SUNAAD RAGHURAM writes: Leafing through Star of Mysore, lounging in my flat’s balcony, through grogginess induced by jet travel across time zones, my eyes lit up as I began reading a letter to the editor, which in my book, should rank as one of the most, hard hitting, forthright and ‘in- your-face’ types that has flowed through the pen of a reader.
Allow me to reproduce it in its entirety. Let the introspection begin.
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Sir,
This is in response to your Abracadabra titled, ‘Who is afraid of America? Not India!’ (SOM, Nov 10) related to the book, ‘The Writing On the Wall: India Checkmates America 2017’ by Gen. S Padmanabhan.
I really think that India or any country for that matter need not be afraid of America. India should really be afraid of India itself.
India’s most fearful current enemies are, to a large extent, its own creation and lie within its borders.
Uncontrolled population explosion, utter disregard and catastrophic destruction of the natural environment, gross disrespect for the rule of law, completely ineffective and partial judicial system, unchecked all pervasive corruption, totally debauched political system, stark poverty and disease, severe socio-economic inequities and large masses of uneducated electorate are just a few of the most potent enemies that India should really be afraid of.
These real enemies are inflicting heavy causalities in India and will continue to do so unless prevented. And yet, India does not seem to be afraid of these real enemies.
Nor has India developed any credible weapons or strategies to combat these enemies. I think these real enemies will checkmate India likely long before India can think of checkmating America by 2017.
God bless America and the whole world.
—Glen Allen (A proud US citizen of Indian heritage) on e-mail.
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PS: I couldn’t agree with Glen Allen more. But then, like saint Purandara Dasa said, Illiralaare, Allige Hogalaare which translates in Queen’s English to, ‘Neither can I live here nor can I go elsewhere’!
If I may quote “D V G” Sarakaara harigolu, Sure kudidhiharu huttu haakuthliharu, Ittha ale attha suli, Mulugadhe theluthihudhu acchriyo mankuthimma. Imagine this was written in good old times in forties
if ” DVG” was alive to see these days!
A very good post. We are like this only right from the days of ‘Foreign hand’ and ‘But Corruption is universal dear!’ Venkatachala appointed by the Government to eradicate corruption was shown the door not because he failed, rather, he was doing the job too well for which he was appointed! Health ,Hygiene and infant mortalty? When pigs roam about along with children near schools and when Encephalitis beckons them, we are busy celebrating childrens’ day…
Asking myself how we are going to solve this problem? How long are we going to wait for that person who is able to “saththanthiharanu badidechcharisu”?
sathya and dharma has reached its zenith with respect to impotence! or is there anything left?
What about………..
“Yadha yadha hi dharmasya……………………..?
GOD WILL HELP THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES…..
So, Why dont each of us start working towards this!? May be,it looks funny and unrealistic at this point but ‘Hani Hani goodidhare Halla’ alva
1. Next time when u have work at Govt office, dont bribe, KNow the rules by yourself so that u can argue.If your work still doesnot happen within the days the govt has set….escalate….and/or take it up with the court.
2. DO vote, and vote for the right person.
3. Dont pay extra 50 paise at Nandhini Booths for the ‘Cooling’ they do for Milk/Butter. These product are suppose to be stored and served Chilled.The Cost is inherent with MRP. Fight for it.
4. Pay Rs 1.31 / Call not Rs 2.00 at PCOs.
5. Stop using wodden stuffs for yr home…go for alternatives ( Plastic/fibre ..some of them are as rigid as Wood )
6. Plant trees, whenevr and whereever u can.
7. If the Traffic Policeman stops and asks for bribe…tell that u will go to court and pay fine AND NOT BRIBE HIM.
8. While Getting 2/4 wheeler license, dont go thro agent OR Bribe at RTO. Learn the driving, Know the rules and then get the License.
9. If there is a SOicial inJustice….fight on that…Not just pouring out yr feelings on Blogs!
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May be, the great minds here add more to the list
:-)
I totally agree with prashanth. Idhu hege andare kannadadalli ondu gadhe idhe ole munde eno madi nanna karma andru antha. Hage nave thappu madi yaranno biyutheve navu so navu sari iddare prapancha thane sari hoguthe yaro sari maduthare antha kayo badalu sari aagoke nave shuru madidare bere jana thave follow maduthare I think GANDHIGIRI is the best medicine for this.