Sunday, January 18, 2009

MY DREAM FOR INDIA IN 2009

The following article is inspired by Kiran Karnik, who is the new board member of Satyam. I happened to listen to his speech at FRNV summit in Oct, 2008 in Delhi.

We end one year and enter another. It is but appropriate that the first month of the year is named after Janus, the two-faced Greek God who looks simultaneously forward and backward, appropriate, for what better time to review the past and plan for the future ? The year gone by has been momentous one, and will be remembered by many in India as the year of an unprecented global economic crisis and the horrific terror in Mumbai. For a moment, though, ignore the rear-view mirror. Instead, eyes shut, let us dream of a year that may be, of a future that is desirable and yet possible. Unhibited by present constraints, let us dream big, for " man's reach must exceed his grasp, or what's heaven for ".

With Lok Sabha elections round the corner--- may the turnout be massive, the full process peaceful, without intimidation, coercion or corruption, and the electorate make an informed choice. May parties select honest candidates with no criminal history, and solicit votes on the basis of their ideology, candidate and leadership. May the electorate reject parties and candidates who appeal to caste, religion, region or other sectarian identities.

May we have a cabinet of competent, upright individuals who focus on strengthening and building institutions, and of creating a happy, prosperous, just and compassionate society. May they have the resolve to protect us from enemies and the wisdom to recognise that the threats are not only to our life, but equally to our way of life. May they recognise that we need no new laws, but better implementation of present ones, that major reform of the law enforcement and judicial systems is more important than ever-more stringet laws, that corruption is as powerful a destructive weapon as an AK-47.

After the good fortune pf prime minister who is experienced, wise, honest and a true gentleman, may the country get one who is young, dynamic, inspirational and can bring about radical change. We have a well-known one waiting in the wings whom the corporates have also endorsed recently, but let your dreams include choice. Here is an alternative: an articulate, next-generation leader with a clean and outstanding image.

May good sense prevails upon Pakistan and it stops being double-faced and in mode of denial in terror attacks on India. May international community stops its self-interest motive, and prevails upon Pakistan to wind up terror. May this year be the final and last year when India firmly resolves to end terror with iron hand and adamant Pakistan be taught a strong lesson, not to fiddle again with a sleeping LION. May this year indian politicians learn to give less speeches and believe more in action. May this year most of Indians holiday in UK ( United Kashmir ).

The country hungers for a similar Obama-esque combination of hope, change, youth and optimism. May one such competent and young person takes up the reins of the new govt. May those who rant against politicians-- and, indeed, all others--- stop seeking favours from them. May the captains of Industry stop socialising with all those who are known to be corrupt, may they, and other influentials, support an Honest India Campaign. May Satyam be a The first and last company who led highest scam in corporate history and corporates resort to ehical standards.

May politicians and othe rich and powerful people teach their children that the laws of the land are applicable to them too, may the media teach them that " money cant buy you love ". May the TV audience stop viewing sensationlist trash news, may the anchors and producers of such shows be required to watch them 24x7. May the media stop planting stories for vested interests and come out with truth and only truth.

May policies foster more equitable growth, with economic stimuli coming from investment in irrigation, rural roads, decentralised power production, low-cost housing and publc transport. Only then we can be stop, being blackmailed by oil rich countries who enthrust indirect terrorism on India. May educaion be top-priority and higher education be liberalised, with special education zones serving as nuclei to make India the hub for global education. May R&D get the importance it deserves.

May govt tap corporate-talent and technological capabilities to ensure effectiveness of key programmes, particularly those in the social sector. May companies be generous in philanthropy, but also go beyond cheque-book charity by committing their expertise and talent to programmes of development and social change.

May dreams and dreamers ride forever high.

5 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is the best article you have written so far. hope, must never die...

January 18, 2009 at 11:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Really genuine wishes for our salvation! The learned said "If Wishes were Horses, Beggars Would Ride". Since, most of our countrymen are beggars, begging for justice, equality and true freedom, we should concentrate our energies on converting our WISHES TO HORSES, rather than for caste conversions, reservations, illogical subsidiaries, unfounded loan waivers, and corruption related disgusting matters for vote bank politics.

January 18, 2009 at 2:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Many thanks.

I hope you completed reading of my book.I would be happy to have your feedback.

I continue to enjoy reading your statements in the Blog.
Sincerely

TSK

January 18, 2009 at 6:28 PM  
Blogger vaneet kundra said...

Dear Mr. Krishnamurthy,

Since my daughter's wedding is in Delhi very
shortly, i shall b going to Delhi and shall buy
the book myself. These days i am busy in her
shopping.

In fact, i have talked to my friends about your
book and they also want the copies, i think, i shall
be buying approx. 4 copies of your book. Will revert
back very shortly.

Thanks for reading my blog.

Regards,

( T.S Krisnamurthy is the former Chief Election Commissioner Of India )

January 18, 2009 at 6:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

DEar Brig. Nalwa & Cdr Khilari,

Thanks. Brig. Nalwa, The heart is from Mr. Kiran Karnik and the contents are mine. This article as i said is inspired by him. CDr. Khilari, Lot of water has gone by from the bridge, I think it is hightime our politicians and bureacrats realise that good goverance, now pays. People cant be fooled anymore. This trend started from the re-election of Narendra Modi in Gujarat and was recently followed in the assembly elections in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. All serving Chief Ministers were re-elected on the basis of development. This has not happened before. Its a new beginning and shows the majority of our voters now dont get swept away my mere speeches. They want delivery of promises made in previous elections. Anti-incumbancy has not played its role for the first time in India, which was taken for granted in each election. Chief Ministers, who delivered have been re-elected. This shows the maturity of our voters, rural and urban. Its a very healthy sign.

January 18, 2009 at 6:52 PM  

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