[Assam] End discrimination against Hindus

[Pradip Kumar Datta]

End discrimination against  Hindus
— J G  Arora

‘Secularism’  is a sublime concept. It is all-embracing and non-discriminatory. 
Yet it has  been dragged to dismal depths in India. In a truly secular polity, 
there should  be no majority and no minority. There would be only humans, only 
citizens; one  law; one nation; justice to all; injustice to none. But in 
India, secularism has  come to mean “anti-Hinduism”.

After fighting foreign invaders for  centuries and losing Afghanistan and 
Pakistan over the years, truncated Bharat  was expected to re-assert itself 
after 1947. Instead, a fake secularism implying  ‘antiHinduism’ has seized 
Bharat. No other country has reduced its majority  community to such a helpless 
entity as India.

One of the major issues  tormenting Hindu society is the outrageous Government 
control of all prominent  Hindu temples all over India.

Though India is a secular republic and  though secularism commands separation 
of state and religion, many State  governments have taken over all prominent 
Hindu temples, which is an  anti-secular action. And, it is discriminatory 
since only Hindu places of  worship have been targeted for government control 
whereas no Christian church or  Muslim mosque has been touched.

This is not to suggest that churches and  mosques should also be taken over by 
the Government. This is just to stress that  since secularism implies 
separation of state and religion, Hindu temples should  also enjoy the same 
freedom from Government control as enjoyed by churches and  mosques.

It is also shocking that the State governments are not using  temple income for 
the cause of Hindu religion. Rather, the Government takeover  has resulted in 
diversion of temple funds for non-religious purposes and, as in  Karnataka, 
even for madrassas and churches. Takeover by the State has also  resulted in 
defalcation of temple funds, closure of many smaller temples,  encroachment, 
sale and alienation of temple lands and dismantling of temple  infrastructure, 
which is leading to gradual demolition of Hindu religion.  Because of 
Government takeover, persons with little devotion to Hinduism, and  even 
non-Hindus are governing Hindu temples.

The Government control of  Hindu temples and their estates amounts to 
suppression of the Hindus’  Fundamental Right of religious freedom guaranteed 
under Articles 25 and 26 of  the Indian Constitution.

A truly secular state can neither penalise nor  patronise any religion. But the 
state control of well-known temples in India is  demolishing the 
self-supporting infrastructure of Hindu places of worship. In  sharp contrast, 
the Government of India subsidizes “Haj” pilgrimage when not  even one of 57 
Muslim countries provides any such subsidy.

Apart from  being the centre of Hindu religious, social and cultural life, the 
temple is  supposed to be the focal point for learning the Vedas, Upanishads, 
Ramayan,  Mahabharat and Tirukkural etc. from religious scholars. Government 
control over  important temples is thus effacing Vedic learning and Sanskrit.

That is  not all. Another disability is heaped on the Hindu society by Articles 
29 and 30  of the Indian Constitution. These confer special rights only on the 
minorities  to establish and administer educational institutions of their 
choice. During  deliberations in the Constituent Assembly, it was presumed that 
the Hindus who  constituted the majority would automatically be entitled to the 
rights bestowed  on the minorities by Articles 29 and 30. However, in actual 
practice, these  rights are denied to the Hindus.

In no other country in the world, the  majority community has been deprived of 
basic rights whereas special privileges  are bestowed on the minorities.

Articles 29 and 30 giving special  privileges to the minorities are, indeed 
fragmenting Hindu society since many  Hindu sects proclaim that they are not 
Hindu to get the benefits of these  Articles. Clearly, being Hindu is a 
disability. As per the Supreme Court  judgement reported as Brahmchari 
Sidheswar Shai versus State of West Bengal (AIR  1995 Supreme Court 2089), even 
Ramakrishna Mission, a leading Hindu  organisation, claimed a minority 
(non-Hindu) status to secure the benefits under  Article 30.

Ramakrishna Mission was facing some problems in its  educational institutions 
and apprehended Government takeover. To save itself  from the looming danger, 
the well-known institution claimed a non-Hindu  (minority) religion status to 
secure the protection of Article 30. Though its  pioneers like Swami 
Vivekananda were glorious Hindus, the disabilities attached  to Hindu 
institutions in independent India made Ramakrishna Mission disown  Hinduism and 
claim minority status. Though the High Court allowed its petition,  the Supreme 
Court reversed the High Court’s decision and held that Ramakrishna  Mission was 
a Hindu institution, and could not get protection of Article  30.

Is there a way out? The ans

North East India�s first physical education (PEd) college

[Pradip Kumar Datta]

  PEd college to come up at IIM site 
- Govt allocates  100 acres   A STAFF REPORTER  
Guwahati, Aug. 26: Guwahati might have missed  out on an Indian Institute 
of Management but the land chosen for it will be used  to set up eastern 
India’s first physical education (PEd) college. 
 Dispur has offered the plot to Gwalior-based  Lakshmibai National Institute of 
Physical Education, the country’s only deemed  university that confers bachelor 
and post-graduate degrees in physical  education. 
 The institute’s vice-chancellor, Maj. Gen. S.N.  Mukherjee, told the media 
this morning that the state government had offered  them the plot.
 The announcement comes a day after chief minister  Tarun Gogoi disclosed plans 
to set up a physical education college here at a  meeting of the Assam Olympic 
Association.
 “Over the past few years, we conducted surveys in  almost all the northeastern 
states and their governments even offered us land.  However, overwhelming 
response from Gogoi last evening and ready availability of  land measuring over 
100 acres adjoining the Indian Institute of Technology at a  prime location, 
have prompted us to finalise the site for the new campus.” Gen.  Mukherjee 
said. 
 “The decision has also been taken keeping in view  Guwahati’s geographical 
location, its accessibility and communication  facilities.” 
 The college, to be set up with central funding under  the 11th Finance 
Commission, will start its academic session with the  introduction of a 
bachelor degree course for boys and girls at the sports  complex in Sarusajai 
by May, 2008, before shifting to the new campus within  three years. 
 There will be no tuition fees for girls who will also  be entitled to buy food 
at a subsidised rate. The college will have quotas for  SC, ST and backward 
community students. 
 Masters degree and other courses will be introduced  later. 
 The faculty will be recruited according to the UGC  guidelines. There will 
local recruitment for grade C and D employees. 
 Four more colleges will be set up in eastern,  northern, southern and western 
India.
 “In the first year, we have decided to start work for  the college in Guwahati 
and the one in south zone. For the former, we have  sought a Rs 10-crore grant 
from the Centre in the first year,” Gen. Mukherjee  said when asked about funds 
allocation. 
 “The Northeast is our top priority because of its rich  talent pool. Most of 
those from the region who have passed out from the  Lakshmibai institute are 
doing extraordinarily well,” he said. The other two  physical education 
institutions in the country are Lakshmibai College of  Physical Education in 
Thiruvananthapuram and the National Institute of Sports in  Patiala. 

   
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Re: [Assam] A chance interaction with Shashi Tharoor

[Ram Sarangapani]

Thanks RB. Hope my "Soft Power" for Assam works :)


Here is Tharoor's website and contact details

http://www.shashitharoor.com/contact.html

It will be interesting to find out when Tharoor plans to visit Assam. He
could be contacted either for speaking or other matters.

--Ram


On 8/26/07, Ritutapan Borah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> It was really interesting. I believe, Ram's approach of 'getting
> message about Assam across' definitely will bear fruits.
>
> Regarding Mr. Tharror's Glossary on India published weekly (in
> alphabetic order, now it reached 'I') in the Times of India; I sent a
> short e-mail to ToI to request Mr. Tharoor to consider 'Assam Tea' for
> the same. As the glossary is about different topics (read it 'brand
> name'), India is known for.
>
> Don't know, whether the mail reached Mr. Tharoor.
>
> On 8/27/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > Thank you Barua.
> >
> > --Ram
> >
> >
> > On 8/26/07, barua25 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > >
> > >  Good!
> > > That itself makes another good speech.
> > > Barua
> > >
> > >  - Original Message -
> > > *From:* Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > > *To:* ASSAMNET 
> > > *Sent:* Sunday, August 26, 2007 4:56 PM
> > > *Subject:* [Assam] A chance interaction with Shashi Tharoor
> > >
> > >
> > > Yesterday, we had the good fortune to listen to Shashi Tharoor speak.
> Most
> > > of us know that Tharoor was formerly a UN undersecrectary, and also
> ran an
> > > unsuccessful campaign to win th UN Secy Gen post. He is also the
> author of
> > a
> > > number of books The event drew (I would guess) a couple of 1000
> people) -
> > > packed. It was also attended by Congressman Lampson, the Indian
> > Ambassador,
> > > Sen, the mayor etc etec.
> > >
> > > Anyway, Tharoor talked about (excellent speaker) "India's Soft Power
> in
> > > the 21st Century World"
> > >
> > > He spoke at length of both India's successes and also of its failures,
> He
> > > talked about space, of IT, of growth rates, literature, and of the
> Indian
> > > spirit, And he also talked about poverty (something like 30-40% below
> > > poverty level), of the wide disparities within the country. He spoke
> about
> > > the "Indian Democracy" and of how there is still the "you cast your
> vote,
> > > and vote your cast" - but he mentions how at times the democractic
> system
> > > struggles & totters, and yet manages to survive and come out
> triumphant.
> > >
> > > He advocates "Soft Power" (SP)India which India practices very well -
> > > bothe within & outside the country. He advocates this power of
> persuassion
> > > as opposed to arms etc. SP can of course be in many forms - from
> Bollywood
> > > to literature, from our engineers to software developers. He mentioned
> > that
> > > India was like a"Thali dinner". All different, items, some
> complementary,
> > > while others not - but they all belonged to the same thali.
> > >
> > > I sort of took advantage of the Q & A session, hesitated, but asked
> him a
> > > question about Assam & NE.
> > >
> > > My question (based on some of the queries we often get in the net
> here)
> > > was what kind of Soft Power would Tharoor advocate the central Govt.
> take
> > > toward Assam in particular and the NE in general. I referred to the
> > > insurgency, the lack of development and wanted to know what steps
> Delhi
> > > ought to take to make Assam and NE inclusive and share and share
> equally
> > in
> > > the overall Indian experiment.
> > >
> > > Tharoor, basically responded and told the audience that India's
> overall
> > > success also depended on how well the all states were treated and how
> > Delhi
> > > should take proactive steps to ensure that Assam(NE) is not left out
> etc.
> > > etc and that it was important development and growth efforts in Assam
> be
> > > given a priority.
> > >
> > > He also mentioned that he would be visiting Assam, and that he has had
> a
> > > long discussion with the CM, Assam. He seemed genuinely interested and
> > even
> > > referred to the situation in Assam a couple of times in other
> discussions.
> > > Afterwards, I even got a chance of chatting with him for a few
> minutes.
> > >
> > > My reasons were very simplistic in asking the question. I did not
> expect
> > > that there would be any overnight change in attitude or perceptions
> toward
> > > Assam/NE or that Tharror could do on a personal basis. - but I thought
> I
> > > would atleast plant the idea, or notion that Delhi cannot just keep
> > thinking
> > > that India is just made up of a few states and cities. I wanted to
> bring
> > > this up in front of many  American invitees, Ambassador Sen, Consul
> Gen.
> > of
> > > India, and others like the mayor etc. Good or bad, I wanted to show
> that
> > > Assam/NE is/was being neglected in many ways - and I got to get that
> > message
> > > about Assam across in the forum.
> > >
> > > I have experimented this in a number of other forums too. I often
> raise
> > > concer

[Assam] NSUI extends financial aid to IAS aspirants (The Assam Tribune, 27.08.2007)

[Buljit Buragohain]

NSUI extends financial aid to IAS aspirants
By A City Reporter
 GUWAHATI, Aug 26 – In connection with the celebration of 63rd birth 
anniversary of the former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi, the National 
Students’ Union of India (NSUI), extended a helping hand to ten Indian 
Administrative Service preliminary qualifiers from the State. 

In a programme, held at the Bishnu Nirmala Library in the city, cheques of Rs 
thirty thousand were distributed among the IAS candidates in order to help them 
in their preparations for the main examinations. 

Later, in an interactive programme with the candidates, HN Das, former chief 
secretary of Assam, shared his experiences as an IAS from the State. Das asked 
the candidates to utilise the facilities available nowadays in order to do well 
in IAS examinations. Anil Goswami, former principal, Cotton College and Noni 
Gopal Mahanta of Gauhati University also encouraged the students to do well in 
their examinations. Bibhuti Bhushan Borthakur, president of the State NSUI 
presided over the meeting. 

The candidates getting financial aid from the NSUI are Papori Konwar from 
Dhemaji, Padma Pani Bora from Jorhat, Biswa Pegu from Dhemaji, Raktim Saikia 
from Guwahati, Sabyasachi Kashyap from Guwahati, Siladitya Chetia from 
Guwahati, Nayan Jyoti Nath from Biswanath Chariali, Pritam Dutta from Biswanath 
Chariali, Bidyut Medhi from Abhayapuri and Ashique Zaman from South Salmara. 

“All the candidates were present on the occasion and most of them came from New 
Delhi to receive the aid,” said Borthakur.

   
  (The Assam Tribune,27.08.2007)



   
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Re: [Assam] Vital statistics of retired Bharat Mataji

[Manoj Das]

dada

total debt is about $115 bn and foreign exchange reserve is $168 bn. i think
the imbalance in foreign trade is financed from FDI and NRI remittances.

mkd

On 8/27/07, mc mahant <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>  MANOJBHAITI.
>
> Arithmetic! sStatistics!
>
>- Taking Gold Price as Standard  INR today has lessthan1% value.
>- How do you reconcile a net Import imbalance?  Sinking into a debt
>Trap?
>
>India's exports (in Rs. Cr)
>
>403.4
>
>564000
>
>India's imports (in Rs. Cr)
>
>408.7
>
>82
>- And eating like pigs today . Yet Importing Wheat,Daal, Onion,Oils
>in spite of some GreenSwaminathan Revolution!
>
>Total wheat output (Mn tonnes)
>
>5-6
>
>72.5
>
>
>- And WHAAT a quality of life of cellphones and Suicides!
>
>Average life expectancy (Years)
>
>31.4
>
>64.7
>-
>
>Literacy rate   {   %?}
>
>14
>
>67
>But How many can write  a  Gorur Bixoye ROSONA--" Goru saarithengiya
>zwontoo,Goruwe Ghanh Khay. Gorure Haal baon.Goruwe Gakhir diye.
>Gorur samraare aami zwotaa silai pindhwon. Gorur Gobar Bhaal Xaar
>-"
>- Because soon Goru will only be in a Zoo eating imported hay!.
>
>   MM
>
>
>  --
> Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2007 19:21:26 +0530
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> To: assam@assamnet.org; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: [Assam] Vital statistics of retired Bharat Mataji
>
> Bharat Mata has completed 60 years (retirement age of Govt. of India
> employees). I thought of sharing some data, which I picked up from ToI:-
>
>
>
> 1947
>
> 2007
>
> *Note: A Rupee in 1947 would be worth Rs. 32 today*
>
> Starting salary in IAS (Rs./month)
>
> 350
>
> 17-22000
>
> Lever Brother's starting pay (Rs./month)
>
> 400
>
> 75000
>
> Cost of car (Rs.)
>
> 300-400
>
> 2 lacs-1.5 cr
>
> Average life expectancy (Years)
>
> 31.4
>
> 64.7
>
> Literacy rate
>
> 14
>
> 67
>
> Gold Price (Rs./ 10 grams)
>
> 88
>
> 9000
>
> Biggest Film hit (and revenue)
>
> Jugnu (Rs. 30 lacs)
>
> Dhoom-2 (Rs. 140 cr)
>
> Defence budget (Rs. Cr)
>
> 93
>
> 9
>
> Population (Million)
>
> 300
>
> 1130
>
> Per capita income (Rs.)
>
> 255
>
> 29382
>
> Total wheat output (Mn tonnes)
>
> 5-6
>
> 72.5
>
> Per capita power consumption
>
> 15.5
>
> 606
>
> Telephones (Mn)
>
> 1.1
>
> 233
>
> Infant mortality (per 1000 live births)
>
> 145.6
>
> 58
>
> Doctors (in lacs)
>
> 0.5
>
> 5.54
>
> National highways (in kms)
>
> 19634
>
> 65569
>
> India's exports (in Rs. Cr)
>
> 403.4
>
> 564000
>
> India's imports (in Rs. Cr)
>
> 408.7
>
> 82
>
> Govt. revenue (Rs. Cr.)
>
> 171
>
> 403000
>
> Govt. expenditure (Rs. Cr.)
>
> 200
>
> 564000
>
> Hope someone among us will be there to give the figures in 2067
>
>
>
>
> --
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> here!
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Re: [Assam] Assam Intl Univ. USA; a bittersweet tale of private univ engg girl student from India

[umesh sharma]

I was talking to another Assamnet member about the idea of opening an engg 
college in USA itself gien that we have top professors like Jugal-da Kalita etc 
and than Indian always boast of 8.000 professors in USA -- but no founder of 
engg college.

 It seems an Indian univ has chosen to go globa with US, UK campuses -- but 
seems to have no standing in India -- accreditated from the body in inland and 
none in India.http://www.raiuniversity.edu/aboutrui/aboutrui.asp 
http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/26/stories/2006022617540400.htm it seems they have 
roped in top Indian VIPs who spoke on seminars without looking up the 
credentials of the univ. Should they mention a statutory warning : 
"Beware - Our univ not approved by Govt of India and only by Finland!!"


umesh sharma <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Hi,
   
  I just got this weblink by the person who had put it on the blog.- a student 
of Rai Univ I started using YahooMessener recently and she sent me this bit of 
hard news 
  http://theviewspaper.net/?p=209
  It seems that even if the Assam state govt allows private engg colleges to 
come up they can still be harrassed by Indian govt bodies and that they have to 
comply to them - 
   
  I told her that in US private bodies examine your transcripts --look at the 
detailed syllabus -and what level you would fit at -- rather than just looking 
for the govt stamp on a degree. 
   
  Any comments.


Umesh Sharma

Washington D.C. 

1-202-215-4328 [Cell]

Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of  2005

http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)




www.gse.harvard.edu/iep  (where the above 2 are used )




http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/

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Umesh Sharma

Washington D.C. 

1-202-215-4328 [Cell]

Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005

http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)




www.gse.harvard.edu/iep  (where the above 2 are used )




http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/
   
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Re: [Assam] A chance interaction with Shashi Tharoor

[Ritutapan Borah]

It was really interesting. I believe, Ram's approach of 'getting
message about Assam across' definitely will bear fruits.

Regarding Mr. Tharror's Glossary on India published weekly (in
alphabetic order, now it reached 'I') in the Times of India; I sent a
short e-mail to ToI to request Mr. Tharoor to consider 'Assam Tea' for
the same. As the glossary is about different topics (read it 'brand
name'), India is known for.

Don't know, whether the mail reached Mr. Tharoor.

On 8/27/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Thank you Barua.
>
> --Ram
>
>
> On 8/26/07, barua25 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >
> >  Good!
> > That itself makes another good speech.
> > Barua
> >
> >  - Original Message -
> > *From:* Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > *To:* ASSAMNET 
> > *Sent:* Sunday, August 26, 2007 4:56 PM
> > *Subject:* [Assam] A chance interaction with Shashi Tharoor
> >
> >
> > Yesterday, we had the good fortune to listen to Shashi Tharoor speak. Most
> > of us know that Tharoor was formerly a UN undersecrectary, and also ran an
> > unsuccessful campaign to win th UN Secy Gen post. He is also the author of
> a
> > number of books The event drew (I would guess) a couple of 1000 people) -
> > packed. It was also attended by Congressman Lampson, the Indian
> Ambassador,
> > Sen, the mayor etc etec.
> >
> > Anyway, Tharoor talked about (excellent speaker) "India's Soft Power in
> > the 21st Century World"
> >
> > He spoke at length of both India's successes and also of its failures, He
> > talked about space, of IT, of growth rates, literature, and of the Indian
> > spirit, And he also talked about poverty (something like 30-40% below
> > poverty level), of the wide disparities within the country. He spoke about
> > the "Indian Democracy" and of how there is still the "you cast your vote,
> > and vote your cast" - but he mentions how at times the democractic system
> > struggles & totters, and yet manages to survive and come out triumphant.
> >
> > He advocates "Soft Power" (SP)India which India practices very well -
> > bothe within & outside the country. He advocates this power of persuassion
> > as opposed to arms etc. SP can of course be in many forms - from Bollywood
> > to literature, from our engineers to software developers. He mentioned
> that
> > India was like a"Thali dinner". All different, items, some complementary,
> > while others not - but they all belonged to the same thali.
> >
> > I sort of took advantage of the Q & A session, hesitated, but asked him a
> > question about Assam & NE.
> >
> > My question (based on some of the queries we often get in the net here)
> > was what kind of Soft Power would Tharoor advocate the central Govt. take
> > toward Assam in particular and the NE in general. I referred to the
> > insurgency, the lack of development and wanted to know what steps Delhi
> > ought to take to make Assam and NE inclusive and share and share equally
> in
> > the overall Indian experiment.
> >
> > Tharoor, basically responded and told the audience that India's overall
> > success also depended on how well the all states were treated and how
> Delhi
> > should take proactive steps to ensure that Assam(NE) is not left out etc.
> > etc and that it was important development and growth efforts in Assam be
> > given a priority.
> >
> > He also mentioned that he would be visiting Assam, and that he has had a
> > long discussion with the CM, Assam. He seemed genuinely interested and
> even
> > referred to the situation in Assam a couple of times in other discussions.
> > Afterwards, I even got a chance of chatting with him for a few minutes.
> >
> > My reasons were very simplistic in asking the question. I did not expect
> > that there would be any overnight change in attitude or perceptions toward
> > Assam/NE or that Tharror could do on a personal basis. - but I thought I
> > would atleast plant the idea, or notion that Delhi cannot just keep
> thinking
> > that India is just made up of a few states and cities. I wanted to bring
> > this up in front of many  American invitees, Ambassador Sen, Consul Gen.
> of
> > India, and others like the mayor etc. Good or bad, I wanted to show that
> > Assam/NE is/was being neglected in many ways - and I got to get that
> message
> > about Assam across in the forum.
> >
> > I have experimented this in a number of other forums too. I often raise
> > concerns about Assam and let often let NGOs and others to also pay
> interest
> > to states like Assam. Don't know if this works, but intend to keep trying.
> >
> > I also DO NOT think those of us interested in Assam ought to just lay back
> > and expect others to take interest. Today, there are many people both here
> > and in Assam, who are trying to make things happen.
> >
> > Today, because of the leadership of Hiren da & Usha (Hiren Sarma of
> > Houston), the Houston Assamese community was fortunate to be invited to a
> > presentation of Pratham USA by Mr. Yogi Patel. Pratham, as some of 

Re: [Assam] Post Frontier Blues

[uttam borthakur]

We wish so many good things from the Rulers. But those usually do not happen 
unless and until the vested interests of the rulers become one with the 
aspirations of the people. It seldom happens. Let us see, whether the 
suggestions in the book come handy to the Rulers or not.

Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  Dear Baruah:

Read the book on one sitting. It was an almost unprecedented 
accomplishment for me, since I left college. I found it extremely 
informative, as always. I was particularly impressed by your 
realistic analysis of the unsustainable two-tiered citizenship, of 
the ethnic homeland model and the proposal of for citizenship of 
India as well as a state. Most of all, for me, it is the first 
comprehensive attempt at finding an attainable and sustainable 
resolution of these indigenous/immigrant conflicts that have so riven 
Assam and the other 'states' around it. In that it stands out from 
the xenophobic cacophony that has dominated the discourse not only in 
Assam but has even spilled over to assamnet.

Big question however is if the powers that be will pay any heed?

Best.

m

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Uttam Kumar Borthakur

   
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Re: [Assam] A chance interaction with Shashi Tharoor

[Ram Sarangapani]

Thank you Barua.

--Ram


On 8/26/07, barua25 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>  Good!
> That itself makes another good speech.
> Barua
>
>  - Original Message -
> *From:* Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> *To:* ASSAMNET 
> *Sent:* Sunday, August 26, 2007 4:56 PM
> *Subject:* [Assam] A chance interaction with Shashi Tharoor
>
>
> Yesterday, we had the good fortune to listen to Shashi Tharoor speak. Most
> of us know that Tharoor was formerly a UN undersecrectary, and also ran an
> unsuccessful campaign to win th UN Secy Gen post. He is also the author of a
> number of books The event drew (I would guess) a couple of 1000 people) -
> packed. It was also attended by Congressman Lampson, the Indian Ambassador,
> Sen, the mayor etc etec.
>
> Anyway, Tharoor talked about (excellent speaker) "India's Soft Power in
> the 21st Century World"
>
> He spoke at length of both India's successes and also of its failures, He
> talked about space, of IT, of growth rates, literature, and of the Indian
> spirit, And he also talked about poverty (something like 30-40% below
> poverty level), of the wide disparities within the country. He spoke about
> the "Indian Democracy" and of how there is still the "you cast your vote,
> and vote your cast" - but he mentions how at times the democractic system
> struggles & totters, and yet manages to survive and come out triumphant.
>
> He advocates "Soft Power" (SP)India which India practices very well -
> bothe within & outside the country. He advocates this power of persuassion
> as opposed to arms etc. SP can of course be in many forms - from Bollywood
> to literature, from our engineers to software developers. He mentioned that
> India was like a"Thali dinner". All different, items, some complementary,
> while others not - but they all belonged to the same thali.
>
> I sort of took advantage of the Q & A session, hesitated, but asked him a
> question about Assam & NE.
>
> My question (based on some of the queries we often get in the net here)
> was what kind of Soft Power would Tharoor advocate the central Govt. take
> toward Assam in particular and the NE in general. I referred to the
> insurgency, the lack of development and wanted to know what steps Delhi
> ought to take to make Assam and NE inclusive and share and share equally in
> the overall Indian experiment.
>
> Tharoor, basically responded and told the audience that India's overall
> success also depended on how well the all states were treated and how Delhi
> should take proactive steps to ensure that Assam(NE) is not left out etc.
> etc and that it was important development and growth efforts in Assam be
> given a priority.
>
> He also mentioned that he would be visiting Assam, and that he has had a
> long discussion with the CM, Assam. He seemed genuinely interested and even
> referred to the situation in Assam a couple of times in other discussions.
> Afterwards, I even got a chance of chatting with him for a few minutes.
>
> My reasons were very simplistic in asking the question. I did not expect
> that there would be any overnight change in attitude or perceptions toward
> Assam/NE or that Tharror could do on a personal basis. - but I thought I
> would atleast plant the idea, or notion that Delhi cannot just keep thinking
> that India is just made up of a few states and cities. I wanted to bring
> this up in front of many  American invitees, Ambassador Sen, Consul Gen. of
> India, and others like the mayor etc. Good or bad, I wanted to show that
> Assam/NE is/was being neglected in many ways - and I got to get that message
> about Assam across in the forum.
>
> I have experimented this in a number of other forums too. I often raise
> concerns about Assam and let often let NGOs and others to also pay interest
> to states like Assam. Don't know if this works, but intend to keep trying.
>
> I also DO NOT think those of us interested in Assam ought to just lay back
> and expect others to take interest. Today, there are many people both here
> and in Assam, who are trying to make things happen.
>
> Today, because of the leadership of Hiren da & Usha (Hiren Sarma of
> Houston), the Houston Assamese community was fortunate to be invited to a
> presentation of Pratham USA by Mr. Yogi Patel. Pratham, as some of you know
> is a non-profit organization and focusses on basic education for poor
> children. The organization has done wonderfull things and made huge strides
> in many parts of the country.
> They now have a presence in Assam as well.
>
> I think, it is important for each of us to contribute what we can.
> Pratham, from what I understand, will be able to match funds thru various
> sources. Further, contributions can be earmarked specifically to Assam. I am
> sure Hiren da can provide more information on Pratham if anyone wants
> further information.
>
> --Ram
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> ___
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> assam@assamnet.org
> http://as

Re: [Assam] Vital statistics of retired Bharat Mataji

[mc mahant]

MANOJBHAITI.
 
Arithmetic! sStatistics!

Taking Gold Price as Standard  INR today has lessthan1% value.
How do you reconcile a net Import imbalance?  Sinking into a debt Trap?




India's exports (in Rs. Cr)

403.4

564000


India's imports (in Rs. Cr)

408.7

82
And eating like pigs today . Yet Importing Wheat,Daal, Onion,Oils in spite of 
some GreenSwaminathan Revolution!




Total wheat output (Mn tonnes)

5-6

72.5
 
And WHAAT a quality of life of cellphones and Suicides!




Average life expectancy (Years)

31.4

64.7
 




Literacy rate   {   %?}

14

67But How many can write  a  Gorur Bixoye ROSONA--" Goru saarithengiya 
zwontoo,Goruwe Ghanh Khay. Gorure Haal baon.Goruwe Gakhir diye. Gorur samraare 
aami zwotaa silai pindhwon. Gorur Gobar Bhaal Xaar-" 
Because soon Goru will only be in a Zoo eating imported hay!.
  MM


Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2007 19:21:26 +0530From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: 
assam@assamnet.org; [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [Assam] Vital statistics of retired 
Bharat MatajiBharat Mata has completed 60 years (retirement age of Govt. of 
India employees). I thought of sharing some data, which I picked up from ToI:-




 

1947

2007


Note: A Rupee in 1947 would be worth Rs. 32 today


Starting salary in IAS (Rs./month)

350

17-22000


Lever Brother's starting pay (Rs./month)

400

75000


Cost of car (Rs.)

300-400

2 lacs-1.5 cr


Average life expectancy (Years)

31.4

64.7


Literacy rate

14

67


Gold Price (Rs./ 10 grams)

88

9000


Biggest Film hit (and revenue)

Jugnu (Rs. 30 lacs)

Dhoom-2 (Rs. 140 cr)


Defence budget (Rs. Cr)

93

9


Population (Million)

300

1130


Per capita income (Rs.)

255

29382


Total wheat output (Mn tonnes)

5-6

72.5


Per capita power consumption

15.5

606


Telephones (Mn)

1.1

233


Infant mortality (per 1000 live births)

145.6

58


Doctors (in lacs)

0.5

5.54


National highways (in kms)

19634

65569


India's exports (in Rs. Cr)

403.4

564000


India's imports (in Rs. Cr)

408.7

82


Govt. revenue (Rs. Cr.)

171

403000


Govt. expenditure (Rs. Cr.)

200

564000
Hope someone among us will be there to give the figures in 2067 
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[Assam] Post Frontier Blues

[Chan Mahanta]

Dear Baruah:

Read the book on one sitting. It was an almost unprecedented 
accomplishment for me, since I left college. I found it extremely 
informative, as always.  I was particularly impressed by your 
realistic analysis of the unsustainable  two-tiered citizenship, of 
the ethnic homeland model and the proposal of for citizenship of 
India as well as a state. Most of all, for me,  it is the first 
comprehensive attempt at finding an attainable and sustainable 
resolution of these indigenous/immigrant conflicts that have so riven 
Assam and the other 'states' around it. In that it stands out from 
the xenophobic cacophony that has dominated the discourse not only in 
Assam but has even spilled over to assamnet.

Big question however is if the powers that be will pay any heed?

Best.

m

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Re: [Assam] A chance interaction with Shashi Tharoor

[barua25]

Good!
That itself makes another good speech.
Barua
  - Original Message - 
  From: Ram Sarangapani 
  To: ASSAMNET 
  Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2007 4:56 PM
  Subject: [Assam] A chance interaction with Shashi Tharoor


  Yesterday, we had the good fortune to listen to Shashi Tharoor speak. Most of 
us know that Tharoor was formerly a UN undersecrectary, and also ran an 
unsuccessful campaign to win th UN Secy Gen post. He is also the author of a 
number of books The event drew (I would guess) a couple of 1000 people) - 
packed. It was also attended by Congressman Lampson, the Indian Ambassador, 
Sen, the mayor etc etec. 

  Anyway, Tharoor talked about (excellent speaker) "India's Soft Power in the 
21st Century World"

  He spoke at length of both India's successes and also of its failures, He 
talked about space, of IT, of growth rates, literature, and of the Indian 
spirit, And he also talked about poverty (something like 30-40% below poverty 
level), of the wide disparities within the country. He spoke about the "Indian 
Democracy" and of how there is still the "you cast your vote, and vote your 
cast" - but he mentions how at times the democractic system struggles & 
totters, and yet manages to survive and come out triumphant. 

  He advocates "Soft Power" (SP)India which India practices very well - bothe 
within & outside the country. He advocates this power of persuassion as opposed 
to arms etc. SP can of course be in many forms - from Bollywood to literature, 
from our engineers to software developers. He mentioned that India was like 
a"Thali dinner". All different, items, some complementary, while others not - 
but they all belonged to the same thali. 

  I sort of took advantage of the Q & A session, hesitated, but asked him a 
question about Assam & NE.

  My question (based on some of the queries we often get in the net here) was 
what kind of Soft Power would Tharoor advocate the central Govt. take toward 
Assam in particular and the NE in general. I referred to the insurgency, the 
lack of development and wanted to know what steps Delhi ought to take to make 
Assam and NE inclusive and share and share equally in the overall Indian 
experiment. 

  Tharoor, basically responded and told the audience that India's overall 
success also depended on how well the all states were treated and how Delhi 
should take proactive steps to ensure that Assam(NE) is not left out etc. etc 
and that it was important development and growth efforts in Assam be given a 
priority. 

  He also mentioned that he would be visiting Assam, and that he has had a long 
discussion with the CM, Assam. He seemed genuinely interested and even referred 
to the situation in Assam a couple of times in other discussions. Afterwards, I 
even got a chance of chatting with him for a few minutes. 

  My reasons were very simplistic in asking the question. I did not expect that 
there would be any overnight change in attitude or perceptions toward Assam/NE 
or that Tharror could do on a personal basis. - but I thought I would atleast 
plant the idea, or notion that Delhi cannot just keep thinking that India is 
just made up of a few states and cities. I wanted to bring this up in front of 
many  American invitees, Ambassador Sen, Consul Gen. of India, and others like 
the mayor etc. Good or bad, I wanted to show that Assam/NE is/was being 
neglected in many ways - and I got to get that message about Assam across in 
the forum. 

  I have experimented this in a number of other forums too. I often raise 
concerns about Assam and let often let NGOs and others to also pay interest to 
states like Assam. Don't know if this works, but intend to keep trying. 

  I also DO NOT think those of us interested in Assam ought to just lay back 
and expect others to take interest. Today, there are many people both here and 
in Assam, who are trying to make things happen.

  Today, because of the leadership of Hiren da & Usha (Hiren Sarma of Houston), 
the Houston Assamese community was fortunate to be invited to a presentation of 
Pratham USA by Mr. Yogi Patel. Pratham, as some of you know is a non-profit 
organization and focusses on basic education for poor children. The 
organization has done wonderfull things and made huge strides in many parts of 
the country. 
  They now have a presence in Assam as well. 

  I think, it is important for each of us to contribute what we can. Pratham, 
from what I understand, will be able to match funds thru various sources. 
Further, contributions can be earmarked specifically to Assam. I am sure Hiren 
da can provide more information on Pratham if anyone wants further information. 

  --Ram







--


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[Assam] A chance interaction with Shashi Tharoor

[Ram Sarangapani]

Yesterday, we had the good fortune to listen to Shashi Tharoor speak. Most
of us know that Tharoor was formerly a UN undersecrectary, and also ran an
unsuccessful campaign to win th UN Secy Gen post. He is also the author of a
number of books The event drew (I would guess) a couple of 1000 people) -
packed. It was also attended by Congressman Lampson, the Indian Ambassador,
Sen, the mayor etc etec.

Anyway, Tharoor talked about (excellent speaker) "India's Soft Power in the
21st Century World"

He spoke at length of both India's successes and also of its failures, He
talked about space, of IT, of growth rates, literature, and of the Indian
spirit, And he also talked about poverty (something like 30-40% below
poverty level), of the wide disparities within the country. He spoke about
the "Indian Democracy" and of how there is still the "you cast your vote,
and vote your cast" - but he mentions how at times the democractic system
struggles & totters, and yet manages to survive and come out triumphant.

He advocates "Soft Power" (SP)India which India practices very well - bothe
within & outside the country. He advocates this power of persuassion as
opposed to arms etc. SP can of course be in many forms - from Bollywood to
literature, from our engineers to software developers. He mentioned that
India was like a"Thali dinner". All different, items, some complementary,
while others not - but they all belonged to the same thali.

I sort of took advantage of the Q & A session, hesitated, but asked him a
question about Assam & NE.

My question (based on some of the queries we often get in the net here) was
what kind of Soft Power would Tharoor advocate the central Govt. take toward
Assam in particular and the NE in general. I referred to the insurgency, the
lack of development and wanted to know what steps Delhi ought to take to
make Assam and NE inclusive and share and share equally in the overall
Indian experiment.

Tharoor, basically responded and told the audience that India's overall
success also depended on how well the all states were treated and how Delhi
should take proactive steps to ensure that Assam(NE) is not left out etc.
etc and that it was important development and growth efforts in Assam be
given a priority.

He also mentioned that he would be visiting Assam, and that he has had a
long discussion with the CM, Assam. He seemed genuinely interested and even
referred to the situation in Assam a couple of times in other discussions.
Afterwards, I even got a chance of chatting with him for a few minutes.

My reasons were very simplistic in asking the question. I did not expect
that there would be any overnight change in attitude or perceptions toward
Assam/NE or that Tharror could do on a personal basis. - but I thought I
would atleast plant the idea, or notion that Delhi cannot just keep thinking
that India is just made up of a few states and cities. I wanted to bring
this up in front of many  American invitees, Ambassador Sen, Consul Gen. of
India, and others like the mayor etc. Good or bad, I wanted to show that
Assam/NE is/was being neglected in many ways - and I got to get that message
about Assam across in the forum.

I have experimented this in a number of other forums too. I often raise
concerns about Assam and let often let NGOs and others to also pay interest
to states like Assam. Don't know if this works, but intend to keep trying.

I also DO NOT think those of us interested in Assam ought to just lay back
and expect others to take interest. Today, there are many people both here
and in Assam, who are trying to make things happen.

Today, because of the leadership of Hiren da & Usha (Hiren Sarma of
Houston), the Houston Assamese community was fortunate to be invited to a
presentation of Pratham USA by Mr. Yogi Patel. Pratham, as some of you know
is a non-profit organization and focusses on basic education for poor
children. The organization has done wonderfull things and made huge strides
in many parts of the country.
They now have a presence in Assam as well.

I think, it is important for each of us to contribute what we can. Pratham,
from what I understand, will be able to match funds thru various sources.
Further, contributions can be earmarked specifically to Assam. I am sure
Hiren da can provide more information on Pratham if anyone wants further
information.

--Ram
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[Assam] Free in Assam: pacemakers, chemotherapy treatment, and postoperative medicine to the patients undergoing kidney transplant

[bg]

http://www.assamtimes.org/index.php?news=418

The Assam Government has come up with some lavish plans to help the
patients. If Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmah is to be believed, Assam
will soon turn into one of the most respected states in health sector in the
country. Sarmah has announced on Sunday before journalists that the
department would provide pacemakers free of cost to every patient from the
next month. Besides, free chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients and
free postoperative medicine to the patients undergoing kidney transplant are
also some of the big plans of the Government
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Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software

[Chan Mahanta]

>  >No.  Because the argument is NOT to belittle 
>India ... so it can never hold any water.



*** Huh?


>  >Observation with a cover of hatred on eye is dangerous


Uh-huh!


>  >Unfortunately, you never learnt that a person 
>will NEVER jump to a well just because YOU say 
>that >there is a Gold Mine inside it.  You need 
>to Prove the real benefit of a independent Assam 
>before >asking people to support you which you 
>could not.


 Hmmm!  I know I have been accused of holding 
all kinds of powers in this net over the years. 
But I didn't realize I could ask anyone jump into 
a well, for whatever reason; for that to be 
refuted in so many words. I was under the 
delusion that netters do have a mind and do use 
it, and some use it at least some of the time.

If so, why the ridiculously defensive arguments 
to deny what is wrong with India?  Perhaps the 
realization that India is unchangeable ? Thus the 
absurd attempts to deny their existence?

Or something more honourable?






At 9:19 AM -0700 8/26/07, Krishnendu Chakraborty wrote:
>  > Good for India.  But WHAT DOES THAT prove? That
>>  Indian education fosters creativity, ingenuity?
>>  Does it?
>
>No.  Because the argument is NOT to belittle India ...
>so it can never hold any water.
>
>
>>  prevented me from learning; by observing,
>>  reading, asking a lot of dumb questions--whatever
>>  it took.
>
>Observation with a cover of hatred on eye is dangerous
>:)
>
>Unfortunately, you never learnt that a person will
>NEVER jump to a well just because YOU say that there
>is a Gold Mine inside it.  You need to Prove the real
>benefit of a independent Assam before asking people to
>support you which you could not.
>
>
>
>
>--- Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>>
>>  Hi Umesh:
>>
>>  Have you come across the term IRONY ?
>>
>>  Can't you see the irony in Krishnendu's offering
>>  of Flex-Cube as India's sole contribution to
>>  creativity ? Obviously he could not  find
>>  anything else. Even *I* could have listed more.
>>  How simple-minded can one get?
>>
>>  How many Indians have bank accounts? And how has
>>  Flex-Cube helped Indians better their lives? It
>>  might generate more profit for American banks. So
>>  do a great many other things that desis do for
>>  them.
>>  But is that  even a relevant accomplishment  to
>>  wave as an example of Indian creativity,
>>  ingenuity?
>>
>>  I'll go a step further: OK, fine--Flex-cube is a
>>  genuine piece of Indian ingenuity and that is an
>>  unchallengeable record of desi-achievements .
>>  Good for India.  But WHAT DOES THAT prove? That
>>  Indian education fosters creativity, ingenuity?
>>  Does it?
>>
>>  But people like you, Krishnendu and others like
>>  you can reasonably be expected to be more
>>  analytical, more discerning than you guys present
>>  yourselves as.  But I know pretty darn well why.
>>  And I don't blame it on you guys. But I do hold
>>  you responsible for holding your own potentials
>>  back with the dogma of what you carry around as
>>  national pride built on a swampy record. I
>>  probably was no different, but mercifully I have
>>  no national identity baggage unlike you guys that
>>  prevented me from learning; by observing,
>>  reading, asking a lot of dumb questions--whatever
>>  it took.
>>
>>  c-da
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>  At 10:25 PM -0700 8/25/07, umesh sharma wrote:
>>  >C-da,
>>  >
>>  >Every nation has ists share of poor people . If
>>  >one group is trying to excel make some great
>>  >software that is no way linked to poor people in
>>  >the city. Do you know that even outside Harvard
>>  >campus there are plenty of homeless people and
>>  >very poor African Americans styaing in the area
>>  >between Harvard and MIT - does that detract
>>  >anything from the contributions by Harvard or
>>  >MIT to the world at large and US in particular.
>>  >
>>  >***
>>
>>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_the_United_States
>  > >
>>  >Total Number
>>  >
>>  >As many as 3.5 million people experience
>>  >homelessness in a given year (1% of the entire
>>  >U.S. population or 10% of its poor), and about
>>  >842,000 people in any given
>>
>>week.[10]
>>  >Familial
>>
>>composition[11]
>>  >
>>  >40% are families with children—the fastest growing
>>  segment.
>>  >41% are single males.
>>  >14% are single females.
>>  >5% are minors unaccompanied by adults.
>>  >1.37 million (or 39%) of the total homeless
>>  >population are children under the age of
>>
>>18.[12]
>>  >
>>
>>Ethnicity[13]
>>  >
>>  >49% are
>>
>>African
>>
>>  >American

Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software

[umesh sharma]

C-da

if you have ever tride to teach a student or motivate someone you must have 
realized that there is a time and place for everything. When the student 
achieves something thats time for praise and NOT for criticizing her/him for 
some other errors. It is not about being defensive about the student but 
motivating. 
Similar about yourself and myself - when we as individuals or as groups 
(nation) achive something its time for praise not criticism

Umesh

Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking 
Software >to any country. go where more opportunities.
 

 

 *** But that has nothing to do with desi-defensiveness about admitting what is 
wrong of where they came from.Why do you guys get so defensive when someone 
points out something about India that is not flattering and go to absurd 
lengths, making yourselves look pitiably immature if not altogether foolish?
 To be able to admit to an issue is the first step towards being able to 
contribute something towards its correction.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 At 9:03 AM -0700 8/26/07, umesh sharma wrote:
 to any country. go where more opportunities.
 
 Umesh
 
 Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
 Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software >that those who are comin to US have 
no affinity to the country as such--- that seems to define you as well. 
 
 *** Affinity to WHAT country? 
 
 
 
 
 At 8:42 AM -0700 8/26/07, umesh sharma wrote:
 C-da,
some time back I posted snopsis of the US study showing that those who are 
comin to US have no affinity to the country as such (it was about international 
students  but can be applicable to all workers in US) or to any country - that 
seems to define you as well.
 
 You wrote:
 
 ***I probably was no different, but mercifully I have no national identity 
baggage unlike you guys that prevented me from learning; by observing, reading, 
asking a lot of dumb questions--whatever it took.
  
 
 Umesh
  
 
 Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
 Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software
  
 Hi Umesh:
  
 Have you come across the term IRONY ?
  
 Can't you see the irony in Krishnendu's offering of Flex-Cube as India's sole 
contribution to creativity ? Obviously he could not  find anything else. Even 
*I* could have listed more.  How simple-minded can one get?
  
 How many Indians have bank accounts? And how has Flex-Cube helped Indians 
better their lives? It might generate more profit for American banks. So do a 
great many other things that desis do for them.
  But is that  even a relevant accomplishment  to wave as an example of Indian 
creativity, ingenuity?
  
 I'll go a step further: OK, fine--Flex-cube is a genuine piece of Indian 
ingenuity and that is an unchallengeable record of desi-achievements . Good for 
India.  But WHAT DOES THAT prove? That Indian education fosters creativity, 
ingenuity?  Does it?
  
 But people like you, Krishnendu and others like you can reasonably be expected 
to be more analytical, more discerning than you guys present yourselves as.  
But I know pretty darn well why.  And I don't blame it on you guys. But I do 
hold you responsible for holding your own potentials back with the dogma of 
what you carry around as national pride built on a swampy record. I probably 
was no different, but mercifully I have no national identity baggage unlike you 
guys that prevented me from learning; by observing, reading, asking a lot of 
dumb questions--whatever it took.
  
 c-da
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 At 10:25 PM -0700 8/25/07, umesh sharma wrote:
 C-da,
 
  Every nation has ists share of poor people . If one group is trying to excel 
make some great software that is no way linked to poor people in the city. Do 
you know that even outside Harvard campus there are plenty of homeless people 
and very poor African Americans styaing in the area between Harvard and MIT - 
does that detract anything from the contributions by Harvard or MIT to the 
world at large and US in particular.
   
  *** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_the_United_States
 Total Number
 
   As many as 3.5 million people experience homelessness in a given year (1% of 
the entire U.S. population or 10% of its poor), and about 842,000 people in any 
given week.[10]
 Familial composition[11]
 
   40% are families with children—the fastest growing segment. 
   41% are single males. 
   14% are single females. 
   5% are minors unaccompanied by adults.
  1.37 million (or 39%) of the total homeless population are children under the 
age of 18.[12]
 Ethnicity[13]
 
   49% are African American (compared to 11% of general population). 
   35% are Caucasian (under-represented compared to 75% of general population). 
   13% are Hispanic (compared to 10% of general population). 
   2% are Native American (compared to 1% of general population). 
   1% are Asian-American (under-represented compared to 4% of general 
population).
  Umesh 
 
 Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wro

Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software

[Krishnendu Chakraborty]

> Good for India.  But WHAT DOES THAT prove? That 
> Indian education fosters creativity, ingenuity? 
> Does it?

No.  Because the argument is NOT to belittle India ...
so it can never hold any water.


> prevented me from learning; by observing, 
> reading, asking a lot of dumb questions--whatever 
> it took.

Observation with a cover of hatred on eye is dangerous
:) 

Unfortunately, you never learnt that a person will
NEVER jump to a well just because YOU say that there
is a Gold Mine inside it.  You need to Prove the real
benefit of a independent Assam before asking people to
support you which you could not.




--- Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> 
> Hi Umesh:
> 
> Have you come across the term IRONY ?
> 
> Can't you see the irony in Krishnendu's offering 
> of Flex-Cube as India's sole contribution to 
> creativity ? Obviously he could not  find 
> anything else. Even *I* could have listed more. 
> How simple-minded can one get?
> 
> How many Indians have bank accounts? And how has 
> Flex-Cube helped Indians better their lives? It 
> might generate more profit for American banks. So 
> do a great many other things that desis do for 
> them.
> But is that  even a relevant accomplishment  to 
> wave as an example of Indian creativity, 
> ingenuity?
> 
> I'll go a step further: OK, fine--Flex-cube is a 
> genuine piece of Indian ingenuity and that is an 
> unchallengeable record of desi-achievements . 
> Good for India.  But WHAT DOES THAT prove? That 
> Indian education fosters creativity, ingenuity? 
> Does it?
> 
> But people like you, Krishnendu and others like 
> you can reasonably be expected to be more 
> analytical, more discerning than you guys present 
> yourselves as.  But I know pretty darn well why. 
> And I don't blame it on you guys. But I do hold 
> you responsible for holding your own potentials 
> back with the dogma of what you carry around as 
> national pride built on a swampy record. I 
> probably was no different, but mercifully I have 
> no national identity baggage unlike you guys that 
> prevented me from learning; by observing, 
> reading, asking a lot of dumb questions--whatever 
> it took.
> 
> c-da
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> At 10:25 PM -0700 8/25/07, umesh sharma wrote:
> >C-da,
> >
> >Every nation has ists share of poor people . If 
> >one group is trying to excel make some great 
> >software that is no way linked to poor people in 
> >the city. Do you know that even outside Harvard 
> >campus there are plenty of homeless people and 
> >very poor African Americans styaing in the area 
> >between Harvard and MIT - does that detract 
> >anything from the contributions by Harvard or 
> >MIT to the world at large and US in particular.
> >
> >*** 
>
>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_the_United_States
> >
> >Total Number
> >
> >As many as 3.5 million people experience 
> >homelessness in a given year (1% of the entire 
> >U.S. population or 10% of its poor), and about 
> >842,000 people in any given 
>
>week.[10]
> >Familial 
>
>composition[11]
> >
> >40% are families with children—the fastest growing
> segment.
> >41% are single males.
> >14% are single females.
> >5% are minors unaccompanied by adults.
> >1.37 million (or 39%) of the total homeless 
> >population are children under the age of 
>
>18.[12]
> >
>
>Ethnicity[13]
> >
> >49% are 
>
>African
> 
> >American (compared to 11% of general population).
> >35% are 
>
>Caucasian
> 
> >(under-represented compared to 75% of general 
> >population).
> >13% are 
> >Hispanic 
> >(compared to 10% of general population).
> >2% are 
>
>Native
> 
> >American (compared to 1% of general population).
> >1% are 
>
>Asian-American
> 
> >(under-represented compared to 4% of general 
> >population).
> >Umesh
> >
> >Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >
> >  >Flexcube which is a Banking Software and
> considered No 1 Banking
> >>Software in the World ...
> >
> >
> >*** I am most impressed. It was my abject ignorance
> that caused me to
> >overlook such an ingenious, earth-shattering
> desi-contribution to
> >human civilization.
> >
> >Now if only 30% desis had a bank account to play
> with, we just might
> >laugh all the way to the bank.
> >
> >Desi-creativity and desi-ingenuity, thy name is
> Krishnendu!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >At 3:57 PM -0700 8/25/07, Krishn

Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software

[Chan Mahanta]

to any country. go where more opportunities.



*** But that has nothing to do with 
desi-defensiveness about admitting what is wrong 
of where they came from.Why do you guys get so 
defensive when someone points out something about 
India that is not flattering and go to absurd 
lengths, making yourselves look pitiably immature 
if not altogether foolish?
To be able to admit to an issue is the first step 
towards being able to contribute something 
towards its correction.










At 9:03 AM -0700 8/26/07, umesh sharma wrote:

to any country. go where more opportunities.

Umesh

Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software
 >that those who are comin to US have no 
affinity to the country as such--- that seems to 
define you as well.



*** Affinity to WHAT country?





At 8:42 AM -0700 8/26/07, umesh sharma wrote:


C-da,

some time back I posted snopsis of the US study 
showing that those who are comin to US have no 
affinity to the country as such (it was about 
international students  but can be applicable to 
all workers in US) or to any country - that 
seems to define you as well.


You wrote:

***I probably was no different, but mercifully I 
have no national identity baggage unlike you 
guys that prevented me from learning; by 
observing, reading, asking a lot of dumb 
questions--whatever it took.




Umesh



Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software


Hi Umesh:


Have you come across the term IRONY ?


Can't you see the irony in Krishnendu's offering 
of Flex-Cube as India's sole contribution to 
creativity ? Obviously he could not  find 
anything else. Even *I* could have listed more. 
How simple-minded can one get?



How many Indians have bank accounts? And how has 
Flex-Cube helped Indians better their lives? It 
might generate more profit for American banks. 
So do a great many other things that desis do 
for them.


But is that  even a relevant accomplishment  to 
wave as an example of Indian creativity, 
ingenuity?



I'll go a step further: OK, fine--Flex-cube is a 
genuine piece of Indian ingenuity and that is an 
unchallengeable record of desi-achievements . 
Good for India.  But WHAT DOES THAT prove? That 
Indian education fosters creativity, ingenuity? 
Does it?



But people like you, Krishnendu and others like 
you can reasonably be expected to be more 
analytical, more discerning than you guys 
present yourselves as.  But I know pretty darn 
well why.  And I don't blame it on you guys. But 
I do hold you responsible for holding your own 
potentials back with the dogma of what you carry 
around as national pride built on a swampy 
record. I probably was no different, but 
mercifully I have no national identity baggage 
unlike you guys that prevented me from learning; 
by observing, reading, asking a lot of dumb 
questions--whatever it took.



c-da

















At 10:25 PM -0700 8/25/07, umesh sharma wrote:


C-da,




Every nation has ists share of poor people . If 
one group is trying to excel make some great 
software that is no way linked to poor people in 
the city. Do you know that even outside Harvard 
campus there are plenty of homeless people and 
very poor African Americans styaing in the area 
between Harvard and MIT - does that detract 
anything from the contributions by Harvard or 
MIT to the world at large and US in particular.




*** 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_the_United_States


Total Number

As many as 3.5 million people experience 
homelessness in a given year (1% of the entire 
U.S. population or 10% of its poor), and about 
842,000 people in any given 
week.[10]
Familial 
composition[11]


40% are families with children—the fastest growing segment.
41% are single males.
14% are single females.
5% are minors unaccompanied by adults.
1.37 million (or 39%) of the total homeless 
population are children under the age of 
18.[12]


Ethnicity[13]

49% are 
African 
American (compared to 11% of general population).
35% are 
Caucasian 
(under-represented compared to 75% of general 
population).
13% are 
Hispanic 
(compared to 10% of general population).
2% are 
Native 
American (compared to 1% of general population).
1% are 
Asian-American 
(under-represented compared to 4% of general 
population).

Umesh

Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

 >Flexcube which is a Banking Softwar

Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software

[umesh sharma]

to any country. go where more opportunities.

Umesh

Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking 
Software >that those who are comin to US have no affinity to the country as 
such--- that seems to define you as well.
 

 

 *** Affinity to WHAT country?
 

 

 

 

 

 At 8:42 AM -0700 8/26/07, umesh sharma wrote:
 C-da,
  some time back I posted snopsis of the US study showing that those who are 
comin to US have no affinity to the country as such (it was about international 
students  but can be applicable to all workers in US) or to any country - that 
seems to define you as well.
 
 You wrote:
 
 ***I probably was no different, but mercifully I have no national identity 
baggage unlike you guys that prevented me from learning; by observing, reading, 
asking a lot of dumb questions--whatever it took. 
 
 Umesh
  
 
 Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
 Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software 
 Hi Umesh: 
 Have you come across the term IRONY ? 
 Can't you see the irony in Krishnendu's offering of Flex-Cube as India's sole 
contribution to creativity ? Obviously he could not  find anything else. Even 
*I* could have listed more.  How simple-minded can one get? 
 How many Indians have bank accounts? And how has Flex-Cube helped Indians 
better their lives? It might generate more profit for American banks. So do a 
great many other things that desis do for them. But is that  even a relevant 
accomplishment  to wave as an example of Indian creativity, ingenuity? 
 I'll go a step further: OK, fine--Flex-cube is a genuine piece of Indian 
ingenuity and that is an unchallengeable record of desi-achievements . Good for 
India.  But WHAT DOES THAT prove? That Indian education fosters creativity, 
ingenuity?  Does it? 
 But people like you, Krishnendu and others like you can reasonably be expected 
to be more analytical, more discerning than you guys present yourselves as.  
But I know pretty darn well why.  And I don't blame it on you guys. But I do 
hold you responsible for holding your own potentials back with the dogma of 
what you carry around as national pride built on a swampy record. I probably 
was no different, but mercifully I have no national identity baggage unlike you 
guys that prevented me from learning; by observing, reading, asking a lot of 
dumb questions--whatever it took. 
 c-da 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 At 10:25 PM -0700 8/25/07, umesh sharma wrote:
 C-da,
 
  Every nation has ists share of poor people . If one group is trying to excel 
make some great software that is no way linked to poor people in the city. Do 
you know that even outside Harvard campus there are plenty of homeless people 
and very poor African Americans styaing in the area between Harvard and MIT - 
does that detract anything from the contributions by Harvard or MIT to the 
world at large and US in particular.
   
  *** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_the_United_States
 Total Number
 
   As many as 3.5 million people experience homelessness in a given year (1% of 
the entire U.S. population or 10% of its poor), and about 842,000 people in any 
given week.[10]
 Familial composition[11]
 
   40% are families with children—the fastest growing segment. 
   41% are single males. 
   14% are single females. 
   5% are minors unaccompanied by adults.
  1.37 million (or 39%) of the total homeless population are children under the 
age of 18.[12]
 Ethnicity[13]
 
   49% are African American (compared to 11% of general population). 
   35% are Caucasian (under-represented compared to 75% of general population). 
   13% are Hispanic (compared to 10% of general population). 
   2% are Native American (compared to 1% of general population). 
   1% are Asian-American (under-represented compared to 4% of general 
population).
  Umesh 
 
 Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
 >Flexcube which is a Banking Software and considered No 1 Banking
 >Software in the World ...
 
 
 *** I am most impressed. It was my abject ignorance that caused me to
 overlook such an ingenious, earth-shattering desi-contribution to
 human civilization.
 
 Now if only 30% desis had a bank account to play with, we just might
 laugh all the way to the bank.
 
 Desi-creativity and desi-ingenuity, thy name is Krishnendu!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 At 3:57 PM -0700 8/25/07, Krishnendu Chakraborty wrote:
 > > *** Yes, they do depend on them , to a degree. You
 >> don't get to go
 >> to to topmost schools on the basis of SAT or GRE
 >> scores alone. There
 >
 >
 >What you are admiting is these tests are the "primary"
 >criteria. You may consider other aspects but will your
 >top school consider a student who scores extreme low
 >in SAT/GRE etc?
 >Since Indian students trained through Indian Education
 >scores good in these exams, by your argument I assume
 >these tests are designed to test the rote memory.
 >
 >> And if I was NOT wrong, can I still be right with
 >> relying on easily
 >> verifiable 

[Assam] TOI: Manipur's Baseball craze: Baseball and friendship

[umesh sharma]

Manipur's 20 clubs and 700 baseball players -- 'a model for the rest of India.'
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/322761.cms

Manipur students are into soccer, martial arts as well - but not cricket. I 
played football/soccer with them in Delhi univ campus in the evenings 


Umesh Sharma

Washington D.C. 

1-202-215-4328 [Cell]

Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005

http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)




www.gse.harvard.edu/iep  (where the above 2 are used )




http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/
   
-
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assam mailing list
assam@assamnet.org
http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org

Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software

[Chan Mahanta]

that those who are comin to US have no affinity 
to the country as such--- that seems to define 
you as well.



*** Affinity to WHAT country?





At 8:42 AM -0700 8/26/07, umesh sharma wrote:

C-da,

some time back I posted snopsis of the US study 
showing that those who are comin to US have no 
affinity to the country as such (it was about 
international students  but can be applicable to 
all workers in US) or to any country - that 
seems to define you as well.


You wrote:

***I probably was no different, but mercifully I 
have no national identity baggage unlike you 
guys that prevented me from learning; by 
observing, reading, asking a lot of dumb 
questions--whatever it took.



Umesh



Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software

Hi Umesh:

Have you come across the term IRONY ?

Can't you see the irony in Krishnendu's offering 
of Flex-Cube as India's sole contribution to 
creativity ? Obviously he could not  find 
anything else. Even *I* could have listed more. 
How simple-minded can one get?


How many Indians have bank accounts? And how has 
Flex-Cube helped Indians better their lives? It 
might generate more profit for American banks. 
So do a great many other things that desis do 
for them.
But is that  even a relevant accomplishment  to 
wave as an example of Indian creativity, 
ingenuity?


I'll go a step further: OK, fine--Flex-cube is a 
genuine piece of Indian ingenuity and that is an 
unchallengeable record of desi-achievements . 
Good for India.  But WHAT DOES THAT prove? That 
Indian education fosters creativity, ingenuity? 
Does it?


But people like you, Krishnendu and others like 
you can reasonably be expected to be more 
analytical, more discerning than you guys 
present yourselves as.  But I know pretty darn 
well why.  And I don't blame it on you guys. But 
I do hold you responsible for holding your own 
potentials back with the dogma of what you carry 
around as national pride built on a swampy 
record. I probably was no different, but 
mercifully I have no national identity baggage 
unlike you guys that prevented me from learning; 
by observing, reading, asking a lot of dumb 
questions--whatever it took.


c-da
















At 10:25 PM -0700 8/25/07, umesh sharma wrote:


C-da,




Every nation has ists share of poor people . If 
one group is trying to excel make some great 
software that is no way linked to poor people in 
the city. Do you know that even outside Harvard 
campus there are plenty of homeless people and 
very poor African Americans styaing in the area 
between Harvard and MIT - does that detract 
anything from the contributions by Harvard or 
MIT to the world at large and US in particular.




*** 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_the_United_States


Total Number

As many as 3.5 million people experience 
homelessness in a given year (1% of the entire 
U.S. population or 10% of its poor), and about 
842,000 people in any given 
week.[10]
Familial 
composition[11]


40% are families with children—the fastest growing segment.
41% are single males.
14% are single females.
5% are minors unaccompanied by adults.
1.37 million (or 39%) of the total homeless 
population are children under the age of 
18.[12]


Ethnicity[13]

49% are 
African 
American (compared to 11% of general population).
35% are 
Caucasian 
(under-represented compared to 75% of general 
population).
13% are 
Hispanic 
(compared to 10% of general population).
2% are 
Native 
American (compared to 1% of general population).
1% are 
Asian-American 
(under-represented compared to 4% of general 
population).

Umesh

Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

 >Flexcube which is a Banking Software and considered No 1 Banking

Software in the World ...



*** I am most impressed. It was my abject ignorance that caused me to
overlook such an ingenious, earth-shattering desi-contribution to
human civilization.

Now if only 30% desis had a bank account to play with, we just might
laugh all the way to the bank.

Desi-creativity and desi-ingenuity, thy name is Krishnendu!















At 3:57 PM -0700 8/25/07, Krishnendu Chakraborty wrote:

 > *** Yes, they do depend on them , to a degree. You

 don't get to go
 to to topmost schools on the basis of SAT or GRE
 scores alone. There



What you are admiting is these tests are the "primary"
criteria. You may consider other 

[Assam] US Embassy in India : Baseball and friendship

[umesh sharma]

http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/pr102606a.html

Umesh Sharma

Washington D.C. 

1-202-215-4328 [Cell]

Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005

http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)




www.gse.harvard.edu/iep  (where the above 2 are used )




http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/
   
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Re: [Assam] Vital statistics of retired Bharat Mataji

[umesh sharma]

seems good improvement. It is strange to see an ancient country like  India 
that is  Bharat  being called as  retired  at age 60  -- what happened  to  its 
thousands  of  years of  history  and  Bharat  named  after  King  Bharat since 
the time of Ashoka thousands of years ago.

Umesh

Manoj Das <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Bharat Mata has completed 60 years 
(retirement age of Govt. of India employees). I thought of sharing some data, 
which I picked up from ToI:-

   
 1947
 2007
 Note: A Rupee in 1947 would be worth Rs. 32 today
 Starting salary in IAS (Rs./month)
  350
  17-22000
 Lever Brother's starting pay (Rs./month)
  400
  75000
 Cost of car (Rs.)
  300-400
  2 lacs-1.5 cr
 Average life expectancy (Years)
  31.4
  64.7
 Literacy rate
  14
  67
 Gold Price (Rs./ 10 grams)
  88
  9000
 Biggest Film hit (and revenue)
  Jugnu (Rs. 30 lacs)
  Dhoom-2 (Rs. 140 cr)
 Defence budget (Rs. Cr)
  93
  9
 Population (Million)
  300
  1130
 Per capita income (Rs.)
  255
  29382
 Total wheat output (Mn tonnes)
  5-6
  72.5
 Per capita power consumption
  15.5
  606
 Telephones (Mn)
  1.1
  233
 Infant mortality (per 1000 live births)
  145.6
  58
 Doctors (in lacs)
  0.5
  5.54
 National highways (in kms)
  19634
  65569
 India's   exports (in Rs. Cr)
  403.4
  564000
 India's   imports (in Rs. Cr)
  408.7
  82
 Govt. revenue (Rs. Cr.)
  171
  403000
 Govt. expenditure (Rs. Cr.)
  200
  564000
Hope someone among us will be there to give the figures in 2067 
  


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Umesh Sharma

Washington D.C. 

1-202-215-4328 [Cell]

Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005

http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)




www.gse.harvard.edu/iep  (where the above 2 are used )




http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/
   
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[Assam] Soft skills--Cricket in US; Baseball in India

[umesh sharma]

Hi,
I played cricket after 2000 for the first time - but this time it was in US. I 
was god at fielding esp getting the ball out of the forest .

I must admit that I never played American football in India but have been 
playing baseball all my life both at my father's school and at the Jesuit one 
where I did my later schooling. Baseball bats, balls, pitching gloves etc are 
very much available in small Indian cities too. 

Thus, it was surprising when yesterday I was quizzed about baseball rules by my 
metro friends (one each from Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi) - esp by my journo 
roommate --who didn't at all believe that I could play baseball in India. I had 
to tell them the basic rules I have known since childhood like "3 strikes out." 
They would know the rules even if someone has seen movies on TV like "Angel"  
about orphaned kids who helped baseball team become champs again (somewhat  
like Boston's  Red Sox's World Series win at Fenway Park, Boston, in 2004/2005 
while I was at Harvard and saw classmates and profs alike excited and watching 
the game late nights. They had won it again after 30-40 years).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball#Baseball_around_the_world

 Even I beat my Harvard classmates at the short game we played in the 
neighborhood park of my Japanese classmate's residence in Sommerville - with my 
shots. Japanese also play baseball as enthusiastically as Americans.
Baseball is played by Indian army guys too who don't play cricket at all. I 
never saw any such thing like cricket - so time consuming- they play polo, 
soccer, volleyball, hockey, basketball, water polo etc etc.
Now those in US are trying to learn basics of  baseball etc. Why not learn  to 
play it in India - at  top colleges , Infosys , Wipro and other  companies 
whose employees  need to be in tune with  US, Japan etc 

any comments?

Umesh

PS: Ofcourse many learn new games in new environs - I played tennis for the 
first  time after coming to US - from a Telugu roommate of mine from Hyderabad
Ofcourse if you have played badminton, table tennis before it is not that 
difficult
  

Umesh Sharma

Washington D.C. 

1-202-215-4328 [Cell]

Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005

http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)




www.gse.harvard.edu/iep  (where the above 2 are used )




http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/
   
-
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[Assam] From TOI

[Chan Mahanta]

Pesticide menace cripples Punjab village
26 Aug 2007, 0136 hrs IST,Priya Yadav,TNN



GIANA (TALAWANDI SABO): Young children with tufts 
of gray hair, water that burns the insides as it 
goes down the throat, entire villages suffering 
from a variety of cancerous ailments. That's what 
unfettered and unmonitored use of pesticides has 
done in a Punjab struggling with unsustainable 
agriculture.

Giana, for instance, is a prime and rather 
poignant example of what has and can go wrong, 
crying as it is for urgent state intervention. 
One just has to see Manjit to understand the 
crisis. At first glance, the 11-year-old boy 
looks like an old man, his grey hair and failing 
eyesight adding to that disturbing trend. It's 
only when he comes nearer that his real age 
shows, startling strangers and visitors. In his 
village, though, people have got used to his 
freak looks. After all, there are many children 
in Giana who have grown ⤗old' much before their 
time. "Our children begin greying after three," 
said Banta Singh, 30 â¤" again, with lots of 
white in his mane. "Youth has passed us by."

Villagers in this ghost town are still a bit 
befuddled, but experts blame the indiscriminate 
use of pesticides that eventually seep into food 
and contaminate underground water as the root 
cause triggering this abnormality.
"Water across the state, either due to pollution 
or excessive use of pesticides, has become so 
harmful that we have launched a scientific 
investigation to study if it is leading to 
changes in the DNA," said J S Thakur, an 
assistant professor at Chandigarh PGI's community 
medicine department.

Rajesh Kumar, who heads the department, added, 
"Indiscriminate use of pesticides, absolute 
ignorance about the damage caused with faulty 
pesticide storage and use, and disposal of empty 
pesticide containers are major factors 
contributing to incidence of cancer here. Very 
high levels of heavy metals were found in water 
and vegetables in that region." There isn't yet 
an exact figure, but doctors at the premier 
institute do agree that an alarmingly high number 
of cancer cases, queuing up at OPDs, come from 
the Talwandi Sabo-Mansa belt. An extensive 
research is now on in PGI to understand the 
problem and find out if any gene mutation is 
occurring.

This has also intrigued experts abroad. "A team 
of doctors from England has already taken samples 
and pictures of at least seven of our students," 
said Ranbir Singh, a teacher in the only 
government high school in the village. "There is 
a huge problem somewhere."

There is. When the school bell rings end of 
classes for the day, a horde of students with 
grey heads rush out. "My hair started turning 
white when I was eight years old," said 
Ramandeep, patting her head as if for an answer. 
"Now 80% is white," the girl, just 12, added. 
"The only person who really gets bothered is my 
mother who fears that getting a match outside the 
village would be a problem."

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[Assam] Vital statistics of retired Bharat Mataji

[Manoj Das]

Bharat Mata has completed 60 years (retirement age of Govt. of India
employees). I thought of sharing some data, which I picked up from ToI:-



1947

2007

*Note: A Rupee in 1947 would be worth Rs. 32 today*

Starting salary in IAS (Rs./month)

350

17-22000

Lever Brother's starting pay (Rs./month)

400

75000

Cost of car (Rs.)

300-400

2 lacs-1.5 cr

Average life expectancy (Years)

31.4

64.7

Literacy rate

14

67

Gold Price (Rs./ 10 grams)

88

9000

Biggest Film hit (and revenue)

Jugnu (Rs. 30 lacs)

Dhoom-2 (Rs. 140 cr)

Defence budget (Rs. Cr)

93

9

Population (Million)

300

1130

Per capita income (Rs.)

255

29382

Total wheat output (Mn tonnes)

5-6

72.5

Per capita power consumption

15.5

606

Telephones (Mn)

1.1

233

Infant mortality (per 1000 live births)

145.6

58

Doctors (in lacs)

0.5

5.54

National highways (in kms)

19634

65569

India's exports (in Rs. Cr)

403.4

564000

India's imports (in Rs. Cr)

408.7

82

Govt. revenue (Rs. Cr.)

171

403000

Govt. expenditure (Rs. Cr.)

200

564000

Hope someone among us will be there to give the figures in 2067
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Re: [Assam] Banking on Banking Software

[Chan Mahanta]

Hi Umesh:

Have you come across the term IRONY ?

Can't you see the irony in Krishnendu's offering 
of Flex-Cube as India's sole contribution to 
creativity ? Obviously he could not  find 
anything else. Even *I* could have listed more. 
How simple-minded can one get?


How many Indians have bank accounts? And how has 
Flex-Cube helped Indians better their lives? It 
might generate more profit for American banks. So 
do a great many other things that desis do for 
them.
But is that  even a relevant accomplishment  to 
wave as an example of Indian creativity, 
ingenuity?


I'll go a step further: OK, fine--Flex-cube is a 
genuine piece of Indian ingenuity and that is an 
unchallengeable record of desi-achievements . 
Good for India.  But WHAT DOES THAT prove? That 
Indian education fosters creativity, ingenuity? 
Does it?


But people like you, Krishnendu and others like 
you can reasonably be expected to be more 
analytical, more discerning than you guys present 
yourselves as.  But I know pretty darn well why. 
And I don't blame it on you guys. But I do hold 
you responsible for holding your own potentials 
back with the dogma of what you carry around as 
national pride built on a swampy record. I 
probably was no different, but mercifully I have 
no national identity baggage unlike you guys that 
prevented me from learning; by observing, 
reading, asking a lot of dumb questions--whatever 
it took.


c-da
















At 10:25 PM -0700 8/25/07, umesh sharma wrote:

C-da,

Every nation has ists share of poor people . If 
one group is trying to excel make some great 
software that is no way linked to poor people in 
the city. Do you know that even outside Harvard 
campus there are plenty of homeless people and 
very poor African Americans styaing in the area 
between Harvard and MIT - does that detract 
anything from the contributions by Harvard or 
MIT to the world at large and US in particular.


*** 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_the_United_States


Total Number

As many as 3.5 million people experience 
homelessness in a given year (1% of the entire 
U.S. population or 10% of its poor), and about 
842,000 people in any given 
week.[10]
Familial 
composition[11]


40% are families with children—the fastest growing segment.
41% are single males.
14% are single females.
5% are minors unaccompanied by adults.
1.37 million (or 39%) of the total homeless 
population are children under the age of 
18.[12]


Ethnicity[13]

49% are 
African 
American (compared to 11% of general population).
35% are 
Caucasian 
(under-represented compared to 75% of general 
population).
13% are 
Hispanic 
(compared to 10% of general population).
2% are 
Native 
American (compared to 1% of general population).
1% are 
Asian-American 
(under-represented compared to 4% of general 
population).

Umesh

Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

 >Flexcube which is a Banking Software and considered No 1 Banking

Software in the World ...



*** I am most impressed. It was my abject ignorance that caused me to
overlook such an ingenious, earth-shattering desi-contribution to
human civilization.

Now if only 30% desis had a bank account to play with, we just might
laugh all the way to the bank.

Desi-creativity and desi-ingenuity, thy name is Krishnendu!
















At 3:57 PM -0700 8/25/07, Krishnendu Chakraborty wrote:

 > *** Yes, they do depend on them , to a degree. You

 don't get to go
 to to topmost schools on the basis of SAT or GRE
 scores alone. There



What you are admiting is these tests are the "primary"
criteria. You may consider other aspects but will your
top school consider a student who scores extreme low
in SAT/GRE etc?
Since Indian students trained through Indian Education
scores good in these exams, by your argument I assume
these tests are designed to test the rote memory.


 And if I was NOT wrong, can I still be right with
 relying on easily
 verifiable info available there?



As a matter of fact, you swing per your convenience.
For example, when Indian Press writes against your
views, you decry Indian Press but again when you find
a article criticizing India you are the first one to
highlight it.
If you think some info is easily verifiable, why pick
it from Wiki, why not from authoratative sources?


 *** First off, it is NOT my education system. But it
 is a far far
 better one than the Indian one i

Re: [Assam] About IMAGINATIONS

[Chan Mahanta]

The point I was trying to get across Chitta, is that there are 
problems everywhere and with everything. But the difference between 
winners and losers  in this,  is in those who have the creativity and 
the imaginations to do things differently, to find solutions;  and 
those who choose to remain mired in their woes, because they cannot 
even imagine changing things around to get over what they don't like.


There are plenty of people who are willing and able to change things 
--- but they do not get the support of the intelligentsia who have 
grown accustomed to an acceptable standard of life, if not 
prosperity, thanks to governmental handouts and guaranteed employment 
in return for little or no productivity.


One can't blame that on people. It is natural. But It is 
UNSUSTAINABLE. It is demonstration of short term

protection of self-interests , with long term disaster looming just beyond.


Coming to Rs. 10,000 per person per annum imbroglio-may be some 
non-Assamese corrupt >politicians like Raful Mahant, Carrot Narah 
are siphoning the money. Otherwise where will it go? It is >just a 
guess.



 How come you are not leveraging it Chitta? What holds you back? 
( Mind you I am not singling YOU out here -- you means all those who 
share your view or are in your shoes in Assam). If you have been 
unable to do so for decades past, how do you plan to do it in the 
future? What has CHANGED to allow you to do so now, or in years to 
come?



 Corruption, does not matter whether Indian or Assamese, is not a 
unremovable curse or inherited like one's caste. There are ways to 
deal with it. Question is WHY doesn't that happen ? If you have the 
courage to keep asking, digging, until you get the answers, you will 
promptly come up with ways to deal with it.


But I have not seen such willingness to keep asking, digging, amongst 
my peers, to go wherever it might lead them to. Because they are 
terrified of facing truths they feel "helpless" about changing.


Take a good look at the article Dilip posted yesterday. It explains 
things far better than I ever could have. And everything we are 
witnessing in these exchanges are explained right there.



m-da










At 11:04 PM -0700 8/25/07, chittaranjan pathak wrote:

Mahanta da
First thing is I am not a blind devotee of Desi D. We all know there 
are lot of problems and adhocism. Like this latest release of a 
minister from jail, arrest and then release of Dutt Saheb etc. But 
yes still people like me will lean towards Desi D when you compare 
it absolute cluelessness and chaos. Desi D is not an absolute item 
of worshipping-not at all. But when one compares it with the 
alternative-then this Desi D becomes 100 times more desirable.


Coming to Rs. 10,000 per person per annum imbroglio-may be some 
non-Assamese corrupt politicians like Raful Mahant, Carrot Narah are 
siphoning the money. Otherwise where will it go? It is just a guess.


Chitta   


Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

The bigger question is how Assam is leveraging that Rs. 10,000 per 
person per annum India is supposedly pouring into Assam and the 
contiguous states?


Perhaps Chitta will explain.  Who knows , he and his fellow devotees 
of desi-demokrasy just might have some secret weapon.











At 6:52 AM +0530 8/26/07, mc mahant wrote:

that you can not prosper taking leverage of India's support 
(however dysfunctional its Desi Demokrasy is), you are even more 
DOOMED.>

Who wants India's support?
We want trade among Equals .India is an avid signatory to WTO
mm


Date: Sat, 25 Aug 2007 07:25:16 -0700
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
CC: assam@assamnet.org
Subject: Re: [Assam] About IMAGINATIONS

Assam's despondency is rooted in an appalling lack of imaginative 
ideas and creative drives, forever under the shackles of even more 
unimaginative Indian rule.




DOES IT MEAN Assamese people are unimaginative ?

Or do we so easily cower down that we allow our imaginations to 
be stifled by Indian rule?


On either accounts will it not be a disester or chaos if by some 
magic Assam becomes what you want it to be?


The moment you accept this condition as given and an unchangeable 
fact of life, you are doomed. Your thought processes cannot  get 
out of the self imposed prisons.




THAT IS YOUR VIEW POINT-but many may feel that moment you accept 
that you can not prosper taking leverage of India's support 
(however dysfunctional its Desi Demokrasy is), you are even more 
DOOMED.



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