Obama and Hope!

Barack Obama, after being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, has given rise to a lot of expectation. The election of the first African-American President has generally been seen as the beginning of “a new era” in history and heartily welcomed by all over the world.

People were shivering in the cold with frozen feet to watch Obama’s sworn in ceremony at Washington DC. In the inaugural speech he speaks of a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and non-believers, shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth.

On another historic day, in the year 1893, Swami Vivekananda had stunned the Western world with a speech that began with the following words. 'It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us... I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth.'

He seems to be very keen to interact with other nations as equals, rather than talking down. A ray of hope has come to America… Change is coming to world…



Thanks indeed!

Regards,
Sanjeev.

India Inc wants change

In the past couple of years India Inc have seen enourmous growth prospective. The growth rate of Indian economy was exceptional and set an example for rest of the world.

But the twin shocks; Mumbai terror attack and the global financial crisis certainly challenge the Brand India and also rest of the world. A story of high growth rate, over flowing cash tillers, hedonistic consumerism which camouflaged the rising poverty, depravity and unemployment.

A year which began with Brand India on a global roll and ended in tragedy and violence becoming the benchmark for other side of India. Only to culminate in a devastating confrontation with terrorism in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Varanasi… and economic hardship. Bringing India once again face to face with cynicism and despair.

After Mumbai attack often dubbed as India's 9/11, we have seen a range of resignations and political changes. International reaction for the attacks was also widespread. Media coverage highlighted the use of new technologies and internet social networking tool in spreading information about the attacks, observing that internet coverage, especially the blogosphere, was often ahead of more traditional media sources.

No one can ever forget the attack on India's economy. The unity and aggression India has shown during and after the attack should sustain till the abolishing of terrorism. India Inc wants change.

Whole nation salutes martyrs of 26/11.


Regards,
Sanjeev Kumar

Hi all: A Flood Experience in Bihar

Hi all: A Flood Experience in Bihar

A Flood Experience in Bihar

Recently I was in flood hit area of Bihar. I want to share some experiences with you in this regard.

District Supaul in state of Bihar is my home town. It is one of the major areas which are grilled by river Kosi. This river is also called the ‘Sorrow of Bihar’.

The geographical condition of Kosi is much complex, that’s why any permanent solution of kosi river flood is not implemented yet. The origin of river is in Nepal hills (Himalayas) part, then after traveling into hills it comes to Bihar with a great momentum and current. It also knows for changing its direction every year.

On August 18, 2008, the entire kosi river changed the way at Kushaha (A village 12 KM from Indo-Nepal Boarder in Nepal side) by breaking the dam. It came into cities and villages where people were established. There were above 6 ft water level on the main market and roads. It affects nearly 4 million people, 15 districts and almost 1500 villages. Hundreds of people were dead, millions become homeless and also thousands are missing. Even after 15 days, millions of people were in danger and need evacuation. These are only figures and ground situation was more critical. Also these areas are the poorest districts of India. I have seen some mothers searching for her children, some person searching his old parents…...

Prime minister of India Manmohan singh declares it as National calamity.

I had got water phobia there. People were surrounded by water and grief. You can imagine the situation; there is nothing but water around you as far as you can see. Especially in the night, sound of flowing river water in the dark can create horror.

I was down on knees when I saw dead human and animal bodies floating over the running water. I was thinking how they must have struggled before….? All those unfortunate could not be rescued or escaped.

In this scenario also, without concentrating on relief and rescue operations some ministers are playing politics on dead bodies. Rebuilding of flooded areas may take 10-20 years to get established again. I had talked with a person who was the owner of a cold storage. He had invested everything in his business in the last 20 years, and he losses the same in one stroke. I don’t have words to explain this disaster. We cannot feel it by sitting in our offices.

This flood arises some questions in people’s mind as this situation may be prevented, who is responsible for damaged dam and why the maintenance work has not been done..? What was the fault of the 4 million poor people who suffered and lost everything…? Now also any high dam will be constructed for safety of these areas….? The donated amount which is in millions and billions will reach to needy people.....?

So many questions, but no answers…

In every religion, water is worshiped. How can the holy water be so cruel…..?

In the end, sorry I don’t have so efficient English to describe this devastation, but situation can be understood.

Thanks for reading...........




Regards,

Sanjeev Kumar