DEMOCRACY

I remember a story that I had heard when I was a kid, I am not a good storyteller but yet I’ll try to narrate it;

One day all the animals in Forest calls a meeting, agenda of meeting was to elect a new king of Jungle (Forest), all animals gathers at the venue. All the deserving candidates came up prepared to show their skills for the said position.

First of all Elephant steps ahead, and try to convince all the animals that he is the only strongest creature in jungle, and he can protect everyone well, moreover he adds other of his experiences to show how suitable he is for the post, everyone gives big hand to this big jumbo. Then Rabbit comes on stage, and address to the audiences that how intelligent he is and what qualifications he has got that matches the requirement for the king’s position. One by one all the other animals tries their best to convince other animals how they are the best. Finally a monkey steps ahead, as he was very much popular among all the animals because he was the best actor, buffoon, and very talented artist, no introduction was needed for this candidate as already he was one of the celebrities in the Jungle. So the moment he steps on the stage, he shows his talent to everyone, he makes everyone laugh by his various tricks and tactics of acting skill. This impresses everyone, and he gets voted as a new king of the Jungle with the big applauds by the audiences.

From Next day he starts handling all the responsibilities and tasks as a King, but soon due to lack of knowledge and lack of experience, he fails to maintain the progress of jungle in all the fields, he keeps himself busy in pouring his bank balance and income by illegal ways, he looses all the control over the security of Jungle and soon neighboring Jungle’s king takes the advantage of this situation and attacks on Monkey’s emperor. Well, this was the story and I don’t think I’ll need to explain the climax of this tale. It’s well known and well understood isn’t it?

Same situation is ours; it’s acceptable that in Jungle they are electing kings in such way, but what about us? What are we doing? Just because person has got great fame in any other field, does it mean that this person should try his luck in politics too? Is a politics being a big game in our nation, biggest, greatest and of course strongest source for power, income and fame & name, right?

I am a big fan of Mr Sunjay Dutt, he has done many good movies, I adore his personality, I have seen Vastav, Naam, Mumnnabhai MBBS, Lage Raho Munnabhai, etc many times, but is this actor eligible for being elected as a leader? Has he got all the virtues and qualifications needed for an ideal leader? (It’s another part that none of the existing politicians has got required qualities.), On July 31, 2007, Sanjay Dutt was sentenced to a jail term of 6 years for illegal possession of firearms acquired from terrorist acquaintances, who were responsible for the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts. He was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court of India on August 20, 2007. In January 2009, Dutt announced that he would contest the Lok Sabha elections on the Samajwadi Party ticket.

In India how easy it is to making other digest the crime and against that gain the publicity. I wonder what exactly this filmy hunk would do If he win this election? And what other criminals would learn from this side of democracy? Paisa Bolata hain, only this will remain truth right? Or else those who have got lot of money they are free to commit any crime, even moreover they may get a chance to rape India’s democracy by wearing politician’s apparels. Its another thing if such contestants are winning but real curse is, these culprits are easily getting tickets to run in the elections. This is what we call India Shining.

I am not only pointing towards the people who has got criminal background, but people who has got good fame in different field are immediately trying their luck in politics; and once they win the election they shows their back to the voters. There are so many examples, Govinda, who won the election but what remarkable he did for his field that really wonders me, same about Lata Mangeshkar, she used to remain absent in Parliament, nothing different about Dharmendra. Still there are so many actor/actresses who are playing dual role, and doing nothing best in single either. It would be wrong if I blame them, they are free to try anything, but it’s us, the people who are stupid that we are allowing them to contest such elections and even further more we are making them win it. If this is a Democracy, I really dislike it.

Jaago re….

Text of Barack Obama's Inaugration Speech

Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States and the nation's first African-American president Tuesday. This is a Text of his prepared speech.

My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land _ a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America _ they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted _ for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things _ some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions _ that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act _ not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions _ who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them _ that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works _ whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account _ to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day _ because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control _ and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart _ not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort _ even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus _ and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West _ know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment _ a moment that will define a generation _ it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends _ hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism _ these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility _ a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence _ the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed _ why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

``Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it).''

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

BetterMent

Its a third day of second fortnight of first month of 2009, I know there is nothing special about it but yet, for me its funday I mean sunday when again I have clicked on the link called 'Compose Blog Entry'. No no, please dont jump on any conclusion, I havent come with any of the special news or other updates that made me to come back on Blog sheet... (Shit!!! what a word!..) Well, actually dont know why but since two days our newspaper boy dint 'Thrown' copy of newspaper at our doorstep... (well its nowhere related to this blog, as he dint throw Newspaper, so I thrown this sentance here on blog...just like that ji). Before coming for this blog entry, I was watching TV. (I have got more than 100 channels TV set in which I guess more than 50% channels are of News Channels, and every minitue they come up with 'Breaking News'.) A cow is running here and there in open Market and injured one person and then smashed up some shops, at the bottom of this screening they had put it with flashing effects 'Breaking News'... Gosh is it a Breaking news or Beaking heart?. or else Broken Minds??? sometimes I feel that what makes them to broadcast such incidents? are they nuts? definatly not but they must be getting revanues for showing such clips, there must be bunch of people's category, which would be loving to watch these 'Breaking News' and this might be adding more to channel's TRP; More TRP more sposners and More Profit and More Money.........apana sapana Money Money. Not only this clip but there are several other categories of such clips which are being broadcast everyday with best effort to make it different to grab attention of viewers, though I am using word 'clip', you people please dont make judgement that I am talking only about funny clips which are easily available on internet, like you find it on youtube. definatly not, please, and If any TV news channel editor is reading this blog, then I salute you sir!!, I simply appreciate the art of making any small, normal news to hillarious and Breaking.

Well not to dig into others 'personal' business. so I wont Break a News of their Breaking news. I swear. Lets talk something else, 6th Mumai Marathon accomplished successfully today. (Though wrong winner mistakenly declared and felicitated a wrong person as the winner in the Indian women's category in the 42-km Main Marathon but lateron they corrected it.... Koin nahin ji, jaise kehate hain Insan hain to galati toh hogi hi... same way It was an International event so, India hain galati toh hogi hi ji.), I attended full event and I dint move a bit but yet I could watch every angle of the location and glory of event. (Yeah I seen this whole beautiful event on my Idiot Box, on one of my fav News channles. though all the news channels were broadcasting it) & this Marathon's Brand Ambassador Mr Anil Ambani had also participated in the event (err.. no VJ he isnt a Brand Ambassador... ) oops I am sorry, I dont know how many times but ofcourse many times these news channels were showing Anil Ambani, not only this time but since first Mumbai Marathon, started in Jan 2004, I am seeing Mr Ambani in every Marathon, so just got confused ji... as like ADA, there were many other celibraties, who joyfully attended the event. This event was actually organised for Better Mumbai, so they ran for Better Mumbai, I felt Better when I heard this 'Better News'. since 6 year the tradition of this Marathon glowing for betterment and we all know that since then we are hearing only bitter news... I mean Better News. Am I sounding negative? please dont misunderstand me, I just being confused that if these people are doing all the things for betterment then why do we hear bitter news all the time? We Indians never do anything without a reason sir ji, this time we Ran to show terrorism that we are still united and stronger, as Mr Ratan Tata said on re-opening of Taj that we can be hurt but cant be knocked out, though he said this sentance but all the indians knew that our attitude towards terrorist or terrorism is like "you come and hurt us cos we cant be knocked out, so come and screw us." Its will be 2 months on this coming Republican Day i.e. on 26th Jan for the incident which shook Humanity and still our plan of action is nothing but the big question mark. Everytime, we are showing proof to other mighty conutries and seeking for approval.. (Approval? for what?) Actually not for approval but for mercy and to show how great we are, that is not our destiny but we or our politicians have made it, we are a part of great nation but this greatness is limited to the culture and history. Actually we are hurted, injured and yes ofcourse handicapped nation which cant do anything but can Beg for mercy, Run for Betterment, and cry over terrorism and yeah one favourate activity which we have adopted from western, lightining the candles of 'Candle light Dinner' for peace, humanity and I dont for what other reason. I dont think I should be writing anything more for this blog, cuz nothing else we can do to destroy this terrorism, other than, Marathon, Candle lightning ceremony, Musical Concerts and ofcourse making a Movie/Film on the such attacks with two to three item songs and bit of contravrsy for commercial promotion of film. This is real India Shining ji, everything for Betterment of India, For Better Tomorrow and for Better Future blah blah... everything better is for tommorrow or for coming moment, nothing for Present, and actually tommorrow never come... till date it never came.

I urge you not to take anything seriously, just keep smiling and try to be happy if you are not then try to pretend that you are as happy as you were, cuz we are Indians, we can be hurt but cant be knocked out. We are always united though many minor or major issues are leading us to the civil wars. Recently we enjoyed 31st night followed by Kite festival on 14th and now today we been witness to the Run for Betterment, now 26th Jan is on the way, start preparing for the Republic celebration. Now till this day you'll see Indian flag for 'SALE' on many stalls, you'll hear patriotic ringtones, callertones and ofcourse many movie channels will start patriotic movie week by showing superhit patriotic flicks. That is what we are, we forget very easily and adapt ourselves with the flow. Lets celebrate friends new event is on the way. Lets do it for Betterment.

What an Idea Sir ji...