It is too early to say we will change our stance!

It is too early to say we will change our stance.. well it's RBI Governor D. Subbarao who said this recently.  The context - inflation.  Deputy Governor Subir Gokarn says going soft on inflation could involve huge risk.   With food inflation scorching ahead at around 10%, the fight against inflation is only going to intensify.

Immorality in Indian politics: Swaminathan Aiyar

Hummingbird has been watching the growing anger against corruption over the years.  Oflate the anger of the common man is growing by leaps and bounds and the response of the ruling elites does not appear to reflect a proper understanding of the situation at the ground level.  While generally anger against corruption and corrupt people is considered to be high among the "middle classes" and honesty is considered a middle class virtue, the kind of people who came for the Ramlila agitation is an eye opener.  While traditional wisdom says that poor are more bothered about their livelihood issues, over the last few years, Hummingbird has watched with interest, the growing awareness (improved literacy levels and better media access) amongst the poor and lower segments of the Society on national issues besides the bread and butter issues.

In this interview, Swaminathan Aiyar talks about corruption and anger of middle class.  If corruption derails the growth agenda of the nation, it would push back the country by a few decades.  One only hopes, the country gets on with its focus on economics coupled with better governance. 

It may be Baba Ramdev today. It could be any of us tomorrow.

Came across two interesting articles, not in the discredited mainstream media (MSM), but in blogs.  covering the fast of Baba Ramdev.  If time permits, please have a look at these two links.

1. Baba Ramdev - a few thoughts (Link - http://centreright.in/2011/06/baba-ramdev-%E2%80%93-a-few-thoughts/)
2. The fast & the spurious (Link - http://www.mediacrooks.com/2011/06/fast-spurious.html)
   

Hummingbird broadly concurs with the theme of these articles, though one can dis-agree with some aspects. 

Hummingbird watched the entire police action starting from 12 mid-night till 3.30 am today morning.  It was sad to watch the various (contradictory) announcements like -

Pakistan's Army & ISI : A dangerous mix of humiliation & desperation

As usual, Sri B. Raman writes with clarity and precision.  His recent blog post - "Pakistan Army & ISI:  A dangerous mix of humiliation & desperation" (May 17, 2011) sums up the situation in Pakistan arising out of the US operation conducted inside Pakistan resulting in the death and capture of Osama Bin Laden alongwith material which might possibly give clues about links of the terrorists with members of the Pak defence establishment (including the ISI). 

The Silent Indian National Anthem

Hummingbird came across an interesting review by Sri Pathap Suthan in Mint (January 29, 2011) titled "The Ring of Truth".  It's about a film on the national anthem created by Mudra Group for Reliance BIG Cinemas and features children with hearing disabilities singing the National Anthem through their sign language.

Secondhand Chemotherapy

Hummingbird came across this interesting video from Natural News TV.

What is secondhand chemotherapy? Why are pharmacists, nurses, doctors and veterinarians who regularly come into contact with toxic chemotherapy chemicals now getting cancer? Watch the video and find out the answers with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger!

This text will be replaced by the player

Rainfall and Democracy

Is there a connection between rainfal and democracy? 

How about agri-tourism?

When my friends from France and Spain wanted to visit my village in Bihar, Niraj Kumar, faculty of Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar writes (Business Line, July 6, 2010) that he broke into a sweat. Why..?

Special harmony

Hummingbird came across an interesting article in Business Line (Life, September 17, 2010).  It talks about Tasleema who belongs to a family of musicians. She says that her interest in Shabad Kirtan took root when, as a six-year-old, she watched her father's Sikh students learning to play the tabla and harmonium for Shabad Kirtans. 

Tasleem Langoo sings (Source:  Business Line, Sep 17, 2010)

Some excerpts from the article -

Her high point was when she was asked to perform at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 2007. Her sweet voice brought tears to the eyes of many. An old woman hugged her and kissed her hands, saying, “You are the voice of Sikh women and an honour to the Sikh community.” The woman then removed her gold earrings and gifted them to the stunned singer.

“That was so moving. It is one of the biggest compliments I have received so far,” says Tasleema. “But she didn't know that the girl she was praising was not a Sikh but a Muslim from Kashmir,” she chuckles.

Tasleema has never felt any conflict between her religion and her passion. “The basics of all religions are the same as they lead to one Supreme God,” she says and recites her favourite shabad — Kareema raheema Allah tu gani.

Hummingbird had visited Gurudvaras (Delhi & Ludhiana) and offered prayers without understanding one word of what was spoken there.  Hummingbird believes that all places of worship are sanctified by the presence of God and is happy to read about a soul doing something which appeals to her heart believing in the oneness of God even at a time when politicians/media are busy dividing people.