RAMPUR - RAGS TO RICHES?

It was a sad day at the old mansion which was decrepit but inhabited by a large undivided family at Rampur. The crops had failed and the passion for living off the tilling done by the few in their lands had ensured that the currency chest dwindled. The male members were grappling around to find a solution whilst the females were trying to rattle up a cuisine which would present the undiminished status to a new entrant who was returning from a long sojourn abroad. The need to protect the family honour reminded one of the epochal Shatranj ke Khiladi. Soon one of the male members came up with the idea of pawning some of the gold to ensure that the feast proposed for the grand old man went on without any hitches. The gold was pawned making it the news of the day. 

The railway station of Rampur saw festoons being hoisted. A band was put in place. The steam engine driven train hauled the passengers in. The only passenger who descended at Rampur was a bearded old man who was immediately escorted with fanfare as the privilege for carrying his small luggage was subjected to competition. The man glowed with wisdom and stroked his beard. He was taken on a tonga to the old mansion where another grandiose welcome with the traditional arathi awaited him. After a shower, he was led to the  palatial dining hall and served the traditional cuisine. The man, looked at the whole feast and mumbled, " Why do you wish to waste so much in the name of tradition?" Then he added, " I will not be able to do justice to this whole fare. But  please accept my grateful thanks for making me feel so honoured."  After the meal was through, the males gathered around a paan table and the visitor was offered the digestive paan.

Soon, the younger folk were dispensed with and the patriarch of the family chatted up the visitor. The visitor nonchalantly said, " Uncle, I must now confess to you that I have come here with an intention to stay my rest of the life with you." The uncle was obviously not pleased as the family costs were in itself too heavy to bear and the need to maintain the high standard of living for the rest of the life was not possible. As his mind roved over these areas, the visitor said, " I am aware that you have run out of funds and the income is also meagre. Supporting a large family on this would be a difficult task. I have come to help you. But would you listen to some plans that would actually save your ship?"

The patriarch after discussing elaborately told him that he was free to go ahead with his agenda of saving the family and he would ensure that his family sticks to his words.

The visitor soon laid out the expenses budget for the family and pruned all extravagance. He sold a small portion of the land and then built a few small shops on the land abutting the main road. These he rented out and ensured that a steady income flow was maintained. The family was also able to retrieve the family jewels from the pawn broker. The denizens of Rampur renewed their affection for this patriarch. His word became law even in petty family disputes to major land disputes. Soon further pieces of lands were sold and a complex of houses and shops were built. People were amazed with the growth of this family's assets which was being built out of sale of its landed assets.

The rentals grew and the family returned to its extravagant ways. The family members stopped doing any work and instead started living of the rental incomes. The family was also growing in size as marriages and births in the families far exceeded the odd demise of a person or two. Within a span of a decade the growth turned into a decline. People in Rampur started migrating to the neighbouring towns as the quantum of arable land had come down. The large landholding of the principal family had now become next to nothing. The tillers had no jobs and had to migrate to fresh pastures. Some tillers had become shopkeepers but the rest had to give way. Rampur resembled a small town and was now a spot for a regular halt on the highway. The business of shopkeepers boomed as did the prices of the edibles as they had to be fetched from other villages.

The coffers had dwindled and the panic button was pressed. The grand old man was praised as the Bhishma Pitamaha and was requested to give his sage counsel for retrieval. He looked around and started selling the shops first. With the sale of each shop a huge amount came in but the regular income in the form of rentals started dwindling. Some of the houses had fallen vacant and there were no takers for these houses. The family members extended their inhabiting space to these houses in the garb of seeking some privacy. The patriarch passed away. The word of the grand old man was now questioned. The new generation asked him, " What will you sell next?" The man replied, " You only wanted me to get you some money which I am doing from the available resources. You should understand that the last time around I saved you and you prospered. This time is no different." A young man stood up and asked " But it did not save us forever. It was only for five to ten years. What would happen after another ten years?" The old man stroked his beard and thought, " I am already too old. God may not permit me live that long. Even if I am there, it would then be your turn to take care of me " but smiled and said, " Who has seen tomorrow? We will go by our experience. Is there anyone who doubts my ability?" The other members of the family shouted the young man down and the fundamental question was drowned.

Another day passed. The old man smiled at the young man and said, " You are too wise to remain in this family. Fly out of the nest before it is too late."

POST OR INDIVIDUAL- WHICH IS GREATER?

Men may come and men may go but the system goes on forever is oft repeated statement in many organisations. The question is whether the man makes the system or the system makes the man. Undoubtedly, no person is indispensable but is it the chair that makes the man or the man who graces the seat who lends it credibility is a question which needs to be deliberated upon with more seriousness than it has been conferred upon.

The recent demise of Shri I K Gujral sent me back to my childhood days. A person born in the Indira era, I distinctly remember that the term "PM" on the pages of the newspaper meant nothing more than Indira Gandhi at least to me. The emergency and its aftermath held us in her awe with little realisation of what was going around. On the backlash in 1977, it took us sometime to reconcile that PM could mean someone else. Evidently, the Government was more preoccupied in managing its diversities and overcoming its penchant for opposition that it collapsed. The authority of a PM was personified by Indira which she herself lost in her tenure in the eighties. Same was the case of Thatcher who captured the imagination of the public with her Falkland war. Touted to be a grocer's daughter, her firm action enthralled our young minds.

During our college days, the terms of Rajiv, Benazir and Gorbachev were critically analysed. This was followed by the practical Chandrashekhar, the Chanakya of Indian politics, Narasimha Rao who etched a place in history. The imprints left by leaders such as George Fernandes and I K Gujral were no less though they were contrasting personalities. The balancing act and the oratorial skills of Vajpayee left us spellbound. Soon it became clear that each person brought something to the post. The case would be well driven on citing the example of T N Seshan, the man who made the Election Commission an institution to reckon with.

Evidently, they occupied the post with grace and discharged their duties in the manner which is distinct to only themselves. It is for this reason the British held that the post was occupied by a person and did not allow the person to manipulate his office. Today, we have misconceived notions amongst the public in general and the persons holding office in particular. They believe that they are the posts. For example if X is holding the post of a Collector, it is stated that the X is the Collector which is incorrect. Instead of this if one were to accept that X was discharging his duty as a Collector and would move on then it would make him more objective in his subjective approach. He would only lend his elegant touch rather than believe he is law. Corruption could be battled and there would be a reprieve for the common man.

Let us therefore begin in small measure by stating that X is elected to the post of CM or PM rather than state that X is CM or PM. A small step by the media will go a long way in imprinting this fact in the psyche of the people leading to a major revolution in the thought process. In short let us separate the post and the individual. We may honour an individual for his diligent discharge of duties of a particular post but do not deem him to be the post. Will this happen?

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - LAMPS, HUSKS-THORNS.

The festival of lights wherein the Lord Subramanya is feted will be celebrated in the evening. The occasion calls for lighting of lamps within the homes as well as decorating the exterior of the homes with lamps. Traditionally the mud lamps are lit with oil and wicks. These lamps dot the household and similar lamps are lit in various temples to mark the occasion.

The festival at our home is more significant as my mother began the purchase of a set of lamps made of brass for each year. The purchase of the lamps meant the draining of the exchequer of princely sums out of the meagre income of those days. Accordingly, painstaking savings used to be earmarked for the occasion. Secondly, it also called for finding a new design which would also go with the rest of the collection. These lamps would be washed to its golden timbre on the previous day and the same would form a part of the decorations. As years passed, the collection grew and slowly it needed to be housed properly.

The construction of a residence gave her the idea of placing a showcase in the living room at the top instead of its usual eye level position. This was adorned by  a wooden frame which was decorated by carvings. Behind the glass doors sat the lamps in their pristine glory. It has always caught the attention of any person who visited our home and the unique position such lamps were provided. Unlike regular dolls on display or trophies on display, this unusual display of various types of brass lamps made it draw an admiring comment from one and all.

Soon, the addition to the collections stopped for want of space. Probably the ecstasy of purchasing a new pair was also lost considering their affordability. Any collector can find passion only when the article they are looking for is rare or beyond their reach. If it comes readily with neither much effort or cost, the passion dwindles. Or so I presume.

It is also the occasion for the preparation of certain sweetmeats which called for the use of puffed rice and beaten rice which was puffed. These are normally devoid of the husks but one has to ensure that each one of them are dehusked. This exercise was once performed in the presence of my cousin who was a tiny tot. Being a mere spectator to the exercise was beyond him as he was and continues to have a penchant to ask for some of this puffed rice as a snack. He was, therefore, initiated into looking out for the husks and performing the act of dehusking. The young fellow would term the husk to be a thorn and perch himself  on the table. Thereafter he used to loudly observe " Is there a thorn?" "No" and the ritual would be continued much to our amusement. The amusement would only make him to concentrate further with the question and answer session which was supposed to be a soliloquy. We also had to repeatedly monitor the young fellow for he would just be reciting the question and answer but actually stuffing the puffed rice by fistfuls. This session is now performed by the adults though we are not permitted to consume what is meant for the deity.

The tiny tot has grown into a young man but this action of his remains etched in our minds much to the chagrin of the young fellow. Age has however not cast a shadow on the passion with my mother observes the festival. The occasion serves as another reminder of the stern will power the earlier generation possesses which we atguably do not possess at least in equal measure. Only a survey would either substantiate or disprove this observation but I hold this opinion.

KUMBHAKARNA- VERSION 21ST CENTURY

An attack of gastroenteritis had laid me back and ensured that I was the recipient of the ultimate care. Small discomforts such as the pillow being in an incorrect position or the covers slipping off added to the woes. As I was recovering, I felt the need for a breath of fresh air. The rituals of the motions and the nausea were to be set aside. I ventured out to change this dreary routine and move to the window of the living room and attempt to bring myself to be part of the rest of the world.

A glance outside made my mother draw my attention to a tree opposite the house.  The construction on the site opposite the house was an irritant. Sand lorries and trucks laden with stones competed with each other to unload their burdens. Even as I was about to query her as to what was so fascinating, I noticed that a cradle made out of an old sari was slung from one of the branches of the tree. Therein lay an infant absolutely in bliss. Neither the noise nor the granite slabs below made any difference to the babe. The resourceful mother had ensured that the child was at rest while she earned her livelihood. No management institute could have imparted such a lesson. 

Even as I appreciated both the mother and child, I realised that except on such days of illness, I was blessed with sound sleep during the nights. This brought to my memory two incidents. On one occasion, a house had been burgled a street away and the bike outside had been set on fire. The area residents had been a hassled lot as they had tried to douse the fire and contact the police. All this while yours truly slept through the entire episode much to the chagrin of the adults who were light sleepers.

The other incident was hilarious in hindsight. On duty we had travelled to Shimoga. After five days of hectic activity, our day for return was finalised. Rest assured, I went into deep slumber in the hotel room. Apparently, my friends had held a conference around me and finalised a plan to start a bit early and pay a visit to the famed Jog falls. The whole idea was unknown to me though they were under the impression that I was feigning to be asleep. Subsequently, the next morning, I was disturbed by loud thuds. Finding my room mate fast asleep and a glance at the watch suggesting it was only nearing the Brahmamuhurat, I rose flush with anger and glowered at my friend at the doorstep. The cautious man who is at least a decade senior to me, gently told me to get ready and unfolded the plan finalised. Irritated I told him we could think of it after my slumber. Profusely apologising, he squeezed past me to wake my room mate. To this day this friend of mine never ventures to even make a call to me during the sleep hours.

Thus, Kumbhakarna has his present day version much less the child in the cradle.

KASAB, OMBLE- A LESSON FOR US

The news of the hanging of Ajmal Kasab was undoubtedly a breaking news. The demise of probably the most hated convict drew reactions of ratification across the strata and more so from the kin of the victims of the attack. The demise of a young lad on a noose raises several issues which also needs to be examined. The purpose of this blog was to look at this from the angle of Kasab himself besides from the judicial system and the diplomatic victory of India in giving even an established convict all the avenues of justice proving itself to be a much nobler nation that most of its citizens envisage it.

There has been considerable hue and cry over the laborious process of law being adhered to in the case of a terrorist beyond doubt. There has even been sarcasm on the front of the expenses incurred on his security, food and trial besides providing him with legal assistance. Probably in the history of the world, India got an opportunity to nab a terrorist alive in full public glare with television networks working overtime to cover the attacks. This was not another case wherein a hot headed approach of shooting him and terming it as an encounter would work. Instead the approach of holding him captive and providing him the facility of a legal counsel which most nations would have denied has lent credence to the fact that India can be tolerant even in the most testing of times. As against this the repeated denials and roadblocks placed by the neighbour did it more harm in exposing its hard stance than any diplomatic offensive could achieve in the past six decades. Let us compare the costs incurred for this trial to the diplomatic costs we have suffered besides the ignominy of being preached tolerance by a hawkish US or the threatening posturing during the wars by several nations. Apparently, the trial of Kasab has given us more and it would have made Kautilya proud of the approach of going through the entire process of judicial tests including a mercy petition to demonstrate the extent of our noble intentions. The victims of the attacks, their kith and kin, however cannot be faltered as the impact on their lives are so great that it would dwarf the macro considerations involved. The only solace for their grievance could be a parallel drawn from the Bible where one learns to accept his agony in comparision to another's. Let us in this context draw a comparison to the thousands who have perished under similar circumstances in the valley of Kashmir. the paradise on Earth or those in the Punjab or the North East. In these cases justice does not even appear to done in a delayed manner. Therefore, as fellow citizens we should extend this demonstrative effect on to other terror attacks as well. 

Let us now look at Kasab's own angle. To be ready to die is one thing but to be captured by your enemy is another. To add insult to injury you are afforded all facilities and taken through a long drawn process of law when you are fully aware that the noose is certain. The only uncertainty is the period for which the fate can be deferred. Probably the most agonising period for him would have been when his nation disowned him. Imagine a situation where one is tasked to perform a task and since the end result was slightly disadvantageous, the task provider disowns the task as well as the person entrusted with the task- the effect is devastating. This is a common malady in the corporate world of today and most of the corporate honchos would admit to this fact at least in privacy. The realisation must have dawned on him but with no evident change in the ultimate result being in sight, the young man would have thought it fit to be obstinate rather than seek forgiveness. This should make every task setter thinking as to whether he is willing to take the onus irrespective of the consequences. Suicidal missions need not always result in encountering another Tukaram Gopal Omble. Hence another message was sent by this brave man in his act. Omble deserves the Bharat Ratna for the service rendered to the nation taking into account the huge diplomatic victory he single handedly ensured for the country.

The judicial system has been at the receiving end of many. It must be given the credit for concluding the process without compromising on the credit worthiness of a fair trial. The defence counsel must also be given his due credit for taking up a lost cause and risking the ire of the fellow citizens to contribute to the huge success.

Let the success not make us complacent. The threat of the Taliban reveals its frustration but cannot be taken lightly. Each one of us have to replicate an Omble to put paid to the terrorist hopes. Sorry Kasab you died young for a cause which even you could not defend. So you are no Porus to an Alexander. As for Omble he deserves a highway in each State to be named after him and a tribute paid in text books with the details of the diplomatic gains India derived from this single act of bravery.

THACKERAY- ANOTHER LAST LAUGH

The innate Indian qualities are a source of amazement for the peoples across the globe. On display was one such quality in the multitude accompanying the cortege of the late Bal Thackeray. Hatchets were buried and people across walks of life, political spectrum and geographical locales joined to pay tribute. Even if a resolute person were attribute it to fear or to curiosity, it was brushed aside as people in a disciplined manner tracked the cortege for kilometres at end. Death they say is a great leveller but in India one's measure of life is gauged by the numbers who would pay respects to one's mortal remains. Undoubtedly being a popular figure such as a political leader or a cine star in the sub continent gives an unfair edge to such persons due to the sheer numbers and their beliefs. But all said with a full fledged live telecast and webcast in place and it being a Sunday, the only day available for the Mumbaikars to attend to their domestic affairs the cause for such a number to choose to move without any effort to rally them would astound any person who is not familiar with the ways of an Indian.

It is popularly held that for any auspicious event none shall attend without an invite and for the tragic circumstance of a demise, no invite shall be extended and the mere word of mouth shall communicate of the event to all known persons. Despite the advent of various modes such as the print media, electronic media or the mobiles and their texting facilities, the word of mouth continues to dominate the mode of communication. No wonder people were around at the residence even before the official announcement. The fact that most of the people who accompanied the cortege may not even had a glimpse of their beloved leader makes the presence of such large numbers even more intriguing.

This is where the innate Indianness creeps in. The farewell could be extended in the form of performance of certain rituals, placing floral tributes, rendering assistance or solace to the kith and kin or merely silently accompanying the person in question on his last journey. None is better than the other and each one is considered to be merely performing his duty. Therefore, the concept of duty or repaying of a debt in kind ( a very loose translation of the Indian concept of Vrun). In this context, I remember my friend's observations during his presence in London during Lady Diana's funeral. He found the westerners were scared of death and would never wish to see a body. Contrast this with the Indian psyche which appears in multitude to ensure that the departed soul does not feel lost when it can virtually feel the affection of the people around. 

In fact in the book written by Benazir's niece I think there is a reference to one of the Bhuttos actually feigning to be dead only to have a feel of the people who would actually pay tribute to him on his demise. Similarly, an aunt of my mother spends most of her time wondering whether all the rituals will be performed post her era. In fact, she is so paranoid of the "modern day youth" that she sometimes ventures to even hope that the end comes on a day when the water supply is on. Similarly, there is a tale on the email wherein a son considers his mother to be a burden while the mother defers her end since the son would not be able to take a cold water shower unless the summer has set in. The obsession with the ultimate end is so great that everyone wishes to complete certain tasks by the appointed time.Similarly there is so much truth that on giving birth and at the time of death a sense of detachment creeps in for a microbial second of our life only to be taken over by our worldly ways.

But I must admit that I was bowled over by a remark of one of my chums who is devout but worldly wise - " At the time of birth there is only breath and no name while at the end there remains only the name and no breath" . Having said this he goaded me to leave an imprint for the posterity. This was one day prior to the demise of the Shiv Sena leader. On that day, I merely chided him for turning philosophical but now I can only say it is a tall order!!!

Controversial or otherwise very few have the ability to touch the lives of several others during their lifetime much less impact them even after their lifetime. Should I ask him to reconsider his fiat to me or should I just follow my path of performing my duties and leave the rest to destiny?  

All said, the controversial leader has had another last laugh at his detractors by pulling a coup which would be hard to replicate leaving so many queries unanswered. As he said be it Hitler or Stalin or Gandhi or Nehru or Kennedy or Bhutto mass leaders need to be admired for their ability to touch a chord in millions of hearts and minds irrespective of whether they beat for their cause or against it. A red salute on that count too!!!

AUNG SAN SUU KYI - THINKER'S HAT

The telecast of the Nehru Memorial Lecture delivered by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi   the Nobel Laureate established her as an iconic figure. The lecture merits to be included in the text books of the future as it compares and contrasts the experiences and visions of Nehru and Ms Kyi herself. Her sense of humour with the charming smiles and laughter only added to her charm and made at least me wonder whether the lady could be only second to Mandela in my living memory. The anecdote on how the aristocratic Nehru ignored the crowds and the young Kyi while discussing matters of import with her mother with a mischievous twinkle or the deep readings of Nehru's works while analysing a poem which both loved were charming the elite crowd. However, she also subtly set all of us thinking when she spoke of renunciation. Even as she paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices of Gandhi and Nehru, she made it clear that they had the unstinting support of Kasturba and Kamala respectively.

The remark set me thinking as I had just completed the reading of a fiction of Ashwin Sanghi titled Chanakya's Chant. In this book, the enviable Kautilya keeps emphasising that the power of renunciation is what that attracts the multitude. The remark of Ms Kyi that the sacrifice of the icons were to fulfil an egoistic pursuit of a goal or to have a tryst with destiny could not have come at a better moment.She poignantly drew parallels and indicated that while she had chosen to stay be the Burmese at the cost of her family, it was their sacrifice that was greater as they contributed to another's ambitions and not to further their own agenda. 

Hats of Ms Kyi!!! you truly answered my mind in simple words. I have always wondered who is better the individual who sacrifices to attain better goals or a person who sacrifices his interests to further others' goals. The thinker in Kyi answered me unequivocally. The latter was the better individual though the former was celebrated. This happens in every home. The homemakers hide themselves under the cryptic behind every successful man is a woman while in organisations, the top brass bask in the glory of the multitude they "manage". In a nation the leader basks in the glory of the masses. 

In an interview with the combative Karan Thapar she charmingly disarms him by asking who am I to forgive? For once Thapar must concede that here is a batsman who says he is out before the umpire rules him out. Here is a leader who without hesitation accepts she is not infallible, she is human and she could be incorrect. This is indeed a breath of fresh air in an era wherein persons across strata do not wish to introspect or even consider for a moment that there could be a possibility of being in the wrong. We should envy the Burmese to have such a leader in their midst while we should also pity them as it is not she who is leading them.

I must admit that I have learnt the hard way that it is difficult to make another person hear you let alone listen. It is for this reason alone that mass leaders fascinate me irrespective of their affiliation or ideology. But their charisma is enhanced when they are able to admit that they could be in the wrong or they have erred. This is a rare quality more so in the political space which is busy teaching our batsmen a lesson or two in deflecting doosras and googlies. 

May I express the gourmet's appetite for a joint session to be addressed by the two living legends - Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi - more as a measure of lessons for the generations to come - a recipe for a connoisseur. Another lesson that was delivered in no small measure was the importance of reading, analysing and digesting the material that is read. Many read for the sake of reading. But historical accounts are to be studied, opinions of legends valued, differed on rational analysis and digested to be part of history itself. It is time for us to rediscover the treasures of reading and debating. A gift that Ms Kyi has left for us to pick. Will we honour it by picking it up?

JASPAL BHATTI - JUST BE A PAL BUT???

An era in satire came to a crashing halt as the vehicle carrying the inimitable Jaspal Bhatti met with an accident. As ironic as things could get, the tributes to the man were far and few though he was one among the pioneers who attempted to instil a sense of ethics albeit through humour in the large Indian masses. Days when the fifteen minute Ulta Pulta would be eagerly lapped up by the audience led the mandarins of Doordarshan to give him another chance with Flop Show. Bhatti dazzled with his wife and a devoted disciple in tow. The fact that Bhatti was given a second chance despite his biting sarcasm by the all powerful bureaucrats of Doordarshan spoke volumes for the then unknown TRP ratings that he had bagged.

The eyeballs that lusted for his sarcasm quietly betrayed his message by following them on the wrong side. The misdirection has become the direction of the day as productions have been indeed reduced to farces. With multiple channels and breaking news there is none who could match the witty Bhatti. The true tribute to the man would be to be able to change the system for the better. We have had another attempt in Office Office which has a cameo character who specialises in " do baatein ho sakthi hain". This entire serial is another tribute to Bhatti as it has picked on his idea and developed it into a full fledged serial for another channel. Similarly, CNN's Cyrus Broacha would also do well to acknowledge the role Bhatti played in his formative years for the rip roaring " The Week that Wasn't"

The comedians of Bollywood and other tinsel world would definitely agree that Bhatti did an impeccable act in a short span of time but to put it in his inimitable style, the road and the car miscarried him. Ironic Bhatti saab we lack the humour to pay tribute to your departed soul. May your soul be filled with laughter on the plight of these humourless Indians!!! Just be a pal but with your humour intact!!!

FRIENDSHIP DAY - IS ONE DAY ENOUGH?

Days of the year are slowly being marked for different purposes as the yesteryear mankind did in the form of festivities. Friendship day is another such day that is to be celebrated this month.

A casual reading of the newspapers pointed to the day and also paid tributes to some friendships. This only sent me into a nostalgic voyage. In the good old days of childhood, I remember my father relating a story of two friends who are trapped. One of them promises to return on release after paying a visit to his kin and keeps his word. This story is the human version of the popular fable of Punyakoti of Kannada lore. However, the essence of the story remains with me though the minute details have got buried in the course of gathering more information.

Another enchanting tale of friendship is one of Krishna and Sudama where neither caste nor creed, neither class or status plays a role. The two pals pass the test of friendship admirably unlike the other two of Drona and Drupada of Mahabharatha. Similarly, the unparalleled friendship of Duryodhana and Karna, though less celebrated deserves a study in itself.

Epics record many such inspiring tales but the true value of friendship is realised when one is able to pick threads from where one left in the earlier occasion irrespective of the passage of time. One such friendship I have witnessed is that of two classmates who cultivated a friendship in the formative years of childhood, nurtured it through their adolescence, preserved it through the adulthood despite crossing the golden jubilee of their own lives. In fact, their friendship would in itself be marking its golden jubilee though they belong to diverse streams of science intelligentsia and chartered accountancy leaving their footprints in two different continents. The undiluted friendship can be traced by the ecstasy of their meetings and the comfort zone they enjoy in each other's extended families too,

Another interesting friendship which I have witnessed blossoming over the years is between two lads who met each other for the first time when they were employed. The younger of the two was barely eighteen while the elder was older by at least a decade. Time passed and they drifted into different towns only to meet again. The resumption of the ties which was in an era devoid of telephones and mails provided a magical aura. The blessing was they soon included me into their uninhibited ties where the fine lines of communication and privacy was drawn in unspoken terms. The ease with which they absorbed me into their unique relationship merely on one another's understanding made me find a comfort zone for myself.

The reason I find such enduring relationships fascinating is possibly because of the factors that hinder such growth. My relationships with friends have been fluctuating from time to time. Most of my primary school pals are not traceable despite tools such as social networking. The high school pals had an occasion to reconnect and it was time to really walk down the memory aisle. The college era is more close to reality since these pals reconnect faster. The workmates are in touch and have not really been tested with long periods of disconnect. Despite this there is at least one person to whom I should pay tribute if I am blogging today.

A close friend of mine who is based in Australia was the one who initiated me to email and thereafter to the internet world. His persistence to stay in contact with me led to creation of email account and visits to cybercafes. Much later, another friend of mine posted an invite on Facebook. This soon led to the connectivity between school and college pals albeit electronically restored. This has led to the occasional sound bytes of these pals over the phone. I can only lay claim to the fact that today I connect with at least one friend from each phase of my life but if one were to ask me who my closest one was, I would remain puzzled.

Among my workmates too, I have had the pleasure of many of them choosing to grin and bear with me rather than miss me. A relationship beyond definition and barriers - friendship needs more than one day as a day of tribute, undoubtedly!!!!!!

INDIA AND EURO ZONE CRISIS - THE WAY AHEAD

The monetary policy of the Reserve Bank of India has invited despairing reactions from a cross section of the industry, media and analysts. The issues staring the Indian economy are complex and cannot be addressed by tinkering with repo rates to slash the cost of funds to be made available to the industry. However, the need for a boost to the industry cannot be overstated. In this background an attempt is to be made to devise innovative methods to kickstart the economy and create a favourable atmosphere for the Central Bank to pitch in by slashing the repo rates.

Cost reduction to fuel demand:

The fuel prices have been spiralling and have impacted the prices of all manufactured products. There is a need to initiate a reform process in pricing of fuel products. These products being essential in nature should attract levies at a flat value rather than a percentage of the base price with varying bases. The Central and State Governments should agree to not levy more than 4% for every Rs 25/- of the company price. Further, to this if the retail value of the fuel is fixed across the country, it would ensure that all industries benefit equally. The initial value can be fixed at Rs 60/- wherein the State gets Rs 2/- and Centre Rs 2/- per litre or unit effectively slashing the value to Rs 54/-.

The subsidy factor of the fuel products could then be phased out in a period of three years while the amounts parked for subsidy can be shared in a ratio of 80:20 between States and Centre. 

The next step would be to reform indirect taxes by ensuring that at no point the levy exceeds 8% except in cases such as tobacco products etc. This would considerably reduce the prices of the manufactured products. The MODVAT system would ensure that the loss is effectively compensated to a larger extent though not fully. These steps would ensure that inflation could be controlled and and also fuel a demand from the supply side.

Consumer driver:

The consumer is now inhibiited by prohibitive pricing. He neither spends nor invests resulting in locking up of funds. Hedging against the inflationary tendencies, consumers are driven to purchase gold or save in fixed deposits. These deposits attract higher rates of interest while the industry does not borrow funds due to high interest costs. This would end up destabilising the banks in the longer run. The need of the hour is to hand a carrot to the consumer to either invest in the industrial or agricultural sector or spend rather than hoard gold. Lower cost of products would drive them towards purchase but this would impact the economy only in the medium term.

For the benefit of the short run, the direct tax reform is to be introduced. The deductions accorded favour the rich against the poor as they get higher relief of taxes. If the same were to be converted into rebates and categorised, the economy could benefit. Savings should attract a rebate of 10% of the amount saved from the tax liability. Expenses in the form of contributions to 100% tax free funds should attract a rebate of 20% of the amount contributed from the tax liability. Similarly, the investment in industrial and agricultural sector should attract a 30% rebate from tax liability. A ceiling of Rs 20000/-, Rs 40,000/ and Rs 60000 could be prescribed. This would encourage even the marginal class to invest as their tax liability could be extinguished faster. The rich are dissuaded from saving and motivated to spend or invest. 

Fiscal Management:

The reforms in the indirect and direct taxes would appear to diminish the revenues. This will not be the case. The lower the levies the wider the tax base and compliance. This fact is best established from the phenomenal growth in revenues since 1996. Lower costs stimulate greater demand resulting in larger production and therefore higher revenue. Similarly, the cost of investment and management is prudently addressed by ensuring that no interest costs are tagged nor is the banking sector taxed. In fact, it would also be a good measure to consider restoring the standard deduction for salaried class thereby ensuring that people do not drift to other heads of income and reduce tax liability artificially by  charging expenses. This would also increase compliance levels

The levy of tax on transaction in immovable properties at a flat rate is to be considered. If the definition of the term short term capital asset were to be amended to bring under its ambit immovable properties which are held for a period less than ten years and a levy of 5% is prescribed on them while in case of long term capital assets it is prescribed at 2.5%, the administrative mechanism of a capital gains scheme account or the tracking of the deductions and their claims would not be warranted. It would also minimise the scope for corruption on these  fronts. Such a flat levy which would neither be refundable nor taxed again would ensure that compliance levels on such transactions bring in larger revenues to compensate the loss even during the short term. This levy should however not exempt any class of immovable properties. Even if one were to consider agricultural properties for an exemption, the same should attract this levy at the time of conversion for non agricultural purposes. Similarly, the levy should stand attracted in the case of joint development agreements. This would deter channelising of black money through real estate transactions.

A levy of commodity transaction tax on bullion, silver on the lines of securities transaction tax could be considered to compensate the short term loss by the outlined direct tax reform measures. A levy of 0.01% on payments to e payment gateways irrespective of whether they belong to India or outside would also bring in substantial revenues especially in the light of the growth in ATMs, debit cards and credit cards.

The conferences such as G 20 and other summits could be established through video conferencing rather than travel of global heads. This would set a sterling example for minimising public expenditure. Public expenditure should be in the nature of development. Focus should be placed on education, health, transport etc. Construction of rain water harvesting cells on major roads and linking them to major tanks or construction of fresh tanks would also ensure provision of water for the future. 

Euro zone crisis and India

India must also focus on increasing its imports from countries hit by euro zone crisis as a measure to fund such nations. Parallely, it should encourage exports by looking East and to the African nations which are largely untapped. The African market is to be drawn into the global market by India. The Euro zone crisis should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen the rupee. A vision to convert the rupee to a hard currency should lay a roadmap out of the present scenario.

These with other innovative ideas should be conceived to take us out of a crisis and not to look at the Central Bank to bail us out each time.

PETROL PINNACLE AND FINANCIALS

The last few days have witnessed a bizarre spectacle of persons affiliated with different ideologies sharing the platform for protesting the price hike in petroleum. The stranger aspect of this episode was that the States wished to hold on to its revenues while the Centre wished to hold deregulation of petrol prices the culprit. In the bargain, the common man of R.K. Laxman's fame was left in tatters with a placard in hand while his pockets were being emptied into the coffers of the State, Centre and the oil companies. Adding fuel to fire, a hike of Rs 7.50 per litre was compensated by a bandh which impacted the economy already in shambles followed by a cruel joke of a reduction by Rs 1.68 per litre. The whole charade went ahead as per the script without even making an attempt to identify and address the root causes of the issue on hand. Therefore, yours truly is making an attempt to look into the issue on hand dispassionately to the extent possible.

It cannot be gainsaid that the States look for their own share of tax revenues while the Centre also looks for its share in tax revenues. The land of Arthashastra should instil the economic sense of not having a percentage based taxation for a basic product such as fuel which triggers inflationary tendencies. Considering the fact that the Centre and States anticipate only a said amount of taxes, the freezing of the tax on petroleum products at a specific value per litre irrespective of the sale price would ensure that the Governments of the day got their share while the oil companies do not bear the brunt of the fluctuations in oil prices.

However, the arguments that would arise is that the Governments also would incur the additional expenditure on account of rising costs which needs to be factored in. this aspect cannot be denied but revenues from non taxation sources which would have no inflationary tendencies could be utilised to form a contingent fund for this purpose. The next question that comes up for consideration is what could be such source of revenue. The Government uses a large fleet of vehicles and also owns prime space with infrastructure. These vehicles and space could be utilised to generate income on the lean days and holidays by providing these locations and vehicles on rent. The use of vehicles for personal purposes on such days needs to be strictly on rental basis as provided in the existing rules. This would by itself generate substantial income. Further, the Government could facilitate training of personnel of different organisations for a fee in matters relating to compliance. This would also generate income for the Government. The share of revenue in Government private partnerships also provide a source of revenue without expenses being incurred. Provision of auditorium space for cultural events would bring rental income and also provide the recreation for the Government personnel. There is no dearth for innovation when the objective is clear.

The subsidy is another factor that bothers economists. The subsidies could be cut if levies are cut. If the states and Centre agree to tax only at the rate of Re 1/- for every Rs 25 of the price, the differential as on date would ensure that the subsidy is cut. Therefore, even by freezing the price at the average of the lowest and highest price across the country, a substantial portion of the subsidy can be removed since the levies would get restricted to maximum of Rs 4/-. This would mean that if the retail price of petrol rose to Rs 100/- the levy would only be Rs 8/- with the State and Centre sharing Rs 4/ each. This also is on par with the optimal rate of 8% levy of indirect taxes. This scheme of indirect taxation on the basic fuel would leave more money in the hands of the people.

This would also mean that a sum of at least Rs 10/- would be foregone by the Centre and the State which if the prices are frozen at the average of the highest and lowest prices say at Rs 70 would mean removal of subsidy to a differential extent. The next hike in the price can be deferred and the States and Centre would have the carrot of taking another Re 1/- each on the barometer crossing Rs 75/-. which would require another Rs 9/- ( Rs 75-(Rs 70-Rs4)). Effectively, removal of subsidies could be a reality while the Government also contributes to removal of inflationary tendencies.

The concern would then be to channelise such money into the development of the economy. To this objective, the tool of direct taxation needs a reform. It should provide for a tax rebate on the lines enunciated by the late Prof Madhu Dandavate instead of the present deductions. Savings should entitle a person for a rebate of 10% while certain expenses such as charity and medical expenses should attract a rebate of 20% followed by an investment rebate of 30% of the amount so invested. A ceiling of Rs 20000/- Rs 40,000 and Rs 60,000 respectively would ensure that the persons who are richer do not get a hefty deduction as in the present case. This would enable the Reserve Bank to channelise the surplus funds towards development. 

Another source of revenue would be to streamline the reality sector. The Central Government could levy a nominal tax at the time of transaction of immovable properties and commodities transactions. The capital gains tax if any on these fronts should be removed to nullify administrative issues. This would go a long way in ensuring the tax revenues go up on this front. The taxes so generated should be shared with the States to offset the loss on account of the reduced taxation of petroleum products.

The other principal factor has been the fall in the rupee value. The reason for the fall in rupee value has been the demand for the dollar has been rising in the absence of a strong alternative in the form of the European market. The rupee could be insulated by promoting it as a hard currency in the international market. Iran has already agreed to a rupee payment mechanism and the Russians would not be averse to it. Roping in the middle east and the African nations could trigger the European nations to look at the Indian Rupee as an alternative to the dollar or the British pound. Mere interventions in the form of release of dollars in the market would be a short term measure while the long term strategy should be to hard sell the Indian currency. Indians per se have a gold reserve which could still back the rupee and once this amenable atmosphere is created the Indian exporters and importers would be willing to let go the dollar which would have a free falling impact considering that India is one of the largest markets. Initially the dollars in the EEFC accounts could be absorbed to the extent of 50% to meet the country's needs while the Indian community abroad could be used as instruments to promote the rupee into a hard currency.

Some brainstorming and thinking out of the box could save the country from bandhs which accentuate the losses as well as provide the much needed succour to the common man. Anyone listening? 

With due apologies to Shri R.K. Laxman and Jim's Jokes and Cartoons.

MORNING CHORE SETTER

It was another hot summer morning which had led me to take the shelter of an autorickshaw to take me to office. The auto ride sheltered me from the heat and also ensured a light breeze ruffled my hairline giving me the sense of rejuvenation. The quick ride led me to stride in well before time. Settling down under the fan near the entrance, I was taking a quick glance at some editorials of the leading print media houses when I was accosted by a young man. As I addressed his queries, I learnt that he had also chosen the early route only to be pleasantly surprised by someone at office. Soon a colleague of mine dropped in and sought my assistance in the drafting of a correspondence. As I dictated the same, the young man watched the scrawl in Pitman's being written with ease. By the end of the letter, it was clear that he had be blown over by the quick disposal of the matter. He slowly took over the table for discussing my prospects of being a writer. Little did the young one know that the visitors of this site have already suffered enough and are pleading for relief. Playing on the words, I told him that creative writing was different from the mundane official correspondence. This did not deter him in the least and he chided me for not realising that an inherent talent would be lost. Promising to myself that it would form part of my blog, I told him that a sincere effort would be made to allow him to start the day on a more positive note. Days have passed and no clear idea of writing even made a remote swipe at me leaving me with this incident to be placed innocuously on the blog. Any takers for the young man's fancy?

RAMBLINGS OF A SETTLING MIND

The writer's bug bit me once more today that the temptation to log on and start keying out certain thoughts was beyond resistance. The recent readings of the Difficulty of being good, followed by a series on the Upanishads stirred a thought process which was catalysed by a symbolic wakening by the partial viewing of the biopic on the legendary EVR. For the best part of my life, I had held the view that the  man EVR was responsible for the maverick politics in the state of Tamil Nadu. However, the biopic showed that the man lived beyond his times and was a visionary who was a match for national leaders like Rajaji and Gandhi. He has left an indelible mark on the social fabric of the nation without resorting to the politics of the day. He did not even refrain from criticising his own proteges for their errors, mistakes or blunders. No wonder he earned the sobriquet Periyar.

The present day stresses and strains wherein one fails to achieve the goals he sets out to was eating into my vitals. No wonder the books lent me a sense of being to contribute to the society while the biopic made it clear that it was not mythical that it took the whole society to tar one before the achievement is recognised. Evidently, few legends were accepted during their lifetime. Many of their deeds met with disapproval rather than emulation. As in a old lesson in Hindi we had learnt in our High school days, the tendency of the man to crown the person who sets the agenda as divine or a star to make his life easier became the absolute truth. As these thoughts muddled my mind, I felt the urge to record my tributes to the legends who dared to deviate from the set paths, courageously challenged the ritualistic acceptance of a hierarchy, paved the path for a better society despite several inherent flaws in them. The best tribute would be in the form of emulation rather than glorification of these immortals.

Determined that my quest has begun for my purpose to be served, I look to contribute by moulding the characters of men who would be in charge of affairs at various points of society. Impressing a young mind of the need to uphold the cause of the general public at large is not a easy task but now I believe it is no more a daunting task. 

We have seen trainers conduct entry and exit tests on the levels of knowledge acquired but should we not lay a practical lesson on the importance of punctuality and empathy by making each one of them undergo a traumatic wait or delay in the process of training. A mind without ethics would be a wasted mind. Similarly, a corrupted mind would be a danger for the withering fabric of the society. Let us alter the course of training to meet these basic needs and only use the tools of demonstrative effect to at least make each one more responsible and accountable. Training should no more be a tool of academicians to feed data but a tool to educate and mould young minds. The path is known but the need to tread the untrodden trail is a requirement of the hour. Let us not focus on numbers but on the quality of the output. 

Will I successfully tread the path? is a question that time will answer with unswerving accuracy.

UNION BUDGET- REFORM MEASURES

It was a historic day. The morning served us the budget followed by the ton of tons by Sachin and the day ended with the euphoric dawn of a young cricketing nation in Bangladesh. Two Bengalis had sandwiched a Mumbaikar's feat. But could the budget have achieved the same goals with reforms too was a question that tickled my mind and led to this inaugural blog of the year.

The high inflationary tendencies had forced the Finance Minister to look out for ways of mopping up surplus funds which could be utilised for the common good. A noble intention but here are some ways by which the same could have been achieved/

The personal tax reforms could have been pushed ahead keeping in view the Direct Taxes code which is likely to come into force in the near future. The threshold limit for taxation could have been raised to a sum of Rs 2.50 lakhs leaving a sum of Rs 7210 uniformly in all hands. This would have acted as a bridge to reach the  Rs 3 lakhs mark in the coming year. The slab of 20% may have been left untinkered or moved to Rs 9 lakhs to compensate the loss across board. The senior citizens could have been given relief till Rs 3 lakhs and the very senior citizens left at the same mark of Rs 5 lakhs.

As a compensation for these losses a relook could have been had at the deductions given. These deductions could have been classified into three classes namely the savings oriented, the investment oriented and the relief on expenses incurred.

Considering the fact that the least outflow towards tax is at 10% and it is this class which would be conservative in investments and expenditure, as a measure to promote savings, the deductions linked to savings such as the present section 80C  may have been converted as a rebate at the rate of 10% subject to a ceiling of Rs 20000 effectively incentivising a saving of Rs 2 lakhs. This would mean that the classes suffering taxes at 20% and 30% would have to look at better avenues or in the event of they plumping for savings they would part a 10% or 20% extra to the exchequer.

Certain expenses such as medical expenses are incurred and are incentivised in the form of deductions. The move to bring in preventive health care into the ambit of tax relief is welcome. The charities are also a welcome outflow. These deductions which relate to 100% deductions on charity without a ceiling and medical expenses on preventive health care could be moved to a rebate of 20%which would promote the class in the top bracket to be charitable to causes of national interest such as defence, education etc. . They would still be parting an added sum of 10% to the exchequer vis a vis a deduction regime. This should have a cap of 10% of the total income 

The investment climate would be bettered in respect of such relief being provided as a rebate @ 30% motivating the lower classes also to invest to gain additional tax relief. This methodology would ensure a balance between savings and expenditure as well as infuse the markets with the much required funds which are now spiralling a demand oriented inflation. The infrastructure bonds and other bonds could also be brought under this scheme

A vexed issue of capital gains on immovable properties could have been effectively addressed with the new provision for taxation at source. Let us take a scenario wherein the sale consideration is 25 lakhs. In case the seller is a builder he would ordinarily tinker his accounts to offer 8% of the same as his income which amounts to Rs 2 lakhs. The tax liability at the highest slab works out to Rs 61800. The tax liability to turnover ratio is 2.47%. In case of capital gains, most assessees do not reflect these transactions or claim that the same is deposited in capital gains scheme account or is eligible for an exemption. The whole issue becomes a matter for interpretations and litigations in a handful of cases while the rest go scot free. The removal of all these exemptions as well as the capital gains tax on immovable properties would be an ideal situation wherein all cases wherein the transaction is below Rs 50 lakhs the same could be subjected to 1% and any sum in excess of Rs 50 lakhs subjected to 2% tax thus removing administrative costs on this issue. Further, in cases wherein agricultural lands are obtained and later converted for commercial or residential purposes the same tax needs to be imposed. The scheme also needs to be looked at from point of implementation and the sub registrars should be the persons who should remit these taxes using their Tax Deductors account numbers and file returns. The entire tax should be on par with STT with no further tax or refunds arising from such collection. This would effectively nip the litigations in the bud as well as be a money spinner for the Government.

An opportunity lost at the time of presenting the budget could be made good now but who is to bell the cat?