Despair and Hope

I took an old poem of mine that I composed this year and re-worked it this morning. Happy reading!

Despair and Hope

On a regular basis we hear and read about bloodshed,

Clearly people are not thinking with their head,

To them, fighting seems like the only option,

But still yet, there is another undiscovered direction.

This direction is the path of peace and harmony,

Of which unity and togetherness is the main philosophy,

Many countries have embraced this new door,

But from other nations we are hoping for much more.

This approach to friendship,

Will surely result in a stronger level of comradeship,

Reinforcing to us the notion that the human race is all but one,

Just one big world living under the sun.

Sometimes windows may be closed and doors may be forgotten,

So let us open the window of our heart,

And turn over the page to make a new start.

Will the world suddenly change to a new awakening?

Will someone light the candle of hope?

I dream of an ideal world of pure harmony and joy,

Where children play and flowers bloom,

And a place where there is a minimal amount of doom and gloom.

Written and edited by Paulash Chatterjee

Composed on: 26 July 2007

Edited on: 1 December 2007

Australian Election

I was very happy with the way the Federal election went. Howard, Costello and co. had gone stale and "new energy, new ideas and new leadership"/ the notion of generational change had captivated the Australian electorate. Not many people are giving Kevin Rudd credit, but he will be a great Prime Minister and he will lead a highly successful team.

On the Libs side of things, it is nice to see "civil war" erupting among that rabble of people. I watched Lateline last night on ABC, and Costello was still whinging about the merits of giving him the leadership instead of Howard. Anyway, the Opposition will take at least 6-10 years to get their house in order again.

Some more humorous posts regarding the Australian election are coming up. Watch this space!

Perfect Choice!

I am satisfied with the choice of the next Test captain for India. I had been thinking for a long time that Anil Kumble should be given a chance to do it. He is a fierce competitor and a workhorse for Team India. Let's see how the future unfolds, but it seems very bright!

India-US nuclear deal

Check out the article link on the title....

On this issue I am really sitting on the fence. On one hand, I can see in the long-term that oil will most certainly run out some day in the near future. How will energy be sustainable for our future generations? The answer to this very question lies in searching for renewable energy NOW to meet the demands of the future. So, if India is looking for alternative sources of energy to serve her people, I would give the thumbs up to this deal!

The Left parties are arguing in a somewhat different line altogether, though. I am a Left supporter, but I do agree that they are putting ideology before sustainability. Now, the main reason that the Left is opposing the deal is that they think that by signing this deal, India will become the "American satellite in South-East Asia". They also say that the ruling Congress Party is "kow-towing" and going out of its way and making too many sacrifices to ensure this deal goes ahead. To some extent my viewpoint on this issue is similar to this. The Left parties should leave their ideology behind and embrace the future, just like China's example shows. We need to engage in "modern/21st century socialism" and the world now is based on strategic interests, self-interest, mutual interests, friendships of convenience. Hence, the Left should not be going down the line of "me against you" and "USA versus India".

However, I think a balance needs to be made between the two arguments. I advocate to the Left parties to give the nuclear deal the go-ahead, because nuclear power is ONE of the sources of potential future energy which will serve Indian 1 billion plus population well. I also somewhat agree with Left's ideological stand, so the Congress Party needs to make this deal go ahead, with SOME CONDITIONS ATTACHED.

Additional comments:
I have been hearing comments recently from some Australian politicians which resemble the Dark Ages......things such as "India is a rogue state".... Honestly, this makes my blood boil. What eveidence is there that India is a so-called "rogue" state! I would counter these claims by stating:

1) While it may be true that India has not signed the "nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT)" there should be no question as to compliance with ethical standards. There has been no disaster at any nuclear facility.

2) India does not use its nuclear technology to the detriment of herself. We are a shining example of the "responsible use" of nuclear power. The Prithvi missile developed is only for military purposes, so it can be justified.

3) The main people in the Indian nuclear industry are scientists and researchers, not a "power hungry despot" and military people. It has a more scientific and humanistic face.

So do not call India a "rogue state".

Left Front Goverment of West Bengal

I just read an interesting article by Mridul De on Ganashakti, a mouthpiece of the ruling CPI-M government of West Bengal. To some extent I would agree with the author that the Congress Party does not really stand for anything, especially in West Bengal since the 1970's.

I think that the CPI-M under Buddhadeb Bhattacharya (current Chief Minister) are working and will continue to work hard to "right" the "wrong's" of Bengal's inefficient past (under the 27-year leadership of Jyoti Basu). I find that he is a more of a pragmatist and long-term vision oriented rather than just a "mere communist". I think we will see the rise of 21st century socialism...where governments work for the betterment for their own people by providing various social programs, such as education, housing etc... but also keeping the sustainable future in mind too.

I am a "pragmatist" supporter of CPI-M who advocates developing social programs for benefit of the community, as well as investing TODAY..to reap the benefits in the FUTURE....like what Mohammad Yunus does. I think Left Front government will continue to be elected by the people of Bengal because there is no credible opposition party/parties. Because of this, the opposition parties just resort to publicity stunts from time to time and also engage in "dirty", communal and vote bank politics. The Left appeals to all Bengalis because it governs for the people and in their best interests.

P.S. Once again, you can check out the article by clicking on the post title.

At last....a victory!!

I went to sleep last night in a very worried state, seeing that Australia had amassed 5/166 in 20 overs. I thought it was all going to be over for India. However, I got up this morning, switched on the news and what do I hear? India won the T20 match against Oz by 7 wickets and with 11 balls to spare...They are inconsistent...but I think finally Team India let their cricket to the talking rather than the stupid and ridiculous stuff that went on in the recently completed best of 7 ODI series... so you can say that I am relieved and happy to see that the Aussies have been beaten at some form of the game! :)

P.S. If you would like to check out the full bulletin and match scorecard..you can simply click on the title of the post "At last....a victory!!" and you will directed to the page on which they are. Happy reading!

Political Soundbites!

My ears prick up when I hear the Australian State Premiers talking in a press-conference or making some sort of public announcement. I love it when NSW Premier Morris Iemma says things like "We are doing this for the people of NSW" or "The decision we have made on this issue is of benefit to the people of NSW". The new Victorian Premier John Brumby is also another good example. He always says things like "We as a government want to do what is in the best interest for all Victorians". NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell always says "The fact of the matter is that the NSW government ... " and the Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Bailleu is always shown in the media as saying "Well you've got to really question the Victorian government on this issue because ... ". To me its quite interesting when they talk in that way.