Sandeep's Blog

Holi: The great leveller

2010-03-01T00:54:00.000-08:00

The colours of holi is a great leveller in India. People across India celebrate this festival with spirit and joy. The colour on the faces doesn't discriminate between rich and the poor. The coloured faces brings joy and happiness among the masses.
The different colours of Holi spread the feeling of unity and integrity amongst the people.
Childrens enjoy the colours and throw balloons to each other. The feeling of animosity is diluted as and when colours are exchanged. People come out in large numbers both in rural and urban areas and celebrate Holi - The festival of colours and joy.

It's time for Indian Hockey to rise again

2010-03-01T00:50:00.000-08:00

India has outplayed Pakistan with score at 4-1 in a thrilling Pool B match of the Hero Honda FIH World Cup at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. I think the time has come when Indian Hockey is expected to return to its glorious past.

I cheer for Indian Hockey and am sure millions across the country will do the same.

Union Budget 2010-11: Not much for the common man

2010-02-26T10:13:00.000-08:00

Budget acknowledges the fact that double digit inflation needs to be tackled on an urgent basis. Food price index in January stood at 17.56 % after touching 20 percent in December. But the measures announced does not provide the solution to this grave issue except for weak assurances by the FM-Pranab Mukherjee. First of all, the proposed increase in the price of fuel is likely to have an impact on the commodity prices due to higher transportation costs.

No respite to taxpayer at the lowest ladder of the income group. Rs 1.6 lakh exemption remain untouched except for Rs 20,000 rebate provided to those who can invest in infrastructure bonds.

On one count, the definition of affordable housing has undergone dramatic change with Rs 15-30 lakh becoming the norm. Now buying a house would be more difficult for the average middle class especially the salaried class whose income is upto 5 lakh per annum. It's a double side sword for the lowest and middle income groups.

Person earning more than 1.6 lakh and upto 5 lakh has to not only pay taxes as earlier. If the bechara middle class has to buy a house now, he has to pay higher rates almost twice the rate than what prevailed 3-4 years back, thanks to government and builders mili bhagat. He will also have to shell out housing loan interest to the banks and spend a life time to own a house. The basic housing is the fundamental right of every citizen of India. Why can't the government take steps in this direction and give respite to the common man?

People who are earning less than Rs 13,000 per month can be said to be living under poverty as per the tax norms. Food inflation coupled with real estate price hike is like slow poison for the average middle class person of India.

Make Mamata Travel in Mumbai Local to understand the pain of Mumbaikars

2010-02-25T02:57:00.000-08:00

I'm not at all satisfied with the Railway Budget 2010-11 from Mumbaikar's point of view. I stay at Virar and commute daily to Sewri. I spend more than 4 hours every day in the to and fro journey. Most of my time is wasted in finding a train to commute, that too travelling in a standing position. The trains are so crowded that even first class becomes third class compartment. People don't have enough space to stand, keep their bags etc.
Adding to our woes is the slow speed of the Mumbai locals. It takes more than 40 minutes for us to travel between Virar and Borivali.
Why can't the railways provide us faster transportation?
Why can't they give us point-to-point durantos?
Why should we pay first class fare to get third class treatment?
On the harbour line, 9 coaches should have been converted to 12 coaches long back. Mamata Banerjee has not mentioned anything of this sort even in this budget.
The new trains are good as far as interiors are concerned but doesn't seem to be long lasting. Within few years, it has started to crumble.
Why can't we have wide bridges at all stations?
Why can't the railway remove all the stalls from the platforms and house them outside the station or vertically when there is no space for the commuters to stand. Go to Dadar Station to experience this.
We need double the capacity of the Mumbai Locals as of now. Most of the commuters in Mumbai travel with proper ticket. Why the amount earned from Mumbai is not spent here and drained to Bihar or Bengal?
When that day will come when travelling in Mumbai Local will be joyous ride?
When the filth along the tracks, at the platform, in the subway will be removed. Who is accountable for all this?
Why can't the railways put the names of the people along with their contacts on Stations who are responsible for different task.
Also in case they are not executing their task, the superiors name should be mentioned to whom the public can report their grievance.

Sachin book of cricket records....

2010-02-25T02:48:00.000-08:00

The master blaster has done it again. Sachin Tendulkar scored a double ton against South Africa, a formidable opponent in the second ODI on 25th February 2010 and sealed the ODI series in India's favour. No one in the world has yet scored a double hundred in ODI. Saeed Anwar from Pakistan and Charles Coventry from Zimbabwe at some point of time could reach near this magical feature of 200. Even after playing more than 2900 matches, no one could achieve this feat which the little maestro has done it for India.
It seems that records are following Sachin and the not the master blaster. Even after playing for 21 years, he is growing younger day by the day.
Sachin: We, Indians are proud of you and may God bless you with more power to set records which no one could break in the years to come.

FM: Are you listening to Mumbaikar?

2010-02-22T04:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Pranab Mukherjee, Union Finance Minister, Government of India
We the residents of Mumbai often called as Mumbaikars are looking forward for your budget which can give us respite to our housing & transportation woes.
It has become difficult for Mumbaikars to own a house in Mumbai. The prices are touching sky. When will the Government provide us housing at affordable cost?
Even the definition of affordability has undergone sea change. Now between 15 to 30 lakhs is termed as affordability.
We request you to make our life easy by regulating the real estate prices in Mumbai. Don't join hands with capitalist forces and drive away the actual Mumbaikar on the outskirts with bare minimum amenities. Provide Government land at minimum cost and appoint contractors to develop affordable township for the common man. Else provide us faster transportation and we'll shift on the outskirts upto 100 km from the City.
You need to do a lot for the common man. You need to control inflation. You should at least provide the bare minimum to the poor. You should allocate funds to tighten security apparatus in the city. You need to take care of education of our poor brethren.
The taxes which we are paying goes for the welfare of the elected leaders. Do a complete audit of all the elected representatives with respect to their income over period of years. Let our taxes be used to develop public hospitals, parks, transportation, education. Each and every rupee which we pay is hard earned. See that it is used for the welfare of the common man.

Kudos to the Indian Cricket Team

2010-02-22T04:37:00.000-08:00

Well Done. Team India.

Dhoni's team is on the victory march ever since they have won the second test match held at Kolkatta's Eden Gardens in the last week. Not only we have retained the No. 1 spot in Test Cricket with this victory. Yesterday, Dhoni's has outdone South Africa in the 1st ODI and began the series with a winning note.

It seems Dhoni ne opponent ko Dho Dala.

Pune Blast: Another Cowardly Act

2010-02-17T04:36:00.000-08:00

When the Maharashtra Government and the Opposition were busy in releasing King Khan movie in Mumbai. The terrorist were busy preparing to strike in German Bakery located in Koregaon Park of Pune.
Shame on the Government and the Opposition for wasting time and energy of our police forces on such a petty issue of releasing or not releasing a movie in Mumbai. The Chavans, Thackerays and Patils were busy in taking a pro or anti stance against Shahrukh. In fact they should devote their time and energy to protect the common man. The Pune blast on 13th February 2010 could have been prevented if we had paid more attention to our intelligence gathering rather than scoring political points.
Treatment which they gave to Shahrukh and Rahul Gandhi should be for the common man. Do they remember they are answerable to the masses and not to the high profile individuals?
We all should condemn such cowardly acts which does not seem to benefit any one from any religion or country. It's the handiwork of few individuals who have seemed to forgotten the human values and are on the path of destruction.
No religion in the world teaches to inflict pain on others. No fair objective can ever be achieved through bloodshed.
May the soul of those died in the blast rest in peace.
May God show the right path to those inflicting pains on innocent souls.

Custodians Discriminate

2010-02-12T01:54:00.000-08:00

The custodians of our society (here i'm referring to the Government of Maharashtra) are following a policy of discrimination when it comes to protecting the common man on the street.
If it is the question of Rahul Gandhi's and Shahrukh Khan's, then the state machinery is ready to protect and serve these high profile individuals. I'm not against this treatment. This guys definitely deserve protection and attention but why discriminate against the common man.
The ordinary citizen of India does need protection and support against the divisive forces.
Why does the Government allow vandals to go scotfree?
In the name of religion and language, these vandals destroy public property and hurt common man as an when they wish. Few selfish individuals are controlling the lives of many in Mumbai.
Small time cabbies are beaten, their vehicles are torched, students not allowed to appear for examination as they are from a different state. On all such occassion, the Government of Maharashtra and the Mumbai Police force failed to protect the common man. But for Shahrukh Khan, the CM is ready to take on these forces. Why can't he stand for the common man?
When can an ordinary citizen feel safe in Mumbai-Maharashtra?

Employers: Retaining talent will be a challenge

2010-02-12T01:48:00.000-08:00

As the economy hots up to a comfortable 7+% growth this financial year. Job opportunities are increasing every passing day. Job seekers who were reluctant to go for a job change a year ago are now updating their CV and lining up for better opportunities.
It would be challenging for employers to retain the right kind of Talent in their organisation. They can find hundreds & thousands of job seekers but getting or retaining the right person requires not just the basic salary but perks, good working environment and a well defined growth chart for the individual and the team.
Gone are the days when simply recognising the talent and a few appreciative words would make an individual fee more important and required in the organisation.
The current scenario speaks about a wholesome package comprising recognition, financials, perks, incentives and an employee friendly environmment.
So, Employers beware your best employee must be updating his CV and may be on the move to find greener pastures...

India Inc: Back on track

2010-02-12T01:41:00.000-08:00

The Indian economy is back on track with the announcement of recent growth forecast of 7.2% expected in the last quarter of FY2009-10.
Compared to the previous FY, the economy has performed really well albeit setback in the Farm Sector.
Job market is revving up and people have started to spend. The economic meltdown has taught us number of lessons which includes shedding excess baggage, credit control, minimise expenditure, finding innovative ways to attract new markets, importance of savings not only for individuals but also for Corporate India.
Now, it's high time the slim & trim Corporate India makes attempt to capture newer markets and not depend on the existing ones.
Thanks to the Government of India initiatives & policy changes amidst global chaos and the timely stimulus measures have worked well and the economy is back on track.

Why are we so eager to talk to Pakistan?

2010-02-12T01:38:00.000-08:00

I don't understand why our politicians want to bridge gap with Pakistan. It seems the international pressure is mounting on India to establish a dialogue.
We should try to remember as to why did we stopped talking in the first place? If the reasons can be recalled, then try to analyse the current ground situation.
Nothing has changed on the ground. On the contrary, our announcement to resume talks has belittle us and seems to be a victory for the arrogant Pakistan. Their leaders are claiming victory over resuming talks as if we have knelt down before them.
I'm in favour of peace and not hatred. But our experience both recent and past clearly shows that Pakistan believes in 'Hum Nahin Sudhreng'. i.e. We'll not change.
It would be better if we can think of improving bilateral relations with countries who can be trusted and not with those who is constantly making efforts to dig our grave.
As far as cultural exchanges & sports are concerned, leave this to individuals. We don't need to go in for trade and political dialogue with Pakistan.
As an Indian, I cannot trust Pakistan. Aman ki Asha cannot be one-sided. Under the garb of extending friendship, Pakistan will inflict more wounds on us.
It's better we tell them to mind their own business.

Rock Solid - King Khan

2010-02-06T03:55:00.000-08:00

Bollywood superstar King Khan lived upto his screen image and the masses expectation. He refused to apologise to the paper tigers because he has not said anything which is Anti-India. To get cheap publicity and divide the nation on the basis of religion and language, divisive forces have raised their heads again.
Shahrukh Khan is the son of a freedom fighter and will not bow in front of the divisive forces.
Secular forces and peace loving people supports SRK. People who are trying to divide India on various grounds are the actual traitors.
People who have occupied influential positions and had not done anything for the masses over number of years are our worst enemies and Anti-India.

BMC: Mind your own business

2010-02-06T03:36:00.000-08:00

I was shocked to read a recent news about BMC plans to start charging for medical services being offered at its Hospitals. It seems that Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which runs most public hospitals in the city is now on money minting spree and has forgotten its social responsibility.It's the right of every citizen to avail free medical services at Government Hospitals. Instead of increasing the number of hospitals and medical facilities in Mumbai over decades. BMC's New Year resolution seems to hit the poor below the belt.
Why are we paying taxes on every front?
Is it to spend our hard earned money on providing luxuries and amenities to our elected representatives and filling the coffers of the bureaucrats.
If i'm not wrong that our taxes are meant to provide and protect our brethren who are on the lower side of the economic ladder.
We need to bridge the gap between the haves and have nots. Our tax contribution is for the growth of an inclusive India.
It's time Mumbaikar stand against such proposals and block the unholy intentions of such authorities.

Rahul's visit - Booster Shot for Mumbaikars

2010-02-06T03:31:00.000-08:00

Rahul Gandhi is youth icon of Modern India and symbolises inclusive India. He gave a befitting reply to the divisive forces in Maharashtra by paying a short visit to Mumbai on 5th February 2010.
We have not learned from our history that whenever we are divided foreign elements had taken advantage. People who are trying to divide India are helping our detractors all over the World.
Four hour sojourn of Rahul as an ordinary Indian travelling in Mumbai Local Train has restored confidence in the common man that All is Well with India.
Issues such as economic development, employment, empowerment should take centre stage but some parties are playing dirty politics to score a point.
Government of Maharashtra has acted well to ensure smooth passage of Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai clearly shows the capability of the state to maintain law and order. But ironically, the state is not paying so much of attention to protect the common man when such divisive forces are at work.
Sachin Tendulkar, Shahrukh Khan and Mukesh Ambani had shown character and boldness when they said Mumbai belongs to every Indian.
Thank you Rahul for breaking the ice and standing bravely against paper tigers.

Mumbaikar wants bullet trains and not bullock cart trains

2009-12-10T03:55:00.000-08:00

Mumbaikars want faster transportation rather than just increase in transport vehicles. We need faster trains which can cover a distance of 40-60 km in 20 minutes time. Commuting between Virar and Borivali itself takes around 40 min running time, forget about the number of delays at various signals, or the go-slow tactics adopted every now and then by the motorman.
To complete a journey of 1 1/2 hour, we have to wait for another 40-50 minutes just to get inside a train.
The quality of life of an average Mumbaikar is falling year after year. Thanks to the State Government and the Opposition parties, who are more interested in fighting among themselves and not thinking about the development issues at all.
If faster transportation is provided the congestion point can shift, as we would be able to live far off from Mumbai and still manage to work in Mumbai.
The current bullock cart trains should be replaced with local bullet trains, point-to-point trains, not just 4 or 6 tracks but double the capacity.
The staff of the railway department of both western and central railways including the top brass and key policy makers should be made to travel with us to Virar, Kalyan and far off places and get a first hand experience.
Why the decisions are taking so much of time to implement?
Why can't the railways undertake the remedial measures on a war footing?
Why not have Mumbai specific decision making authority comprising of railways and local government?
Why should we pay and and not get the benefits?

Tackle Food Inflation

2009-12-10T03:49:00.000-08:00

The Government of India needs to take immediate and remedial measures to curb food inflation as the prices of essential commodities are going out of reach for the common man in India. The price of vegetables, pulses, fruits are touching the sky.
Jaago Sonia Amma and make your ministers accountable for this non-stoppable price rise.
We are not interested in what RBI will do in sucking liquidity from the market, but we are very much interested in getting our essential commodities at reasonable prices. If the rain god is not happy with us, at least the Government of India should make attempts to import essential items at a lower cost from the countries where it is available in abundance.
The official inflation figures are a farce as far as common man is concerned. Changing the schedule of releasing this figures from weekly to monthly will not serve any purpose. What we are interested is in the ground situation where the current scenario clearly points to derailment of our home budget.

India is Numero Uno in Test Cricket

2009-12-10T03:40:00.000-08:00

Kudos to the Indian cricket team for becoming Numero Uno. Dhoni's team has done it again and brought laurels for the country. The team has done exceptionally well against Sri Lanka this season in the test series. No doubt we need to improve upon in the T20 and the ODIs. Sehwag has proved again that he is in a class of its own. He was quite close to establish a new world record of scoring three triple tons in test cricket.

India stand on emission cut is a welcome sign.

2009-12-03T20:55:00.000-08:00

It's good to hear that India has voluntarily agreed to implement emission cut to the extent of 20-25% to the levels of year 2005 by year 2020. This is the step in the right direction just ahead of the Copenhagen summit on Global Warming and Climate Change where in representatives from 192 nations will be discussing ways and means to tackle alarming issues of Carbon emission worldwide.
Over a period of time, the developed nations have paid scant attention to the depleting ozone layer and rise in global temperatures. In the name of industrialisation, these developed countries have made our planet earth a riskier place to live for our future generations.
Developing nations like China and India are undertaking massive industrialisation drive and would also ultimately contribute to the global warming. A major percentage of the carbon emission in India is contributed due to coal based power plants and use of older technology which are not fuel efficient. With the announcement of Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Environment and Forest, Government of India that India will take steps to reduce carbon emission by making more use of renewable energy sources such as Solar, Wind, Biomass and Hydel energy, developing and using fuel efficient technologies to reduce emission levels.

Signs of Climate Change appearing

2009-12-03T04:06:00.000-08:00

Due to burning of fossil fuels and large scale industrialisation world over. The globe is experiencing change in temperatures and signs of climate change are appearing worldwide. India is no exception. More than 20 crore people in India living along the coastal areas are likely to be affected. Rise in sea level has already started creating havoc in Kendrapara district of Orissa where in number of villages are getting submerged permanently each year.
The impact of climate change are becoming real and the irony is that the people who are going to be affected are least aware of what is in store for them. Even in cities like Mumbai, the number of people who are aware of the impact of climate change on their life and their livelihood is minimal.The Government and the NGO's need to educate people who are living in such areas about what can happen due to climate change and find a way out for the people who are going to be affected.

MHADA offering peanuts to Mumbaikars

2009-11-20T00:53:00.000-08:00

It is pathetic to know that MHADA is offering just 4,000 flats in the coming months, when the past experience shows that the applicants are in lakhs.
In a city like Mumbai where thousands are migrating everyday, the state administration mainly the housing department has failed over time and again. Where the demand for housing is running into lakhs, what is offered is peanuts i.e. just few thousand flats.
Also, the administration is making money on the application fees. When only 4000 flats are offered then why do we need to issue 4 lakh forms? Why don't we refund the application fees in case of rejection?
Why not have a house seekers registry and allott the flat on first come first serve basis?
Why make people run from pillar to post just to get the basic housing?
Vast stretch of government land can be used to provide low cost housing to the people seeking the same.
Instead of restricting people coming to Mumbai, why can't the administration develop Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and provide the basic civic amenities to the citizens.
Why should we pay taxes on every count?
It's the state duty to provide housing to each citizen.

Is it just

Sachin bats for India

2009-11-19T01:59:00.000-08:00

Sachin really bats for India. No one should ever doubt about it. He has even proved this with his statement on Mumbai. The true sporting spirit has flowed in his remark that Mumbai is for everyone. And we all need to remember is that we are Indian first and then Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali etc.
Politicians should refrain from sowing the seeds of hatred. It would be better for them to concentrate on development issues rather than divide us Indians. We, the citizens of India should unite against such Politicians and see that they never return back to position of power, which they are likely to misuse.
Sachin is a true leader and one of our icons. Young Indians should emulate him and ensure our unity at any cost.

Honest Indians

2009-10-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

This photograph was taken at Virar Station's Ticket Window. The number of people standing in the queue as depicted in the above photograph is sufficient proof that we Indians are more honest than our other counterparts in the world. Despite getting raw deal from the Indian Railways, still we prefer to buy tickets rather than travelling ticketless and with bare minimum service extended by the Indian Railways. Even for travelling to the next station which must take just 10 minutes run time, we Indians will spend more than half an hour in the queue to buy the ticket and be a honest citizen.

Mamta Maiya Jaago and do something about the commuters. Don't turn a blind eye to commuters especially from Mumbai. We are paying to run services in other parts of the country and what we are getting is just third class services.

Indian Railways presents Horror show for Mumbaikars

2009-10-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

Life in Mumbai........Faster transportation is the key to decongestion

2009-10-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

This is the kind of life people live in Mumbai. The following photograph is taken at Virar Station. There is no room left in the train, but the people keep pouring. Human life is worst than animals as far as rail transportation is concerned. Demand outstrips supply and the solution is not visible at the moment.

Let's wish Indian Railways do not just mention profit of crores in parliament. Rather than blowing their own trumpet, they should spend those profits in adding more services. Speed is the key to decongestion. Faster transportation can lead to decongestion of Mumbai as people would be able to choose destinations in the range of 100 km from the main city area.