Sensitivity. Nothing irks me as much as a violation of human rights.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Do I really care for the Ramar's Bridge?

Clearly No. I sincerely respect the moods and sentiments of the people who strongly believe that the bridge was indeed built by Lord Rama. I don't know enough archaeology or history to firmly state that there was a King called Rama who ruled Ayodhya and he waged a battle with Ravana, and built this bridge to transport his battalion. However, I am clearly ashamed to see that the fate of the Sethu Canal project is hanging over the question of whether the Hindus really believe in Lord Rama.

Sethu Canal Project should not have been thought at all in the first place. I have read various literatures that provide alarming scientific and geological evidence on why this project is an ecological disaster, besides being an economically draining proposal. I believe in those reports that establish that Sethu canal would not generate income for the nation and would be messing the ecological balance of that region. I also believe strongly that this project was conceived, proposed, initiated and being executed by our rulers mainly to earn enormous commissions out of those huge tenders.

However, I'm ashamed that the politicos are bringing Lord Rama into their craving for corruption. I'm ashamed at the fact that these people are amoral and dishonest and cheap. I'm also ashamed because this battle is not being fought on the grounds of whether there is a threat to the occean life due to mass sledging or whether the imbalance in the occeanic plate would cause more tsunamies.

There is also the debate on the size of the ships that can pass through this canal. Experts believe that this canal will not be able to support larger ships that would bring actual revenues to the Indian ports. And the sand re-formation due to moving waters will cause recurring expenses to the exchequer, in turn more commissions.

I wish if someone would bring all these issues to the table and move Rama out of the picture. I don't care whether the bridge stays or not but I sincerely care whether my hard-earned tax money is indeed going to some unintelligent, cynical, pseudo-aethist's family.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

This monk has sold his Ferrari

August 31st was my last working day in Sify. With that, nearly 15 years of not-so-illustrious career came to an end. I'm leaving to study English in the UK. After a few years of dabbling with various non-IT options, which included a couple of unmentionable short films, I have finally decided that the world cannot function properly without my writing. Not really wanting to deprive this planet off another V S Naipaul, I've decided to set foot into the treachearous waters.

Leaving IT lacks any feelings in me. I must be extremely nostalgic looking at the path that I've so valiantly traveled. The fact that I am not feeling very emotional is quite disappointing. It could also be because I have been too busy in the past few months so I'm actually exhausted.

I have spent all these years without actually playing a single moment of corporate politics is a soothing aspect of my life. I never backbit anyone and everytime a potentially negative influence in my organisation, I have retaliated loudly. That must be something nice for my autobiography that I'll never write. A good point for my biographers though.

The fact that it is a huge step for me hasn't even begun to strike yet. All credits goes to my wife who has been single-handedly pushing me to realise my goals and scoffed at every lazy moment of the recent past.

I can't believe I have indeed sold my Ferrari. But it has a purpose. I should aim for a private jet now.



Note: I wrote this on my last day at Sify but, in my busy schedule, forgot to post. With very minor modifications, I have done it now from the UK.