Why India is Still an Underdeveloped Nation?

Have you ever questioned yourself why India is lagging behind in attaining developed status? Does one have to telecast the reasons like hero Vikram did in the movie Aparchit (where he telecasts the comparisons between our nation and fast growing countries viz., Japan and Singapore)? Do I have to mention again that, overpopulation, illiteracy, poverty, unemployment in addition to nepotism, corruption, caste system, religion, regionalism and irresponsible citizens etc., are the major hindrances in country’s growth?
I would say that, it’s foolish to dig deep into the past, blaming the Moguls and the British rulers, who though had looted us to a greater extent (as the governments especially the politicians do at present date) but were unsuccessful to last longer? Have you ever raised your voice against the present administration system which is betraying us in almost every possible manner?
Or isn’t a period of sixty years sufficient enough to shed out the past and strikeout on an independent path? It’s piteous but truth that, though we are democratically independent are still more or less dependent on other countries for various sources. Please do not mistake me, for I am not discussing anything related to collaborations here.
Caste System in India is one of the major drawbacks. Although, Indian Constitution facilitates the right to equality, it hurts me always when I see people segregating co-humans in the name of caste. I felt surprised when I heard that, in some remote villages untouchability and ill-treating is still in practice. I had witnessed the people who tore the posters of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar with rage, pasted on my own department walls. I feel sorry for all those who are ignorant about the facts that, the Indian Constitution just doesn't discuss only about reservations to scheduled castes/tribes but it is a highly appreciated draft around the globe with a powerful agenda that focuses various issues/measures for the benefit and uplifting of whole nation. It is really pathetic to state that, even today some people are still into this evil practice and the others after encashment by playing tricks with the emotions and sentiments of the above listed castes/tribes. (Example: Grouping the Scheduled Castes into A, B, C, D Categories).
Secondly, I had witnessed the victims of nepotism and also was one among them to suffer. The very sukoon-2008 in my own university, where the title of Mr.Sukoon-08 had been awarded to a person who had some kind of political and/or say social influence. The judges of the whole event itself were unjust and it made me laugh when I heard one of the judges (who himself had a pathetic English) saying that, the participants are not competent enough in English. Another classic example for nepotism is the present Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Corruption, an evil from which God also cannot save. Even Bharateeyudu (a popular movie again) cannot help as he is just fictitious because, corruption has rooted itself so deeper that, it is a highly impossible task to eradicate as it starts from registration of birth and never ends even after death. But, the new generation should step forward to eradicate corruption.
Irresponsible behavior of the citizens (lets pray for an Aparichit to rescue us) also damages the country’s destiny. There are many an educated youth who are not willing to take up on the responsibility to construct the nation and give it new dimensions. I already quoted Vivekananda in my last article, "Why Specialization?" about the necessity of the realization that one educated youth must undergo to make his/her nation attain development, but everyone is after his/her own prosperity. It is no harm to think about one’s own prosperity, but it is highly inappreciable if he/she doesn’t giveback something to their country. And in my view, it is not the unemployment that is responsible, but it is the constraints that the youth had imposed on themselves to some horizons which they never wish to cross. It frightens me, when I think about the nation as a whole because in the jurisdiction of Hyderabad itself, I had found many chaps gossiping around just sitting idle at Irani cafés since morning till evening as a part of their daily routine.
Sympathy also destroys the nation’s building to a wider range. After assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, her son Mr. Rajiv Gandhi became the prime minister of India due to sympathy veil. In his regime, the country was in financial crisis, and the situation existed such that presidential rule had to be imposed compulsorily in the name of Financial Emergency. But,the then Prime Minister, Mr. P. V. N. Rao, had saved the country from the crisis with the three golden a.k.a. Chanakya rules viz., privatization, globalization and liberalization, (which are been followed by every government till date formed after his).
Terrorism, an outcome of religion, poverty, illiteracy and unemployment etc., also hinders the development. I had always felt sorry about the terrorists, who utilize the technology for destructive purposes. I always wished that they might utilize the technology they possess in a right manner to achieve peace in the world. But, it never happened. Though, there might be many a reasons behind terrorism or naxalism viz., social inequalities, injustice etc., but it would be more better, as said by Naresh and Sarvanand (in the movie Gamyam) instead playing hide and seek from jungles, fight openly from the public by representing them and their problems in a peaceful manner. To instantiate, Gandhian Principles are ideal to attain peace and success.
Regionalism is a new source of hindrance to the nation’s growth. Political Parties are after dividing the States. Again, the foul play with the emotions and sentiments of the people in order to attain power, the representatives (MLA’s and/or MP’s) who are after acquiring huge wealth are deceiving us. Telangaana in Andhra Pradesh is just an instance. The selfless revolution of the farmers against Razakars and/or Deshmukhs who raped the lands of the farmers and molested innocent women is being insulted and also is highly misused today. Without any knowledge of the past that had witnessed the heavy bloodshed and tears of the warriors (of both women and men), every political party is promising to separate the state into two, seems really ironic.
The list goes on continuing, and I fear it would make many endless volumes. To conclude, I would like to request all the youth to think for the betterment of society and try hard to attain it. It’s we the youth, who are similar to bricks according to Sri C. Raja Gopala Chary, who can construct the Nation only if we are good at character viz., good bricks. Every one has to realize the fact that, one must repay what ever had had learnt/acquired for the benefit of the nation. India, needs selfless people like Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, many unsung freedom fighters and Telangaana warriors etc., who had sacrificed their worldly pleasures for the sake of country and gave their best to the Nation. We must follow their noble ideas in order to attain development & peace.

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth Chintakindi

Why Specialization?

**Note: This article is strictly not meant for people with B.C.A/M.C.A background and Graduates/Engineers with CS/IT. Still, everyone has the right to read this article and to comment/criticize.

Swami Vivekananda says, “In India, there are millions of people below the poverty line. Indians are striving hard to fill their stomachs. It is the educated youth who should find a way to eradicate the poverty lines and make the country self-sufficient. But, it’s a pure deceit.” It was quoted some where in early 20th century, but today the situation is still worse.

Don’t you know why it is worse? Is that India needs only software engineers or call center executives? It is really pathetic but one has to digest the fact that, a vast number of engineering graduates irrespective of their specialization are moving towards IT industry and ITES. It is tragic that, even specializations viz., Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, B.com, B.Sc, etc., are also given a chance to make it into these industry. Imagine, what a chemical engineer would do in software? My own sister is a classic example. Please do not mistake me as I am not criticizing the so called IT industry or ITES but, yes it is true that, I am criticizing all those who had done their specialization in some subject and working again for so called IT industry and ITES. I am also not an exception for this case but I’ve realized my mistake, that’s why I would like to share my views with you.

When I was working with Electronic based company in Hyderabad, I was paid relatively a less salary. I was happy not for being paid a less salary but for I am working for a company which is relatively closer to my graduate degree in engineering. I know that the letter “M” which stands for Money is vital in every aspect of life, but job satisfaction is also something that does matter. So, I was happy and not my family. Like every father, my dad had also asked me to join in some IT related course in order to see me as a so called software engineer. I take it pride to announce that I am a failure to fulfill the dreams of my father. It is not that, I can’t make it or I am not fit for software industry but I’ve realized what specialization does mean and especially what do I really need from life.

I am aware that, Engineering students are not facilitated with good laboratories and great faculties but still a student can excel if he/she undergoes self-realization and self-study. It is sad to state that, even IIT’s had not produced engineers who look forward to develop our nation in every aspect through their specializations and make our country self-sufficient. Some IITians who joined politics in Tamilnadu, some who joined Indian Industries and Civil Services etc., are exception for this case and I do salute them whole-heartedly, but, at the same time, I feel pity for all those highly educated who had flew to other nations. Please stop curtaining on these flew (flu) birds (in the name of foreign exchange reserves) who, gave first preference to their own comforts and not thought about the country. Patriotism does not necessarily means sacrificing life for the sake of country, but it does mean sacrificing self-comforts and thinking for the well-being of the nation.

As a soldier on the border who strives day and night to protect the nation in the spine chilling conditions from all external invasions or threats, so we the people should also take upon the responsibility to make our country self-sufficient by eradicating internal disturbances and threats. It is possible only when, highly educated youth, as said by swami Vivekananda, respond whole-heartedly. Mohan Bhargav, a character played by Shah Rukh Khan in the movie ‘Swades’ is just an instance. Unfortunately, I’ve not found any such Mohan Bhargav in reality, till date.

Golden were those days when patriotism itself was like flowing blood in the body of every human being, but today, we have completely forgotten all our unsung heroes? We remember Gandhiji because he is printed on the currency notes, it seems to be an irony but it’s a truth? They were all motivated and selfless people who had fought with existing internal disturbances and threats to attain self-sufficiency, but, it is a shame that, we had ruined and still are ruining it to a greater extent.

I also agree the fact that, IT/ITES industry is the only potential employer today but, what about the vacancies in other industries and government jobs? Aren’t we really competent to get those jobs? Or are we are afraid of the competition itself? It has been observed that, applicants are becoming extinct for other jobs, especially in the case of government undertakings whether state or central. To my belief, Government undertakings/PSU is the only place where one can justify his/her specialization. Please do not blindly blame that getting those kinds of jobs is pretty hard because money in the form of bribes is involved. To your knowledge, two of my friends had already joined them, one in HAL and the other in DRDO quitting their M.Tech without paying a single rupee as bribe. When they can make it why can’t we? I think it is no harm to pay bribe to get settled in a government job when compared with paying money to IT industry people for back door entries. Let me state that, the former job gives you peace of mind and security and the latter job, huh! God only knows.

My friends discourage me when I say them that I am applying for these kinds of jobs. Undoubtedly, they are well-wishers of mine, but, I don’t wish to be one in that herd of software sheep. This statement would make my friends angry but I am happy that, I had planned well to lead a life which I had had dreamt of. May be it also possible that, I may be one among them with changing times and situations but, I promise that, I will try my best to lead the life the way I like it.

By now, they all must have understood that, they have failed to convince me with the greed of worldly pleasures in the veil of pain. Buddies tell me frankly, have you ever tried convincing yourself? Just for god’s sake or say for your own sake, try to question yourself. Trust me, you will definitely find an answer, if you feel that you are really happy with your work then, I’ve no queries just go ahead and keep continuing and excelling in your own fields, but if you’re not, then I must remind that, still you have many possibilities and opportunities waiting at your own doorstep, go grab it. For this what you have to do is just sit back, rethink and try to justify or discover your own self first.

In my conclusion, I would like to appeal all the educated youth not to fling you into troubles by making a wrong option as it is a matter of whole career and life. Better, sit back for a while and plan for a suitable career related to your specialization and discover the ways to serve your nation. To me, “Serving one’s own Nation itself is totally equal to sacrificing life in the warfront.”

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth Chintakindi.

YOUTH AND POLITICS!!

Each of us discuss about, “Politics” in some way or the other. It’s the hottest topic for both criticism and fun to anyone and everyone. I always wonder thinking (instead being the hottest topic) why politics is not considered as a career? Even my friends when questioned, “Would you like to join politics?” would give a strange glance first as if I’ve asked something out of world and then reply me defining politics as a dirty thing. They have even termed it as Dirty “Poly Tricks”. What could one say back for such a reply? I will say, “Just leave your fate on those whom you elect to decide about you” and sitting in the verandah (As Paresh Rawal says in the movie “NAYAK”) say your wife “Darling see how our country's progress is declining day by day”. Remember all, “One has no right to criticize who doesn’t attend to his responsibility well”.
Though there is no harm criticizing all those selfish politicians who suffer short memory loss (For instance, who forget implementing their promises made at the time of elections and never appear back in their constituencies till a term of five years) but it does really matter if we criticize the entire political system itself. India is a politically rich country where there exist many-a-number of political parties at national, state, regional and sub-regional levels and to my surprise there are political parties based on the name of religion and caste too. Of course, they serve no purpose for what they are built for and even they do not contribute towards the development of a better society and its welfare. All the political parties are blindly after making money whether they are old enough in the number of years or just budding parties. And we the poor citizens due to favoritism (towards the political parties) or due to blind belief on those whom we elect stay calm and patient as our mother Earth does.
This is the sole reason why we are still an under developed nation. Having an ancient cultural heritage and riches, does not fetch any favors in attaining a state of being called a Developed country like America, Japan or what ever. It is pathetic to state but,the partition of India itself was due to the quarrels about conquering the power in politics. Does one have to remind that, Mr. Mohammed Ali Jinnah and Pandit J.L. Nehru had signed the pact of partition just for the sake of the post of Prime Minister? They have not only partitioned the boundaries of the country but also the long lasting fraternal relations that existed between us. It is pathetic to reveal but it is the sole reason behind us losing an eminent leader, our father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Till date, we are experiencing threats in the form of wars and terrorism externally and the policy of “Divide and Rule” which is blindly followed by existing politicians today is creating chaos internally which is obvious from partitioning the States into smaller ones. This is hindering the growth of the nation.
Isn’t it we who should stand responsible for all this. Isn’t it our greed for materialistic things which compels us to sell away our valuable vote (which decide the future of the nation) to unsuitable candidates? Even the educated youth acts indifferent at the time of elections. Please do not mistake me but the educated youth would not love taking pain standing in the queue to caste their votes. It does matter to them in any manner because they don’t bother whether their vote is polled by some one else or just gone wasted. Does one have to make you realize that, a “vote” in a Democratic country where the government is of the people, by the people and for the people is really invaluable? (All those who cast their valuable votes like I, please forgive).
Clarence Darrow says, “When I was a boy, I was told that anybody can become a President; I am beginning to believe it”. Isn’t this statement is as clear as a crystal is? In this country any one can become a political leader and decide our fate. But mostly here it follows hereditary system similar to movies. The person mostly eligible for this is either from cinema field, or a rich person, or a person with a criminal background. Do you think that I’ve forgotten the educated youth? No, I found them in a very less number or say educated politicians are just countable on fingers. Because, they don’t like to waste their valuable time thinking about making a career in politics since they are well aware of Henry Ford who says, “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.” They never show courage to question back even if some thing goes wrong. They do not like to take risk doing so, because what matters to them the most is the self-prosperity. They leave their fate to the leaders to decide for them and simply accept what ever is decided by them. What a pity?
Day by day, people are forgetting the social consciousness and are in such a competitive world where no one has enough time to spare for betterment of society. When an educated youth starts thinking about his/her own self, (whether prosperity o development) then, it is obvious that they all are blindly giving away their lives or future to those whom they elect to represent them. In such criteria, we have no right to criticize and also have no right to rewind the rights facilitated to us by the Indian Constitution.
The House of Commons (Lok Sabha/ State Legislative Assembly) is filled with a great number of unconscious fools chosen by the conscious fools (The people). Don’t question me why I’ve used the word “Fool”. I know very well that you’re all aware that, most of the politicians are illiterates and if they are educated also are still unaware of the Indian Constitution which they amend again and again and to my belief some of they even amend some of the non-amendable articles and classes of the constitution. So, what should be done? What is our responsibility?
There is a popular saying that “As the King, so the people”. If the majority of fools are elected, then they will not only destroy the entire country but also ruin the prosperity of the country. Albert Einstein Says, “A fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.” It is vivid that, if you’re a real friend of the country, who believe in excellence, seeks for it, fight for it, defend it, and try to produce it; then you must also show the courage in attaining it.
Down deep in every human heart is a hidden longing impulse and ambition to do something fine and enduring for the development of his/her own country and if you personally feel that this existing political system has to be changed, then as Mahatma Gandhi says, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Present day politics need Youth to take upon the responsibility. You can count the number on fingers the existing young politicians both at Central and State Levels. As Atlas had shrugged after giving away the world which he used to carry on his shoulders to Hercules, you too take upon the responsibility by joining the politics and start working on the problems. India has infinite number of problems viz., population, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption, etc. needs ready solutions and to make it possible the educated youth must choose politics as a career. I believe that, Politics is more powerful than any other system (Except Indian Judiciary). Even an IAS officer obliges to what ever a politician says.
In conclusion, I would like to appeal all those educated youth to join politics and make it as a career only if they are courageous enough to take the responsibility on their shoulders to change the world. I know, there will be a violent opposition from our family and friends and even some mediocre minds, but don’t step back if you’ve decided that you can adjust in politics and build a strong self determination that you can change the world. To my belief, “The talk you hear about adapting to change is not only stupid, it’s dangerous. The only way you can manage change is to create it”. And, if you’re a real friend of your country then step ahead in the direction which makes your country progress. All the best!!

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth Chintakindi,
M.Tech (A.I.)
University of Hyderabad.

SAVE HYDERABAD

On 30th Dec'06, I had been to necklace road to participate in Hyderabad Youth Summit-06 conducted by MCH with one of my friends. There I observed that total system has got completely failed in ordering the priorities and are constantly wasting money for such useless events. I was been there to write a slogan, then suddenly it stroked my mind that there used to be a slogan earlier "Clean Hyderabad- Green Hyderabad" but I firmly felt to write " Save Hyderabad". Yes if you want to survive in Hyderabad, then it is (y) our own duty to save it, as it is the most endangered city (Similar to Endangered wild species).

Now, straight-to-the-point, our city has three forms of dangers, going to occur due to Natural Calamities viz., FLOODS, FAMINES AND EARTH QUAKES and of course to a major extent by the Officials of Government and the Real Estate people.

Firstly, Floods can attack us anytime this rainy season, if good rainfall occurs, and River Moosi, which is one of the most silent Killers and hazardous causing Betrayal rivers is going to be the root source for that. Earlier it had destroyed 1/4th of Population in mid-70's, and once again this situation might arise as more than 60% of the river had been occupied by so called Real Estate People and the Government in the name of Beautification Projects (by lessening the width of the river and constructing unnecessary bridges and flyovers). The witness to yell strongly about the Destruction is still standing high in the name of Purana Pool Bridge (which has seen floods almost 10times till date).

Secondly, considering about famines. It is really sorry to say but one can easily count the number of trees existing in the city on fingertips. Once, Henry David Thoreau said, " If a man walks in the wood for love of them, half of the each day he is in danger of being regarded as a loafer; but if he spends his whole day as a speculator shearing off those woods and making earth bald before her time, he is esteemed as an industrious and enterprising citizen". May be the Corporate World and the common man too both together following the above rule blindly and in the race of Materialism they have even forgotten that they are harming our own self by masking the importance of Trees. Does one need to stress that the trees provides us with fresh breeze, which an artificial air conditioner cannot give? That they allow us to breathe pollution free air etc.,
You too will agree that our city is no more Green Hyderabad and I have no need to explain you about the two famines that we have faced last three years. How can one forget Himayath Sagar and Osman Sagar getting completely dried up (due to no rains caused by heavy pollution and no flow of water into the lakes due to obstructing constructions)? How can rain will be there if there are no trees to welcome the rainfall opening their hands to hug? How can a rainfall occur when there are no birds to sing welcome songs? Isn't that so pathetic?

Thirdly, the Earthquakes. In Stallion movie I suppose, Trisha sings a song "siggu tho chi chi . cheera tho pechi" and to my belief she does wear no sari (it does not mean that she wears nothing; but i meant that wears some skirts other than sari) and same with the case of hyderabad city. There are mountains/hills left for only namesake (viz., Banjarahills, Jubileehills, Kondapur, Nandinihills, Castlehills, Gayathrihills, Punjagutta etc.,) and in place of the same there exists huge complexes and buildings making the earthquake proned area to highly earthquake prone. The Hi-tech city region is endangered especially where many of you people working for Software and BPO industries.
In such inevitable situations, I thank God for not blessing us with "Sea or Ocean" or otherwise, we might have polluted as we see in the case of Hussain Sagar lake and R.Moosi or might be endangered again with one more problem named "Tsunami".

In conclusion, I would like to say that Human life is more precious than materialistic values. Though the land values in those areas are really costlier but still one can dare to plant a tree at least one for a building, then only there arises no situation to explain the future generation about the trees and mountains drawing the pictures either on canvas or a computer screen.

DREAMING FOR A POLLUTION FREE HYDERABAD...
SRIKANTH.C (HCU).

CONTRIBUTION

Last weekend, I suppose, on the day of my fresher party, one of my seniors, (in her address to all junior students of M.Tech), requested, “To repay something back, or say, contribute for the good and benefit of the Society and Department as well, from what ever we learn from the University.” Being inspired by her speech, I jotted down to explain the necessity of “Contribution”.
Once, Albert Einstein in his writings quoted, “A hundred times everyday I remind of myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labours of other men, living and dead; that I must exert myself in order to give in the same way as I have received and am still receiving”. Undoubtedly, he is the Man of deeds and not of words. (“A Man of Words and not of Deeds is like a garden full of Weeds”). He proved himself practically; he contributed a lot to the society. Even today the formulae he invented are still in practice, that itself proves him to be a legendary.
As I have always been saying in my every article to “Question Yourself” is applicable in this case too. (Say, if Albert Einstein has not questioned himself, would he be ever successful to make his contribution to the society). No matter how much you are going to contribute, but realize the necessity of contribution to make our society a better place for existence.
Here to support the above statement, I would love to furnish an anecdote (A short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature) of a squirrel in one of the epics, the Ramayana. Though it was fully aware of the fact that, it cannot afford to carry large stones on its back, but still throws the smallest mud particles possible in to the largest ocean on which the construction of a bridge was going on (and thus, makes its contribution and manages to attract the attention of Lord Sri Ram).
Isn’t this anecdote enough, to teach all of us the necessity for contribution, and make us remember our capabilities. And aren’t we such small squirrels, who can also dare to repay back from what ever we learn (for the betterment of society). Though, countless problems in the society exist resembling the largest ocean, still we have to build up the solutions by our own. And being social animals (remember, society is watching on us), it is our own duty to prove ourselves in this regard.
But the problem here is that, though we have the burning zeal and spark with in us, guiding us always to be good and do well; but when it comes for practicing, this spark gets drowned and turns to ashes. (Don’t you agree with me?)
Have you ever thought sincerely to contribute? If not (realized it till date), then start it right now, by questioning yourself that, “How can I make my society a better place for existence? And how best can I contribute for its betterment?” Try implementing with dedication (like Mother Theresa, who needs no introduction – “Helping hands are holier than praying lips”) and never expect something back again. (“Karman yeva dhi kaarashyay maa phalay shu kadhachana” says Bhagavad-Gita which means do your duty and don’t expect the fruits from what ever you do).
Stop criticizing the people who are making their contribution. It is the general human tendency, or say, Indian psychology itself, to first count the bad, and then only to count the good. Never try to discourage people those who contribute, encourage them always irrespective of who ever they may be. May it be a saint, or may it be a common man, treat all equally (not because of favoritism or criticism) and appreciate their efforts if possible and if you can. Abraham Lincoln said, “He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help.”
In my conclusion, I would like to say that, contribute whole heartedly, (not expecting anything back) though it gives an immediate effect (when you contribute clothes, money, food, at the times of natural calamities) or gives an after effect (when you pledge your eyes “www.giftyoursight.info”, body parts “www.mohanfoundation.org” etc.) apart from cultivating hobbies like donating blood even once in three months if possible or at least once in a year and gifting your old (torn out, unused) clothes of to the children at orphanages or juvenile homes etc., There are “n” number of organizations working for such noble cause of “Contribution”, so, if you cannot contribute directly, assist them at your leisure time, and thus, feel better, and, feel contented.

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth.C, M.Tech (A.I.),
University of Hyderabad.