100 Views, 100 Perspectives

100 views, 100 perspectives

Thinking through my fingers

By

Murali Murthy

It's my 100th Blog and it's been quite an amazing journey expressing myself in words.

I didn't realize until the Covid times, that I had decent skills in writing, though I had been creating technical content and generating documents through out my career.

I did know my writings could keep the readers engaged with my Travelogues that I started writing since 2009. The intent was to record the memories in words and pictures, to keep it informative and motivate others to enjoy the pleasures of travel and visiting places.

Thanks to my handful of regular followers who always liked, encouraged and appreciated my writing.

And then came 2020, which gave me more spare time and I found so-to-say "hidden talent" to write on any given topic.

It is soul satisfying to see the varied topics that I have written on. I am proud of 18 stories that I could come up with, which let me go wild on my creative thinking ability, and demonstrate my story telling ability.

Covid as a decease, did what it had to do. But the ripple effects of the Covid times had many like me left hurt.

Covid indeed did come as a boon for many, as it only increased their comfort to sit at home and work.

But it turned life upside down to many more.

Until this point, like many I assumed I was also a Bhakt, dancing to inconsequential issues.

But reality struck and I realized the Policies, economy, politics affects me, my businesses and my earnings.

This made me express my opinion on all aspects and started to see things with objectivity.

I found writing to be my way to express what I feel, how I see things, to vent out frustrations.

We all have perspectives, views on life, things and people.

When I started to write, I was looking for topics to write. But now everything is a topic - the news headlines, politician's antics, interesting conversations I come across or just absolutely every big and small incidents in my life.

I now see everyone as "content". It's like how a Network Marketing or Insurance agents find everyone as their prospective customer.

With all my observations, I believe each of us live in boundaries. Boundaries made of our own perspectives, our truth, our perceived morality - be it on philosophy, religion, politics, nationalism, patriotism, ideology or history.

Each of us argue and confidently defend what we believe. Be it a Pappu or a Feku, their followers find the other side idiots and fools.

All my political rants points towards my belief that - Asking questions doesn't mean hating a person. Same way, loving a person doesn't always mean you blindly believe and defend whatever he does.

But I must admit, I did get sadistic pleasure in bashing and humiliating Bhakts in my writings, whenever there was a vulgar display of Bhakti and shameless defenses.

There were many articles that I wrote which could be termed as Gyan, preachings, lecture. I felt like sharing whenever I came up with such thoughts that could make others think in positive direction or introspect.

I am only glad that such Gyan are not those read in books, heard from others or forwarded gyan, but thoughts originated from inside, based on life experiences.

I sincerely believe this innate ability to write is running in my genes, I give credit to my grand fathers (both sides), grand mothers (both sides), my uncles who had this prowess in writing, be it writing about philosophy, stories, spiritual texts or official reports.

Many of you are good in engaging conversations, speeches, arguments and discussions, but I probably cannot express myself effectively, I might not even find words. Just give me a notepad, my thoughts starts flowing like water, I can keep typing endlessly.

Though this habit of writing comes with it's own unwanted attention, criticism and way too many people getting to know what I think, what I do, writing has become a inseparable part of me to express myself.

It's literally thinking through my fingers, and thinking is always good, keeps my mind sharp and updated with information and news.

Gyan bhandar

A Collective of write-ups on some gyan I could give based on my life experiences

By

Murali Murthy

Spattention

Saw this interesting Meme somewhere, couldn't find it again to Share. But it was so powerful that I still remember the lines:

"Q: Do you need Space or Attention?

Me: Spattention!"

So apt, isn't it...Neither do we want to live in isolation nor do we want to obsessively be cared.

We all need Attention, yet with the Space we all deserve to be in peace.

Right amount and right Mix is the key....be it in relation, profession, Coffee or a Cocktail!

Lessons from Water

Water is the most amazing part of the nature. In all its form, be it the rains, river or the ocean, it's attributed as the most calming, romantic experiences. Water has been the subject of fascination to us Humans.

It brings life, fertility, tranquility, sereneness to this world.

The rhythm of the rain water drops, the glow the rains bring to the greenery, the music of a calm flowing water, the mesmerizing sea view of water touching the sky, the magical mood the waves sets in - all can only help us experience God and Goodness.

The Same water when takes a fiery form, the roar of the gushing floods, turbulent and tall waves, the incessant rains, the lightning can turn life upside down and drown the same poets who wrote about divinity of the calmness of water.

Religion is like water. It is pleasant and gratifying when it is used to serve it's true purpose of spiritual needs of us Humans.

When it is fiddled with and toyed with, and when we humans become fanatics, the catastrophe it creates - is beyond us Humans to handle and shall drown both sides of the fanatic wall.

Lucky to take breaks or a escapade?

"You are lucky to take breaks so frequently, and must have time and money at hand to go on vacations regularly" - A common impression anyone would get when I take a break.

Are these really breaks from work, or a way out to deal with aversion to work, is the crossroads am at.

My bald head should give enough signs for anyone who think I have any less stress, pressure or idle time at hand.

The monotony of managing problems, stress, dealing with clients, partners, employees, the infamous toxic corporate world and the City Life - perfect brew to make anyone sick of it all.

All these thoughts come when I get to relax at such places (in the pics), as I get to wonder "isn't it how my home and life should be" - peaceful, stressfree, amidst greens, no traffic noise..by the way, these are not some resorts, these are homes where people live a happy, peaceful life bound by spirituality, roots, traditions and simple living.

Irony, I have to go back to the same world tomorrow and deal with same old stuff with a Smile on, and look spirited!

Easen the burden

The struggles each of us go through is only known to us and the depth of the pain can only be known by our daily prayers. There are ones who pray "Please get rid off this problem", or "Please help me get over this problem soon" or the ones who say "God, please easen the burden".

Each prayer suggests how much have we accepted and learnt to live with the problem or give up fighting.

It's like a Video Game. As you progress through each Level, the complexity and challenges can only become more harder, but the previous challenges will help you, prepare you to deal with bigger and harder challenges waiting for you.

Future Plans

Q: Where do you see yourself in next 5 years?

Me: On an unending trip, on a never ending road, in a caravan with my loved ones.

Experts of mediocrity

Found this image on LinkedIn, and it illustrates the obvious.

It is unexplainable and appalling to see so many young professionals continuing to be mediocre in the job they have been doing over the years.

Majority in my generation believed in becoming masters in the job we did. And when the same job is done over a period of 5, 10 years, it is but obvious that you become reasonably a specialist.

Being inefficient was not even a choice, with the ambitions each of us had and professional goals we had set for ourselves.

It is saddening and disheartening to see inefficient young population these days.

I am not generalizing that everyone these days are inefficient and everyone in our generation became experts. The trends tends to weigh more in what I come across.

The job market cannot exactly be termed as competitive anymore. Any Tom, dick and harry can get a job. Just put in 3 years in a company, and no dearth of companies rushing to hire you irrespective of skills and expert level.

Just today one of my friend who works in a large MNC mentioned, a junior who was getting 11Lakhs package, took leave for a week, attended series of interviews and used those offer letters to eventually land at a 38Lakhs package!

Now, why would such guys bother to ingrain efficiency, put efforts to better the technical skills or communication!?

Window Seat

5 or 50, at all ages we were always excited to take a window seat when we travelled.

There is something romantic, something nostalgic, something philosophical about a journey with your head popped out of the window, with your favourite music played on the headset.

Be it a train journey, bus, car or a flight, we all love to take a window seat. It's as if the window becomes a reflection of our emotions, it becomes your philosopher, a guide and a friend.

If you are sad, disturbed, it helps you cry...If you are happy, you will find yourself smiling and daydreaming....it makes you think, it makes you become philosophical.

For kids, it let's their imagination go wild and keeps them engaged through out their journey.

The sound of the wind, with the hairs flowing, different smells of the nature, the views keep changing, as if it's a slide show.

I remember our younger days, me and my sister used to fight to sit on the window seat in our bus or train journeys and mom would solve our fight by making us take turns to sit next to the window.

What's your experience with the window seat journeys?

Effective Communication

Sometimes, effective communication is not just about saying things clearly, but in the right tone, with right intent, with the apt facial expressions and body language.

Else, the same words can be construed the way the recipient wants, depending on their mindset, depending on their notions and pre-set ideas.

Interpretation is the biggest mess we all Live in, as we interpret the message we consume, as per our convenience or what suits us.

When the texts from Vedas and Puranas are interpreted differently by pronounced philosophers historically, we can only pity ourselves as we interpret basic conversations in the way we want and derive meaning out of the same words differently.

I believe this is the crux of all misunderstandings between husband and wife, with mother-in-law, unhappy children, clients and partners.

We also hear things the way our ears wants to interpret, depending on the person's image already built in our minds.

Restlessness

The restless feeling knocks on our door every day...

Tigers, lions and all animals in the zoo enclosures walking along the fence...that's Restlessness - helpless and caged.

Restlessness is not always being helpless, it's just the jittery feeling we get:

- Artists just before entering the stage

- Patients while being taken to the OT

- Students before entering the exam hall and on the day of results

- Creative minds and workhoholics when their minds are idle

- People in transition from one stage of their lives to another.

When I said Artists, I meant everyone. I believe I am an artist. Each of us are artists in the art of sales, art of coding, art of cooking, art of managing people, art of caring for people, art of communication!

Natural extinction

A disturbing image and situation indeed. I wouldn't blame humans to have caused this, we just improvised and found luxurious and comfortable ways to lead our lives, with its own Pros and Cons.

I would say earth has just aged and time for a slow extinction.

Now when these 2 bubbles further shrinks and a day comes when we all have to fight out for water and air, who are the ones who would survive/last longer?

The affluent would tend to survive longer...but then, those who can overpower them also would survive.

When we have people around us who are intolerant to even kill people just for petty religious and political reasons, whom we rationales think as plague in the society, whose hate towards everyone else, blind love towards politicians, religions has grown so much so, are the ones who have extremist mindset.

When that day eventually comes, Do we save ourselves from natural extinction or from such extremists?

Satisfy your calling

Have you found your Calling?

Do we go to sleep in the night with a desire to do something that we aspire to do, love to do and the next night we go to bed with the satisfaction and fulfilment that we did something useful with the gift, talent, passion we all have.

Not everyone will have a Calling, a drive to do something beyond our usual life struggles and do things that makes us feel that we did something more meaningful and with a purpose.

Be it the natural talent in sports, arts, humour or movies, some will have their calling that motivates them to break the monotony and take the less walked path.

Some will have a Calling to do something for the society, to help people and urge to dedicate their life for others and social causes.

Some will have Spiritual Calling, Some have calling to build their Dream Business, Dream House or a Dream Car.

Some are born to satisfy their calling, Be it MSD, Sachin Tendulkar, Rakshit Shetty, Sudha Murthy, Narendra Modi or anyone whom we know have dedicated their lives to satisfy their Calling.

So, let's ask ourselves, What is your Calling? Can you devote your time and energy to give yourself Hope, be responsible, and aspire to satisfy your calling?

That tough dialog

While we all love to have a good conversation, not all conversations are easy to initiate.

That tough communication you have to make either when you have erred or the other person has, despite it being very important to have that dialog to either clear the air or to convey the repercussions.

That decision you have taken that you are sure will have an impact on situation or on others.

That professional dialog - be it asking for a raise, communicating lay off, communicating a salary cut, conveying ending a contract.

It is one thing to build courage to initiate the conversation, it is another thing to justify and effectively communicate the reasoning.

Be it expression of your love, breaking up, resolving conflicts, asking for repayment of loan, asking for a favour.

Though dialog is the only way, and can't shy away or postpone for too long, the difficult conversations are indeed toughest ones to initiate.

We have all been there and probably get into such situations regularly, Don't we?

Rejuvenation - a myth

Those amazing getaways, those beautiful weekend drives, that mesmerizing resort that we went with breathtaking views and refreshing nature all around, those hard parties, the weekend Vibes - all are supposed to rejuvenate, break from the monotony, should help us revitalize from the routine monotony at work, with such breaks.

The weekend parties, meeting friends, the laughter, family time, the romantic weekend times - should give us new energy and the vigour to get back to work on a Monday and endure the grind.

Each time I take a break or party hard over the weekends, the Mondays still doesn't sound exciting.

It probably hurts more to get back to work. I would rather be sober and stay home relaxing the muscles and my back, which would save some energy to get back to work on Mondays.

It's a different story that for many of us, weekend doesn't mean No Work. It's just that we have to choose to shut the Laptop and stop seeing mails/calls.

What do you all do to beat your Monday Blues? Or do you really get one at all? Does trips, getaways, weekend parties really help you rejuvenate?

Nostalgia

Each time we go out on a trip with a group of friends, the music played usually starts with the latest hits. As we all settle in and get comfortable, the entire gang gets charged and pumped only when the 90s songs are played, and everyone hums along.

I thought this is the choice and behaviour of this group only. But when I went out with few other old friends group, it was deja vu!

Our liking towards anything, mindset, principles and timeline seem to get stuck in the golden time which we might have had.

Those music that we listened during our younger days, are still our favourites and the playlist will hardly change even after years.

Each time I sit and talk with elders, they drag you to the scene way back to 70s even without your knowledge.

I know a young lady who goes and whines about in-law problem with an elderly lady, and irony, the old lady starts complaining about the pains she endured during her 1 Year stay with her in-laws, way back in 60s.

Whenever we hear sad/emotional songs, it unavoidably time-travels you back to the first love.

The conversations when old-time friends, or cousins catch up, smoothly butters into the good times we spent years ago.

There are certain memories and a golden timeline we all like to be stuck, don't we?

Topics to write

I don't look for topics to write, I don't have a set pattern, agenda, content, purpose, aim to achieve with my writings.

Writing is never imaginary.. Writings represents the thoughts, perspectives based on what I see, observe, hear.

What is imaginary is probably how people consume the content based on their own perspectives.

It is important to have an opinion on everything and voice it out. Whether people give a damn to my opinion, is about how I present it as a writer.

Writing has given me the ability to see the same subject with multiple perspectives.

I don't write for everyone to read, writing has become an indispensable compulsion to narrate all the thought flows.

It's between what we do, what we like to do and what we are expected to do!

Elderly quests

When you have the uncanny ability to be upset and unhappy with everything and anything that's happening with you, around you, you will remain an unsatisfied soul and without your knowledge, you become a pessimist and a bad person!

This is true especially with the elderly...as they tend to think more emotionally, than logically.

Put them in all possible scenarios for a given situation, they will find faults and complain!

Exceptions and one bad example is enough for them to set that as a benchmark.

For Ex: our Apartment terrace is locked now, just because there was one incident of someone, somewhere committing suicide by jumping off the Terrace!

While we learn many things from the elders, we also need to learn how not to be, when we age!

We need to find a way to beat the feeling of insecurity, loneliness and keep ourselves occupied to make ourselves a better next generation's older generation.

What's in store for us?

If we could answer this or get answer for this, would we be any better or would that change the way we lead or see life?

We all deal with life as if we have complete control on it and feel life is going exactly as we planned.

We feel we have taken steps that yields us our desired results.

Why did that other person who almost followed same steps failed and only you succeeded?

Something is working for us, some unknown hand is making things fall on our plate, which we think is because of our efforts.

Though the measure of happiness, measure of success, measure of failure is determined by the most common parameter - MONEY, the time we either endure pain, struggle or relish good things in life is rather just phase of life.

If happiness and success is subjective, so are struggles and failures.

More than it being uncertain, it's the pre-planned fate that's working behind the scenes.

One who say I am done with life and waiting to depart (especially oldies) or the ones who wish to live longer, is not their call! All have to just patiently live through what's in store for us.

How old are you?

Does our age really depend on the number?

Our thinking, wants, needs, attitude, taste and approach depends on our upbringing, environment. Two people of same generation living in the same City, lead different lives and their worlds are completely different, as their financial state and financial freedom decides how youthful one can be!

As age really catches up, the next botheration is being dependent. 

Sooner the oldies realise that they found enjoyment in caring, supporting and providing for dependents during their time, it's best for everyone that they should now start enjoying being taken care of, being attended to and depending on some one...it's just the cycle of life!

Have you ever felt like God?

Some see God in the greats like Lara or Sachin when they Bat.

Some see God in performers like MJ, Metallica, Scorpians, Pink Floyd, Yesudas, Bhimsen Joshi and others, when they are on stage.

Some see God in Ratan Tata, the Murthy couple, Sadguru or other such influencers speak.

I feel when 100s, 1000s, lakhs in the audience sit in awe, being mesmerized and hear to them speak, perform, would they feel they are Gods?

Have you ever felt like being a God with whatever you do at work?

When you talk, give lecture, give presentation, address an audience, cook, clean or just get on with your daily work and that work is not just appreciated, but influences others positively or leaves a deep impact.

Can we be Gods in our own little universe?

Rhythm of life

When you lose the Rhythm, there is confusion, n silence.

When the rhythm and balance is lost, things can be shaken up with no more conversations, no more attempts and lots of stupidity.

When you lose the rhythm and balance, you try alternate options which momentarily feels like a better choice, makes sense, in the pursuit of a normal life.

A better man stays, tries and fights through the sadness and weakness.

An ordinary man chickens out looking for normal life.

How do you attempt to get the Rhythm and balance back? Persistence, untiring attempts, being sensible, sensitive and above all Integrity!

The Full Circle

It isn't often that life decides to provoke and play hard on you, and you feel as if you so much wish that you could be in any place but be stuck in the situation or state.

Things happen, it happens to everyone, sometimes life changing things that makes it hard for you to even recognise yourself who you were once.

It is only upto a point when you hear someone else going through more darker, harder life.

Momentary though, you feel confident to be happy with your own shitty situation.

But again, the monotony of being stuck takes over again!

Hardships need not necessarily be real hardship. It's just the frustrating monotony, feeling of being stuck, dealing with same problems each day, and you reach a point of saturation.

We crave for good things, prosperity and upliftment in life, when life is normal.

But when you are stuck and going through hardships, you only wish return of normalcy.

The stage passes through, and life normalizes, that's when you feel life has come a full circle!!

Politicians and Diapers should be changed frequently - Part 2

 A Collective of write-ups on the politics, the political scenes & Governance

By

Murali Murthy

The National Emblem politics

Anology 1:

The criticism by many on the new avatar of our national emblem is ridiculous. If the preferred choice of Animal in the emblem is Lion, all characteristics of an aggressive animal like Lion has to be accepted. It's foolish to expect a calm Lion or a Lion with its mouth shut or it's fangs hidden.

If calmness or aggression was not supposed to be displayed, then Emperor Ashoka would have as well chosen Butterfly, Sheep or a Rabbit, which are known to be non-aggressive by nature.

Anology 2:

Lord Vishnu takes incarnation of Narasimha Swamy, and takes form of a Lion to be very aggressive and destructive, to kill the powerful Hiranyakashipu.

After the job was done, purpose was served, the Gods started worrying about the aggressive and destructive deeds of the Narasimha Swamy, and tried to Calm him down.

There are many practices and legends to calm the fiery nature of the Form of the Avatar.

One such example is Guru Narasimha temple near Udupi (Saligrama) where Anjaneya Swamy is installed in the line of sight, to bare the brunt of his anger and to calm him down.

Independence Day

A remembrance day marking exit of British rule. The struggles and fight of every Indian for decades to oust britishers from the clutches of their ruling because they were imposing their culture, their rules, their ethnicity, their morality, their judgements.

Those struggles, sacrifices, humiliations, pains every Indian those days endured in a bid to get freedom from being ruled, deserves all the respect and applause even after 75 years of their success.

Every Indian was a freedom fighter then. Irony, politicians these days are deciding based on their convenience. One side claiming Tipu, Nehru and the other side claiming Veer Savarkar to be a fighter.

Even Nationalism has now become Hyper-Nationalism, and has unfortunately become a tool for politicians as a selling point.

You are forced to express your nationalism and patriotism in their desirable manner. It's like how crores of married couple stay together happily with love and affection, yet not necessarily say "I love you" to each other.

As every other Indian, despite all flaws and chaos, I am a proud Indian - proud of our rich culture, history, heritage, freedom, vibrance and diversity.

Let's pledge to express Indianness beyond this tokenism, by pledging to be rational, tolerant, patient, respect to rules, law, people, to be disciplined and maintain cleanliness.

Cleaning the Political system

A Kerala man won a lottery price of Rs. 25 Cr!! And he will get Rs. 15 Cr in hand after all deductions and taxes.

Wow, he is undoubtedly a lucky man.

That kind of money is surely a bonanza, especially for poor and the middle class.

What would you do if you won such a exorbitant price money? What would you do with such kind of money?

What would I do?

I will surely invest 4 Cr to ensure my family's future is more well guarded and source of regular monthly income is set.

Earmark 1 Cr funds to fulfil my ambitious project of spending 3 months in an year travelling, for atleast next 5 years.

And dedicate remaining amount to do my bit to clean the political system and bring in some change.

Though not by participating in electoral politics, but to buy a seat in the advisory committee of any party who intends to strictly take a development approach than ideology and religion approach.

I will see my role to be ensuring the party policy driven by morality, accountability and integrity.

Judiciary - Saviour of Democracy

The only possible saviour of democracy - The Judiciary, has now taken up issue of malpractices such as false claims, false promises, freebies, religion based party names and religious ideology, hopping parties after elections.

Leave it to legislators and Govt, they would never want to be governed and regulated.

Unfortunately, these are the same law-makers who do not want to be answerable and consider themselves above law.

If B party wants to wipe out all other religions, C party wants to appease one sect, and many more smaller parties having religious names and ideology, and yet claim to be secular.

Money power, criminals are the way to win elections, which justifies almost 90% of our MPs being Crorepatis and 42% having criminal cases against them.

End of the day, all of them just want to get back to power by hook or crook.

Take out these brainwashed, blind followers/clapping boys outside the system, and we ordinary citizens will find ways to peacefully co-exist and live in harmony.

Just yesterday, a businessman Abdul Ghani donated Rs. 1 CR to Tirupati temple!

Cost of Democracy!

I know we are a democracy, and we have elected representatives for every constituency.

At what cost are we maintaining these politicians? Annually, we spend approximately 1,000 Cr on these MLAs and MPs.

Apart from handsome salaries they get, which they don't spend at all, almost everything is Free for them. And they still get pension after they retire!!

While the actual work is being done by millions of Govt Employees, executives in managing the systems.

Irrespective of the colour of the party, they only mislead the nation with their personal, religious agendas. They all work with a lazer focused objective to win elections and come back to power.

Instead of wasting money on them and further money either they make, or waste to fulfil their agenda, can we tax payers directly decide where should our Tax go?

A system where every purchase, every IT return, we have a choice to put our tax in specific account that's dedicated for infra, security, road works etc?

Dec 22 Guj & HP Elections

Imagine the plight and irritation of people living in a dry state. They need some kick, and they seem to have found a way out by being obsessed about one man. Nothing else matters!

On the contrary, the Land of Gods, the Land of the Brave, alters their choice every 5 years, letting the yappers stop yapping and deliver. They have no time for nonsense, nor are they interested in the mud slinging. "Wait for your turn and deliver" seems to be their manthra, which should be adapted across the nation.

Politicians and Diapers should be changed frequently - Part 1

A Collective of write-ups on the politics, the political scenes & Governance

By

Murali Murthy

Happy Birthday Modi Ji

Wishing our P.M - Narendra Modi a very happy Birthday. Wishing him all the energy, health and Positivity that he needs to keep going. 🎂🙏.

He has the mass appeal, he has an aura, he has this charisma to make an impression on everyone.

His fame, his personality enters before he walks in, such is the command and strength of this Man.

He has brilliant oratory skills to mesmerize People. He instills a sense of stability, trust and makes people believe in him.

Love him, hate him, but you just cannot ignore him.

If half of India loves him, honours him, takes pride in seeing him as our P.M, there are other half who hates him tooth and nail.

While one half finds every word coming from his mouth a drop of pearl, the other half finds the same words spitting venom.

While one half finds every statement, every act, every decision a ray of hope into the future, the other half finds it fake, misleading.

Modi has become an idea, a larger than life image and a personality worth doing Hero Worshipping.

His way and style of Politics makes people either like him or hate him, or atleast the ones who like him makes the other half forcefully take a side and not much scope to be neutral.

Modi has surely changed the scene in Indian Politics.

His followers and his haters have equal reasons and justifications to like him or hate him. While each side strongly believes their side of the story is more sensible and logical, there is no sitting judge to decide who is right here.

Even a Scam ridden UPA Govt will have not less than 100 things that they can list as their achievements.

Wishing Mr. Modi good health, strength, energy to keep up the high spirits and live up to the expectations of both halves, and not just to play for the gallery, who anyway are bedazzled.

If 2 Cr doses were administered just because it is his birthday, I wish everyday is celebrated as his birthday, a daily target we have been struggling to achieve since 1 year.

Democritical

Many Indians take pride in claiming that we are the largest Democracy in the world.

It is obvious because We are the highly populated country and a large no.of people Vote to elect the Govt each time.

Though historically an average of only 50% of Indians vote, either because they are annoyed with the system or just ignorant.

How much of a difference does it really make, if we Vote or not?

And why should we Vote?

We Vote to participate in the process of electing and selecting the Govt, for them to manage our Country, to protect interests and livelihood of every citizens and manage the country finances well WITH THE TAXES WE PAY.

Now what do we do, (who are supposed to be responsible for electing an efficient Govt) if am not happy with how they are running the show?

Even before answering that, do we really make a difference and our vote matters in electing a Govt?

I really doubt that...A Party is not elected by the handful of taxpayer's logical decision to select an ideal leader based on the performance.

Caste considerations, wooing communities, emotions of a larger population, money power, freebies, appeasement and "Promises" eventually always get us the winner.

Even better, take example of Karnataka. The Voters mandate just didn't matter. Each party took turns to bend rules as per their convenience and ruled the State, Voters just didn't matter at all.

Since last decade, the Politicians have learnt the art to win elections and We are foolish to think We select them.

End of the day, they only need 51% of the 50% votes are required which they use their tricks to get them i.e around 35 Cr votes among 140 Cr population, so you and me don't really matter.

I have heard many voices that strongly believes "Even if a donkey stands for elections from my favourite party, I will vote for it".

I have also heard people saying "I don't care who stands for elections, but I am voting seeing the face of central leader".

So, performance, ability, skills is down the drain.

Over the last decade, democratic process has unknowingly transformed into Presidential elections and the one elected changing it to dictatorship.

And the policies, decisions, economy will anyway not matter to the Devotees - salaried class and population from the organized sector. They only believe country is in great shape and in great hands as long as Stock Market is giving them good returns, which is again determined by turnover of few listed companies and does not fully represent Indian economic situation.

3 Cheers to our democracy!

The one man show

The by-elections results across 29 seats are out, 7 of 29 seats are won by BJP.

And I am neither happy that they won only 7 nor happy that remaining 75% seats were won by other parties.

But the BJP National President didn't waste any time to give a statement Congratulating P.M Modi for all the Wins!

Wait, What? Congratulate Modi??

By the way, he didn't utter a word on so many losses nor tried to link Modi for all the losses.

This is the state of our Nation now, if one man is the cause for everything in the country, we can safely remove the tag and definition of our Election process from Democracy to Presidential Elections.

That's exactly what's happening with the Devotees - to praise their demigod, worship a Politician as their Hero and God, and retaliate hard if a voice is raised against.

But that Demigod just cannot be questioned for the price rise, fuel hikes happening everyday!

I saw two childhood friends almost cutting off from each other, just because one guy expressed unhappiness over present situation, and the other guy was hurt that the Demigod was spoken low of.

It is this audacity, ego, over confidence and the blind faith by the Devotees that would be the reasons for the fall of the Hero and the party.

End of the day, it's just another party and just another Politician in power momentarily. How different can one be from the previous Govts?

Richer are getting richer, Poor are getting poorer, the roads I travel everyday are still horrible, prices are still rising, Fuel is becoming unaffordable. Any good that are being done, is only for the galleries and reasons for the Devotees to clap.

If the previous Govts wooed and appeased minority, the present dispensation are doing the same for majority.

Still not sure why the Romance. Someone told me I am a Leftist just because I put out real struggles of real people (unlike Devotees, who seem unaffected and seem to very well understand and are informed on the country's finances and expenses)!

Dude, I am not so weak and vulnerable to let Politician categorize me as a Left or Right.

I only say wrong is Wrong, and right is Right.

Even if a Mahaghatbandhan is in Power tomorrow, I will still write articles and express my concerns, if my life or a common man's livelihood is affected.

Deepavali Gift

Petrol to get cheaper by Rs 5, Diesel by Rs 10 from tomorrow as govt reduces excise duty.

Now that's a real Deepavali Gift by the Govt!

Much needed respite from the non stop fuel hikes. It was not just about fuel hikes, the impact and ripple affect on just everything in our daily lives.

Not sure if this is a genuine intent to give relief out of concern, desperate attempt to take corrective action post by-election results or a technical reason leading to a good reduction in prices.

Anyway, extremely happy with the Govt's decision to make such a drastic cut in fuel prices. Kudos to everyone including P.M involved in making a handsome excise duty reduction.

Festival of Democracy

They say Election is a festival of Democracy.

I can't agree more! Not because we Vote and feel proud of exercising our rights, but come elections, the Govt reverses all bad decisions.

When I was yelling at the top of my voice and expressing how high fuel prices are bad for the economy and for the common man, the doped Devotees vehemently put out absurd arguments to defend exorbitant prices.

Come elections in Punjab and UP, the fuel prices magically drop!!

I can't say if 3 Farm laws was a good decision, as neither the protesting farmers convincingly mentioned how it was bad, nor the Govt could convince them. Looked like it was just a Ego clash... But if it is withdrawn, looks like it was a bad decision.

In conclusion, this Man keeps reinforcing my belief that he is just another Politician and this party also believes in only winning elections and clinging onto power and not really concerned about bringing "Ache Din", as is with any other party and any other leader. I am not a hater, anti, leftist, rightist. I just want to keep reiterating - All are same, no point wasting our time and energy romanticizing a Politician and worshipping, and really doesn't matter who leads the nation!

It goes to prove why people like me prefer to stay apolitical and not really concerned who comes to power, they anyway are there just to serve their personal agendas, as long as they do not hurt our livelihood.

Come to think of it now why this dispensation is so much in favour of Simultaneous State and Center Elections, they just don't want to be answerable for next 5 years and do whatever they want to do.

As citizens, we should find a way to have Elections every year...for our own good!

Constitution and Politics

"The constitution can provide only the organs of State such as the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. The factors on which the working of those organs of the State depends on the People and the political parties to carry out their wishes and their politics".

When it comes to regulations, law and rules, it seems to be designed for a common man only, and not for the political parties and their own functioning.

Political leaders do not want to be answerable to anyone, as they consider themselves above the law.

While a Curfew is in place, the opposition party daringly defies all possible restrictions, throws the regulations to the wind, don't care a hoot for the law in place. By putting 1000s of people's health at risk, just to serve their political agenda and add some brownie points to their next election campaign.

The party in power who treats us common citizens like slaves are fined and penalized even if we step out of the house and seize our vehicles, don't have balls to take action against the opposition who are openly violating a Curfew.

The ruling party cannot take any action because they are again only concerned of possible consequences and impact on stopping a Padayathra, in the upcoming elections.

Instead of taking action being in power, they are trolling the opposition leaders on media and Twitter like college kids.

Let's wait for 15 Jan, all leaders irrespective of the political parties will jump into the election rallies and throw all rules to wind. Our "responsible" PM will be first in the race to amass lakhs of people for his Bhashans.

And our Pappu who spends all his time vacationing abroad will suddenly appear after 15 Jan and starts his rhetorics.

Thanks to Election Commission and with Model Code of Conduct in place, the photo of a political leader / PM on a Govt issued Certificate will be removed atleast for next 1 month! Some sense prevails!

Yet the Devotees and Haters are still busy ignoring all these drama and still blind with their misguided emotions, instead of realizing it's our responsibility to revolt and abandon all political parties till they professionally manage their outfits and demonstrate public accountability.

Padayathra Drama

The nonsense has finally ended. The Covidiots have finally stopped making a joke of themselves. Not before a backlash and whip by the Court.

I guess the basic qualification to become a Politician is to keep the Logical thinking ability and common sense back home and wrapped safely to ensure they never ever use their brains.

Everything is about politics and winning elections, and Nothing else matters. Everything they do is drama and theatrics. The supposedly pro-people Padayathra was an utter display of unruliness and adamancy.

The audacity to openly say that they don't care a damn to Govt, Law and the Order of the day, itself shows how thick skinned they are.

Come 15th Jan, it's Sankranti and the tradition of visiting relative's houses to share Yellu Bella could be curtailed due to Weekend Curfew.

If Politicians themselves do not care for any rules, why should we? Can we also go around and tell the cops to slap FIRs and not stop us?

Well the repercussion is what makes us sensible and sensitive. The politicians are so thick skinned that being Jailed is no more a punishment or embracement for them, but a jail term or even a Police station visit is shameful for us ordinary citizens.

What's the point in us following the protocols at individual level, when on the other hand these Politicians across the board make merry and be the cause of spread amidst 1000s!

Budget Interpretations

Budgets, speeches, announcements, reactions and analysis have become so monotonous and deja vu.

Economists, Politicians and supporters showering praises that every budget is historical and progressive. Whereas counterparts from opposition rejecting it as anti-people, disastrous and disappointing.

Even a 1.4 Lakh Crores GST collection is claimed as Govt's achievement, fact is the industries have started seeing some improvement (in Business As Usual) and clearing all GST backlogs. I personally know how these collections are made, as those Officers harass us despite begging them the business is down and allow us time and are willing to pay late charges. Those Officers openly say "We have pressure from the Govt, and targets set for us. We need to collect at any cost, we don't care for your situation. Pay up or shut business".

Anyways there are always people interpreting differently to oppose or defend any Budget presented. After a good recovery from past 2 bad years, the expectations were obvious, as we have over 50 Million unemployed population and bruised SMEs.

The budget focused on growth based economy with impetus on Infra investments.

Well, though the intent is to generate jobs and boost economy, Some would say, end of the day all such projects will be awarded to companies like L&T or Adani or Reliance. So eventually a large chunk of the investments would come back to the pockets of Politicians to award contracts, it is an open secret how Companies get contracts. Unless Govt directly procures construction materials from small / local players and offers jobs directly to the unemployed.

The obvious expectation was also the States going to elections would be given doles. But interestingly, Governance was kept out of Politics. Some would argue when Religion, Cast and hyper nationalism is already doing the trick, why spend more money to win elections!

Economists across both sides agree that revenue is no more a challenge: with good Tax Collection and the easily accessible "Akshaya Patra" - Fuel prices can be tapped easily anytime to rake in more moola. It's just that how well money is spent decides a good budget.

Bottom line - as long as the Govt, their policies and Budgets do not trouble me (or any common man) personally nor my business, its all good. This Budget doesn't hurt me directly or indirectly and has let me the way I am, hence it is a Good Budget.

AAP ka Punjab

Looks like Kejriwal and his style of working is indeed making the ground. A Party with highly educated Members, surely looks promising with second State acquired in such a short span of It's existence.

Though it's way too early to say they could become a national alternative, they are giving all the feelers for one to believe they could be.

The new comedian turned Politician CM as soon as he was sworn in, his first announcements were to remove / not have Pictures of CM in Govt offices and to withdraw security to nearly 120 Politicians.

Now, that's refreshing, selfless and mark of a ego-free leader.

The opening scene surely looks good lets wait and watch the full movie!

Compulsory Voting 

Yesterday saw some interesting discussions in State Assembly, as the politicians argued and counter argued to make Voting Compulsory!!

Is this love they are showing to make Voting Compulsory, for selfish and personal motives? Ofcourse yes, they just want to win elections...they forget that winning elections is step 1. Eventually they need to serve the State, Country by participating in law making, policy making.

Their argument is Voting should be made mandatory to ensure participative democracy. I can only laugh at it, as Elections has now become Electioneering, and everyone have mastered the art of winning elections, and a thought-through, merit based voting is no more relevant. The supporters of each side will anyway vote for them because of their loyalty and ideology, other required number of votes is gained with freebies, promises, caste and religion.

There were voices against making Voting compulsory and the views were that Democracy itself stands for freewill, and forcing voting defeats the purpose.

When politics, leadership, real policy making is in the hands of one or two individuals, be it regional or national party, all "winners" will anyway nod to their masters as it's a Private Limited Company.

It's a different discussion if we can still call ourselves a Democracy, as I would say we are unofficially voting for presidential election.

Even if we make Voting mandatory, can there be some mandatory responsibility enforced on the Winners? Like making it mandatory that they visit their constituency atleast once a Week, after elections.

April Fool

Our visionary, forward thinking Prime Minister made a surprise TV appearance today morning and announced drastic measures at both party level as well as Govt policies:

- Denounced "Religion First" policies and campaigns.

- India is declared "areligious" state, no public display of religious fanaticism. All such acts are now punishable. Anyone including Politicians making statements that can create communal divide will be put behind bars.

- BJP MLAs and MPs are barred from speaking For or Against any religion, they will be expelled if they do so.

- Govt's focus will solely be on welfare and economic development.

- Education till 10th Class is mandatory for all citizens.

- No Politician including himself, must be worshipped. All citizens are required to focus on their lives.

- Any citizen having counter views, criticism will not be branded as anti-Hindu, anti-National.

- Historical errors, mistakes of the past is to be left in the past. Any efforts to create societal disharmony in the name of History, is now punishable. He adviced people to focus on the future than worry about past.

In another surprise announcement, Gandhi family retired from politics and have resigned from Congress. They have also publicly apologized for wrongly using Gandhi surname and will remove it from their Surnames.

*APRIL FOOL*!! 😋😀😂😊😁😝

Pitying the state of Congress

Congress in its present state is comparable to a struggling Startup, or a company with success in the past, and is going through an existential / financial crisis.

Congress is like a company, whose Founders are unwilling for changes in Management, not open for new ideas nor strategy changes. A company that was once a pioneer in a Product, that is no more relevant in the present times. A need for new Market-approach strategy, business strategy, but Founders not in sync.

A hackathon must be arranged for entrepreneurs to come up with practical solutions, which will be a case study in itself and test of their entrepreneurial skills.

A social cause also served by bringing in some balance in democracy...after all, not everyone believe polarization, communal divide and hyper nationalism are the only ways to take a nation forward!

Democracy to Dictatorship

What we are seeing is a slow and steady efforts to move from democracy to dictatorship.

When every event, every decision and every aspect of our lives are politisized by none other than the head of the Govt, it is nothing but pushing everyone's attention to one sided reflection of society.

Be it Covid, Vaccination program, economy, Religion, History, Language, Fuel hikes - absolutely everything is being politicized. I just hope and wish our able, skilled, gifted P.M let's his work and action speak and shut his haters, rather than his devotees shamelessly defending things, his TV monologues or speeches!

An article with facts and not rhetorics,  that reflects how Fuel prices are also now politicized:

https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/first-edit/no-politics-over-fuel-taxes-please-1105151.html?fbclid=IwAR0k4MnAeJDkzLNvEA3zA7kqKtWamWaKBV-cKv3f--okelgEYnLZzddD9Rk

The Protesting Zombies

So, half of Bangalore and Bangaloreans were held to ransom and choked their daily routine, just because one guy was simply called for enquiry by ED.

And the scenes were no different in many parts of the country.

End of the day, the politicians need a reason to play a drama on the streets to make their political point.

But why trouble us ordinary citizens, who give a hoot who is called for enquiry or who is arrested!!

Political protests is becoming a curse in our democracy. Even the most matured and sophisticated politicians start acting cheap and weird when it comes to Protests and serving their masters.

The system must change to engage even the opposition parties with meaningful and productive jobs.

Otherwise the opposition will only be busy with mud slinging and pulling down other's chaddi, and wait their turn to come to power.

The easy job - CM 

With most of us at this age and stage of our career, are no less than a CM of our small State (analogically), how we wish it was so easy to walk out and be done with it.

Though politically the post of CM itself is temporary and time bound and volatile, from the responsibilities point of view, we are all the same...yet, it's so easy for them to be free at their wish!

Covid Times

A Collective of write-ups during the Covid times with what we were going through

By

Murali Murthy

The 5 Stages

5 stages of dealing with the news of the second wave:

1. Denial 😏 : No way, it was so normal just few weeks ago. These News channels exaggerate everything and make a mountain of a molehill.

2. Anger😡: People in power are playing with lives and livelihood, irresponsible Govt. 

3. Sad😩: People are irresponsible. No one is serious, they are ignoring all norms.

4. Confused 🙄: It's shocking! Look at the numbers....it's much higher than the same month last year, What's happening!!? Are they going to impose lockdown again?

5. Acceptance😇: Covid is beyond all of us, nothing can be done to control it. Let's stay at home and save ourselves...we will win it again.

Lock and Choke

With many yet to recover from the Lockdowns and economic whammy, as expected, the next problem was already being readied by the "Policy Makers".

The skyrocketing Fuel prices and it's direct impact on Inflation resulting in 7 years high on both Retail and Wholesale fronts.

 Already beaten and battered citizens will have to now face additional burden of high fuel costs, transport costs, food prices.

That's a true "Lock and Choke" on its citizens, adding to the woes of reduced income and job losses.

Expert Advises

With all the hue and cry, hysteria, alarm bells ringing everywhere, the politicians and media aren't left behind.

The supposedly "experts" jump in to give advice to the Govt and they don't waste a minute imposing restrictions, choking economy and livelihood.

People are so used to being paranoid since 2 years, looks like all are happy pressing the panic button.

If Data and logic has any relevance and reflects reality, everyone should stop this mania.

I have analyzed last 2 weeks data of Karnataka and Bangalore. No doubt cases are rising at exponential pace, BUT the hospitalizations and deaths are negligible. When the cases were around 1000 two weeks ago, the no.of deaths were 2, as on yesterday when daily cases are over 20,000, the deaths has still remained in single digit.

It only means the virus is no more deadly!

I only go by data analysis, but many who are experts in medicine like DrChetan Kumar N G  are also against all these madness. He says a developing country like India is only wasting resources and money and We just cannot afford it.

People defended and were riding behind "Life over Livelihood". Now that the data proves Life is no more at risk, so what is the defense to be paranoid now!?

Covid doesn't spread with election rallies

Can any Devotees explain this logic? Election Campaigning and political rallies in the day time will not spread the Virus, but going to Pubs and Hotels in the night time will invite Virus?

And this is hilarious...Buses and Trains are allowed to run where 1000s of them travel together, but 2 to 3 in Autos/Cabs is a No No.

I think people in Power just get the kick by coming up with crazy ways to trouble us all, in all possible ways..especially the present dispensation.

https://www.deccanherald.com/national/national-politics/kanpurs-government-departments-asked-to-mobilise-75000-people-for-pms-rally-1065200.html?fbclid=IwAR2uO2YEJPEsqLZZQvjeLdgv3aPkxkXdK0xCLZS4OTTjeiZP2hSgMuflxfw