Join us on Facebook The people around Anna Hazare in Ramlila Maidan have injected a dangerous element into the Indian polity that presents a threat to India’s national interest. This is a Facebook page for people who believe in preserving and strengthening our democratic republic, regardless of political views or ideological persuasions. About Defending the ...
Now for something completely different Here’s an excerpt of an article I wrote for Mint Lounge on the wonderful handmade fountain pens of Andhra Pradesh. Several years ago, I heard about a manufacturer of fountain pens in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, whose products were said to have been used by national leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, ...
What should we make of the UPA government’s management of Anna Hazare’s agitation? It was a game of political brinkmanship and yesterday, the Indian government came out as the chicken. If saner counsel had prevailed, both Anna Hazare’s group and the Indian government would have stepped back from the brink. However, Mr Hazare’s personal behaviour ...
New mantras for a new India It’s been a tradition on this blog to post three thoughts for quiet contemplation on Independence and Republic days. Today, there’s a song to go with them. Hum Hindustani (1960). Music: Usha Khanna, Lyrics: Prem Dhawan, Singer: Mukesh The three thoughts: A mantra for the alternative; who says ...
Don’t fall for the miracle cure that is being offered. Corruption must be fought differently and it’s not easy. 1. Is Lok Pal is necessary to fight corruption? No, not only is it unnecessary, it will make the problem worse. Corruption in India arises because of too much government, too many rules, too much complexity ...
Private property, national heritage and the state’s exchequer I made these comments in an email exchange a few days ago, and thought they are worth sharing on this blog. I do not agree with those who argue that the Thiruvananthapuram treasure must be used for ‘the social good’. The treasure is the property of the ...