Half cooked year

13 started with slogans that this year belongs to you (saal tera hain.) Year started with outrage over Nirbhaya. Obama took over his second term. Indian economy sluggish and Govt at helm paralyzed. What has happened over the year? Year of 11 was revolution. Year of 12 was year of failures. I would define this year as semi cooked. We had semi finals of elections won handsomely by opposition and has given rise to another uncooked player called AAP.  Government tried to be decisive but again failed on all fronts the situation being undercooked. BJP has shown hope in declaring PM candidate who definitely will mean business irrespective of empty rhetoric of unacceptability around him making him appear semi cooked again. Year 14 will be landmark as we will see finals and finally someone will complete the process.

On International front, Obama took over his second reign which took severe beating during standoff on healthcare reforms which were found undercooked, Snowden snooping accusations. But then did some diplomacy with Putin and Iran over Syria and Iran nuclear. Thankfully US economy has shown signs of recovery due to inherent basics. China continues to be aggressor across East Asia and had unstable issues with India. Though Chinese growth story is not impacted by global recession as it has Indian story but some sheen veered off. Also basic issues of freedom and separatism impacted it internally. Arab revolution countries continue to be unstable like Egypt, lybia. Syrian crisis now has taken serious turn. European economy has done very little to show signs of recovery though Northern countries remain solid as usual. Pakistan the perpetual migraine had elections and Nawaz Sharif returning but with imminent afgan pullout things stand fragile and its warning for India as well. SAARC neighbours had their set of problems where India has to be very careful especially in Bangladesh, Srilanka and Maldives. The ASEAN movement participation was the only positive for India.

On domestic side, country remains indecisive, paralysed and corrupt. On defences matter we remain weak as our soldiers were killed and mutilated. On foreign policy we remain weak. We had new scams and old scams returning. We have dual power centres: MMS vs Gandhi family. We had corrupt UPA allies having their pound of flesh. We had good for nothing ministers. In any other country, this kind of performance had no chance of returning to power in 14. But in India, things work differently and our voting patterns, politics we cannot say that for sure. BJP won in 4 states (I include Delhi as its largest party). System has shown what good meaning executives can do. People like them. I don’t say BJP is incorrupt but Nation had done well from 99-04 under Vajpayee and UPA1 reaped benefits before destroying economy since 09 under UPA2. AAP is new entrant and its largely driven by individual egos. The success in Delhi can be attributed to situation in Delhi which saw public anger during Anna agitation and Nirbhaya protest (13 saw more cases like Gudiya etc). But their agenda seems more flawed than communists and even UPA in terms of free lunch promises. The idealism can sound good but my advice to AAP is to be more mature and wait till 19)

Indian economy has gone worse and if you add impact of faulty UPA promised of food security, RTE etc, 2014 sounds worse. Only hope is elections and reforms which can be as a part of election agenda. Also RBI under new leader remains firm against politics. Slowdown has impacted various sectors. IT industry has taken up new challenges in cloud, mobile, healthcare.  Many new products are emerging from India. Good reports out of silcon valley also help us indirectly. Education though suffered thanks to political intervention. Aviation industry has some new hope after kingfisher debacle in form of tata ventures. World business has some new paradigms opened by internet 3.0 Analytics, Big data and social media 2.0. Core manufacturing, clean and non conventional energy have taken centre stage

Environment continues to suffer and we have seen more catastrophes in 13 than any other year. In India we had a semi man made disaster in Uttarakhand where thousands of people lost lives. Worldwide Hurricanes and earthquakes pounded people. It’s high time people do something to mitigate and help future generations.

On sports side, to start with cricket we had God retiring. Cricket will never be same. Nostalgia hit us when we actually realized that how we have evolved along with Tendulkar as a country. Of course in 12 we had seen lowest point of home defeat against England. 13 saw revival which again is half cooked. We won at home vs Aussies. New team India won champions trophy and few odi series. But the real test (or final) will start in SA during Dec 13 and later in Eng, Aus, NZ in 14. But new generation has sown some promise. Bowling continues to be a worry. On world scene Aussies are reviving and England seem on decline. SAF continues to rule but unless they have some ICC silverware they will not be treated as champions.  Viswanathan Anand’s reign ended in Chennai. Leander amazed everyone by winning US open doubles at the age of 42. Saina struggled. Hockey team struggled. Politics and drug again hampered other sports. Lance Armstrong was disgraced and corruption in soccer and tennis also saw its ugly head. IPL in India was disgraced by spot fixing as well.  Federer had an ordinary year when Joker , Murray and Nadal shared the spoils. All look forward to big year for Indian cricket with away series, ICCT20 and biggest soccer carnival in Brazil .

On cinema, again new directors and genres tried but stars and half cooked idiotic comedies in 100 crore school ruled. Hollywood also continues to have vampires and werewolves to rule though there is new trend of cinematic dramatization of classics. Marathi drama saw top actors performing but we lost many stalwarts. Art and Music saw some new entrants with promise.

On state front, even in later of 14 we will have finals.  Its really time to change this governance where there is corruption, law and order situation is so grave that activists are murdered in broad daylight even i city like Pune. What can you expect from such team of self serving leaders? Do we have option? New parties again serve interest of their leaders with large egos. Opposition is totally divided. Its high time people unite and provide stong option. Thankfully 13 saw good monsoons as compared to the draught situation in 12. Hope irrigation scams wont impact in 14.

City of Pune saw man made tragedies like Shindewadi. BDP, new DP, BRT, Metro, water situation remain unchanged. City lacks leadership and hope in 14 we have one. Expessway and National highways around pune continue to be death traps. We wish real change in 14

On personal side, this year saw a landmark birthday celebrated in that stature. I had change in address which again was landmark. I was able to do some service to society and IIT almamater. Professionally and personally things went well though hectic towards end, though some issues remain uncooked for 14. Need full attention, intent to make those fully cooked in 14 which seems to be the final frontier on all counts.

Lets hope 14 brings all those changes and cook the broth fully. Bit it comes with warning that if cooked more it will be burnt. And thats a possibility as well.

Come September

All those young at heart in 60s would definitely remember the ‘Come September ‘tune which was trademark of all Brass Bands during marriages then. For those young in 90s like us would recall its cheap imitation tune on which Madhuri danced to her glory: ‘Nazaraenin Mili Dil Dhadka’ along with stupid and constipated looking Sanjay Kapoor. The original hollywood film is a classic with some great scenes and music. We are here in September 13.

Lot of things have happened last month in personal as well as global context. 
This was time for change. Change of address is one of those changes which take its toll. Thus I am sorry for the hiatus on this space. It also brings along new hopes, new experiences and new perspective. Also the old memories of old address like some life defining events: both good and bad, fun you had, people around etc hound you. It was kind of mixed emotions really. Zindagi ke safar mein guzar jaate hain ju mukam.... woh phir nahin aate. I had entered a new address in 2003 from where I shifted to today’s new address in 2013. That year I was on steps of thirties and this year forties are just round the corner. Incidentally I celebrated 10^th birthday in new home as well in 1983 as well as twentieth in new hostel (LLR) in 1993.  Man loves number games. That’s why Sachin’s 200^th test has created storm in India and SA.

Sachin still is non committal about retirement. Cricket is on holiday but promises to return in Oct incidentally in Pune to remain nonstop till world cup 15. ODI team looks settled challenges are in tests and t20s. Leander who is of same age like sachin, and yours truly has defied age in NY. Must say its really a great achievement.  Nadal roared back. Rest all is quiet on sports front since i don’t follow club level soccer, F1 (neo elitists urban happening events). Only thing embarrassed us all was IOA battle with politicians.

On social side, daylight murder of activist Dr Dabholkar and failure of state to maintain law and order highlighted by another Nirbhaya case in Mumbai, was at epicentre. It’s really sad that Maharashtra which has great tradition of dissent, debate, modernism and reforms, stooped down to supari killing to suppress dissent. No clues on motive, and motivators, still there are guesses. But whole affair was shocking and sad.  On other side God men are on wrong side of news. But its surprising why always Hindu institutions are blamed by media or god men ridiculed. Though I m not to judge someone but it’s not just one off case. Nirbhaya verdict to hand death sentence to the rapists was welcomed by society and society really hopes to see this as an impact acting as a deterrent.

Elections 2014 are at centre stage. Modi is India’s only hope to restore the country and economy burdened by lack of policies of wrong policies by UPA govt. Advani dissented but that’s a more democratic sign of functioning than Congress. How we loved Obama Vs Hillary inside democrat party? Is that dissent, possible in Congress? Even Digvijay was shown door at CWC. Even there is a chance that high command will reinstall Kalmadi in Pune Loksabha. That will be a true disaster. But then Indian voting patterns are so scary that we cannot rule out UPA 3 despite so low public credibility, bad mouth , poor performance, corruption if you believe popular media to some extent and social media totally.  Definitely a hung house is on cards. This situation is scarier when the wily opportunists will claim their pound of flesh. I need not name them as we all know who these nationalists or socialists are?

Economy is still scary despite some minor gains on rupee front. Its more political than global issue as explained by our economist PM. Food security, land acquisition and taxation issues need to be revaluated. Need reforms, growth driven model with less subsidies. But for that we need new government. Hope 14 elections will give us this mandate. Thankfully we had good monsoon. But that has not helped eased inflation. Again thanks to some bad governance.

On world stage we have war on our hands as US aggression against Syria takes ominous position. Though Putin had his own way but as always Middle East and regions remains permanent migraine for peace loving people of world. But then world oil economy, capitalism, religion can create a heady cocktail.

Finally we welcomed Ganesha. This blog started in 08 Ganesh Festival. So this blog has lived half a decade. That is a personal landmark though it means nothing more but wish to make more impact in next 5 years.   Each of us can make an impact and I firmly believe the same. That was purpose of Nayakgiri. I pray to Lord Ganesha to give us strength to effect positive changes around us. Happy Ganesh festival to all

Year of Revolution, lack of leadership, sad exits and world cup....

2011 was a very strange year. It started with lot of promise with markets buoyant. Indian economy was shining as compared to Europe, US and things were finally looking promising as it was felt that world has recovered after 2007 great recession. Worldwide things remained same; curious, cautious and no solution was found for Europe crisis. The things did not turn out as bad as it were projected in the US market. Thanks to that, IT story still has another day to survive. Also new technologies like cloud and some interesting innovations in Mobile space have driven many corporate IT spending. Real estate industry as usual chose to hold on the rates but had to offer discounts and thus correction was applied. But real danger to Indian economy arisen in form of non action by the govt. UPA1 did well in 2008 to shield India from crisis. But UPA2 as bungling it is on other fronts have been so static that investors lost confidence by last few quarters of 2011, resulting in fall of rupee, flight of capital outside and many such effects. Inflation which was out of control by start of year at least has some respite by the end thanks to good monsoon and some real corrections.
The reason for govt failure to act can be attributed to gamut of corruption scandals that rocked UPA2 and public revulsion in form of Anna movement, froze some key decisions in economy. FDI in retails was again bungled. Govt acted very late to control Free fall of rupee. By then it could do nothing as real reason was flight of capital outside India as confidence levels were brought down.
The real involvement of media (which is controlled by vested interest and money making)and electronic social media (which is totally democratic and free till Mr sibal intervenes), in Anna campaign in April and August was really a matter of study for future public movements. There was leadership vacuum as no strong political will was displayed in incumbents and team anna filled that vacuum projecting Gandhian Anna. Anna and his team were severely criticised by establishment but one cannot deny the effect it has on corrupt polity. Arm chair crictics have a lot of food for thought. But role played by Dr subramaniam swamy in exposing 2G scam is exemplary how judiciary is inadequate to trap main culprits who are still at large. Corruption is the main issue which has to be tackled and we need mechanism. Though Lokpal may not solve everything but it can be a good start. All critics of Anna ignore this fact.
BJP as opposition failed, congress is in crisis, there was room for regional players and there were regional heroes like Nitish Kumar, much vilified Modi playing development, mamtadi ousting 36 years of Marxist rule, Mayawati talking on crown prince and so on.
In Maharashtra, DF govt led by Prithviraj chouhan has nothing to display except infightings between NCP and Congress. With municipal elections in 2012, BJP sena has joined hands with RPI athawale faction though there is lot of infighting and they need some serious action to challenge cunning tactics by both congresses. MNS is growing strong with some distinct mass appeal and can play key role as party pooper for opposition.

For Pune city, we had good rains ensuring water supply. But planning and implementation lacks for managing crisis as we had faced in 2009. DP was approved and so was metro amidst chaos. Elections due next year have caused lot of activities and sops for aam punekar. Road situation has not improved with more vehicles. Accident incidents have gone up.PMPML falters. Ganpati immersion had lot of controversy though festival had some mellowed and useful trends. Noise pollution in Diwali reduced. We still have seen no winter in 2011. Sawai was great and so was support to Anna in Pune. World cup celebrations were amazing. Biodiversity issue was also controversial. We saw load shedding for few days before Diwali. Crime rate has increased as a matter of concern and organized crime has settled in Pune. Domestic violence and cyber crime has increased making pune more unsafe. We saw lot of politics involved in Police posting...
Wordlwide, we have seen revolutions in Africa and middle east. This year is thus called year of revolution. The lack of leadership or tyranny of leaders resulted in their fall with democratic social media role played its part. Europe also lacks strong leaders to resolve financial crisis in southern European countries. The richer and stable northern European economies have refused to bail out laggards. We saw riots in UK which surprised us all. US also has seen weak leadership in Obama to push forth finance stimulus to revive economy and reduce unemployment. Also its bungling in Iraq, AFpak are monumental. Only saving face has been hunting of Osama bin laden. Japan has worst crisis in form of tsumani and nuclear tragedy but they have shown typical Japanese discipline and resolve. Africa needs good leaders to solve basic issues and conflicts. South East Asia also suffers from world slowdown and natural disasters. China story has cracked with internal fault lines visible but we don’t get real picture at all with govt censorship. Pak has gone one year closer to anarchy with Imran seen as only saviour but India hatred still continues. Kashmir has calmer year with bumper tourism summer. Interlocuters failed but there is a revived hope to resolve the unrest.
Terrorism has again shocked us in Mumbai and Delhi blasts and as usual investigators had no clue and our resolve to fight terrorism still remains hazy. We cannot act against afzal or kasab. Our investigators fumbled, our intelligence had no clues. After comparative lull in 2009/10 (except Varanasi and GB blast), we have again seen new face of terror. Though we claimed to solve some cases but vigilance remains an issue and everything is at mercy of fate. Though fight against naxalism has some break throughs.
This was also year of sad exits by stalwarts in film, music, sports, technology. Pt Bhimsen Joshi, Pt Sultan khan, Jajgit singh, Bhupen Hazarika, Tiger Pataudi, Devanand, Shammi Kapoor, Srininvas Khale, Steve Jobs, dennis Ritchie and list goes on.. This was real loss for all move,art lovers and tech followers.
Indian cinema dealt some unusual topics and challenged the establishment with films like Delhi Belly, Rockstar, Dirty Picture. Also there was a tourism brochure film like Zindagi milegi na dobara. First half of 2011 was commercial disaster due to world cup, IPL, exams, but second half saw many movies do well.
Marathi theatre had new life with big names back to stage and some old plays revived. Music scene saw many youngsters taking centre stage. Indian English literature saw many new comers.
International sports saw revival of Federer, great year for djoikovic, Spanish teams doing good in club level, Indians did well in Golf, shooting, boxing, archery and lot to look forward to in London 2012. Indian tennis saw end of Indian express. Saina Nehwal has now to conquer next level which is top most. Politics though continued in sports in India esp hockey. Next year will have London Olympics and euro soccer for which draws are interesting.
Finally this year was year for worldcup, Indian team did what was waited for 28 years. After slow start against minnows and a tie against England and loss against SAfs, team did well in matches that matter. Yuraj, dhoni, gambhir, sachin, zak, raina, everyone playing crucial parts including much maligned munaf and nehra. Capatin cool played crucial role in all matches by captaincy, wicket keeping and an innings in final and that final six. Role played by Kirsten as coach and his support team also must be thanked. The scenes all over India esp at wankhede when all team was crying and lifting the man who waited most for it: the little master were amazing. Administrators faltered by some inane scheduling and IPL resulting in injuries ahead of important England tour. This lost us world no1 status which we had carried since dec 6th 2009. Also many tongues wagged that india is champion in Indian condition while ignoring fights we had in SA and Aus in past. But real defining moment will be in aus after year end. That will really define mettle of the team.

on personal side, this year took me to trek in himalayas, and in maharashtra. Fitness focus started till may trek to himalayas was lost in last quarter but again there is new year. This year saw live world cup cricket. also had great personal acomplishment towards end. Could not focus much on riya though. Professionally things were fine with some old pending projects starting. This year saw me taking chairmanship for roundtable. results have beed mixed with some new achievmenst but some losses but half tenure is still there. as usual december had great parties. some involvement with writing for local media also went well but needs some plan. aslo saw me returning to theatre after a long gap. rainy season rituals were fine.

What about 2012? But there is gloom all around especially in Indian polity and economy. There are threats that 2012 will be worse than 2011 on that front. But then there is always hope that things can turn around as they did negatively in 2011. And i definitely don’t believe in dooms day prediction that world will come to an end in Dec 2012, notwithstanding natural calamities and global warming effects we have seen till now. We will still be partying on 31st Dec 2012. Have a great year end and happy New Year.