because I know their names only, not the steps and the solution.
Thakur Sahab: Then what will you teach students?
CRJ: I told you clearly, first they will teach me and then…..
Thakur Sahab: Okay Okay…….i got it. Tell me something about C programming language. Your resume shows you are expert at programming.
CRJ: Oh Yes! That’s my passion you know. Sir, there are three types of C. One is ‘see’, other is ‘sea’ and third you can guess……
Thakur Sahab: Ohh my goodness. Mr. Check-Race, you are deviating from the question. Tell me something about your expertise in programming.
CRJ: As I told you, its my passion. Its very easy. Steal someone’s idea, ask other person to write its ALGO and then its very simple….
Thakur Sahab: Okay, you mean you then code the algorithm?
CRJ: No. No. I then ask the third person to write its code in programming language.
Thakur Sahab: Good, Impressive. Tell me something about bioinformatics.
CRJ: That’s a good question. Bio + information is bioinformatics. It deals with many Algorithms like….
Thakur Sahab: Okay. Okay….tell me something about computers.
CRJ: Sir, computers are used to write programs. These programs are made from the Algorithms written priorly…….
Thakur Sahab: Stop. Please. Don’t you know anything except Algorithms?
CRJ: You know sir, I have one very unique quality. I know nothing but I can tell you everything.
Thakur Sahab: Then how do you do that?
CRJ: Its very simple. Either I will search it on google (which I doubt I’m good at) or if I don’t get it there, then I will ask students to find the answer and make a presentation on it. Simple.
Thakur Sahab: Final question Mister, if you are here at our institute, then what all topics you would like to take as subject?
CRJ: Algorithms, programs, coding, biology, biotechnology, electronics, maths, economics……………..
Thakur Sahab: (Starts panting) Ohh my god. You can teach any subject. How come?
CRJ: I told you sir. Don’t you remember? I will not teach anything. First the students will teach me and then…….
Thakur Sahab: Okay Okay…Stop Please. That’s enough. I got your point.
CRJ: So, whatis your next question sir?
Thakur Sahab: Thank you Mr. Check-Race. You may go. We have some more interviews to go. We will intimate you about the interview results. Nice meeting you.
CRJ: Thank you sir.
Thakur Sahab: Haah, a sigh of relief. What was this man? Waiter, bring me a bucket of ice-cold water, I need to cool down my brain.

Keep reading. Second candidate is yet to come.


Second shift. Panel: Sri Thakur Sahab, Sri Gabbar Ji, Mr. Veeru
Candidate 2: Sri Sri Baba Ranga

Ranga: May I come in, Sir?
Gabbar: Are bhaiya, raasta bhool gaye ho kya? Yeh koi barber shop nahi hai. Jao market bagal mein hai.
Thakur Sahab: Shut up Gabbar. Is this the way to talk to guests?
Gabbar: Are Thakur, tum to naraaz ho gaye. Shaant babua shaant.
Thakur Sahab: Stop this non sense. He is our next candidate. [to Ranga] Welcome, have your seat.
Ranga: Hey man! Good morning to both of you.
Gabbar: Good morning to thik hai bhai par ye He-man kisko bole?
Thakur Sahab: Shut up! He said ‘Hey man’, not ‘He-man’. It is his way of greeting.
Veeru: You both kindly settle your disputes and then start with the interview.
Thakur Sahab: Yeah. So Mr. Ranga, what are your qualifications?
Ranga: What a foolish question? Are you blind? Can’t you see my name in CV? When it is written ‘Dr. Ranga”, doesn’t that mean I’m Ph.D.
Gabbar: Waah! Kya jawaab hai. Ab bolo Thakur, bahut sawaal poochte ho na tum.
Thakur Sahab: I mean where did you complete your higher studies?
Ranga: India. I think that’s enough. Huh!
Thakur Sahab: Okay, tell me something about yourself then.
Ranga: I am anti+pro feminist, contagious person. Why are you so much interested in me? Do you want me for your daughter?
Thakur Sahab: Please do not get angry. It is a part of the interview. This is how we appoint faculty for our college.
Ranga: Don’t waste my time by talking all bullshit. I’m not interested in it.
Gabbar: Lagta hai aaj koi mard aaya hai Thakur ke saamne.
Thakur Sahab: Gabbar, silence. [to Ranga] So, Mr. Ranga, you said anti+pro feminist. What does that mean?
Ranga: It means that mostly I’m anti feminist, sometimes pro feminist. I think here I’ll prove to be anti one.
Veeru: Mind your language Mr. Ranga. Be straight while answering.
Ranga: I have my orientation straight only. It doesn’t change while answering.
Veeru: Khaamosh badtamiz. Tumhari ye himmat.
Gabbar: Are hum to kehte hain ki isi mard ko final kar do. Poora collegewa sudhar jaayega.
Thakur Sahab: Silence Gabbar. Speak only when you are asked to do so.
Gabbar: Thakur, chup rehne ko bulaye ho ka hame yahan.
Ranga (Shouts): Shut up you bastards. I’m giving you last warning. If you have to waste my time, you may better ask me to leave.
Thakur Sahab: Sir, cool down. Tell me, if we place you with us, what role will you play?
Ranga: Heights of stupidity! Obviously, you want a teacher, but I’m more than that.
Thakur Sahab: ‘More than that’, what does that mean?
Ranga: I mean I’ll prove to be a teacher, entertainer, lady hunter, love guru etc. In my last job, I played nearly 105 roles.
Gabbar: Matlab, launda complete package hai. Thakur, ka kahat ho?
Thakur Sahab: surprising. How could you manage so much work?
Ranga: You’ll get to know once I’m with you.
Thakur Sahab: Tell us something about your background.
Ranga: Well if you wish to know my background, then wait. [Ranga gets up, stands erect and turns frontside back] See, this is my background.
Veeru: Aey you! Behave yourself. We asked about your background not your back.
Gabbar: Ha Ha Ha. Aur lo interview, pada tamacha muh pe.
Thakur Sahab: What are your favourite topics?
Ranga: Lemme think. They are many but main ones are; love, romance, girls, sex, …..
Thakur Sahab: Leave it Ranga ji. I think I got your answer. But is this what you will teach here?
Ranga: Of course. Even the students like to study that.
Thakur Sahab: Now, my next question……
Ranga: Shut up! Now I’m tired. No more questions. Listen to me clearly, if you place me, then accept my few conditions; I need separate cabin, no female HOD, no female teacher, salary as per my conditions, residence free………
Thakur Sahab: Ohh! What is this? But sir, we have females in the department.
Ranga: Don’t worry. Once I join, they all will leave one by one.
Gabbar: Shabaash! Waise bhi ye auratein yahan koi kaam nahi karti hain. Ye to Thakur hai jo meri nahi sunta hai. Kaahe Thakurwa?
Thakur Sahab: Okay Mr. Ranga. You may go now.we will inform you about the results.
Ranga: Results! Whoz going to wait for it? I’m joining from Monday.
Thakur Sahab: But sir…..
Ranga: Listen to me….i don’t care for anything and don’t try to piss on my face. I also know how to piss.
Thakur Sahab: But there are certain administrative norms which you have to follow.
Ranga: Hey..don’t expect me to polish your butt. You wild ass..
Thakur Sahab: Ohh! He is a big trouble. [Aside to Gabbar] Lets call police.
Gabbar: Tum ka police bulaiyo Thakur.Ise to 12 mulko ki police dhoond rahi hai. Hum to kehte hain ki apni Radha bitiya ke liye iska haath maang lo. Sasuri din bhar make up lagati hai fir bhi koi ladka byaah kareko tayyar nahi hai.
Veeru: Gabbar, kutte main tumhe zinda nahi chhodoonga.
Gabbar: Are ja ja. Bahut dekhe hain tere jaise. Yaad nahi is Thakur ke haath kaise kutto ko khila diye the, ab tumhara aur basanti ka bhi yahi haal karenge.
Thakur Sahab: Now I’m leaving. That’s enough I think.
Gabbar: Chalo ab ham bhi aaraam karein. Chal veerua.

Exclusive Proof of Baba Ranga's Existence

The picture shows the 'Samadhi Sthal' of Baba Ranga. The photo has been clicked by our photographer Mr. Punjab.
Anti-social elements forced Baba to vacate this room late 2007 but he has been traced in the room by our sources, often as some spirit existing there.


The image on the right proves the presence of Baba's spirit in his room after the room was locked forcefully by the authority. As per the prediction of astrologers, Baba's spirit will never vacate the room until and unless his conditions are fulfilled. Efforts are being made to contact Baba's spirit and sort out the matter.
Investigators have warned the females to refrain from the 'Samadhi Sthal' as it may activate the spirit of Baba.

Nostalgic Moments

By Ashish Agarwal on the eve of Farewell Party.

Yesterday, it was 6th day of July 2004 when we all were sitting in the Lecture Theatre (LT2) for the counseling of B.Tech program at JIIT. Today, it’s all over. We have completed four full years here together sharing moments of joy and sorrow. Time seems to have passed at the blink of the eye.

We all came to JIIT on 26th of July 2004 for the commencement of the first semester. All new faces and new personalities came in all possible shapes and sizes, but, today they all have become an integral part of our little lovely family here. The family which has got many strong pillars but none is weak. We all shared happiness and even fought with one another, and now since we are departing, all grudges are dumped.

Semester after semester, year after year all passed. A few days more and only the memories shall be left with us. The memory of the times that we enjoyed with coffee cups in the cafeteria, times we chatted with friends at the coffee shop where always glows a neon-lighted coffee mug, bunking lectures, conspiring against others, copying presentations, making fun of the teachers, back breaking dance at DJ parties during JIVEs and lot more.

Every bite of the home cooked food will remind me of the mess times, when we enjoyed the boring food together. We would never forget the times of power failure in the mess and hostels, where students started shouting in various voices of animals and demons and abusing the wardens and mess incharges.

All my books in my shelf and writing programs at Infy will remind me of the last minute exam preparation with the friends, the time when we exhibited the true team work. Less marks, more grades and vice versa coz of the buttering, making face values no one can ever forget. ‘Cut-Copy-Paste’ this is what we call our engineering degree. Teachers, do hell with plagiarism. You people were the losers who could never identify the similar answer sheets and assignments.

We shall always remember the fights with friends, resolving matters, conspiracies and bitching. Best nick names that we could think of made us feel proud. Numerous crushes, proposals and rejections, some got girl friends and some got boy friends, some even got serious for marriage. Like India and Pakistan, there were several groups amongst students, active and passive politics trained us of corporate culture as people say so.

Naughty activities shall make us think of tricks we played with teachers during classes. Launching paper rockets with rubber strings, throwing chalks and pulling out the LAN cords from the projectors, mass bunk on the date of tests and assignment submissions are just few. Dear teachers, please do not mind as you all are very dear to us and we loved being in your company.

Birthday bumps, late night movies, tea parties in hostel rooms, spending long hours on phone, and dearest of all, the snail speed internet connection made our hostel life. Hostel life was the biggest fun at JIIT. Stealing sugar, spoons from the mess and mostly eating outside the hostel mess, seems we just wasted the parents’ money. A lot of responsibilities also we came to learn. In short, it was a complete holiday package.

Security guards were the people most respected by hostellers’ coz our attempts to go out for food, tea and coffee late night were made successful by them and were hated by the day scholars as they were always checked for the identity cards and restricted from entry into the hostels but we were no less. Wardens, especially Mr. Mastana could never catch hold of the day scholars despite the fact that many of them stayed in the hostel every day and night. After all, we are engineers. Mr. Avtaar Singh, shall always be remembered.

Fooling the local guardians in the name of tests and work load and going out for the late night treats at the ‘Dhabas’ and rocking JAM at Shipra mall for night shows were a regular process. Sumo Sir’s car (little blue Matiz) was really helpful for such outings and he as driver, such a cute driver. Contri-parties were a great fun.

Things we shall miss forever are the ‘Gupta Ji’s parantha’, ‘Tau Ji’s chai’, ‘Shikanji waala’ and the Maggi stall. These were the busiest meeting points for us all. Just a cup of tea and we spent a long time discussing about various issues. Most common ones were the ‘girls’ and ‘the college administration’. Gym, snooker, swimming pool, laundry and tuck shop must also be kept alive in memories. Places most deserted in college were the LRC (the college library), the faculty cabins and the lecture theatres as none of us ever wanted to go there.

I cannot forget the Jaipur trip with Amit, Vivek, Niharika, Neha and Vanshika. The most memorable part of the trip was the verbal fight [not just quarrel] between Vivek and Niharika continuously all through the journey. Loved to experience the city of joy ‘Jaipur’ this is now a days struck by terror serial blasts. Probably, there may be more trips next month. Biggest thanks to the mentors of the projects for the happening party they hosted.

Scribbling ceremony which was held today, 16th May 2004, gave us some very precious memories. Today, many of us came closer, grudges set apart and the true feelings of joy and friendship set ablaze the ceremony.

Today, nearly all of us have achieved something. Yesterday, we were unripe little youngsters of 18-20, today we all are engineers. Many are placed with companies, some are going abroad for higher education and very few are the daring ones to experience entrepreneurship. Time has transformed us for the better.

We found one of the best friends for life here. Hope these friendships may continue for long. The budding engineers are now good citizens too and have learnt a lot from JIIT, our dear college that we are proud of. Thanking everyone, teachers, students, and staff for their supportive role and providing an ambience to grow and become a good human with values.

One, who agrees with me please put your feelings as comments on this blog. Just click the comments link below.

Baba Ranga ki Satya Katha – Episode 2

With every dawn, Ranga’s terror grew more and more and he was then named as ‘Virus’. The reason behind his nomenclature was his steep growth curve, high virulence and availability of ‘No’ possible cure against his attack.

By the time students got familiar with his scary appearance, he came to the lecture room. “Can a teacher be so dreadful?” all of us thought. His lecture commenced with utter silence and that lasted for about 10 minutes. Baba kept on rubbing his beard and whiskers spreading the message to the public “beware of me”. We presumed he would ask for some kind of introduction but his first words were, “Hey Bhaiyajis and Matajis, whosoever doesn’t like my appearance, please step out of the room”. We didn’t understand why he called the girls as ‘Matajis”, probably he was right coz most of the girls of my class are Aunties, Matajis and Behenjis type which they always fear to accept.

Ranga again got serious. We thought he would start with some lecture but he was in no mood to do so. In that one hour class what all he discussed was about Dr. Kamal Tamil’s makeup, Dr. Pratistha’s heels, Dr. Malini Kurmuri’s attitude, Dr. Suraj Gandhawa’s laziness and what not. Boys were captivated by his keen observations but girls hated him for the same.

While he was busy discussing the issues, a girl stood up boldly and shouted, “Sir, switch on the fan coz it is very hot”. If you would have been in place of Ranga and saw her Delhi’ite attitude, you would slap her. But Ranga was an uncommon man, he just said a single sentence and that virtually killed her. He said, “Ohh, if it is that hot madam, then kindly take off your shirt”. One by one, Ranga blasted all the oddballs, rather say Matajis with attitude on their nose tips.

Just a few days from then, a Mataji brought her parents to complain against Ranga. Imagine, this Mataji by mistake happened to be one of the top scorers, but Ranga was the only person who made her cry. Even the director of the college couldn’t say anything to Ranga. Then, even the parents came to know about ‘Param Pujya Baba Ranga’.

In the next class, Ranga pulled down the attitude of yet another brat. After continuously watching her activities in class, he shouted, “Hey you Mataji, please respect this place. This is a college; worship it as Saraswati’s place. Kindly do not consider it as a prostitute’s area. You may do whatever you wish, but not here. Go wherever you want”. She also registered a complaint against Ranga, but as usual, nothing happened. She called the Director to the classroom but he also didn’t say a word against Ranga. I think, even the Director knew that ‘Ranga is a right person for such people’. Ultimately, the famous hindi prover seems true, “Laaton ke bhoot, baton se nahi maante”, and Baba Ranga proved it.

It was a time of celebration for boys. Ranga did what we all desired to do. Many females of the department made efforts to chuck him out of the institute but, he proved his virulence. Whosoever tried to do so, Ranga fired his terror against those.

“Prem se bolo, Baba Ranga ki Jai. Saare bolo, Baba Ranga ki Jai”.

Baba Ranga ka jaap karein daily 108 baar, sab kasht door honge.

The cost of Development

ARTICLE BY ASHISH AGARWAL

Let’s start with a short story. Once, when god was about to create the universe and its elements, he first called microbes. He asked them to occupy the place whichever they found suitable. He also blessed them with the power to be invisible. Microbes since then are happy living in air, water, land and even in living bodies.

Second came protozoa. God told them to occupy water. They said “Your Highness, we are so small and visible, any other organism might kill us”. God gave them the power to infect living beings and cause disease. This decision delighted them.

Third came coelenterates. God asked them to inhabit only water bodies but gave them power to eat smaller organisms and poison in their tentacles for their safeguard. They also went happily. Fourth came platy helminthes, nematodes. God asked them to dwell in water and land. Now came arthropods. They requested god that if he send them to water or land, then others will eat them up. God cogitated his brain and came up with some idea. He said, “You have the right to dwell in air, land as well as water; wherever you wish. You have the power to trouble other organisms too”. They also left happily.

Now it was the turn for human. God asked him, “What do you want from me?” He said, “God, please give me power to rule over land, air and water. Give me the wings to fly and fins to swim. Make me a ruler”. To this, god replied, “My dearest creation, I won’t give you fins and wings neither flight nor kingdom but, I’ll bless you with only one thing that I haven’t given to anyone else, and that is ‘Intelligence’. You might do anything you wish, just use the thing I have given you”. Since then, human is using intelligence to fly (using aero planes), walk and swim (using boats, submarines, diving).

To dream is a never ending phenomenon, especially when it comes to humans. Human is the only creature on the earth that god has given power to dream, think and then convert those thoughts into processes. This is the underlying reason for the chop-chop development of human race.

Earlier, human inhabited jungles, made muddy huts and roofs of bushes, ate raw flesh, fruits and vegetables. He then conceptualized the use of fire to cook food and the process continued forever.

The moment human conceived of the portable music, he developed ipods, when he conceived of speeding cars; he came up with Ferrari, gestated of sky-high architecture; made tallest possible apartments and towers. From metalled highways to missiles, from laptops to wireless; whatever human brain cerebrates, the next moment it is with us. Since the time human has got intelligence, he has been using it to evolve the system of living.

Ages have passed. Now is the age of computers and cutting edge technology. Human imaginations have landed the degree from where we can not afford to look back at the older times. Life is hastening and so we have to keep pace. Today, man is rushing to acquire maximum resources that he can possibly do, no matter what cost he has to bear. Facilitated with a sound infrastructure, best working facilities, happening business places and luxurious residences, man has got all what he dreamt of but still there is one thing missing, that is ‘Ataraxis’ or the peace of mind. Man is striving to make earth a heaven to live but he has to pay some taxes and that could possibly be the reason the previous statement.

Population is facing upsurge therefore, development has to take place in order to provide living to the people. Yesterday it was millions, now it is billions and tomorrow it will be much more. Engineering, research and technology is trying to race with the needs of the hour and solve the human problems to the best level. But, man has forgotten one thing, ‘there is a limit to everything’. After that, Newton’s third law follows, ‘To every action, there is equal and opposite reaction’ and then things revert back.

Now we have cut across those limits. Human intentions have no doubt attained infrastructure for him but has deprived many other creatures of livelihood that god had sent to live on land with us. Mad race for development has made man blind; he cannot visualize the destruction as a cost for development. He has forgotten that god asked us to live in ‘harmony’, even if one pillar of the biosphere is disturbed, the whole system will collapse.

Just a few to mention, the climatic cycle is now shifting as a result of global warming, glaciers have started melting and they are expected to melt more rapidly in coming years, land slides occur due to loss of plant biodiversity, rainfall uncertainty is a common phenomenon due to destruction of forests, temperature which is now breaking mercury limits, water scarcity in many areas, carcinogens in atmosphere, population explosion, pollution blast and many more, the list is extremely long. Could you spare a minute? Just look at the effects and try to find out the factors that caused them. The answer is just one that is our race for development. Nature has its own ways to maintain the balance. If we cannot understand the things clearly, nature has many methods to make us understand.

Destruction cycle is running now and we are the ones who have initiated it. Now, let’s not blame nature and destiny. But, it is not our fault because what we are doing is also a natural process. Every organism finds out the best possible way to live, so are us doing. If our population is shooting up, then we are responsible to provide them with the resources, no matter who is harmed in the process. We need not be blamed as we have done what was required.

BUT WE ALL HAVE TO GET READY TO BEAR THE CONSEQUENCES AS THE NATURE IS READY TO RETALIATE.

The cost of development has to be accepted and we are doing that.

The Mushroom Growth of the Management Institutes

Today, there are several Management institutes in the country which are just making money and not focusing upon the need of infrastructure.

The cartoon does not depict any college in particular and is a hypothetical concept. If the institute name bears similitude with any college name in real, it might be a coincidence.

"Faith at Stake" - Spoiling the name of god

ARTICLE BY ASHISH AGARWAL

(The article is not meant to hurt someone’s religious feelings and sentiments. Kindly take it as an article. In the article, none of the holy place is specifically targeted and no person is blamed. Any resemblance may be taken as co-incidence and author holds no responsibility. However, the article is based on the true facts)

Since ages, man and his sentiments have been somehow linked to god and the godly presence just to maintain the routine and discipline in life. Man’s faith in god makes him learn good things and thus a continuity of healthy society is maintained.

Science now proves, Indian rituals, customs and beliefs have their foundations deep into the scientific phenomenon and those were made by the spiritual leaders of the ancient times in order to make lives better. These rituals and customs were then subjected to the name of god to make common people follow them easily.

This faith and belief is continuing since thousands of years and people still make attempts to visit holy places at occasions to offer prayers to their holy gods. But the times have now changed. Faith does exist but the human intentions have now taken different shapes.

Every day, millions of worshippers visit such holy places to make their gods happy and gain their blessings. Miracles are another factor that mobilizes people to these places. But the other group of people seeks it as a potential industry. During my several trips to such holy places, I observed the picture closely. Priests, trustees and security personnel are the culprits.

At a temple in North India (name undisclosed), what I saw knocked my socks off. Priests and temple administration played a joint role in making money out of common man’s faith. Ten to fifteen shrines and one priest at every shrine were there. It was nearly inconceivable to get out of there without offering a sum of money (desirable amount: more than 10 rupees and likely to a maximum of 500 to 1000 rupees) in the name of the deity. Actually it was for the sake of priests because god never asked anyone to pay money in return of the blessings. Imagine the income of the temple administration on total, it comes to millions daily. Isn’t it better than any other business?

At another such holy place, I encountered a long waiting queue. What I found was, the queue was not getting long because huge crowd was there but it was merely a way to earn. The temple agents charged rich people a minimum of Rs.500 to enter through the back door of the temple and worship the deity ceremoniously. What about those who were waiting in the queue patiently for the last 3-4 hours and that too continuously sweating?.

Is it a cinema or a picnic spot that these agents charged the innocent worshippers hugely and that too in the name of god? It seems that the democracy and the common man’s faith in the system are being mocked. This is the picture of our proud ancient culture, the country which is known for it and worshipped for it. There are thousands of such cases. If I keep mentioning all, I think you won’t be able to read them and the blog space would fall short.

Indian education system needs revision

ARTICLE BY ASHISH AGARWAL

India is a land of culture, traditions and warmth. Now days, India is also accepted as a nation with most intelligent minds. Our economy is crossing bars and development is rising high. But, is it the clearest picture of the nation?. Are we really nurturing and utilizing the potent minds of the citizens. A country can never shine until its citizens shine, thus, ‘India Shining’ slogan seems sloppy.

We see what they (government) show us. Lets not be a puppet in the hands of the rulers. Think out of the box, look at the situation in your own way. You’ll get the answer.

There are numerous education schemes running in the country to promote education. There are a total of 1.13 billion people in India [source: wikipedia. (estimate for March 10, 2008)]. Also, have a look at the stats pertaining to the current literacy status:

Literacy Rate (Definition: Age 15 and over that can read and write)
Source: iloveindia.com
Total Population 59.5%
Male 70.2%
Female 48.3%

Education is considered to be the most powerful weapon to eradicate the devils like poverty and unemployment. With only 59.5% literates, that too not adequately educated, how can we be prepared to face the global challenges? This rate needs to grow steep. The time has now come, responsible agencies should not only focus upon the advertisement of the education schemes, but to pave a way for the educated country and thus a healthy nation.

Figures show, most females are still deprived of literacy. Women being the equal contributor to the country’s development needs equal attention too. For this, there is a need of revision in the country’s education system. Education should not grow only as a business of private players but also reach to the masses.

Even today, many village ‘prathmik vidyalayas’ which we call primary schools, are deprived of the most basic necessities such as classrooms, lights, fans, furniture and most important – the teachers. The only thing that’s in plenty is the poor children that flood the bare piece of land that is claimed as “school”. Be a witness. Go to any rural area, you will find many such examples. Then say, who is responsible? Each one blames other for the situation but ultimately there has to be someone for these children.

On the other side, thousands of brains are leaving the country every year for higher education. This is known as ‘Brain Drain’. Some return back, many settle there with the foreign companies. Why is it so? Is it because Indian students love foreign universities? No. It is only because they have the potent educational framework to support one’s career needs. What an irony? India being ahead of many such countries today in terms of economy but, when it comes to education, it shows the typical sluggish attitude.

The time is not to blame anyone. The responsibility is on our shoulders too. The best solution is here. If each of us (the educated class) bother to support the education of atleast one poor child, then I assure and mind my words, India will become the most developed nation on the earth and most prosperous too.

Lets move a step forward together for the sake of a healthy nation. I have planned to finance the education of atleast one poor child in my life. What about you? Think before its too late.