"CONGRESS - A DYNASTIC PARTY" - L.K. Advani

P.S. (This was an assignment for our POLITICAL reporting class given by my favourite Professor Mr. Dakshin Murthy) :):):):):)

I know it is too long and I have quoted sources of Websites, you can check them out for more information.

The Indian National Congress (INC) began as a “movement” than a party. In 1889, a committee for INC was formed by A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, Surebdranath Bannerjee and William Wedderburn. In 1892, Naorji was elected to the British House of Commons to represent India. In 1907, party split into extremists and moderates. In the meantime, Jawaharlal Nehru, Gandhi, Sardar.V. Patel, B.R. Ambedkar C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru, Bose and other leaders became prominent and eventually started the struggle for India’s Independence. Apart from Gandhi, Nehru was a noted leader who became the first prime minister of an Independent India on 15 Aug. 1947.

Since 1947, India was shadowed by Congress’s dominion due to its non-discriminating ideology and steered the country on a socialist path. Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the Five-year plan. After the death of Nehru in 1964, internal conflicts within Congress began which led to Indira Gandhi taking her father’s place in Congress.
In 1967, Congress had a united opposition from Samyukht Vidhayak Dal and, youngsters in the party questioned Congress which led to a split in Congress. Congress (R) was led by Indira Gandhi and Congress (O) by Kamraj. Thus, formation of Congress(R) paved the path to family politics and eventually led to the disintegration of Congress. In 1969, Indira Gandhi nationalized 14 commercial banks in order to increase the role of government in banking system. This was a welcome change that would increase the country’s economy and GDP.

In 1971, the polls were swept by Indira Gandhi by a whopping 352 votes i.e. 44% of the total no. of votes and the party members hailed her as a savior. The 1971 elections paved the way to individualism in the Congress party through Indira Gandhi. Another major part of India was vivisected in 1971, which was Bangaladesh. She was alleged for fraudulently using government machinery in 1971 elections due to which the Allahabad High Court invalidated her election to the Lok Sabha and declared it as null and void. The credit for the formation of Bangaldesh by dividing eastern part of Bengal was given to Indira Gandhi. Also, she felt the uprising of charismatic Jayaprakash Narayan as a threat to her political power and status. She felt the threat to her throne and declared emergency in 1975. Democratic process in the country was suspended. It is said that Sanjay Gandhi and his political patron, Bansi Lal were prepared to deal with the course of action. ( Source : http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl1809/18090740.htm ).

In 1977, Indira Gandhi called for elections and lost to Janata Party after which she realized her power being limited. She relied much on her son, Sanjay’s decisions. In 1980, his tragic death shocked her as she was sure of him being her political heir. But, she eventually won the 1980 election with a majority of about 300 seats. During this period her political decisions were marked by an increasingly arbitrary and authoritarian exercise of power. She stoked the fires of Sikh Extremism in Punjab and cultivated the aura of Hindu virtue in Kashmir. This paved the way to political anarchy and her brutal suppression of Bhindranwale's criminal insurgency in Punjab; she disregarded the counsel of her more seasoned advisers and plunged into a constitutional coup in Kashmir.(Source: http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl1809/18090740.htm)

After her tragic death (Assassination) in 1984, her son, Rajiv Gandhi, who was reluctant to enter politics was persuaded by the Congress party members to take her place. Thus, Rajiv Gandhi was the third heir from the Nehru-Gandhi family to become the Prime Minister of India and head the Congress party. By this time, INC became a monopoly and there was no democracy in the party. The main aim of Rajiv Gandhi was to eradicate corruption and reinvent Congress party. In the meantime, Rajiv was found trapped in the 64-crore Bofors Scamp controversy where he tried to defend himself in the Parliament.

In the 1989 elections, Bofors created havoc in the country and thus, Congress lost elections. United Front government under the Prime Ministership of Chandrashekar came into power which did not last long and collapsed in 1991. In the meantime, in order to do damage control to his image, Rajiv Gandhi went to the Supreme Court to neutralize Shah Bano’s case in order to win Muslim Votes. On the other hand, he allowed the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to break the lock perform Shilanyas (a religious ceremony) at the Babri Masjid site. This plan was carved to win Hindu votes. But, in 1991, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated at Sriperambudur by LTTE in connection to the Indian forces he sent to Sri Lanka.

In 1991, P.V. Narasimha Rao was one of the few non-Gandhi family politician to become the Prime minister of India. Under his prime ministership, he brought economic reforms to India and open economy was adopted by welcoming LPG (Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation). But in 1992, Babri Masjid was demolished which tarnished P.V.Narasimha Rao’s image. In 1996, Congress lost elections as most Muslims were against it due to the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

The Janata Dal government came into power in 1996 for a short period till 1998 and then BJP won the elections and Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the PM of India for 13 months. During this time, Sonia Gandhi was elected the president of Congress party when replacing the late Sitaram Kesri. Her entry into Congress brought back Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to power. She is the fifth-member of the Nehru-Gandhi family to become the president of Congress. She is has been in office for 12 years now and is the longest serving President of the Congress party. She is presently the political nerve-center of Congress and possesses the entire UPA government under her control. She defended the UPA government against NDA for six years. Advani called the Congress a dynastic party. (Source : http://www.antireservation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=304)
In 1999, she won became an MP from Amethi and later in 2004 for UP's Rai Bareli, Sonia Gandhi officially took charge of the 125-year-old Congress party as its president in 1998. (Source : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Once-a-reluctant-politician--Sonia-now-at-threshold-of-history/676321/)

In 2004, UPA won the elections and Sonia Gandhi was chosen by the party members to be the Prime Minister of India. But, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) raised the issue of her origin as a result of which she recommended Manmoham Singh as a worthy candidate to be the Prime Minister of India. In the same 2004 elections, Rahul Gandhi was elected to Lok Sabha as MP from his father’s constituency, Amethi. In the meantime, Priyanka Vadra also had created a ground for her to foray into the Indian political scenario. Thus, Rahul and Priyanka too became a part of Congress.

Similarly, in 2009 elections to UPA II came into power with Manmohan Singh continuing his second term as the PM. Sonia Gandhi is set to be re-elected as the Congress Chief for the fourth time. Apart from them, even Varun Gandhi, son of Maneka Gandhi has become a member of BJP, Congress’s main opposition party at Centre. Though he does not belong to Congress, his surname and his ‘hate speech’ brought him into the limelight.

Rahul Gandhi was elected as an MP in 2009 elections from Amethi and is presently regarded as one among the young politicians who holds a significant position in Congress and heads the Youth Congress wing. He continues to be a principal campaigner of congress.

Over the last 18 years, on a rough estimate about 450 Central and State Government programmes, projects and national and state level institutions involving public expenditure of hundreds of thousands of crores of rupees have been named after these three individuals. This trend is even more apparent in the states, which have vied with each other to name programmes and schemes after these three members of the Nehru-Gandhi Family whenever the Congress Party was in power. (Source : http://www.lkadvani.in/eng/content/view/856/424/ )

A perusal of these programmes and schemes shows a systematic attempt by the Congress Party to name every government programme concerning every citizen – man ,woman, child; every possible circumstance in the life of every citizen – child bearing, child rearing, education of children, food, education of youth, employment, marriage, unemployment, destitution, handicap; and every possible challenge flowing out of lack of infrastructure – drinking water, electricity and housing after just three members of this political family who are icons of the Congress Party.

The plan is to ensure maximum recall of Brand Congress among voters at every stage in life. The Congress Party has taken its obsession with this family to such an extent that even calf-rearing schemes are named after them. Shockingly, even Brand IIM had been tinkered with. While all institutes of management started by the Centre go under the IIM brand, the Congress Party has mischievously named the IIM is Shillong as the Rajiv Gandhi Indian Institute of Management.

Such is the obsession of Congress governments with this family that they name India’s biggest Open University after Indira Gandhi and name fellowships granted there after Rajiv Gandhi. Similarly, the centre for advanced scientific research in Bangalore is named after Nehru and the science talent fellowships awarded are named after Rajiv Gandhi.

While there are many examples of this kind in the states as well, the most glaring example, which raises a question in regard to free and fair election, is the blatant advertisement of the Congress Party. For Ex: Rajiv Arogyasri Padhakam in Andhra Pradesh. (Source : http://www.lkadvani.in/eng/content/view/856/424/)

Thus, the whole report clearly shows how Nehru-Gandhi family held the Congress party in their grip, despite the presence of many other potential leaders in the party, who were quelled by the brand “Nehru-Gandhi”. Apart from few losses in elections, the Nehru-Gandhi family still stands at the helm of Congress, even today. This clearly reflects how Congress would easily disintegrate without the Nehru-Gandhi family as many party members chose to look up to family politics and not question them fearing the loss of their own position in the Congress party. And, the Sonia-mania still continues to scare party members, even today.

Women to WOO MEN!

In this burgeoning world, women are appreciated for their chutzpah, their competitive spirit, the determination to succeed in life, which is laudable.
Be it sports or Politics; astronomy or arts, they are excelling in every field and stand as an example to many young women who want to see themselves at center-stage, someday. On the other hand, women are seen as objects of sex and emotions.
Every time you see an advertisement on Men's advertising products like fairness creams, perfumes or clothes, you see a woman standing in close proximity to the man. A model is seen in a bikini, chasing a man (AXE Effect) or drooling over him. Most advertisements have models who are slim, fair, (preferably) tall and not to forget, BEAUTIFUL . The sensuous side of a woman is used as a selling point. Often called "Commodification of women".
Such advertisements are deceiving and misleading in nature. Men's Deodorants, perfumes, fairness creams and undergarments do not sell without a woman in the Ad. The question here is... Is there a need for a woman to be present for selling men's undergarments? Even ads relating to cars ("Curves are Back" - Volkswagen Beetle), TV (Samsung Slim) or bikes - have young, seductive girls in them. This way of depicting women leads to stereotyping. One of the drawbacks of such ads with models in them is that... a viewer's focus is more on the model than the product. Thus, losing the purpose of advertising the product.

These ads demoralize young girls who are constantly pressurized to appear perfect in every way(especially, their physical appearance). The flawless skin, brushed hair, designed clothing is shown as achievable and normal. Fairness creams are turn-offs to many young women and men. They deprive a person. They picture dark people as unacceptable and unapproachable, which is very wrong.
Advertisements are motivating and appealing. They create a deep impact in the minds of people. Portrayal of women in Ads, extensively or excessively, changes the attitude of people and molds it, often reducing a woman's image to a mere object of passion. What many people are not aware of, is that, imperfections of body are altered using graphics.

These ads create a negative-impact on women as they lower their self-confidence and visualize themselves as unattractive. This can lead to depression and psychological disorders. Women viewers often identify themselves as weaker sex. Over exposure of women in ads has also increased the perception of men looking at women as commodities for sex. This in turn has increased the no .of physical assaults and rape cases.
Marketing departments in Ad agencies should look for better strategies and selling points to uplift the status of women rather than degrade them in the society.

Therefore, Women are not meant to woo MEN, but, 'shoo' men .
(P.S. Men control the world, Women control men) :P:D:D

On a BEAT......

Yesterday, we were out for our first official beat reporting, each with their own 'story' had to find their way in this "GREEN" city. Few of them familiar with the places had no problem in finding the place they had to go to, some got lost, some did not know where to go (I was one among them), what story to do - absolutely clueless. One of my friends told me where I should go (because she knew my story). It was in the morning when I actually decided I should be going to Victoria Hospital which is few steps away from K.R. Market.
Ok, Now! Why did I go there? (Because my story was related to that place; the angle completely changed and so did the place) My story was about the Illegal supply of ganja, marijuana and mobile phones in Bangalore Central Jail (which wasn't NEW, was already in Newspapers and wasn't my story anymore). My friend told me that the Jail inmates were admitted at Victoria Hospital as they went on an indefinite fast-unto-death from August 12. The strike was called off on Monday and 31 were admitted due to ill-health.
As I walked into the hospital premises, I found people giving me weird looks, I understood it was the PRESS card :) and I moved on, not giving much attention to such looks. I was looking for the ward where the prisoners were being treated. I found it. I went to the Security personnel and asked them if I could go in. He told me to get the permission of Medical Superintendent (M.S) and I had no other way but go to M.S and get a letter. I was waiting outside his office and finally got my turn to meet M.S. After telling him I wanted to see the prisoners, the only thing he told me was "GET LOST! I'm in a hurry. Don't ask me anything". I wasn't surprised because I was doubtful if he would allow me to enter that block where the inmates were undergoing their treatment.
Somehow, I was disappointed. Very. I walked out of his office. I started having second thoughts about my story. I went back to the back gate of the block where prisoners were there. Like a hungry-reporter for news, i was looking through the iron bars of the gate. Asking every possible doctor and Aya Didi if i could go in. None of them looked at me, nor helped. I thought I would trash this story and go to some other place to find a story and finish with it. I was walking towards the gate - depressed, angry and what not! Suddenly, I saw a handcuffed-prisoner on the opposite side, walking with two constables and I followed them.

The Police Vans (Prisoners are in the vans)

They gave me those doubtful looks. A little hope of getting a story came alive when I saw that man (inmate ). I wanted to go to the constables and ask about that man. I was kind of doubtful, scared about their reaction to the PRESS card. I could not hold myself back. I went right upto a constable and asked him about the prisoner and other details. I got sufficient details. The prisoner himself spoke to me well. I had no problem while speaking to him. The prisoner's brother was sitting beside the constable and the information he gave me added something to my story. Tamil, which I could speak in bits and pieces, finally helped me get a story. (Thanks to the one who found it :D :D) Even at this point of time, I did not know what my story was, But went on collecting information and asking question. I was done with the collecting information from different doctors, DEAN and patients.
I was walking and found Police vans and police personnel on the road. I asked one of them what was happening. He told "15 prisoners' condition is stable and they are being shifted to Jail from hospital". (Damn! that's my story) I was the first to get this news. I was elated, happy and content. It was around 12p.m and I saw inmates getting into the van. I asked the Police if I could click a picture, he said, NO! I somehow got a picture. :)
This was how my clueless, no-angle-story turned into a meaningful and factual story. I do not know if it is going to be accepted but I'm happy for doing some job in getting useful information from the people I met. Some kind of satisfaction in me kept me going. Because this seat at IIJNM is no cake walk. The faculty expects (fairly) good work from each individual and it is for me to live upto their expectations and improve myself day by day and article by article.

Climate of freedom and PEACE

Gautam Buddha might have attained enlightenment under the Bodhgaya tree, but, these students are enlightened under the shade of "Shanti Bhavan". Shanti Bhavan is a school that picks a child from financially backward families and one child per family is given the opportunity to study at this school. (Selection process : The child is chosen after a test). At the age of 4, a child is separated from his/her family (family gives priority to education) in order to attain world-class education from this school. Difficult for a four-year old to stay away from his/her parents at that age and this astonishes me. (Thank God, the family realizes the importance of education)

When I had asked a 12th class student, Kesh, about how those little naive kids deal with the separation from their families, his response was (in American accent) " I was forced to join Shanti Bhavan at the age of four and I wanted to run away. I used to cry a lot and the I hurt myself so many times because I used to bite the iron grill. But, now I love this place".
I do not know how they go through the trauma of being separated from their families and someday, get over it. The same is with their mothers who wait endlessly to see the glimpse of their child, but, unfortunately that happens only twice a year. (To gain something, you need to lose something)

School Assembly

This school also has volunteers who are selected from all over the world. Volunteers can teach any subject and the minimum period of stay is 4 weeks. If you wish to volunteer, you can check out this link : http://www.shantibhavanonline.org/
If you want to know more about the place, you have to visit it and you will fall in love with the place. I bet.

Equality of Religions

Whenever I think of these kids from Shanti Bhavan, I feel so ashamed of myself and many like me. The reason - Many of us had a secured upbringing, good clothes to wear, went to places for holidaying, complained about anything that spoilt our party plans and what not! And while complaining, we forget about how selfish we are. How many times we utter "I"? How self-centered can we be? It is always "I, Me, Myself". When this is the attitude among us at every point of time, how would we change the world? and we call ourselves journalists...Duh!!
But these kids, though they haven't been lucky enough like us , are being brought up so well that someday they will definitely outdo us and stand as financially stable and highly respected people in the society. The urge to farewell in life and succeed in life is evident when they communicate. They like what they do and that is how they live.

If you are in a dilemma about this school (for volunteers only), let me clear your doubts. You are given free stay and food. Most importantly, you are given an opportunity to shape the lives of those innocent kids who completely rely on you. So, it is worth all your effort.
You teach those kids and you also get to LEARN and connect to them which is one of the best things to do.

"We seek peace knowing that peace is the climate of freedom" - Dwight Eisenhower

Shanti Bhavan = Climate of freedom

Peace!

If you want to know better about this school - here's a student who gives you a tour of her perspective on Shanti Bhavan :
http://www.policyinnovations.org/ideas/innovations/data/000172

[P.S. - this had to be posted before my previous post. But, laziness overpowered my will to write - (only that day) not anymore] :D :P

A Bitter Sweet Reality

" A Journalist without a story is like a Capitalist without money" said Ron Feemster. "Your story idea is 90% or 99% of your story or sometimes just 100%" says KK.
Having chosen this profession, I agree one has to constantly look for story ideas as we are told to "EAT, DRINK, BREATHE, SLEEP and may be DIE (one day) - Story Ideas". I do not know if I am heading in the right direction in terms of thinking about a story that already exists, but is not known to people. Something NEW. How and where do I find these story ideas always remains a question mark in my head, in a city which I'm trying to get familiar with. Travelling isn't a problem. Knowing the right place to find a story is very important. Finding an angle that no one has found is a crucial thing to do in order to discover something new about what already exists.

I'm not ranting. I have the passion, determination, but, I just do not know how to do it. Some kind of motivation is what I need. The extra push, little more understanding. Story Idea I jot down appears after two days in the newspaper, thereby, collapsing my story. How do I find a new angle to the story? Yes, when I do a lot of research, I might.
A "do-able story" is what it is called. But, how do-able is it? Is it a feature story? (constantly thinking about it) Is it hard news? Has it been a news before I did it?
Staying in a place which is 30 kms away from city, we are expected to travel to the city after college, in search of story ideas. (Not Ranting *making my point*) Deadline at hostel, 11.p.m.

Hectic schedules, I'm loving it. Being busy is one of the best things one can do. But, Story Ideas is what bugs me. I'm not surprised for scoring a 2/10 for my story ideas. I'm happy that our lecturers go the extra mile and take care of actually reading each trainee journalists' (that is what we are called) story and point out what's wrong and how do-able it is. we learn through our mistakes and yes, are expected not to repeat the same mistakes (But, we are given little freedom in making other 'interesting' mistakes) .They are our editors and what they say is right "when you people work in a newsroom, your stories will just go into trash because your editor does not have the time to read your story (if he finds it lousy)". True story, I agree.

But, the way we are taught is really appreciable. Takes time though. Atleast for me, if not others.
I would love to do something challenging. That's why this course. But, I'm in search of that little satisfaction which could keep me going throughout my career in journalism which I hope is yet to come sometime close. Just hoping everything falls in place and Yes, STORY IDEAS 24x7.

Learning the hard way to make life better for others and committed to journalism FOREVER.

And yes, This is the Bitter Sweet Reality of life.

IIJNM - A Place To BE

Being a JOURNALIST isn't easy and I mean it. I don't know if you feel I'm praising IIJNM (India Institute of Journalism and New Media) but I definitely have fallen in love with this institution and the way they train us. The essence of Hardcore journalism is taught here where a journalist must be aware of what's constantly happening around him/her. As a trainee journalist at this institute, I've started to learn how a journalist's job is not a 9 to 5 job and there is no end to this job. No retirement plans. Constantly look for stories, look beyond the obvious, analyze what u see, analyze what u don't see and understand a topic from every perspective in order to be neutral(unbiased) in professional life.
As a journalist, there's a lot to learn, every minute, every hour, every day and throughout the year. Somewhere down the lane, I want to be someone who has done something good for the society and be a part of the change and initiate it in order to bring about the change. I do not know how I'm going to do it, but I will do it someday. It is something I always wanted to and loved doing. I enjoy doing this course and there is no end to this field which is the BEST part about it. Nothing like it.
I love what I do and enjoy doing it and that's why I chose JOURNALISM .....What a pleasure to be in this field! But, yes, with it comes a sense of responsibility - personal as well as social. Passion, hard work, dedication, a lot of reading, curiosity, observation are the vital components one needs to have. And this is where I BELONG!!!!
Looking forward to be a true JOURNALIST...... :):):):):)

"I make my own LAWS" ???

Everyone has either been complaining or grumbling about the INDIAN LAWS for a long time now. 62 yrs after its Independence, India is still called a developing country and its constitution, a clichéd one. Our politicians expect the constitutional laws to function even after 62 long years, a constitution composed and written during those days when people followed Satyagraha, respected every law, every LEADER and lived the AHIMSA way. But, In a brewing world where the letter "A" has been completely erased from the word AHIMSA and people no more follow GANDHIGIRI but DADAGIRI, how would such old laws be applicable in the present system of governance?? In those days, a POLITICIAN was a LEADER who was appreciated by one and all and had a mass appeal. But Today, a Politician is a phenomena and camouflages according to the different hats he or she wears (pun intended).

Now, the focus point in this discussion is about the INDIAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM. Our laws have been amended by the politicians according to their convenience and will. Whichever government rules, it changes the law according to its will and the opposition does its work only to create havoc. But, again when the opposition is ruling, it does the same. Every party, every politician is the same (Sarcasm intended). For Ex: If we recollect the attacks on the PARLIAMENT in 2001, Afzal guru was the main accused in the case. He has been sentenced to death in 2006 conspiring against a country and for treason. But, the petition is currently on a stay now. Similarly, The most popular terrorist in INDIA (currently) and the prime suspect of 26/11 blasts, Ajmal KASAB - he was sentenced to death recently by judge M.L. Tahilyani. After taking so many lives, his judgement was delayed by 2 years, Govt spent crores of money on him ( he is of course a special person for our country who has been given a VIP treatment despite his criminal activities - No wonder, anyone can live a life KING-SIZE in our country). His judgement had so many things that had to be looked into and the most significant reason being our WEAK laws and the involvement of politicians in the case.

Similarly, take Ruchika's case for instance. For DGP, SPS.Rathore has been pronounced a 2 yr jail sentence after 19 long yrs by the court. For a person who has raped and compelled a girl to commit suicide, was 2 yrs enough? Though Ruchika's family feels justice has been done to them, it is not a complete one. Could they bring back a life?

And what is it with the Bhopal Gas tragedy case? 8 people have been convicted for 2 yrs of jail sentence and Warren Anderson was left out? Our govt took special care in helping him board a flight and return to the U.S. And that incident alone has taken so many lives, has destroyed a lot, has killed wildlife, people are still suffering its hazardous effects. The case was dealt by 19 judges throughout these years and finally a 2 yr sentence??? Is that all??

Politicians themselves have been constantly interfering with all such prime cases and have been delaying judgments and the law making process. In a way, they have been responsible for nurturing terrorism in our own country.

What has the judiciary become? Why is it that if a person wants justice, he cannot hope for it very soon?? Why is it that politicians involve in every judgement and mess it up by delaying the judgement? Why is it that people in the higher cadres get away with anything even after committing crime or involve in any illegal activity? Do our laws apply to all the citizens of INDIA?? And is there a change to be brought in the law making and execution process??

Why can't judgments be quicker and investigations be faster? Why is it that a person who has filed a case in the court has to wait for so many years for the final result in the case? Why can't our laws be amended for GOOD? And the TRUTH is .....every politician feels what he/ she does is correct and that is the TRUTH for them.

No wonder, the LADY OF JUSTICE is blindfolded because she cannot bear with all the wrongs happening in the country and the criminals being spared and walking away smiling (SPS. Rathore) in our country and the innocent being punished.

NOTE: Such issues are all blood boiling ones and no one knows when things will change because acceptance levels in people have increased. My request to all of u : Fight back, do not think it doesn't matter to you....Because for years some of them have thought about things not bothering you and that's why no COMMON MAN ever wants to be a politician or join politics because of the STENCH in it....!!!! Dont give up, FIGHT BACK :)

WEiGHT-Y ISSUES!!!

I'm writing this article because the "world" is obsessed with fitness routines and losing weight and so on. First of all, HEALTH IS WEALTH.... all would agree to it and should know how to be cautious about their health. We listen to 100 people saying 100 different things about how to keep yourself fit and fine and to workout accordingly. Some of them are confused with heaps and tonnes of suggestions plaguing them while some of them follow their regular routines. And, some...do not EXERCISE!!! With umpteen no. of programs or treatments on weight loss being available, one would wonder why someone should workout when you have such an opportunity. First of all, Not all can afford to go for such treatments and slim down or lose weight. Secondly, even if you go through such procedures like LIPOSUCTION or anything, you will have to maintain your figure/physique by watching your calorie intake. Otherwise, the treatment is almost equal to nothing.

Now....coming to the importance of working out or Exercising or spending time on any physical activity is MUST. Exercising can be of any form - YOGA, aerobics, walking, playing any game/ physical activity- cycling,swimming, dancing, etc. For those who have misconceptions about Exercising, you ought to know one thing - any form of exercise keeps you active throughout the day and not phlegmatic. Exercising increases your basic metabolic rate (BMR) which keeps your digestive system very active as your food gets digested faster. (Generally, BMR is high as soon as you exercise and all that you eat after exercising doesn't get converted into fat. Where as, if you do not exercise, your BMR will remain low - this will lead to digestion problems and most of your food is getting deposited as fat) . Also, losing weight or your body tone up depends on what type of body you have. There are basically three types of bodies Ectomorphic, Endomorphic and Mesomorphic.

1. Ectomorphic : The extreme ectomorph may have long fingers, toes and neck are long. A pencil neck you could say. The features of the face are sharp, and the shape of the face is triangular. The lower jaw is somewhat receding. The skin tends to burn easily. Extreme ectomorphs may suffer from extremes of temperature. Due to the great body area in relation to muscle mass, the ectomorph may suffer from great heat, and due to low body fat, the ectomorph may suffer from great cold. The hair is fine and grows quickly and is sometimes difficult to keep in place.

2.Mesomorphic: The mesomorph has well-defined muscles and large bones. The torso tapers to a relatively narrow and low waist. The bones and muscles of the head are prominent. Features of the face are clearly defined, such as cheek bones and a square, heavy jaw. The face is long and broad, and is cubicle in shape. Arms and legs are developed and even the digits of the hand are muscled.

3.Endomorphic: The body of the extreme endomorph is round and soft. The physique presents the illusion that much of the mass has been concentrated in the abdominal area. This may or may not be true. The arms and legs of the extreme endomorph are short in length and taper. This may give the appearance of stalkiness. The hands and feet of the endomorph are comparatively small, and the upper arms and thighs are often more developed than the lower parts of the arms or legs. The body has a high waist.

So....Now you know which body type you have, so work according to that.

There is no particular schedule for one to follow and it depends on how much you can work out. But, if you want to maintain your figure/physique burn 300 calories per day and if you want to lose weight - "don't starve yourself" - burn 600 calories per day. The count goes like this, Suppose you are consuming a total of 1200-1400 calories per day, you need to burn at least half of how much you consume. Working out thrice a week of four times a week keeps you fit. If you are bored of your routines, change them because if you continue the same routine, you will lose interest. If you are bored of walking on the treadmill, go for aerobics. Cardio-workout will help you keep away from many health problems. Breathing exercises are must because it enables the overall functioning of the body and blood circulation. Also before you start your workout, warm up your body to avoid muscle blocks or sprains. Also, Do not get disappointed or have an inferior feeling looking at someone leaner than you. Remember - he/ she might not have the flexibility which you have being plump. Workout hard and you will see the results accordingly. Do not expect results overnight and be disappointed with your trainer or your routines and keep nagging. You have to have patience to exercise... So love your body, take time to work out and stay fit.OBESITY is a problem and being PLUMP is not!!!!

Eating right is very important. You can eat right without cutting down your favourite food. All you have to do is know what is good for you and what is not. But it all again depends on how much you exercise. DO NOT STARVE YOURSELF - I repeat!!! I'm giving these suggestions after I've gone through various books, articles on magazines and newspapers.

• Avoid aerated drinks
• Avoid junk food (Once in a while is okay!!)
• Avoid food with lots of sugar in it or fried food (Again- once in a while is ok!!!)
• Social drinking is ok!! But not regularly (You will also have health problems apart from weight gain)
• Avoid smoking - It kills your hunger.
• Drink lots of water (It gives a glow on your face and keeps you away from diseases)
• Eat small meals at regular intervals (5 or 6 small meals - meal doesn't mean chips,cold drinks,burgers, pizzas n all)
• If you know you are going out for dinner or lunch to some place and you are going to eat more, then cut down the calories intake of you other meals - instead of rice, have roti or salads - this again doesn't mean to starve yourself.
• Avoid eating rice, curds/yoghurt at nights (REASON: During the night, your metabolism is slow, so the rice/curd gets stored in your body as fat)
• Eat more salads and fresh fruits and drink fresh fruit juices.
• Ice creams, pastries, burgers, pizzas and other junk is okayyy once a month.

Also, the most important thing you have to keep in mind while exercising is.. to ENJOY it. You can do something only if you like it - so like it. Going without food for days or dieting by only having vegetables,fruits is fine but not sufficient - because your body needs fat apart from proteins, vitamins and fibre. So carbohydrates intake is a must in your diet.

Therefore, all you have to do is eat well, exercise well, love your body, feel confident and love yourself for what you are....and STAY HEALTHY, STAY SAFE!!!! :):)

Seriously a WATCHDOG?

What is it with the Electronic Media today? Lots of speculation, sensationalizing, surreptitious coverage,bias and lots of unnecessary things aired. Swine Flu pandemic was prevalent until the media focussed its attention on it?? Similarly, the Copenhagen summit....The much hyped up issue about the nations across the world coming together to discuss about the climate change and Global warming?? (Nothing Said and Nothing Done...except for BASIC that opposed U.S's decision), then comes the burning current issue about the seperate Telgana State. Entire drama starting in December by TRS activists, then KCR's fast-unto death, followed by many MP's and MLA's resigning, Lagadapati's chase from Vijaywada to Hyderabad NIMS hospital, including the Bandhs and Blockades (which are no more in public interest), the crucial meeting on Jan 5th with the central Govt, OU students agitations, cases of Self-immolation, etc etc. Amid all this confusion, there were telugu media channels that went onto flash news about Reliance having connection with our Late CM, Mr. YSR's death. This led to vandalising Reliance offices and stores in the City by furious YSR's fans. (These Media Channels have done it assuming it would bring them TRP's but it was a case reversal where the Input Editor and Senior editor of a Media channel were arrested amidst high drama) Also : The website "EXILE" that has stated this issue about YSR's death was a banned one...and the TV channels did not bother to look into such crucial matters to verify if the information was true or false?

Question 1 : Being the WATCHDOG of society, Media doesn't verify the information?

Question 2 : Why do certain issues last in our minds only till the media talks about it? (Watch today ..Forget tomorrow??) Is that the way we see things today??

Question 3 : Why dont people care about what's happening with our country??

Question 4 : Why does Media have to be biased while communicating information to the masses?

Question 5 : Why should every political party have a media channel or a newspaper organisation?? (For its own publicity?? )

Question 6 : (In Andhra Pradesh) Why do media channels have no other news except for repeat telecast of death, accidents and news about whichever political party it supports??

Question 7 : Why is media hindering people's privacy? And there are many more endless questions like this one could think off.

For Example : Consider the Hiati earthquake that has left millions hungry, homeless and in languishing conditions. Has the media concentrated on that issue? NO. Now,Consider the floods in India ( Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, etc) people came forward to help the victims, donate whatever they could and eventually as media's attention shifted to something else, our weak minds also forgot about the entire chapter of floods. Isn't it??

Another Ex : Sakshi Tv, Tv9, Tv5 etc ...support the Congress party while Etv, Etv2 support the Telugu Desam Party. News Channels and Newspapers are used as tools for publicizing a particular political party's ideology. Similarly, The Telangana Bandhs have lost their charm lacking masses interest. Telangana supporters have restored tents at significant centers in various districts but nothing happens for FREE...Isn't it?? Ladies are given Rs.250 for shouting slogans and sitting under the tent while men are paid a little less i.e. Rs.150 but....to add to it...they are given a Biryani packet + a Liquor bottle (like incentives). These people have 100 % attendance only when they see a "Cameraperson" around them with the most "Powerful"tool i.e. Camera that captured them live and as usual they pretend to be fasting or even die for Telangana by having bananas behind the tent. Ohhh this is what Lagadapati Rajagopal called "Modern Fast" When KCR was on Iv and still was fasting. He then broke his fast by sipping lemon juice?? (Do u know that any human being can survive if he/she is on Iv). Modern fast also includes snacks like bananas and chat during their fast period from 11a.m to 5 p.m?? And who knows....before 11 a.m or after 5p.m what they eat????

And...Why do we care if an actor renewed his license? that's shown in the HEADLINES of a prime time news bulletin. Or if Shahrukh Khan is detained at the U.S airport ? Why does media have to hype the issue? Why does an Indian have the feeling that he/she has to be treated like GOD all over the world?? The new trend of film stars ....to attend a common man's marriage and become the "STAR" for the show...they demand money depending on how long they are asked to stay?? Same is the case with much hyped game in India - CRICKET. In India, cricket is almost like a religion while other sports are not even given importance as it. Hockey is the national game of India for namesake?? No funds provided by the govt, no encouragement even if they win the WORLD CUP....But if that is cricket and Sachin creating a record....That will become the news of the day, week and month....played repeatedly all day long.Is this what we get from NEWS???

On the other hand, Media also highlights issues for public's good... like Jessica Lall's murder, Ruchika's case, etc. But certain TV channels have crime shows that have anchors themselves looking like criminals....and the whole presentation of the Anchor is in such a way that, he would want to kill the viewer by the very words of his. WEIRD??? ohhh....No...!!! Infact, it scares people, shows how a crime is committed, how a person should be killed, how the body should be dumped in an isolated place, how to pour acid on a girl's face due to love rejection??? etc etc....These programs have more negative effects than positive. There has been a lot of debate over how the information on the electronic media is to be controlled. Media Experts say that everything that goes on-air has to be censored or checked. Media channels should have something like the gatekeepers that filter information so that the right information reaches the masses.

On the other hand, Comparitively, print media have much filtered and controlled information than that of the electronic media. Though print media also publishes biased information, there is some amount of credibility in it. People find print media more acceptable and easily accessible than that of electronic media. Thus, both have their pros and cons....But on the Whole, MEDIA as a Watchdog of Society has failed "somewhere" to do its duty and Press as the fourth estate (according to the Indian Constituion) has lost its credibility to a certain extent due to bias and dishonest information.

Another striking point is, Journalists themselves being corrupt and delivering biased or wrong information (instead of giving the right information). IF such is the situation of today's society, then where would the right information come from???

NOTE: My point is not to declare that media has been delivering wrong information throughout or has been biased entirely. I'm talking about the WRONGS happening....and they have to be rectified.

So is media the Real WATCHDOG of the society?? ASk yourselves......

All for one.. ONE for all????

There's pandemonium everywhere... lots of confusion, protests in the state from all the three regions (Andhra, Telangana and Rayalaseema), cases of self-immolation, Police beating up students (which they actually are not), Students pelting stones at public property, setting RTC buses on fire,...all in all CHAOS!!! (I mean it sounds like how *JOKER (heath ledger) said it in DARK KNIGHT).

On the other hand, the Telangana Rasthra Samithi (TRS) which came into existence in 2001 has been demanding for a seperate state of telangana for various reasons. KCR being the vanguarding part of this movement has taken a resolution to fast-unto-death for a seperate statehood. Meanwhile, there have been protests all over Hyderabad...the govt declared bandh, the TRS activists creating problems to public and have vanadalised the public property.They have only become *evil-er* in the eyes of people. Now you call them students?? Who they actually are not...they belong to the student unions (ABVP,JAC, etc), they have been residing in the OU hostels even after they were asked to vacate them after their graduation...Most of them being the so called "unemployed men". But, these *students* are given Rs.400/500 per day which they think is their pocket money for the day...and their job being : Pelting stones on shops, hitting people, stopping vehicles and asking them to scream "JAI TELANGANA" !! They are given food and a bottle of liquor....What else does one want when he is given money, food n liquor for doing almost nothing.... Okay now, let's accept the fact that they are ardently wishing Telangana to be given away. But, do they (TRS) even know the after effects of giving away a seperate state ? Have they thought of all that before starting their agitation?

If Telangana is declared as a seperate state:

• The water supply that comes to Nagarjuna Sagar (under the Telangana region) will have no water because the water flows from Tungabadhra (under the Rayalaseema region) This can be stopped completely.
• The water to Manjeera (under the telangana region) flows from Krishna (under the Andhra region). This can be stopped too.
• Inter-state taxes will definitely increase.
• Because Telangana doesn't have many shrines or visiting places, Telangana people will indirectly make the other states rich. ( Ex: Tirupathi in Rayalaseema region .....is a religious shrine)
• Education, illiteracy, poverty and other problems mostly prevail in the Telangana region.
• Unemployment is maximum among Telangana people.
• Power supply from NTPC is under the Central Govt's control, so the power also has to be shared.
• When there's no water, there will be no food coz lack of water for irrigation and agriculture. People will start starving.

And Another point, Telangana cannot be given away including Hyderabad. Becoz Hyderabad is the most developed in the telangana region and most of the MP's, MLA's properties belong here. Apart from that, there've been almost 60% of Andhraiites in Hyd and approximately ...15-20% of Telangana people are hardly there. And....If telangana ppl demand for a seperate state, Andhra people will do the same and same goes with people in the Rayalaseema region. Now when people of these three regions have their own demands from the Central Govt...Why can't muslims in Hyderabad demand for a seperate Nizam state? Isn't that a possibility? It is....

After Congress's serious meeting with the AP CM Rosaiah and other cabinet ministers...Chidambaran said that they have agreed to initiate the process to pass a bill in the legislative assembly for a seperate state of telangana. (Almost a seven-step process).

The very next morning.....beginning with MP Lagadapati Rajagopal, 100+ MP's, MLA's and MLC's have resigned to their posts and .....Now who'z gonna support Telangana?

The TRS MLA's ??? Or the Congress MLA's who belong to the telangana region???

None or One (KCR)??.......becoz these MLA's do not want to lose their post, their priveleges, their facilities, allowances and transportation that Govt provides them. And they (T People) blame Potti Sri Ramulu who fought for a seperate state of AP 400 yrs ago, in which we all are presently living.....Wat crap?? Yes exactly....!!! That's how it is.....preposterous is the exact word..After everything is done...they say "ITS MINE???".!!!

Hyderabad being a union territory would be an option....which would boost foreign investments, IT sector and globalisation of Hyd wud take place...an advantage in that way....!!! But what about the crores of properties of MP's and MLA's..?? wud they let go off their hard-earned money (or black money too?) Nooooooo.....Isnt it???

Now...What?? As soon as Chidambaran has said that....Gorkhaland in West bengal wants to be a seperate state same is with Bodoland in Assam ,Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Khaalistan in Punjab and Suarashtra in Gujrat....!!! sooooo.........Hasn't Congress created problems for itself??? If telangana will be given.....will the other states also be divided?? Who actually wants the Telangana? KCR ? ....only???

After all this....who would want a seperate state? Sonia..It doesn't matter to her at all?? KCR...Why? to become the CM...and do what?? drink n DIE???!!! If telangana is given away without Hyd....it will become the most backward state of India facing utmost crisis and then later repent for being left out.

Bottom Line : No " Jai Telangana" ......Only

" JAI ANDHRA PRADESH" (The whole of it)!!!!

*Note* : This is not to bring out any communal or anti-social feelings among people, but it's just my opinion!!!! I just hope TRS people were sensible enough to understand things in detail than to just stage protests and create havoc.

" Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity."
-- Robert Alan