For Venuchettan

The other day my editor called me around late evening when I was about to have dinner from a restaurant near my house. I was down with a bad cold and congestion and had taken the day off. He told me – I have bad news. Our Venu passed away. I was shocked. I couldn’t believe what I heard, but coming from him, I knew it must be true. I just stood there on the middle of the road until someone dragged me to the pavement. I mumbled something in reply and we ended our talk. I didn’t know what to say, I just felt helpless. Just like when you know you feel obsolete and useless. Two things came to mind, so young and unexpected.

Another senior colleague told me he still couldn’t take it- My word, he’s just forty two, too young, he had a life ahead. I returned back and whomsoever I talked no one could digest the fact that a guy who was “so Nice and jocular” would leave all of us so suddenly.

I remember talking to him when I was set to join Times in Kochi. He told me, “Vannal pora, kananam to...” I said sure boss, we will meet up and he laughed his merry laugh while wishing me the very best. That was the one conversation I remember vividly because I had quit DC and was ringing up my friends to say I have moved but more closer to you guys than from our Chennai office.

It is hard to find people like him, so open, friendly and warm that you don’t feel you’re before a stranger but someone you know. That would essentially sum him up.

I used to call him up as he was our coordinating editor for state page. As usual he would smile when I say there aren’t any ads on the page. Makes it a better page he would reply and then we would run-down the lead story and rest. Best part he would say, hey I got this many word for this copy, fashion page accordingly.

This happened in July, we had the planned the page and around nine forty five, my phone rang. It was Venu. I was amazed. He doesn’t call that often especially once workflow begins and I picked his call.

“Hi,” he said

“Yes sir, parayu, yentha viliche.”

“Athe randu stories varunilla”

He outlined them, two slots went blank on my page and I had a problem up my sleeve.

“Yentha cheya” I asked

“Vere oru ship story undu. Have mailed it”

I checked my mail and there it was in my inbox.

“Gimme sometime for story number two.”

I heard some noise in the background.

“Sorry, I’m at home. Yellam manage cheyukkaya” he said.

I got on with my page and by ten fifteen, he sent me my second story.

I rushed it on my page and Venu’s number flashed on my screen.

“Thikanjo da?”

I looked at my page and the story was short with a blurb and box.

“Ettos, Oru para koodi oppichal orumathiri fit cheyam.”

“Ayyo, athu budhimata money. Ithu thanney yenganey thatti kooti yennu yenikkey ariyu.”

“Venu cheta, valla background or link to previous story?”

“Mathiyo?”

“Yes”

“Ok, two mins”

Ten twenty I get a para and the story fits. Venu’s chat window blinks “All fine?”

“Thanks etta. Your an angel.” My phone rings again

I hear a chuckle and some more conversation in the background. He came back on phone and was all smiles.

“This is the first time someone called me an angel. Not even my wife says so and I. I gotta frame this for keeps.”

My page went on time that day. Today when I think of him I still remember this incident and a smile shadows me. That day could have turned ugly if he had not handed me my replacements and come to think of it he brought up two at such late an hour and as an editor would love “in time” so that edition is not delayed. This is what he did and then I knew why everyone said – If it’s that bad, give it to Venu, he’ll string it up right!

Walking in the rain

Musings. It’s hard to pen them down in fine tuned sentences or an array of simple words. Even the best of efforts has you wanting for more. Maybe I am bit nostalgic sitting on my front porch amidst pouring rains. But the view is just spellbinding.

Cool breeze, the steady patter of raindrops, the wind in the trees, tiny rivulets overflowing the muddy bank, green leafy plants glistening with water drops, a sense of calm with serenity setting in as nature weaves her magic from billowing clouds.

Long termed as the shower of angels left open for men of the earth, the dusk looms by as an aura. Still the dark skies permit a few rays of light. Overcast - the weathervane would say as it circles in the buffety winds or billowing sails of a ship would say – It is time mate. The rains have come...

It’s odd that a city boy would want to just sit around and gaze unto the heavens for sheer lack of joy or is it just reflections of life. I don’t know. There is something that pulls me, tugs at my soul and lo behold - the sights casts a spell that I feel am too willing to accept. A sense of peace or serendipity; maybe more.

It’s hard to spell out in words or etch in emotions, it’s hard to convey feelings sometimes; my old friend tells me. You just smile and shake your head even when you want to say I’m not kidding, it’s for real. I believe her for that.

Life’s like that in the shorter sense but given its intricacies, the treasure at the end of the rainbow might seem farfetched, but life has its own realms – decks of card sorted out by an unknown hand.

Fate? Destiny? Sounds corny though when you need a crystal ball or an astro-chart to know whether it’s your lucky day or not. Maybe it is the inner subconscious that reels out of its depth to say – here’s what you do today. All might not agree, neither do I stake a claim.

The more I retrospect the more I’m inclined to believe that a part of us is inbuilt – like a radar – and this tips when it latches on to a particular frequency that equates you and the unknown.

It is this connection that gives you a mystic sense of longing, oneness and warmth like you feels you are one with your surrounding co-ordinates. That’s when you sit on a porch and feel this absurd attachment. Look around you maybe you also might feel a bit different. All you need is to recognise your frequency for the force lies within you as ever.

A Fan’s Apology

Time they say holds the key to the unknown, the unthinkable and the sublime. The way predictions change and tides flow away and take a bow; it just simmers down to a simple twist of fate that one may say is a trick. A Prestige….

 

Nothing can be more dramatic for a mutli-billion cricketing extravaganza, courtesy Lalit Modi, when two underdogs fight for the crown. It may seem a bit pessimistic that for the second year in a row, it’s the dark horse that’s on track for a photo finish. They are on a roll and to quote my old pal: Am just disgusted that it is just a parade of stars minus any cricket, an apology from a fan. Being a spectator, the sidelights proved to be more interesting than the ball rolling over the fence – a bitter irony…

 

Beyond the boundary the teams are having a go at the arena, a bull fight. Nothing would be more pleasing to see the Deccan Charges and Royal Challengers – written off like old hens – stemming the tide with pride no doubt. It just remains to be seen who opens the keg tonight and who wallows in misery wit some scotch on the rocks…

 

The very thought has many pundits reassuring us that the game is supreme not the individual. Purists still pooh-pooh the watered down potato chips version, but the slam-bang version has its own followers.

 

But may we not forget that a galaxy of talent from different backgrounds is not the need of the hour. The very sport – IPL1&2- has shown that a simple discipline and teamwork has put many a leader to the sword and plain cricketing brain has won many a battle. Many feel vindicated when one sees that the very event was supposed to be magical one to enchant the audience. Maybe they all spoke too soon…

 

Fascinating it may be for a bunch of international players vying for big bucks among cricket crazy fans, the tame finale is just an afterthought, maybe lost till the next round. I salute the patrons for the very idea boomeranged, but still the festivities and revelries may soothe some nerves. But maybe we need to see it a more different context than in a lighter vein for may not the sport be lost in a mix of stardom and showbiz, its very unbecoming of a sport, its very uncricketing….. 

The Zen of Panda with a touch of Kung Fu

Hope and belief has always been a motivating factor for human psyche and when ones own life and purpose comes in question, its evident that the spirit of ones soul becomes the answer. The simple theme of believing and reliving ones dream makes the King Fu Panda a memorable watch. The film doesn’t sink into monotony of self conflict of an individual, but its plain wit in a self depreciating manner enhances its appeal.
Jack Black’s portrayal of a Kung Fu loving panda (Po) whose culinary skills are far more perfect than anything sets the humour against the wise old turtle, master Oogway and the present master Shifu (Hoffman’s deep voice suits the character) and his students vying for the title of Dragon Warrior enmeshes the life cycle of Peace Valley.
Shifu’s biggest regret is that ambition wreaks havoc in the form of his beloved protégé Tai Lung (Ian McShan), whom he loved as his own child. The stark shades of Tai Lung makes Shifu human and his own conviction that Po is unsuited for being the dragon warrior brings out his fallacy which he tides over in time by believing in Oogway’s words reiterates that endurance and persistence may as well lead to the triumph of human spirit. Hats off to Dreamworks for making it light hearted and endearing. Angelina Jolie as the Tigress, Lucy Liu as Viper and Jackie Chan as Monkey complement Po, but one would expect more from a talented starcast than mere screen presence across fights and being screen props. For once, let the spirit soar and fly as the realms of dreams open into life.

An Apology for Absence

Its been a while since the writer in me has been cramped for want of time, i confess i am lazy. But at times the very idea of sitting idle makes one moody and wasting ones own thoughts to boredom demands answers and so the pen continues from where it left, dried ink on paper being blotted again. another reason sans rhyme, but sheer will that forces my hand....

A Few Deals More

India Eyes Uranium for energy

India’s hopes of a fairy tale deal with the Australia ended when PM John Howard spelt out his exit catch-the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Despite mixed signals, no change is likely in uranium sales policy was his last bow. Howard’s passage comes close on the heels of US President George Bush’s agreement to supply India with nuclear technology for its civilian program. This has been welcomed as a transforming gesture, drawing America and India much closer and enhancing India's regional status. What Bush had done nearly forced Australia to support and rewrite the longstanding rules that, for three decades, have forbidden countries from providing nuclear technology to those that have not signed the NPT.

During his visit, Howard has been put on the spot because the question is: if the Americans are willing to give the Indians nuclear technology, why should Australia not provide them with uranium? The answers from the Australian Government have been contradictory and confusing. For Australia, the US agreement has raised the issue of the appropriateness of its tough safeguards policy which demands that buyers of its uranium be signatories to the NPT, which India is not. This has ramifications for regional relations, including building up the clout of India as, if not a counterbalance to China, at least another power centre in the region.

But Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane are crystal clear stating that there will be no deals with non-signatories. Downer pointed out that the arrangement with US was "suboptimal". It would be optimal if India signed the treaty. But Premier Howard, in his statements, juggled with the idea of a change in policy though later he reaffirmed that there was no current intention to do that. The whole matter seemed incongruous since Downer and Howard were always in touch with each other over the issue.
For a change the Indians resorted to bold statements and assertions that paid dividends in the US deals by not letting their guest off the hook. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during the joint news conference, highlighted India’s "impeccable" credentials on nuclear issues despite not being in the treaty and expected Australia to take "a positive view of recent developments

Downer’s apprehension is that the deal raises the question of Israel and Pakistan, who will not entertain the NPT if India gets uranium. But Australia is wielding uranium as a tool of its wider strategic and political interests in the region on consequences - such as the implications for relations with Pakistan, which might be offended by being treated differently from India, however justified. Howard appears to have been listening and responding to this view, but also remaining with the official policy.

Why uranium? With depleting oil reserves and widespread concern over climate change, uranium has become the fuel of choice. This demand and the ever-present spectre of nuclear weapons make uranium a potent global political issue. Observers have viewed America's recent nuclear deal with India as a counter-balance to growing concerns in the US about China's economic ambitions. To get closer political and economic ties with India, the US has led the push to end India's nuclear isolation.

The NPT was primarily made to ensure that nuclear technology rested in the hands of the Big-Five alone and India originally did not sign the treaty because it objected to the cut-off date to determine the states allowed to have nuclear weapons, which excluded it. According to the World Nuclear Association, there are now 441 nuclear power plants in 30 countries. Among the world's wealthier nations, Japan and the United States are virtually alone in pushing for more nuclear power at home. Several European countries are heading in the other direction, slowly decommissioning their nuclear power plants. But the big growth area is in the developing world, spearheaded by China and India, as they scramble to cope with ballooning energy demands.

Chinese demands

Australia on the other hand does not desperately need the Indian market since Australian and Chinese officials had met in Canberra in January to continue negotiations on a nuclear safeguards agreement that will allow the export of uranium to China. China has a huge demand for civilian energy and ambitious plans to double its nuclear power capacity over the next 20 years. This deal will allow China to use Australian uranium for its energy, diverting more of its existing uranium to its weapons programme. India is miffed at being put in a different category from China, but Australia can point to the long-established nature of its NPT-linked policy.

The bottom line is probably that Howard personally would like the Australian uranium to go to India but has to accept there is no practical way to shift policy without causing too many problems. The Indians can see it as the beginning of a transition in Australian policy. But it can equally be explained as simply teasing out the implications of a crucial regional development.

Sources: The Hindu, ND TV, Hindustan Times, PTI, Sydney Morning Herald, THE AGE

Cotton Crisis in AP

Cotton Crisis in AP-Crop failure due to localised Bt Cotton seeds

The use of localized Bt cotton seeds resulting in crop failure is one of the most prominent problems of the farmers in AP. The seed companies are refusing to compensate the farmers, blaming them for wrong cultivation methods.

Durgi: Even when the rain gods smile, the angst remains for the farmer when his efforts end up in vain due to his seeds. "This grim situation continues and so bogus seeds thrive," said Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) of Durgi Mr. T.V.Subramanium. The disturbing news of the rise of Bt cotton stems from the use of such seeds that have found takers in the market, seed companies that supply them.The market price of Bt cotton ranges from Rs.1600-1800 for a 750gm pack while the bogus ones come cheap at Rs.450-600 per pack.


Undoubtedly farming is still the major source of livelihood for many people in India. The government of AP had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mahyco Monsanto Biotech Ltd with a clause that stipulated compensation in case of crop failure.

Though the condition has deteriorated rapidly over the years, the company blamed the farmers for wrong cultivation methods and rejected any hopes for compensation. Recent crop failures in Andhra Pradesh have questions over use of Bt cotton and on May 3, 2005, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) at the Ministry of Environment and Forests cancelled its earlier approval for Mahyco Monsanto Biotech Ltd, for the commercial cultivation of three varieties of transgenic Bt cotton seeds in Andhra Pradesh.

One may wonder why farmers buy suspect Bt seeds when non-Bt options are available . Over the last few decades cotton farming in the districts of AP has relied heavily on external inputs, including hybrid seeds and pesticides. The huge propaganda with Bt cotton seeds projected as being solutions to pesticide driven cotton farming (since the claim is that they obviate the need for pesticides) came across to the farmers as welcome change.

Further a farmer who wants a bill for purchasing seeds has to pay more and so he opts for a less priced variety and hence fake seeds find buyers. The Agricultural Officer (AO) of Durgi, Adams said "There are no fake seeds. They are rural varieties of the same seeds. Some may yield better harvest while sometimes it fails." The farmers are ignorant of the market price of the crop and it is usually the agent who buys his produce and he gives his own price which is accepted.

The economic aspect has seen the rise of small time money-lenders who charge high interest rates. The farmers also have a hard time from rural credit banks. To be more precise, the farmer has to rely on banks to get his quota of seeds in the form of loans. Two farmers Pulimela Annara from Mutkur Village and Korapettu Vasu from Bodalvedu said "On an acre we get about Rs.10,000 without interest ." They are given a book by the bank which records amount paid to the individual per acre and the land is mortgaged to the bank.

Farming alone does not feed the family year round and daily wage labour takes precedence once a harvest occurs and mostly they have two cycles of crops during a year.

Now with crop failure, the MRO said "The small farmers who own about an acre or two are the worst affected." There is also a tendency to spend the money on marriages and festivals too he opines. The banks visit the farmer every now and then to recover the debt which adds to his humiliation. While the bogus seeds grow in the market, the hybrid fails to attain its much hyped yields, the farmer looks to the skies in vain.

Reality Check

Police and Bloodshed in Palnadu - Beyond the barrel of a gun

Any system needs interaction among its elements but in the conflict between the naxals and the police in Palnadu violence emerges as the only accepted means of settling disputes while the toll keeps mounting.


Palnadu: Naxalism is a hushed up word in the hamlets and hills of Palnadu. This is because "Annalu"-meaning big brother is omnipresent and has a thousand eyes and ears. So fear compels them to be discreet. It's a straightforward choice, be silent or be silenced. Development is a mirage here where the police fear to tread. Civic amenities and basic necessities are non-existent and mere survival becomes vital. In this situation either lady luck smiles on you or a gun barrel stares you down.

The authorities admit that worsening circumstances in deprived villages, poverty, unemployment and lack of health coupled with medicare, sanitation facilities and a caste setup, steeped in feudalism and factionalism, have led to the escalation of extremism in Palnadu.

The Superintendent of Police of Guntur,V Sajjanar said that the under developed regions were exploited by these extremists in the primary level which has resulted to their meteoric rise in power and present status. The hills are a perfect hiding place with the forests acting as a great camouflage. He added that the unemployed youth were attracted to name, fame (notoriety), challenge and power that an extremist commands.

This has led to a disturbing trend in the form of rising number of recruits for a violent cause. The underlying fact is that they have become organised. naxalism can no longer be treated as a mere law and order issue. A parallel government by the naxals is the current reality.

In an effort to normalize and bring law and order, Sajjanar has a plan, a three-point strategy as a counter ploy. Measures include rounding-up sympathisers, and possible informers, arrests and encounters to bring them to book and cutting their supply routes. The government has also started a propaganda war to counter the influence of the naxals trying to reach out to the masses, and also promising developmental projects. The unemployment situation is being tackled with increased recruitment in the police force.

The District Superintendent of Police of Narsaraopet,Prithvi Narayan has his own views. He claimed that those who are recruited and are leaders of this cause are mostly dropouts and it is improbable to see them as motivated, ideal, visionary and cause-driven leaders. As an answer to the ongoing armed conflict between the administration and the rebels, he was cynical in response by saying that the extremists were getting the taste of their own medicine. The last step by the authority was to bring in the Greyhounds, an elite police force set up to fight the insurgents. Their patrolling and combatting operations have forced the extremists to retreat further into the hills

For the helpless local population, trapped between two extremes, there seem to be no choices. Though a majority of them remain silent, their sympathies and loyalties are commanded by those who help and those who command respect through fear.

Reverie

Caveat: This is to certify that the contents of this post is the result of a little experimentation of writing skills.

How to watch a movie?

When the first Indian feature film made by Dadasaheb Phalke (3700 feet long) was released in 1913, none could fathom its effect on the public sphere in just over nine decades. The practice of movie watching became a cult phenomenon. When one considers the modest beginnings to today’s multiplexes and the various sources ranging from CD’s, DVD’s, downloads in this world of umpteen choices, truly one ends perplexed “how to watch a movie?”

The usual hullabaloos of a weekend rush, the last minute touches to the set hair right, the gentle tug to straighten the crease of a shirt or pull up the jeans and tighten the belt, a little dab of cologne spray, packet popcorn or ice-lolly and the long winding snakelike queue that moves at a snails pace are distant memories from childhood days of a closing era in this wi-fi age. The jam-packed seats and the huge screens and the electrifying atmosphere where the protagonist appears among ooh’s, aah’s and even catcalls amid the die hard fans, the theatre ceases to be a four walled fence, but a dreamland unplugged.

For a dose of ‘apna Filmistan’ one needs to enjoy this exciting atmosphere with its dts features and the big screen transporting the common man into the realms of dreams which is a myth in real life. This is the most favoured and preferred medium of enjoying a film. To add on this event includes family union, chitchat, a chill out or freak out, an evening with a spouse or girlfriend or an out and out quality time spent with friends and family. “Nothing makes it more realistic” says Shekar who is an avid movie buff.

But Time had its own plans and no one thought it innocuous when Jack Kilby made I.C. chip a reality. This marked the commencement of the digital age which ushered products that was beyond ones imagination and lo there was no time lost by the Makers themselves to realise the opening a crisply marketed PR commodity commands. Up came the home theatre idea, CD’s, DVD’s and downloadable version virtually free of cost. Now the long winding queue and giant screen idea transformed into a portable ready to use disk on convenience. This altered the ego of the moviegoer and in time the much ness of choices spoiled the grand audience and they opted for the option that suited them most. This sad case stated by a theatre assistant, Madhavankutty, gives us the bigger picture.

“The same scene on a giant screen, TV, PC or home theatre brooks no difference today “says Riky, a freelance PC assembler, “You get the same story and people, then why not at my fancy and inclinations. It makes sense when you watch the time you desperately want to see it.” Cutting across differences is the tide is the lure technology which has been a trendsetter making the people savvy of its hand-outs.

Unto this comes the parable-how to watch it? By the law of averages a typical Indian prefers an outing to the domes of the black room where his wish is granted. To the youth a hang out and outing party, to those who love stacking a video, library is the perfect heaven and a hardware store Manna. To the Tech-savvy an online edition may seem the ultimate prize and as it remains for the common man- it boils down to convenience like sipping hot coffee with the entire family(if joint also) making his world complete and also well inside his economic budget. In the end one need not read a silly feature or rush for a review but listen to ones heart and take that first step and follow through. That’s the catch than the illusion of choice. After all’s said and done, we follow our inclinations!!!